cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided machine-tool selection based on a Fuzzy-AHP approach

Investment evaluation methods play an important role in today's competitive manufacturing environment. Shrinking profit margins and diversification require careful analysis of investments and decisions regarding these investments are crucial for the survival of the manufacturing industry. Both economic evaluation criterion and strategic criteria such as flexibility, quality improvement, which are not quantitative in nature, are considered for evaluation. Much has been written about the deficiencies of traditional models for justifying advanced manufacturing systems. The use of fuzzy set theory allows incorporating unquantifiable, incomplete and partially known information into the decision model. In this paper, an analytic hierarchical process (AHP) based on fuzzy numbers multi-attribute method is proposed for the evaluation and justification of an advanced manufacturing system. Finally, an example of machine tool selection is used to illustrate and validate the proposed approach.
Effects of estrogens on renal hemodynamics and excretion of electrolytes in human subjects.

It has been generally accepted that estrogens cause retention of water, sodium and chloride. This belief has been based largely on the clinical observation that women gain weight and accumulate a certain amount of edema at times when the blood levels of estrogens are thought to be high, just before menstruation and during late pregnancy.
The moment approach to high-order accelerator beam optics

Abstract High-current beams must be matched to high order to minimize emittance growth and particle losses. For matching problems, the moment approach, in which we describe the particle beam by the moments of its distribution, is particularly valuable. A variety of analytical results are available for linear motion. The moment approach is also the basis of the 3-D space-charge simulation code bedlam , in which the dynamical variables are the moments. Moment simulation codes are especially useful for numerically computing beams matched to nonlinear systems. This paper reviews the moment approach, presents a few new results, describes work in progress on new space-charge models, and outlines further potential applications of and improvements to moment-method simulations.
Investigating the genetic regulation of the ECF sigma factor σS in Staphylococcus aureus

We previously identified an ECF sigma factor, σS, that is important in the stress and virulence response of Staphylococcus aureus. Transcriptional profiling of sigS revealed that it is differentially expressed in many laboratory and clinical isolates, suggesting the existence of regulatory networks that modulates its expression. To identify regulators of sigS, we performed a pull down assay using S. aureus lysates and the sigS promoter. Through this we identified CymR as a negative effector of sigS expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed that CymR directly binds to the sigS promoter and negatively effects transcription. To more globally explore genetic regulation of sigS, a Tn551 transposon screen was performed, and identified insertions in genes that are involved in amino acid biosynthesis, DNA replication, recombination and repair pathways, and transcriptional regulators. In efforts to identify gain of function mutations, methyl nitro-nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis was performed on a sigS-lacZ reporter fusion strain. From this a number of clones displaying sigS upregulation were subject to whole genome sequencing, leading to the identification of the lactose phosphotransferase repressor, lacR, and the membrane histidine kinase, kdpD, as central regulators of sigS expression. Again using EMSAs we determined that LacR is an indirect regulator of sigS expression, while the response regulator, KdpE, directly binds to the promoter region of sigS. Collectively, our work suggests a complex regulatory network exists in S. aureus that modulates expression of the ECF sigma factor, σS.
Theological, Denominational, and Organizational Influences on Ecumenical Involvement between Black and White Churches

This study examines the relationship between denominational, theological, and organizational indicators and ecumenism between Black and White churches based on a national sample of Black churches across seven denominations and logistic regression modeling. Findings suggest that denominational and organizational indicators are consistently important in explaining ecumenism. Churches associated with the Presbyterian, United Methodist, and African Methodist Episcopal Zion traditions are more likely than Baptists to engage in ecumenism. Furthermore, congregations that: have larger memberships; are located in rural areas; are frequently exposed to sermonic references to racial situations; sponsor youth programs; and, have formally educated pastors are more likely to engage in ecumenical activities.
Detection of primary and recurrent lung cancer by means of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET)

Positron emission tomography (PET), with the glucose analog F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), takes advantage of the enhanced glucose uptake observed in neoplastic cells. We examined whether the detection of preferential FDG uptake with PET permits differentiation between benign and malignant focal pulmonary lesions in patients with suspected primary or recurrent lung cancer. Between November 1991 and September 1993, 100 patients with indeterminate focal pulmonary abnormalities including 16 patients who had previous lung resections for cancer were prospectively studied. Tissue diagnosis was obtained by transbronchial or percutaneous biopsy ( n =49) and open biopsy or resection ( n =35). Three patients underwent extended observation (>2 years) alone. Excluded were 13 patients lacking firm pathologic diagnoses and less than 2-year follow-up. FDG activity in the lesion was expressed as a calculated standardized uptake ratio. Mean standardized uptake ratio (± standard deviation) was 6.6 (±3.1) in 59 patients with cancer versus 2.0 (±1.6) in 28 with benign disease ( p =0.0001; unpaired t test, two-sided). With a standardized uptake ratio ≥2.5 used for detecting malignancy, sensitivity, specificity , and accuracy were 97% (57/59), 82% (23/28), and 92% (80/87), respectively. Notably, in patients evaluated for pulmonary abnormalities after lung resection for cancer, all chest recurrences were correctly identified. The exceptional sensitivity of FDG PET demonstrates that malignant pulmonary lesions preferentially accumulate FDG, which results in a standardized uptake ratio ≥2.5. PET may be useful for distinguishing recurrent tumor from postoperative, or postradiation, changes. If performed in all patients before open biopsy, PET increases the diagnostic yield by reducing the number of patients who have benign lesions at operation. Moreover, by lowering expenditures for hospitalization and other diagnostic procedures, FDG PET may significantly reduce health care costs.
Observation of quantum beating in a simple beam-splitting experiment: Two-particle entanglement in spin and space-time.

