cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removing Fuel from Coronavirus Fire: Blocking Superoxide through NOX Inhibition

Background: The toll of the coronavirus pandemic needs little introduction. The commencement of vaccination is both impressive and welcome but insufficient to achieve herd immunity. Consequently, additional approaches are urgently needed for pandemic abatement. Hypothesis: Inhibiting the human NADPH oxidase enzyme can reduce the morbidly and mortality of severe coronavirus infection by preventing excess production of superoxide free radicals, the reason behind severe infection. This can be accomplished with apocynin, a historic natural well-researched compound, and its derivative paeonol, present in the readily available peony root. Evidence: The common denominator of who dies from coronavirus (the aged, males, post-menopausal females, African Americans, obesity, diabetics, hypertensives, chronic heart, liver, kidney disease patients) is oxidative stress. Moreover, the source can be traced specifically to a higher endogenous production of the reactive oxygen species superoxide from NADPH-oxidase activity shared by these groups. In addition, interventions for coronavirus infection that act on the host (Vitamins C, D, B3, melatonin, estrogen, nicotine) all decrease NADPH oxidase activity even when not the stated reason for use. Finally, apocynin’s well-studied use as a highly effective NADPH inhibitor is covered. Implications: The direct implication is reduction in serious infections and deaths. especially in COVID-vulnerable groups. Apocynin may also be capable of targeting other lethal viruses that co-evolved with bats in the same oxygen-rich milieu, such as Ebola. An intriguing potential application is in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and dysautonomia, all with symptoms resembling the COVID long-hauler syndrome. Finally, as the role of NADPH oxidase in conditions of aging such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration is being increasingly recognized, apocynin as “vitamin of the 21st century” for longevity warrants investigation. Conclusion: Oxidative bursts kill pathogens but can be exploited by viruses to replicate. By removing this fuel from coronavirus fire, apocynin and peony root are safe available compounds dating to antiquity that become attractive contenders for rapid pandemic relief.
Auger: The future of precision medicine

First reported by Lise Meitner in 1922 and independently by Pierre Auger in 1923, the Auger effect has been explored as a potential source for targeted radiotherapy. The Auger effect is based on the emission of a low energy electron (typically <25 keV) from an atom post electron capture (EC), internal conversion (IC), or incident X-rays excitation. This phenomenon can cause the emission of a primary electron and multiple electron tracks typically in the nearest proximity of the emission site (2-500 nm). The short range of the emitted Auger cascade results in medium/high levels of linear energy transfer (4-26 keV/μm) exerted on the surrounding tissue. This property makes Auger emitters the ideal candidates for delivering high levels of targeted radiation to a specific target with dimensions comparable to, for example, the DNA. By using a targeting vector such as a small molecule, peptide or antibody, one has the potential of delivering high levels of radiation to tumor specific biomarkers while circumventing off-site toxicity in healthy cells; a challenge which is harder to overcome when using other, longer range sources of radiation such as beta and alpha emitting radionuclides. Several reviews on Auger emitters have been published over the years with two recent examples. For these reviews and others, we support their analysis and therefore to avoid simple repetition, this commentary will seek to address additional aspects and viewpoints. Specifically, we will focus on those most promising preclinical and clinical studies using small molecules, peptides, antibodies and how these studies may serve as a template for future studies.
Identifying Gender Barriers for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Assessing the Need for a Multigender Endoscopy Team: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION Gender preferences have been reported as a barrier to colorectal cancer screening, particularly among women. We aim to identify the role of patients' gender preferences for endoscopists and endoscopy team members, with the effect of age-related and regional differences. METHODS We conducted an anonymous, voluntary survey of all adult outpatients presenting at our endoscopy centers before their procedures. RESULTS We received 2,138 (1,207 women, 905 men, and 26 undisclosed; 50% urban and 50% rural) completed surveys. The majority of the patients (89%) did not have an endoscopist gender preference, while 8% preferred a same-gender endoscopist, and 2% preferred an opposite gender endoscopist. Among patients who expressed a gender preference, men more commonly preferred a same-gender endoscopist than women (91% vs 67%, P < 0.05). More patients preferred a same-gender endoscopy team member than a same-gender endoscopist (17% vs 8%, P < 0.05), and women more commonly preferred a same-gender endoscopy team member than men (26% vs 6%, P < 0.05). Most patients who expressed same-gender endoscopist preference were between the ages of 50-69 years as compared to other age groups (P < 0.05). Of the urban patients, 9% expressed a same-gender endoscopist preference and 3% expressed an opposite gender preference, compared with 7% and 2% of rural patients (P < 0.05). Among patients with any endoscopist gender preference, rural patients were more willing to wait longer (41% vs 21%, P < 0.05), whereas urban patients were willing to pay more (64% vs 14%, P < 0.05) to have their preferences met. DISCUSSION Contrary to previous studies, most patients did not have an endoscopist gender preference. Interestingly, men had more same-gender endoscopist preference, whereas women had more same-gender endoscopy team member preference. Age-related and regional differences exist among patients' gender preferences for their endoscopist and endoscopy team member, and addressing these preferences while creating an environment of a multigender endoscopy team may be beneficial in improving colorectal cancer screening.
Pseudodistributions that beat all pseudorandom generators (extended abstract)

