cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Life History Variants in the Red Alga, Mastocarpus Papillatus

We investigated small-scale spatial structure in Mastocarpus papillatus, a red alga with sexual and apomictic life-history variants. Spatial structure and habitat partitioning can facilitate the coexistence of ecologically similar organisms, and in M. papillatus a large scale geographic spatial division is well documented. Variants of M. papillatus display geographic parthenogenesis where sexual fronds are common south of San Francisco Bay and apomicts dominate north of San Francisco Bay. Although geographic parthenogenesis in M. papillatus is well-documented small-scale spatial structure was not previously known due to the similar appearance of sexual and apomictic upright fronds. We investigated whether sexual and apomictic fronds differed in their spatial distribution by sampling for vertical differences in intertidal height and horizontal patchiness. Fronds were sampled when reproductive and cultured for life history. We found sexual variants were significantly aggregated at lower intertidal heights while apomicts were found throughout the intertidal range. Sexual fronds were strongly seasonal and reproduced October–December whereas apomictic fronds reproduced throughout the year. These results parallel the large-scale geographic distribution with apomicts inhabiting marginal areas, and suggest dispersal capability may also facilitate geographic parthenogenesis.
Environmental justice and expert knowledge in the wake of a disaster

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina provides an important lens into the various dimensions environmental justice in New Orleans. In particular, the hurricane served to highlight disparities in health and well-being that already existed in the region and to foreground the vulnerabilities of poor, working class, and minority communities. Disputes over local vs cosmo politan knowledge and questions about whose science and whose knowl edge 'counts' in the reclamation of the city play out in the politics of rebuilding this historic place. The US environmental justice (EJ) movement of the past several decades, a hybrid of traditional environmental and social justice concerns, has primarily focused on two issues: (1) the siting and expansion of haz ardous and undesirable facilities in poor and minority communities; and (2) the effort to remediate, relocate, and/or pay damages to members of poor and minority communities affected by pollution. Louisiana has been a focus of this movement, with citizens' groups fighting a variety of injustices from the siting of hazardous industries in minority communities to building affordable housing on superfund sites (Roberts & Toffolon-Weiss, 2001). A good example of the EJ movement is the activism that has taken place in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge that is home to more than 130 petrochemical plants and petroleum processors interspersed between numerous rural, urban, and suburban communities. The public controver sies that have played out in the region, largely driven by the citizens' desire to protect or clean up their environment, serve to illustrate intersections between EJ and science studies. In particular, the public understanding and use of science has played an important role in the various debates and has helped shape regulation, enforcement, and remediation (Allen, 2003). Science has often been used strategically as a weapon in the context of envi ronmental controversy, with each side each having its own, often unequal, defenses. Furthermore, the integration of environmental issues with social justice concerns engendered a broader conception of what counts as a
Preconception counseling, fertility, and pregnancy complications after abdominal organ transplantation: a survey and cohort study of 532 recipients

Background Pregnancy after solid organ transplant is a significant priority for transplant recipients but how patients report being counseled is unknown. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study and telephone survey of female patients ages 18–49 at the time of kidney, pancreas, or liver transplant from 2000 to 2012 (n = 532). Data on pregnancy counseling, fertility, and maternal, fetal- and transplant-specific outcomes were collected. Multivariate Cox models assessed the impact of pregnancy on graft-specific outcomes. Results The survey response rate was 29% (n = 152). One-third (n = 51) of women were actively counseled against pregnancy by one or more providers. A total of 17 pregnancies occurred among nine patients (5.9%), with 47% live births, 47% early embryonic demises, 5.9% stillbirths. Of live births, 50% were premature. Gestational complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia were present in 88% of mothers. Pregnancy after transplant was associated with higher rates of acute rejection than nulliparous transplant recipients (33% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.07) but did not significantly affect graft survival (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.01), after stratifying by organ and adjusting for clinical factors. Conclusion This study suggests that transplant patients are being counseled against pregnancy despite acceptable risks of complications and no specific effects on long-term graft function.
Numerical investigation of the turbulent boundary layer over a bump