A single light beam, generated by type-II down-conversion, is split by a beam splitter. When a set of quartz plates is inserted into the single beam, the coincidence counting rate between the split beams exhibits a 100% frequency-beating modulation. This nonclassical phenomena is a manifestation of a two-photon entangled state in which the two-particle state is entangled simultaneously in spin and space-time.
HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors for anemia

Introduction: The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) system mediates the body's response to hypoxia, locally, inducing angiogenesis and a shift to anaerobic metabolism, and systemically, increasing red cell mass in anemia. HIF prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PH) modify HIF, decreasing its activity. Increasing HIF activity through inhibition of HIF-PH may provide an alternative treatment for anemia and may protect against damage related to ischemia–reperfusion. Areas covered: The review discusses the basic science underpinnings of the HIF system and the clinical effects of the HIF system and its pharmacologic manipulation. Expert opinion: Manipulation of the HIF system may improve outcomes in anemia by bypassing the effective iron deficiency found in anemia of chronic disease and by increasing red cell mass without supraphysiologic increases in erythropoietin. HIF-PH may also find a clinical use in the prevention of ischemia–reperfusion damage in strokes, cardiac ischemia, ischemic renal failure, etc.
The care and feeding of an instructional program

UC Davis (enrollment approximately 19,000) is historically an agricultural school which has been somewhat slower to develop a computing intensive academic program than many other comparable universities. It became a full-range university in the UC system in the 1960's. This paper explores the development of a computer instructional program for the faculty, staff, and students at UCD, using an analogy of growing crops.
1,6 - BIS (HYDROXYMETHYL) PYRENE AND 1 - BROMO - 6 - HYDROXYMETHYLPYRENE

(1973). 1,6 - BIS (HYDROXYMETHYL) PYRENE AND 1 - BROMO - 6 - HYDROXYMETHYLPYRENE. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 37-39.
Design and Performance Characterization of the LCOGTN One-Meter Telescope Optical Tube Assembly

Scientific performance specifications, a necessity for ease of commissioning and minimal maintenance, and a desire for automated sensing and remote collimation have led to novel designs and features in LCOGT's one-meter Optical Tube Assembly (OTA). We discuss the design and performance of the quasi-RC optical system with 18 point whiffletree and radial hub mount. Position probes and IR temperature sensors on the primary and secondary mirrors give feedback for active collimation and thermal control. A carbon fiber/epoxy composite truss, with unique spherical node connections, mounts to parallel and offset Invar vanes. A flexure based, closed loop, 3-DOF secondary mirror mechanism is used for tip/tilt collimation. The optics and deflections of the OTA components were iteratively designed for passive collimation with a changing gravity vector. We present the FEA predictions, measured deflections, and measured hysteresis for many of the components. Vibration modes, amplitudes, and damping of the system are presented with an FFT frequency analysis. Thermal CTE effects on loading and focal position are quantified. All of these system effects are then related to the overall scientific performance of the 1.0 m telescope.
Power and the Power Process: Linkage Concepts

In this paper the author examines the concept of power and power linkages. He notes that pervious studies have usually focused on the existence of power of specific levels; however, he aims to show that relationships exist between power on the societal, organizational and individuals levels. He contends that power on the organizational level mirrors power on the societal level and because of this organizational power reinforces the attitudes and behavior that society promotes. He discusses several models of power, noting that because the study of power is the study of people an interdisciplinary approach will benefit researchers.
Photoswitchable flexible and shape-persistent dendrimers: comparison of the interplay between a photochromic azobenzene core and dendrimer structure.