A recent paper of Braverman, Cohen, and Garg (STOC 2018) introduced the concept of a weighted pseudorandom generator (WPRG), which amounts to a pseudorandom generator (PRG) whose outputs are accompanied with real coefficients that scale the acceptance probabilities of any potential distinguisher. They gave an explicit construction of WPRGs for ordered branching programs whose seed length has a better dependence on the error parameter e than the classic PRG construction of Nisan (STOC 1990 and Combinatorica 1992). In this work, we give an explicit construction of WPRGs that achieve parameters that are impossible to achieve by a PRG. In particular, we construct a WPRG for ordered permutation branching programs of unbounded width with a single accept state that has seed length O(log3/2 n) for error parameter e = 1/poly(n), where n is the input length. In contrast, recent work of Hoza et al. (ITCS 2021) shows that any PRG for this model requires seed length Ω(log2 n) to achieve error e = 1/poly(n). As a corollary, we obtain explicit WPRGs with seed length O(log3/2 n) and error e = 1/poly(n) for ordered permutation branching programs of width w = poly(n) with an arbitrary number of accept states. Previously, seed length o(log2 n) was only known when both the width and the reciprocal of the error are subpolynomial, i.e. w = no(1) and e = 1/no(1) (Braverman, Rao, Raz, Yehudayoff, FOCS 2010 and SICOMP 2014). The starting point for our results are the recent space-efficient algorithms for estimating random-walk probabilities in directed graphs by Ahmadenijad, Kelner, Murtagh, Peebles, Sidford, and Vadhan (FOCS 2020), which are based on spectral graph theory and space-efficient Laplacian solvers. We interpret these algorithms as giving WPRGs with large seed length, which we then derandomize to obtain our results. We also note that this approach gives a simpler proof of the original result of Braverman, Cohen, and Garg, as independently discovered by Cohen, Doron, Renard, Sberlo, and Ta-Shma (these proceedings).
Constitutional Majoritarianism against Popular “Regulation” in the Federalist:

In this essay, I make the interpretive claim that we cannot properly understand the Federalist without appreciating the extent to which the papers mount a sustained rejection of extra-constitutiona...
Secure Logic Locking with Strain-Protected Nanomagnet Logic

Prevention of integrated circuit counterfeiting through logic locking faces the fundamental challenge of securing an obfuscation key against both physical and algorithmic threats. Previous work has focused on strengthening the logic encryption to protect the key against algorithmic attacks, but failed to provide adequate physical security. In this work, we propose a logic locking scheme that leverages the non-volatility of the nanomagnet logic (NML) family to achieve both physical and algorithmic security. Polymorphic NML minority gates protect the obfuscation key against algorithmic attacks, while a strain-inducing shield surrounding the nanomagnets provides physical security via a self-destruction mechanism.
Proceedings of the 6th ACM workshop on Formal methods in security engineering

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 6th ACM Workshop on Formal Methods in Security Engineering (FMSE), held in conjunction with the 15th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS 2008). The purpose of FMSE is to bring together researchers and practitioners from both the security and the software engineering communities, from academia and industry, who are working on applying formal methods to the design and validation of large-scale systems. The scope of the workshop includes security requirements and risk analysis, access control, information flow, and trust models, specification and analysis of security properties, computationally sound abstraction, program logics and type systems for security, techniques for verification and static analysis, tool support for the development and analysis of security-critical systems, design and analysis of security protocols, security aspects of operating systems and middleware, and case studies. The program of the workshop was selected by the program committee via a rigorous peer-review process, with fewer than 1/3 of the submitted papers accepted for presentation. The papers presented at the workshop cover a wide variety of topics, including application of formal methods to the analysis of cryptographic protocols, wireless security, secure information sharing, and security policies for virtual-machine monitors. In addition to the peer-reviewed papers, the workshop includes invited talks by Cedric Fournet of Microsoft Research (UK) and the Microsoft Research-INRIA Joint Centre (France) and by Carl Gunter of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (USA).
Conformational, Steric, and Stereoelectronic Effects

