cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave digestion for analysis of metals in soil

Abstract Microwave digestion using either only nitric acid or a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide is an innovative technique used widely for elemental analysis of soil and plant samples. Only limited information, however, is available on comparisons of digestions with or without hydrogen peroxide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of hydrogen peroxide on the analytical results for several metals in soil samples. Three mineral and four organic soil samples were used in this study. The soils were slightly acidic, and the organic carbon ranged from 0.38 to 1.26% for the mineral soils and from 17 to 38% for the organic samples. After microwave digestion, the soil samples were analyzed for aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. In general, the analytical results obtained with nitric acid alone were not significantly diffe...
Redlining or risk? A spatial analysis of auto insurance rates in Los Angeles

Auto insurance rates can vary dramatically, with much higher premiums in poor and minority areas than elsewhere, even after accounting for individual characteristics, driving history, and coverage. This paper uses a unique data set to examine the relative influence of place-based socioeconomic characteristics (or redlining) and place-based risk factors on the place-based component of automobile insurance premiums. We use a novel approach of combining tract-level census data and car insurance rate quotes from multiple companies for sub-areas within the city of Los Angeles. The quotes are for a hypothetical individual with identical demographic and auto characteristics, driving records, and insurance coverage. This method allows the individual demographic and driving record to be fixed. Multivariate models are then used to estimate the independent contributions of these risk and redlining factors to the place-based component of the car insurance premium. We find that both risk and redlining factors are associated with variations in insurance costs in the place-based component, with black and poor neighborhoods being adversely affected, although risk factors are stronger predictors. However, even after risk factors are taken into account in the model specification, SES factors remain statistically significant. Moreover, simulations show that redlining factors explain more of the gap in auto insurance premiums between black (and Latino) and white neighborhoods and between poor and nonpoor neighborhoods. The findings do not appear sensitive to the individual characteristics of the hypothetical driver. © 2007 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
Drug abuse treatment retention and process effects on follow-up outcomes.

After finding that retention in methadone treatment for a year or longer was a highly significant predictor of patient outcomes following discharge, measures of pretreatment motivation and early therapeutic engagement were examined as predictors of program retention. Personal interviews were conducted with a sample of 435 patients 12 months after discharge from three methadone treatment programs. Logistic regression results showed several patient attributes--i.e. over 35, lower injection frequency before admission, and higher motivation for treatment--were each associated with twofold increases in the likelihood of having favorable follow-up outcomes on illicit drug use, alcohol use, and criminal involvement. Patients staying in treatment a year or longer, however, were nearly five times more likely to have better outcomes. Further analyses established that length of treatment stay was predicted by higher patient motivation at intake and early program involvement. The findings suggest that more comprehensive models of patient attributes, therapeutic process, and environmental influences are needed, and that treatment enhancement efforts should focus on such during-treatment measures as interim criteria for improving posttreatment outcomes.
Artificial neural networks for robotics coordinate transformation

Abstract Artificial neural networks with such characteristics as learning, graceful degradation, and speed inherent to parallel distributed architectures might provide a flexible and cost solution to the real time control of robotics systems. In this investigation artificial neural networks are presented for the coordinate transformation mapping of a two-axis robot modeled with Fischertechnik physical modeling components. The results indicate that artificial neural systems could be utilized for practical situations and that extended research in these neural structures could provide adaptive architectures for dynamic robotics control.
Testosterone propionate minimum for induction of male development in anurans; comparative data from other vertebrates.

SummaryAn amount of testosterone propionate as small as 1 μg/liter of aquarium water, a cancentration of 1 : 1,000,000,000, is sufficient o induce male development in a large majority of Rana sylvatica larvae raised in such a solution from hatching to metamorphosis. The relationship of these results to similar work on other vertebrates is discussed.
Experimental expert system for audiometric testing

An experimental expert system for audiometric testing has been developed for desktop computers. This system is capable of administering air and bone conduction testing with noise masking, recognizing and classifying audiograms and tympanograms, and reaching a tentative interpretive diagnosis. The system is written in Prolog and runs on MS-DOS-based microcomputers. Preliminary results show that it is possible to implement a limited audiological expert system on microcomputers. >
Adrenergic receptors in brain microvessels

Abstract The brain is isolated metabolically from the rest of the body by two major anatomical barrier systems. The first is the blood-brain barrier, consisting of capillary endothelium and astrocytic processes, which separates the systemic vasculature from the extracellular fluid compartment of the brain. The second is the blood-CSF barrier, consisting of the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, which separates the choroidal (part of the systemic) vasculature from the cerebrospinal fluid. Recent anatomical, biochemical and physiological studies raise the possibility that the cellular components of these barrier systems may be subject to adrenergic regulation. This article will focus in particular on possible hormonal and neurogenic regulation of the blood-brain barrier and the cerebral microvasculature. The reader is referred to a recent review by Nathanson for a discussion of possible adrenergic regulation of the choroid plexus 15 .
Introduction: Issues and Perspectives on the Dialectics of Knowledge

