cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A socio-technical negotiation approach for collaborative design in software engineering

To support collaborative design in software engineering, we have built a socio-technical negotiation approach by integrating a Socio-Technical Co-construction Process (STCP) with an Argument-Based Negotiation Process (ABNP). The STCP provides rich contextual information of technical decisions and social interactions in a software design process. The ABNP provides STCP with a conflict resolution strategy by guiding software engineers to generate, exchange and evaluate their argument claims in negotiation activities. This paper reviews relevant research work and presents each step of this negotiation approach. In addition, this paper describes a prototype system which implements this new approach using the advanced web-based software technologies with the goal of demonstrating the enhanced negotiation capabilities in a dynamic socio-technical framework.
Spontaneous magnetization of anyons with long-range repulsion.

We calculate the spontaneous magnetization ${\mathit{M}}_{0}$ for anyons with a long-range repulsion (\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathit{r}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$), using the virial expansion for the equation of state. We find that, for physically reasonable values of the repulsion (i.e., those that mimic a Coulomb interaction), ${\mathit{M}}_{0}$ is reduced from the ideal-gas value by orders of magnitude. We briefly discuss the possible implications of these results for experiment.
Low Latency Adaptive Streaming of HD H.264 Video Over 802.11 Wireless Networks with Cross-layer Feedback

Streaming video in consumer homes over wireless IEEE 802.11 networks is becoming commonplace. Wireless 802.11 networks pose unique difficulties for streaming high definition (HD), low latency video due to their error-prone physical layer and media access procedures which were not designed for real-time traffic. HD video streaming, even with sophisticated H.264 encoding, is particularly challenging due to the large number of packet fragments per slice. Cross-layer design strategies have been proposed to address the issues of video streaming over 802.11. These designs increase streaming robustness by imposing some degree of monitoring and control over 802.11 parameters from application level, or by making the 802.11 layer media-aware. Important contributions are made, but none of the existing approaches directly take the 802.11 queuing into account. In this paper we take a different approach and propose a cross-layer design allowing direct, expedient control over the wireless packet queue, while obtaining timely feedback on transmission status for each packet in a media flow. This method can be fully implemented on a media sender with no explicit support or changes required to the media client. We assume that due to congestion or deteriorating signal-to-noise levels, the available throughput may drop substantially for extended periods of time, and thus propose video source adaptation methods that allow matching the bit-rate to available throughput. A particular H.264 slice encoding is presented to enable seamless stream switching between streams at multiple bit-rates, and we explore using new computationally efficient transcoding methods when only a high bit-rate stream is available.
The allocation problem in parallel production systems

Abstract Parallelism existing in a production system at different levels may be used to speed up the execution. In this paper, the notion of dependence between rules is introduced. It is shown that the analysis of dependences reveals the inherent parallelism and communication requirements among the rules. Techniques for automatic detection of parallelism and communication requirements are presented. A total parallel model which exploits parallelism in all the phases including matching and firing productions is assumed. The execution of a production of system on a multiprocessor involves the problem of partitioning the database and the rules among the processors. This is formulated as a 0–1 linear-quadratic programming problem and is shown to reduce to 0–1 linear programming with the penalty of increasing the size of the problem. Finally, a heuristic is given to solve the allocation problem using the A ∗ algorithm.
What Are Online Teaching Faculty Telling Us About Building Community

This article describes the results of a mixed-methods study that examined the perceptions of community among online faculty in Washington state community and technical colleges. Twelve community and technical colleges were randomly selected from the 34 colleges in Washington state. Results indicated significant differences between females versus males on questions related to motivators, time, and interactions. A significant difference existed among program area faculty related to regularly scheduled community-building activities. There were no significant differences between responses from full-time versus adjunct faculty or among the responses based on instructors’ number of years teaching online or their age. The results of this study suggest a strong agreement (87%) among all faculty on the value and importance of interacting with other online colleagues regarding effective online teaching practices.
Responses to threshold and suprathreshold stimuli by slowly adapting cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the cat

Although cutaneous type I and type II mechanoreceptors in the cat respond at progressively higher frequencies to increasingly rapid skin indentations of suprathreshold intensity, their thresholds are not lowered when these more rapid stimuli are applied. Since these receptors do not selectively detect rapid stimuli of small amplitude, even though they respond much more vigorously to a suprathreshold stimulus that is rapid, different parameters of the stimulus are signalled depending on whether it is near threshold or clearly suprathreshold.
Locations of movement-related cells in the human subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an emerging target for deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the somatotopic organization of the STN is important for surgical navigation within the nucleus. We analyzed intraoperative data obtained during 54 procedures for the implantation of STN stimulators to assess the locations of movement-related cells. Cells were considered movement-related if they exhibited modulation of the cell discharge during passive movement of the contralateral upper or lower extremity. Microelectrode track reconstructions were plotted on a human brain atlas, using the location of the DBS electrode from postoperative magnetic resonance images as a registration mark in reconstructing microelectrode track locations. Movement-related cells were predominantly located in the dorsal part of the nucleus. The majority of the cells were related to proximal joint manipulation. Arm-related cells were located laterally and at the rostral and caudal poles, whereas leg-related cells were located medially and centrally. The finding of three or more leg-related cells on a given microelectrode track was predictive of a medial localization within the motor area. Our findings are consistent with the small number of published studies on STN somatopy in the human and the nonhuman primate.
Efficacy of intrauterine inseminations as a training modality for performing embryo transfer in reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship programs

