cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low concentrations of dimethyl sulphoxide accelerate conjugation and incorporation of glycine and glucosamine intetrahymena

Dimethyl sulphoxide at relatively low comentrations, 0.01 to 1 mM, enhanced the conjugation and cell-to-cell adhesion of complementary strains of matingTetrahymena thermophila. The time required to form stable conjugates was reduced by dimethyl sulphoxide. This chemical stimulated the uptake of glycine and glucosamine from the suspending media. Incorporation of 2-14C-glycine and 6-3H-D-glucosamine into protein and glycoprotein was enhanced in whole cells, surface membrane and cilia. Incorporation of glucosamine into the microsomal fraction was increased in the dimethyl sulphoxidetreated cells while there was little change in glycine incorporation. There were no detectable changes in glycine and glucosamine incorporation into the nuclear fractions isolated from conjugatingTetrahymena exposed to dimethyl sulphoxide.
PHOTOPHOBIC BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF EUGLENA IN A LIGHT INTENSITY GRADIENT AND THE KINETICS OF PHOTORECEPTOR PIGMENT INTERCONVERSIONS

— Accumulation of Euglena gracilis in small illuminated regions called light traps is due to a phobic response to the diminished light intensity at the boundary of the region. The rate of such accumulation of cells was measured as functions of both the light intensity within the trap and the change of intensity at the boundary of the trap. The initial rate of accumulation of a population of cells was taken to be a direct measure of the phobic response of a single typical cell. The data indicate that the strength of the behavioral response in a single cell may be described as being proportional, to the rate of change of the amount of photochemically active form of a photoreceptor pigment molecule which can exist in two predominant forms.
Transforming Seismic Performance of Deficient Steel Concentrically Braced Frames through Implementation of Rocking Cores

AbstractThe use of steel concentrically braced frames (CBFs) has substantially increased recently. However, investigations and observations from past earthquakes suggest that some existing CBFs, particularly the older ones that are still in service but were designed without ductile detailing and compliance with state-of-the-art seismic provisions, may exhibit unfavorable performance during strong earthquake events. This research numerically examines the adequacy of a seismic rehabilitation technology for deficient multistory CBFs. The technology consists of one or multiple rocking cores (RCs) added to an existing CBF to redistribute the seismic forces applied to the frame and reduce the system seismic response. For demonstration purposes, one three-story and one six-story CBF buildings are selected and rehabilitated using the RC technology. Finite-element (FE) models of the considered systems, which explicitly take into account the effect of gusset plates, member yielding, brace buckling, brace rupture, a...
Fatty acid binding protein 3 ( fabp3 ) is associated with insulin, lipids and cardiovascular phenotypes of the metabolic syndrome through epigenetic modifications in a northern european family population

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) play regulatory roles at the nexus of lipid metabolism and signaling. Dyslipidemia in clinical manifestation frequently co-occurs with obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension in the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Animal studies have suggested FABPs play regulatory roles in expressing MetS phenotypes. In our family cohort of Northern European descent, transcript levels in peripheral white blood cells (PWBCs) of a key FABPs, FABP3, is correlated with the MetS leading components. However, evidence supporting the functions of FABPs in humans using genetic approaches has been scarce, suggesting FABPs may be under epigenetic regulation. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that CpG methylation status of a key regulator of lipid homeostasis, FABP3, is a quantitative trait associated with status of MetS phenotypes in humans. We used a mass-spec based quantitative method, EpiTYPER®, to profile a CpG island that extends from the promoter to the first exon of the FABP3 gene in our family-based cohort of Northern European descent (n=517). We then conducted statistical analysis of the quantitative relationship of CpG methylation and MetS measures following the variance-component association model. Heritability of each methylation and the effect of age and sex on CpG methylation were also assessed in our families. We find that methylation levels of individual CpG units and the regional average are heritable and significantly influenced by age and sex. Regional methylation was strongly associated with plasma total cholesterol (p=0.00028) and suggestively associated with LDL-cholesterol (p=0.00495). Methylation at individual units was significantly associated with insulin sensitivity, lipid particle sizing and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.0028, corrected for multiple testing for each trait). Peripheral white blood cell (PWBC) expression of FABP3 in a separate group of subjects (n=128) negatively correlated with adverse profiles of metabolism (βWHR = −0.72; βLDL-c = −0.53) while positively correlated with plasma adiponectin (β=0.24). Further, we show that differential methylation of FABP3 affects binding activity with nuclear proteins from heart tissue. This region that we found under methylation regulation overlaps with a region actively modified by histone codes in the newly available ENCODE data. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation of FABP3 strongly influences MetS, and this may have important implications for cardiovascular disease.
RuleBender: integrated modeling, simulation and visualization for rule-based intracellular biochemistry.