Two analogous classes of dendrimers with a single azobenzene moiety at the core have been prepared. Flexible benzyl aryl ether dendrimers 1a−e were obtained in good yields by direct alkylation of diphenolic azobenzene 3 with benzyl aryl ether dendrons [G-n]-Br (n = 0−4). In rigid dendrimers 2a−e, the azobenzene configurational switch was linked to phenylacetylene dendrons through acetylenic linkages to maintain the shape-persistent nature of these dendrimers. A comparison of these two different classes of dendrimers with azobenzene cores reveals a difference in the properties of the photochromic moiety upon dendritic incorporation as well as a significant difference in the photomodulation of dendrimer properties. The E → Z photoisomerization quantum yield decreased markedly with increasing generation for dendrimers 1a−e but only slightly for dendrimers 2a−e. However, increasing generation did not significantly alter thermal isomerization kinetics or activation barriers. The hydrodynamic volumes of azobenz...
Foliar-applied methanol effects on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) gas exchange and growth☆

Abstract Reports that foliar-applied methanol greatly enhanced growth of C 3 crops has stimulated considerable interest. Experiments were conducted to evaluate foliar application of methanol on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, leaf gas exchange and water use. Aqueous solutions of 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% (v/v) methanol were applied to well-fertilized and watered plants of cultivar G&P 74 + grown under field and greenhouse conditions. Foliar-applied methanol increased CO 2 assimilation ( A ) and leaf conductance to CO 2 ( g ) in both field and greenhouse experiments up to 3 weeks after application, but did not consistently change intercellular CO 2 concentration ( c i ) or leaf water-use efficiency (LWUE, μmol CO 2 /mol H 2 O). Increasing the concentration of aqueous methanol above 10% solution did not further increase A or g in both field and greenhouse experiments. Dry matter accumulation, leaf area, fruit number, main stem node number and plant water use did not differ between the control and methanol-treated plants. Although these results indicate that methanol increases leaf gas exchange of cotton, they fail to validate previous reports of large increases in cotton growth and transpiration efficiency.
Grain motions in the solar nebula

Isotopic analyses of meteorites suggest the possibility that some interaction between supernova ejecta and grains occurred in the solar nebula. In particular, the dynamics of grain motions in the solar nebula can explain the observed mixing of nucleosynthetic components. The effect of a shock wave on the motions of grains is examined. On the basis of calculations, it is estimated that if grains carried the isotopic anomalies investigated by Lee, Papanastassoiu, and Wasserburg (1978), then those grains could be no bigger than 0.0002 cm in size. A scenario is suggested in which the sluggishness of grains provides a natural way to concentrate and mix the nucleosynthetic components carried by grains in the ejecta and in the solar nebula.
Hyponatremia in children with bronchiolitis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit is associated with worse outcomes.

Objective To characterize the relationship between hyponatremia (serum sodium Study design Single-center retrospective cohort study comprising children who were admitted to the PICU between January 2009 and April 2011. Serum sodium concentrations, collected within the first 2 hours after admission to the PICU, were recorded and associations with clinical outcomes were calculated. Quantitative data are presented as mean ± SD or percentage. Student t -test, Fisher exact test, and χ 2 analyses were performed as appropriate. Subjects were excluded if they were previously diagnosed with chronic disease that would affect initial serum sodium concentration. Results Children with bronchiolitis were enrolled (n = 102; age=10.7 ± 6.7 months). Twenty-three patients (22%) were diagnosed with hyponatremia within 2 hours of admission. Mortality (13% vs 0%; P = .011), ventilator time (8.41 ± 2 days vs 4.11 ± 2 days; P = .001), duration of stay in the PICU (10.63 ± 2.5 days vs 5.82 ± 2.09 days; P = .007), and noninvasive ventilator support (65% vs 24%; P = .007) were significantly different between subjects with hyponatremia vs those without. There were no differences in the number of patients with seizures, bronchodilator use, steroid use, intubation requirement, oxygen use at discharge, or hospital readmission. Conclusions Pediatric patients diagnosed with bronchiolitis who present with a serum sodium concentration less than 135 mEq/L within 2 hours of admission to the PICU fare worse than their cohorts with normonatremia. A prospective study to evaluate the effects of hyponatremia appears justified.
Neural crest cells: a model for invasive behavior.

Abstract Neural crest cells are the embryonic precursors of the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells, and connective tissue in the face, neck and heart. They are induced near the junction of the neural plate and embryonic ectoderm and undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Neural crest cells then display invasive behavior and migrate into the surrounding tissues along specific pathways. Neural crest cells are amenable to study in tissue culture, and the molecules that regulate their development can be studied in vivo with antisense techniques as well as with the expression of gain and loss-of-function constructs. Mutations in factors that regulate neural crest cell survival or differentiation can lead to cell death or the premature cessation of their migration, resulting in craniofacial abnormalities, pigmentation defects and the absence of enteric neurons. This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of neural crest cell induction and migration, emphasizing both avian and amphibian models. Cell facts • The embryonic progenitors of pigment cells, the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, as well as connective tissue in the face, neck and heart. • Induced to form at the boundary of the neuroepithelium and embryonic ectoderm. • Expression of the transcription factors Snail, Slug and FoxD3 leads to delamination from the neural tube. • Invasive motility not unlike that of tumor cells can be studied in vitro. • Express proteases, distinctive cell surface receptors and glycoproteins to acquire an invasive phenotype. • Mutations of transcription factors expressed by the neural crest or in other factors that inhibit their premature differentiation can lead to survival and migration-associated birth defects.
History as a Resource: Effects of Narrative Constructions of Group History on Intellectual Performance