The total energy of a molecule is directly related to its geometry. Several aspects of molecular geometry can be recognized, and, to some extent, the energetic consequences can be dissected and attributed to specific structural features. Among the factors which contribute to total energy and have a recognizable connection with molecular geometry are nonbonded repulsions, ring strain in cyclic systems, and destabilization resulting from distortion of bond lengths or bond angles from optimal values. Conversely, there are stabilizing interactions which have geometric constraints. Most of these can be classed as stereoelectronic effects; that is, a particular geometric relationship is required to maximize the stabilizing interaction. In addition there are other molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and dipole—dipole interactions, where the strength of the interaction will be strongly dependent on geometric factors. A molecule will adopt the minimum energy geometry that is available by rotations about single bonds. The various shapes that a given molecule can attain by these rotations are called conformations. The principles on which analysis of conformational equilibria and rotational processes are based have been developed using a classical mechanical framework, for the most part. More recently, the problem of detailed interpretation of molecular geometry has also been attacked from the molecular orbital viewpoint.
Designing a Writing Across the Curriculum program at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering

At the University of Michigan's College of Engineering there has been a call to better prepare students with the skills that they will need in business and industry. As a result, the Program in Technical Communication is reevaluating its Writing Across the Curriculum program. The complex nature of the program, which involves faculty members across the college and a wide range of topics, often leaves faculty members with too little guidance and students who often complain that the courses are a "patchwork of unrelated topics." In order to meet the challenges of running this complex program, the Program in Technical Communication is running a pilot project in the Department of Bioengineering. In this project, we are working together with engineering faculty in order to establish a clear set of outcomes and objectives. Our goal is to design curriculum that seamlessly integrates the communication and technical learning activities. We reflect on issues involved with designing curriculum as well as implementing our Writing Across the Curriculum reform.
Model Checking: Historical Perspective and Example (Extended Abstract)

Model checking is an automatic verification technique for finite state concurrent systems such as sequential circuit designs and communication protocols. Specifications are expressed in propositional temporal logic. An exhaustive search of the global state transition graph or system model is used to determine if the specification is true or not. If the specification is not satisfied, a counterexample execution trace is generated if possible. By encoding the model using Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) it is possible to search extremely large state spaces with as many as 10120 reachable states. In this paper we describe the theory underlying this technique and outline its historical development. We demonstrate the power of model checking to find subtle errors by verifying the Space Shuttle Three-Engines-Out Contingency Guidance Protocol.
Dynamics and control of the Czochralski process: I. Modelling and dynamic characterization

Abstract A nonlinear dynamic model of the Czochralski process, valid throughout the batch growth cycle is derived for use in designing an improved process controller. The model is a lumped element representation of the major system components, and simulates the dynamic system response to disturbances and system inputs. The linearized model is used to determine the system eigenstructure, revealing the system stability, transient response constants, and coupling. Significant results for control design include the identification of the basic time varying nature of the eigenstructure and the disturbances acting on the system, and identification of mechanisms that affect the transient system characteristics. In addition, the growth dynamic effects of liquid encapsulation, low thermal gradient schemes, and magnetic fields are discussed.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A BACULOVIRUS STRUCTURAL PROTEIN, VP1054, REQUIRED FOR NUCLEOCAPSID FORMATION

The defect in a temperature-sensitive mutant of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, tsN1054, was mapped and characterized. At the nonpermissive temperature of 33 degrees C, this mutant fails to form plaques upon infection of Sf-21 cultured insect cells; infection is limited to a single cell, even though the infection proceeds through the very late phase. Marker rescue mapping and DNA sequencing identified the gene, ORF 54, which was altered by a single nucleotide substitution in tsN1054. Transcriptional analysis of the ORF 54 region identified multicistronic RNAs, from early to very late times of infection, that potentially encode the ORF 54 gene product. Polyclonal antiserum raised to a TrpE-VP1054 fusion protein recognized a 42-kDa late protein, VP1054, in infected-cell lysates. VP1054 was found to be a component of both budded virus and occlusion-derived virions. The level of VP1054 was dramatically reduced in tsN1054-infected Sf-21 cells propagated at 33 degrees C, and electron microscopic analysis of these cells showed that nucleocapsids failed to form in the nuclei of these infected cells. Instead, novel round, electron-dense bodies were found associated with the virogenic stroma in tsN1054-infected cells. Therefore, VP1054 is a virus structural protein required for nucleocapsid assembly.
Millennial scale changes in sea surface temperature and ocean circulation in the northeast Pacific, 10–60 kyr BP

[1] A new centennial-scale Mg/Ca temperature record from the California margin (ODP Site 1017E) reveals large millennial-scale oscillations between 10 to 60 kyr. This record indicates that sea surface temperature on the California Margin warmed rapidly on the deglacial by 7.4 ± 0.8°C, and was preceded by a pre-Bolling temperature oscillation of 2.6 ± 1.2°C. Millennial-scale events of the last glacial episode were marked by sea surface temperature oscillations of between 3 and 7°C on the California margin, and interstadials were associated with an increase in surface water salinity. The data are consistent with evidence for a glacial southward shift in the polar jet stream and concomitant strengthening of the relatively cold, fresh California Current during stadial events. The data also support previous hypotheses suggesting a tight coupling between the North Atlantic and northeast Pacific response to climate instability of the last glacial episode.
Comprehensive Model for Rock Discontinuities