Rule-based modeling (RBM) is a powerful and increasingly popular approach to modeling cell signaling networks. However, novel visual tools are needed in order to make RBM accessible to a broad range of users, to make specification of models less error prone, and to improve workflows. We introduce RuleBender, a novel visualization system for the integrated visualization, modeling and simulation of rule-based intracellular biochemistry. We present the user requirements, visual paradigms, algorithms and design decisions behind RuleBender, with emphasis on visual global/local model exploration and integrated execution of simulations. The support of RBM creation, debugging, and interactive visualization expedites the RBM learning process and reduces model construction time; while built-in model simulation and results with multiple linked views streamline the execution and analysis of newly created models and generated networks. RuleBender has been adopted as both an educational and a research tool and is available as a free open source tool at http://www.rulebender.org . A development cycle that includes close interaction with expert users allows RuleBender to better serve the needs of the systems biology community.
Competition among larvae of Hippelates collusor (Diptera : Chloropidae) as a natural control factor.

Competition in the laboratory among larvae of Hippelates Collusor Townsend on the roots of millet seedlings reached an intensity that has not been observed under field conditions in southern California. Crowded populations resulted in fewer and smaller adults than uncrowded populations. When the oven-dry weight of emerged adults fell below about 0.50×10-4g, it represented competition at its greatest intensity. Additional crowding at this point resulted in a decrease of adult development, accompanied by a further weight loss. Dispersal was considered a means by which larvae in nature escape the severe competition such as occurred these experiments. Laboratory tests demonstrated that hatched larvae dispersed at random from egg inoculation sites permitting the mean weight of resulting adults to surpass 0.66×10-4g, a degree of competition apparently tolerated by a large percentage of the population, since continued movement was possible as shown by its occurrence with a smaller percentage of individuals. The indication of larval dispersion away from inoculation sites offers a possible explanation for low recoveries of adults from artificially inoculated field plots. Such dispersal increases their exposure to destructive natural physical and biotic agents. One stimulus to dispersal may involve the excretion of undesirable levels of biologically active substances by the larvae themselves at high densities.
Punctuality as a Personality Characteristic: Issues of Measurement

ABSTRACT Measures of punctuality style, along with assessments of personality traits, were administered to 15 men and 22 women. Correlations indicated a relationship between punctuality style and nurturance, depression, and anxiety. Tardy individuals scored higher in both state and trait anxiety than individuals who were typically early or on time. An objective method of measuring punctuality style—using a stopwatch—was found to be reliable and to correlate with real tardiness. The results suggest that punctuality style is a persistent personality characteristic that can be assessed by several methods.
Transient response of a high-temperature superconductor tube to pulsed magnetic fields

Abstract The transient response of a melt-cast-processed BSCCO-2212 superconductor tube under a pulsed magnetic field was investigated by using a pulsed current source driving an external copper solenoid. The induced current in the superconductor tube was measured by a Rogowski coil and the penetration field was measured by a Hall probe inside the tube. It was found that (a) the maximum induced current I s (max) and the excitation current at field penetration NI * increase with the maximum excitation current NI(max); (b) there is a time delay between peak NI and peak H in tests with relatively low NI(max), and this time delay diminishes in tests with relatively large NI(max); (c) the induced current I s does not remain constant and begins to decrease immediately after its peak has been reached while the excitation current NI is still increasing; and (d) the decay of the induced current I s exhibited different behavior between tests with relatively low and high NI(max), the former showed a gradual decay while the latter showed a rapid decay initially and then a nearly constant value for an extended period of time. All of these observations can be explained by magnetic diffusion and a postulated transition from flux-creep to flux-flow behavior. The constant value of induced current after its rapid decay can be interpreted as the steady-state critical current of the superconductor tube.
Synergistic effects of surfactants and sugars on lipoplex stability during freeze-drying and rehydration

The stability of nonviral vectors during freeze-drying has been well-studied, and it has been established that sugars can protect lipoplexes during freeze-drying. However low levels of damage are often observed after freeze-drying, and this damage is more evident in dilute lipoplex preparations. By investigating the stability of lipoplexes after each step in the freeze-drying cycle (i.e., freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying), we strive to understand the mechanisms responsible for damage and identify improved stabilization strategies. N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP)–cholesterol/plasmid DNA lipoplexes were prepared at an equimolar DOTAP–cholesterol ratio, and a 3:1 DOTAP+–DNA− charge ratio. Our experiments indicate that despite sufficient levels of “stabilizing” sugars, significant damage is still evident when dilute lipoplex preparations are subjected to freeze-drying. Analysis of the different stages of freeze-drying suggests that significant damage occurs during freezing, and that sugars have a limited capacity to protect against this freezing-induced damage. Similar effects have been observed in studies with proteins, and surfactants have been employed in protein formulations to protect against surface-induced damage, for example, at the ice crystal, solid, air, or sugar glass surfaces. However, the use of surfactants in a lipid-based formulation is inherently risky due to the potential for altering/solubilizing the lipid delivery vehicle. Our data indicate that judicious use of surfactants can reduce surface-induced damage and result in better preservation of lipoplex size and transfection activity after freeze-drying. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3319–3328, 2009
Nutrient Transitions Are a Source of Persisters in Escherichia coli Biofilms