Objective To assess pregnancy rates before and after a training intervention in which reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellows were required to perform 100 IUIs before performing ETs. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Large, academic training program. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Comparing pregnancy rates between two time periods: July 1998–June 2001 (before IUI intervention) and July 2001–June 2010 (after IUI intervention). Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical pregnancy rate (PR) for the first 100 ETs performed by fellows before and after the IUI training; median attending physician PR during each time period served as the referent. Multivariate generalized estimating equations were used to calculate odds of pregnancy per ET for fellows as compared with attending physicians. Result(s) Multivariate analyses revealed no significant difference in PR for the first 100 ETs performed by fellows as compared with attending physicians, before or after the IUI training requirement (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.82–1.20 and odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.81–1.30, respectively). The median attending physician PR in the preintervention group was exceeded by fellows after the first 70 ETs; fellows in the postintervention group exceeded the median attending physician PR after 100 ETs. The PR in both groups improved as fellows progressed from the first 20 to 100 ETs. Conclusion(s) The PR for the first 100 ETs performed by fellows was unchanged after implementing an IUI training requirement. The substantial variation noted among individual fellows decreased as more ETs were completed.
Quantification of factors affecting the probability of development of pathogenic bacteria, in particular Clostridium botulinum, in foods

The success of a preservation method with respect toClostridium botulinum can be measured by its effect on the probability that a single spore would result in growth and formation of toxin. In canned, low-acid foods, the minimum heat-process is designed to reduce the probability of survival of a single, heat-resistant spore ofC. botulinum by a factor of 1012. In some foods, safety depends on the combination of inactivation and inhibition ofC. botulinum. The degree of protection (Pr) can be expressed asPr=Ds+In, whereDs is the decimal destruction of spores ofC. botulinum andIn is the decimal inhibition. A similar approach can be used in the case of other bacteria.Pr=log 1/P, whereP=the probability that an individual spore or bacterium will survive and result in growth.P can be estimated as the number of spores or bacteria that survive and initiate growth in a culture medium or food divided by the number of viable spores or bacteria inoculated into the medium or food. The effects of combinations of preservative factors can be measured by their effect onP at a stated temperature for a stated time. In experiments to determine the effects of preservative factors on an anaerobic bacterium such asC. botulinum it is essential that oxygen should be eliminated, unless it is controlled as an inhibitory factor. Thus experiments in culture media should be done under strictly anaerobic conditions at a known, low redox potential. The results of experiments to determine the effects of preservative factors onP after a series of incubation times can be modeled by methods similar to those used to model the effect of preservative factors on rate of growth and on lag period. Experiments to determine the effect of preservative factors on the probability of growth from a single spore or bacterium ofC. botulinum are discussed. A few reports of similar experiments with other bacteria have been published and are described. This approach has the advantage that it takes account of the inoculum level of bacteria.
Discriminant Analysis of Brain Imaging Data Identifies Subjects With Early Alzheimer's Disease

In vivo functional brain imaging provides an opportunity to quantify and localize functional deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), in relation to dementia severity and heterogeneous cognitive profiles. Such imaging also provides a basis for distinguishing AD from other causes of dementia and for making an early diagnosis of disease. One imaging modality that can elucidate AD is positron emission tomography (PET), which is used to measure regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Resting-state measurements with PET, when related to cognitive profiles in longitudinal studies, indicate that specific cognitive defects are preceded and predicted by reductions in rCMRglc in regions subserving the cognitive functions tested. Metabolic reductions and right/left metabolic asymmetries can be used to convert a "possible" to a "probable" diagnosis of AD by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria. Furthermore, discriminant analyses of PET metabolic patterns can identify patients at risk for AD with mild memory deficits as having probable AD. In the future, stimulation PET studies should augment the power of this discriminant analysis.
Detection of DNA base-excision repair activity for oxidative lesions in adult rat brain mitochondria

