cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Somatic sensory transmission to the cortex during movement: Gating of single cell responses to touch

Abstract We recently showed that the responsiveness of single somatosensory (SI) cortical units in rats to electrical stimulation of cutaneous receptive field areas was markedly decreased during motor behaviors. The present study was conducted to determine if the responses of such cells to natural touch stimulation occurring as a result of movement were also suppressed relative to their responses to passive touch of the same area. We recorded cells in the forepaw area of the SI cortex of awake, freely moving rats. Perievent histograms of the units' sensory responses to passive touch stimulation of the palmar skin area with a flat probe were compared with histograms of the responses of the same cells to contact of the same paw on the ground during running. Thirty-two of 61 cells responded similarly to both “active” and “passive” touch. Twenty-nine of the 61 SI cells, however, responded only weakly or not at all to foot contact during forced treadmill locomotion. Thorough analysis of the nature of the receptive fields of those cells indicated that their lack of response to footfall could not be explained by simple differences in the passive skin stimulation and thus may have been caused by a suppression of sensory transmission without the central nervous system. Most cells which did not respond to footfall in “regular” locomotion did respond to contacts of the foot on various surfaces during certain types of “irregular” locomotor behaviors, especially those in which the paw was used to explore the environment. These data suggest that, during movements in which the paw touches various objects, transmission of the resulting sensory input to various cortical cells may depend on the motor or behavioral context in which the movements are made.
PERT: a new power-efficient real-time packet delivery scheme for sensor networks

We present PERT, a power-efficient scheme to deliver real-time data packets in sensor networks. Time-sensitive sensor data is common in applications such as hazard monitoring systems, traffic control systems and battlefield command systems. Such data are associated with end-to-end deadlines, within which they must reach the Base Station (BS). We make two contributions in this work. Firstly, we propose a novel load-balanced routing scheme that distributes data packets evenly among the nodes relaying data towards the BS, avoiding bottlenecks and increasing the likelihood that packets will meet their deadlines. Secondly, we propose a method of grouping smaller packets into larger ones by delaying data transmissions at the relaying nodes whenever slack times are positive. Our packet grouping scheme significantly reduces packet transmissions, reduces congestion and saves power in the sensor network. We verify the effectiveness of our approach through extensive simulations of wireless network behaviour using the ns-2 simulation package.
Informational and energetic masking effects in the perception of multiple simultaneous talkers.

Although most recent multitalker research has emphasized the importance of binaural cues, monaural cues can play an equally important role in the perception of multiple simultaneous speech signals. In this experiment, the intelligibility of a target phrase masked by a single competing masker phrase was measured as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with same-talker, same-sex, and different-sex target and masker voices. The results indicate that informational masking, rather than energetic masking, dominated performance in this experiment. The amount of masking was highly dependent on the similarity of the target and masker voices: performance was best when different-sex talkers were used and worst when the same talker was used for target and masker. Performance did not, however, improve monotonically with increasing SNR. Intelligibility generally plateaued at SNRs below 0 dB and, in some cases, intensity differences between the target and masking voices produced substantial improvements in performance with decreasing SNR. The results indicate that informational and energetic masking play substantially different roles in the perception of competing speech messages.
What is keeping my phone awake?: characterizing and detecting no-sleep energy bugs in smartphone apps

Despite their immense popularity in recent years, smartphones are and will remain severely limited by their battery life. Preserving this critical resource has driven smartphone OSes to undergo a paradigm shift in power management: by default every component, including the CPU, stays off or in an idle state, unless the app explicitly instructs the OS to keep it on! Such a policy encumbers app developers to explicitly juggle power control APIs exported by the OS to keep the components on, during their active use by the app and off otherwise. The resulting power-encumbered programming unavoidably gives rise to a new class of software energy bugs on smartphones called no-sleep bugs, which arise from mis-handling power control APIs by apps or the framework and result in significant and unexpected battery drainage.This paper makes the first advances towards understanding and automatically detecting software energy bugs on smartphones. It makes the following three contributions: (1) we present the first comprehensive study of real world no-sleep energy bug characteristics; (2) we propose the first automatic solution to detect these bugs based on the classic reaching definitions dataflow analysis algorithm; (3) we provide experimental data showing that our tool accurately detected all 17 known instances of no-sleep bugs and found 34 new bugs in the 73 apps examined.
Event queries on correlated probabilistic streams

A major problem in detecting events in streams of data is that the data can be imprecise (e.g. RFID data). However, current state-ofthe-art event detection systems such as Cayuga [14], SASE [46] or SnoopIB[1], assume the data is precise. Noise in the data can be captured using techniques such as hidden Markov models. Inference on these models creates streams of probabilistic events which cannot be directly queried by existing systems. To address this challenge we propose Lahar1, an event processing system for probabilistic event streams. By exploiting the probabilistic nature of the data, Lahar yields a much higher recall and precision than deterministic techniques operating over only the most probable tuples. By using a novel static analysis and novel algorithms, Lahar processes data orders of magnitude more efficiently than a naive approach based on sampling. In this paper, we present Lahar's static analysis and core algorithms. We demonstrate the quality and performance of our approach through experiments with our prototype implementation and comparisons with alternate methods.
Use of a portable ribosome-binding site for maximizing expression of a eukaryotic gene in Escherichia coli.