Large-eddy simulation (LES) has been used to calculate the flow of a statistically two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer over a bump. Subgrid-scale stresses in the filtered Navier–Stokes equations were closed using the dynamic eddy viscosity model. LES predictions for a range of grid resolutions were compared to the experimental measurements of Webster et al. (1996). Predictions of the mean flow and turbulence intensities are in good agreement with measurements. The resolved turbulent shear stress is in reasonable agreement with data, though the peak is over-predicted near the trailing edge of the bump. Analysis of the flow confirms the existence of internal layers over the bump surface upstream of the summit and along the downstream trailing at plate, and demonstrates that the quasi-step increases in skin friction due to perturbations in pressure gradient and surface curvature selectively enhance near-wall shear production of turbulent stresses and are responsible for the formation of the internal layers. Though the flow experiences a strong adverse pressure gradient along the rear surface, the boundary layer is unique in that intermittent detachment occurring near the wall is not followed by mean-flow separation. Certain turbulence characteristics in this region are similar to those previously reported in instantaneously separating boundary layers. The present investigation also explains the driving mechanism for the surprisingly rapid return to equilibrium over the trailing flat plate found in the measurements of Webster et al. (1996), i.e. the simultaneous uninterrupted development of an inner energy-equilibrium region and the monotonic decay of elevated turbulence shear production away from the wall. LES results were also used to examine response of the dynamic eddy viscosity model. While subgrid-scale dissipation decreases/increases as the turbulence is attenuated/enhanced, the ratio of the (averaged) forward to reverse energy transfers predicted by the model is roughly constant over a significant part of the layer. Model predictions of backscatter, calculated as the percentage of points where the model coefficient is negative, show a rapid recovery downstream similar to the mean-flow and turbulence quantities.
Chemical compositions of planetary nebulae.

The chemical compositions of 41 planetary nebulae are established on the basis of an analysis of image tube scanner measurements, supplemented by IUE data. An attempt is made to calculate a theoretical model that gives satisfactory values of the observed intensities, as well as a number of excitation-sensitive ratios, in order to obtain ionization correction factors applicable to the ionic concentrations that will lead to total abundance values. The quality of individual nebular analyses varies, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the observational data and the complexity of the nebular structure. Quality estimates are assigned for each element in each nebula, and an overall reliability index is given to each object. It is concluded that the confidence with which one can speak of the chemical composition of a nebula varies significantly.
A systematic approach to bit recursive systolic array design

This approach provides a systematic way to design a recursive computational architecture instead of a bit-slice architecture. Since the relationship is much stronger at the bit level than at the work level and most relations can be described as shift-and-operate computations, these kinds of relations can be formulated as recursive equations, from which the systolic array can be built without deriving the dependence graph of the bit-level computation. Some design examples for bit-recursive systolic array presented: multiplier, inner product and convolution correlation. >
Stability of Scores on Super's Work Values Inventory-Revised.

Test–retest data on Super’s Work Values Inventory–Revised for a group of predominantly White (N = 995) women (mean age = 23.5 years, SD = 8.07) and men (mean age = 21.5 years, SD = 5.80) showed sta...
Damage detection in refrigerator compressors using vibration and current signatures

The compressor is an important subsystem of the refrigerator that drives the reliability of the whole system. The present work addresses effective methods to quantify the accumulated mechanical damage early in the design cycle. A sample population is tested under accelerated stress conditions for a limited time. The pressure differential between the discharge and the suction sides, lubricant viscosity, temperature, and number of on/off cycles are used as stress variables. System degradation is monitored through several damage metrics and trended over time. Statistical models are built to describe the damage metrics obtained by experiment and to compote confidence bounds. The present method requires neither testing systems to failure nor is dependent on any time to failure data (although any failure data can be incorporated). It is rather based on the signature of the developing degradation mechanisms that take place under loads in time. The proposed degradation metrics can be used to compare the quality of different refrigerator compressor suppliers, on a relative basis, and/or can be used as a predictive tool for system performance in time. The dynamic signals such as vibration, pressure and currents are processed to produce damage or degradation metrics for the sample population. These metrics are tailored to track general unit degradation or specific degradation modes that developed during the test. The experimental and analytical/numerical procedures are presented along with degradation metrics building and statistical modeling of the data. Examples are given to support the proposed models.
Partitioned neural networks

A new method is given for speeding up learning in a deep neural network with many hidden layers, by partially partitioning the network rather than fully interconnecting the layers. Empirical results are shown both for learning a simple Boolean function on a standard backprop network, and for learning two different, complex, real-world vision tasks on a more sophisticated convolutional network. In all cases, the performance of the proposed system was better than traditional systems. The partially-partitioned network outperformed both the fully-partitioned and fully-unpartitioned networks.
Mouse hematopoietic stem-cell antigen Sca-1 is a member of the Ly-6 antigen family

Recently, hematopoietic stem cells were purified to homogeneity from mouse bone marrow. The protein structure of Sca-1, the cell surface antigen used in the isolation of hematopoietic stem cells, is described here. It is shown that the Sca-1 antigen is a member of the Ly-6 antigen family. The anti-Sca-1 antibody was used in immunohistochemistry experiments to define the structures in several tissues that had previously been shown to contain Ly-6 antigens. In thymus, spleen, and kidney, specific staining of parenchymal cells can be demonstrated, whereas only vasculature reacts with anti-Sca-1 in brain, heart, and liver and possibly in lung.
Topic‐specific market concentration in the information services industry: Evidence from the DIALOG group of data bases

