cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High resolution separation and quantitation of ribonucleotides using capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract A method for the analysis of ribonucleotides using capillary electrophoresis has been developed. A cross-linked polyacrylamide coated column, Tris-HCl, and phosphate-mixed buffer were used, which produced reproducible separations (solute migration time average RSD% of 1.2) of 14 ribonucleotides within 50 min. Linear relationships between peak areas and sample concentrations, an average minimum detectable concentration of 5.4 μ m , and an average minimum detectable quantity of 0.08 pmol were obtained. The described method allowed reproducible and reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis of intracellular ribonucleotide pools in HeLa cells.
Observational learning in Gallus gallus domesticus with and without a conspecific model

Following training to eat from the grain hopper, different groups of chickens were exposed to a positive correlation between keylight and food-hopper operation or to observation of another chicken (model) keypecking in response to the presentation of the keylight and grain. During the training phase, subjects were separated from the key and grain by a transparent partition. When given access to the key and grain, chickens that had observed the model responded earlier and more frequently than subjects that had only observed the correlation between stimuli or had no observational training. In addition, subjects that had observed the correlation of keylight and grain responded sooner and more often than did the group given no observational training. These results confirm that birds can learn through observation, and that the observation of a conspecific model can enhance that learning.
A Study of Saturn's Ring Phase Curves from HST Observations

Abstract Solar phase curves between 0.3° and 6.0° and color ratios at wavelengths λ=0.336 μm and λ=0.555 μm for Saturn's rings are presented using recent Hubble Space Telescope observations. We test the hypothesis that the phase reddening of the rings is less due to collective properties of the ring particles than to the individual properties of the ring particles. We use a modified Drossart model, the Hapke model, and the Shkuratov model to model reddening by either intraparticle shadow-hiding on fractal and normal surfaces, multiple scattering, or some combination. The modified Drossart model (including only shadowing) failed to reproduce the data. The Hapke model gives fair fits, except for the color ratios. A detailed study of the opposition effect suggests that coherent backscattering is the principal cause of the opposition surge at very small phase angles. The shape of the phase curve and color ratios of each main ring regions are accurately represented by the Shkuratov model, which includes both a shadow-hiding effect and coherent backscatter enhancement. Our analysis demonstrates that in terms of particle roughness, the C ring particles are comparable to the Moon, but the Cassini division and especially the A and B ring particles are significantly rougher, suggesting lumpy particles such as often seen in models. Another conspicuous difference between ring regions is in the effective size d of regolith grains ( d ∼λ for the C ring particles, d ∼1–10 μm for the other rings).
On the interconnection structure of cellular networks

This paper presents a model which can be used to represent many of the interconnection patterns commonly found in cellular networks. This model is then used to classify cellular networks according to the degree of regularity in their interconnection patterns. Specifically, three classes of cellular networks, corresponding to three forms of interconnection regularity, are defined. A concept of network realization is then developed to detect structural similarities in different networks and is used to compare the computational capabilities of these three classes.
Social Structure and Change: Theory and Method—An Evaluation ofthe Work of M. N.Srinivas

Social Structure and Change: Theory and Method—An Evaluation ofthe Work of M. N. Srinivas. A. M. Shah. B. S. Baviskar. and E. A. Ramaswamy. eds., vol. 1. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996. 234 pp., bibliography of M. N. Srinivas, notes on contributors, index.
Baring the Brain as Well as the Soul: Milan Kundera's The Joke

Are we innately superstitious? Is it possible for even the most hardened atheist-existentialist not see the hand of destiny, traffic deities, or other disembodied psychological agents when a fortuitous parking spot transforms his life? Maybe our adaptive ability to infer intentionality to other people's behavior evolved at some point into an innate drive to infer intentionality to the gestures of the universe? Kundera's Czech novel The Joke (1965) can be read as prescient obsession with our insistence on deciphering existential meanings. I explore Bering's "Existential Theory of Mind" hypothesis to re-examine The Joke in a post-Cold War context.
Crystal and band electronic structures of orthorhombic γ'-(BEDT-TTF)2AuI2

Abstract The crystal structure of γ'−(BEDT-TTF)2AuI2 (BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene) is reported (orthorhombic, space group Acam, a = 12.833(22) A , b = 7.738(11) A , c = 34.16(4) A , Z = 4). The structure type is different from other (BEDT-TTF)2X salts. There are two mirror-related donor layers per unit cell, each containing two stacks. The inclination of the ET molecules in adjacent stacks alternates in a herring-bone fashion. Band electronic structure calculations predict one-dimensional metallic behavior with associated low-temperature instabilities.
The Expert's Opinion

INTERVIEWEE PROFILE: An interview with the Funagain Games management team, who planned, designed, and implemented a commercial Website.
Design and implementation of a novel power assisted drivetrain for a wheelchair