Chronic and recurrent infections have been attributed to persisters in biofilms, and despite this importance, the mechanisms of persister formation in biofilms remain unclear. The plethora of biofilm characteristics that could give rise to persisters, including slower growth, quorum signaling, oxidative stress, and nutrient heterogeneity, have complicated efforts to delineate formation pathways that generate persisters during biofilm development. Here we sought to specifically determine whether nutrient transitions, which are a common metabolic stress encountered within surface-attached communities, stimulate persister formation in biofilms and if so, to then identify the pathway. To accomplish this, we established an experimental methodology where nutrient availability to biofilm cells could be controlled exogenously, and then used that method to discover that diauxic carbon source transitions stimulated persister formation in Escherichia coli biofilms. Previously, we found that carbon source transitions stimulate persister formation in planktonic E. coli cultures, through a pathway that involved ppGpp and nucleoid-associated proteins, and therefore, tested the functionality of that pathway in biofilms. Biofilm persister formation was also found to be dependent on ppGpp and nucleoid-associated proteins, but the importance of specific proteins and enzymes between biofilm and planktonic lifestyles was significantly different. Data presented here support the increasingly appreciated role of ppGpp as a central mediator of bacterial persistence and demonstrate that nutrient transitions can be a source of persisters in biofilms.
Bi-directional reflectance study on particulate layers: Effects of pore liquid absorption coefficient

We have made bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurements on particulate layers wetted by absorbing liquids. The measurement results indicate that the BRDF tends to become more Lambertian as the interstitial pore liquid becomes more absorbing. The directional hemispherical reflectance, or albedo, of such a layer decreases nonlinearly with a wetting liquid's absorption coefficient. This behavior may be fit by two empirical relationships which independently treat the reflectance from the front surface and reflectance from the bulk material.
Electronic prognostics - a case study using Global Positioning System (GPS)

Prognostic health management (PHM) of electronic systems presents challenges traditionally viewed as either insurmountable or otherwise not worth the cost of pursuit. Recent changes in weapons platform acquisition and support requirements has spurred renewed interest in electronics PHM, revealing possible applications, accessible data sources, and previously unexplored predictive techniques. The approach, development, and validation of electronic prognostics for a radiofrequency (RF) system are discussed in this paper. Conventional PHM concepts are refined to develop a three-tier failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). The proposed method identifies prognostic features by performing device, circuit, and system-level modeling. Accelerated failure testing validates the identified diagnostic features. The results of the accelerated failure tests accurately predict the remaining useful life of a COTS GPS receiver to within plusmn5 thermal cycles. The solution has applicability to a broad class of mixed digital/analog circuitry, including radar and software defined radio
A syllabus for a World Wide Web writing workshop

Focusses on the successful format for Web writing used at Lafayette College. Presents an outline of the syllabus and provides advice on the knowledge, hardware and software necessary for running a Web‐writing workshop.
Relativity in Connexion with Axial Rotation

§ 1. My primary aim here is to give some account of relativity in connexion with axial rotation, and in particular to deal with the disk problem. The justification of the use of a special quadratic form for this purpose suggests the propriety of some introductory remarks of a more general character.
Relationship between the metabolic and vasodilator effects of epinephrine in human forearm muscle.

The effect of intra-arterial and intravenous epinephrine on skeletal muscle blood flow and metabolism were studied in the human forearm following complete suppression of the circulation to forearm skin by epinephrine inotophoresis. Epinephrine by either route of administration increased blood flow, O2 consumption and CO2 production, and decreased arteriovenous differences of O2 and CO2 across the forearm. The increments in blood flow did not correlate with the increments in O2 consumption or CO2 production. In the intact forearm intravenous epinephrine increased deep forearm venous Po2 but not venous PCo2. Hypocapnia, induced by voluntary hyperventilation, did not alter the response of forearm blood flow to intravenous epinephrine. These results show that the vasodilator response of skeletal muscle vessels to epinephrine is not dependent on decrease in Po2 or increase in PCO2 in the environment of the high resistance vessels. They also suggest that the calorigenic effect of the hormone is not a dominant factor in its vasodilator effect in skeletal muscle.
A novel and accurate computer model of melanoma prognosis for patients staged by sentinel lymph node biopsy: comparison with the American Joint Committee on Cancer model.