The full understanding and analytical modeling of rock discontinuity behavior requires a comprehensive model that can describe the entire history leading to the present state of the discontinuity as well as subsequent changes of this state. The comprehensive model presented in this paper is based on a general purpose elastic viscoplastic critical state model that can be applied to most materials used in civil engineering. In a newly developed stress-strain-time space, the entire stress-strain history, including time-related effects like creep and consolidation, can be represented. The concept of the critical state makes a complete description of post-yield behavior possible which is of particular importance for rock discontinuities. The powerful capabilities of the comprehensive model are demonstrated by performing the required full description of rock discontinuity behavior. A comparison with the best known rock discontinuity models shows both the versatility of the comprehensive model and the possible inadequacies of these previous models.
The NMR structure of human beta-defensin-2 reveals a novel alpha-helical segment.

Human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2) is a member of the defensin family of antimicrobial peptides. HBD-2 was first isolated from inflamed skin where it is posited to participate in the killing of invasive bacteria and in the recruitment of cells of the adaptive immune response. Static light scattering and two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to assess the physical state and structure of HBD-2 in solution. At concentrations of ≤2.4 mM, HBD-2 is monomeric. The structure is amphiphilic with a nonuniform surface distribution of positive charge and contains several key structural elements, including a triple-stranded, antiparallel β-sheet with strands 2 and 3 in a β-hairpin conformation. A β-bulge in the second strand occurs at Gly28, a position conserved in the entire defensin family. In solution, HBD-2 exhibits an α-helical segment near the N-terminus that has not been previously ascribed to solution structures of α-defensins or to the β-defensin BNBD-12. This novel structural ...
Quantifying how territory quality and sociobiology affect recruitment to inform fire management

The combined effects of habitat quality, breeder experience and sociobiology on population demography are poorly understood. Natural fire regimes, which influence habitat quality and sociobiology, have been replaced by controlled fire management in most ecosystems. Managing fire mosaics (vegetation at different ages since fire) can be important to sustain species in fire-maintained habitats, but requirements are usually poorly defined. Source-sink theory provides a foundation to quantify such habitat heterogeneity, but source-sink applications are largely focused on modeling. We quantified how habitat quality, breeder experience and non-breeding adult helpers affected Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) recruitment to describe source-sink heterogeneity within local populations. We used 22 years of census data of uniquely marked Florida scrub-jays to measure recruitment at 36 sites and combined that data with habitat-specific survival to characterize habitat-specific demography. To define habitat quality at the territory scale, we used static habitat features (soils, scrub oak cover) and dynamic habitat states (shrub heights and open sandy patches) that resulted from fire mosaics. Habitat quality most affected recruitment followed by the presence of helpers; fire mosaics, described by habitat states, determined whether territories functioned as strong sources, weak sources or sinks. Subdividing landscapes into habitat states allowed quantification of the fire mosaic at the territory scale and population scale, as the proportions of habitat states can predict local population growth rates. Our approach provides an example of how characterizing habitat quality at the territory scale, relative to source-sink categories, can explain habitat heterogeneity within local populations and inform fire management.
Feasibility study of structural systems made from ceramics

Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of making structural systems from ceramics. Segmental and composite systems are quantitatively studied, partial application of ceramics to traditional systems is considered, and the special application of a lunar base is studied. The quantitative and qualitative studies made indicate both advantages and disadvantages for ceramics in structural systems. However, the structural systems proposed may stimulate further studies to eliminate the disadvantages.
Biosynthesis of ferritin subunits from different cell lines of HL-60 human promyelocytic leukaemia cells and the release of acidic isoferritin-inhibitory activity against normal granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells.

Summary. Biosynthesis of acidic isoferritins was investigated in human promyelocytic HL-60 cells, characterized by diploid (2C), tetraploid (4C) and mixed diploid–tetraploid (2C–4C) DNA cell lines. The three cell lines were studied for the biosynthesis of ferritin and its subunits and for the release of acidic isoferritin-inhibitory activity against normal CFU-GM before and after addition of DMSO. While the tetraploid and mixed diploid–tetraploid cell lines synthesized more H- (Mr= 21) than L-subunits (Mr= 19) after induction, the tetraploid line synthesized more H-subunit before and after induction, compared to the diploid line. The release of acidic isoferritin-inhibitory activity was greater before than after induction in both cell lines, but the tetraploid cell line released more acidic isoferritin-inhibitory activity consistent with its greater production of Mr= 21 subunit. However, after induction no inhibitory activity could be detected from the diploid cells and much less activity was detected with the tetraploid cells, suggesting that differentiation caused a decrease in production of acidic isoferritin-inhibitory activity.
Relationships between buffer acidity and exchangeable acidity in lime trials with Ultisols and Histosols