Power assisted wheelchairs are one of the most advanced wheelchairs in the current commercial market. Although such wheelchairs are well suited for a physically disabled person who needs physical activity, they tend to be expensive and inefficiently designed. This paper introduces the overall development of a novel power assisted wheelchair. Research on the conventional three types of wheelchair is presented, as well as the comparisons among three kinds of wheelchair and the recent design research. The proposed power assisted wheelchair is meant to match and exceed the conventional wheelchair's performance but with a more intelligent and lower cost design. Instead of using a torque sensor or pressure transducers for measuring and amplifying human force, the proposed drive train controller uses infrared sensors to trigger two Brushless DC hub motors. Using this information in addition to the information from a motion sensor that detects the road conditions, appropriate torque command is generated. The whole drive train system's power is supplied by a Li-battery package. One wheelchair prototype has been built, and conceptual designs are modeled and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink.
Pyrolytic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes from Sucrose on a Mesoporous Silicate

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were synthesized from sucrose by a pyrolytic technique using mesoporous MCM-41 silicate templates without transition metal catalysts. The Nanotubes were examined in the carbon/silicate composite and after dissolution of the silicate. High resolution transmission electron microscopy study of the multiwall nanotubes showed them to be 15 nm in diameter, 200 nm in length and close-ended. There was variation in crystallinity with some nanotubes showing disordered wall structures.
Hobbes and Dionysius of Halicarnassus on Thucydides, Rhetoric and Political Life

Thomas Hobbes’ dispute with Dionysius of Halicarnassus over the study of Thucydides’ history allows us to understand both the ancient case for an ennobled public rhetoric and Hobbes’ case against it. Dionysius, concerned with cultivating healthy civic oratory, faced a situation in which Roman rhetoricians were emulating shocking attacks on divine justice such as that found in Thucydides’ Melian dialogue; he attempted to steer orators away from such arguments even as he acknowledged their truth. Hobbes, however, recommends the study of Thucydides’ work for a new kind of political education, one that will benefit from Thucydides’ private, even ‘secret’, instruction, which permits the reader to admit to himself what vanity would otherwise hide from him.
Photooxidation of amino acids in the presence of methylene blue.

Abstract A systematic study was made of the photochemical action of methylene blue on amino acids. Tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine, methionine, and cystine were highly reactive during the photooxidation; the rest of the amino acids acted sluggishly or not at all. In tyrosine, tryptophan, and histidine, the entire oxygen uptake and CO 2 evolution were due to the cyclic nucleus, involving rupture of the rings. During the photochemical action of methylene blue on tyrosine, tryptophan, and methionine, intermediary oxidizing agents were formed; in methionine this was shown to be H 2 O 2 . The photooxidation of methionine resulted in the formation of methionine sulfoxide as an end product. Iodometric titration and measurement of ultraviolet absorption during irradiation of methionine indicate the formation of an intermediary dehydrogenation product which appears to differ from Lavine's dehydromethionine. Cystine was photooxidized, probably beyond the cysteic acid stage. Peptide bonds did not participate in the photochemical action of methylene blue. Methylation of the α-amino group of lysine to the corresponding secondary and tertiary compounds produced increased reactivity in the photooxidation.
CYCLOOLIGOMERIC RECEPTORS FOR THE SEQUENCE SELECTIVE BINDING OF PEPTIDES. A TETRAHEDRAL RECEPTOR FROM TRIMESIC ACID AND 1,2-DIAMINES

Abstract The first members of a new family of tetrahedral receptors (2) have been prepared from trimesic acid and certain chiral 1,2-diamines. A survey of the binding properties of one of these with a 50,000-member peptide library finds high selectivity for N-acetylated terminal residues (particularly Ac-(D)Gln) and the dipeptide sequence (L)Gln-(L)Pro.
Steady state moisture flows in unsaturated soil containing a plane, isolated, impermeable barrier

Abstract A three-dimensional, axially symmetrical, steady state flow of moisture in an unsaturated soil has been analysed. The steady state infiltration is maintained by a constant flux across a circular disc on the horizontal soil surface. The flow encounters an obstacle in the form of a plane circular impermeable barrier of arbitrary radius. Except for this isolated barrier, at a given arbitrary depth, the rest of the soil is homogeneous and isotropic. The governing differential equation is linearized by assuming the hydraulic conductivity to be an exponential function of the pressure head. Techniques associated with dual integral equations constitute the basic tools that are employed in solving this problem. Explicit formulae and expressions are obtained for computing the solution for arbitrary values of the radius of the source, of the radius of the obstacle, and of the distance between them. Keeping the radius of the source as unity, the barrier radius and depth were varied in illustrative examples. Results are plotted in a series of figures. The concluding section briefly mentions relevance of such analysis to interpretation of field data on moisture contents or calculations of hydraulic conductivity. The problem of flow around an isolated disc in infinite space, with a uniform gravitational flow at large distances from this disc, can also be solved by the methods developed here. This has been done, and the results are plotted in a figure.
Insulinlike growth factor 1 and insulinlike growth factor 3: indices of intestinal failure in children.