This special issue of Interchange examines both fundamental questions as they pertain to Knowledge, its transmission, transformation, growth and commodification. The last of these constructs ‘‘commodification’’ applies to institutions and other structures within the private sector, that market Knowledge in exchange for tuition dollars and/or institutional fees, with the promise of a degree, diploma, or certificate that may or may not guarantee employment. In many of the ‘‘former’’ socialist countries of Western and Northern Europe where tuition is not a requirement but modest fees are, even a small increment in fees were the cause of student protests (e.g., Germany). This is an interesting dialectic when compared to the university system in the United States, where barring circumstances of scholarships, most students pay for their education (Knowledge acquisition) with tuition dollars, which in turn leads the inquisitive mind into the corporate structures that govern and dole out the tuition dollars in the form of loans and other schemes. This is also true in many Asian countries in which after school prep programs, private tutors, and magnate schools with labels such as La Martiniere, British International, Canadian International, and so forth, attract significant parent incomes with the hope of helping their children navigate the Darwinian system in place. In fact the Asian market is so ‘‘open’’ now in terms of the human population with disposable income that many prominent universities have set up satellite campuses in China, India, and other places. Again the commodity under transaction is ‘‘Knowledge’’ in the form of a degree carrying a coat of arms from some former colonizer. I hope the irony of this is not lost on the reader. On the other hand, the ideal that all ‘‘Knowledge’’ should be transmitted free or mimic the models in several ‘‘former’’ socialist countries of Europe also runs into issues, namely the abuse of a system that is inherently free which requires the system to levy charges and impose rules to curtail the misuse. So are we in a
Electron impact ionization energies

Abstract Ionization energies (IEs) of 25 high temperature effusion-beam species, determined in this laboratory over a period of several decades from electron impact (EI) threshold measurements, are compared primarily with values obtained from photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). In a few instances, the comparisons include values obtained by other spectroscopic methods. The EI values were evaluated by the extrapolated voltage difference method and are assigned an accuracy of 0.10 eV, while the PES values are generally accurate to 0.01–0.02 eV. In the most straightforward cases, where the adiabatic and vertical IEs are coincident, the EI and PES values generally agree to within the lower accuracy of the EI results. Where molecular geometry changes lead to significant differences between adiabatic and vertical IEs, the EI values unexpectedly tend to agree with the adiabatic rather than the vertical IEs. Overall, the comparisons indicate that the Nier-Ingrahm type EI source is capable of reasonably accurate threshold IE measurements, within 0.10 eV, but the interpretation of the results in terms of specific ionic states is, of course, problematic. Keywords: Ionization energies; Electron impact; Photoelectron spectroscopy
Poststroke Depression: A Review Emphasizing the Role of Prophylactic Treatment and Synergy with Treatment for Motor Recovery

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are common post stroke. Depression has a prevalence rate of 9% to 34% in the initial 3 to 6 months following stroke and is the most common neuropsychiatric sequel of stroke. Poststroke depression (PSD) has a significant adverse impact on the course of rehabilitation following stroke, resulting in overall impaired functional outcome. An increased risk of suicide and increased mortality have been reported. The association of depression and stroke is well established, highly complex, and multifactorial in origin, and the etiology of PSD involves size, location and number of lesions, stroke subtype, stroke severity, social handicap, and family support. Additionally, depression itself is an independent risk factor for stroke. In this article, we review the complex pathogenesis of PSD and summarize pharmacological treatment options. Because of recent important results that may relate to underlying cellular restorative processes, we focus on early prophylactic treatment, particularly as it involves selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is a recently recognized synergy between functional recovery and depression prophylaxis. New evidence that antidepressants, and SSRIs in particular, can make a substantial contribution to stroke recovery is explored.
The self-perceived needs of family members with a relative in the intensive care unit (ICU).