Abstract Lime requirements ordinarily are based on buffer methods but could be based on unbuffered salt‐exchangeable acidity. The relationships between exchangeable acidity (EA) and buffer acidity (BA) were studied across a range of pH levels established through lime trials in four Ultisols and one Histisol in North Carolina Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. Buffer acidity was proportionately higher than EA in all soils at any pH level. Linear regression slopes between either BA or EA and pH, within each soil, were not significantly different when the latter relationship included samples with pH less than or equal to 5.4. Variations in EA accounted for by BA ranged from 41 to 67% among the soils investigated. Buffer acidity alone accounted for 64% of the variation in EA for samples from all soils with pH less than or equal to 5.4. Including a squared BA term and either HM or CEC increased the R2 to 0.79 and 0.86, respectively, but neither equation provided a completely suitable prediction of EA across a...
Continuous hydrothermal synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract We have investigated the continuous hydrothermal synthesis and crystallization of spinel CoFe 2 O 4 via the reaction of ferric nitrate and cobalt nitrate with sodium hydroxide. The reaction was carried out in water at temperatures ranging from 475 to 675 K and pressures of 25 MPa. The relative solubility of the precipitating cations was found to play a critical role in attaining the correct product. It was found necessary to control pH and temperature in order to prevent premature precipitation of iron in the reactor. Two variations of the continuous hydrothermal technique were examined—cold mixing and hot mixing. The cold mixing experiments produced a product with less impurity than the hot mixing experiments. Furthermore, the cold mixing configuration was successful in producing uniform nanoparticles of CoFe 2 O 4 . A mechanism of particle formation was postulated involving the precipitation of metal hydroxides at ambient conditions, dissolution of the hydroxides as temperature is increased followed by rapid precipitation of metal oxides at elevated temperatures. The hot mixing experiments, on the other hand, simply involve the precipitation of metal oxides due to the addition of the hot hydroxide solution. In both cases, very fine particles of CoFe 2 O 4 are produced in the range of the processing conditions investigated.
Alkaline Hydrolysis of the Cyclic Nitramine Explosives RDX, HMX, and CL-20: New Insights into Degradation Pathways Obtained by the Observation of Novel Intermediates

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX, I) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) hydrolyze at pH > 10 to form end products including NO2-, HCHO, HCOOH, NH3, and N2O, but little information is available on intermediates, apart from the tentatively identified pentahydro-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohex-1-ene (II). Despite suggestions that RDX and HMX contaminated groundwater could be economically treated via alkaline hydrolysis, the optimization of such a process requires more detailed knowledge of intermediates and degradation pathways. In this study, we hydrolyzed the monocyclic nitramines RDX, MNX (hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine), and HMX in aqueous solution (pH 10−12.3) and found that nitramine removal was accompanied by formation of 1 molar equiv of nitrite and the accumulation of the key ring cleavage product 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (4-NDAB, O2NNHCH2NHCHO). Most of the remaining C and N content of RDX, MNX, and HMX was found in HCHO, N2O, HCOOH, and NH3. Con...
Analytical equations vs. table look-up for manipulation: A unifying concept

By considering parameterization of the equations of motion for a manipulater, divergent procedures for control involving analytical expressions and table look-up can be examined in the same light. Each approach represents at different point on a continuum characterized by the indicator P, the number of parametric variables. As P increases storage requirements increase, but computational complexity decreases. Typically, for an arm having N degrees of freedom ~(N(3-P/N) operations and ~(MP) stroage cells are required for evaluation of the equations of motion. The State Space Model and the Configuration Space Model, characterized by intermediate values of P, are discussed.
Carbohydrate source and protein degradability alter lactation, ruminal, and blood measures

Thirty-eight lactating dairy cows including 6 ruminally cannulated cows were used in a feeding study to assess effects of feed sources that differed in dietary nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) composition and ruminal degradability of dietary protein (RDP) on production, ruminal, and plasma measures. The design was a partially balanced, incomplete Latin square with three 21-d periods and a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Samples and data were collected in the last 7 d of each period. Feed sources that differed in NFC profile were dry ground corn (GC; starch), dried citrus pulp (DCP; sugar and pectins), and sucrose+molasses (SM; sugar). Dietary RDP was altered by providing CP with soybean meal (+RDP) or substituting a heat-treated expeller soybean product for a portion of the soybean meal (-RDP). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and similar in NFC concentration. Cows consuming GC had the greatest milk urea nitrogen and milk protein percentage and yield, tended to have the greatest dry matter intake, but had a lesser milk fat percentage compared with cows consuming DCP and SM. Sucrose+molasses diets supported greater dry matter intake, milk protein yield, and 3.5% fat- and protein-corrected milk yield than did DCP diets. On -RDP diets, milk protein percentage was less and milk urea nitrogen and protein yield tended to be less than for +RDP diets. Dry ground corn diverged from DCP and SM in the effect of NFC x RDP, with cows consuming GC having lesser milk yield, 3.5% fat- and protein-corrected milk yield, and efficiency with -RDP as compared with +RDP, whereas these production measures were greater with -RDP than +RDP for cows consuming DCP and SM. In contrast, in situ NDF digestibility at 30h for GC and SM was greater for -RDP as compared with +RDP, but the reverse was true for DCP. The lowest ruminal pH detected by 6h postfeeding was also influenced by the interaction of NFC x RDP, with cows consuming SM having a lower pH with +RDP than with -RDP and cows consuming DCP having a similar pH on either RDP treatment. Total rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ among diets, but acetate molar percent was greater for DCP than for SM, and GC had the lowest molar percent for butyrate and valerate and greatest branched-chain volatile fatty acid concentration. Valerate molar percent and NH(3) concentration tended to be greater with +RDP than with -RDP. Plasma glucose and insulin were both greater in cows receiving SM than in those receiving DCP. Protein degradability, NFC source, and their interactions affected lactation, ruminal, and blood measures, suggesting that these dietary factors warrant further consideration in diet formulation.
Mid-ocean ridges and their influence on the large-scale patterns of chlorophyll and production in the North Pacific