Two studies examined the effects of exposure to historical narratives about group resilience on the intellectual performance of two groups negatively stereotyped for their abilities in academic domains: African Americans in verbal ability, and women in mathematics. In both studies, participants who were exposed to a narrative about their group's historical resilience in the domain of the stereotype performed better on an intellectual test as their group identification increased. In the control condition, performance was negatively related to group identification. These findings suggest that history of marginalized groups can act as a resource for current challenges depending on how it is narrated, and that history curriculum can be designed to enhance these effects in order to improve the educational performance of disadvantaged group members.
Human-competitive machine invention by means of genetic programming

Genetic programming is a systematic method for getting computers to automatically solve problems. Genetic programming uses the Darwinian principle of natural selection and analogs of recombination (crossover), mutation, gene duplication, gene deletion, and certain mechanisms of developmental biology to progressively breed, over a series of many generations, an improved population of candidate solutions to a problem. This paper makes the points that genetic programming now routinely delivers human-competitive machine intelligence for problems of automated design and can serve as an automated invention machine.
Sample Size Requirements for Association Studies of Gene-Gene Interaction

In the study of complex diseases, it may be important to test hypotheses related to gene-gene (G x G) interaction. The success of such studies depends critically on obtaining adequate sample sizes. In this paper, the author investigates sample size requirements for studies of G x G interaction, focusing on four study designs: the matched-case-control design, the case-sibling design, the case-parent design, and the case-only design. All four designs provide an estimate of interaction on a multiplicative scale, which is used as a unifying theme in the comparison of sample size requirements. Across a variety of genetic models, the case-only and case-parent designs require fewer sampling units (cases and case-parent trios, respectively) than the case-control (pairs) or case-sibling (pairs) design. For example, the author describes an asthma study of two common recessive genes for which 270 matched case-control pairs would be required to detect a G x G interaction of moderate magnitude with 80% power. By comparison, the same study would require 319 case-sibling pairs but only 146 trios in the case-parent design or 116 cases in the case-only design. A software program that computes sample size for studies of G x G interaction and for studies of gene-environment (G x E) interaction is freely available (http://hydra.usc.edu/gxe).
Monopole with inductive loading

This paper presents the results of a study undertaken to determine the electrical characteristics of a base-driven inductively loaded monopole, shorter than self-resonant length, oriented normal to an infinite perfectly conducting ground screen. The antenna may be tuned by a combination of two lumped coils of finite Q . One is in series with the generator at the base; the other is in series with the antenna conductor some distance above the feed point. In some installations the use of two loading inductors may be a convenience in that this arrangement permits final tuning adjustments to be made at the base of the antenna. Sufficient information is available to permit determination of the reactance of the lossy loading coils to achieve resonance, the voltage rise across the coils, the impedance presented to the generator, and the antenna efficiency in the absence of antenna ohmic and ground system losses. Simple ancillary studies, as proposed by an illustrative example, permit decisions to be made regarding the merit of a particular inductively loaded monopole of small dimensions in terms of the operating wavelength-whether the application is for VLF transmission from a shore radio station, or for transmission from a moving motor vehicle at shorter wavelengths. An interesting by-product of the present analysis is a formula for the impedance of a monopole grounded at its base, and driven some distance above the earth plane.
Effects of grain boundaries on magnetic properties of recording media

Grain boundaries play a crucial role in determining the macroscopic properties of magnetic recording media. The authors employ electronic structure theory, based on the local spin density approximation, to calculate the exchange energy, anisotropy energy, and magnetization at two types of grain boundaries. They incorporate these values into a micromagnetic simulation, thus correlating hysteresis loops and switching properties to atomic features. The authors show that small intergranular spacings (less than 0.2 nm) effectively break exchange, while a larger Cr thickness is required to achieve the same effect.
High-Resolution Raman Spectroscopy of Gases with Laser Sources, V.* Use of the Single-Mode Argon Laser†

A description is presented of an experimental method of obtaining Raman spectra of low-pressure gases under high resolution. The technique utilizes a single-mode argon laser, a multiple-pass Raman cell located inside the laser cavity, and baked Kodak IIIa-J photographic plates. A method is described which uses the single-mode Fabry–Perot etalon to change the wavelength of the exciting line so as to compensate for changes of the dispersion of the spectrograph brought about by variations of barometric pressure. Rotational Raman spectra of heavy polyatomic molecules can now be photographed at room temperature with a resolution determined by the pressure and Doppler broadening of spectrum lines.
Are different soil metals near the homes of pregnant women associated with mild and severe intellectual disability in children