Abstract To maximize expression of a eukaryotic gene in Escherichia coli, a series of plasmids were constructed containing various synthetic ribosome-binding sites (RBS). These sites consist of a Shine-Dalgarno (SD) region (with translation stop codons in all three reading frames) positioned at distances 5–9 nucleotides (nt) from the AUG initiator codon of the gene coding for human T-cell growth factor (TCGF or IL-2). The region encompassing the RBS through the TCGF structural gene from each of these plasmids was inserted as a ‘cassette’ into seven different E. coli expression vectors, and TCGF production was measured. Our results demonstrate a greater than 2000-fold range of TCGF synthesis dependent upon the promoter and the synthetic RBS used. The translational efficiency of the TCGF gene was found to be influenced by the quality of the RBS, which is in part determined by the external sequence context of this site. The synthetic RBS, containing the necessary information for the translation initiation process, readily accessible by restriction sites, should be of general usefulness in obtaining maximum expression of eukaryotic genes in E. coli.
Dual magnetic-/temperature-responsive nanoparticles for microfluidic separations and assays.

A stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticle system for diagnostic target capture and concentration has been developed for microfluidic lab card settings. Telechelic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) polymer chains were synthesized with dodecyl tails at one end and a reactive carboxylate at the opposite end by the reversible addition fragmentation transfer technique. These PNIPAAm chains self-associate into nanoscale micelles that were used as dimensional confinements to synthesize the magnetic nanoparticles. The resulting superparamagnetic nanoparticles exhibit a γ-Fe2O3 core (∼5 nm) with a layer of carboxylate-terminated PNIPAAm chains as a corona on the surface. The carboxylate group was used to functionalize the magnetic nanoparticles with biotin and subsequently with streptavidin. The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles can be reversibly aggregated in solution as the temperature is cycled through the PNIPAAm lower critical solution temperature (LCST). While the magnetophoretic mobility of the ind...
Hospital-associated hyponatremia

Patient 1. An 18-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of shortness of breath and a productive cough of one week duration. She had required hospitalization for pneumonia at ages 12 and 16 and again 6 months prior to the present admission. Fat malabsorption (30—50 g/day) and an elevated sweat chloride concentration had been documented. Medications at the time of admission included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, one tablet twice daily; theophylline; and a pancreatic enzyme preparation. Weight was 37 kg; temperature, 37°C; respiratory rate, 20/mm; blood pressure, 104/76 mm Hg supine and 102/64 mm Hg upright. Pertinent physical findings included: clubbing of finger nails; diffuse coarse rales, rhonchi, and wheezes throughout the chest; and moist mucous membranes. There was no cyanosis or edema and skin turgor was normal. Laboratory data revealed: hemoglobin, 12,5 g/dl; white blood cell count, l5,000/mm (80% neutrophils, 4% bands, 13% lymphocytes); normal prothrombin time and Pri'; albumin, 2.7 g/dl; BUN and creatinine, 6 and 0.5 mg/dl, respectively; and glucose, 96 mgldl. Serum electrolytes were: sodium, 136; potassium, 3.5; chloride, 96; and total CO2. 28 mEq/liter. Arterial blood gas measurements, obtained while the patient was breathing 4 liters of oxygen by nasal prongs, revealed a P02 of 67 mm Hg, a PCO2 of 40 mm Hg, and a pH of 7.50. Chest x-ray disclosed bibasilar and right middle lobe infiltrates. Sputum culture grew large numbers of Staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas spe-
Comparison of Media and Influence of Petri Plate Position (Inverted or Upright) for Determining Fungal Populations in Bulk‐Stored, Dry, Seed‐Based Foods

Total populations of fungi and the presence of aflatoxigenic aspergilli were determined in 109 bulk-stored foods predominantly from seed origin offered for sale by retail grocers. Six media were evaluated for their suitability to support development of fungal colonies. The influence of the position of the Petri dish (inverted or upright) on colony formation during incubation was determined. Overall, dichloran-rose bengal-chloramphenicol agar, oxytetracycline-glucose-yeast extract agar, antibiotic-supplemented plate count agar and rose bengal-chlortetracycline agar were superior to acidified potato dextrose agar for recovering yeasts and molds. Considering any given medium, the position of the plate did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influence colony development. Aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus or A. parasiticus were detected in 3.7% of the samples.
Regulation of extravascular fibrinolysis by factor XIII

