cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Young Women and Internet Cafés in China: Risks and Aspirations in a Contested Techno-social Space

Internet cafes in China were booming in the 2000s when interest in the internet was high, but ownership of devices like mobile phones and computers was relatively low. In 2015, China had 146,000 internet cafes with 20 million daily users. While internet cafes are highly popular among youth in China and play important sociopolitical roles in Chinese civic life, there have been deep anxieties over the risks posed by the pubic techno-social space to young people. Through a survey of young women internet cafe users and interviews with cafe staff, this chapter shows how the introduction of communication technology in parts of China intersects with local socialeconomic contexts, gender roles, and impacts cultural norms and family dynamics. Chinese media reports often portray women in the internet cafe as internet addicts, delinquents, or victims of male predators, presenting them as the problematic “other” in the male-dominated space even though women constitute a significant amount of labor force working in these community businesses. The chapter discusses the question of inequality and implications for digital divide problems at the local level in China and how this reflects the disparities between the norms about “proper” internet use and social expectations of womanhood in China. It also demonstrates a gap between the public concerns and the authorities’ concern with the impact of internet cafes in the Chinese society.
A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Organ-Specific Lupus Flares in Relation to Atmospheric Variables and Fine Particulate Matter Pollution

OBJECTIVE To identify potential clusters of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) organ-specific flares and their relationship to fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5), temperature, ozone concentration, resultant wind, relative humidity, and barometric pressure in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, using spatiotemporal cluster analysis. METHODS A total of 1,628 patients who fulfilled the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for SLE and who had a home address recorded were included in the analysis. Disease activity was assessed using the Lupus Activity Index. Assessment of rash, joint involvement, serositis, and neurologic, pulmonary, renal, and hematologic activity was quantified on a 0-3 visual analog scale (VAS). An organ-specific flare was defined as an increase in VAS of ≥1 point compared to the previous visit. Spatiotemporal clusters were detected using SaTScan software. Regression models were used for cluster adjustment and included individual, county-level, and environmental variables. RESULTS Significant clusters unadjusted for environmental variables were identified for joint flares (P < 0.05; n = 3), rash flares (P < 0.05; n = 4), hematologic flares (P < 0.05; n = 3), neurologic flares (P < 0.05; n = 2), renal flares (P < 0.001; n = 4), serositis (P < 0.001; n = 2), and pulmonary flares (P < 0.001; n = 2). The majority of the clusters identified changed in significance, temporal extent, or spatial extent after adjustment for environmental variables. CONCLUSION We describe the first spatiotemporal clusters of lupus organ-specific flares. Seasonal, as well as multi-year, cluster patterns were identified, differing in extent and location for the various organ-specific flare types. Further studies focusing on each individual organ-specific flare are needed to better understand the driving forces behind these observed changes.
Minireview: Flow chemistry studies of high-pressure gas-liquid reactions with carbon monoxide and hydrogen

Tube-in-tube flow reactors are emerging as a highly efficient flow chemistry strategy for performing various types of gas-liquid reactions due to their unique characteristics, such as high specific interfacial area, enhanced mass transfer and mixing, reduced material consumption, and safe handling of toxic and flammable gases. In this article we discuss the most recent advancements in utilizing tube-in-tube flow reactors for fundamental and applied studies of high-pressure gas-liquid reactions with carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and syngas. General guidelines for successful assembly of such flow chemistry platforms are discussed. In addition, a perspective on future potential directions for further development of the tube-in-tube flow reactors such as scale-up and increased robustness are provided.
The Post-Catastrophe Consciousness: The Semiotics of Alienation and Belief in Samuel Beckett's Endgame

This essay explores how Samuel Beckett’s Endgame portrays the post-apocalyptic consciousness. Using Walker Percy’s semiotic theory to understand the play, this paper positsthat Endgame shows the struggle for individuals to apprehend themselves amidst catastrophe without objectifying themselves. Unable to find a semiotic referent to identify themselves with, people experience alienation as shown in Endgame through Hamm and Clov. Through their struggle to place themselves in their post-apocalyptic context, Hamm and Clov show the futility f rationally ordering life amidst catastrophe.
Unraveling Scaling Properties of Slow-Slip Events

A major debate in geophysics is whether earthquakes and slow‐slip events (SSEs) arise from similar failure mechanisms. Recent observations from different subduction zones suggest that SSEs follow the same moment‐duration scaling as earthquakes, unlike qualitatively different scaling proposed by earlier studies. Here, we examine the scaling properties using dynamic simulations of frictional sliding. The resulting sequences of SSEs match observations from the Cascadia subduction zone, including the earthquake‐like cubic moment‐duration scaling. In contrast to conventional and widely used assumptions of magnitude‐invariant rupture velocities and stress drops, both simulated and natural SSEs have rupture velocities and stress drops that increase with event magnitudes. These findings support the same frictional origin for both earthquakes and SSEs while suggesting a new explanation for the observed SSEs scaling.
Dysregulation of the OGF–OGFr pathway correlates with elevated serum OGF and ocular surface complications in the diabetic rat:

Diabetes often presents with ocular surface complications including dry eye, keratopathy, and altered sensitivity, along with systemic disorders. A common theme associated with corneal surface defe...
When One Lacks Will, They Denounce . . .