Background We found that a computer model developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) melanoma staging committee had limitations for predicting prognosis of patients staged by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. We sought to develop a model that more accurately predicts prognosis in this population. Study Design Using a data set obtained from a prospective multi-institutional study of 2,507 patients with clinically node-negative melanomas ≥1.0 mm Breslow thickness, we developed a prognostic model using a Cox regression formula incorporating a number of significant clinicopathologic factors. The AJCC model and our model were used to predict 5-year survival from this test data set. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was determined and chi-square tests were performed. Our new prognostic model was validated using an independent data set of 1,001 patients. Results Using the test data set, the CCC for the AJCC model was 0.875; chi-square tests demonstrated statistically significant differences between observed and predicted survivals for numerous clinicopathologic factors. The CCC for our model was 0.976 and none of the chi-square tests was statistically significant. Our model performed similarly well in SLN-negative patients (CCC 0.929) and SLN-positive patients (CCC 0.889). The AJCC model performed well in SLN-negative patients (CCC 0.854), but not in SLN-positive patients (CCC 0.626). Using the validation data set, similar findings were obtained. Conclusions Our prognostic model provides superior survival estimates compared with the AJCC model for patients undergoing SLN biopsy. This online tool is available at www.melanomacalculator.com, and will provide important information that can be used to guide adjuvant therapy decisions and stratification in clinical trials.
WHO CONTRACTS? DETERMINANTS OF THE DECISION TO WORK AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AMONG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WORKERS

We examined which IT workers take jobs as independent contractors. Contracting offers less job security and less employer-provided training than regular employment. We base our predictions of which...
The Effect of Leisure Activity on Depression in the Elderly: Implications for the Field of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this annotated review of literature was to examine the effect of leisure activity on depression in the elderly. Despite some limitations, the literature, in general, suggests an inverse correlation between leisure activity and depression in the elderly. Individuals who engaged in leisure activity, whether it was physical exercise or more sedentary activity such as card games, were less depressed than individuals who did not engage in leisure activity. More scientific research is needed, however, to confirm this effect. Further studies could serve to define leisure activity as a tool for treatment in the field of occupational therapy.
Fatal Canid Herpesvirus 1 Respiratory Infections in 4 Clinically Healthy Adult Dogs

Four healthy adult dogs (Golden Retrievers aged 6 years and 9 years, Dalmatian aged 13 years, and Mastiff aged 5 years) developed clinical signs of acute respiratory disease and died within 2 to 7 days of onset of clinical signs. The lungs of the 3 dogs submitted for necropsy were diffusely and severely reddened due to hyperemia and hemorrhage. Microscopic lesions in all dogs were suggestive of acute viral or toxic respiratory damage and varied from acute severe fibrinonecrotic or hemorrhagic bronchopneumonia to fibrinous or necrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Necropsied dogs also had hemorrhagic rhinitis and tracheitis with necrosis. Virus isolation, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction were used to confirm the presence of canid herpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1) in the lung samples of these dogs. Lung tissues were negative for influenza A virus, canine distemper virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and canine adenovirus 2. Canid herpesvirus 1 has been isolated from cases of acute infectious respiratory disease in dogs but has only rarely been associated with fatal primary viral pneumonia in adult dogs. The cases in the current report document lesions observed in association with CaHV-1 in 4 cases of fatal canine herpesvirus pneumonia in adult dogs.
Extraperitoneal laparoscopic hysterectomy for the large uterus

Objective To determine the feasibility of dividing the uterine arteries laparoscopically during extraperitoneal laparoscopic hysterectomy (ELH) for an enlarged uterus. Method Retrospective review of ELHs over a 12-month period. Results A total of 28 women underwent ELH for a fibroid uterus. Additional procedures were performed in seven cases: pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLN) in three, pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy (PALN) in three, and colposuspension in one. In 13 of the 28 cases the uterus weighed ≥ 500 g (mean 874 g); four weighed 750–1000 g, and three weighed > 1000 g. Considering the 13 patients where the uterus weighed > 500 g, two patients had PLN, and one had PALN in addition to a hysterectomy; the patients’ mean age was 50 years; mean anaesthetic time was 3.25 h; mean blood loss was 565 ml; mean hospital stay was 1.5 days, and two (15%) women were transfused. With respect to the uterine arteries 23/26 (88%) were divided laparoscopically; both arteries in 11 patients, one artery in one patient and neither artery in another patient. None of the women in whom both uterine arteries were divided laparoscopically was transfused, whereas both women in whom one or both uterine arteries were divided vaginally were transfused. Conclusion Both uterine arteries can be divided laparoscopically in most patients undergoing ELH for an enlarged uterus, and laparoscopic division of the uterine arteries may reduce blood loss during morcellation.
A Framework for Professional Ethics Courses in Teacher Education

