cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How membrane structures control T cell signaling.

Genetic and biochemical studies have identified a large number of molecules involved in T cell signalling. They have provided us with a comprehensive understanding of protein-protein interactions and protein modifications that take place upon antigen recognition. Diffraction limited fluorescence microscopy has been used to study the distribution of signaling molecules on a cellular level. Specifically, the discovery of microclusters (MCs) and the immunological synapse (IS) demonstrates that T cell signaling cascades utilizes spatial association and segregation. Recent advancements in live cell imaging have allowed us to visualize the spatio-temporal mechanisms of T cell signaling at nanometer scale resolution. This led to the discovery that proteins are organized in distinct membrane domains prior and during T cell activation. Evidently, plasma membrane structures and signaling molecule distributions at all length scales (molecular to cellular) are intrinsic to the mechanisms that govern signaling initiation, transduction and inhibition. Here we provide an overwiew of possible plasma membrane models, molecular assemblies that have been described to date, how they can be visualized and how they might contribute to T cell signaling.
A method for defining binding sites involved in protein-protein interactions: analysis of the binding of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 to the somatomedin domain of vitronectin.

Abstract Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) is bound to vitronectin (VN) in plasma and in the extracellular matrix. We previously employed a domain-swapping approach to show that the high-affinity binding site for PAI-1 in VN is contained within residues 12–30 in the amino-terminal somatomedin B (SMB) domain. In this study, we attempt to further delineate the location of this site by employing a novel approach that is based on the use of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) together with site-directed mutagenesis. Six separate Mabs were identified that bound to the SMB domain and competed with PAI-1 for binding to VN. The relative affinity of each of the Mabs, and of PAI-1 itself, for binding to individual variants of SMB (prepared by alanine scanning mutagenesis), was then determined and compared in competitive binding experiments. Three separate, partially overlapping Mab epitopes within SMB were defined by these studies, and the PAI-1 binding site was localized to the region between residues 24 and 37. When considered together with the domain swapping data, these studies suggest that the PAI-1 binding site is contained within a common seven-residue region (i.e., residues 24–30) in the SMB domain.
A critical role for the evolutionarily conserved gonadotropin-releasing hormone II: mediation of energy status and female sexual behavior.

GnRH is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide, of which there are multiple structural variants; the function of the most widespread variant, GnRH-II, remains undefined. GnRH-II may affect reproductive behavior; GnRH-II administration to female musk shrews reinstates mating behavior previously inhibited by food restriction. To determine whether this action of GnRH-II is universal, we conducted the following studies in mice. Ovariectomized mice were primed with estradiol benzoate and progesterone once a week and tested for sexual behavior. Females showing a lordosis quotient (LQ) of 50 or higher on the fourth trial underwent food deprivation (FD) for either 24 or 48 h before an additional behavior test. FD for 48 h significantly reduced LQ compared with ad libitum-fed females. Next, females were FD for 48 h or maintained on ad libitum feeding and retested for sexual behavior after an intracerebroventricular infusion of either GnRH-I, GnRHII, or saline. GnRH-II, but not GnRH-I, significantly increased LQ in FD females compared with FD females treated with saline. Lordosis was unaffected by GnRH-II in females maintained on ad libitum feeding. To assess whether the GnRH-I receptor mediates GnRH-II’s behavioral effects, underfed females were pretreated with the type 1 GnRH receptor antagonist Antide and retested for sexual behavior. Antide pretreatment did not prevent GnRH-II from promoting mating behavior, suggesting that GnRH-II’s behavioral actions are mediated through the type 2 GnRH receptor. We speculate that GnRH-II acts via its own receptor as a regulatory signal in mammals to ensure that reproduction is synchronized with energetically favorable conditions. (Endocrinology 145: 3639 –3646, 2004)
The Use of the Short-Cut Graphic Method of Multiple Correlation