Robert M. Capraro, the editor-in-cheif of the Journal of Urban Mathematics Education, and Jonas Chang, copyeditor for JUME, introduce this special issue of the journal. Through discussion of the events that prompted the Black Lives Matter protests of Summer 2020 and the responses of several national organizations and corporations, they argues that the journal and its members must do more than simply denounce systemic racism and violence; math educators must additionally use their privelage and influence to support the message of the protests and consider in what ways they can more effectively support the mathematics achievement, considered a powerful equalizer of society, of Black and Brown children.
Altered expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and FLK-1 receptor in chronically hypoxic rat carotid body.

The mammalian carotid body maintains a high level of chemoreceptor output and provides support for increased ventilatory drive over an extended period in animals chronically exposed to a low O2 environment (i.e., chronic hypoxia, CH; Bisgard, 2000). Important features of carotid body adaptation to CH include hypertrophy and hyperplasia of (O2-sensitive type I cells, and marked dilation of surrounding microvascular elements (McGregor et al 1984; Laidler & Kay, 1975). Although little is known about the cellular mechanisms which mediate these remarkable morphological changes (Pequignot et al 1987; Bisgard, 2000), similar (O2-sensitive changes occur in the lung and heart where CH elicits constriction and thickening of vessel walls in the pulmonary circuit and hypertrophy of the right ventricle, resulting in pulmonary hypertension (Rabinovitch et al., 1979).
Sex-specific differences in access and response to medical and device therapies in heart failure: State of the art

Women with heart failure (HF) are more symptomatic than their male counterparts. Despite deriving similar benefits from both medical and devices therapies, women continue to be underrepresented in clinic trials. Important sex-based disparities exist in enrollment in clinical trials and access to medical and device-based therapies, in part stemming from differences in medical and psychosocial comorbidities. Disparities in access to beneficial interventions likely contribute to the greater symptom burden identified in women with HF. Improved focus on the enrollment of women in clinical trials will allow a better understanding of the underpinnings of these disparities and improve the care of women with HF.
Structural Disadvantage and Culture, Race, and Ethnicity in Early Psychosis Services: International Provider Survey

Objective:Little is known about provider perspectives on programmatic responses to structural disadvantage and cultural differences within early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services, programs, ...
Novel 3D printable powered air purifying respirator for emergency use during PPE shortage of the COVID-19 pandemic: a study protocol and device safety analysis.

Objectives To design a low-cost 3D printable powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) that meets National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard for flow rate and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for particle filtration for loose-fitting PAPRs and that can be made with a 3D printer and widely available materials. Design Detailed description of components, assembly instructions and testing of a novel PAPR design in an academic laboratory following respective protocols. The assembled PAPR must meet NIOSH standards of flow rate, 170 L/min; OSHA fit factor for particle filtration, ≥250 and maintain positive pressure during regular and deep breathing. Main outcome measures The PAPR design was run through a series of tests: air flow (L/min), particle filtration (quantitative and qualitative) and positive pressure measured inside the helmet (mm Hg). Results Flow rate was 443.32 L/min (NIOSH standard: minimum 170 L/min) and overall fit factor for particle filtration was 1362 (OSHA pass level: ≥500), n=1. The device passed qualitative particle filtration, n=2, and measured peak pressure of 6mm Hg (>0 mm Hg indicates positive pressure) in the helmet, n=1. Conclusions The Hygieia PAPR is a low-cost, easily accessible, just-in-time 3D printable PAPR design that meets minimum NIOSH and OSHA standards for flow-rate and particle filtration for loose-fitting PAPR devices to be made and used when industry-made designs are unavailable.
Resilience to stress and social touch

Modern lifestyle and adversities such as the COVID-19 pandemic pose challenges for our physical and mental health. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to identify mechanisms by which we can improve resilience to stress and quickly adapt to adversity. While there are several factors that improve stress resilience, social behavior—primarily in the form of social touch—is especially vital. This article provides an overview of how the somatosensory system plays a key role in translating the socio-emotional information of social touch into active coping with stress. Important future directions include evaluating in humans whether stress resilience can be modulated through the stimulation of low-threshold C-fiber mechanoreceptors and using this technology in the prevention of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Effects of extraordinary snowfall on traffic safety

Snowfall affects traffic safety by causing changes in roadway surface and visibility that result in crashes, spinouts, and breakdowns. Using data collected at a site that regularly receives nearly 1000 cm of snow during the snow season, this study examines the impact of snowfall quantity, gap between snow events, and weather conditions on crash and incident frequencies. Estimation results from regression analysis show that snowfall severity significantly impacts crashes and incidents but the impact diminishes marginally with each additional centimeter of snow. Gap has a significant fixed effect on crashes but its impact on incidents varies significantly across observations. The effect of the mixed precipitation condition is smaller in comparison to an all-snow condition. These results will help inform policy for snow removal and traffic enforcement in areas of high snowfall.
Structure and Dynamics of Viral Substrate Recognition and Drug Resistance: A Dissertation