Evidence suggests that professional ethics is currently a neglected topic in teacher education programs. In this article, the authors revisit the question of ethics education for teachers. The authors propose an approach to the professional ethics of teaching that employs a case-analysis framework specifically tailored to address the practice of teaching. The framework is designed to expose the prima facie moral considerations that are relevant as teachers make judgments about ethics. The framework does not produce absolute answers, but it leads to a process that increases procedural objectivity in ethical decision making. It therefore helps respect student moral autonomy while resisting the slide into relativism.
Extrem dichtes Plasma im Festkörper

Am Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), USA, ist es gelungen, fur kurze Zeit im Innern eines Festkorpers ein extrem dichtes Plasma zu erzeugen. Mit Hilfe von Rontgenstreuung konnten zudem Temperatur und Dichte mit guter Genauigkeit gemessen werden [1].
Applications of Probability Theory in Criminalistics

Abstract This paper considers some problems in the probabilistic analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations. Two basic assumptions are made: (1) That the number of persons or objects possessing a particular set of properties can be considered as a random variable, and (2) that it is possible to estimate the probability function of this random variable. Two models (one with and one without the assumption that the suspect is a random selection from the set of possible suspects) which are applicable to the evaluation of partial transfer evidence—an important category of physical evidence that is found in most criminal investigations—are developed. A detailed analysis of the models and an example are presented for the case when the estimated probability distribution is binomial with an expected value less than 1. As the expected value becomes smaller, the assumption of randomness in the selection of the suspect becomes immaterial to the evaluation of the evidential significance.
Placenta percreta following first trimester miscarriage

The incidence of placenta accreta ranges from 1:2500 to 1:7000 births [1,2]. The incidence of placenta percreta has steadily risen over the past several decades [3]. Although improvements in documentation have occurred, an increase in patients with relevant risk factors parallels the increase in incidence. Risk factors for the development of abnormal placentation include: previous cesarean deliveries, placenta previa, maternal age greater than 35 years, high gravidity, multiparity, and previous curettage [1,2]. A 34-year-old woman (gravida 6, para 1) presented for evaluation with the diagnosis of a large vascular uterine mass, 4 months after having a dilation and curettage (DC however, the patient had persistent vaginal bleeding. Serial transvaginal ultrasounds revealed a complex mass seen in the anterior lower uterine segment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large pelvic mass with areas of nonenhancement consistent with possible necrosis (Fig. 1). The mass abutted the right pelvic wall, bladder, and rectum, though it did not clearly invade these structures. A computerized tomography (CT) scan showed no adenopathy or extrauterine masses. Differential diagnosis at the time included placental site trophoblastic tumor, persistent placental tissue, or other uterine tumors including a degenerating fibroid. The patient was counseled to undergo an examination under anesthesia, and ultrasound-guided D&C. The βhCG at the time was 3 mIU/mL, and serum human placental lactogen was b0.10 μg/mL. The patient desired fertility preservation, but given the possibility of myometrial invasion, the patient gave informed consent for hysterectomy. A D&C was attempted, however, sonographic guidance revealed that the uterine mass was not clearly contiguous with the endometrial cavity. Exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed an enlarged, necrotic, hemorrhagic mass measuring 4×6 cm that protruded from the anterior lower uterine segment, and was densely adhered to the bladder. Upon attempted biopsy of the mass, a rapid loss of 500 cm of blood occurred, resulting in a total abdominal hysterectomy. The preliminary intraoperative pathology report was consistent with necrosis and possible placental site trophoblastic tumor. Total operative blood loss was 1000 cm, and the patient's postoperative course was unremarkable. Final pathology revealed extensively necrotic placental tissue extending from the anterior endometrial cavity, through the myometrium to the uterine serosa (Fig. 2). The majority of the placental tissue was extrauterine, consistent with necrotic placenta percreta. In this case, the symptoms of persistent vaginal bleeding and the development of a large vascular uterine mass 4 months following a first trimester D&C were suggestive of malignancy. This patient was at high risk of abnormal placentation, given her history of multiple uterine curettages and one prior cesarean delivery. Placenta percreta can lead to disastrous complications, including uterine rupture, abolished future fertility, and even
ESTIMATION OF ENERGY USE OF TURKEY ROLLS IN A CONVECTION OVEN1

Time and temperature relationships of both a menu item and the convection oven at three oven-load sizes and three oven temperatures in a convection oven were investigated. Energy use for both the empty oven and turkey rolls at different operating conditions was monitored. The estimation of energy use of turkey rolls was studied based on time and temperature relationships of both the convection oven and food product. Results showed that energy use at a designated oven temperature can be estimated by using the following information: energy use per pound of the raw product, amount of the raw product, energy rating for the convection oven to warm up and maintain the oven temperature, the time to warm up the oven and the length of heating time. The largest oven load size (six rolls) had the highest energy efficiency. Administrative dietitians and foodservice managers may apply this method to their operation and organize the relevant information on energy use in their computers to assist with production planning and operational decision making.
Evaluation of Accessory Gene Regulator (agr) Group and Function in the Proclivity towards Vancomycin Intermediate Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Simulated therapeutic vancomycin exposures were evaluated against agr wild-type and knockout Staphylococcus aureus groups I, II, III, and IV using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model. All agr groups developed intermediate resistance to vancomycin after subtherapeutic exposure. The free unbound fraction of the area under the concentration-time curve (fAUC/MIC) required to suppress resistance was fourfold higher (P < 0.001) in agr dysfunctional strains (112 to 169) than that in parent wild-type strains (28).
Buddhist Monastic Economy: the Jisa Mechanism

