cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The oxidative stress response regulates DKK1 expression through the JNK signaling cascade in multiple myeloma plasma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells, but not those from healthy donors and patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or other plasma cell dyscrasias involving the bone marrow, express the Wnt-signaling antagonist DKK1. We previously reported that secretion of DKK1 by MM cells likely contributes to osteolytic lesions in this disease by inhibiting Wnt signaling, which is essential for osteoblast differentiation and survival. The mechanisms responsible for activation and regulation of DKK1 expression in MM are not known. Herein, we could trace DKK1 expression changes in MM cells to perturbations in the JNK signaling cascade, which is differentially modulated through oxidative stress and interactions between MM cells with osteoclasts in vitro. Despite its role as a tumor suppressor and mediator of apoptosis in other cell types including osteoblasts, our data suggest that DKK1, a stress-responsive gene in MM, does not mediate apoptotic signaling, is not activated by TP53, and its forced overexpression could not inhibit cell growth or sensitize MM cells to apoptosis following treatment with thalidomide or lenalidomide. We conclude that specific strategies to modulate persistent activation of the JNK pathway may be beneficial in preventing disease progression and treating myeloma-associated bone disease by inhibiting DKK1 expression.
Effects of acute exposure of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone on psychomotor performance

Organic solvents are used frequently in industry and workers are often exposed to various combinations of these chemicals. Several are CNS depressants, and the purpose of this experiment was to assess the behavioral effects of 4-hour inhalation exposures to two solvents, toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) alone and combined. Ethanol at 0.08% blood levels was used as a positive control. A total of 144 paid volunteers were randomly assigned to one of eight treatment combinations in a series of four two-group between subjects studies. Testing was carried out in an exposure chamber, and participants were tested before, during, and after the treatment or control condition on three performance tasks. The tasks measured alertness and psychomotor function and produced a total of 28 measures on each individual over the approximate 8 h of testing. Results indicated that toluene at 100 ppm produced a small but significant impairment on one measure of a visual-vigilance task by lowering the percentage of correct hits. MEK at 200 ppm produced no interpretable significant effects on any of these measures. Additivity was not evident when individuals were exposed to MEK (100 ppm) and toluene (50 ppm) in combination, as no significant performance differences were noted. Ethanol, at 0.08%, affected both the visual-vigilance and a choice-reaction time task at statistically significant levels on two measures, confirming the sensitivity of these two tasks to CNS depressants.
Retinotopic organization within the thalamic reticular nucleus demonstrated by a double label autoradiographic technique.

Abstract A ‘visual receptive zone’ of the thalamic reticular nucleus can be defined in rabbits by the transneuronal transport of [3H]proline from the retina through the lateral geniculate nucleus to the reticular nucleus. Small injections of [3H]proline into the striate cortex of rabbits produce localized patches of label within this visual receptive zone, smaller than the zone itself. The sum of these small patches corresponds approximately to the total extent of the visual receptive zone, suggesting that there is a retinotopic map within the corticoreticular pathway. This map has been studied by double injections, using [3H]proline and [35S]methionine to label two different parts of the striate cortex. After axoplasmic transport of the isotopes, the reticular distribution of these two labels can be demonstrated by a double emulsion technique. This allows a distinction to be made between the radiation emitted by each isotope and demonstrates that within the reticular nucleus there is an accurate retinotopic map. In accuracy and in the orientation of the major visual field axes, this map corresponds closely to the map established in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. However, the reticular map shows an elongation in the dorsoventral axis, which corresponds to the orientation of dendritic arbors within the nucleus.
Head-mounted display for use in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Since the introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), the procedure has undergone rapid change with evolution keeping pace with technological advances. The advent of low cost charge coupled device 9CCD) cameras revolutionized the practice and instruction of FESS. Video-based FESS has allowed for documentation of the surgical procedure as well as interactive instruction during surgery. Presently, the technical requirements of video-based FESS include the addition of one or more television monitors positioned strategically in the operating room. Thought video monitors have greatly enhanced surgical endoscopy by re- involving nurses and assistants in the actual mechanics of surgery, video monitors require the operating surgeon to be focused on the screen instead of the patient. In this study, we describe the use of a new low-cost liquid crystal display (LCD) based device that functions as a monitor but is mounted on the head on a visor (PT-O1, O1 Products, Westlake Village, CA). This study illustrates the application of these HMD devices to FESS operations. The same surgeon performed the operation in each patient. In one nasal fossa, surgery was performed using conventional video FESS methods. The contralateral side was operated on while wearing the head mounted video display. The device had adequate resolution for the purposes of FESS. No adverse effects were noted intraoperatively. The results on the patients ipsalateral and contralateral sides were similar. The visor did eliminated significant torsion of the surgeon's neck during the operation, while at the same time permitted simultaneous viewing of both the patient and the intranasal surgical field.
Effect of Oral Sarafloxacin Dose and Dose Duration on Edwardsiella ictaluri-Infected Channel Catfish