Aim We explored the association of relatively low concentrations of metals in the soil proximal to maternal residence during pregnancy, with intellectual disability. We hypothesized different metals would be associated with mild versus severe intellectual disability. Method We used a mixed methods design, starting with a retrospective cohort from 1996 to 2002, of 10 051 pregnant mothers, soil sampling in the areas where these mothers resided during pregnancy, and follow-up of their children to determine if there was an intellectual disability outcome. We tested the soil and then predicted the soil concentration at the maternal homes, and modeled the association with the severity of the child's intellectual disability. Results We found a significant positive association between mild intellectual disability and soil mercury (p=0.007). For severe intellectual disability, there was a significant positive association with the soil arsenic and lead (p=0.025). Interpretation This is the first report of the differential impact of metals in soil and severity of intellectual disability in children. Soil mercury concentration in the area the mother lived during pregnancy is associated with significantly increased odds of mild intellectual disability; a combination of arsenic and lead is associated with significantly increased odds of severe intellectual disability. These associations are present when controlling for maternal, child, and neighborhood characteristics.
On-line security classification using an artificial neural network

A neural network classifier for the class of problems associated with transmission-line faults is described. Faults are considered to be modeled by continuous parameters. The solution is then embedded in a set that results from a map of the current stable equilibrium point to the set of all 4-cycle-fault-on post-fault operating points. An experimental analysis of the application of a single-layer feedforward network to the problem of security screening is presented. >
Fast universal coding with context models

A universal code using context models is constructed, which is optimal in the strong sense that the mean per symbol code length approaches asymptotically the entropy of any data generating tree machine at the fastest possible rate. The number of coding operations required is O (n log log n) for a string of length n, which is much less than in the earlier codes using context models. This is made possible by two new results. The first is a theorem stating that the updates required for universality need be done only once for each batch, the length of which grows at nearly exponential rate in the number of batches. The second is a fast implementation of the tree-building part in algorithm context.
Perspectives of Adults With Epilepsy and Their Support Persons on Self-Management Support

Social support is an important mechanism for improving self-management, although little is known about its role in epilepsy self-management. We examined the type of support provided to people with epilepsy and its influence on self-management. We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 people with epilepsy and 16 support persons, representing 14 pairs and 10 unpaired individuals. We analyzed the data using principles of grounded theory. Supporters, who were mainly parents and spouses, aided people with epilepsy in every dimension of self-management. Support for self-management occurred along a continuum from person with epilepsy-led management to support person-led management. Where the pairs fell on the continuum depended on developmental stage, relationship type, and relationship dynamics. Seizure control shaped individuals' experiences with self-management and support within each group. The self-management continuum provides a new aspect that can be integrated into existing models of self- and family management.
Identifying the Initiating Events of Anti-Listeria Responses Using Mice with Conditional Loss of IFN-γ Receptor Subunit 1 (IFNGR1)

Although IFN-γ is required for resolution of Listeria monocytogenes infection, the identities of the IFN-γ-responsive cells that initiate the process remain unclear. We addressed this question using novel mice with conditional loss of IFN-γR (IFNGR1). Itgax-cre(+)Ifngr1(f/f) mice with selective IFN-γ unresponsiveness in CD8α(+) dendritic cells displayed increased susceptibility to infection. This phenotype was due to the inability of IFN-γ-unresponsive CD8α(+) dendritic cells to produce the initial burst of IL-12 induced by IFN-γ from TNF-α-activated NK/NKT cells. The defect in early IL-12 production resulted in increased IL-4 production that established a myeloid cell environment favoring Listeria growth. Neutralization of IL-4 restored Listeria resistance in Itgax-cre(+)Ifngr1(f/f) mice. We also found that Itgax-cre(+)Ifngr1(f/f) mice survived infection with low-dose Listeria as the result of a second wave of IL-12 produced by Ly6C(hi) monocytes. Thus, an IFN-γ-driven cascade involving CD8α(+) dendritic cells and NK/NKT cells induces the rapid production of IL-12 that initiates the anti-Listeria response.
A Comparison of Different Methods of Capturing and Estimating Numrers of Mice

The number of mice of two species, Mus musculus and Peromyscus polionotus, on an abandoned peanut field was determined by live-trapping using the mark-release technique and also by capturing the mice by digging out their burrows. The two sampling methods gave results that were significantly different. Available evidence suggests that the latter technique revealed the exact structure of the population. The mark-release method overestimated the male population of M. musculus as calculated by the Lincoln index but not by the Hayne method, and underestimated the female population of P. polionotus as calculated by either method. Males of both species were more readily trapped than were females, especially when the females were pregnant or lactating or both. These results are best interpreted in terms of the relative amount of movement shown by the different types of mice.
Crossover operators that improve offspring fitness

Fine-honing the crossover operator to produce higher fitness children is shown to result in improved genetic search. To illustrate this, two new general-purpose crossover operators are described. These operators require more computation time than traditional crossover operators, but the number of fitness evaluations and the overall amount of time spent by the genetic algorithm (to obtain solutions of desired near-optimal quality) is reduced significantly.
Serum carotenoids and retinol of human subjects consuming carrot juice