Methodological Background, 69. — The Method, 72. — The Indexes of Correlation, 76. — Omitted Variables, 77. — Inadequate Data, 87. — Independent Variables Intercorrelated, 88. — Joint Curvilinear Correlation, 92. — Joint Correlation Using Flexible Methods, 96. — Conclusions, 105.
δ15N constraints on long-term nitrogen balances in temperate forests

Biogeochemical theory emphasizes nitrogen (N) limitation and the many factors that can restrict N accumulation in temperate forests, yet lacks a working model of conditions that can promote naturally high N accumulation. We used a dynamic simulation model of ecosystem N and δ15N to evaluate which combination of N input and loss pathways could produce a range of high ecosystem N contents characteristic of forests in the Oregon Coast Range. Total ecosystem N at nine study sites ranged from 8,788 to 22,667 kg ha−1 and carbon (C) ranged from 188 to 460 Mg ha−1, with highest values near the coast. Ecosystem δ15N displayed a curvilinear relationship with ecosystem N content, and largely reflected mineral soil, which accounted for 96–98% of total ecosystem N. Model simulations of ecosystem N balances parameterized with field rates of N leaching required long-term average N inputs that exceed atmospheric deposition and asymbiotic and epiphytic N2-fixation, and that were consistent with cycles of post-fire N2-fixation by early-successional red alder. Soil water δ15NO3 − patterns suggested a shift in relative N losses from denitrification to nitrate leaching as N accumulated, and simulations identified nitrate leaching as the primary N loss pathway that constrains maximum N accumulation. Whereas current theory emphasizes constraints on biological N2-fixation and disturbance-mediated N losses as factors that limit N accumulation in temperate forests, our results suggest that wildfire can foster substantial long-term N accumulation in ecosystems that are colonized by symbiotic N2-fixing vegetation.
Stratospheric studies consider crucial question of particle precipitation

Recent work calls into question the adequacy of using atmospheric models with an upper boundary near 60 km for interpretive and prognostic studies of stratospheric odd nitrogen (NOY = NO + NO2 + 2 × N2O5 + HNO3 + CINO3 + NO3) and ozone (O3). Studies have shown that the effects of energetic particle precipitation occurring within the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere (MLT, roughly 60–110 km) ultimately affect stratospheric NOY and, calculations suggest, O3. The magnitude of these effects— which are solar cycle-dependent—on the stratosphere is calculated to be comparable with those due to solar flux variations associated with the 11-year solar activity cycle. Accounting for the effects of these precipitating particles requires models with an upper boundary no lower than 100 km. Also, the polar night observations of the species required to unambiguously characterize this solar and particle-driven coupling between atmospheric regions have not been made and are not yet planned.
Predictability matters for multiple object tracking

Most accounts of multiple object tracking (MOT) suggest that only the spatial arrangement of objects at any one time is important for explaining performance. In contrast, we argue that observers predict future target positions. Previously this proposition was tested by studying the recovery of targets after a period of invisibility (Fencsik, Klieger, & Horowitz, 2007; Keane & Pylyshyn, 2006). Here, we test the predictive hypothesis in a continuous tracking paradigm. In two experiments, we asked observers to track three out of twelve moving disks for three to six seconds, and varied the average turn angle. We held speed constant at 8°/s, but direction for each disk changed with probability .025 on each 13.33 ms frame. Observers marked all targets at the end of the trial. Experiment 1 used turn angles of 0°, 30°, and 90°, while Experiment 2 used 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. Turn angle was fixed for all objects within a trial but varied across trials. In both experiments, accuracy was maximal at 0° and declined as turn angle increased (Exp 1: p = .001; Exp 2: p = .001). In Experiment 2, the steepest decline in accuracy was from 0° to 30°, while accuracy was roughly constant from 45° to 90°. These data demonstrate that it is easier to track predictably moving targets. Since velocity, density, and other factors known to affect MOT performance were constant, this suggests that observers predict target motion online to improve tracking. Furthermore, the pattern of data in Experiment 2 is compatible with a model in which the visual system assumes that target trajectories will vary only within a narrow 30° band.
Cross layers decision making and fusion model in layered sensing systems