Abstract Background/Purpose : A number of pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) manifest growth failure despite aggressive nutritional support. Exogenous growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with SBS has proved disappointing. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were characteristic patterns of GH, IGF-1, or IGFBP-3 levels in pediatric SBS patients with profound growth failure in an effort to elucidate an early strategic approach to management of SBS in the subpopulation. Methods : Forty patients (29 boys, 11 girls; mean age, 5.3 years; range, 0.5 to 18.6 years) with SBS ( 2 . Results : Two distinct subgroups of patients emerged from our study. Thirty-eight percent of patients (n = 11) had growth failure by anthropometry that was associated significantly with low IGF-1 independently and with both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels ( P Conclusion : Exogenous IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, not GH, may be beneficial to treat this subpopulation.
Hereditary colon cancers can be tiny: a cautionary case report of the results of colonoscopic surveillance

This case report describes a 45-yr-old woman with a strong family history of colorectal cancer who was found to have a 4-mm poorly differentiated cancer in her transverse colon on surveillance colonoscopy. The case is reported to advise practitioners of the need for meticulous colonoscopy in such patients.
Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has historically been refractory to cytotoxic and hormonal agents; only interleukin 2 and interferon alpha provide response in a minority of patients. We reviewed RCC biology and explored the ways in which this understanding led to development of novel, effective targeted therapies. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and novel agents are all being studied, and phase II studies show promising activity of sunitinib, sorafenib and bevacizumab. The results of phase III studies will determine the role of these agents in metastatic RCC.
ETHANOL AND COMPLEMENT HEMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF SELECTIVELY BRED HYPERCHOLINERGIC RATS

Depression and alcoholism are associated with impaired immune responses. Complement proteins and fragments participate in the induction and modulation of both specific and non-specific immune reactions. This study examined the effect of prolonged ethanol ingestion on complement CH50 levels in two strains of rats, the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) and the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), that differ in cholinergic sensitivity and depressive tendencies. Chronic ethanol exposure given as either the source of drinking fluid or as a liquid diet had a significant inhibition on mean CH50 unit responses in both FSL (41–48%) and FRL (23–24%) rats. The difference in group response to ethanol was confirmed by a significant interaction of ethanol treatment versus group in the two-way ANOVA. The FSL rats appear to be more easily affected than FRLs. Genetic differences in the neurotransmitter systems, therefore, may play a role in susceptibility to immunosuppression resulting from ethanol exposure.
Reflections on network architecture: an active networking perspective

After a long period when networking research seemed to be focused mainly on making the existing Internet work better, interest in "clean slate" approaches to network architecture seems to be growing. Beginning with the DARPA program in the mid-1990's, researchers working on active networks explored such an approach, based on the idea of a programming interface as the basic interoperability mechanism of the network. This note draws on the author's experiences in that effort and attempts to extract some observations or "lessons learned" that may be relevant to more general network architecture research.
A Blanket Design, Apparatus, and Fabrication Techniques for the Mass Production of Multilayer Insulation Blankets for the Superconducting Super Collider*

The multilayer insulation (MLI) system for the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) consists of full cryostat length assemblies of aluminized polyester film fabricated in the form of blankets and installed as blankets to the 4.5K cold mass and the 20K and 80K thermal radiation shields. Approximately 40,000 MLI blankets will be required in the 10,000 cryogenic devices comprising the SSC accelerator. Each blanket is nearly 17 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. This paper reports the blanket design, an apparatus, and the fabrication method used to mass produce pre-fabricated MLI blankets. Incorporated in the blanket design are techniques which automate quality control during installation of the MLI blankets in the SSC cryostat. The apparatus and blanket fabrication method insure consistency in the mass produced blankets by providing positive control of the dimensional parameters which contribute to the thermal performance of the MLI blanket. By virtue of the fabrication process, the MLI blankets have inherent features of dimensional stability, three-dimensional uniformity, controlled layer density, layer-to-layer registration, interlayer cleanliness, and inter layer material to accommodate thermal contraction differences.
OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR ALFALFA PRODUCTION WITHIN A TOTAL FARM PLAN

profitability to the total farm firm of alternative management strategies in the producThis paper examines the impacts of alter- native magement strategies in the producThis paper examines the impacts of alter- tion of alfalfa in competition with grain crops. native management strategies for the pro- The primary emphasis within the model is duction of alfalfa within the context of a the calendar of events surrounding the prototal farm plan. A linear programming model dcton of cornnd al . duction of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. The is used to represent a 600-acre farm which model separates the events occurring in the model separates the events occurring in the can grow either grain crops or alfalfa. Alfalfa production of each crop into periods as short production competes with the grain crops production competes with the grain crops as 9 days, and allocates labor, field days, for available land, labor, machinery, and field tractor, tillage, and harvest equipment to spe time over a calendar of tillage, planting, cut- cific crop enterprises within each period ting, spraying, and harvesting activities. The based on the net returns to the entire farm. profitability of an acre of alfalfa and the con- The model used in this study was a modifitribution of alfalfa to net returns for the farm cationofearliermodelthat beenused cation of an earlier model that had been used varies quite widely depending on the partic- by agricultural economists in working with ular alfalfa management strategy selected. corn and soybean farmers, but did not allow
Floral development in Tribe Detarieae (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae): Amherstia, Brownea, and Tamarindus