The stability of fibrin clots in the extravascular compartment was examined using samples of 125I-labelled fibrin implanted subcutaneously into Balb/c mice. These samples of 125I-labelled fibrin were prepared in vitro. Crosslinking of fibrin in the presence of a high level of factor XIIIa resulted in complete conversion of γ-chain monomers to γ-γ dimers and extensive covalent polymerisation of the α-chain monomers. This fibrin, categorised as fully crosslinked (FXL), showed a 50% clot lysis time (LT-50) of 9.6±0.8 days. In contrast, fibrin, termed as partially crosslinked (PXL), prepared with a low level of Factor XIIIa, had all of its γ-chain monomers converted γ-γ dimers, but only a portion of its α-chain monomer polymerised. This PXL fibrin showed an LT-50 of 4.8±1.1 days. Non-crosslinked (NXL) fibrin displayed an LT-50 of 5.2±1.2 days. Fibrin produced by the addition of thrombin to plasma was of the PXL type and gave an LT-50 of 4.2±1.0 days. Fibrin produced by the addition of thrombin to whole blood, on the other hand, was found to be FXL and showed an LT-50 of 13.0 ± 2.0 days. Western blot analysis of fibrin samples prepared from plasma and whole blood with the use of antibody to α2-plasmin inhibitor (α2-PI) provided evidence that this inhibitor was covalently crosslinked to fibrin from both sources. FXL fibrin proved far more stable than either PXL fibrin or NXL fibrin to fibrinolysis by leukocyte elastase in vitro (p<0.001). Inclusion of the specific elastase inhibitor Elastatinal in the implanted NXL fibrin clot extended the LT-50 from 5 to 11.7 days (p<0.001), whereas a plasmin inhibitor, ϵ-amino caproic acid caused no change in lysis time. These results suggest that extravascular fibrinolysis is mediated chiefly by leukocyte proteases and that factor XIIIa-catalysed α-chain crosslinking is essential for protection of extravascular clots against fibrinolysis by these proteases.
Reversible Releasing of Arms from Star Morphology Polymers

Abstract Reversible thermally induced arm release from a star polymer morphology was prepared which consists of furanic functional core and maleimide functional arm which are attached or detached via Diels–Alder (DA) reversible reactions. This approach allows the reversible bonding and debonding at 35–40 °C (DA) and 90–100 °C (retro-DA). The covalent reversibility of this process consists of 7 cycles of the DA and retro-DA reactions.
Particle simulations of collisionless magnetic reconnection in magnetospheric current sheets

The driven collisionless magnetic reconnection processes at the dayside magnetopause and in the magnetotail are investigated through 2.5 D particle simulations. During reconnection, magnetic field configurations with both a single X line and multiple X lines are obtained. Magnetic reconnection enhancements, which are indicated by the peaks in the inductive electric field, are observed in the simulations. Coincident with the magnetic reconnection enhancements, bursts of energetic particles, electrons with an energy spectrum of about E exp -3.8 and ions with an energy spectrum of about E exp -4.4, are generated during the reconnection processes. Field-aligned particle heat fluxes are also generated. Intense plasma waves associated with the reconnection processes are observed. It is found that the fluctuating magnetic field has a power spectrum of about f exp -3.8 and the fluctuating electric field has a power spectrum of about f exp -1.8, respectively. A review of the simulation studies of driven collisionless magnetic reconnection and slow shocks in the magnetospheric current sheets is presented.
Cyclic AMP regulates catabolite and transient repression in E. coli.

Transient and catabolite repression of the synthesis of β-galactosidase in E. coli are related phenomena, the result of a decreased intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP. The lac operon promoter is the site of action of the cyclic AMP.
Black‐White Income Inequality and Metropolitan Socioeconomic Structure

ABSTRACT:We draw on leading theories about the structural causes of racial inequality in the US to investigate inter-metropolitan differences in white and black per capita income. The analysis, whi...
Semantic and acoustic processing in free and cued recall by educable mentally retarded adolescents

Abstract The abilities of educable mentally retarded adolescents to encode and retrieve words with semantic and acoustic cues were investigated in a free and cued recall task. On each of three trial blocks, seven groups of subjects were presented 20 unrelated stimulus words. Groups received either semantic, acoustic, or no encoding cues along with the stimuli. Free recall was requested from all subjects, followed immediately by a second period of either free recall or cued recall with the semantic or acoustic cues. Semantic cues were most effective when presented both at encoding and retrieval. The subjects were unable to use acoustic information as effective retrieval aids. Results were discussed in terms of encoding dimension dominance and mediational deficiencies.
Gender differences in help-utilization and the 8-year course of alcohol abuse.