Layered sensing systems involve operation of several layers of sensing with different capabilities integrated into one whole system. The integrated layers of sensing must share information and local decisions across layers for better situation awareness. This research focused on the development of a model for decision making and fusion at the information level in layered sensing systems using the cloud model for uncertainty processing. In this research, the addition of a new processing level to the Joint Directors of Laboratories (JDL) processing model is proposed. The new processing level is called "Information Assessment, Fusion, and Control (IAFC)". Through this level, the different layers of a layered sensing system evaluate information about a given situation in terms of threat level and make a decision. The information assessment and control processing module were able to assess the threat level of a situation accurately and exchange assessments in order to determine the overall situation's threat level among all layers. The uncertain decisions were fused together to a unified decision using the cloud model of uncertainty processing methodology. Using this methodology, a cognitive element was added to the process of information assessment module leading to more accurate situation awareness.
Inhibition of vasopressin action by atrial natriuretic factor

Atrial natriuretic factor results in diuresis in animals and humans, perhaps because atrial natriuretic factor increases renal blood flow. The possibility that this diuresis is due to direct inhibition of renal tubular epithelial water transport was examined in rabbit collecting tubules perfused in vitro. Atriopeptin III inhibition of the hydraulic conductivity response to the hormone arginine vasopressin but not to either 3'5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate or forskolin was found. These results suggest that atriopeptin III acts proximal to cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation to directly affect vasopressin-stimulated water transport in the mammalian nephron. They also suggest a potential role for inhibition by atrial natriuretic factor of the renal response to arginine vasopressin as a contributor to a diuretic state.
A Practical Study in Laboratory and Workplace Permeation Testing

Abstract Persistent dermal exposure of workers and facility contamination by meta-phenylenediamine (MPDA) during a research project precipitated a concentrated testing program to evaluate protective gloves, clothing, and usage procedures. The objective of this work was to determine the proper gloves and procedures needed to protect workers from dermal exposure to chemicals which were potential carcinogens. MPDA is a very sensitive indicator of contamination because it readily discolors on exposure to air. It is not unique in its permeation characteristics; other chemicals only differ in relative rates of permeation. Therefore, the results obtained are applicable to other situations with different chemicals. In our operation, MPDA was present in an amine hardener mixture. An epoxy resin was also a test material, and acetone was used as a solvent. Glove manufacturers' recommendations and breakthrough time data for these and similar compounds conflicted with the experiences in our operation. In addition, lim...
The Physical Oceanography of Two Rings Observed by the Cyclonic Ring Experiment. Part II: Dynamics

Abstract Data from the 1977 Cyclonic Ring Experiment is used to examine the, density, velocity, vorticity and energy distributions in a Gulf Stream cyclonic ring. A time series on ring BOB provides information on the temporal changes in these parameters. The rings are shown to have an interior in near-solid-body rotation surrounded by a frontal jet exhibiting a maximum in potential vorticity. There is evidence that the baroclinic structure of the rings extends to the bottom and that there is significant energy in vertical modes higher than the first baroclinic mode. Calculations of available potential energy (APE) and kinetic energy are presented along with the time rates of change in the APE. The APE is partitioned into the energy in the mean ring and a set of perturbations about the mean. The temporal variations in the perturbation APE are large enough to be important to the adjustment and decay of mean APE in the ring. Ring spindown is discussed in terms of the observations and several ring models prop...
An MM-based algorithm for L 1 -regularized least squares estimation in GPR image reconstruction

We present a regularized Least-Squares (LS) method for estimating subsurface reflection coefficients from ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. The expected sparsity of the reflection coefficients induced via L1-regularization. The majorize-minimize (MM) framework is used to develop a novel iterative algorithm for solving the L1-regularized LS problem in a straightforward and effective manner. The proposed L1-regularized Least-Squares (L1-LS) algorithm is amenable to parallel implementation since the MM procedure decouples the estimation of the individual reflection coefficients. In order to work toward an extended algorithm that would be suited for real-time implementations, we investigate an online strategy for choosing the regularization parameter. The L1-LS algorithm is validated using simulated GPR datasets.
A palynological biozonation for the uppermost Santonian and Campanian Stages (Upper Cretaceous) of South Carolina, USA