Floral development was compared among three taxa in caesalpinioid tribe Detarieae sensu lato: Amherstia nobilis and Tamarindus indica have racemose, helically arranged inflorescences, while Brownea latifolia has cauliflorous capitate flower clusters that arise as racemes. All have acropetal flower order; initiation and development are sequential in all except Brownea, which is synchronous. All have paired persistent showy bracteoles. Floral symmetry is dorsiventral (zygomorphic) in all except Brownea, with radial symmetry at anthesis. Sepals initiate helically on a circular floral apex, starting with a median abaxial sepal, in all. Petals are initiated helically in Brownea, and unidirectionally in Amherstia and Tamarindus. Stamens are initiated unidirectionally in each stamen whorl in all except Amherstia, in which the outer whorl is bidirectional. The carpel initiates concurrently with the petals in Brownea, and with the outer stamens in the other taxa. The two upper (adaxial) sepal primordia become fused during development in all, so that the calyx appears tetramerous. Some reduced petals occur in Amherstia and Tamarindus, and some reduced stamens occur in all. All produce a hypanthium by zonal growth, and all except Tamarindus have the gynoecium attached adaxially to the hypanthial rim.
YeastHub: a semantic web use case for integrating data in the life sciences domain

Motivation: As the semantic web technology is maturing and the need for life sciences data integration over the web is growing, it is important to explore how data integration needs can be addressed by the semantic web. The main problem that we face in data integration is a lack of widely-accepted standards for expressing the syntax and semantics of the data. We address this problem by exploring the use of semantic web technologies---including resource description framework (RDF), RDF site summary (RSS), relational-database-to-RDF mapping (D2RQ) and native RDF data repository---to represent, store and query both metadata and data across life sciences datasets. Results: As many biological datasets are presently available in tabular format, we introduce an RDF structure into which they can be converted. Also, we develop a prototype web-based application called YeastHub that demonstrates how a life sciences data warehouse can be built using a native RDF data store (Sesame). This data warehouse allows integration of different types of yeast genome data provided by different resources in different formats including the tabular and RDF formats. Once the data are loaded into the data warehouse, RDF-based queries can be formulated to retrieve and query the data in an integrated fashion. Availability: The YeastHub website is accessible via the following URL: http://yeasthub.gersteinlab.org Contact: kei.cheung@yale.edu
IL-22 Signaling Contributes to West Nile Encephalitis Pathogenesis

The Th17 cytokine, IL-22, regulates host immune responses to extracellular pathogens. Whether IL-22 plays a role in viral infection, however, is poorly understood. We report here that Il22−/− mice were more resistant to lethal West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis, but had similar viral loads in the periphery compared to wild type (WT) mice. Viral loads, leukocyte infiltrates, proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of Il22−/− mice were also strikingly reduced. Further examination showed that Cxcr2, a chemokine receptor that plays a non-redundant role in mediating neutrophil migration, was significantly reduced in Il22−/− compared to WT leukocytes. Expression of Cxcr2 ligands, cxcl1 and cxcl5, was lower in Il22−/− brains than wild type mice. Correspondingly, neutrophil migration from the blood into the brain was attenuated following lethal WNV infection of Il22−/− mice. Our results suggest that IL-22 signaling exacerbates lethal WNV encephalitis likely by promoting WNV neuroinvasion.
Acaulon muticum var. Muticum (Musci: Pottiaceae) New to Missouri and New Missouri Liverwort and Hornwort County Records

Abstract. Acaulon muticum (Hedw.) C. Mull. var. muticum is reported for the first time in Missouri. Also reported are 171 new liverwort and hornwort county records for Missouri.
Umeclidinium in patients with COPD: a randomised, placebo-controlled study

Efficacy and safety of umeclidinium administered in a dry power inhaler were evaluated in moderate-to-very-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. This was a randomised, placebo-controlled study assessing once-daily umeclidinium 62.5 and 125 μg over 12 weeks. The primary end-point was change from baseline in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) on day 85. Secondary end-points were 0-6-h weighted mean and serial forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Other end-points were transitional dyspnoea index, health outcomes (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire), pharmacokinetics and safety. 246 patients were enrolled; 168 completed the study. On day 85, umeclidinium 62.5 and 125 μg significantly improved least squares mean change from baseline in trough FEV1 (127 and 152 mL, respectively; p<0.001) compared with placebo. On day 84, umeclidinium 62.5 and 125 μg significantly improved least squares mean change from baseline in 0-6-h weighted mean (166 and 191 mL, respectively; p<0.001) and serial FEV1 at each time point (p≤0.003). Significant improvements in least squares mean transitional dyspnoea index focal score for UMEC 125 mg(1.3 units; p,0.05) and change from baseline St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score for both UMEC doses (-7.9 and -10.87 units, for UMEC 62.5 mg and 125 mg, respectively; both p,0.001) were noted compared with placebo at week 12 [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED].The incidence of adverse events was low and similar across treatments. Umeclidinium 62.5 and 125 μg significantly improved lung function, dyspnoea and health status compared with placebo, and were well tolerated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients over 12 weeks.
Acute Effects of Ethanol on Behavior of Adolescent Rats: Role of Social Context