Abstract Ocean-wide spatial patterns of chlorophyll a and productivity are investigated along two transects, one through the central North Pacific at 24°15′N and one through the subarctic Pacific at 47°N. In the south, large-scale gradients are absent across most of the ocean. In the north, largescale gradients are significant. Three mid-ocean ridge systems are crossed by these transects: the Hawaiian Ridge and the Mariana Ridge in the central North Pacific and the Emperor Seamount Chain in the subarctic. Significant reductions in chlorophyll a are seen for more than 900 km west of the shallow Hawaiian Ridge in the oligotrophic central North Pacific. A similar band of reduced chlorophyll lies above the deep Emperor Sea Mount Chain in the eutrophic subarctic Pacific. No change in chlorophyll a is associated with the Mariana Ridge. The effect of mid-ocean ridges on the epipelagic ecosystem does not depend directly on the depth of the bottom topography or the ambient nutrient concentration in the euphoric layer. The effect may be more widespread than previously realized.
Electron affinities of the lanthanides

Abstract The electron affinities of the lanthanides (La through Lu) are estimated by considering the energy variations associated with changes in the 4f orbital population. The ground-state electron affinities are all predicted to be within the range +0.5 eV to −0.3 eV.
The effects of maternal depression on children

This review examines whether children of depressed mothers have elevated rates of psychopathology, and if so, why. The mothers studied ranged from the clinically depressed to those with depressed mood only, and both empirical and theoretical literatures were reviewed. Maternal depression was associated with undesirable parenting practices such as unresponsiveness, inattentiveness, intrusiveness, inept discipline, and negative perceptions of children. Age-typical forms of child psychopathology accompanied maternal depression and associated stressors such as marital discord. Methodological limitations include small, unrepresentative, and heterogeneous samples, depressed parents' unverified reports of child problems, and insensitivity to developmental differences. Incomplete theoretical explanations focus on limited sets of maternal characteristics or highly restricted child age ranges. Needed are methods to predict child adjustment outcomes, attending particularly to parent-child goodness-of-fit, and the role of the father and siblings.
Aryl sulfonic acid catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose in water

Abstract Catalytic activities of eight alkyl/aryl sulfonic acids in water were compared with sulfuric acid of the same acid strength (0.0321 mol H+ ion/L) for hydrolysis of Sigmacell cellulose (DP ∼ 450) in the 140–190 °C temperature range by measuring total reducing sugar (TRS), and glucose produced. Cellulose samples hydrolyzed at 160 °C for 3 h, in aqueous p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, and 4-biphenylsulfonic acid mediums produced TRS yields of 28.0, 25.4, and 30.3% respectively, when compared to 21.7% TRS produced in aqueous sulfuric acid medium. The first order rate constants at 160 °C in different acid mediums correlated with octanol/water distribution coefficient log D of these acids, except in the case of highly hydrophobic 4-dodceylbenzenesulfonic acid. In the series of sulfonic acids studied, 4-biphenylsulfonic acid appears to be the best cellulose hydrolysis catalyst.
Special Issue: Library Publishing

Library publishing is not a new topic in the (digital) pages of JLSC. In volume 2 alone, there have been two articles ( McIntyre et al, 2013 ; Weiner & Watkinson, 2014 ) and a review ( Lally, 2013 ) focused on different aspects of the topic, and it’s also made appearances in pieces on related issues (for example, in Salo (2013) ). This is, however, the first issue dedicated entirely to this rapidly growing area of practice. The issue, in its entirety, provides a current picture of the range of programs and diversity of approaches in library publishing. The three practice articles include an in-depth look at an innovative journal publishing project (Newton, Cunningham, & O’Connell), a report on an in-progress pilot project focused on publishing open textbooks (Sutton & Chadwell), and a review of library-press collaborations (Roh). The rest of the issue consists of selections from the first Library Publishing Forum, held in March of 2014 in Kansas City, MO. The Forum consisted of invited panels and interactive sessions, which were both thought-provoking and lively. The authors included here take a variety of approaches to representing their Forum sessions-- from the practical to the provocative. We also include in this issue the posters from the Forum, which were first made available in May.
Stress formation during heating in supercritical drying