Aims The aim of this study was to compare initially untreated women and men problem drinkers on help-utilization and outcomes over 8 years. Design and participants At the time of the 8-year follow-up, individuals (N = 466, 49% female) had self-selected into four groups: no help, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) only, formal treatment only or formal treatment plus AA. Measurements At baseline and 1, 3 and 8 years later, participants completed measures of drinking and functioning. Findings Women were generally worse off than men on baseline drinking and functioning indices. In keeping with their poorer baseline status, women were more likely to participate in AA, and had longer in-patient stays during the next year. When women's baseline status was controlled, women had better outcomes than did men at 1 and 8 years. Generally, women and men did not differ on the extent to which obtaining help, or a particular type of help, was related to improved outcomes. Regarding drinking outcomes, women benefited more than did men from more AA attendance during years 2–8 of follow-up. Conclusions The results suggest that although alcoholism interventions were designed primarily for men, they are currently delivered in ways that are also useful to women. Problem-drinking women appear to benefit from sustained participation in AA, which emphasizes bonding with supportive peers to maintain abstinence.
Feline Hemoperitoneum 16 Cases (1986‐1993)

Summary Sixteen cases of feline, non-traumatic hemoperitoneum were evaluated retrospectively. The median age was 5.75 years (range 1.5 - 16 years). There were eight male and eight female cats. Common presenting complaints (n=13) were anorexia (37%), lethargy (31%), and recumbency (31%). Physical examination findings (n=11) included depressed mentation (100%), hypothermia (89%), pale mucous membranes (82%), and poor quality pulses (80%). The median initial peripheral packed cell volume (n=11) was 24% (range 17-55%). In four out of six cases where abdominocentesis was performed, the packed cell volume of the abdominal fluid ranged from 18% to 24%, and matched the peripheral packed cell volume (range 15 - 26%). Some common abnormalities in the serum chemistry screens 9n=6) were elevated alanine aminotransferase in 83% (5/6) of the cats (range 55-5828 U/l) and elevated alkaline phosphatase in 50% (3/6) of the cats (range 18-402 U/l). Ten cats (63%) were euthanized, three (19%) were presented dead on arrival, two (12%) are still alive, and one (6%) were euthanized, three (19%) were presented dead on arrival, two 912%) are still alive, and one (6%) died. The causes of hemoperitoneum were hepatic neoplasia (31%), hepatic necrosis (19%), hepatic amyloidosis (13%), non hepatic neoplasia (13%), hepatopathy (6%), hepatic rupture (6%), necrotic/hemorrhagic cystitis (6%), and ruptured bladder (6%).
Factors controlling the bioaccumulation of mercury and methylmercury by the estuarine amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus.

The bioaccumulation of inorganic mercury (HgI) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) by benthic organisms and subsequent trophic transfer couples the benthic and pelagic realms of aquatic systems and provides a mechanism for transfer of sedimentary contaminants to aquatic food chains. Experiments were performed to investigate the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of particle-associated HgI and MMHg by the estuarine amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus to further understand the controls on bioaccumulation by benthic organisms. HgI and MMHg are particle reactive and have a strong affinity for organic matter, a potential food source for amphipods. Microcosm laboratory experiments were performed to determine the effects of organic matter on Hg bioaccumulation and to determine the major route of Hg uptake (i.e. sediment ingestion, uptake from water/porewater, or uptake from 'food'). Amphipods living in organic-rich sediment spiked with Hg accumulated less Hg than those living in sediments with a lower organic matter content. Feeding had a significant impact on the amount of HgI and MMHg accumulated. Similarly, amphipods living in water with little organic matter accumulated more Hg than those living in water with a greater percentage of organic matter. MMHg was more readily available for uptake than HgI. Experimental results, coupled with results from a bioaccumulation model, suggest that accumulation of HgI and MMHg from sediment cannot be accurately predicted based solely on the total Hg, or even the MMHg, concentration of the sediment, and sediment-based bioaccumulation factors. All routes of exposure need to be considered in determining the accumulation of HgI and MMHg from sediment to benthic invertebrates.
Shopping value orientation: Conceptualization and measurement

Abstract Consumers exhibit diversified shopping value in a highly competitive retail environment, which entails investigating multiple dimensions of consumer shopping value orientation that are important in determining an appropriate retail approach. To capture diverse aspects of consumer shopping value orientation, this study developed a comprehensive measurement which would (1) encompass both benefit and cost components, (2) embrace the domain beyond the boundary of product focus, and (3) comprise both utilitarian and hedonic aspects. Employing an extensive literature review, focus group and personal interviews, and surveys, this study developed the nine-dimensional shopping value orientation (SVO) measure. The measure was validated with multiple tests such as convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity. Its applicability in the retail setting was demonstrated with cluster analysis accompanied by correspondence analysis. Implications for retailers as well as future research directions are provided.
Search by multiple examples