Endogenous oxidative damage to brain mitochondrial DNA and consequential disturbances of gene expression and mitochondrial dysfunction have long been implicated in aging and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. It has yet to be determined, however, whether mitochondria in brain cells contain an active DNA repair system and, if so, how this system functions. Therefore, the capacity for the repair of defined types of oxidative DNA lesions has been investigated in adult rat brain mitochondria. Using in vitro DNA incorporation repair assay, we have detected base excision repair (BER) activity for the common oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanine (8-oxodG) in mitochondria protein extracts from cortical tissues and cultured primary cortical neurons and astrocytes. The levels of BER activity were both protein concentration-dependent and repair-incubation time-dependent. To resolve the BER pathway, the activity of essential BER enzymes was examined in mitochondria using oligonucleotide incision assay, DNA polymerase assay, and DNA ligase assay employing specific DNA substrates. Mitochondrial extracts were able to remove specifically 8-oxodG, uracil, and the apurinic/apyrimidinic abasic site from substrates. Moreover, a gamma-like DNA polymerase activity and a DNA ligase activity were detected in mitochondiral extracts, based on the formation of specific repair products. These results demonstrate that adult brain mitochondria possess an active BER system for repairing oxidative DNA lesions. This repair system appears to function by sequential actions of DNA repair enzymes that are homologous to, but not identical to, that in the nucleus. Thus, BER may represent an endogenous protective mechanism against oxidative damage to mitochondrial, as well as nuclear, genomes in brain cells.
Numerical solutions of Laplace's equation and ion current flow by the use of flux-tube/equipotential relaxation

A flux-tube/equipotential relaxation method has been developed for solving the Poisson equation for mobile ions. The method uses finite-difference and current conservation equations but applies them on a grid that is continuously adjusted by relaxation to approximate flux tube and equipotential surfaces. The solution represents the flux lines and equipotential lines and the electric field values on them. The advantages of the method are that free boundary problems can be solved naturally, numerical diffusion of the ions is avoided, and the method can include physical diffusion terms. >
Common Language Effect Size for Multiple Treatment Comparisons.

Researchers who need to explain treatment effects to laypeople can translate Cohen’s effect size (standardized mean difference) to a common language effect size—a probability of a random observatio...
Are Immigrants More Likely Than Native-Born Americans to Perpetrate Intimate Partner Violence?:

Despite an emerging body of research indicating that immigrants are less likely than native-born Americans to engage in crime and antisocial behavior, less attention has focused specifically on intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among immigrant populations. We address this gap by using data from Wave II of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and compare immigrants from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America to native-born Americans with respect to multiple forms of IPV. After controlling for an extensive array of confounds, results indicate that in the aggregate, immigrants are significantly more likely to perpetrate IPV. However, examination of major world regions indicates these results are driven by Latin American immigrants. Immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe report a lower prevalence of IPV perpetration than native-born Americans. This study extends prior research on the immigrant paradox and suggests that future studies take into account regional heterogeneity when examining IPV and other forms of violence in immigrant populations.
B s -B̄ s mixing, CP violation, and extraction of CKM phases from untagged B s data samples

A width difference of the order of 20% has previously been predicted for the two mass eigenstates of the {ital B}{sub {ital s}} meson. The dominant contributor to the width difference is {ital b}{r_arrow}{ital c{bar c}s} transition, with final states common to both {ital B}{sub {ital s}} and {ital {bar B}}{sub {ital s}}. All current experimental analyses fit the time dependences of flavor-specific {ital B}{sub {ital s}} modes to a single exponential, which essentially determines the average {ital B}{sub {ital s}} lifetime. We stress that the same data sample allows even the measurement of the width difference. To see that, this article reviews the time-dependent formulas for tagged {ital B}{sub {ital s}} decays, which involve rapid oscillatory terms depending on {Delta} {ital mt}. In untagged data samples the rapid oscillatory terms cancel. Their time evolutions depend only on the much more slowly varying exponential falloffs. We discuss in detail the extraction of the two widths, and identify the large (small) {ital CP}-even (-odd) rate with that of the light (heavy) {ital B}{sub {ital s}} mass eigenstate. It is demonstrated that decay length distributions of some {ital untagged} {ital B}{sub {ital s}} modes, such as {rho}{sup 0}{ital K}{sub {ital S}},{omega}{ital K}{submore » {ital S}},{ital D}{sub {ital s}}{sup (*){plus_minus}}{ital K}{sup (*){minus_plus}}, can be used to extract the notoriously difficult CKM unitarity triangle {gamma}. Sizable {ital CP}-violating effects may be seen with such {ital untagged} {ital B}{sub {ital s}} data samples. Listing {Delta}{Gamma} as an observable allows for additional important standard model constraints. Within the CKM model, the ratio {Delta}{Gamma}/{Delta}{ital m} involves no CKM parameters, only a hadronic uncertainty. Thus a measurement of {Delta}{Gamma}({Delta}{ital m}) would predict {Delta}{ital m}({Delta}{Gamma}), up to the uncertainty. (Abstract Truncated)« less
Raising the Voice: Teaching through a Multicultural Lens.