Drug resistance is a major problem in quickly evolving diseases, including the human immunodeficiency (HIV) and hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections. The viral proteases (HIV protease and HCV NS3/4A protease) are primary drug targets. At the molecular level, drug resistance reflects a subtle change in the balance of molecular recognition; the drug resistant protease variants are no longer effectively inhibited by the competitive drug molecules but can process the natural substrates with enough efficiency for viral survival. Therefore, the inhibitors that better mimic the natural substrate binding features should result in more robust inhibitors with flat drug resistance profiles. The native substrates adopt a consensus volume when bound to the enzyme, the substrate envelope. The most severe resistance mutations occur at protease residues that are contacted by the inhibitors outside the substrate envelope. To guide the design of robust inhibitors, we investigate the shared and varied properties of substrates with the protein dynamics taken into account to define the dynamic substrate envelope of both viral proteases. The NS3/4A dynamic substrate envelope is compared with inhibitors to detect the structural and dynamic basis of resistance mutation patterns. Comparative analyses of substrates and inhibitors result in a solid list of structural and dynamic features of substrates that are not shared by inhibitors. This study can help guiding the development of novel inhibitors by paying attention to the subtle differences between the binding properties of substrates versus inhibitors.
A clinicopathologic investigation of the causes of menometrorrhagia

Abstract 1. 1. A series of 1,500 women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, complaining primarily of abnormal uterine bleeding, are presented from a clinicopathologic approach. 2. 2. The misinterpretation of the endometrial patterns and the misapplication of terminology have done much to complicate the present status of investigative and therapeutic work in menstrual aberrations. 3. 3. Though endocrinopathic manifestations are important factors in the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, factors of anatomic nature are more common and should be ruled out before interpreting the cause as functional or dysfunctional in type. 4. 4. Therapy, to be adequate, demands a thorough and complete investigation of the entire system with a proper interpretation and appreciation of the findings. 5. 5. No attempt has been made to offer new theories, change the classification, or advance new ideas of therapy; the clinical aspects of the case and the associated tissue changes have been studied and presented with personal interpretations.
Exact Linearization of Nonlinear Manipulator Models using Adaptive Control

Exact linearization of robot dynamics using nonlinear feedback requires an accurate knowledge of the robot parameters and payload. These parameters are often not known `a priori.' A Model Reference Adaptive Control system is developed for tracking the unknown or imprecisely known parameters. The values of these parameters are updated in the nonlinear feedback loop, using adaptive control, to achieve exact linearization. The adaptation algorithm is synthesized using Lyapunov stability criterion. Numerical simulation studies are conducted for a prototype three degree-of-freedom manipulator with five unknown parameters. A study of parameter convergence shows the importance of weighting factors in the adaptation law to control interaction between parameters. When multiple parameters are adapted simultaneously, the rate of adaptation of one parameter affects the values of other parameters. This results in mutual parameter compensation to reduce errors between the robot and the reference model. Parameter interaction can be reduced by using high speeds of adaptation within the bounds of stability.
Thermo-mechanical simulation of stacked chip scale packages with moire interferometry vaildation

Moire interferometry and finite element (FE) analysis are used to quantify the deformation of stacked chip scale packages under thermal and accelerated thermal cycling loads. Basic thermo-elastic material property measurements are made of the constituent materials and found to be in good agreement with published values. Viscoplastic FE-based solder joint fatigue simulations indicate good reliability for several common design configurations of stacked packages
Human Reproduction by Cloning in Theological Perspective

This Article presents a Christian theological perspective on the intent to clone another human being.' The Christian belief in the divine creation of human beings includes, most importantly, our being created in the image of God. Evidently, the outcome of this creation is simply the fully matured human being as we find him or her, together with the capacity to reproduce, and the eventual death of each individual. Having placed human cloning in this theological context, how ought we to regard the scientific prospect of cloning as a method of human reproduction and set to the ongoing debate on the matter? Cloning, unlike the projects of medicine, does not enhance existing individual human lives but rather carries the prospect of replication and (according to "futurology") the possible, indefinite extension of individual human lives. 2 This, of course, is not the divine goal for human beings and should not, in any way, be confused with the hopes of human salvation. The prospect of cloning human beings is now at hand, but the project itself bristles with conundrums that, this Article contends, eliminate it as a legitimate technique for enhancing human reproduction. This Article suggests that cloning, as a proposed technique for the reproduction of whole human organisms, possesses inherent moral flaws and legal contradictions that point to a violation of something basic in the created order. This Article proposes that other
PGC−1α Promoter Methylation in Parkinson’s Disease