It is often difficult for users to adopt keywords to express their information needs. Search-By-Multiple-Examples (SBME), a promising method for overcoming this problem, allows users to specify their information needs as a set of relevant documents rather than as a set of keywords. Most of the studies on SBME adopt the Positive Unlabeled learning (PU learning) techniques by treating the users' provided examples (denote as query examples) as positive set and the entire data collection as unlabeled set. However, it is inefficient to treat the entire data collection as unlabeled set, as its size can be huge. In addition, the query examples are treated as being relevant to a single topic, but it is often the case that they can be relevant to multiple topics. As the query examples are much fewer than the unlabeled data, the system performance may downgrade dramatically because of the class imbalance problem. What's more, the experiments conducted in these studies have not taken into account the settings in online search, which are very different from the controlled experiments scenario. This proposed research seeks to explore how to improve SBME by exploring: (1) how to predict user' information needs by modeling the content of the documents using probabilistic topic models; (2) how to deal with the class imbalance problem by reducing the size of the unlabeled data and adopting machine learning techniques. We will also conduct extensive experiments to better evaluate SBME using different sizes of query examples to simulate users' information needs.
Sex, Stars, and Studios: A Look at Gendered Educational Practices in Architecture

Educational research and theory indicate that male and female university students are treated differently in the classroom and that the nature of the curriculum as well as the teaching act itself o...
Confocal microscopy of the mitochondrial permeability transition in necrotic cell killing, apoptosis and autophagy

Onset of the cyclosporin-A-sensitive mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in individual mitochondria within living cells can be visualized by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The MPT is a causative event in many types of necrotic and apoptotic cell death, including oxidative stress, ischemia/reperfusion injury, Ca2+ ionophore toxicity and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) induced apoptosis, and may contribute to Reye's-related drug toxicity. Pyridine nucleotide oxidation, mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species, and increased mitochondrial Ca2+ and pH can each promote onset of the MPT in situ. The MPT can also be directly visualized during TNF alpha-induced apoptosis to hepatocytes. Mitochondria spontaneously depolarize in situ after nutrient deprivation before entering an acidic lysosomal compartment, suggesting that the MPT precedes the normal process of mitochondrial autophagy. We propose a model in which onset of the MPT to increasing numbers of mitochondria leads progressively to autophagy, apoptosis and necrotic cell death.
Inhibition by volume expansion of phosphate uptake by the renal proximal tubule brush border membrane

Clearance studies and examination of brush border membrane (BBM) vesicle transport were performed in rats that had been volume expanded by 10% of body weight. The results were compared to those obtained in control animals. The data indicate that the phosphaturia which resulted from the expansion procedure was accompanied by an inhibition of proximal BBM phosphate uptake. The BBM uptake of proline and glucose was unchanged. Furthermore, since plasma calcium did not change, the findings are compatible with the view that the membrane transport changes resulted from alterations induced by the saline loading itself, rather than (or in addition to) any changes caused by parathyroid hormone excretion.
Iris vasculopathy in galactose-fed rats.

Increased iris vessel permeability observed in diabetics has also been reported to occur in diabetic animals and galactose-fed rats. The potential role of aldose reductase in the induction of iris vessel changes has been investigated in rats fed a 50% galactose diet with/without the aldose reductase inhibitors AL 1576, sorbinil or ponalrestat for 7 to 18 months. Compared to normal control rats, long-term galactose-fed rats display a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier due to iris vessel changes that include focal straightening, dilation, constriction, increased permeability, ischemia and new vessel proliferation. The onset and progression of these iridal vessel changes were prevented by the aldose reductase inhibitors AL 1576 and sorbinil, and reduced by Ponalrestat. Computerized analyses of lumen areas of iris vessels indicated an 18-fold decrease in the vascular area near the pupillary boarder in untreated galactose-fed rats compared with age-matched controls and galactose-fed rats treated with aldose reductase inhibitors. These observations linking iris vessel changes with galactose-feeding, coupled with the fact that aldose reductase inhibitors also prevent these changes, strongly suggest a link between the sorbitol pathway and the appearance and progression of iris vessel changes.
High-resolution Glass Capillary Gas Chromatography with a Metastable Transfer Emission Spectrometry Detector

Previous publications from this laboratory have demonstrated the utility of metastable transfer emission spectrometry (MTES) for the detection of hydrocarbons, oxy- and phosphoorganics, metal alkyls, and hydrides. MTES is a gas-phase technique in which the compounds of interest react with active nitrogen, produced by a microwave discharge, to yield chemiluminescent reaction products. For example, carbon-, oxygen-, and phosphorous-containing compounds are detected after reacting with active nitrogen at 8 to 30 Torr by monitoring the following emission lines: —C— + active nitrogen → CN(B2Σ+ → X2Σ+), 383 to 388 nm R—O—H + active nitrogen → OH(A2Σ+ → X2Π), 302.2 nm —P— + active nitrogen → PN(A2Π → X2Σ), 251.8 nm
Books as inventory: suggested lessons from business

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe books as inventory and suggest lessons which can be learned from business.Design/methodology/approach – Discusses inventory theory and how it pertains to libraries.Findings – New books get most of their use in the first two years on the shelf, as a rule. A book that is unused is “dead inventory” from the perspective of this argument. The small public library that “weeds and turns” its holdings will be highly valued by its patrons. An academic library with 90 percent of its holdings sitting idle may be revered by a core of faculty and friends; but it will likely be totally ignored by many of the net generation who read few books or print journals. This high price in idle inventory cannot continue to be borne if libraries are to thrive in a challenging and fast‐changing future.Originality/value – The paper offers an alternative view that may help library adminstrators cope with the challenges they face.
Increasing Voluntary Student-Advisor Contacts