The economic activities of Buddhist monasteries have frequently been noted. In regard to Tibetan Lamaist monasteries some writers have assumed that these activities indicate the "corruption" or "degeneration" of pure Buddhist ideals. On the other hand many have expressed wonder at the generosity with which Lamaist laymen will give, sometimes impoverishing themselves, to support their religion. Attention too seldom has been drawn to the means by which gifts are translated into religious merit for the donors, whether these be monks or laymen. It is the mechanism of translation that explains the universal economic success of Buddhist monasticism.
The Surface Glycoproteins of H5 Influenza Viruses Isolated from Humans, Chickens, and Wild Aquatic Birds Have Distinguishable Properties

In 1997, 18 confirmed cases of human influenza arising from multiple independent transmissions of H5N1 viruses from infected chickens were reported from Hong Kong. To identify possible phenotypic changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of the H5 viruses during interspecies transfer, we compared the receptor-binding properties and NA activities of the human and chicken H5N1 isolates from Hong Kong and of H5N3 and H5N1 viruses from wild aquatic birds. All H5N1 viruses, including the human isolate bound to Sia2-3Gal-containing receptors but not to Sia2-6Gal-containing receptors. This finding formally demonstrates for the first time that receptor specificity of avian influenza viruses may not restrict initial avian-to-human transmission. The H5N1 chicken viruses differed from H5 viruses of wild aquatic birds by a 19-amino-acid deletion in the stalk of the NA and the presence of a carbohydrate at the globular head of the HA. We found that a deletion in the NA decreased its ability to release the virus from cells, whereas carbohydrate at the HA head decreased the affinity of the virus for cell receptors. Comparison of amino acid sequences from GenBank of the HAs and NAs from different avian species revealed that additional glycosylation of the HA and a shortened NA stalk are characteristic features of the H5 and H7 chicken viruses. This finding indicates that changes in both HA and NA may be required for the adaptation of influenza viruses from wild aquatic birds to domestic chickens and raises the possibility that chickens may be a possible intermediate host in zoonotic transmission.
Continental mantle seismic anisotropy: a new look at the Twin Sisters massif

Abstract Recent interpretations of upper continental mantle seismic anisotropy observations have often relied on fabric measurements and calculated anisotropies of upper mantle xenoliths. Seismic ray paths of P and S waves, which provide information on azimuthal compressional wave anisotropy and shear wave splitting, are tens to hundreds of kilometers, whereas, xenoliths are usually only a few centimeters in diameter. To place better constraints on field-based anisotropy observations and to evaluate anisotropy information provided by xenoliths, it is important to examine anisotropy in large ultramafic massifs which have originated in the upper mantle. One such massif is the Twin Sisters Range located in the western portion of the North Cascades of Washington State, USA. The Twin Sisters massif, a slab of unaltered dunite, is 16 km in length, 6 km in width and 3 km thick. Exposed along its south and west sides are mafic granulite facies rocks, which likely represent lower continental crustal fragments. The ultramafic rocks are porphyroclastic in texture, consisting of strained, flattened porphyroclasts of olivine and enstatite and strain-free olivine mosaics. Olivine fabrics are typical of those formed at high temperatures and low strain rates. Petrofabrics and calculated anisotropies of individual samples vary throughout the massif, however, overall anisotropy of the body is significant, with maximum P and S waves anisotropies of 5.4% and 3.9%, respectively. The maximum delay time for split shear waves traveling through a 100-km-thick slab is 0.8 s and two directions of shear wave singularity are observed. The directions of maximum shear wave splitting and shear wave singularities do not coincide with the directions of maximum and minimum compressional wave velocity. In general, individual hand samples show significantly higher anisotropy than the overall anisotropy of the massif. It is concluded that simple averages of xenolith anisotropies are unreliable for use in the interpretation of field anisotropy observations.
Inhibitory effect of a short Z-DNA forming sequence on transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase

DNA sequences capable of forming unusual secondary structures can be a source of genomic instability. In some cases that instability might be affected by transcription, as recently shown for the Z-DNA forming sequence (CG)(14), which causes genomic instability both in mammalian cells and in bacteria, and this effect increases with its transcription. We have investigated the effect of this (CG)(14) sequence on transcription with T7 RNA polymerase in vitro. We detected partial transcription blockage within the sequence; the blockage increased with negative supercoiling of the template DNA. This effect was not observed in a control self-complementary sequence of identical length and base composition as the (CG)(14) sequence, when the purine-pyrimidine alternation required for Z-DNA formation was disrupted. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect on T7 transcription results from Z-DNA formation in the (CG)(14) sequence rather than from an effect of the sequence composition or from hairpin formation in either the DNA or the RNA product.
Training Physical Education Students to Self-Regulate during Basketball Free Throw Practice.