The etiopathogenesis of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive although mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated. Recent evidence revealed reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α) and downstream regulated nuclear encoded respiratory complex genes in affected brain tissue from PD patients. We sought to determine whether epigenetic modification of the PGC-1α gene could account for diminished expression. In substantia nigra from PD patients but not control subjects, we show significant promoter-proximal non-canonical cytosine methylation of the PGC-1α gene but not an adjacent gene. As neuroinflammation is a prominent feature of PD and a mediator of epigenetic change, we evaluated whether the pro-inflammatory fatty acid, palmitate, would stimulate PGC-1α promoter methylation in different cell types from the CNS. Indeed, in mouse primary cortical neurons, microglia and astrocytes, palmitate causes PGC-1α gene promoter non-canonical cytosine methylation, reduced expression of the gene and reduced mitochondrial content. Moreover, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of palmitate to transgenic human α-synuclein mutant mice resulted in increased PGC-1α promoter methylation, decreased PGC-1α expression and reduced mitochondrial content in substantia nigra. Finally we provide evidence that dysregulation of ER stress and inflammatory signaling is associated with PGC-1α promoter methylation. Together, these data strengthen the connection between saturated fatty acids, neuroflammation, ER stress, epigenetic alteration and bioenergetic compromise in PD.
Theoretical Analysis of the Relative Impact of Obesity on Hemodynamic Stability During Acute Hemorrhagic Shock.

Background: Evidence suggests that morbid obesity may be an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with traumatic injuries. Objectives: In this study, a theoretic analysis using a derivation of the Guyton model of cardiovascular physiology examines the expected impact of obesity on hemodynamic changes in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Cardiac Output (CO) during Hemorrhagic Shock (HS). Patients and Methods: Computer simulation studies were used to predict the relative impact of increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) on global hemodynamic parameters during HS. The analytic procedure involved recreating physiologic conditions associated with changing BMI for a virtual subject in an In Silico environment. The model was validated for the known effect of a BMI of 30 on iliofemoral venous pressures. Then, the relative effect of changing BMI on the outcome of target cardiovascular parameters was examined during simulated acute loss of blood volume in class II hemorrhage. The percent changes in these parameters were compared between the virtual nonobese and obese subjects. Model parameter values are derived from known population distributions, producing simulation outputs that can be used in a deductive systems analysis assessment rather than traditional frequentist statistical methodologies. Results: In hemorrhage simulation, moderate increases in BMI were found to produce greater decreases in MAP and CO compared to the normal subject. During HS, the virtual obese subject had 42% and 44% greater falls in CO and MAP, respectively, compared to the nonobese subject. Systems analysis of the model revealed that an increase in resistance to venous return due to changes in intra-abdominal pressure resulting from obesity was the critical mechanism responsible for the differences. Conclusions: This study suggests that obese patients in HS may have a higher risk of hemodynamic instability compared to their nonobese counterparts primarily due to obesity-induced increases in intra-abdominal pressure resulting in reduced venous return.
Aerosol forcing based on CAM5 and AM3 meteorological fields

Abstract. We use a single aerosol model to explore the effects of the differing meteorological fields from the NCAR CAM5 and GFDL AM3 models. We simulate the global distributions of sulfate, black carbon, organic matter, dust and sea salt using the University of Michigan IMPACT model and use these fields to calculate aerosol direct and indirect forcing, thereby isolating the impacts of the differing meteorological fields. Over all, the IMPACT-AM3 model predicts larger burdens and longer aerosol lifetimes than the IMPACT-CAM5 model. However, the IMPACT-CAM5 simulations transport more black carbon to the polar regions and more dust from Asia towards North America. These differences can mainly be attributed to differences in: (1) the vertical cloud mass flux and large-scale precipitation fields which determine the wet deposition of aerosols; (2) the in-cloud liquid water content and the cloud coverage which determine the wet aqueous phase production of sulfate. The burden, lifetime and global distribution, especially black carbon in polar regions, are strongly affected by choice of the parameters used for wet deposition. The total annual mean aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm ranges from 0.087 to 0.122 for the IMPACT-AM3 model and from 0.138 to 0.186 for the IMPACT-CAM5 model (range is due to different parameters used for wet deposition). Even though IMPACT-CAM5 has smaller aerosol burdens, its AOD is larger due to the much higher relative humidity in CAM5 which leads to more hygroscopic growth. The corresponding global annual average anthropogenic and all-sky aerosol direct forcing at the top of the atmosphere ranges from −0.25 W m−2 to −0.30 W m−2 for IMPACT-AM3 and from −0.48 W m−2 to −0.64 W m−2 for IMPACT-CAM5. The global annual average anthropogenic 1st aerosol indirect effect at the top of the atmosphere ranges from −1.26 W m−2 to −1.44 W m−2 for IMPACT-AM3 and from −1.74 W m−2 to −1.77 W m−2 for IMPACT-CAM5.
Rheology of transient networks containing hydrophobically modified cellulose, anionic surfactant and colloidal silica: role of selective adsorption