Abstract The effects of carrot juice consumption on serum alpha- and betacarotene, total carotenoid and retinol levels were studied in 10 adulted volunteers, age 23–48 years. Five subjects consumed 16 ounces of juice per day for 7 days and then 8 ounces every other day for the next 7 days. Another group of 5 subjects consumed 16 ounces of juice per day for 7 days and then received no carrot juice for the next 7 days. Blood serum collected from both groups at the start of the study and after day 7 and day 14 was analyzed by HPLC and spectrophotometry for carotenoid and retinol concentration. When consumption of carrot juice was continuous, alpha-carotene and total carotenoids increased at 1 week and stabilized, while beta-carotene continued to increase over the course of the 2 weeks. When carrot juice consumption occurred for 1 week and was then terminated, alpha-and beta-carotene rose at 1 week and then stabilized, while total carotenoids rose at 1 week and returned to baseline level after the week of withdrawal. Serum retinol levels did not change for either group throught the study period.
Assimilation, Distribution, and Root Exudation of 14C by Ponderosa Pine Seedlings under Induced Water Stress

The effect of specific levels of induced water stress on the root exudation of (14)C from 9-month-old and 12-month-old ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) seedlings was examined. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) was used to decrease root solution water potentials by 0, -1.9, -2.6, -5.5, -9.6 and -11.9 bars in either aerated 0.25X Hoagland's nutrient solution or aerated distilled water.Assimilation of (14)CO(2) by plants under stress and subsequent translocation of (14)C label to the roots were both inhibited by a decrease in substrate water potential. Six days after (14)CO(2) introduction essentially no (14)C was detected in the roots of plants maintained at solution potentials of -5.5 bars or below. In subsequent studies (14)CO(2) was introduced 4 days prior to induction of stress. This allowed sufficient time for distribution of (14)C label throughout the root system.Root exudation of (14)C-labeled sugars, amino acids, and organic acids from plants in nutrient solution showed an increase from 0 to -1.9 bars, a decline from -1.9 to about -5.5 bars, and then an increase again from -5.5 to -11.9 bars. As substrate potential decreased, sugars as a percentage of total exudate increased, organic acids decreased and amino acids showed a slight decrease. Marked changes in percentages occurred between 0 and -2.6 bars. The exudation of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids from plants in distilled water showed similar trends in response to water stress as those in nutrient solution, but the quantity of total (14)C exuded was greater.
Using Electron-Probe Microanalysis and Quantitative Compositional Mapping to Study Lithic Clasts in Lunar Meteorites NWA 2727 and NWA 3170

Northwest Africa (NWA) 2727 and NWA 3170, two different stones of the same lunar meteorite, are mineralogically and chemically similar [1,2]. Both are breccias that contain an apparently related suite of lithic and mineral clasts. To investigate petrogenetic relationships, we have determined mineral compositional zoning characteristics with Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). The mineralogy includes alkali feldspar (K, Ba, Na), plagioclase, pyroxene (zoned Mg-Fe-Ca), olivine (Fe-rich), and minor amounts of Fe-Ti oxides, phosphates, and troilite. Alteration (Ca-carbonate fracture fillings) occurs in both meteorites, resulting from hot-desert weathering. In the lithic clasts, mineral-chemical zoning trends, e.g., in pyroxene, are especially useful for comparing lithic clasts and constraining their origins. We used quantitative compositional mapping to study compositional variations, especially for pyroxenes as diagnostic of petrogenetic relationships. We find that quantitative compositional maps extend the characterization of mineral-chemical trends beyond that obtained by EPMA spot analyses.
A decision support system for the professional soccer referee in time-sensitive operations

The growing popularity of soccer in terms of TV revenue and betting, as well as ubiquitous use of instant replay, has placed increased pressure on referee's to make accurate decisions. Although the speed and agility of the game and scrutiny of referee decisions (e.g. slow motion replay from multiple camera angles) has increased over time, the human decision-making ability of the referee has remained constant. For example, in the 2010 World Cup, 8% of the decision events were inaccurate. To maintain the integrity of the game, the accuracy must be improved significantly. Interviews conducted with Subject Matter Experts (SME) and an analysis of 17 English Premier League (EPL) games identified on average 627 decision events per game. Analysis of inaccurate calls identified excessive distance from the referee to the event, and referee blindspot as the two phenomena that resulted in inaccurate referee decisions. Three design alternatives were developed to address the distance and blindspot issues faced by the referee: vehicle propelled transportation (e.g. Segway), 2 official referees, and an overhead camera. Analysis of the performance of these design alternatives in 100 games, simulating ball movement and referee position, showed that the overhead camera relaying information to the official referee improves the referees decision accuracy of missed calls due to blind-spots by 20.26% and 11.31% over Segway and the two refereeing system, respectively.
Sacred Cows Make Good Hamburger.