Abstract Recent interest has been expressed in the potential of information technology to create new kinds of monopolies. This paper looks at production and marketing factors in the information services industry which may increase concentration in the hands of fewer producers, potentially leading to monopoly formation. The research develops an economic model of topic‐specific market concentration and delineates the factors which might cause monopolies to occur in the markets of information data base production firms. The model shows that market concentration rises with inelastic demand, reduced marginal costs and efficient technology, and increased data acquisition costs exacerbated by low rates of data obsolescence. These effects are empirically investigated in the DIALOG group of data bases. The results of the research have implications for corporate information systems and information systems in the public sector.
AIS in an Age of Big Data

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the accounting Information systems impact on the Big Data and mentions several topics including the examining the dashboards, less usage of eXtensible Business Reporting Language and the information system complexity analysis.
Patient-specific modeling of cardiovascular mechanics.

Advances in numerical methods and three-dimensional imaging techniques have enabled the quantification of cardiovascular mechanics in subject-specific anatomic and physiologic models. Patient-specific models are being used to guide cell culture and animal experiments and test hypotheses related to the role of biomechanical factors in vascular diseases. Furthermore, biomechanical models based on noninvasive medical imaging could provide invaluable data on the in vivo service environment where cardiovascular devices are employed and on the effect of the devices on physiologic function. Finally, patient-specific modeling has enabled an entirely new application of cardiovascular mechanics, namely predicting outcomes of alternate therapeutic interventions for individual patients. We review methods to create anatomic and physiologic models, obtain properties, assign boundary conditions, and solve the equations governing blood flow and vessel wall dynamics. Applications of patient-specific models of cardiovascul...
Energy efficiency in a smart house with an intelligent neuro-fuzzy lookup table

Demand response has an important role in improving energy efficiency. By using it, we can shift electrical load from peak demand time to other periods which is usually in response to price signal. In residential level and in a dynamic pricing system which modification of energy consumption is unrecognized by a consumer, using an automated Energy Management System (EMS) should be considered. In this paper, a new intelligent EMS in a smart house is presented1. It has two parts, fuzzy part and intelligent lookup table. Fuzzy part based on its fuzzy rules and inputs makes the proper output for intelligent lookup table. The second part which its core is an associative neural network is able to map inputs to desired outputs. It takes two types of inputs which come from fuzzy part and outside sensors. Whatever is trained in this lookup table are different scenarios in different conditions. This system is able to find the best energy efficiency scenario in different situations.
Genetics After Twilight

In 2006, the whole genome sequence was completed for the Thoroughbred mare, Twilight. This sequence and the tools derived from this work led to the discovery of genetic variants responsible for coat color traits, hereditary diseases, and even some performance traits. Technological advances have made whole genome sequence easier and less expensive. Whole genome sequencing derived from ancient horse DNA has provided insights into the events associated with domestication of the horse and also suggests that one of the costs of domestication has been an increase in the genetic load, specifically, autosomal recessive deleterious genes. The next step for genomic research is the development of approaches for readily investigating functional genomics. Functional genomics is a tool relevant to all fields of equine study, including immunology, nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, and veterinary medicine.
Combining modeling and gaming for predictive analytics

Our most significant security challenges involve people. While human behavior has long been studied, computational modeling of human behavior is early in its development. An inherent challenge in modeling of human behavior is efficient and accurate transfer of knowledge from humans to models, and subsequent retrieval. The simulated real-world environments of games present one avenue for knowledge generation and transfer. In this paper we describe our approach of combining modeling and gaming disciplines to develop predictive capabilities, using formal models to inform game development, and using games to provide data for modeling. We also describe the development of a prototype “Illicit Trafficking Game” that we used as a tool to exercise, evaluate and refine our approach. The resulting predictive capability combines human expertise and actions with computational modeling capabilities, resulting in a predictive capability that may approach the richness and diversity of human behaviors we wish to predict.
Evidence for identity or close association of the Fc receptor of B lymphocytes and alloantigens determined by the Ir region of the H-2 complex.

Immunoglobulin complexes, composed of heat-aggregated human Ig, were shown to bind to mouse B lymphocytes of a variety of strains, but not to either thymocytes or thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes under a variety of conditions. It was shown that this binding was not due to either natural human antibodies against mouse nor to nonspecific binding of human Ig by mouse lymphocytes. Such complexes were shown to bind to the same sites which bind mouse antibody-antigen complexes. This site is known as the Fc receptor. The binding of Ig complexes to mouse B lymphocytes was markedly inhibited by pretreatment of the lymphocytes with anti-H-2 antisera. A series of experiments indicated the specificity of this result, including the fact that this inhibition was shown not to be due to the artifact of shedding of H-2 antibody-antigen complexes, nor to nonspecific steric inhibition. The antibodies within anti-H-2 antisera which were responsible for this inhibition were specific for alloantigens associated with the Ir region of the H-2 complex (Ia antigens). Antiserum specific for these Ia antigens produced inhibition, whereas antisera specific for antigens determined by the K or D regions of the H-2 complex did not. Evidence was obtained using F1 hybrid cells that at least some Ia antigens of both parental types are expressed on every B lymphocyte (i.e. codominant expression). These data indicate that the Fc receptor and a series of alloantigens controlled by the Ir region of the H-2 complex are identical or closely associated on the B-lymphocyte surface membrane. This observation may have implications for the mechanism of control of the immune response.
Reduced resistance of invasive varieties of the alien tree Sapium sebiferum to a generalist herbivore