Rheology and adsorption studies are performed on a model multicomponent system of hydrophobically modified cellulose (hmHEC), anionic surfactant (SDS), and negatively charged silica. Optical reflectometry measurements on silica quantify the total adsorbed mass from polymer-surfactant mixtures and indicate that the adsorption is irreversible. Linear and nonlinear rheological measurements show that the addition of colloidal silica to polymer-surfactant mixtures leads to complex and unexpected changes in behavior that cannot be explained simply as depletion of the bulk solution via adsorption to the colloidal surface. Instead, the combination of rheology and adsorption measurements indicates that the colloidal silica becomes an integral part of the transient network shifting the dynamics of the system.
Advances Against Aspergillosis: Biology, Host response, Diagnosis and Treatment

The genus Aspergillus is comprised of over 260 species, representing a group of saprophytic filamentous fungi that occupy a variety of environmental niches worldwide [1]. The conidia from these organisms are inhaled on a daily basis, which may result in allergic and/or infectious complications that can be life-threatening in vulnerable individuals. Aspergillosis is the name given to the spectrum of diseases caused by approximately 20 species within this genus [2, 3]. Research on aspergillosis has shown a progressive expansion over the past three decades, largely due to the rise in the number of immunocompromised individuals who are at risk for the infection. This has fueled the creation of an international meeting, Advances Against Aspergillosis, the purpose of which is to bring together basic and translational scientists, along with clinicians and clinical investigators to discuss state-of-the-art advances in Aspergillus biology, immunopathogenesis, antifungal host defenses, and the challenges confronting the diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis. This special issue of Mycopathologia showcases a series of invited papers that are based on presentations given at the 6th meeting of Advances Against Aspergillosis (AAA6), which was held in Madrid, Spain, in February 2014.
Safety of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Current Evidence for Osteoporosis and Interaction with Antiplatelet Agents

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used in millions of patients. Despite the widespread usage and favorable safety profile, much attention has focused recently on potential adverse events associated with use. One area of particular concern is the reported potential adverse effects on bone density, causing possible osteoporosis and related bone fractures. The low magnitude of the association (OR < 2), lack of experimental evidence documenting a mechanism, and inability to assess potential confounding factors limit statements regarding causality. The other area of particular concern has been the combined use with antiplatelet agents, in particular with clopidogrel. Several retrospective studies suggested an adverse cardiovascular outcome if clopidogrel was combined with PPIs. The theoretic concern was raised to a possible interference with the bioactivation of the prodrug via competitive interference for both drugs at the cytochrome P450 pathway. Although ex vitro studies suggested a possible effect and several retrospective analyses were supportive of an adverse clinical outcome, the more recent prospective controlled trial data do not support an adverse cardiovascular outcome. This report reviews the scientific hypothesis, biologic plausibility, and the most recent clinical trial data for both areas of controversy.
The grass isn't always greener.

How refreshing it was to read Bryson's article which reminded us of the ethical foundations of the NHS and of what it achieves with comparatively modest expenditure. The debates which preceded President Obama's reforms of American healthcare were often ill-informed and frequently ugly. Senator Grassley's statement, which Bryson quotes, was typical. I was in Washington DC in 2009, one month after Professor Stephen Hawking had received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. During a TV discussion, one contributor stated, in all seriousness, that ‘if Stephen Hawking lived in England and had to rely on British socialized medicine, he would not be alive today’.
1-O-Acyl-β-D-Glucoses as Fatty Acid Donors in Transacylation Reactions

Abstract Glandular trichome exudates of the wild tomato, Lycopersicon pennellii Corr. (D′Arcy), are composed of 2,3,4-tri-O-acylglucoses possessing short to medium chain length (C4-C12) straight- and branched-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are activated via a UDP-glucose-dependent reaction to form their respective high-energy 1-O-acyl-β-D-glucopyranose derivatives. The activated 1-O-acyl moieties are then transacylated to other glucose and/or partially acylated glucose derivatives. Here we demonstrate that 1-O-acyl-β-D-glucopyranoses participate in two types of glucose transacylation reactions. The first is anomeric exchange of the acyl moiety from 1-O-acyl-β-D-glucopyranose to β-glucose. The second is disproportionation between two molecules of 1-O-acyl-β-D-glucopyranose resulting in formation of diacylglucose and glucose. Leaf extracts from cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), which does not accumulate epicuticular acylglucoses, possess low levels of both the acyl exchange and disproportionation activities.
Abnormal expression of surface immunoglobulin isotypes on antigen-binding B lymphocytes from mice tolerant to trinitrophenyl determinants.