This study examines a method for increasing voluntary student participation in the academic advising process. During a first-year seminar required of all students entering North Dakota State Univer...
NSAIDs Alter Bilayer Properties by a Common Mechanism

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) exert their primary action through inhibition of the Cyclo-oxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). In addition to these COX-dependent effects, NSAIDs alter the function of a number of membrane proteins, by seemingly COX-independent mechanisms. Given that NSAIDs are amphiphiles, and that they modulate the function of different, structurally unrelated membrane proteins, we tested whether NSAIDs could alter lipid bilayer material properties at the same concentrations where they alter membrane protein function. To measure such changes in bilayer material properties, we used gramicidin A (gA) channels as molecular force transducers. We found that Aspirin, Salicylate, Sulindac, Sulindac Sulfide, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Flurbiprofen alter bilayer mechanical properties. At pH 7, NSAIDs increase both the lifetime and appearance rate of channels formed by both short (13-residue) and long (15-residue) gramicidin analogues, meaning that they shift the gA monomer dimer equilibrium toward the conducting dimers. The changes in gA channel function depend on the channel-bilayer hydrophobic mismatch, as we observe the larger effects on the shorter channels - the channels with the larger hydrophobic mismatch. We also found that, when comparing the effect of each NSAID, the relative changes in the lifetimes of the shorter and the longer channels could be described by the same linear relationship. We therefore conclude that NSAIDs decrease lipid bilayer stiffness by a common mechanism, through an increase in bilayer elasticity, and that specific channel-NSAID interactions are not involved. These effects were achieved at the high end of clinically relevant concentrations, and raise the possibility that in both the clinical and research setting, NSAIDs may have effects that arise from modulation of lipid bilayer mechanical properties.
Isoflavone content of soya-based laboratory animal diets

Abstract The soya phyto-oestrogens (isoflavones)—genistein, daidzein (and their glucosides, genistin and daidzin) and coumestrol—are reported to contribute to the hypocholesterolaemic response to soya-protein foods. Examination of several soya-based diets for laboratory animals has shown the diets to have a highly variable content of isoflavones.
Turbine Blade Platform Film Cooling With Typical Stator-Rotor Purge Flow and Discrete-Hole Film Cooling

This paper is focused on the effect of film hole configurations on platform film cooling. The platform is cooled by purge flow from a simulated stator-rotor seal combined with discrete-hole film cooling within the blade passage. The cylindrical holes and laidback fan-shaped holes are assessed in terms of film cooling effectiveness and total pressure loss. Lined up with the freestream streamwise direction, the film holes are arranged on the platform with two different layouts. In one layout, the film cooling holes are divided into two rows and more concentrated on the pressure side of the passage. In the other layout, the film cooling holes are divided into four rows and loosely distributed on the platform. Four film cooling hole configurations are investigated totally. Testing was done in a five-blade cascade with medium high Mach number condition (0.27 and 0.44 at the inlet and the exit, respectively). The detailed film cooling effectiveness distributions on the platform was obtained using pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Results show that the combined cooling scheme (slot purge flow cooling combined with discrete hole film cooling) is able to provide full film coverage on the platform. The shaped holes present higher film cooling effectiveness and wider film coverage than the cylindrical holes, particularly at higher blowing ratios. The hole layout affects the local film cooling effectiveness. The shaped holes also show the advantage over the cylindrical holes with lower total pressure loss.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis and in the Modulation of the Immune System in HIV-Infected Patients

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among HIV-infected adults and children. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the risk of developing the long-term complications of HIV infection, such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D is also known to play an important role in the immune system and may affect HIV disease progression and/or CD4 cell counts. This article will review the current data on the role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and in the modulation of the immune system in HIV-infected patients.
U.S. Territorial Exclusion in Federal Sentencing Research: Can it be Justified?

There is a dearth of knowledge on sentencing process and outcomes in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. It is not uncommon for researchers conducting national studies to intentionally exclude data from these American territories. Their actions have been justified on the grounds that territories have â€œdistinctiveâ€ characteristics that warrant exclusion. Using federal sentencing data, this study explores whether the sentencing patterns observed in the territories are as â€œuniqueâ€ as scholars assume and if so, in what ways and to what extent. Descriptive analysis reveals that attributes of offenders and case processing strategies are similar across the U.S. mainland and its territories. Although multivariate analysis revealed some notable differences (e.g., territories are more punitive than states) the larger finding is that there are more similarities than differences with regards to the processing of cases and outcomes. Implications of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
High Energy Cosmic-Ray Showers in Nuclear Emulsions