Questions pertaining to racial and cultural identification are salient among social work educators in their role as teachers in the classroom. In the context of the 21st century, as an increasing number of people cannot be classified by race, an awareness of the complexities of cultural and racial identity is more important than ever. For social work pedagogy there is a need for critical reflection, increased awareness, sensitivity to multiculturalism, and cultural diversity. As social work educators, it is crucial for us to teach through the lens of multiculturalism and create spaces for voices of students who belie traditional racial and ethnic categories. This article elevates the voices of Black ethnic women, underscoring the complexity of identity construction within the United States. Qualitative interviews explore the dynamic social constructions of identification for 10 women who identify as Black and ethnic, as one example of a nuanced differentiation of race and culture. This article is a discus...
Experimental characterization of interconnects and discontinuities in thin-film multichip module substrates

Interconnects and discontinuities in a thin-film multichip module substrate are experimentally characterized, taking into account the effective dielectric loss attributed to dielectric anisotropy of the thin-film. >
Ethical Analysis of Artistic and Propagandistic Literature

Let us now consider an anthropological aspect of the problem. Are the two ethical systems realized in real human cultures? To answer the question we need empirical data related to the two different societies. We can then examine whether the cultural peculiarities differ from each other in the way predicted by our theory (assuming that in these cultures the different ethical systems are realized).
Identification of dominant mutations that confer increased aluminium tolerance through mutagenesis of the Al-sensitive Arabidopsis mutant, als3-1

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a global agricultural problem that occurs in acid soil environments and severely limits root growth and crop productivity. The isolation and characterization of a gene, ALS3, which is absolutely required by Arabidopsis seedlings for growth in an Al-toxic environment was reported previously. Since the als3-1 loss-of-function mutant has extreme root growth inhibition even in the presence of very low levels of Al, it was an excellent candidate for using a mutagenesis approach to identify suppressor mutations that would increase either Al resistance or tolerance in Arabidopsis roots. EMS-mutagenized als3-1 seedlings were screened for mutants that could sustain root growth in an Al-containing environment that is highly toxic to als3-1 but not Col-0 wt. This approach resulted in identification of 12 strong suppressor mutants that reversed the als3-1 phenotype and grew as well or better than Col-0 wt in the presence of high levels of Al. Subsequent analysis of three representative suppressor mutants revealed that the phenotype of each probably arises from dominant gain-of-function mutations at the same locus. Detailed analysis of one of these, alt1-1 (Al tolerant), suggests that this mutation positively impacts Al resistance in a manner dependent on pH adjustment rather than enhanced Al exclusion. Identification of these suppressor mutations, should not only further elucidate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying Al toxicity and tolerance but also will develop a collection of mutations that may be useful for engineering crop plants that can grow and thrive in Al-toxic environments.
Dynamic Predictive Model for the Growth of Salmonella spp. in Liquid Whole Egg

UNLABELLED A dynamic model for the growth of Salmonella spp. in liquid whole egg (LWE) (approximately pH 7.8) under continuously varying temperature was developed. The model was validated using 2 (5 to 15 °C; 600 h and 10 to 40 °C; 52 h) sinusoidal, continuously varying temperature profiles. LWE adjusted to pH 7.8 was inoculated with approximately 2.5-3.0 log CFU/mL of Salmonella spp., and the growth data at several isothermal conditions (5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, and 47 °C) was collected. A primary model (Baranyi model) was fitted for each temperature growth data and corresponding maximum growth rates were estimated. Pseudo-R2 values were greater than 0.97 for primary models. Modified Ratkowsky model was used to fit the secondary model. The pseudo-R2 and root mean square error were 0.99 and 0.06 log CFU/mL, respectively, for the secondary model. A dynamic model for the prediction of Salmonella spp. growth under varying temperature conditions was developed using 4th-order Runge-Kutta method. The developed dynamic model was validated for 2 sinusoidal temperature profiles, 5 to 15 °C (for 600 h) and 10 to 40 °C (for 52 h) with corresponding root mean squared error values of 0.28 and 0.23 log CFU/mL, respectively, between predicted and observed Salmonella spp. populations. The developed dynamic model can be used to predict the growth of Salmonella spp. in LWE under varying temperature conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Liquid egg and egg products are widely used in food processing and in restaurant operations. These products can be contaminated with Salmonella spp. during breaking and other unit operations during processing. The raw, liquid egg products are stored under refrigeration prior to pasteurization. However, process deviations can occur such as refrigeration failure, leading to temperature fluctuations above the required temperatures as specified in the critical limits within hazard analysis and critical control point plans for the operations. The processors are required to evaluate the potential growth of Salmonella spp. in such products before the product can be used, or further processed. Dynamic predictive models are excellent tools for regulators as well as the processing plant personnel to evaluate the microbiological safety of the product under such conditions.
Reno-prevention vs. reno-protection: a critical re-appraisal of the evidence-base from the large RAAS blockade trials after ontarget—a call for more circumspection