Invasive plants are often larger in their introduced range compared to their native range. This may reflect an evolved reduction in defense and increase in growth in response to low herbivory in their introduced range. Key elements of this scenario include genetic differences in defense and growth yet uniformly low rates of herbivory in the field that dissociate defense and herbivore damage for alien species. We conducted a laboratory experiment with Melanoplus angustipennis grasshoppers and Chinese Tallow Tree seedlings (Sapium sebiferum) from its native range (China) and its introduced range (Texas, USA) where it is invasive. We caged grasshoppers with pairs of Sapium seedlings from the same continent or different continents. The amounts of leaf area removed from Texas and China seedlings, and their height growth rates, were indistinguishable when both seedlings in the pair were from the same continent. However, when grasshoppers had a choice between seedlings from different continents, they removed more Texas Sapium foliage than China Sapium foliage and height growth rates were higher for China Sapium seedlings compared to Texas seedlings. Grasshopper growth rates increased with greater Sapium foliage consumption. In a common garden in Texas, Sapium seedlings from Texas grew 40% faster than those from China. Chewing insect herbivores removed little Sapium foliage in the field experiment. Although grasshoppers preferred to feed on Texas Sapium when offered a choice in the laboratory, extremely low herbivory levels in the field may have allowed the Texas seedlings to outperform the China seedlings in the common garden. These results demonstrate post-invasion genetic differences in herbivore resistance and growth of an invasive plant species together with a decoupling of defense and herbivore choice in the introduced range.
Selection on spur shape in Impatiens capensis

Rapid speciation within some plant families has been attributed to the evolution of floral spurs and to the effect of spur length on plant reproductive success. The flowers of Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) possess a long, curved spur in which nectar is produced and stored. Spur length and curvature varies among plants within one population. Here I document that spur shape is variable in natural populations, variation within plants is less than variation among plants, and spur shape is correlated with components of female and male reproductive success. The apparent natural selection is weakly directional in 1 of 2 years, with greatest seed production and pollen removal occurring in flowers with the greatest spur curvature. Bee pollinator visit length is longest at flowers with highly curved spurs, and they leave less nectar in these spurs than in flowers with straighter spurs. Spur angle evolution may be limited, at least in part, by opposing selection by nectar-robbers who prefer to visit flowers with greater spur curvature. Other factors that might contribute to the maintenance of spur angle variation are temporal variation in the strength of selection and potential genetic correlations of spur shape with other traits under selection.
Properly Folded Bacterially Expressed H1N1 Hemagglutinin Globular Head and Ectodomain Vaccines Protect Ferrets against H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Virus

Background: In the face of impending influenza pandemic, a rapid vaccine production and mass vaccination is the most effective approach to prevent the large scale mortality and morbidity that was associated with the 1918 ‘‘Spanish Flu’’. The traditional process of influenza vaccine production in eggs is time consuming and may not meet the demands of rapid global vaccination required to curtail influenza pandemic. Methodology/Principal Findings: Recombinant technology can be used to express the hemagglutinin (HA) of the emerging new influenza strain in a variety of systems including mammalian, insect, and bacterial cells. In this study, two forms of HA proteins derived from the currently circulating novel H1N1 A/California/07/2009 virus, HA1 (1–330) and HA (1– 480), were expressed and purified from E. coli under controlled redox refolding conditions that favoured proper protein folding. However, only the recombinant HA1 (1–330) protein formed oligomers, including functional trimers that bound receptor and caused agglutination of human red blood cells. These proteins were used to vaccinate ferrets prior to challenge with the A/California/07/2009 virus. Both proteins induced neutralizing antibodies, and reduced viral loads in nasal washes. However, the HA1 (1–330) protein that had higher content of multimeric forms provided better protection from fever and weight loss at a lower vaccine dose compared with HA (1–480). Protein yield for the HA1 (1–330) ranged around 40 mg/Liter, while the HA (1–480) yield was 0.4–0.8 mg/Liter. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first study that describes production in bacterial system of properly folded functional globular HA1 domain trimers, lacking the HA2 transmembrane protein, that elicit potent neutralizing antibody responses following vaccination and protect ferrets from in vivo challenge. The combination of bacterial expression system with established quality control methods could provide a mechanism for rapid large scale production of influenza vaccines in the face of influenza pandemic threat.
A ROVE BEETLE, OCYPUS OLENS , WITH POTENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE BROWN GARDEN SNAIL, HELIX ASPERSA , IN CALIFORNIA, INCLUDING A KEY TO THE NEARCTIC SPECIES OF OCYPUS