If an accurate assessment of an ICU patient is to be achieved, and care reach its maximum potential, an holistic approach must be taken, embracing an understanding of the family unit. It has been recognised that most patients are influenced by their family and vice versa. Therefore, the emotional and functional state of the family unit may affect the response of the patient to treatment. It was with this in mind, and in consideration of the recommendation that further research be undertaken in this field, that this exploratory study was conducted, to establish the selfperceived needs of family members with a relative in the Intensive Care, and to identify who the family member considered the most appropriate person to meet each need. The priority of the staff in an ICU is usually saving the patient’s life. It has been well recognised that serious illness, and admission of the patient, disrupts the established needs, roles and structures of the family unit (Olsen, 1970). It can be argued that it is the family members who need the most psychological support. Although the intention to support the family is constant, factually its needs are not always fulfilled (Daley, 1984; S tillwell, 1984). There are several factors which may contribute to this unwelcome state of affairs, among them the lack of time and arguably, the shortage of available nursing staff. These are beyond the direct control of the intensive care team. How-
A new approach to fast polynomial interpolation and multipoint evaluation

Abstract The fastest known algorithms for the problems of polynomial evaluation and multipoint interpolation are devastatingly unstable numerically because of their recursive use of polynomial divisions. We apply a completely distinct approach to compute approximate solutions to both problems equally fast but with improved numerical stability. Our approach relies on new techniques, so far not used in this area: we reduce the problems to Vandermonde matrix computations and then exploit some recent methods for improving computations with structured matrices.
Contractility changes in cultured cardiac cells following laser microirradiation of myofibrils and the cell surface.

Abstract Laser irradiation of myofibrils in cultured neonatal rat heart cells at a wavelength of 537 nm produced subsarcomeric lesions that were visible in the phase contrast, polarizing and electron microscopes. This irradiation resulted in the production of contractile changes as frequently as the microbeaming of mitochondria. Irradiation of the cell surface via carbon particles produced similar contractile changes more often than either myofibrillar or mitochondrial irradiation. The contractile changes noted in this study appear to be dependent on extracellular calcium.
Water surface locomotion in tropical canopy ants

Upon falling onto the water surface, most terrestrial arthropods helplessly struggle and are quickly eaten by aquatic predators. Exceptions to this outcome mostly occur among riparian taxa that escape by walking or swimming at the water surface. Here we document sustained, directional, neustonic locomotion (i.e. surface swimming) in tropical arboreal ants. We dropped 35 species of ants into natural and artificial aquatic settings in Peru and Panama to assess their swimming ability. Ten species showed directed surface swimming at speeds >3 body lengths s(-1), with some swimming at absolute speeds >10 cm s(-1). Ten other species exhibited partial swimming ability characterized by relatively slow but directed movement. The remaining species showed no locomotory control at the surface. The phylogenetic distribution of swimming among ant genera indicates parallel evolution and a trend toward negative association with directed aerial descent behavior. Experiments with workers of Odontomachus bauri showed that they escape from the water by directing their swimming toward dark emergent objects (i.e. skototaxis). Analyses of high-speed video images indicate that Pachycondyla spp. and O. bauri use a modified alternating tripod gait when swimming; they generate thrust at the water surface via synchronized treading and rowing motions of the contralateral fore and mid legs, respectively, while the hind legs provide roll stability. These results expand the list of facultatively neustonic terrestrial taxa to include various species of tropical arboreal ants.
THE VICTIM–OFFENDER OVERLAP IN CONTEXT: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD STREET CULTURE

Although numerous studies have found a strong relationship between offending and victimization risk, the etiology of this relationship is not well understood. Largely absent from this research is an explicit focus on neighborhood processes. However, theoretical work found in the subculture of violence literature implies that neighborhood street culture may help to account for the etiology of this phenomenon. Specifically, we should expect the magnitude of the victim-offender overlap to vary closely with neighborhood-based violent conduct norms. This research uses waves 1 and 2 of the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) to test the empirical validity of these notions. Our results show that the victim-offender overlap is not generalizeable across neighborhood contexts; in fact, it is especially strong in neighborhoods where the street culture predominates, whereas it is significantly weaker in areas where this culture is less prominent. These results indicate that neighborhood-level cultural processes help to explain the victim-offender overlap, and they may cause this phenomenon to be context specific. Language: en
Automatically Detecting and Visualising Errors in UML Diagrams

de facto standard for object-oriented modelling. Currently, UML comprises several different notations with no formal semantics attached to the individual diagrams or their integration, thus preventing rigorous analysis of the diagrams. Previously, we developed a formalisation framework that attaches formal semantics to a subset of UML diagrams used to model embedded systems. This paper describes automated structural and behavioural analyses applicable to UML diagrams using our formalisation framework. In addition to intra- and inter-diagram consistency checks, we discuss how simulation and model checking can be used in tandem for behavioural analysis of the UML diagrams. Our tools also visually interpret the analysis results in terms of the original UML diagrams, thereby facilitating their correction and refinement. We illustrate these capabilities through the modelling and analysis of UML diagrams for an automotive industrial case study.
Figitumumab (CP-751,871) for cancer therapy.