Background: First experiences with alcohol in humans occur predominantly in adolescence, and to a large extent the attractiveness of alcohol at this age is based on its ability to facilitate certain forms of social behavior (social facilitation). Adolescence is strongly marked by a focus on peer relationships, and the social nature of the situation plays an important role in responsiveness to alcohol. Peer-directed social activity of adolescent rats may be a valuable experimental model for the study of ethanol-induced changes in social behavior and assessment of the role of the social context in responsiveness to ethanol. Method: In the present study we used a modified dyad social interaction test to characterize acute effects of ethanol on different forms of social behavior (social investigation, contact behavior, and play) and social motivation (preference/avoidance of a peer) in adolescent rats. Ethanol effects on behavior directed toward a peer were compared with those induced by exposure to an inanimate novel object. Results: In the social context, the effects of ethanol were dose-dependent and biphasic. Low doses of ethanol (0.25–0.75 g/kg) produced apparent social facilitation (increased social activity and enhanced social preference), whereas higher doses (3 and 4 g/kg) caused social inhibition (decreased social activity and avoidance of a peer). This pattern was not observed for a nonsocial stimulus: Although overall activity in the nonsocial context was suppressed by 2 and 3 g/kg of ethanol, 0.5 g/kg of ethanol did not activate overall activity directed to the inanimate object. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the social nature of the testing situation plays an important role in responsiveness to alcohol in adolescence, especially to its activating effects. The results suggest also that the study of ethanol effects on social behavior of adolescent rats may be an effective tool for the study of adolescent alcohol use and abuse.
Cervical dysphagia: Pharyngeal protrusions and achalasia

Cervical achalasia, webs, and pharyngeal protrusions, particularly Zenker's diverticula, are prominent sources of upper alimentary tract dysphagia. Since achalasia and webs can secondarily cause pharyngeal protrusions, they may coexist, and must be ruled out before commencing treatment. The nature and origin of these entities and means of radiographic distinction are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the various forms of lateral pharyngeal protrusion, which are the most poorly understood.
Do welfare benefits cause the welfare caseload

Analyses of the welfare system generally examine one of five competing models: (1) The work disincentive model; (2) the human capital model; (3) the macroeconomic model; (4) the public choice model; or (5) the cost-of-job-loss model. This paper employs the Granger causality concept and the multiple-rank F statistic to test the implications of all five of these models simultaneously. The results offer modest support to all but the macroeconomic model. The relationships among welfare benefits, caseloads, and labor market conditions appear to be too complex to be fully captured by a single model.
Cross-correlation of specification and RTL for soft IP analysis

Semiconductor companies often use 3rd party IPs in order to improve their design productivity. In practice, there are risks involved in using a 3rd party IP as bugs may creep in due to versioning issues, poor documentation, and mismatches between specification and RTL. As a result of this, 3rd party IP specification and RTL must be carefully evaluated. Our methodology addresses this issue, which cross-correlates specification and RTL to discover these discrepancies. The key innovative ideas in our approach are to use prior and trusted experience about designs, which include their specs and RTL code. Also, we have captured this trusted experience into two knowledge bases (KB), Spec-KB and RTL-KB. Finally, knowledge base rules are used to cross-correlate the RTL blocks to the specs. We have tested our approach by analyzing several 3rd party IPs. We have defined metrics for specification coverage and RTL identification coverage to quantify our results.
Characterization of Material Properties of HPS-485W "70 W… TMCP for Bridge Girder Applications

There are currently two methods of production for A 709 Grade HPS-485W 70 W—quenching and tempering QT however, because of its recent introduction and a lack of material testing, relatively little is known concerning the effect of this new production method upon the intraplate variability of both tensile strength and toughness. Data from 96 tensile tests show that yield and ultimate strengths of HPS-485W 70 W TMCP may be dependent upon plate thickness and orientation. The average yield strength was found to be lower than the 485 MPa 70 ksi limit, while the average ultimate strength was within acceptable limits. Seventy-five Charpy V-Notch CVN specimens were tested, and all met the 48 J at �23°C 35 ft-lb at �10°F AASHTO Zone III requirement for minimum toughness. Overall it was seen that HPS 485W 70 W TMCP shows promise for bridge girder applications, but thicker plates do not currently meet all the ASTM A 709 standards, and should be reevaluated before being used in bridge construction on a large scale.
An ultra compact back-lighted thyratron for nanosecond switching applications

An ultra-compact back-lighted thyratron (BLT), which is also named as mini-BLT, with effective volume of 15 cm3 was developed to serve as a high voltage switch in compact transient plasma ignition systems. The mini-BLT can hold off 40 kV and was used to conduct a peak current up to 4.5 kA. A 30 ns switching delay with 2 ns jitter was achieved when triggered by a 70 mJ, 355 nm laser pulse. Delay and jitter increase as the photon energy of the trigger pulse decreases. The plasma density in the switch measured at a peak current of 3.2 kA is 9×1014cm-3. The mini-BLT was successfully used as the switch in a 100 ns, 60 kV pulse generator for generation of streamers in a plasma ignition system.
Echolocation: discrimination of targets by the bat, Eptesicus fuscus.