Abstract An oral dose titration was conducted to assess the efficacy of sarafloxacin-hydrochloride (Sarafin®) against Edwardsiella ictaluri infections in channel catfish. Doses of 0, 2, 6, 10, and 14 mg sarafloxacin/kg of fish were administered for 5 or 10 d in feed given at a rate of 2% of total fish weight. Mean percent mortalities at the end of the 5-d trial of the different sarafloxacin doses were as follows: 0 mg/kg, 86.1%; 2 mg/kg, 55.6%; 6 mg/kg, 44.4%; 10 mg/kg, 5.6%; and 14 mg/kg, 2.8%. After the 10-d trial doses, the mean percent mortalities were as follows: 0 mg/kg, 75.0%; 2 mg/kg, 71.5%; 6 mg/kg, 47.2%; 10 mg/kg, 0.0%; and 14 mg/kg, 2.8%. Analysis of variance indicated no significant difference in efficacy between the 5- and 10-d treatments. Pairwise comparison of the combined 5- and 10-d dose responses indicated that the sarafloxacin treatment at 2 mg/kg was not significantly different from no sarafloxacin treatment, but that the sarafloxacin dose of 6 mg/kg was significantly more effective (...
Sub-barrier fusion enhancement with radioactive 134 Te

The fusion cross sections of radioactive ${}^{134}$Te + ${}^{40}$Ca were measured at energies above and below the Coulomb barrier. The evaporation residues produced in the reaction were detected in a zero-degree ionization chamber providing high efficiency for inverse kinematics. Both coupled-channel calculations and comparison with similar Sn + Ca systems indicate an increased sub-barrier fusion probability that is correlated with the presence of positive $Q$-value neutron transfer channels. In comparison, the measured fusion excitation functions of ${}^{130}$Te + ${}^{58,64}$Ni, which have positive $Q$-value neutron transfer channels, were accurately reproduced by coupled-channel calculations including only inelastic excitations. The results demonstrate that the coupling of transfer channels can lead to enhanced sub-barrier fusion but this is not directly correlated with positive $Q$-value neutron transfer channels in all cases.
Caregivers' Perceptions of a Consumer-Directed Care Program for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

This article examines results from a consumer and caregiver-directed care pilot program for families with adults with developmental disabilities. Surveys were administered to 50 caregivers and three project coordinators, and focus groups were conducted with 44 individuals, including caregivers, consumers, and support coordinators. Significant pre- to posttest changes were seen in terms of caregivers' perceptions of choice, goodness-of-fit of services to needs, and satisfaction with the program. Analysis of focus group discussions yielded three major themes: trust, flexibility, and relief. Although support and program coordinators had some concerns that the program was more caregiver than consumer oriented at times, overall, the program was viewed positively.
THE EFFECT OF FREE STREAM CONCENTRATION ON HEAT AND BINARY MASS TRANSFER WITH THERMODYNAMIC COUPLING IN CONVECTION ON A ROTATING DISC

Simultaneous heat and mass transfer, which arises from injecting a gas (helium or hydrogen) from or through the solid surface into a flowing external stream, has been studied for a rotating disc geometry. The effects of concentration levels of the injected gas in the external stream on the thermodynamic coupling in the presence of centrifugal force have been investigated over a wide range of Tw/Te. Boundary layer equations for heat and mass transfer were solved numerically. Exact and linearized approximate solutions were obtained. The results have shown that the thermal diffusion effect on mass transfer becomes increasingly important as the free stream concentration increases and as Tw/Te departs from unity. The diffusion thermo effect on heat transfer was found to be the most important when the free stream concentration is zero and as Tw/Te approaches unity.
Tem specimen heating during ion beam thinning: Microstructural instability

Abstract Experimental results are presented to show that energy input to Au/Si interface specimens by the particle beam during “ion” thinning is sufficient to raise the specimen temperature to a somewhat surprising 370°C, and to cause microstructural instability in the form of eutectic melting and interface migration. By analysis of various possible thermal energy dissipation mechanisms it was shown that poor thermal conduction through the specimen support was responsible. The heating effects can be eliminated in the present case by the somewhat inconvenient use of a low-temperature, cooled specimen support. It is suggested that most such heating effects can be more conveniently eliminated by use of specimen supports made from high thermal conductivity materials. These measures to reduce specimen heating will become more important as particle beam thinning is increasingly applied to a wider range of less refractory materials.
Magnetic ordering in amorphous oxides