Silica aerogel preparation is analyzed and two different supercritical drying techniques, autoclave drying of the solvent and drying following carbon dioxide exchange of the solvent, are compared in terms of stress formation during the heating step. The model used is a partial differential equation that relates stress to thermal expansion and flow of pore liquid for a radially bounded cylindrical geometry and the model is modified to see the effect of condensation reactions that result in the contraction of the body. The finite element collocation method is used to solve the model for different drying techniques, at several heating rates, and shear moduli. The carbon dioxide exchange method is found to be more advantageous as far as the stress formation in the heating step of supercritical drying is concerned.
Temperature dependent development and survival of two sympatric species, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla , on purple loosestrife

Two sympatric Europeanbeetles, Galerucella calmariensis (L.)and G. pusilla (Duft.) (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), have been released in NorthAmerica for biological control of purpleloosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L.(Lythraceae). Because establishment isaffected by environmental conditions, studieswere conducted at temperatures ranging from12.5 to 30 °C to determine differencesin rate of development and survival between thetwo species. No egg hatch occurred at12.5 °C for both species. Eggdevelopment was faster for G.calmariensis than for G. pusilla attemperatures ≥ 15 °C. Theminimum threshold temperature for eggdevelopment was lower for G. calmariensisthan G. pusilla. At 12.5 °C, G. calmariensis larvae developed 1.6 daysfaster than G. pusilla, but at 15, 20,25, and 27.5 °C G. pusilla developed2.9, 1.2, 1.1, and 0.6 days faster,respectively, than G. calmariensis. Nodifferences in developmental rate of pupa andtotal development time from egg to adulteclosion were observed for the two species. However, survival of G. calmariensisgenerally was higher than that of G.pusilla at lower temperatures. No differencewas observed in the preoviposition periodbetween the two species except at27.5 °C. The preoviposition period forboth species at 12.5 and 15 °C exceeded50 days and was much higher than for20 °C and above. The long preovipositionperiod suggests that temperatures below15 °C induce reproductive diapause. At15 °C, G. pusilla females livedlonger and also had a longer oviposition periodthan G. calmariensis. However, fasteregg and larval development, and higher survivalat 12.5 °C may give G. calmariensisa competitive advantage over G. pusillain cooler climates.
An architecture for software defined cognitive radio

As we move forward towards the next generation of wireless protocols, the push for a better radio physical layer is ever increasing. Conventional radio architectures are limited to narrow operating regions and fails to adapt with changing technology. This is further strengthened with the advent of cognitive radio, which needs a more versatile and flexible framework that is programmable within the timing constraints of a protocol. In this paper we present an architecture for Software Defined Cognitive Radio that caters to the specific baseband processing requirements in a changing environment. We aim to provide more flexibility by de-constructing the radio pipeline into a framework of user controlled kernels that can be reconfigured at run-time. This architecture provides the bare-bones of a OFDM based radio physical layer that can adapt to perform a varied number of tasks in different radio networks. We also present a novel message based real-time reconfiguration method to transmit and receive a wide range of waveforms used in concurrent wireless protocols.
How we treat Richter syndrome

Richter syndrome (RS) is defined as the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into an aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). RS occurs in approximately 2% to 10% of CLL patients during the course of their disease, with a transformation rate of 0.5% to 1% per year. A combination of germline genetic characteristics, clinical features (eg, advanced Rai stage), biologic (ζ-associated protein-70+, CD38+, CD49d+) and somatic genetic (del17p13.1 or del11q23.1) characteristics of CLL B cells, and certain CLL therapies are associated with higher risk of RS. Recent studies have also identified the crucial role of CDKN2A loss, TP53 disruption, C-MYC activation, and NOTCH1 mutations in the transformation from CLL to RS. An excisional lymph node biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of RS; a 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan can help inform the optimal site for biopsy. Approximately 80% of DLBCL cases in patients with CLL are clonally related to the underlying CLL, and the median survival for these patients is approximately 1 year. In contrast, the remaining 20% of patients have a clonally unrelated DLBCL and have a prognosis similar to that of de novo DLBCL. For patients with clonally related DLBCL, induction therapy with either an anthracycline- or platinum-based regimen is the standard approach. Postremission stem cell transplantation should be considered for appropriate patients. This article summarizes our approach to the clinical management of CLL patients who develop RS.
Role of Alternative Interventional Procedures When Endo- and Epicardial Catheter Ablation Attempts for Ventricular Arrhythmias Fail