A female rove beetle (Ocypus olens Muller) in the laboratory consumed 20 small-sized brown garden snails (Helix aspersa Muller) in 22 days, eating almost its weight in snail bodies daily. H. aspersa is a serious agricultural and residential plant pest. Field observations from an area where O. olens was well established had a smaller snail population than similar areas lacking the beetle. O. olens appears to be a promising candidate species for biological control of H. aspersa. Mass production of O. olens has not yet been attempted. A tabular key to the nearctic species of Ocypus is presented. In North America its distribution is limited to California for which a map is included.
A comprehensive survey of the acid-stable fluorescent cross-links formed by ribose with basic amino acids, and partial characterization of a novel Maillard cross-link

Cross-linking of proteins by sugars is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of disorders associated with diabetes and aging; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not well understood. A new, general method for cross-link analysis, using precolumn derivatization with the reagent diphenylborinic acid (DPBA), was applied to the problem of detection and characterization of Maillard (sugar-derived) cross-links. DPBA analysis of reaction mixtures containing ribose, lysine, and arginine showed the presence of the Maillard cross-link pentosidine, along with a novel cross-link which was also found in acid hydrolyzates of ribose-treated proteins. Evidence is presented that this cross-link and pentosidine are the major acid-stable fluorescent cross-links formed by ribose with basic amino acids. Since it was determined that the new cross-link is derived from two lysine residues and at least one pentose per molecule, it was named penK2. PenK2 was found to be identical, by three different methods of chromatographic analysis, to the Maillard product "LM1', which was isolated from cataractous lens by Nagaraj and Monnier, but not yet structurally characterized (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1116, (1992) 34-42).
Skeletal muscle fiber types in the ghost crab, Ocypode quadrata: implications for running performance.

SUMMARY Ghost crabs possess rapid running capabilities, which make them good candidates for comparing invertebrate exercise physiology with that of more extensively studied vertebrates. While a number of studies have examined various aspects of running physiology and biomechanics in terrestrial crabs, none to date have defined the basic skeletal muscle fiber types that power locomotion. In the current study, we investigated skeletal muscle fiber types comprising the extensor and flexor carpopodite muscles in relation to running performance in the ghost crab. We used kinematic analyses to determine stride frequency and muscle shortening velocity and found that both parameters are similar to those of comparably sized mammals but slower than those observed in running lizards. Using several complementary methods, we found that the muscles are divided into two primary fiber types: those of the proximal and distal regions possess long sarcomeres (6.2±2.3 μm) observed in crustacean slow fibers and have characteristics of aerobic fibers whereas those of the muscle mid-region have short sarcomeres (3.5±0.4 μm) characteristic of fast fibers and appear to be glycolytic. Each fiber type is characterized by several different myofibrillar protein isoforms including multiple isoforms of myosin heavy chain (MHC), troponin I (TnI), troponin T (TnT) and a crustacean fast muscle protein, P75. Three different isoforms of MHC are differentially expressed in the muscles, with fibers of the mid-region always co-expressing two isoforms at a 1:1 ratio within single fibers. Based on our analyses, we propose that these muscles are functionally divided into a two-geared system, with the aerobic fibers used for slow sustained activities and the glycolytic mid-region fibers being reserved for explosive sprints. Finally, we identified subtle differences in myofibrillar isoform expression correlated with crab body size, which changes by several orders of magnitude during an animal9s lifetime.
Experimental Verification of Discrete Switching Vibration Suppression

Control system design for flexible robotic systems requires special care with regard to the control system design to prevent oscillation in the system's resonant modes. If the resonant frequencies of such a system are known, it is possible to determine a switching command that delivers comparable actuation without exciting these natural modes of vibration. If there is redundancy in actuation, it can be exploited to suppress vibration with a reduced amount of actuator changes in state. Minimum switching discrete switching vibration suppression (MSDSVS) involves choosing a switching function with integer amplitudes and continuously variable switch timings to force the root of the residual oscillation function with respect to frequency to be at a resonance. By minimizing the one norm of the vector of amplitudes, we obtain several desired properties. Such a vibration suppression command is developed for a flexible robotic actuator, and experimental results are presented. The proposed command reduces residual oscillation by 73% (rms) and 74% (largest Fourier component) and represents a 37% energy savings over vibration suppression commands that do not exploit the redundancy in actuation.
Anthrax Edema Toxin Impairs Clearance in Mice