Importance of the field: Figitumumab is being developed as a highly potent and specific fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody against the IGF Type 1 receptor (IGF-IR) for the treatment of cancer.Areas covered in this review: This manuscript reviews the rationale, preclinical data and early clinical results of the figitumumab development program. Early trials were initiated in 2003 and initial reports appeared in 2006.What the reader will gain: Figitumumab has an effective half life of approximately 20 days and has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials. Initial pharmacodynamic studies suggested that IGF-IR overexpression and increased bioactivity of IGFs constitute independent mechanisms of tumor sensitivity to figitumumab. Single-agent activity has been noted in Ewing's sarcoma and a recently completed proof-of-concept study suggested that figitumumab may be active in NSCLC.Take home message: The strong biologic rationale for IGF-IR targeting in multiple types of human cancer and the feasibility...
Analyzing and verifying locally clocked circuits with the concurrency workbench

Locally Clocked Modules (LCMs) allow asynchronous communication between synchronous computational elements. The concurrency workbench models concurrent systems in the CCS process algebra. We describe the use of the concurrency workbench to specify, simulate, and verify implementations of LCMs and discuss its application to the specification of asynchronous circuits.
Clean Energy for Green Buildings: An Overview of On- and Off-Site Alternatives

Abstract There are many reasons to pursue clean energy alternatives in both new-built and renovated/upgraded buildings. The most obvious is, of course, the direct economic benefit of either reducing ongoing energy costs by using fuel and electricity more efficiently, or by eliminating these costs entirely when incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. However, there are other benefits as well. In some cases, the building owner may be required by law to use greener sources of energy in order to help protect the environment, for example by reducing air pollution. In other cases, the building's owner may wish to incorporate clean power in order to promote a green image to the residents or occupants of the building (in the case of an office building or residential complex) or visitors to the building (such as shoppers in a retail facility). In this paper, we take a broad view of the clean energy decision. Instead of asking, “how can builders install solar or wind in their facilities?...
Human-guided autonomy for acoustically tethered underwater vehicles

Recent under-ice Arctic AUV expeditions have shown that polar operations require careful coordination between subsea vehicles and surface ships during vehicle recovery. In addition, the complexity of AUV launches and recoveries encourages telemetering AUV science data to allow scientists greater decision-making power while an AUV dive is underway. Reliable underwater communication, however, imposes strict bandwidth limitations. This paper presents a method for summarizing scalar vehicle science and state telemetry over low-bandwidth acoustic links, along with a topside display for presenting the data to surface observers.
From the Rhenish Prussian Eifel to the Wisconsin Holyland: immigration, identity and acculturation at the regional scale

Abstract The processes and variables that contribute to the construction and maintenance of regional identity can be examined by tracing the origins and transformation of community life. In the case of immigrant communities, pre-migration experiences, social relations, power structures and public memory play significant roles in the construction of regional identity. The transplantation of several communities from the Eifel in Rhenish Prussia to Wisconsin's ‘Holyland’ in the nineteenth century provides the opportunity to study transfer and subsequent acculturation on a regional scale. The power of common cultural origins, based on kinship and an existing sense of community in the Eifel, played an enormous role in the construction of identity and community life in the Holyland. An analysis of the acculturation process within this region reveals the variables that were significant in shaping community life, and provides further insight into the ways in which acculturation and the construction of identity and borders are interrelated.
Fascin, an Actin-bundling Protein, Induces Membrane Protrusions and Increases Cell Motility of Epithelial Cells

Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that is found in membrane ruffles, microspikes, and stress fibers. The expression of fascin is greatly increased in many transformed cells, as well as in special...
Globular Adiponectin Enhances Muscle Insulin Action via Microvascular Recruitment and Increased Insulin Delivery

Rationale:Adiponectin enhances insulin action and induces nitric oxide–dependent vasodilatation. Insulin delivery to muscle microcirculation and transendothelial transport are 2 discrete steps that limit insulin’s action. We have shown that expansion of muscle microvascular surface area increases muscle insulin delivery and action. Objective:To examine whether adiponectin modulates muscle microvascular recruitment thus insulin delivery and action in vivo. Methods and Results:Overnight fasted adult male rats were studied. We determined the effects of adiponectin on muscle microvascular recruitment, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound, on insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment and whole-body glucose disposal, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and insulin clamp, and on muscle insulin clearance and uptake with 125I-insulin. Globular adiponectin potently increased muscle microvascular blood volume without altering microvascular blood flow velocity, leading to a significantly increased microvascular blood f...
Brain tolerance unit: a method to estimate risk of radiation brain injury for various dose schedules