The ACEI, captopril was introduced into clinical medicine in the early 1970s for hypertension. Other ACEIs and the ARBs were introduced subsequently. Following several RAAS blockade trials, we now have an expanded set of clinical indications for these agents. Despite the escalated use of these agents, we continue to experience an unexplained epidemic of ESRD/CKD/ARF. There are concerns regarding potential iatrogenic renal failure arising from these agents. A case, it would appear, of unintended consequences. Our publication of several reports on the previously unrecognized syndrome of late onset renal failure from angiotensin blockade (LORFFAB) in 2008 adds to this evolving literature. At the same time, some recent reports have questioned the veracity of claims of superior reno-protection with these agents beyond BP lowering. A post hoc analysis of a subset of patients in the MICRO-HOPE cohort suggested that a previously unrecognized greater 24-h BP lowering achieved in the ramipril arm vs placebo could explain the reported benefits of the ACEI. These doubts and concerns became heightened by the results of the ONTARGET study. Our critical re-appraisal of the large RAAS blockade trials revealed design flaws and protocol contradictions that further these doubts and concerns. We conclude that these agents be used more judiciously, with better monitoring of kidney function. Treating physicians must consider drug discontinuation in selected patients. We also support temporary withdrawal of these agents before major surgical procedures, contrast media administration and during acute illness. Such preventative measures (reno-prevention) would enhance the benefits of reno-protection with RAAS blockade.
A New Fault-Information Model for Adaptive & Minimal Routing in 3-D Meshes

In this paper, we rewrite the minimal-connected-component (MCC) model in 2-D meshes in a fully-distributed manner without using global information so that not only can the existence of a Manhattan-distance-path be ensured at the source, but also such a path can be formed by routing-decisions made at intermediate nodes along the path. We propose the MCC model in 3-D meshes, and extend the corresponding routing in 2-D meshes to 3-D meshes. We consider the positions of source & destination when the new faulty components are constructed. Specifically, all faulty nodes will be contained in some disjoint fault-components, and a healthy node will be included in a faulty component only if using it in the routing will definitely cause a non-minimal routing-path. A distributed process is provided to collect & distribute MCC information to a limited number of nodes along so-called boundaries. Moreover, a sufficient & necessary condition is provided for the existence of a Manhattan-distance-path in the presence of our faulty components. As a result, only the routing having a Manhattan-distance-path will be activated at the source, and its success can be guaranteed by using the information of boundary in routing-decisions at the intermediate nodes. The results of our Monte-Carlo-estimate show substantial improvement of the new fault-information model in the percentage of successful Manhattan-routing conducted in 3-D meshes.
Sucrase activity in the intestine of the chick: normal development and influence of hydrocortisone, actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and puromycin.

Sucrase activity in the intestine of the chick embryo increases to a pre-hatching maximum at 19 days. A significant decrease in activity occurs by 20 days, followed by rapid increases in the jejunum and the ileum after hatching, while duodenal activity continues to decrease. The injection of hydrocortisone resulted in significant increases in sucrase activity. The decrease in activity that normally occurred after 19 days was delayed until after 20 days. The hydrocortisone-induced increases were completely abolished when cycloheximide was administered two or three days after the hormone injection. When actinomycin D was administered at 16 days, there were significant increases in sucrase activity at 18 days, and the maximum activity was produced at 19 days. High activities were obtained when actinomycin D was injected at 17 days. The administration of cycloheximide at 14 or 16 days did not change the sucrase activity through 19 days, but the 20-day decrease was prevented. Large increases in activity were observed at 20 days when the antibiotic was injected at 17 days. Histological preparations revealed that these two antibiotics did not produce abnormalities in the epithelial cells of the tissues. Puromycin injection inhibited the normal decrease at 20 days. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide were injected simultaneously at 16 days. Cycloheximide did not prevent the elevation of sucrase activity caused by actinomycin D. It is suggested that the development of sucrase activity in the chick intestine may consist of a phase of activation followed by a phase of inhibition. In the first phase, de novo synthesis can apparently be evoked by hydrocortisone.
Neuronal growth factor regulation of two different sodium channel types through distinct signal transduction pathways