The additive effects of self-regulation training in forethought, performance, and self-reflection phase processes on acquiring a novel motoric skill (i.e., basketball free throws) and self-reflective beliefs were studied with 50 college students. The results showed a positive linear trend between the number of self-regulatory phases, in which the participants were trained, and their free throw shooting performance and shooting adaptation. The two- and three-phase training groups displayed significantly more accurate free throws and were able to self-correct their shooting form more frequently following missed shots than all other groups. Participants who received three-phase training displayed the most adaptive motivational profile, characterized by making strategic attributions and adaptive inferences and by using self/process criteria during self-evaluations.
Mapping 3D Strains with Ultrasound Speckle Tracking: Method Validation and Initial Results in Porcine Scleral Inflation.

This study aimed to develop and validate a high frequency ultrasound method for measuring distributive, 3D strains in the sclera during elevations of intraocular pressure. A 3D cross-correlation based speckle-tracking algorithm was implemented to compute the 3D displacement vector and strain tensor at each tracking point. Simulated ultrasound radiofrequency data from a sclera-like structure at undeformed and deformed states with known strains were used to evaluate the accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of strain estimation. An experimental high frequency ultrasound (55 MHz) system was built to acquire 3D scans of porcine eyes inflated from 15 to 17 and then 19 mmHg. Simulations confirmed good strain estimation accuracy and SNR (e.g., the axial strains had less than 4.5% error with SNRs greater than 16.5 for strains from 0.005 to 0.05). Experimental data in porcine eyes showed increasing tensile, compressive, and shear strains in the posterior sclera during inflation, with a volume ratio close to one suggesting near-incompressibility. This study established the feasibility of using high frequency ultrasound speckle tracking for measuring 3D tissue strains and its potential to characterize physiological deformations in the posterior eye.
Attracting underrepresented students to engineering and computer science: faculty poster abstract

In recent years the demand for STEM professionals, especially engineers and computer scientists are increasingly growing in our technologically pervaded society and the problem of attracting and retaining students of underrepresented groups in these fields are becoming very crucial [2] [6]. To address this issue of underrepresentation in the technical fields [1] [5] a grant proposal titled 'Exploration of Computing and Technology Education and Careers at Buffalo State' was submitted to the SUNY Explorations in Diversity and Academic Excellence program and was awarded by the SUNY Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Recognizing the national and state need for a larger STEM workforce [8] and more critically for a technically-trained diverse workforce [7], the one-year program titled 'Exploration of Computing and Technology Education and Careers' (ECTEC) was designed to increase the interest and representation of traditionally underrepresented groups in engineering technology and computing education and careers.
A Modern, Abbreviated Computer Navigation Protocol Provides Value in TKA by Reducing Blood Loss and Cost With Minimal Effect on Surgical Efficiency

Introduction: Efforts continue to reduce blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Computer assisted surgery (CAS) has been shown to reduce outliers in component position and improve functional outcomes in TKA, yet few studies have reported specifically on blood loss. The primary study objective was to determine whether a modern abbreviated CAS protocol would reduce blood loss in TKA compared to conventional instrumentation. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of CAS on cost and surgical efficiency. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 100 consecutive patients was performed comparing an abbreviated and modern CAS protocol versus conventional IM instrumentation. All TKAs utilized an identical surgical technique without any hemostatic agent. Blood loss was determined using drain output, change in hemoglobin, and calculated blood loss. Tourniquet times were recorded as an indicator of procedural efficiency. A cost analysis compared the CAS protocol to the cost associated with tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss and long-leg alignment radiographs to optimize component position. Results: Height, weight, BMI, and preoperative hemoglobin were similar between groups. The CAS group demonstrated a decrease in average hourly drain output (CAS 33.8 ml; conventional 40.5 ml; p = 0.024), decreased change in hemoglobin (CAS 2.2; conventional 3.1; p Conclusion: AbbreviatedCAS is effective in reducing blood loss in TKA comparable to TXA, likely due to avoidance of the femoral IM canal, with minimal effect on surgical efficiency. Along with proven advantages of accurate component placement and improved functional outcome after TKA, the additional blood conservation supports CAS providing value in healthcare and obviates the need for advanced preoperative imaging and TXA, and can be used in patients regardless of cardiac or thromboembolic risk.
Flocculation of Nannochloropsis oculata using a tannin-based polymer: Bench scale optimization and pilot scale reproducibility