The magnetic structure of radio frequency sputtered amorphous oxides is investigated by magnetization and ferromagnetic resonance techniques. Samples of Bi/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ substituted with ABO/sub 3/ (AB=BaTi, PbTi, PbZr) and MeO (M=Cu,Ca,Zn)-type compounds are studied. As-deposited samples are paramagnetic, and samples annealed at high temperatures show a ferrimagnetic character possibly due to the formation of magnetically ordered clusters. Samples with nonmagnetic ABO/sub 3/ show a record room temperature magnetization. Films containing oxides of zinc, copper, or calcium are anisotropic amorphous magnets with a large uniaxial or planar anisotropy. The nature and composition of ordered clusters in some samples are inferred from magnetic characterization of the film. A similar ferrimagnetic character is observed in amorphous samples sputtered at high temperatures. >
Longitudinal Study of Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Use

ABSTRACT Objective To examine temporal priority in the relationship between psychiatric disorders and drug use. Method Psychiatric assessments and drug use were completed at three different points in time, spanning 9 years. Structured interviews were administered to a cohort of youths and their mothers. Subjects were selected on the basis of their residence in either of two counties in upstate New York. The sample was predominantly white male and female youths, aged 1 through 10 years upon initial collection of data. Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed by a supplemented version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version 1, using computer algorithms designed to match DSM-III-R criteria to combine information from mothers and youths. Substance use information was obtained in the interviews. Results A significant relationship was found to exist between earlier adolescent drug use and later depressive and disruptive disorders in young adulthood, controlling for earlier psychiatric disorders. Earlier psychiatric disorders did not predict changes in young adult drug use. Conclusions Implications for policy, prevention, and treatment include (1) more medical attention needs to be given to the use of legal and illegal drugs; and (2) a decrease in drug use may result in a decrease in the incidence of later psychiatric disorders. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1998, 37(3):322–330.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Humans exhibit endogenous circadian rhythms that are regulated by the master circadian clock of the body, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. These endogenous circadian rhythms are aligned to the outside world by social and environmental cues. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSD) occur when there is an alteration of the internal timing mechanism or a misalignment between sleep and the 24-h social and physical environment. CRSD are often underrecognized yet should be considered in the differential of patients presenting with symptoms of insomnia and/or hypersomnia. Because behavioral and environmental factors often are involved in the development and maintenance of these conditions, a multimodal treatment approach of behavioral and/or pharmacologic approaches is usually required to synchronize a patient's circadian rhythm to the 24-h environment, consolidate sleep, and improve alertness. Rapid advances in our understanding of the physiologic, cellular, and molecular basis of circadian rhythm and sleep regulation will likely lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for CRSD.
Controlling Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-stimulated Ras Activation in Intact Cells by a Cell-permeable Peptide Mimicking Phosphorylated EGF Receptor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated Ras activation involves specific interactions between the EGF receptor (EGFR), the adaptor proteins Grb2 and Shc, and the nucleotide exchange factor Sos-1. Study and control of these protein-protein interactions in vivo can be greatly promoted by introducing intracellular reagents that mimic EGFR functions. Here, we showed that a synthetic phosphopeptide encompassing the autophosphorylation site 1068 of EGFR formed a complex with endogenous Grb2 after this peptide was delivered into intact cells by a cell-permeable peptide import technique. Consequently, this intracellular peptide inhibited EGF-induced EGFR/Grb2 associations but not EGFR/Shc or Shc/Grb2 associations. Peptide-mediated disruption of the EGF/Grb2/Sos-1 cascade led to reduced Ras activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. These results indicate that the binding of Grb2 to the phosphorylated Tyr-1068 of EGFR is crucial to the EGF-induced Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The application of cell-permeable peptides to this study demonstrates a useful biochemical tool to probe and control various intracellular processes involved in signal transduction and gene transcription.
Ethnic Cleansing and the Bible: A Moral Critique

Abstract Even for secular Zionists, Jewish claims to exclusive title to ‘the land of Israel’ rest on the Bible. Although Political Zionism was an assault on Judaism, its settlement policy today has no more ardent supporters than Religious Zionists. The Bible salves whatever pangs of conscience they might have about the expulsion of the Palestinians: normal rules of morality are suspended, and ethnic cleansing is applauded. However, the Bible's land traditions pose fundamental moral questions, relating both to their content—they mandate the ethnic cleansing of Canaan—and to the ways they have been deployed in favour of various colonial enterprises, including Zionism. Nevertheless, neither has been sufficient to bother the biblical academy to the point of critical opposition. Academics have an ethical responsibility, and are accountable to a wider public. This essay proposes that a moral exegesis of the Bible and an ethical evaluation of its interpretation, not least as it refers to the Holy Land, is indisp...
Expression of pokeweed antiviral protein in transgenic plants induces virus resistance in grafted wild-type plants independently of salicylic acid accumulation and pathogenesis-related protein synthesis.

Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), a 29-kD protein isolated from Phytolacca americana, inhibits translation by catalytically removing a specific adenine residue from the large rRNA of the 60S subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes. Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants expressing PAP or a variant (PAP-v) were shown to be resistant to a broad spectrum of plant viruses. Expression of PAP-v in transgenic plants induces synthesis of pathogenesis-related proteins and a very weak (<2-fold) increase in salicylic acid levels. Using reciprocal grafting experiments, we demonstrate here that transgenic tobacco rootstocks expressing PAP-v induce resistance to tobacco mosaic virus infection in both N. tabacum NN and nn scions. Increased resistance to potato virus X was also observed in N. tabacum nn scions grafted on transgenic rootstocks. PAP expression was not detected in the wild-type scions or rootstocks that showed virus resistance, nor was there any increase in salicylic acid levels or pathogenesis-related protein synthesis. Grafting experiments with transgenic plants expressing an inactive PAP mutant demonstrated that an intact active site of PAP is necessary for induction of virus resistance in wild-type scions. These results indicate that enzymatic activity of PAP is responsible for generating a signal that renders wild-type scions resistant to virus infection in the absence of increased salicylic acid levels and pathogenesis-related protein synthesis.
Towards an integrated observation and modeling system in the New York Bight using variational methods. Part II : repressenter-based observing strategy evaluation

As part of an effort to build an integrated observation and modeling system for the New York Bight, this study explores observing strategy evaluation using a representer-based method. The representer of a single observation describes the covariance between the observed quantity and ocean state errors at all locations at any time within the assimilation window. It also describes the influence of the observation on control variable correction in a 4D variational data assimilation system. These properties hold for the combination of representers that is associated with a group of observations and functions of model variables that combines model variables (e.g. salt flux). The representer-based method is used here to identify which of a set of proposed tracks for an autonomous coastal glider is better for predicting horizontal salt flux within the Hudson Shelf Valley in a 2-day forecast period. The system is also used to compare different observation strategies. We show that a glider that traverses a regular transect influences a larger area than a continuously profiling mooring, but the mooring carries stronger influence at the observation location. The representer analysis shows how the information provided by observations extends toward the dynamically upstream and how increasing the duration of the analysis window captures more dynamical connections and expands the area of influence of the observations in data assimilation. Overall, the study demonstrates that the representer methodology can quantitatively contrast different observational strategies and determine spatial patterns and temporal extent of the influence of observations, both of which are helpful for evaluating the design of observation networks.
Distributional properties of EMS and non‐EMS exchange rates before and after German reunification

The paper explores the stochastic behaviour of four EMS (Belgian franc, French franc, Spanish peseta and Italian lira) and non-EMS (Canadian dollar, US dollar, Japanese yen and British pound) deutschemark exchange rates, using a GARCH-type model along with the generalized error distribution, before and after Germany's unification in 1990. The results indicate that there was a fundamental change in the distributions of all exchange rates after Germany's reunification and so the single normal distribution assumption is not appropriate. Although the presence of GARCH remained, all rates' conditional distributions resembled the uniform, in the first period, but they approximated the double exponential in the second. Further, during and after the pound's brief and the lira's longer associations with the ERM their distributions were unchanged. Finally, two other notable results were the reduction in the degree of volatility persistence in all Deutschemark rates during the after-unification period, and the rates' strong mean-reverting tendencies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
D27-pLpxL, an avirulent strain of Yersinia pestis, primes T cells that protect against pneumonic plague.

Vaccinating with live, conditionally attenuated, pigmentation (Pgm)-deficient Yersinia pestis primes T cells that protect mice against pneumonic plague. However, Pgm-deficient strains are not considered safe for human use because they retain substantial virulence in animal models. Y. pestis strains engineered to express Escherichia coli LpxL are avirulent owing to constitutive production of lipopolysaccharide with increased Toll-like receptor 4-activating ability. We generated an LpxL-expressing Pgm-deficient strain (D27-pLpxL) and demonstrate here that this avirulent strain retains the capacity to prime protective T cells. Compared with unvaccinated controls, mice immunized intranasally with live D27-pLpxL exhibit a decreased bacterial burden and increased survival when challenged intranasally with virulent Y. pestis. T cells provide a substantial degree of this protection, as vaccine efficacy is maintained in B-cell-deficient μMT mice unless those animals are depleted of CD4 and CD8 T cells at the time of challenge. Upon challenge with Y. pestis, pulmonary T-cell numbers decline in naive mice, whereas immunized mice show increased numbers of CD44high CD43high effector T cells and T cells primed to produce tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon; neutralizing these cytokines at the time of challenge abrogates protection. Immunization does not prevent dissemination of Y. pestis from the lung but limits bacterial growth and pathology in visceral tissue, apparently by facilitating formation of granuloma-like structures. This study describes a new model for studying T-cell-mediated protection against pneumonic plague and demonstrates the capacity for live, highly attenuated, Y. pestis vaccine strains to prime protective memory T-cell responses safely.
Evolution of complexity in motor patterns and jaw musculature of tetraodontiform fishes