Bats of the species Eptesicus fuscus learned to discriminate differences in the size of targets, the shape of targets, and the distance to targets by means of sonar. Eptesicus can detect differences of as little as 17% in the surface area of triangular targets. Measurements of the echo properties of the targets suggest that the bats used differences in the overall intensity of the echoes to differentiate the larger triangle from the smaller. If so, the smallest detectable echo intensity difference for Eptesicus would be between 1.5 and 3.0 dB. In discriminating a tall, narrow triangle from a short, wide triangle the bats may have scanned the target shapes with the directional beam of their sonar to produce discriminable intensity differences between echoes. Eptesicus can discriminate between targets differing by as little as 12 to 13 mm in distance. If echo travel time is providing the bat with target range information, then the bat evidently can detect echo arrival-time differences of as little as 70 to 75 μsec. The ability of the bat to discriminate between targets which produce echoes that arrive at the bat's ears overlapping each other for 90 to 100% of their total duration demonstrates the effectiveness of the mechanisms in the bat's sonar for rejecting interference caused by multiple-target clutter.
INCREASED STORAGE CAPACITY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN FAVORS THERMAL MANAGEMENT FOR A COLD REPOSITORY

The nuclear waste storage concept according to the baseline design of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain is analyzed. The hightemperature storage concept, in which the emplacement area is heated above the boiling temperature of water, is subject to criticism on the basis of uncertainties due to nonlinear multiphysics processes in the rock mass and in the storage airspace. The storage environment around the nuclear waste containers is reexamined using a new thermal-hydrologic airflow model. The complex nature ofthethermal-hydraulicbehaviorinasuperheatedwaste repository is described with fewer simplifying assumptions than those used in the baseline design. The emplacement area in the mountain is described as an open system, in which the air pressure is connected to the barometric pressure through fractures, faults, and partially sealed drifts. The cyclic variation of the atmospheric pressure that affects the heat and mass transport processes in the near-field rock mass is also modeled. The implications of evaporation into the drift airspace are discussed, and a hypothesis of salt accumulation in the near-field rock mass is established. Model calculation is also presented for a below–boiling temperature storage concept that is easier to predict and has fewer anomalies. The price for a below–boiling temperature storage is the extended preclosure ventilation time period. However, as demonstrated for a trade-off, it is possible to design a repository with below-boiling temperatures and doubled waste inventory at the same time.
A Human-Centred approach to e-Agricultural systems

Abstract Within business enterprises farmers lags behind in the uptake of new information technologies for the control and automation of farming systems. In spite of decades of research into technology acceptance we still do not have a good understanding as to why this is the case. IT adoption in agricultural communities is perceived to be increasingly important by policy makers as a means of adapting to changes within agriculture. This paper proposes preliminary findings to validate a new systems framework of e- Agriculture adoption and innovation that will open new avenues of research for control and automation systems theory and practice informing policy in respect of e-readiness of rural communities.
Assessment of Sexual Function in the Medically Ill: Psychosomatic Approach to Sexual Functioning

Good sexual functioning is a part of overall well-being. Assessment of sexual functioning should be part of any complete psychosomatic assessment. The cornerstone of this assessment is a comprehensive clinical interview of the patient, with, if possible, collateral information obtained from the partner or another clinician. In addition, comprehensive assessment of sexual function should include a physical examination with a special focus on sexual function, laboratory testing and possibly other specialized testing and, in some cases, psychometric assessment. The results of a thorough assessment may serve as a basis for considering possible etiology(ies) of sexual dysfunction, coexisting comorbidities and as a starting point of managing sexual dysfunction.
Pressure-Guided cryoablation of pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation: A fast and effective strategy

Abstract Background Cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves successful electrical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Pulmonary vein (PV) ostial occlusion with cryoballoon is classically assessed using PV angiography. A pressure-guided technique to assess ostial occlusion has been evaluated in small cohorts with mixed results. We evaluated the efficacy of this pressure-guided PVI technique and its impact on reducing contrast and fluoroscopy time as compared to the traditional approach. Methods We evaluated patients with paroxysmal AF, who underwent cryoballoon PVI. Patients prior to January 20th, 2013 underwent confirmation of PV occlusion by angiography only. Patients ablated after this time had PV occlusion initially determined by pressure monitoring and further confirmed by contrast injection into the PV in most cases (Pressure-guided PVI). Differences in the volume of contrast used and fluoroscopy time were evaluated. Results 46 patients had pressure-guided PVI and29 patients had occlusion of PV confirmed by angiography alone. Pressure-guided PVI was 99.5% successful in ablating AF, which was non-inferior to traditional method of PV isolation. This technique used an average of 8 cc of contrast and 21.5 min of fluoroscopy time, which was significantly less than the contrast amount used, and fluoroscopy time with angiographic isolation of PV. Conclusion Pressure-guided PVI is an effective method for cryoablation of AF. This method not only significantly reduces the volume of contrast used but also decreases the fluoroscopy without compromising the success of PVI.
Use of Enzymatic Debridement for Necrotic Soft Tissue Infection in a Preterm Infant