Neuronal growth factors regulate the expression of voltage-activated sodium current in differentiating sympathetic neurons and PC12 cells. We show that, in PC12 cells, the NGF- and FGF-induced sodium current results from increased expression of two distinct sodium channel types. Sodium current results from the rapid induction of a novel sodium channel transcript, also found in peripheral neurons, and from the long term induction of brain type II/IIA mRNA. Expression of the type II/IIA sodium channel requires activation of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase), whereas induction of the peripheral neuron type sodium channel occurs through an A-kinase-independent signal transduction pathway. These findings suggest that the two sodium channel types act in concert to ensure the generation of action potentials during neuronal differentiation.
Signaling through Gαi2 protein is required for recruitment of neutrophils for antibody‐mediated elimination of larval Strongyloides stercoralis in mice

The heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein Galphai2 is involved in regulation of immune responses against microbial and nonmicrobial stimuli. Galphai2-/- mice have a selectively impaired IgM response consistent with a disorder in B cell development yet have augmented T cell effector function associated with increased production of IFN-gamma and IL-4. The goal of the present study was to determine if a deficiency in the Galphai2 protein in mice would affect the protective immune response against Strongyloides stercoralis, which is IL-4-, IL-5-, and IgM-dependent. Galphai2-/- and wild-type mice were immunized and challenged with S. stercoralis larvae and analyzed for protective immune responses against infection. Galphai2-/- mice failed to kill the larvae in the challenge infection as compared with wild-type mice despite developing an antigen-specific Th2 response characterized by increased IL-4, IL-5, IgM, and IgG. Transfer of serum collected from immunized Galphai2-/- mice to naive wild-type mice conferred passive protective immunity against S. stercoralis infection thus confirming the development of a protective antibody response in Galphai2-/- mice. Differential cell analyses and myeloperoxidase assays for quantification of neutrophils showed a significantly reduced recruitment of neutrophils into the microenvironment of the parasites in immunized Galphai2-/- mice. However, cell transfer studies demonstrated that neutrophils from Galphai2-/- mice are competent in killing larvae. These data demonstrate that Galphai2 signaling events are not required for the development of the protective immune responses against S. stercoralis; however, Galphai2 is essential for the recruitment of neutrophils required for host-dependent killing of larvae.
A Drosophila model for mito-nuclear diseases generated by an incompatible interaction between tRNA and tRNA synthetase.

Communication between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes is vital for cellular function. The assembly of mitochondrial enzyme complexes, which produce the majority of cellular energy, requires the coordinated expression and translation of both mitochondrially and nuclear-encoded proteins. The joint genetic architecture of this system complicates the basis of mitochondrial diseases, and mutations both in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)- and nuclear-encoded genes have been implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction. Previously, in a set of mitochondrial-nuclear introgression strains, we characterized a dual genome epistasis in which a naturally occurring mutation in the Drosophila simulans simw501 mtDNA-encoded transfer RNA (tRNA) for tyrosine (tRNATyr) interacts with a mutation in the nuclear-encoded mitochondrially localized tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we show that the incompatible mitochondrial-nuclear combination results in locomotor defects, reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity, decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzyme activity and severe alterations in mitochondrial morphology. Transgenic rescue strains containing nuclear variants of the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase are sufficient to rescue many of the deleterious phenotypes identified when paired with the simw501 mtDNA. However, the severity of this defective mito-nuclear interaction varies across traits and genetic backgrounds, suggesting that the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction might be tissue specific. Because mutations in mitochondrial tRNATyr are associated with exercise intolerance in humans, this mitochondrial-nuclear introgression model in Drosophila provides a means to dissect the molecular basis of these, and other, mitochondrial diseases that are a consequence of the joint genetic architecture of mitochondrial function.
Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolone, sulfonamide, and trimethoprim antibiotics in wastewater using tandem solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry.

Abstract A robust and sensitive method for the detection of fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and trimethoprim has been developed. Wastewater samples were acidified and extracted through an anion-exchange cartridge in tandem with a hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge, a procedure that reduced interferences from wastewater organic matter. The extracted antibiotics were analyzed using liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring. Quantification of antibiotics was assessed both by internal standard and standard addition methods. Average recoveries for a range of wastewater matrices were 37 to 129% for a 1 μg/L spiking concentration. The method detection limits (MDLs) of antibiotics in deionized water, final and secondary effluent ranged from 2 to 7 ng/L, from 20 to 50 ng/L, and from 30 to 90 ng/L, respectively. Assessment of matrix interference shows that signal suppression and MDL increases with higher amounts of organic matter in the sample. Analyses of samples from two municipal wastewater treatment plants indicate that ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are present in the secondary effluents at median concentrations of 100–160, 205–305, 395–575, and 40–705 ng/L, respectively.
Disulfide Bond Formation Between Thermally Denatured β-Lactoglobulin and κ-Casein in Casein Micelles