A detailed and statistical study of high energy events in nuclear emulsions exposed at high altitudes has given some information on a model to describe the showers found in cosmic rays. There is evidence shown that shower multiplicity increases with primary energy. Differences in the behavior of events from heavy and light nucleus collisions are described. From multiplicity and angular spread of the tracks in individual events, arguments are presented to support a pluromultiple model for meson production in high energy collisions with a nucleus.
Spectrally selective chiral silicon metasurfaces based on infrared Fano resonances

Silicon-process compatible metasurface was designed and tested in the infrared wavelength range. These metasurfaces show very high Q (>100), extreme chirality, and polarization conversion along with very low-loss operation. They show promise for sensing applications as well as spectrally selective CP thermal emitters.
Purification of cucumber mosaic virus

Abstract Tobacco tissue infected with the Y strain of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-Y) was extracted with a mixture of chloroform and 0.5 M citrate or phosphate buffer. Dialysis of the aqueous phase against 0.005 M borate buffer, pH 9.0, followed by 3 cycles of differential centrifugation resulted in active preparations which had a typical nucleoprotein spectrum, contained polyhedral particles of 28–30 mμ diameter, and showed a major and a minor component in the analytical centrifuge. High speed centrifugation of the aqueous phase without dialysis caused aggregation of virus which could not be reversed with citrate, phosphate, or borate buffers.
Effects of Estrogen on Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a female dominant, fatal disease characterized by progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance and loss of compliance. The role of estrogen in these pulmonary vascular changes with PAH progression remains unclear. Our objective was to study the effects of estrogen on pulmonary arterial (PA) remodeling in a mouse model of progressive PAH, created via a combination of a VEGF inhibitor Sugen and chronic hypoxia (SuHx). To quantify PA hemodynamics, we measured in vivo pressure and flow simultaneously in live mice in order to obtain pulmonary vascular impedance, a comprehensive measure of RV afterload. Our results demonstrate that estrogen modifies the relationship between PA resistance and compliance by attenuating PA stiffening, which provides insight into sex differences in PAH progression.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Modelling of the laser surface nitriding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy—analysis of heat transfer and residual stresses

AbstractA three-dimensional finite element modelling of the laser surface nitriding of Ti-6A1-4V alloy is presented. Design capabilities of ANSYS parametric design language (APDL) were employed for this purpose. The model calculates transient temperature profiles, the dimensions of fusion zone and residual stresses in the laser surface nitrided Ti-6A1-4V alloy. Model simulations are compared with experimental results, acquired on-line using an ultra-high-speed shutter camera which is able to acquire well-contrasted images of the molten pool, and off-line using metallographical and X-ray diffraction analyses which show very good agreement. The results are further discussed to provide directions for reducing the residual stresses, as well as for feedback and process control.
Molecular Control of Induced Pluripotency

Deciphering the mechanisms of epigenetic reprogramming provides fundamental insights into cell fate decisions, which in turn reveal strategies to make the reprogramming process increasingly efficient. Here we review recent advances in epigenetic reprogramming to pluripotency with a focus on the principal molecular regulators. We examine the trajectories connecting somatic and pluripotent cells, genetic and chemical methodologies for inducing pluripotency, the role of endogenous master transcription factors in establishing the pluripotent state, and functional interactions between reprogramming factors and epigenetic regulators. Defining the crosstalk among the diverse molecular actors implicated in cellular reprogramming presents a major challenge for future inquiry.
An inequality for order statistics

Abstract Let k be a non-negative integer, and let r 1 , r 2 ,…, r k be non-negative real numbers satisfying r 1 + r 2 + … + r k ⩽ 1 and r i +1 + … + r k k − i )/ k for all i = 1,…, k − 1. It is proved that there exists a constant c such that for any X 1 , X 2 ,…, X k non-negative i.i.d. random variables, if X ( j ) denotes the j th order statistic, then the following inequality holds: EX r 1 (1) … X r k k ⩽ cEX (1) . Moreover, it is shown that the conditions on r 1 ,…, r k are best possible for the inequality to hold.
Is Nature Enough? No

This essay is based on a lecture delivered at the 2002 IRAS Star Island conference, the theme of which was Is Nature Enough? The Thirst for Transcendence. I had been asked to represent the position of those who would answer No to the question. I thought it would stimulate discussion if I presented my side of the debate in a somewhat provocative manner rather than use a more ponderous approach that would argue each point in a meticulous and protracted fashion. Here I lay out a theological position that finds naturalism wanting in three ways: in terms of human spiritual needs, in terms of the mind's need for deep explanation, and in terms of the perennial human search for truth. Again, the style of presentation, like that of the original lecture, prohibits the kind of philosophical development that an adequate answer to each of the issues requires. The purpose is that of evoking discussion on a most important question.
The thermal and photochemical degenerate “walk” of (η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt along η4-bound 1,3,5-hexatriene