Background— Ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs and standard percutaneous catheter ablation techniques portends a poor prognosis. We characterized the reasons for ablation failure and describe alternative interventional procedures in this high-risk group. Methods and Results— Sixty-seven patients with VT refractory to 4±2 antiarrhythmic drugs and 2±1 previous endocardial/epicardial catheter ablation attempts underwent transcoronary ethanol ablation, surgical epicardial window (Epi-window), or surgical cryoablation (OR-Cryo; age, 62±11 years; VT storm in 52%). Failure of endo/epicardial ablation attempts was because of VT of intramural origin (35 patients), nonendocardial origin with prohibitive epicardial access because of pericardial adhesions (16), and anatomic barriers to ablation (8). In 8 patients, VT was of nonendocardial origin with a coexisting condition also requiring cardiac surgery. Transcoronary ethanol ablation alone was attempted in 37 patients, OR-Cryo alone in 21 patients, and a combination of transcoronary ethanol ablation and OR-Cryo (5 patients), or transcoronary ethanol ablation and Epi-window (4 patients), in the remainder. Overall, alternative interventional procedures abolished ≥1 inducible VT and terminated storm in 69% and 74% of patients, respectively, although 25% of patients had at least 1 complication. By 6 months post procedures, there was a significant reduction in defibrillator shocks (from a median of 8 per month to 1; P <0.001) and antiarrhythmic drug requirement although 55% of patients had at least 1 VT recurrence, and mortality was 17%. Conclusions— A collaborative strategy of alternative interventional procedures offers the possibility of achieving arrhythmia control in high-risk patients with VT that is otherwise uncontrollable with antiarrhythmic drugs and standard percutaneous catheter ablation techniques.
The Effect of Shade and Competition on Emigration Rate in the Ant Aphaenogaster Rudis

Aphaenogaster rudis is a common ant in eastern United States forests that exhibits a high rate of colony relocation to new nest sites, even in the absence of nest disturbances. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine if competition or reduced nest insolation, which acts to reduce internal nest temperature, could act as cues triggering colony emigrations. The field experiments tested the effect of increased food supply and artificial shade on the emigration rate. Laboratory experiments tested the effect of increased aggressive encounters with another ant species on emigration rate. Reduction in nest insolation resulted in a dramatic increase in the probability of emigration. Competition resulted in nest relocations only when it involved the invasion of the A. rudis nest site by another ant species. Changes in the amount of available food had no demonstrable effect on the probability of relocation although such changes did affect the intensity and direction of foraging activity. Seasonal trends in emigratory behavior were also observed. Emigration rate in A. rudis reached a maximum in midsummer. Also, the effect of artificially shading nests on emigration rate was the greatest in early summer and significantly less in spring and late summer.
FTICR-MS analysis of 14-3-3 isoform substrate selection

The 14-3-3s are a ubiquitous class of eukaryotic proteins that participate in a second regulatory step in many phosphorylation-based signal transduction systems. The Arabidopsis family of 14-3-3 proteins represents a rather large 14-3-3 gene family. The biological motive for such diversity within a single protein family is not yet completely understood. The work presented here utilizes 14-3-3 micro-affinity chromatography in conjunction with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to survey the substrate sequence selectivity of two Arabidopsis 14-3-3 isoforms that represent the two major subclasses of this protein family. A method was developed to compare the relative binding of eight synthetic phosphopeptide sequences. The degree to which each phosphopeptide bound to either isoform was assigned a relative value, defined here as the binding ratio. The method provided a simple means for visualizing differences in substrate sequence selection among different 14-3-3 isoforms. A reproducible preference for specific phosphopeptide sequences was measured for both isoforms. This binding preference was consistent among the two classes of isoforms, suggesting that any pressure for isoform selectivity must reside outside the central core that interacts with the phosphopeptide sequence of the client.
Care and caring in the intensive care unit: Family members' distress and perceptions about staff skills, communication, and emotional support.

Abstract Purpose Family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are sometimes highly distressed and report lower satisfaction with communication and emotional support from staff. Within a study of emotional responses to traumatic stress, associations between family distress and satisfaction with aspects of ICU care were investigated. Materials and methods In 29 family members of trauma patients who stayed in an ICU, we assessed symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during ICU care. Later, family members rated staff communication, support, and skills and their overall satisfaction with ICU care. Results Ratings of staff competence and skills were significantly higher than ratings of frequency of communication, information needs being met, and support. Frequency of communication and information needs being met were strongly related to ratings of support ( r s = .75-.77) and staff skills ( r s = .77-.85), and aspects of satisfaction and communication showed negative relationships with symptoms of depression ( r s = −.31 to −.55) and PTSD ( r s = −.17 to −.43). Conclusions Although satisfaction was fairly high, family member distress was negatively associated with several satisfaction variables. Increased understanding of the effects of traumatic stress on family members may help staff improve communication and increase satisfaction of highly distressed family members.