Temporary B-cell tolerance to the trinitrophenyl (TNP) hapten can be produced in BDF1 mice by intraperitoneal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Antigen-binding cells (ABC) specific to TNP, measured as TNP donkey erythrocyte rosettes, are found in tolerant mice as well as in immune mice. We have studied the surface immunoglobulin isotype profile of these TNP-binding lymphocytes (TNP-ABC) in four groups of animals: nonimmune, immune, tolerant, and tolerant-challenged. Immune mice received intravenous TNP sheep erythrocytes (TNP-SRC), whereas tolerant-challenged mice received TNP-SRC and TNBS on Day 0. TNP-ABC from mice immunized with TNP-SRC exhibit increased expression of surface IgG and decreased expression of surface IgD, compared to the ABC from nonimmune mice. Tolerant mice have a higher proportion of ABC with surface IgG, and a lower proportion with surface IgD, than nonimmune mice. Tolerant-challenged mice have a lower proportion of ABC with surface IgG, and a higher proportion with surface IgD, than immune mice. Thus, B-cell tolerance in this model entails an attenuation of the surface immunoglobulin isotype switch (loss of IgD and gain of IgG) on ABC seen in the normal immune response. For most TNP-ABC, tolerogen exposure prevents the switch in surface isotypes normally induced by exposure to TNP antigen; i.e., the tolerance lesion precedes the surface isotype switch. However, a minority of the TNP-ABC appear to switch surface isotypes in response to the tolerogen itself.
Fish sex: why so diverse?

In most animal species, males and females behave differently, especially when it comes to sex and related social behaviors. These behaviors evolved to ensure successful reproduction and typically include some genetically pre-programmed displays. There are ~ 25,000 known species of fishes, by far the largest group of vertebrates, and they express a remarkable variety of adaptive responses to aquatic habitats with associated ecological constraints [1]. Moreover, teleosts have evolved in a relatively short time (~200 My) [2] producing virtually every reproductive option open to vertebrates: they bear live young, brood offspring in their mouths or body cavities, lay eggs (sometimes even out of water) or simply release their gametes into the plankton. In addition, mating/brood-care systems range from monogamous bi-parental to polygamous non-parental. In some species, females can reproduce parthenogenetically, males may become pregnant and fish of both genders can change sex [3,4]. This brief summary of the range of fish reproductive behaviors highlights why they offer so much as reproductive systems for analysis. Here we address the following questions: 1) What is known about the physiological mechanisms underlying sex determination and sex-specific behaviors in teleost fish species? 2) How do different sensory inputs and mating systems interact to influence reproductive function? 3) How do the special cases of alternative reproductive tactics, sex role reversal and sex change in fish give insight into the vertebrate sexual brain? 4) How can genomic information and epigenetic change influence brain areas controlling reproduction?
Analysis of some electrochemical processes related to coulometric titrations at constant current

Abstract By considering the equilibrium potentials for the various electrode reactions which may occur in a coulometric titration, it is possible in certain cases to shorten the experimental exploratory work involved in the development of a new titration. The titration of trivalent arsenic by generated bromine and of dichromate by generated monovalent copper are treated as examples. Possible consequences of the irreversibility of electrode processes are examined. An analysis of the stability of the various chloro-complexes of mono- and di-valent copper is made in connection with the study of coulometric titrations involving generated monovalent copper
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric quantitation of cyclophosphamide and its hydroxy metabolite in plasma and tissue for determination of tissue distribution.

Abstract Cyclophosphamide (CP) and its metabolite, hydroxycyclophosphamide (OH-CP) have been quantitated in mouse plasma and tissue by derivatization combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). The derivatization was conducted immediately upon sample collection, to trap the OH-CP metabolite intermediate prior to further conversion to phosphoramide mustard or other reaction products. This simple and straightforward derivatization procedure, combined with sample extraction via protein precipitation, allowed quantitation of CP and the oxime derivative of OH-CP in plasma for concentrations ranging from approximately 12.5–3333 ng/ml, and in spleen tissue for concentrations of 1250–50 000 ng/g. The short cycle time (2.5 min) of the LC–MS–MS method allowed high throughput analysis with minimal matrix interference. Mouse plasma levels were quantitated for doses of 40, 65 and 120 mg/kg; spleen concentrations were determined for mice dosed at 120 mg/kg. The CP and oxime plasma levels correlated well with dose amounts. The CP levels in the spleen and plasma were similar while the oxime levels in the spleen were significantly lower than the plasma.
The Influence of Sample Acidification on the Speciation of Iron(II) and Iron(III)

Abstract The influence of sample acidification on the speciation of iron in aqueous solutions has been investigated. When hydrochloric acid is used, iron(II) is transformed into several moieties, believed to be chloro-complexes, whose chromatographic properties are quite different from those of the parent iron(II) species. This process is favored by high (>0.5 M) HCl concentrations. The determination of iron in acidified samples can be complicated by this transformation, especially if the chromatographic process used cannot separate all the iron species formed. This study points to the necessity to carefully characterize and specify the prevailing sample conditions when iron speciation is done. The strong influence exerted by acidification would suggest that the data obtained be classified as 'conditional', specifying the acid concentration at which measurements were done.
A scalable representation for motion vectors for rate adaptation to network constraints