Two “sacred cows” (disabled readers must be taught with simple reading materials, and most teaching time must be spent on “reading skills”) are discussed.
Id2 Influences Differentiation of Killer Cell Lectin-like Receptor G1 hi Short-Lived CD8 + Effector T Cells

CD8(+) T cells play a crucial role in the clearance of intracellular pathogens through the generation of cytotoxic effector cells that eliminate infected cells and long-lived memory cells that provide enhanced protection against reinfection. We have previously shown that the inhibitor of E protein transcription factors, Id2, is necessary for accumulation of effector and memory CD8(+) T cells during infection. In this study, we show that CD8(+) T cells lacking Id2 did not generate a robust terminally differentiated killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1)(hi) effector population, but displayed a cell-surface phenotype and cytokine profile consistent with memory precursors, raising the question as to whether loss of Id2 impairs the differentiation and/or survival of effector memory cells. We found that deletion of Bim rescued Id2-deficient CD8(+) cell survival during infection. However, the dramatic reduction in KLRG1(hi) cells caused by loss of Id2 remained in the absence of Bim, such that Id2/Bim double-deficient cells form an exclusively KLRG1(lo)CD127(hi) memory precursor population. Thus, we describe a role for Id2 in both the survival and differentiation of normal CD8(+) effector and memory populations.
Fertility of Bull Semen Frozen with β-Amylase, β-Glucuronidase, and Catalase

"Capacitase," a product combining beta-amylase and beta-glucuronidase, was compatible with survival of bull spermatozoa frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender at final concentrations per ml of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mug of beta-amylase combined with 0, 75, 150, and 300 units of beta-glucuronidase, respectively. Bull semen was frozen in whole milk-glycerol extender containing the three lower concentrations of enzymes tested in the previous trial and used to inseminate 9057 first-service cows within 4 mo of freezing. The 60- to 90-day percent nonreturns were 74.6, 75.6, and 75.0. The same treatments plus a fourth one containing 10 mug of catalase per ml were fertility tested in another trial. Insemination of 16,842 cows resulted in 75.6, 74.1, 74.6, and 74.2% nonreturns. In this trial semen was held immersed in liquid nitrogen and distributed for immediate use each mo for 6 mo. There was no change in fertility during 6 mo of continuous storage at --196 C. Under the conditions tested neither catalase nor beta-amylase with beta-glucuronidase enhanced fertility of frozen bull semen.
Overwintering Survival, Phenology, Voltinism, and Reproduction Among Different Populations of the Leaf Beetle Diorhabda elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The classical biological control program for exotic saltcedars (various Tamarix species and hybrids) has involved the assessment of different populations of the leaf beetle Diorhabda elongata (Brulle) s.l. that are promising for release in areas of North America that are located south of 37° N latitude. We report here the overwintering survival, phenology, and voltinism of four D. elongata populations (Tunisia, Crete, Uzbekistan, and Turpan) in eastcentral Texas. In addition, we studied their developmental and reproductive biology, which also included the previously released population from Fukang, China. Overwintering survival of the adult beetles of the Crete and Tunisia populations was 90–99 and 75%, respectively. The Uzbekistan and Turpan beetles had <31% overwintering survival. All D. elongata populations began ovipositing in late March. The Turpan beetle may produce three summer generations and ceased oviposition by September. The Crete beetle produced four summer generations plus a partial fifth generation and ceased ovipositing by mid-October. Both the Tunisia and Uzbekistan beetles produced five summer generations plus an unsuccessful partial sixth generation; oviposition extended into late November. Larval development and survival were generally similar among D. elongata populations. The Turpan and Fukang beetles had a shorter preoviposition period and produced more but smaller egg masses than the other beetle populations. However, this did not alter a female’s lifetime fecundity and generally did not affect the innate capacity for increase compared with other populations. The Crete beetle seems to be the most promising for release in central Texas and points further south.
Undergraduate Student Engagement in Informal Recreational Swim: An Exploratory Study

The current study examined the relationship between undergraduate student engagement in an informal recreational activity (swimming) and participants' overall college experiences. Engagement in inf...
Yorick Alexander Wilks: A Meaningful Journey

This chapter attempts to summarize Yorick’s long and rich professional career and introduce some of his main areas of contribution which are elaborated in other chapters. Teacher, researcher, mentor, and actor, this chapter pays tribute to his many contributions, professional service and honors
Development and validation of in silico tools for the identification of post-translational modifications and sequence variations in human proteins

5 INTRODUCTION 7 EXPERIMENT 14 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 28 CONCLUSION 37 REFERENCES 38 TABLE#l 41 TABLE#2 42 TABLE#3 43 TABLE#4 44 FIGURE #1 45 FIGURE #2 47 FIGURE #3 48 FIGURE #4 49 FIGURE #5 51 FIGURE #6 54 FIGURE #7 57
Advances in clinical next-generation sequencing: target enrichment and sequencing technologies

The huge parallel sequencing capabilities of next generation sequencing technologies have made them the tools of choice to characterize genomic aberrations for research and diagnostic purposes. For clinical applications, screening the whole genome or exome is challenging owing to the large genomic area to be sequenced, associated costs, complexity of data, and lack of known clinical significance of all genes. Consequently, routine screening involves limited markers with established clinical relevance. This process, referred to as targeted genome sequencing, requires selective enrichment of the genomic areas comprising these markers via one of several primer or probe-based enrichment strategies, followed by sequencing of the enriched genomic areas. Here, the authors review current target enrichment approaches and next generation sequencing platforms, focusing on the underlying principles, capabilities, and limitations of each technology along with validation and implementation for clinical testing.
All Politics is Not Local: Networks and Influence in North Carolina from 1993 to 2008