Abstract Five palynological biozones are proposed for the uppermost Santonian and Campanian Stages of South Carolina. In ascending stratigraphic order, these highest-occurrence interval zones are the Osculapollis vestibulus (Ov) Biozone, the Holkopollenites propinquus (Hp) Biozone, the Holkopollenites forix (Hf) Biozone, the Complexiopollis abditus (Ca) Biozone, and the Osculapollis aequalis (Oa) Biozone. These biozones are based on an analysis of more than 400 subsurface and outcrop samples throughout the Coastal Plain Province of South Carolina, and the adjacent states of Georgia and North Carolina. Integration of the biostratigraphy with lithostratigraphy and geophysical log data suggests that the lower and upper boundaries of each biozone are bounded by regional unconformities. Five new species are described, and an emendation is presented for one additional species.
Challenges and methodologies for efficient power budgeting across the die

To provide higher performance by staying within a constant power budget is challenging. Today, operational cost and specifically energy cost constitute a large portion of an organization's Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), so it is crucial that microprocessor consumes the lowest possible power for a given workload. In this paper, we describe the major challenges faced by the microprocessor architects in achieving higher performance within constant power budget or energy-efficiency, with special focus on design technologies and solutions. We present a die level power simulation solution that facilitates exploration of system-level power management algorithms that budget power for various microprocessor die components. We demonstrate usage methodology via real-life use case studies and recommend future areas of research that can enhance the proposed power management simulation methodology.
Clinicopathologic Features Associated With Having Four or More Metastatic Axillary Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients With a Positive Sentinel Lymph Node

The survival benefit of a completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients after removal of a metastatic sentinel lymph node (SLN) is uncertain and is under study in ongoing clinical trials. The completion ALND remains necessary, however, for the identification of cases with at least four metastatic lymph nodes, in which extended-field locoregional and/or postmastectomy radiation will be recommended. Our goal was evaluate clinicopathologic features that might serve as surrogates for determining which patients with a positive SLN are likely or unlikely to belong to this high-risk subset. Records were reviewed for 285 patients from 2 comprehensive cancer centers who underwent completion ALND after resection of a metastatic SLN from 1995 to 2002. Clinicopathologic features were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Forty-one cases (14%) were found to have at least four positive nodes after ALND. Fisher’s exact test revealed the following features to be significantly (P 2 cm, lymphovascular invasion, an increasing ratio of positive SLNs to the total number of resected SLNs, extranodal extension, and the size of the SLN metastasis. Patients whose largest SLN metastasis was <2 mm had only a 1.4% risk of having four or more metastatic nodes (P < .0001). We conclude that patients with SLN micrometastases face an extremely low likelihood of having extensive nodal disease on completion ALND. Patients with larger primary tumors, lymphovascular invasion, and extranodal extension are more likely to have ALND findings that will affect their cancer management.
The Effect of Internet Related Problems on the Sexting Behaviors of Juveniles

The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the gap in the literature by investigating the sexting behaviors of adolescents under the age of 18 and how these behaviors are related to internet related problems. Using data collected from high school students in a rural county in western North Carolina, results indicated that deviant peer association and Internet-related problems were in fact associated with sexting by juveniles.
Predictors of blood loss and haematocrit after periacetabular osteotomy.