ABSTRACT The anthrax edema toxin (ET) of Bacillus anthracis is composed of the receptor-binding component protective antigen (PA) and of the adenylyl cyclase catalytic moiety, edema factor (EF). Uptake of ET into cells raises intracellular concentrations of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP, thereby impairing or activating host cell functions. We report here on a new consequence of ET action in vivo . We show that in mouse models of toxemia and infection, serum PA concentrations were significantly higher in the presence of enzymatically active EF. These higher concentrations were not caused by ET-induced inhibition of PA endocytosis; on the contrary, ET induced increased PA binding and uptake of the PA oligomer in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of the PA receptors TEM8 and CMG2 in both myeloid and nonmyeloid cells. ET effects on protein clearance from circulation appeared to be global and were not limited to PA. ET also impaired the clearance of ovalbumin, green fluorescent protein, and EF itself, as well as the small molecule biotin when these molecules were coinjected with the toxin. Effects on injected protein levels were not a result of general increase in protein concentrations due to fluid loss. Functional markers for liver and kidney were altered in response to ET. Concomitantly, ET caused phosphorylation and activation of the aquaporin-2 water channel present in the principal cells of the collecting ducts of the kidneys that are responsible for fluid homeostasis. Our data suggest that in vivo , ET alters circulatory protein and small molecule pharmacokinetics by an as-yet-undefined mechanism, thereby potentially allowing a prolonged circulation of anthrax virulence factors such as EF during infection.
Effect of water potential on seed germination

The response of seed germination to substrate water potential was determined for several plant species of the arctic tundra. Seeds were collected from Cape Thompson and Eagle Summit, Alaska and germinated on dialysis membranes over water solutions of polyethylene glycol with osmotic potentials of 0 to −6 bars. Germination did not occur with potentials below −3 bars, except for three fellfield species. Germination was delayed at lower osmotic potentials. Because the response of most species was similar, substrate water potential is probably not a factor affecting the establishment of most tundra plant species from seeds.
Isotopic Discrimination in the Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus).

The diet-tissue discrimination factor is the amount by which a consumer’s tissue varies isotopically from its diet, and is therefore a key element in models that use stable isotopes to estimate diet composition. In this study we measured discrimination factors in blood (whole blood, red blood cells and plasma), liver, muscle and feathers of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) for stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. Cormorants exhibited discrimination factors that differed significantly among tissue types (for carbon and nitrogen), and differed substantially (in the context of the isotopic variation among relevant prey species) from those observed in congeneric species. The Double-crested Cormorant has undergone rapid population expansion throughout much of its historic range over the past three decades, leading to both real and perceived conflicts with fisheries throughout North America, and this study provides an essential link for the use of stable isotope analysis in researching foraging ecology, diet, and resource use of this widespread and controversial species.
Wigner on Civil Defense

Wigner’s interest in civil defense was influenced in part by his experiences growing up in Central Europe at the time he did. He was a teenager during most of World War I. He was a new Ph.D. working in Germany at the time of the economic crash in Germany in 1929 and saw first-hand the Nazi Party become a major political force in the Reichstag in the German elections of 1930 [1]. In 1929 Wigner was offered a position at Princeton University in the Mathematics and Physics Departments. From 1930 until 1933, he split his time between Princeton and Berlin. In 1933 Adolf Hitler became Reichschancellor and ordered the dismissal of all faculty members of Jewish extraction at all German Universities. From 1933 on, although no longer immersed in the events in Europe, he maintained a lively interest in them through the newspapers and through communications with relatives, friends and colleagues. Wigner had several colleagues among those in the subsequent exodus of scientists from Germany.
Scalation of the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus (Crocodylidae, Crocodilia), from the Coastal Zone of Northern Belize

Abstract. We here describe scalation in a large sample (n = 80) of American crocodiles, Crocodylus acutus, collected from the coastal zone of northern Belize. Differences between our data and the few published descriptions of C. acutus were found among post-occipital, nuchal, dorsal, ventral, and double-crested caudal scale groups, suggesting that interpopulational differences in scalation may exist in this widely distributed species. Whether populations can be identified on the basis of scalation remains to be determined.
The Case of the Clark Papers

LAWSUIT is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota to establish title to certain of the field notes and observations compiled by Capt. William Clark during the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-6. These documents, as I am sure all of you know, were found in St. Paul, Minnesota. They were in an old desk that once belonged to Gen. John Henry Hammond, and they came to light shortly after the death of his daughter, Mrs. Sophia Foster, in December 1952. The suit has been pending since 1953. In March 1954, on the recommendation of the National Archives, the United States Government intervened. Since the United States is a party to the suit it would be quite improper for me, speaking as a representative of the National Archives, to comment on those matters that are the particular province of the Department of Justice. I can, however, explain with propriety why the National Archives recommended that the United States assert its claim to the documents. To do so
Applications for Nocturnal Studies of Insects

Adults of the many pest and beneficial insect species that are active in the field at night exhibit altered behavior when they are exposed to the artificial light sources necessary if man is to observe their behavior. Therefore, knowledge about the nocturnal behavior of most species is extremely limited. We believe that a basic understanding of this nocturnal behavior is essential to the design and development of new or more effective and efficient technologies of population control or suppression. Therefore, the existence of equipment that will allow us to see at night without interfering with normal insect behavior is a matter of great importance. Such equipment is now available to the entomological community in the form of low light level, image intensifying devices such as night vision goggles (NVG).
A protamine-splitting assay of serum plasminogen.