Abstract Interaction between thermally denatured β-lactoglobulin and κ-casein has been suggested to occur via a sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange leading to an intermolecular disulfide bond. Direct evidence for a sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange between β-lactoglobulin and κ-casein in native casein micelles was obtained by heat treatment of native micelles, obtained and used immediately without exposure to temperature below 20°C, in the presence of β-lactoglobulin that was covalently immobilized on 3000-A pore diameter porous glass beads. Washing the beads with low pH urea solutions removed all non-covalently bound proteins without further interchange. Treatment of the washed beads with a reducing agent released protein attached through disulfide bonds which was then identified by PAGE. Only κ-casein could be identified in the reductively released protein. No reductively released protein could be detected in samples treated at 55 or 65°C. A small amount of κ-casein was present in the reductive eluant following heat treatment at 75°C; however, a much greater amount was attached through intermolecular disulfide bonds when the mixture was heated at 85°C.
Preclinical Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Profile of 1192U90, A Potential Antipsychotic

11192U90 was submitted to receptor binding and monoamine uptake assays. It bound potently at serotonin 5-HT2, dopaminergic D2, serotonin 5-HT1A, and adrenergic alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors. It also bound to dopaminergic D1, serotonin 5-HT3, serotonin 5-HT4, and sigma sites, albeit with lower affinity. It was essentially inactive at 22 other sites, including those for cholinergic M1 and M2. It weakly inhibited uptake of 3H-norepinephrine, 3H-serotonin and 3H-dopamine. Acute doses of 1192U90 (5 and 20 mg/kg P.O.) increased whole-brain levels of dopamine metabolites but did not affect levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Subcutaneous injection of 1192U90 (0.8 mg/kg/day) and clozapine (20 mg/kg/day) for 28 days preferentially decreased the number of spontaneously active dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) but not the substantia nigra (SN) of rats, as measured by population sampling. This outcome is characteristics of atypical antipsychotics like clozapine. Acute injections of 1192U90 reversed the rate-inhibiting effects of microiontophoretically applied dopamine and intravenously injected apomorphine and d-amphetamine on dopamine cell firing. Intravenous injection or iontophoretic application of 1192U90 or the 5-HT1A agonist (+/-)8-OH-DPAT inhibited the firing rates of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurons in rats, and the effects of both compounds were blocked by iontophoretically applied S(-) propranolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist. The results suggest that 1192U90 is a preferential dopamine D2 antagonist as well as a 5-HT1A agonist that may prove to be an atypical antipsychotic.
Methods and concepts in quantifying resistance to drought, salt and freezing, abiotic stresses that affect plant water status

The abiotic stresses of drought, salinity and freezing are linked by the fact that they all decrease the availability of water to plant cells. This decreased availability of water is quantified as a decrease in water potential. Plants resist low water potential and related stresses by modifying water uptake and loss to avoid low water potential, accumulating solutes and modifying the properties of cell walls to avoid the dehydration induced by low water potential and using protective proteins and mechanisms to tolerate reduced water content by preventing or repairing cell damage. Salt stress also alters plant ion homeostasis, and under many conditions this may be the predominant factor affecting plant performance. Our emphasis is on experiments that quantify resistance to realistic and reproducible low water potential (drought), salt and freezing stresses while being suitable for genetic studies where a large number of lines must be analyzed. Detailed protocols for the use of polyethylene glycol-infused agar plates to impose low water potential stress, assay of salt tolerance based on root elongation, quantification of freezing tolerance and the use of electrolyte leakage experiments to quantify cellular damage induced by freezing and low water potential are also presented.
Smokers’ attitudes and support for e-cigarette policies and regulation in the USA

Background In April 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to extend its tobacco regulatory authority to e-cigarettes, which have been unregulated and growing in use since their 2006–2007 US introduction. The FDA will issue a final rule based on comments and data received from researchers, tobacco companies and the public. We aimed to present data about current smokers’ awareness of and attitudes towards potential e-cigarette regulation and various policies in the USA. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online e-cigarette focused survey of 519 adult current smokers in April 2014, before the FDA9s proposed rule was announced. Participants were recruited from a private research panel (GFK9s Knowledge Networks) designed to be representative of the US population. Results The majority of respondents (62.5%) did not know that e-cigarettes are unregulated by the FDA but agreed that e-cigarettes should be regulated by the FDA for safety and quality (83.5%), carry warning labels about their potential risks (86.6%) and have the same legal age of sale as other tobacco (87.7%). Support was similarly high among current e-cigarette users. Support was substantial though lower overall for policies to restrict e-cigarette indoor use (41.2%), flavouring (44.3%) and advertising (55.5%), and was negatively associated with current e-cigarette use. Conclusions Support for many e-cigarette regulatory policies is strong among smokers, including for policies that the FDA has recently proposed and potential future regulations. States considering indoor e-cigarette restrictions should know that a substantial number of current smokers support such regulations.
Waist Circumference Is a Better Predictor than Body Mass Index of Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Overweight Premenopausal Women