The prey-processing behavior and jaw-adducting musculature of tetraodontiform fishes provide a novel system for studying the evolution of muscles and their function. The history of this clade has involved a pattern of repeated ‘duplications’ of jaw muscles by physical subdivision of pre-existing muscles. As a result, the number of adductor mandibulae muscles in different taxa varies from as few as two to as many as eight. We used electromyography (EMG) to quantify motor-pattern variation of adductor mandibulae muscles in four tetraodontiform species during feeding events on prey items that varied in durability and elusiveness. Statistical analyses of variation in EMG variables revealed significant differences in motor patterns between duplicated muscles derived from a common ancestral muscle in seven of nine cases examined. Overall individual EMG timing variables (e.g. relative onset or duration of bursts) were slightly less likely to diverge functionally than amplitude variables (e.g. relative intensity of bursts). Functional divergence was found in significant overall differences between muscles and twice as frequently in significant muscle-by-prey interaction terms. Such interactions represent an underappreciated way in which motor patterns can evolve and diversify. Regional variation was documented in undivided muscles in two species, indicating that it is possible for functional subdivision to precede anatomical subdivision. This study shows that phylogenetic increases in the number of tetraodontiform jaw adductor muscles have been associated with increases in the functional complexity of the jaws at the level of muscle activation patterns.
Unmet mental health needs in pediatric epilepsy: Insights from providers

Eighteen pediatric neurologists and 18 pediatricians completed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire on their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and management of the behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of pediatric epilepsy, before and after a lecture on this topic. They also responded to questions about possible barriers to mental health care of children with epilepsy. The brief educational intervention modified the knowledge/attitudes of pediatricians compared with pediatric neurologists on the impact of epilepsy on behavior and cognition in children with epilepsy. However, there were no between-group differences in how providers perceived their competence to assess behavioral and cognitive comorbid conditions in pediatric epilepsy. Responses to open-ended questions suggested insufficient mental health coverage for and expertise on pediatric epilepsy, resistance of mental health clinicians to treat children with epilepsy, and the stigma of mental health as possible barriers to mental health care in children with epilepsy. In addition to the need for provider education about the behavioral and cognitive comorbid conditions of pediatric epilepsy, these findings emphasize the importance of examining alternative routes to increasing mental health care for children with epilepsy.
Tales of the Moral Order

George W. Noblitt and R. Dwight Hare. Meta-Ethnography: Synthesizing Qualitative Studies. Newbeny Park: Sage Publications, 1988. 88 pp. $6.95 (paper). John Van Maanen. Tales of the Field: On Writing Ethnography. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988. xvi. 173 pp. $7.95 (paper). Robert Wuthnow. Meaning and Moral Order. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1987. xiii. 435 pp. $40.00 (cloth); $12.95 (paper).
Cost analysis of clinic and office-based treatment of opioid dependence: Results with methadone and buprenorphine in clinically stable patients

The cost of providing and receiving treatment for opioid dependence can determine its adoption. To compare the cost of clinic-based methadone (MC, n=23), office-based methadone (MO, n=21), and office-based buprenorphine (BO, n=34) we performed an analysis of treatment and patient costs over 6 months of maintenance in patients who had previously been stabilized for at least one year. We performed statistical comparisons using ANOVA and chi-square tests and performed a sensitivity analysis varying cost estimates and intensity of clinical contact. The cost of providing one month of treatment per patient was $147 (MC), $220 (MO) and $336 (BO) (p<0.001). Mean monthly medication cost was $93 (MC), $86 (MO) and $257 (BO) (p<0.001). The cost to patients was $92 (MC), $63 (MO) and $38 (BO) (p=0.102). Sensitivity analyses, varying cost estimates and clinical contact, result in total monthly costs of $117 to $183 (MC), $149 to $279 (MO), $292 to $499(BO). Monthly patient costs were $84 to $133 (MC), $55 to $105 (MO) and $34 to $65 (BO). We conclude that providing clinic-based methadone is least expensive. The price of buprenorphine accounts for a major portion of the difference in costs. For patients, office-based treatment may be less expensive.
Ion sources for mass spectrometric identification and imaging of molecular species

Covering: 2013 The ability to transfer molecular species to the gas phase and ionize them is central to the study of natural products and other molecular species by mass spectrometry (MS). MS-based strategies in natural products have focused on a few established ion sources, such as electron impact and electrospray ionization. However, a variety of other ion sources are either currently in use to evaluate natural products or show significant future promise. This review discusses these various ion sources in the context of other articles in this special issue, but is also applicable to other fields of analysis, including materials science. Ion sources are grouped based on the current understanding of their predominant ion formation mechanisms. This broad overview groups ion sources into the following categories: electron ionization and single photon ionization; chemical ionization-like and plasma-based; electrospray ionization; and, laser desorption-based. Laser desorption-based methods are emphasized with specific examples given for laser desorption postionization sources and their use in the analysis of intact microbial biofilms. Brief consideration is given to the choice of ion source for various sample types and analyses, including MS imaging.
Powering cabled ocean-bottom observatories