Harvesting is one of the major bottlenecks to the large-scale expansion of microalgae for production of food, feed, bulk chemicals, or biofuels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Tanfloc, a low molecular weight tannin-based cationic polymer, for harvesting the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata, a promising feedstock for biofuels. A 24 full factorial bench scale (0.25 L) experiment determined the effects of salinity (10, 30), pH (6, 8), polymer dosage (1, 10 mg/L), and biomass concentration (200, 400 mg/L) on flocculation. Afterward, the best harvesting conditions were replicated at pilot scale (250 L) to verify up-scaling potential and reproducibility over time. Overall, increasing Tanfloc dosage improved efficiency (21.5%) whereas pH (−20.4%) and salinity (−41.7%) hampered flocculation. Bench scale conditions resulting in higher flocculation efficiency (99%) were 10 mg/L of Tanfloc, pH 6, and salinity 10. No difference was observed (p < 0.05) between bench and pilot scale results, leading to conclude that Tanfloc is a reliable polymer for harvesting N. oculata cultured in brackish water. Moreover, it was observed that Tanfloc outperformed synthetic polymers recently reported for harvesting marine microalgae.
Statistical analyses of plume composition and deposited radionuclide mixture ratios

A proposed method is considered to classify the regions in the close neighborhood of selected measurements according to the ratio of two radionuclides measured from either a radioactive plume or a deposited radionuclide mixture. The subsequent associated locations are then considered in the area of interest with a representative ratio class. This method allows for a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of the data sampled following a radiological incident.
Occupy on Air: Transparency and Surveillance in Taiwan's Sunflower Movement

On March 18, 2014, an iPad positioned on the second floor of the Legislative Yuan, the highest legislative institution in Taiwan, took automatic snapshots of the chamber below. On the screen, a big...
lipoic acid in oxidative reactions of a Corynebacterium.

SummaryThe metabolism of dried cells of a Corynebacterium has been studied and evidence presented that indicates α-lipoic acid is involved in the oxidation of a variety of substrates and that the locus of action is at several independent sites.
Medicine, Monopoly, and Moral Panic: 21st Century Attacks on Homeopathy and Counterstrategy

Attacks on homeopathy have intensified since the early 21st century. Homeopathy is being attacked because of its success; it is the second most used type of medicine in the world. It is an important healing modality in many developing countries, and its use is also expanding in affluent nations. Its growth has caused moral panic amongst many in orthodox medicine, which is threatened by new scientific findings supporting homeopathy, and wants to protect its reputation and profits. The attacks consist of claims that homeopathy is unethical and ineffective, cuts in funding in the United Kingdom and increased regulation of homeopathy. They have been particularly evident in affluent English-speaking countries. To counter the attacks, homeopaths should continue to offer high-quality homeopathy, and the homeopathic community, working together through homeopathic and health freedom organisations, should fight biomedical monopoly and the ‘harmonisation’ of homeopathy.
Single and Multiple Applications of Fenvalerate to Protect Western White Pine Cones from Dioryctria abietivorella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Cones of blister rust-resistant western white pine were treated with highvolume ground applications of 0.025% fenvalerate during spring and summer 1984. Four treatments were compared: an untreated check, a single application (9 May), a double application (9 May and 13 June), and a triple application (9 May, 13 June, and 18 July). Dioryctria abietivorella (Grote) infested 46.6% of cones in the untreated check, significantly more than the 13.6% in the single application. The double application increased seed yield significantly compared to the untreated check from 31.3 to 56.0 seeds per cone. We are 95% confident that this treatment increased seed production by at least 30% and possibly as much as 128%. The third application in July was apparently unnecessary.
Further Advances in Neonatal Genetic Testing

Because a significant proportion of critically ill neonates suffer the consequence of a genetic disorder, it is imperative that neonatologists be familiar with the phenotypes associated with the most common disorders and with the laboratory tests that help diagnose them. Currently available clinical tests detect a wide variety of genetic abnormalities ranging from defects in chromosome number to mutations as small as a single nucleotide. Recent advances also allow for comprehensive screening of candidate regions of the genome for pathogenic variants. However, when ordering any genetic laboratory test, the technical and analytical limitations of each assay need to be appreciated, as do other considerations, such as turnaround time and cost.
European Corn Borer: Effect of Manipulated Photoperiods on Survival in the Field

In field studies conducted from 1969–75, survival of a fall population of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) exposed to 17 h of light and 17 h of dark was decreased in 4 out of 6 yr. Light breaks interjected during the night did not appear to prevent diapause but emergence of adults decreased in the spring in 4 out of 6 seasons when 100% survival of controls was observed. In the 3 seasons in which control survival was reduced, interjection of light breaks did not reduce further emergence of the overwintering population.