Using social network and standard statistical analysis as well as state lobbying data from North Carolina and federal lobbying data, this project studies the structure of lobbying at the state level. Little research has explored the connections between special interests represented at both the national and state levels and possible associations with lobbying influence. A significant number of lobbying organizations, including law firms, engage in lobbying at the federal level as well as the state level. Moreover, the structure of relations among lobbying organizations appear to exhibit a truncated scale-free distribution of ties in which a small number of organizations garner the majority of ties. Law firms and other lobbying firms that operate at the federal and state levels seem to be the critical nodes in terms of the structure of the overall network. The results suggest that law firms that are more central in the network of lobbying organizations, that are rated as influential by their peers in state politics, and that operate at both the state and federal levels are more likely to garner client ties.
CNS germ cell tumors: a clinical review and future directions

CNS germ cell tumors (GCT) are rare tumors that arise in midline brain regions (mostly pineal or suprasellar). They are of two types, germinoma and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) which include teratoma, choriocarcinoma, yolk sac, embyronal carcinoma and mixed GCT. Tissue is needed for diagnosis unless serum or cerebrospinal fluid markers, b-HCG or AFP, are elevated. Germinomas can be cured with radiation therapy (RT) alone (whole ventricle fields, if localized), but chemotherapy may permit RT dose-reduction. Best outcomes for NGGCT are with RT and chemotherapy. Craniospinal RT is needed for all disseminated tumors and best survival for localized NGGCT has included craniospinal RT. Recent genetic findings in CNS GCT may lead to therapies targeting their oncogenic pathways.
Force-frequency relations during heart failure in pigs

In isolated cardiac muscle from patients with severe heart failure (HF) the force-frequency relation (FFR) is often negative, but the characteristics of the FFR under basal conditions and its responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation have not been studied in the intact, failing heart. Severe HF was produced in pigs (n = 6) by continuous rapid left ventricular (LV) pacing (225 beats/min). In the conscious resting state, high-fidelity LV pressure and its maximum first derivative (LV dP/dtmax) were obtained over a range of atrial pacing rates (100-225 beats/min) before (control) and after HF. Before HF, the relationship between increased heart rate and LV dP/dtmax (a measure of the FFR) was flat, but during dobutamine infusion the FFR showed a significant positive slope (P < 0.003). After HF, the basal FFR was depressed, but the slope of the FFR was not increased by dobutamine. After HF, responses of dP/dtmax to slowing of HR by a specific sinus node inhibitor confirmed the absence of a negative basal FFR. In conclusion, the basal LV FFR in conscious pigs with severe HF was not negative. Unlike the normal heart, in HF beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation did not amplify the FFR, a phenomenon that could play an important role in the impaired response to exercise in patients with HF.
Folk Elements in Aleksei Balabanov’s Brat and Brat 2: A Morphological Analysis

The article uses Vladimir Propp’s Morphology of the Folktale as a framework to illustrate the way in which Aleksei Balabanov masterfully creates a modern folk tale using classic motifs and structures in his 1997 film Brother ( Brat ) and its sequel Brother 2 ( Brat 2 , 2000). The paper argues that Brother and Brother 2 are post-Soviet retellings of classic tales of Russian folklore and that Danila is a modern hero, an unlikely savior of the Russian nation and the Russian soul. Danila’s journey is formulaic, predictable and straight forward, yet nevertheless makes for a powerfully new take on concepts of Russian nationalism and heroism.
Synthesis of anthocyanidins-III: Total synthesis of apigeninidin and luteolinidin chlorides

Abstract The 3-deoxyanthocyanidins apigeninidin chloride (6a) and luteolinidin chloride (6b) have been synthesized in good yield through the oxidativc (Pb4+) decarboxylation of the corresponding 4-carboxyflav-2-enes 7a and 7b.
Influence of environmental pH on the preservation and inactivation of herpes simplex virus.

SummaryIncubation temperature and environmental pH were evaluated as independent and interdependent effectors of HSV in-activation. Kinetic studies at 4, 36, and 40° showed HSV inactivation was increased as the pH of the suspending medium was increased from 6.3 to 7.0 to 7.8. Conversely, the rate of HSV inactivation was antagonized and significantly reduced at each of these temperatures by adjusting the pH of the suspending culture medium to an acidic level. The utility of these observations as a means of enhancing the successful recovery of HSV from clinical specimens warrants consideration.This project was supported in part by research grants from the American Cancer Society (IN-113) and The National Institutes of Health (5 S07 RR05749-05). The technical assistance of Mr. Allen L. Richards is gratefully acknowledged.