A critical and potentially difficult problem for ocean-bottom observatories is the electrical power sub-system. While huge effort and expense has gone into development of land power grids and ocean communication cable power, the characteristics of ocean-bottom observatories require different strategies. Ocean-bottom observatories terminate on the ocean floor where large variable loads are installed, whereas commercial ocean-bottom cables terminate on land and normally have relatively fixed loads. Design considerations such as whether to use a constant current or constant voltage source, choice of voltage and current levels and cable capacitance and impedance are considered. Ocean-bottom observatory science requirements in the future will demand multiple loads along the cable, cable branches, fault protection and redundancy. The realities of high cable capacitance and the negative dynamic impedance of switching power supplies require that rapid load changes either be anticipated or prevented. Without proper control, rapid changes in load can result in instability and collapse of the power system. The strategy suggested in this paper requires that each load point (or junction box where science experiments will be attached to the system) be "smart" enough to keep load variations within tolerance bounds.
Identifying Process Variables for a Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning-Killing System

SUMMARY Current systems for preslaughter gas stunning and killing of broilers use process gases such as CO2 ,N 2, Ar, or a mixture of these gases with air or O2. These systems, known as controlledatmosphere stunning-killing systems, work by displacing O2, ultimately to induce hypoxia in the bird, leading to unconsciousness and death. In this study, mechanical removal of O2 by rapidly reducing air pressure was investigated as an alternative to controlled-atmosphere stunning-killing systems. Low atmospheric pressure systems could offer advantages in worker safety and operational gas cost because they operate solely with atmospheric air. This study comprised 2 experiments, one to define the initial range of effective pressures, and the second to determine a recommended process pressure. In experiment 1, 48 female broilers, aged 63 d, were subjected to 6 different pressure treatments, ranging from 70.9 to 17.8 kPa. In experiment 2, 56 male broilers, aged 60 d, were subjected to 7 different pressure treatments, ranging from 35.3 to 17.8 kPa. Birds were individually placed in an airtight vessel and exposed to a pressure treatment for 2 min after the final pressure was attained. Results from experiment 1 showed that the effective range of pressure was between 29.5 and 17.8 kPa, with only 25% of the birds exposed to 29.5 kPa surviving and none of the birds exposed to 17.8 kPa surviving. Experiment 2 used a finer resolution of pressure increments, and the estimated pressure level lethal for 99.99% of the birds was determined to be 19.4 kPa.
Length of capsular contact for diagnosing extraprostatic extension on prostate MRI: Assessment at an optimal threshold.

Purpose To evaluate the length of capsular contact of dominant lesions on multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting extraprostatic extension (EPE) and to determine a threshold value to apply in clinical practice. Materials and Methods Ninety patients undergoing 3T prostate MRI before prostatectomy were included. Two independent readers (R1, R2) recorded for each lobe the presence or absence of capsular irregularity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and of overt measurable EPE. Readers also recorded the length of capsular contact of each lobe's dominant lesion for T2WI and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. Based on prostatectomy specimens, EPE was recorded for each lobe and classified as focal (single focus ≤0.5 mm in depth) vs. established. Receiver operating characteristic analysis, logistic regression, and kappa coefficients were used to assess interpretive approaches on a side-specific basis. Results The optimal thresholds were 6 mm and 7 mm of contact using T2WI and ADC for any EPE, and 10 mm and 7 mm using T2WI and ADC for nonfocal EPE (AUCs 81.0–82.5%). Capsular contact had higher sensitivity, yet lower specificity, than subjective interpretations for any EPE and for nonfocal EPE (all P ≤ 0.018, aside from any EPE for R2 using ADC). Length of contact exhibited more substantial gains in sensitivity (9–20% for any EPE; 34–41% for nonfocal EPE) than losses in specificity (6–13% for any EPE; 17–27% for nonfocal EPE) compared with subjective interpretations. Interreader agreement: 0.70 for assessments based on length of contact; 0.49–0.59 for subjective assessments. Conclusion Length of capsular contact of dominant lesions can improve interreader agreement and sensitivity for EPE compared with subjective features, with relatively mild specificity loss. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:990–997
Age-Related Effects of Blocked and Random Practice Schedules on Learning a New Technology

Computer technology is pervasive in today’s society. Issues of training must be investigated to ensure that older individuals are capable of interacting with such technology. In the present research a simulated automatic teller machine (ATM) served as a prototypical technology for which issues of training and transfer could be investigated. The focus of the study was on the potential benefits of a random practice schedule (wherein trial types are intermixed) relative to a blocked practice schedule (wherein trial types are grouped together). Both younger and older adults benefited from random practice for the acquisition of the ability to perform transactions on an ATM. Moreover, random practice was beneficial for both age groups in the transfer of learning to novel tasks on a novel ATM. These data have general implications for theories of training and specific implications for the development of training protocols for older adults and new technologies.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysophospholipid acyltransferase, Lpt1, requires Asp146 and Glu297 for catalysis.