Abstract A mathematical formula, has been derived for tolerance of the brain and optic nerves to irradiation. It is expressed in terms of brain tolerance units (btu) where Tissue Dose (rad) a btu × N 0.45 × T 0.03 . It appears to more realistically reflect brain tolerance than Ellis' NSD formula. A dose-tolerance curve has been proposed to analyze relative risk of brain injury for different dose schedules. Dose schedules with a btu value of less than 1050 appear to have very low risk of complication uniess exacerbating factors such as chemotherapy capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier or CNS infection are also present. The btu formula may be able to better evaluate risk-benefit comparisons of different dose schedules in treating various tumors in the brain, sellar region and extracranial sites.
Roles of scale, matrix, and native habitat in supporting a diverse suburban pollinator assemblage

Wild pollinators provide important services to both wild and human-dominated ecosystems, yet this group may be threatened by widespread anthropogenic landscape change. Suburban sprawl is one of the fastest growing types of land use change in North America, and it has certain characteristics, such as abundant floral resources, that may be beneficial for many pollinators. We examined the effects of sprawl on the wild bee assemblage of the shortgrass steppe on the Front Range of Colorado, USA. Diversity, abundance, and community composition of bees in remnant grassland fragments surrounded by suburban residential land use were compared with those in extensive, continuous grassland. No overall effect of suburbanization on bee abundance was observed, and abundance was extremely variable even within study sites. Bee species richness was positively but nonlinearly related to grassland habitat area. Bee species density was higher and more variable in suburban sites. Suburban sites and smaller habitat area were bo...
Rapid isolation of yeast genomic DNA: Bust n' Grab

Mutagenesis of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) often requires analysis of large numbers of yeast clones to obtain correctly targeted mutants. Conventional ways to isolate yeast genomic DNA utilize either glass beads or enzymatic digestion to disrupt yeast cell wall. Using small glass beads is messy, whereas enzymatic digestion of the cells is expensive when many samples need to be analyzed. We sought to develop an easier and faster protocol than the existing methods for obtaining yeast genomic DNA from liquid cultures or colonies on plates. Repeated freeze-thawing of cells in a lysis buffer was used to disrupt the cells and release genomic DNA. Cell lysis was followed by extraction with chloroform and ethanol precipitation of DNA. Two hundred ng – 3 μg of genomic DNA could be isolated from a 1.5 ml overnight liquid culture or from a large colony. Samples were either resuspended directly in a restriction enzyme/RNase coctail mixture for Southern blot hybridization or used for several PCR reactions. We demonstrated the utility of this method by showing an analysis of yeast clones containing a mutagenized human β-globin locus YAC. An efficient, inexpensive method for obtaining yeast genomic DNA from liquid cultures or directly from colonies was developed. This protocol circumvents the use of enzymes or glass beads, and therefore is cheaper and easier to perform when processing large numbers of samples.
A comparison of genomic copy number calls by Partek Genomics Suite, Genotyping Console and Birdsuite algorithms to quantitative PCR

Copy number variants are >1 kb genomic amplifications or deletions that can be identified using array platforms. However, arrays produce substantial background noise that contributes to high false discovery rates of variants. We hypothesized that quantitative PCR could finitely determine copy number and assess the validity of calling algorithms. Using data from 29 Affymetrix SNP 6.0 arrays, we determined copy numbers using three programs: Partek Genomics Suite, Affymetrix Genotyping Console 2.0 and Birdsuite. We compared array calls at 25 chromosomal regions to those determined by qPCR and found nearly identical calls in regions of copy number 2. Conversely, agreement differed in regions called variant by at least one method. The highest overall agreement in calls, 91%, was between Birdsuite and quantitative PCR. Partek Genomics Suite calls agreed with quantitative PCR 76% of the time while the agreement of Affymetrix Genotyping Console 2.0 with quantitative PCR was 79%. In 38 independent samples, 96% of Birdsuite calls agreed with quantitative PCR. Analysis of three copy number calling programs and quantitative PCR showed Birdsuite to have the greatest agreement with quantitative PCR.
Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C in injection drug users

Injection drug users constitute the largest group of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States, and most new infections occur in drug users. Controlling hepatitis C in the U.S. population, therefore, will require developing, testing, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for persons who inject drugs. Fortunately, a substantial body of research and clinical experience exists on the prevention and management of chronic viral diseases among injection drug users. The need to implement interventions to stop the spread of HCV among drug users is critical. The capacity of substance-use treatment programs need to be expanded to accommodate all who want and need treatment. Physicians and pharmacists should be educated in how to provide access to sterile syringes and to teach safe injection techniques, both of which are lifesaving interventions. The treatment of hepatitis C in drug users requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in treating hepatitis and caring for drug users. Treatment decisions should be made individually by patients with their physicians, based on a balanced assessment of risks and benefits and the patient's personal values. Physicians should carefully assess, monitor, and support adherence and mental health in all patients, regardless of whether drug use is known or suspected. Research is needed to better understand how best to prevent and treat hepatitis C in substance users. In the meantime, substantial progress can be made if existing knowledge and resources are brought to bear.
A Negative Feedback Mechanism Revealed by Functional Analysis of the Alternative Isoforms of the Drosophila Splicing Regulator transformer-2