A simplified turbidometric method of determining serum plasminogen levels is described. Serum plasminogen is converted to plasmin by addition of streptokinase. The reaction mixture is placed in the holder of a chrono-log platelet aggregometer. NPH insulin is then added and the decrease in turbidity is graphically recorded. This method obviates the necessity of having a technician obtain spectrophotometric readings at 2 min. intervals for 30 min. and eliminates reincubating between readings. Normal values in men are 13.1 ± 2.5 min. (100 units) and in women, 11.1 ± 2.3 min. (118 units).
Design of Fluorine-Containing 3,4-Diarylfuran-2(5H)-ones as Selective COX-1 Inhibitors

We report the design and synthesis of fluorine-containing cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)-selective inhibitors to serve as prototypes for the development of a COX-1-targeted imaging agent. Deletion of the SO2CH3 group of rofecoxib switches the compound from a COX-2- to a COX-1-selective inhibitor, providing a 3,4-diarylfuran-2(5H)-one scaffold for structure–activity relationship studies of COX-1 inhibition. A wide range of fluorine-containing 3,4-diarylfuran-2(5H)-ones were designed, synthesized, and tested for their ability to selectively inhibit COX-1 in purified protein and human cancer cell assays. Compounds containing a fluoro-substituent on the C-3 phenyl ring and a methoxy-substituent on the C-4 phenyl ring of the 3,4-diarylfuran-2(5H)-one scaffold were the best COX-1-selective agents of those evaluated, exhibiting IC50s in the submicromolar range. These compounds provide the foundation for development of an agent to facilitate radiologic imaging of ovarian cancer expressing elevated levels of COX-1.
Digital Mortification of Literary Flesh Computational Logistics and Violences of Remediation in Visceral Games’ Dante’s Inferno

Since its release, Visceral Games Inferno has received much criticism in the popular press but little critical attention from game studies. The game’s transformation of the medieval poet into a cru...
Measles Pneumonia Complicated by Pneumonia Mycoplasma Infection in Clinical Diagnosis Significance of Chest

Objective Chest X-ray for clinical diagnosis of measles pneumonia complicated by pneumonia mycoplasma infection. Method From 2010 March to 2012 September in department of respiration were treated 126 cases of patients with measles complicated with severe pneumonia and pneumonia mycoplasma infection clinical data, performance characteristics and accuracy analysis of observation and the X-ray diagnosis. Result 126 cases with histologic examination confirmed measles pneumonia mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in patients after chest X-ray examination, 98 cases were detected, the accurate rate was 78.57%. Chest X-ray features mainly in lung parenchyma along large, two lung texture distribution sheet enriched fuzzy contrast, multiple sizes of opacity, pulmonary bulla, mediastinal emphysema etc. Conclusion Measles pneumonia complicated by pneumonia mycoplasma infection in patients with chest X-ray features, diagnostic accuracy rate is higher, contribute to early diagnosis and treatment clinically, worthy of further promotion.
Brown ROS package: Reproducibility for shared experimentation and learning from demonstration

We describe our efforts toward developing infrastructure for shared remote robotics laboratories that allow reproducible robotics experimentation and large scale learning from demonstration (LfD). Our goal is to create a facility where users demonstrate desired tasks by teleoperating robot platforms through video-game style web-based interfaces, providing data that LfD approaches will turn into robot policies. We describe a selection of open source tools, provided by the Brown robotics lab, created in service of building such a remote lab.
Sleep modifies glutamate decarboxylase mRNA within the barrel cortex of rats after a mystacial whisker trim.