The esterification of lysophospholipids contributes to phospholipid synthesis, remodeling, and scavenging. Acyl-CoA-dependent lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity with broad substrate use is mediated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lpt1p. We sought to identify Lpt1p active site amino acids besides the histidine conserved among homologs and repeatedly found to be required for catalysis. In vitro Lpt1p assays with amino acid modifying agents implicated aspartate, glutamate, and lysine as active site residues. Threonine and tyrosine were not ruled out. Aligning the primary structures of functionally characterized LPT1 homologs from fungi, plants, and animals identified 11 conserved aspartate, glutamate, lysine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. Site-directed mutagenesis of the respective codons showed that changing D146 and E297 abolished activity without abolishing protein expression. The mechanism of Lpt1p was further analyzed using monounsaturated acyl-CoA species with different double bond positions. Delta 6 species showed the highest catalytic efficiency. We propose that D146 and E297 act in conjunction with H382 as nucleophiles that attack the hydroxyl group in lysophospholipids in a general acid/base mechanism. This sequential mechanism provides a precedent for other members of the membrane bound O-acyltransferase family. Also, Lpt1p optimally orients acyl-CoA substrates with 7.5 A between a double bond and the thioester bond.
Reverse iterative deepening for finite-horizon MDPs with large branching factors

In contrast to previous competitions, where the problems were goal-based, the 2011 International Probabilistic Planning Competition (IPPC-2011) emphasized finite-horizon reward maximization problems with large branching factors. These MDPs modeled more realistic planning scenarios and presented challenges to the previous state-of-the-art planners (e.g., those from IPPC-2008), which were primarily based on domain determinization — a technique more suited to goal-oriented MDPs with small branching factors. Moreover, large branching factors render the existing implementations of RTDP- and LAO*-style algorithms inefficient as well. In this paper we present GLUTTON, our planner at IPPC-2011 that performed well on these challenging MDPs. The main algorithm used by GLUTTON is LR2TDP, an LRTDP-based optimal algorithm for finite-horizon problems centered around the novel idea of reverse iterative deepening. We detail LR2TDP itself as well as a series of optimizations included in GLUTTON that help LR2TDP achieve competitive performance on difficult problems with large branching factors — subsampling the transition function, separating out natural dynamics, caching transition function samples, and others. Experiments show that GLUTTON and PROST, the IPPC-2011 winner, have complementary strengths, with GLUTTON demonstrating superior performance on problems with few high-reward terminal states.
Selektion an polygenen Merkmalen

Sehr fruh in der Geschichte der Genetik wurde klar, das es keine 1:1 Beziehung zwischen Genen und phanotypischen Merkmalen gibt. Es gibt zum Beispiel keine getrennten Gene fur Femur und Tibia. Vielmehr wirkt jedes Gen pleiotrop auf mehrere oder viele Merkmale, und die Entwicklung jedes Merkmals wird von mehreren oder vielen Genen beeinflust. Wir haben bereits gesehen (Kapitel 6), das der Selektionsvorteil eines Gens von anderen Genen abhangen kann und das die Analyse der Selektion an einem bestimmten Genort aufgrund dessen Kopplung an andere Genorte oft erschwert ist. Daher mus eine Theorie der Allelfrequenzen im Zusammenhang mit anderen Genen entwickelt werden. Diese Theorie ist mathematisch anspruchsvoll1 und oft schwierig zu testen, aber sie zeigt, das die Evolution uberraschende Wendungen nehmen kann, die von der bisher betrachteten einfachen Theorie nicht vorausgesagt werden.
Mind the Gap: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Handling of International Prospects and Student-Athletes - The Professionalization ThresholdRegulatory Framework Analysis - Conveyance of Amateurism Policy

An in-depth research project on International prospects and studentathletes for Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions has to cover a few elements that are necessary in developing a complete understanding of the problems faced by the prospects, as well as the challenges faced by the Association as a whole, and the member institutions independently. Such elements include the current regulatory framework applied by the NCAA on cases of international prospects and student-athletes (IPSAs-ISAs), which revolves around the amateurism bylaw of the NCAA DI Manual (Bylaw 12). Amateurism is the one single element that has created and still triggers most problems in ISAs cases and DI member institutions’ recruiting attempts. Therefore, the ensuing analysis will shed light on the theory and the application portion of the amateurism bylaw in its present form. Furthermore, there are important procedural elements that need to be posed and will follow the aforementioned analysis. These elementsdeal with the NCAA staff ’s internal mechanism, the Agents, Gambling, and Amateurism (AGA) staff and the review process by the Student-Athlete Reinstatement (SAR) Committee and staff, as it stands now the two main entities that are the crucial decision making bodies in the governance and evaluation of ISAs cases that come under scrutiny. Finally, the suggestions by the NCAA to member institutions will be juxtaposed with the valuable lessons this line of research has drawn from international governing bodies, international sports federations, club administrators and a plethora of cases involving international prospects and student-athletes. The differences in structure of these sport administrative entities and the legal implications they may cause will be applied and analyzed in the scope of international prospective student-athletes, who wish to overcome these challenges and pursue higher education combined with sport in the U.S.
Integrating Ontogeny of Echolocation and Locomotion Gives Unique Insights into the Origin of Bats