The Drosophila sex determination gene transformer-2 (tra-2) is a splicing regulator that affects the sex-specific processing of several distinct pre-mRNAs. While the tra-2 gene itself is known to produce alternative mRNAs that together encode three different TRA-2 protein isoforms, the respective roles of these isoforms in affecting individual pre-mRNA targets has remained unclear. We have generated transgenic fly strains with mutations affecting specific TRA-2 isoforms to investigate their individual roles in regulating the alternative processing of doublesex, exuperantia and tra-2 pre-mRNA. Our results indicate that in somatic tissues two different isoforms function redundantly to direct female differentiation and female-specific doublesex pre-mRNA splicing. In the male germline, where tra-2 has an essential role in spermatogenesis, a single isoform was found to uniquely perform all necessary functions. This isoform appears to regulate its own synthesis during spermatogenesis through a negative feedback mechanism involving intron retention.
Effect of prepubertal consumption of zearalenone on puberty and subsequent reproduction of gilts.

Forty-eight prepubertal gilts (178.7 +/- 4.1 d; 94.2 +/- 4.1 kg), 16 in each of three trials, were assigned randomly to receive 0 (C) or 10 ppm zearalenone (Z) daily in 2.5 kg of a 14% protein finishing ration for 2 wk. Blood samples were collected at 20-min intervals for 4 h 1 wk after the start of the experiment and 1 wk after Z was withdrawn. Two weeks after Z was withdrawn, gilts were exposed to mature boars 15 min per day for 3 wk. Gilts in estrus were mated to two different boars 12 h apart. Twice each week, blood was sampled and analyzed for progesterone to establish age of puberty. Age at puberty differed (P = .008) among replicates but was similar (P = .13) between Z and C gilts within each replicate. Mean serum concentrations of LH were suppressed (P = .025) during consumption of Z (.25 vs .42 ng/ml) but were similar (P = .16) to concentrations in C gilts 1 wk after Z was withdrawn (.35 vs .45 ng/ml). Frequency and amplitude of LH secretory spikes did not differ (P greater than .50) between Z and C gilts during either sampling period. Mean serum concentrations of FSH were similar (P = .25) between Z and C gilts. Number of corpora lutea and live fetuses were similar (P = .29 and P = .94, respectively) between Z and C gilts. Fetal weights were greater (P = .025) and crown to rump length tended to be greater (P = .10) in fetuses from Z gilts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Firefly Luciferase Mutants Allow Substrate‐Selective Bioluminescence Imaging in the Mouse Brain

Bioluminescence imaging is a powerful approach for visualizing specific events occurring inside live mice. Animals can be made to glow in response to the expression of a gene, the activity of an enzyme, or the growth of a tumor. But bioluminescence requires the interaction of a luciferase enzyme with a small-molecule luciferin, and its scope has been limited by the mere handful of natural combinations. Herein, we show that mutants of firefly luciferase can discriminate between natural and synthetic substrates in the brains of live mice. When using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to express luciferases in the brain, we found that mutant luciferases that are inactive or weakly active with d-luciferin can light up brightly when treated with the aminoluciferins CycLuc1 and CycLuc2 or their respective FAAH-sensitive luciferin amides. Further development of selective luciferases promises to expand the power of bioluminescence and allow multiple events to be imaged in the same live animal.
Manifestations of diabeters mellitus on mouse preimplantation developement: effect of elevated concentration of metabolic intemediated