Waist circumference (WC) has been postulated to have stronger associations with biomarkers of coronary heart disease (CHD) than BMI. In this study, we measured the level of activity by determining steps walked per day and select biomarkers for CHD risk in 80 overweight or obese (BMI = 25-37 kg/m(2)) premenopausal women to evaluate whether these biomarkers are associated with WC or BMI. The plasma biomarkers measured, using samples from women who had fasted for 12 h, were lipids, apolipoproteins (apo), LDL peak diameter, LDL susceptibility to oxidation, glucose, leptin, and insulin. We identified subjects with the metabolic syndrome (11%) and insulin resistance (30%) to further distinguish subjects at increased risk for CHD. Both BMI and WC were positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.376 and 0.384, respectively, P or = 30 kg/m(2) or WC > 88 cm had significantly higher leptin concentrations than women having a BMI 88 cm also had higher diastolic pressure (P < 0.05), and higher plasma TG (P < 0.05) and apo C-III (P < 0.05) concentrations than those with WC < or = 88. In addition, subjects with the higher WC walked an average of 1000 fewer steps per day (P < 0.01). These results suggest that WC is a stronger predictor of CHD risk than BMI and is more closely associated with the level of exercise in premenopausal women.
Analysis of harmonic pollution on power distribution systems

Lower-order harmonics (180 Hz to 2000 Hz) generated by nonlinear loads, such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, adjustable frequency drives, computers, etc., cause harmonic pollution. This pollution can cause problems within power distribution systems that can range from the malfunction of protective devices to the physical damage of power system components and loads. The authors present ideas on how to design an industrial power system with the sources of harmonics in mind and, using computer analysis, to determine whether a harmonic problem may exist. They provide information that can be used to measure an existing electrical system that exhibits evidence of a harmonic problem. The use of tools such as commercial harmonic analysis programs and the IEEE standards is suggested to simplify the analysis of systems and provide guidelines that indicate where problems may lie. >
Analysis of a time dependent injection strategy to accelerate the residual trapping of sequestered CO2 in the geologic subsurface

Abstract A time dependent injection strategy for greatly accelerating the immobilization of geologically sequestered CO 2 is proposed and analyzed. The injection of high density CO 2 into a brine aquifer is followed by brine flooding facilitating residual trapping and dissolution of the CO 2 on time scales much shorter than those that would occur by natural processes. One-dimensional kinematic wave equations are derived for the two-phase flow of brine and CO 2 and for the transport of dissolved CO 2 . A solution of these equations using the method of characteristics reveals that brine flooding is most effective when the kinematic wave speed of CO 2 saturation is higher than the propagation velocity of a shock wave separating the two-phase flow from the native brine. Finite volume simulation using the reservoir simulator TOUGH2 with PetraSIM interface are generally in good agreement with the one-dimensional model, but show that gravitational overriding of the CO 2 can become important if the duration of the injection process is too long. Both methods show that brine flooding is able to reduce the mass fraction of mobile CO 2 to less than 10% using a volume ratio brine:CO 2 of less than 2.75 on time scales comparable to that of the CO 2 injection.
Measured Neutron Spectra and Dose Equivalents From a Mevion Single-Room, Passively Scattered Proton System Used for Craniospinal Irradiation

Purpose To measure, in the setting of typical passively scattered proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) treatment, the secondary neutron spectra, and use these spectra to calculate dose equivalents for both internal and external neutrons delivered via a Mevion single-room compact proton system. Methods and Materials Secondary neutron spectra were measured using extended-range Bonner spheres for whole brain, upper spine, and lower spine proton fields. The detector used can discriminate neutrons over the entire range of the energy spectrum encountered in proton therapy. To separately assess internally and externally generated neutrons, each of the fields was delivered with and without a phantom. Average neutron energy, total neutron fluence, and ambient dose equivalent [H* (10)] were calculated for each spectrum. Neutron dose equivalents as a function of depth were estimated by applying published neutron depth–dose data to in-air H* (10) values. Results For CSI fields, neutron spectra were similar, with a high-energy direct neutron peak, an evaporation peak, a thermal peak, and an intermediate continuum between the evaporation and thermal peaks. Neutrons in the evaporation peak made the largest contribution to dose equivalent. Internal neutrons had a very low to negligible contribution to dose equivalent compared with external neutrons, largely attributed to the measurement location being far outside the primary proton beam. Average energies ranged from 8.6 to 14.5 MeV, whereas fluences ranged from 6.91 × 10 6 to 1.04 × 10 7 n/cm 2 /Gy, and H* (10) ranged from 2.27 to 3.92 mSv/Gy. Conclusions For CSI treatments delivered with a Mevion single-gantry proton therapy system, we found measured neutron dose was consistent with dose equivalents reported for CSI with other proton beamlines.