There is a growing need for mechanisms to shape the rate of precompressed video for adaptation to network constraints. The motion vector data component in an encoded bitstream might constitute some considerable portion of P and especially B type pictures, yet no technique currently exists to scale it. Motion vectors of neighboring macroblocks tend to be well-correlated in both horizontal and vertical directions. However, the current standards only exploit the horizontal correlations through predictive coding, introducing dependency and thus resulting in a nonscalable representation. In this paper, we propose a new representation and encoding algorithm for the motion vector information enabling the exploitation of two-dimensional (2-D) correlations, and realizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scaling of an already encoded video object to an alternate (lower) rate - (higher) distortion level. In the proposed approach, the values of the motion vectors are represented in a binary format. Consequently, the individual bit planes of this representation are coded through a novel 2-D hierarchical bit plane encoding scheme. Scaling, when necessary, is achieved by discarding the least significant bit plane(s). Simulations based on MPEG-2 standard demonstrate that up to 20% scaling is achievable without visually noticeable distortion.
Burning the Midnight Oil: Librarians, Students, and Late-Night Chat Reference at the University of Notre Dame

Late-night chat reference was a service offered by University of Notre Dame reference librarians from November of 2007 until May of 2010. It was staffed by local Notre Dame librarians and was available to users from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday evenings during the academic year. Data showed that the number of questions asked during late-night chat hours was comparable to the number being asked during regular reference chat hours. Findings showed that the complexity of the chat questions being asked after hours was greater than that of chat questions asked during regular hours and that of reference desk transactions as a whole. Late-night chat reference was a valuable exercise in meeting users at their point of need.
A composite pulse sequence for the broadband excitation in overtone 14N NMR spectroscopy

Abstract In this Letter, a composite π/2 pulse sequence, 45 135, for the broadband excitation in overtone NMR spectroscopy of spin S =1 quadrupolar nuclei is proposed. The performances of single and composite π/2 pulses against resonance offset and rf field inhomogeneity are compared based on the results from 14 N overtone experiments on a single crystal sample of N -acetyl-D,L-valine. The results reveal that the 45 135 composite π/2 pulse is less sensitive to the pulse imperfections and it will be useful in the design of multidimensional overtone NMR experiments.
Pump wavelength independent gain with bidirectionally pumped alumino-silicate erbium-doped fiber amplifiers in the 800 nm pump band

Using a comprehensive computer model, it was shown that the effects of excited state absorption (ESA), in the 800 nm pump band, in alumino-phosphate-silicate (APS) erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) can be reduced significantly by using bidirectional pumping. If a band optimum length (BOL) is selected, a near optimum small signal gain (SSG) can be constant over broad pump wavelength regions due to the combined effects of ESA and ground state absorption (GSA). Hence, multilongitudinal mode, high power, reliable and inexpensive GaAlAs laser diodes can be used as pumping sources for EDFAs having SSG > 40 dB, noise figures of >
Adenylosuccinate lyase from human erythrocytes

1. 1. Adenylosuccinate lyase (S-AMP lyase) (E.C. 4.3.2.2) has been purified 10,000-fold from human erythrocyte lysates. 2. 2. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of S-AMP to AMP and fumarate, and the conversion of JV-(5-amino-l-ribosyl-4-imidazole carbonyl)-l-aspartic acid 5'-phosphate (S-AICA ribonucleotide) to 5-amino-l-ribosyl-4-imidazole carboxamide 5'-phosphate (AICA ribonucleotide) and fumarate. 3. 3. The apparent Kms for S-AMP and S-AICA ribonucleotide were 2.3 μM and 3.5 μM respectively, in tricine buffer (pH 7.8). 4. 4. AMP, AICA ribonucleotide and6-N succinoadenine were strong competitive inhibitors, fumarate was a comparatively weak non-competitive inhibitor, and orthophosphate was a weak competitive inhibitor.
NBTI improvement for pMOS by Cl-contained 1 st oxidation in 20A/65A dual-nitrided gate oxide of 0.13-μm CMOS technology

A new method is demonstrated in this paper for improving the NBTI lifetime on pMOS by >3X for I/O (65A) transistors and >2X for core (20A) transistors by using Chlorine (Cl) contained 1st gate oxidation in an advanced dual gate oxide 0.13um CMOS technology. The improvement appears related to the residual SiCl bonds on the surface of core and I/O transistor areas (from the Cl-contained 1st oxidation). The transistor beta (as measured by Idsat/(Vg-Vt)2 at saturation mode) is improved (~10%) on pMOS and degraded slightly (~3%) on nMOS as an evidence for supporting this mechanism.
Oriented epitaxial films of (NMP) (TCNQ)

An important step in the characterization of organic conductors is the ability to correlate the solid state electrical properties of these materials with their composition and crystal structure. In many cases it has not been possible to grow single crystals of suitable size or purity for such investigations. The use of epitaxial films represents an alternative approach. In addition, such films may be potentially useful as larger area conductive surfaces. This paper describes the preparation of relatively large-area, oriented epitaxial films of the organic conductor N-methylphenazinium-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethanide(NMP) (TCNQ) by means of vacuum evaporation. Factors that appear to affect the degree of orientation, the film areas, and the chemical composition include the source temperature, the kind of evaporation (rapid or slow), the degree of lattice matching between the substrate and the organic material, and the substrate surface charge potential.
The effect of oil on the two-phase critical flow of Refrigerant 134a through short tube orifices