The metabolic derangements of pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus, specifically hyperglycaemia and hyperketonaemia, are known to be teratogenic during the period of organogenesis in animals. We have shown previously that poorly controlled diabetes mellitus impairs in-vivo and in-vitro mouse preimplantation embryo growth, and that culturing embryos in elevated glucose concentrations only partially recreates this developmental delay. To extend this observation we examined the effect on mouse preimplantation embryo growth of elevated concentrations of other metabolic intermediates, which may be deranged in diabetes mellitus, namely lipids, lactate, glycerol, amino acids, and ketones. Two-cell embryos from ovulation-induced B6C3F1 mice were cultured for 72 h in the presence of added lipids (250 mg/dl), lactate (5 mM), glycerol (160 microM) or mixed amino acids (8.5% travasol, 7 mM) and showed no significant difference in growth over 72 h versus their control groups. However, growth of preimplantation embryos in acetoacetate (10 mM) or in the racemic mixture of DL-beta-hydroxybutyrate (16 and 32 mM) revealed marked retardation versus controls when assessed either by distribution of developmental stages over time (24, 48, 72 h, P < 0.001) or by the difference in the average rank of sums indicating a delay in maturation (P < 0.0001). We conclude that elevated ketone concentrations adversely affect preimplantation embryo development. These findings extend previous studies which correlate uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as well as hyperglycaemia with abnormal organogenesis, and demonstrate that exposure to metabolic derangements may also hinder reproductive performance at even earlier stages in gestation.
The Origin and Behaviour of Chiasmata, X

1. The frequency and behaviour of chiasmata is quantitatively analysed in Spironema fragrans from early diakinesis to metaphase for different kinds of bivalents whose somatic chromosome morphology is known.2. The behaviour of chiasmata is followed throughout successive stages in the two arms of one kind of bivalent.3. There is no change in the mean number of chiasmata in the different bivalents from diakinesis to metaphase. Terminalisation is incomplete.4. The frequency variation of chiasmata in the different bivalents shows the presence of interference.5. The relation between chromosome length and the mean number of chiasmata per bivalent is very closely directly proportional.6. Terminalisation proceeds at a different rate in the different kinds of bivalents.7. The number of terminal chiasmata is increasingly greater in bivalents with, 1, 2, 3, and 4 chiasmata in each dass of bivalent.
How the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) Supports Federalism

Copyright: © 2012 Mehta J, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Since its enactment on March 23, 2010, much of the commentary on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has focused on whether the Act unduly eviscerates long-enshrined views of federalism1. While conventional wisdom is that PPACA is a watershed moment in the federal government’s usurpation of state powers, this criticism adopts an unduly narrow view of states’ rights and the notion of federalism. Rather than rebuking federalism, the PPACA actually augments federalist principles in important ways. Ultimately, by putting aside the federalism attacks, both proponents and opponents of the legislation can focus on and debate the merits of the legislation.
Temperature Control during Mixing of Rubber Compounds

Abstract A study was made of the effect of the surface temperature of the rolls of a 6 × 12-inch laboratory mill on the properties of GR-S compounds and means of controlling this temperature. It was found that the properties of the GR-S compound depend on the surface temperature of the mixing rolls. No practical method of controlling the temperature of conventional rolls was found because of the slow rate of heat transfer. Therefore three types of special rolls, including one designed at the National Bureau of Standards, were investigated. The heat transfer characteristics of the NBS rolls permitted automatic control of their temperatures to within 7° F during mixing of natural rubber and several synthetic elastomers, with only one controller being used. A mill with the special NBS rolls has been in operation for about a year, and has resulted in a marked improvement in the control of mixing of rubber compounds. The automatic temperature control has been much more convenient than manual control, and has s...
Early impact properties of fiber reinforced geopolymeric concretes

A comparative study on the effect of various fibers on early mechanical properties of geopolymeric concretes(GC) was presented here.First,slag and fly ash were used in the fabrication of GC reinforced with basalt and carbon fibers of various volume fractions,and liquid sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide were used for slag and fly ash activation.Then,after 3 and 7 days standard curing,impact properties of basalt fiber reinforced geopolymeric concrete(BFRGC)and carbon fiber reinforced geopolymeric concrete(CFRGC) were investigated using a 100-mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB) apparatus,and comparison between the results of experiments was performed.The results showed that early impact properties of fiber reinforced geopolymeric concretes(FRGCs) exhibited strong strain rate dependency.Early dynamic strength properties of BFRGC are better than those of CFRGC.In the range of 10-102 s-1,BFRGC and CFRGC possess the same ability of specific energy absorption,but compared to CFRGC,the priority in energy absorption capacity of BFRGC became more and more prominent with increase in average strain rate.From the above comparison,it was concluded that BFRGC possesses excellent early impact properties,which can be mainly displayed by dynamic strength properties and energy absorption capacity.
Reduced photoconductivity observed by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy in metal nanofilms with and without adhesion layers

Non-contact, optical time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy has been used to study the transient photoconductivity of nanometer-scale metallic films deposited on the fused quartz substrates. Samples of 8 nm thick gold or titanium show an instrument-limited (ca. 0.5 ps) decrease in conductivity following photoexcitation due to electron-phonon coupling and subsequent increased lattice temperatures which increases charge carrier scattering. In contrast, for samples of 8 nm gold with a 4 nm adhesion layer of titanium or chromium, a ca. 70 ps rise time for the lattice temperature increase is observed. These results establish the increased transient terahertz transmission sign change of metallic compared to semiconductor materials. The results also suggest nanoscale gold films that utilize an adhesion material do not consist of distinct layers.
SU-F-T-183: Design of a Beam Shaping Assembly of a Compact DD-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy System