BACKGROUND Acetabular dysplasia is a common cause of hip pain that can lead to osteoarthritis. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective procedure to treat symptomatic dysplasia in properly selected patients. PURPOSE This study aims to determine patient or perioperative variables that are predictive of blood loss (EBL) and postoperative haematocrit (HCT) with PAO. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between March 2009 and October 2011, 169 PAOs in 141 patients were performed. Associations with EBL (log-transformed) and lowest postoperative haematocrit (post-HCT, <26 vs. ≥26) were assessed by regression analysis, adjusting for surgeon and for within-patient correlations. RESULTS Geometric mean EBL was 925 mL (range 200-3900 mL; 95% CI: 851.3, 1005.1). There was 11.1% greater blood loss per hour of surgery (p = 0.02). Preoperative HCT averaged (±SD) 36.1 (±3.3). In 119 cases (71%), the post-HCT was <26. Lower preoperative HCT correlated with post-HCT <26 (p<0.001); the median ratio of the lowest postoperative HCT to the preoperative HCT was 0.687 (5th, 95th percentiles: 0.538, 0.781). Age, body mass index (BMI), arthrotomy, and anaesthesia-type showed no association with EBL or post-HCT. CONCLUSIONS Longer duration of surgery correlated with increased blood loss during PAO. Current guidelines recommend considering transfusion at haemoglobin ≤8 g/dL for postoperative patients. The median nadir post-HCT was 31% lower than the preoperative value, a ratio that may help determine the need for preoperative blood donation. This information facilitates future investigation of blood management with PAO.
Novel insights into the molecular origins and treatment of lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains the foremost cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite advances in both detection and treatment, diagnosis is often late and the prognosis for patients poor. Our understanding of the molecular basis and progression of lung cancer remains incomplete, hampering the design and development of more effective diagnostic tools and therapies for this devastating disease. However, the last twelve months have witnessed the publication of several studies that represent significant advances in our knowledge of lung cancer, and may represent important steps on the road to effective new therapies. In this review we aim to summarize these recent developments, and give our perspectives on the therapeutic possibilities they may offer in the future.
Palatal seam disintegration: to die or not to die? that is no longer the question.

Formation of the medial epithelial seam (MES) by palatal shelf fusion is a crucial step of palate development. Complete disintegration of the MES is the final essential phase of palatal confluency with surrounding mesenchymal cells. In general, the mechanisms of palatal seam disintegration are not overwhelmingly complex, but given the large number of interacting constituents; their complicated circuitry involving feedforward, feedback, and crosstalk; and the fact that the kinetics of interaction matter, this otherwise simple mechanism can be quite difficult to interpret. As a result of this complexity, apparently simple but highly important questions remain unanswered. One such question pertains to the fate of the palatal seam. Such questions may be answered by detailed and extensive quantitative experimentation of basic biological studies (cellular, structural) and the newest molecular biological determinants (genetic/dye cell lineage, gene activity, kinase/enzyme activity), as well as animal model (knockouts, transgenic) approaches. System biology and cellular kinetics play a crucial role in cellular MES function; omissions of such critical contributors may lead to inaccurate understanding of the fate of MES. Excellent progress has been made relevant to elucidation of the mechanism(s) of palatal seam disintegration. Current understanding of palatal seam disintegration suggests epithelial–mesenchymal transition and/or programmed cell death as two most common mechanisms of MES disintegration. In this review, I discuss those two mechanisms and the differences between them.
Envy-free auctions for digital goods

We study auctions for a commodity in unlimited supply, e.g., a digital good. In particular we consider three desirable properties for auctions: item Competitive: the auction achieves a constant fraction of the optimal revenue even on worst case inputs. item Truthful: any bidder's best strategy is to bid the maximum value they are willing to pay. item Envy-free: after the auction is run, no bidder would be happier with the outcome of another bidder (for digital good auctions, this means that there is a single sale price and goods are allocated to all bidders willing to pay this price).Our main result is to show that no constant-competitive auction that is truthful and always gives outcomes are envy-free. We consider two relaxations of these requirements, allowing the auction to be untruthful with vanishingly small probability, and allowing the auction to give non-envy-free outcomes with vanishingly small probability. Under both of these relaxations we get competitive auctions.
Removal of Sea Salt Hydrate Water from Seawater-Derived Samples by Dehydration