Study objectives: Determine the effects of time of day and sleep deprivation on glutamate decarboxylase 67,000 MW (GAD67) mRNA during cortical synaptic reorganization induced by a unilateral trimming of the mystacial vibrissae in rats. Design: Two experiments were conducted-One measured GAD67 mRNA in the barrel cortex at 3 or 6 h after a unilateral whisker cut at either light or dark onset; the other measured GAD67 mRNA after a unilateral whisker cut at light onset with or without sleep deprivation. Setting: University-based Research Laboratory Participants: Sprague-Dawley rats (250-350 g) Interventions: N/A Measurements and Results: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the time of day changes in GAD67 mRNA after a unilateral whisker cut. GAD67 mRNA decreased in the barrel cortex at 3 and 6 h after a whisker trim at dark onset when the rats were mainly awake. No changes were observed in GAD67 mRNA levels after a whisker cut at light onset, a time when the rats mainly sleep. In situ hybridization for GAD67 mRNA supported these findings; no changes in GAD mRNA occurred in layer 4 of the barrel cortex that received input from the mystacial whiskers that were trimmed at light onset. However, when the rats were sleep-deprived, GAD67 mRNA increased in the barrel cortex receiving input from the lip hairs surrounding the trimmed mystacial whiskers. Conclusions: These data imply that sleep modifies GAD67 mRNA expression and that this effect is dependent upon the nature of the ongoing synaptic reorganization. They support the notion that sleep serves a synaptic function.
Studies on the Antifertility Effect of Intrauterine Devices in the Cow

Previously experiments indicated that intrauterine plastic spirals inhibited ovum fertilization in artificially inseminated cows. A study was conducted to determine whether suppression of fertility and ovum fertilization by plastic devices in the cow uterus was localized to the uterine horn containing a device and whether the antifertilization effects following artificial insemination could be overcome by natural mating. Plastic spirals were inserted through the cervix into 1 or both uterine horns of parous 3-10 year-old Holstein cows. 7 cows with spirals in both uterine horns were bred naturally during 21 estrous periods with no resulting pregnancies. 6 cows with a spiral in 1 horn were bred naturally at 12 estrous periods. 4 of the cows became pregnant. Ovulation occurred on the ovary adjacent to the spiral after 4 services and opposite to the spiral after 8 services. 2 cows from which the spirals were removed immediately prior to mating became pregnant. When each uterine horn contained a spiral the ovum fertilization rate at 3 days post breeding was higher in cows bred naturally than in those bred artificially. In cows bred artifically with a spiral in only 1 horn the fertilization rate was higher when ovulation occurred opposite the spiral than when it occurred adjacent to the spiral. Results indicate that a spiral acts principally in its own uterine horn both to inhibit ovum fertilization in cows bred artificially and to interfere with embryo survival in cows bred naturally.
Reset tubuloglomerular feedback permits and sustains glomerular hyperfunction after extensive renal ablation.

To determine the contribution of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system to glomerular hyperfunction after extensive loss of renal mass, TGF was assessed in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats 7 days after 5/6 reduction of renal mass (2/3 infarction of 1 kidney plus contralateral nephrectomy) or sham surgery. Five-sixths renal ablation significantly increased single-nephron (SN) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 57%, late proximal tubule fluid flow 58-63%, and maximal proximal tubule stop-flow pressure (PSF) 24%. Despite these increments, 5/6 ablation did not increase TGF activation, as judged by the difference between proximally and distally measured SNGFR values, nor did it affect maximal TGF responses, measured as change in PSF during forward microperfusion of the loop of Henle. However, 5/6 ablation increased the late proximal perfusion rate eliciting half-maximal PSF suppression (V1/2) from 27.3 +/- 1.6 to 45.7 +/- 2.4 nl/min (P less than 0.001), a change closely matching the increment in native late ...
Development of optimized insulation for HVDC extruded cable

The radial stress distribution and the maximum stress in a loaded dc cable are governed by the volume resistivity of the insulation. Since the resistivity is dependent on temperature, the maximum stress in the loaded cable is transferred from the hot conductor area to the cooler external portions of the insulation (stress inversion), and, according to load conditions, may be multiplied several times (Figure 1). This results in limitation in either stress or load rating of a dc cable.
Hospital-based violence intervention: an emerging practice based on public health principles.

Violent injury in the USA continues to represent a major public health issue. As reported this year in the American Journal of Medicine , we are 10 times more likely to be killed from violence in the USA than in any other developed country and the rate of gun-related murder is 25 times higher than 22 other high-income countries. According to the CDC, this translated into 492 000 potential life years lost, giving credence to the fact that our young people are significantly affected. Minority populations bear the highest risk: homicide is the leading cause of death in African-Americans 15–34 years old and the second leading cause in Hispanics 15–24 years old. For every homicide, at least seven more people are non-fatally injured from violence. Largely as a result of the horrific surge in mass casualty events, and the notoriety of police-related shootings, violence, particularly gun-related violence, has squarely captured the public's attention, which has in turn galvanised communities, political leaders, special interests and healthcare providers. Our frequent experiences on the job along with powerful statements from many leading medical associations, including the American College of Surgeons and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, have in turn precipitated dialog and action among the membership. Dr Deborah Kuhls recently presented a survey of the members of the Committee on Trauma regarding firearm injury. The vast majority of the membership felt that firearm injury prevention should be a priority. …