Purpose: To design a beam shaping assembly (BSA) to shape the 2.45-MeV neutrons produced by a deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron generator and to optimize the beam output for boron neutron capture therapy of brain tumors Methods: MCNP is used for this simulation study. The simulation model consists of a neutron surface source that resembles an actual DD source and is surrounded by a BSA. The neutron source emits 2.45-MeV neutrons isotropically. The BSA is composed of a moderator, reflector, collimator and filter. Various types of materials and geometries are tested for each component to optimize the neutron output. Neutron characteristics are measured with an 2×2×2-cm3 air-equivalent cylinder at the beam exit. The ideal BSA is determined by evaluating the in-air parameters, which include epithermal neutron per source neutron, fast neutron dose per epithermal neutron, and photon dose per epithermal neutron. The parameter values are compared to those recommended by the IAEA. Results: The ideal materials for reflector and thermal neutron filter were lead and cadmium, respectively. The thickness for reflector was 43 cm and for filter was 0.5 mm. At present, the best-performing moderator has 25 cm of AlF3 and 5 cm of MgF2. This layout creates a neutron spectrum that has a peak at approximately 10 keV and produces 1.35E-4 epithermal neutrons per source neutron per cm2. Additional neutron characteristics, fast neutrons per epithermal neutron and photon per epithermal neutron, are still under investigation. Conclusion: Working is ongoing to optimize the final layout of the BSA. The neutron spectrum at the beam exit window of the final configuration will have the maximum number of epithermal neutrons and limited photon and fast neutron contaminations within the recommended values by IAEA. Future studies will also include phantom experiments to validate the simulation results.
Introduction: major themes

One of the most striking features of the study of Americans' thinking about politics has been the submergence of politics itself. How people figure out their positions on specific issues has become a minor chord: The major chord in the analysis of public opinion, endlessly repeated, is how little attention they pay to politics, how rarely they think about even major issues, and how often they have failed to work through a consistent or genuine position on them. Why, then, ask how people make any particular political choice when the whole point to appreciate is how unlikely they are to have given it any thought? In contrast, the argument of this book is that ordinary people do reason through their choices over a range of issues. By reason, we do not mean selfconscious acts of cerebration, merely that people can occasionally take advantage of shortcuts in judgment to figure out dependably what they favor politically. Nor should this be taken to imply that the public is well informed and politically aware. On the contrary, the whole thrust of our argument is to understand how people's modest level of political information, plus their similarly modest abilities to process it, conditions how they reason about political choices. We write from the premise that if you want to understand how people reason about political choices, you must examine how they reason about actual choices before them. Has the eruption of AIDS excited a public backlash against gays? To what extent are Americans only giving lip service to the principle of racial equality?
The Self-Limiting Partisan Gerrymander: An Optimization Approach

Applying optimization techniques to partisan gerrymandering yields profoundly disturbing results. If equipopulation is the only enforceable constraint, then an optimal redistricting would allow the...
Cape Fear, The Simpsons , and Anne Washburn’s Post-Apocalyptic Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play

In describing the power of Christian Marclay’s The Clock, Daniel Zalewski has written, “By presenting a day in the life as a ceaseless parade of fictional narratives, [Marclay] had confirmed Joan Didion’s dictum that ‘we tell ourselves stories in order to live’ while reminding us that we are all going to die.” Appropriately enough, the final chapter of this study explores Anne Washburn’s musical drama Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play, which premiered in 2012, about a group of survivors of the fall of civilization recreating episodes of the long-running animated Fox television series The Simpsons. The play engages not only television but also film, music, theater, and popular culture in general, leveling the playing field of sources and adaptations in a post-apocalyptic setting. While it argues for the dire necessity of retelling stories in times of trauma, Mr. Burns avoids the fatalism implied in Zalewski’s comment; instead, the play imagines stories, including reframed ones, as creative forces that look forward instead of backward. Washburn’s play suggests the vital role adaptation can play in crafting a future in which our real and imagined worlds merge.
Bearings-only localization using direction cosines

Algorithms for localizing a target given multiple simultaneous direction measurements to the target (triangulation) are useful for passively localizing emitters. This paper derives an explicit suboptimal least squares solution to 2D and 3D passive localization using direction cosines (a natural output of an antenna array processing algorithm) as well as refinement techniques. A consistent covariance matrix can be obtained using cubature integration.