A 25 week GA male, weighed 810g, twin #2, born via C-Section due to preterm labor. Initial NICU course was significant for RDS on mechanical ventilation for 10 weeks and Klebsiella UTI treated with gentamicin. He had been clinically stable, receiving O2 via NC, feeding and growing by DOL60. On DOL77, patient became lethargic, apneic, and tachycardiac. A rapidly spreading, well-circumscribed, warm, firm, erythematous area was …
Studies on the Emetic and Anti-Emetic Actions of Ergotamine

Eggleston and Hatcher1 showed that intravenous doses of 60.0 mg. of fluid extract of ergot (in terms of the dry drug) produced prompt emesis in the dog, whereas oral administration of even massive doses failed. Eviscerated dogs also showed emesis following intravenous doses. The authors concluded that ergot has a central emetic action. Hatcher and Weiss2 apparently rejected this supposition, stating “that ergotoxin has no perceptible effect directly on the vomiting center, and that any inhibition by it of the emetic action of substances used in these experiments, must be due to its causing depression of some peripheral structure.”These authors found that massive doses of ergotoxine prevented the emetic action of apomorphine, aconitin, digitalis, and pilocarpine by systemic administration, but not of large oral doses of mercuric chloride and tartar emetic. They concluded that the anti-emetic activity of ergotoxine is due to its depression of afferent sympathetic nerve ends.Koppanyi3 found a close paralleli...
(2R,4R)-4-(2-Eth­oxy-2-oxoeth­yl)-2,6,6-trimeth­yl–2-oxo-1,3,6,2λ5-dioxaza­phospho­can-6-ium iodide

The title compound, C11H23NO5P+·I−, consists of an eight-membered cationic heterocyclic ring in a boat–chair conformation. The ring features a tetra­alkyl­ammonium N and a methyl­phospho­nate P atom. A –CH2(CO)OC2H5 ester side chain at the C adjacent to oxygen produces two chiral centers at that substituted C atom and the P atom, both of which were determined to have absolute R,R configurations. A previously determined racemic bromide analog has exactly the same ring but with a –C15H31 side chain. In that structure, both chiral centers show the same relative R/S,R/S configurations, but the ring in the bromide analog is in a boat conformation.
Biomechanics of Nested Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Cages

BACKGROUND Arthrodesis is optimized when the structural graft occupies most of the surface area within a disc space. The transforaminal corridor inherently limits interbody size. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biomechanical implications of nested interbody spacers (ie, a second curved cage placed behind a first) to increase disc space coverage in transforaminal approaches. METHODS Seven lumbar human cadaveric specimens (L3-S1) underwent nondestructive flexibility and axial compression testing intact and after transforaminal instrumentation at L4-L5. Specimens were tested in 5 conditions: (1) intact, (2) interbody, (3) interbody plus bilateral pedicle screws and rods (PSR), (4) 2 nested interbodies, and (5) 2 nested interbodies plus PSR. RESULTS Mean range of motion (ROM) with 1 interbody vs 2 nested interbodies, respectively, was: flexion, 101% vs 85%; extension, 97% vs 92%; lateral bending, 127% vs 132%; and axial rotation, 145% vs 154%. One interbody and 2 nested interbodies did not differ significantly by loading mode (P > .10). With PSR, ROM decreased significantly compared with intact, but not between interbody and interbody plus PSR or 2 interbodies plus PSR (P > .80). Mean vertical height during compressive loading (ie, axial compressive stiffness) was significantly different with 2 nested interbodies vs 1 interbody alone (P < .001) (compressive stiffness, 89% of intact vs 67% of intact, respectively). CONCLUSION Inserting a second interbody using a transforaminal approach is anatomically feasible and nearly doubles the disc space covered without affecting ROM. Compressive stiffness significantly increased with 2 nested interbodies, and foraminal height increased. Evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of nested interbodies is underway.
Teaching for “Real”: Reconciling Explicit Literacy Instruction With Inclusive Pedagogy in a Fourth-Grade Urban Classroom:

Increasing evidence of the re-segregation of students of color within special education suggests that the constructivist-explicit instruction debate may still be relevant for urban educators. While...
Avoidance and Hypoalgesia Induced by Novel Odors in Mice

Male mice strongly rejected the odors of soiled or unsoiled cat litter relative to unsoiled conspecific bedding and preferred conspecific soiled bedding in a four choice preference/rejection test. In a subsequent experiment, mice also strongly rejected the odors of cinnamon, and chocolate relative to unsoiled bedding. Brief exposure to the odor of unsoiled cat litter increased jump thresholds to footshock whereas cinnamon odor increased both flinch and jump thresholds. The results suggest that novelty contributes importantly to the increased defensiveness and hypoalgesia produced by the odors of potential predators.
Direct magnitude and phase imaging of myelin using ultrashort echo time (UTE) pulse sequences: A feasibility study.