This study reports that [η4-1,2:3,4-(trans-6,6-dideuterio-1,3,5-hexatriene)](η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt undergoes facile thermal and photochemical degenerate interconversion with its 1,1-dideuterio regioisomer. The thermal process follows a first-order equilibrium kinetic expression. The Arrhenius activation parameters for the thermally-induced haptotropic rearrangement were determined: Ea  25.6 ± 1.2 kcal mol−1 and log A  12.5 ± 0.6.
Social interaction in jazz: implications for music therapy

This article explores the literature on how jazz musicians relate to one another while playing music and develops the implications of these findings for clinical music therapy practice. The premise of the article is that jazz and music therapy share a number of foundational principles that warrants the transfer of ideas between the two domains, although the present article focuses on how ideas generated from the former area of study can be applied to the latter. Parallels are noted between the challenges faced by jazz musicians—including soloists, accompanists, and bandleaders—and those faced by therapists and clients in the music therapy setting. Patterns of interaction, functions of particular instruments, and structures of the music in jazz are explored, and their implications for music therapy practice are highlighted.
Validation of an axially distributed model for quantification of myocardial blood flow using 13N-ammonia PET

Background Estimation of myocardial blood flow (MBF) with cardiac PET is often performed with conventional compartmental models. In this study, we developed and evaluated a physiologically and anatomically realistic axially distributed model. Unlike compartmental models, this axially distributed approach models both the temporal and the spatial gradients in uptake and retention along the capillary.
A Systems Model of Short-Term, Open-Ended Group Therapy

Because of rapid patient turnover and periodic therapist rotations, inpatient psychotherapy groups with open membership can sometimes appear to be forever beginning or forever ending. Described here is a model of group process that identifies four distinct stages of group development experienced by open-ended groups. Each of the four stages--called rebeginning, subgrouping, work phase, and termination--is characterized by attention to a particular boundary issue. In stages 1 to 3, the group members gradually move from establishing the group's separateness from other hospital systems to establishing alliances with the therapist and with each other to developing mutually supportive relationships. When several members are discharged, the group enters stage 4, during which it renews its efforts to fortify its external boundary. Therapeutic interventions appropriate to each stage of group development are discussed.
Nanoscale CMOS for mm-Wave Applications

Aggressive technology scaling of CMOS has culminated in a low-cost high volume commercial process technology with Ft > 150 GHz and Fmax > 200 GHz. This paper discusses the key trends in CMOS scaling that have led to this level of performance and attempts to predict the performance down to 45 nm. The design of active and passive components in CMOS for power gain and low noise are discussed in detail and unique features of CMOS technology are highlighted. Experimental results derived from a 60 GHz amplifier in 90 nm CMOS and a complete 60 GHz front-end receiver in 130 nm CMOS are reported.
Neurophysiological determination of lateral hypothalamic and lateral preoptic interconnections.

Abstract The effects of lateral hypothalamic (LH) stimulation on ipsilateral lateral preoptic area (LPA) neuronal activity were determined in anesthetized rats. The effects of LPA stimulation on LH neuronal activity were also determined. Recordings from 99 hypothalamic neurons indicate that reciprocal inhibitory relations exists between the LPA and LH. Following single rectangular pulse, 0.5 msec, 0–500 μA, stimulation short latency decreases in activity occurred. Longer latency increases in activity were also observed. Dose response relations were established for 90% of the LPA neurons following LH stimulation and for 80% of the LH neurons following LPA stimulation. Decreases and in a few cases increases in activity seemed to involve only one or two synapses. Antidromic responses revealed relatively slow conduction velocities of 0.4–0.9 m/sec. Results demonstrate a considerable degree of interconnectivity between the LPA and LH along the extent of the medial forebrain bundle. In addition to establishing the nature of these interconnections, the cross validation between the horseradish peroxidase neuroanatomical technique and electrophysiological methods was discussed as a means of determining hypothalamic organization and function.
Saturation and recovery kinetics of current-induced defects in a-Si:H

The defect density in a-Si:H is obtained from the reverse bias current and transient forward current in pi-n devices. The kinetics of current-induced and light-induced metastable defect creation are compared, and current-induced defect recovery is reported. Computer modelling identifies the delay in the onset of the forward current as a suppression of the double injection current due to charge trapped in defects.
Ontogenetic change in the radula of Conus magus (Gastropoda)

Specimens of the Indo-Pacific piscivorous gastropod Conus magus Linnaeus, 1758 were either collected by SCUBA in the field in Palau (1983–1984) or raised in the laboratory from egg capsules. C. magus captures adult fish with a specially modified radula tooth. Radula morphology was analyzed in a size range of individuals from 4.1 to 43.7 mm shell length, which encompassed early postmetamorphic juveniles to adults. Post-metamorphic C. magus juveniles are too small to consume fish, and all individuals below 9 mm possess a juvenile radula tooth totally different from that of the adult and resembling that of some vermivorous Conus species. The only food remains found in the digestive tracts of juveniles were the setae of syllid polychaetes. All individuals above 10.5 mm possessed adult teeth and had only fish remains in the gut. Two specimens, 10.1 and 9.2 mm in shell length, had intermediate-type radula teeth.