The evolutionary sequence of events that led to flight and echolocation in bats is a compelling question in biology. Fundamentally lacking from this discussion is the ontogeny of how these two systems become functionally integrated producing an evolutionary developmental model. We build such a model by integrating growth and development of the cochlea, larynx, and sound production with the ontogeny of locomotion in newborn bats. In addition, we use available fossil and molecular data along with patterns of high frequency vocalization in extant mammals to model probable evolutionary transitions in bats. We find clear evidence that the ability to hear high frequency echolocation-like sounds preceded the ability to produce it and that a simple echolocation system was likely inherited from a shrew-like ancestor and was not an in situ evolutionary innovation of bats. Refinement of this system coevolved with sustained flight, both ontogenetically and evolutionarily, leading to the sophisticated echolocation observed today.
Microwave sintering of fine grained MgP and Mg substitutes with amorphous tricalcium phosphate: Structural, and mechanical characterization

This paper, for the first time, reports the results of microwave sintering of two emerging biomaterials, magnesium phosphate and amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate. Beneficial aspects of successful microwave sintering of calcium phosphate are well documented in the literature. The motivation for this work derives from the absence of any publication of similar nature on magnesium phosphates, which are becoming important with the rapid rise in interest in biodegradable Mg-alloys. Starting off with amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate and magnesium phosphate, the resulting microwave sintered product is a biphasic mixture of whitlockite substituted with magnesium and magnesium phosphate. The influence of the extent of Mg substitution on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and sintering behavior of tricalcium phosphate was evaluated. The results showed that the addition of Mg (up to the 50% wt/wt in relation to Ca mass) in the precursor compound of magnesium calcium phosphate improved the kinetics of the densification process and enhanced hardness values.
Immunofluorescent localization of cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin and cAMP in the rat uterus. Effects of estrogen treatment.

Cyclic guanosine 3′, 5′ monophosphate (cGMP), cGMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin and cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′ monophosphate (cAMP) were localized in the uterus of the immature rat by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase and calmodulin were detected predominantly along epithelial and myometrial plasma membranes and in the adjacent cytoplasm. In contrast, cAMP immunoreactive material was found principally in the cytoplasm of connective tissue. After administration of 17 β estradiol, similar time-dependent changes were observed in the localization of cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase and calmodulin in all uterine cell types. For the three compounds, nucleolar-like distribution of the immunofluorescence appeared approximately 12 h after treatment. A more dispersed, reticular distribution of the nuclear fluorescent staining was observed 20–24 h after hormonal treatment. Estrogen did not affect the localization of cAMP. The simultaneous mobilization of cGMP, cGMP-dependent protein kinase and calmodulin towards the same nuclear loci suggests concerted roles for these three molecules in nuclear metabolic processes during the development of the uterotrophic action of estrogens.
Effect of boundary representation on viscous, separated flows in a discontinuous-Galerkin Navier–Stokes solver

The effect of curved-boundary representation on the physics of the separated flow over a NACA 65(1)-412 airfoil is thoroughly investigated. A method is presented to approximate curved boundaries with a high-order discontinuous-Galerkin spectral element method for the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations. Multiblock quadrilateral element meshes are constructed with the grid generation software GridPro. The boundary of a NACA 65(1)-412 airfoil, defined by a cubic natural spline, is piecewise-approximated by isoparametric polynomial interpolants that represent the edges of boundary-fitted elements. Direct numerical simulation of the airfoil is performed on a coarse mesh and fine mesh with polynomial orders ranging from four to twelve. The accuracy of the curve fitting is investigated by comparing the flows computed on curved-sided meshes with those given by straight-sided meshes. Straight-sided meshes yield irregular wakes, whereas curved-sided meshes produce a regular Karman street wake. Straight-sided meshes also produce lower lift and higher viscous drag as compared with curved-sided meshes. When the mesh is refined by reducing the sizes of the elements, the lift decrease and viscous drag increase are less pronounced. The differences in the aerodynamic performance between the straight-sided meshes and the curved-sided meshes are concluded to be the result of artificial surface roughness introduced by the piecewise-linear boundary approximation provided by the straight-sided meshes.