Abstract An experimental investigation of two-phase flow of mixtures of Refrigerant 134a with 168 SUS polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil through short tube orifices was performed for oil concentrations ranging from 0 to 5.1%. Both two-phase and subcooled liquid flow entering short tubes were studied for an upstream pressure of 1172 kPa, for subcoolings as high as 13.9 C, and for qualities as high as 8% at the inlet of the short tube. Downstream pressures were varied from saturation pressure, P sat ,to 310 kPa. The effects of the lubricant on the flow characteristics were discussed as a function of downstream pressure, upstream subcooling/quality and upstream pressure. The effects of oil concentration on mass flow through short tubes varied as a function of upstream subcooling or quality. The maximum reduction in flow occurred at zero subcooling, where the flow was reduced by approximately 12.1% for a 5.1% oil concentration. For entering subcooling above 8.3 C and at a quality of 5%. there were small increases in flow for the addition of oil to the refrigerant. The observed flow trends were analyzed using pressure profile measurements and visualization tests.
N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate‐Sensitive Glutamate Receptors Induce Calcium‐Mediated Arachidonic Acid Release in Primary Cultures of Cerebellar Granule Cells

In primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells, glutamate, aspartate, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) induced a dose-dependent release of [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) which was selective for these agonists and was inhibited by NMDA receptor antagonists. The agonist-induced [3H]AA release was reduced by quinacrine at concentrations that inhibited phospholipase A2 (PLA2) but affected neither the activity of phospholipase C (PLC) nor the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides induced by glutamate or quisqualate. Thus, the increased formation of AA was due to the receptor-mediated activation of PLA2 rather than to the action of PLC followed by diacylglycerol lipase. The receptor-mediated [3H]AA release was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and was mimicked by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. Pretreatment of granule cells with either pertussis or cholera toxin failed to inhibit the receptor-mediated [3H]AA release. Hence, in cerebellar granule cells, the stimulation of NMDA-sensitive glutamate receptors leads to the activation of PLA2 that is mediated by Ca2+ ions entering through the cationic channels functioning as effectors of NMDA receptors. A coupling through a toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein can be excluded.
Genetic dissection of early-season cold tolerance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Soil temperatures at 15°C or below limit germination and seedling establishment for warm season cereal crops such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) during early-season planting. To better understand the genetics of early-season cold tolerance in sorghum, mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with germination, emergence and vigor using a recombinant inbred mapping population was carried out. A mapping population consisting of 171 F7–F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between RTx430 (cold-sensitive) and PI610727 (cold-tolerant) was developed and a genetic map was constructed using 141 microsatellites or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The RILs were evaluated for cold and optimal temperature germinability in the laboratory, field emergence, and seedling vigor in two locations during early-season planting. Two or more QTL were detected for all traits, except for seedling vigor, with only one QTL was detected in the population. A QTL for cold germinability (Germ 12-2.1) showed the highest LOD value and was also associated with optimal germinability. One of the QTL for field emergence, Fearlygerm-9.3, a contribution from PI610727, was found significant in both locations used for the study. This study showed alignment of QTL in SBi1 (Fearlygerm-1.2 and FGerm30-1.2) with previously reported QTL associated with late field emergence identified from a different mapping population. This indicates that PI617027 shares some common loci with other known early-season cold-tolerant sorghum germplasm but also harbors novel QTL that could be useful in introgression of enhanced laboratory germination and early-season field emergence.
Conformation of coenzyme fragments when bound to lactate dehydrogenase

Abstract The conformations of adenosine, 5′-AMP and 5′-ADP when bound to dogfish M 4 lactate dehydrogenase at pH 7.8 or greater have been determined at 2.8 A resolution to investigate the events on coenzyme binding. The coenzyme fragments AMP and ADP induce a conformational change in lactate dehydrogenase at pH values less than 6.0 in the same way as do NAD + , NADH or ADPR at any pH value. The structure of NAD + when bound to lactate dehydrogenase had previously been determined at 5.0 A resolution. The structures of the bound adenosine, AMP, ADP and NAD + are compared with the preliminary structure of NAD in a 3.0 A resolution map of the ternary complex LDH-NAD—pyruvate. Small but significant changes in the binding of the phosphates could be important in the folding of the protein loop over the substrate binding pocket.
A note on utilizing far-field phase information

The far-field phase information available from an antenna pattern is discarded in most system applications. Making use of such information for an angle-of-arrival estimation application across a relatively wide region of space is discussed in this note. The far-field phase difference response from two simultaneous shaped beam receive patterns generated by a linear array antenna is shown to provide an appropriate relative phase property for making unambiguous angle determinations.