Abstract In this paper, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of direct visualization of myelin, including myelin lipid and myelin basic protein (MBP), using two-dimensional ultrashort echo time (2D UTE) sequences and utilize phase information as a contrast mechanism in phantoms and in volunteers. The standard UTE sequence was used to detect both myelin and long T2 signal. An adiabatic inversion recovery UTE (IR-UTE) sequence was used to selectively detect myelin by suppressing signal from long T2 water protons. Magnitude and phase imaging and T2* were investigated on myelin lipid and MBP in the forms of lyophilized powders as well as paste-like phantoms with the powder mixed with D 2 O, and rubber phantoms as well as healthy volunteers. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) between white and gray matter was measured. Both magnitude and phase images were generated for myelin and rubber phantoms as well white matter in vivo using the IR-UTE sequence. T2* values of ~ 300 μs were comparable for myelin paste phantoms and the short T2* component in white matter of the brain in vivo. Mean CNR between white and gray matter in IR-UTE imaging was increased from − 7.3 for the magnitude images to 57.4 for the phase images. The preliminary results suggest that the IR-UTE sequence allows simultaneous magnitude and phase imaging of myelin in vitro and in vivo.
EZH2 and histone deacetylase inhibitors induce apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer cells by differentially increasing H3 Lys27 acetylation in the BIM gene promoter and enhancers

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2, is a histone methyl-transferase and is considered to work cooperatively with histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the same protein complex to mediate gene transcription repression by increasing histone H3 Lys27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), in particular in the nucleosome (s). EZH2 is overexpressed in numerous types of cancer, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer, which there are no effective treatment options for. Thus, inhibition of EZH2 may be harnessed for targeted therapy of this disease. The present study demonstrated that co-treatment with an EZH2 inhibitor and a HDAC inhibitor additively induced apoptosis in two TNBC cell lines, namely MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436. The increased rate of cell death was associated with an elevation of B cell lymphoma-2 like 11 (BIM) expression level, a pro-apoptotic protein at the protein and mRNA expression levels in these two cell lines. The expression of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), a known upstream transcriptional activator of BIM, was upregulated in both cell lines by the HDAC inhibitor, and the effect was more pronounced in MDA-MB-436 cells with higher phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B, a negative regulator of FOXO1, compared with MDA-MB-231 cells. Conversely, FOXO1 expression was inhibited following treatment with the EZH2 inhibitor, suggesting that EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors induced BIM expression via a FOXO1-independent mechanism. The present study further revealed that the EZH2 inhibitor, but not the HDAC inhibitor, induced high levels of H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) in the BIM promoter. By contrast, compared with the effect of the EZH2 inhibitor, HDAC inhibitor treatment resulted in an increase in H3K27ac at two BIM enhancers. Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that EZH2 and HDACs act differentially on H3K27ac levels in the nucleosome at the promoter and enhancer regions of the BIM gene. Through the upregulation of BIM, co-treatment with EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors had a pronounced therapeutic effect on TNBC cells, suggesting that co-targeting EZH2 and HDAC proteins represents a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of TNBC.
Linear input range extension for low-voltage operational transconductance amplifiers in Gm-C filters

A second-order Gm-C low-pass filter with a novel large-signal linearization method for operational transconductance amplifiers having low supply voltages is presented. The design technique uses a combination of unbalanced resistively degenerated differential pairs and adaptive biasing to extend the linear range. The presented unity-gain biquad filter cell is intended to be used as a building block in the baseband section of a low-power receiver, and it has been designed in a standard 0.13-μm CMOS technology with a cutoff frequency of 500 KHz. The power consumption of the filter is 39 μW with a supply voltage of 0.6 V. Simulation results show a total harmonic distortion of −40 dB for a 5 KHz input tone with 614 mV peak-to-peak differential swing in the passband of the filter.
HypeRomeo & Juliet: Postmodern Adaptation and Shakespeare

Jim Casey, “HypeRomeo & Juliet: Postmodern Adaptation and Shakespeare.” This essay combines Douglas Lanier’s Shakespearean Rhizomatics with Jean Baudrillard’s hyperreality in order to more effectively explore the theoretical boundaries of “Shakespeare” and provide a new paradigm for understanding the orismological landscape of Shakespearean adaptation. Pairing the neutrally evaluative tool of rhizomatics with the theoretical concept of hyperreality in order to present a much more accurate relational map, Casey examines Fumitoshi Oizaki’s anime Romeo x Juliet as a perfect example of both the iterative process of translation and the multiple voices of a “Shakespeare” that has become increasingly hyperreal.