Aerosol particles produced from bubble bursting of natural seawater contain both sea salts and organic components. Depending on the temperature, pressure, and speed of drying, the salt components can form hydrates that bind water, slowing evaporation of the water, particularly if large particles or thick layers of salts undergo drying that is nonuniform and incomplete. The water bound in these salt hydrates interferes with measuring organic hydroxyl and amine functional groups by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy because it absorbs at the same infrared wavelengths. Here, a method for separating the hydrate water in sea salt hydrates using freezing and then heating in warm, dry air (70 °C) is evaluated and compared to other methods, including spectral subtraction. Laboratory-generated sea salt analogs show an efficient removal of 89% of the hydrate water absorption peak height by 24 h of heating at atmospheric pressure. The heating method was also applied to bubbled submicrometer (Sea Sweep), generated bulk (Bubbler), and atomized seawater samples, with efficient removal of 5, 22, and 39 μg of hydrate water from samples of initial masses of 11, 30, 58 μg, respectively. The strong spectral similarity between the difference of the initial and dehydrated spectra and the laboratory-generated sea salt hydrate spectrum provided verification of the removal of hydrate water. In contrast, samples of submicrometer atmospheric particles from marine air masses did not have detectable signatures of sea salt hydrate absorbance, likely because their smaller particles and lower filter loadings provided higher surface area to volume ratios and allowed faster and more complete drying.
Hepatitis E Virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that is responsible for large epidemics and sporadic cases of self-limiting, enterically transmitted, acute viral hepatitis in developing countries. Keywords: viral hepatitis; Hepevirus; enterically transmitted disease; epidemics; sporadic
Multiple-Choice Questioning Is an Efficient Instructional Methodology That May Be Widely Implemented in Academic Courses to Improve Exam Performance

Distributed multiple-choice questioning during instruction improves exam performance in middle-school and college classes. Instructional multiple-choice questioning is effective whether done in class or online and improves performance on short-answer and free-recall exam questions as well as multiple-choice questions. It may improve performance on exam questions about facts not previously queried.
Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affect on the Heart by Echocardiogram Findings

This decrease was associated with reverse remodeling as shown by an increased LVEF by 9% (P50.002) and LV stroke volume by 30ml (P50.002), decreased LV mass index by 10gm/m (P50.002) and LV wall stress by 47kPA (P! 0.001). Conclusions: Reverse remodeling in response to optimal medical therapy in NIDCM is associated with reduce levels of circulating NRG consistent with reduction in myocardial stress.
A REST protocol and composite format for interactive web documents

Documents allow end-users to encapsulate information related to a collaborative business process into a package that can be saved, emailed, digitally signed, and used as the basis of interaction in an activity or an ad hoc workflow. While documents are used incidentally today in web applications, for example in HTML presentations of content stored otherwise in back-end systems, they are not yet the central artifact for developers of dynamic, data intensive web applications. This paper unifies the storage and management of the various artifacts of web applications into an Interactive Web Document (IWD). Data content, presentation, behavior, attachments, and digital signatures collected throughout the business process are unified into a single composite web resource. We describe a REST-based protocol for interacting with IWDs and a standards-based approach to packaging their multiple constituent artifacts into IWD archives based on the Open Document Format standard.
The effects of child-bearing on women’s marital status: using twin births as a natural experiment

Abstract We use the exogenous variation in fertility caused by a twin birth to measure the impact of an unplanned child on a woman’s marital status. Contrary to previous research, we find that an unplanned child has little effect on the married mother’s probability of subsequent divorce or remarriage. For unmarried mothers we find that an unplanned child does reduce the likelihood of marriage, but that the magnitude of this effect appears smaller than previous estimates suggest.
Effect of cyclic loading on the nanoscale deformation of hydroxyapatite and collagen fibrils in bovine bone.

Cyclic compressive loading tests were carried out on bovine femoral bones at body temperature $$(37\,^{\circ }\hbox {C})$$ , with varying mean stresses ( $$-55$$ to $$-80$$ MPa) and loading frequencies (0.5–5 Hz). At various times, the cyclic loading was interrupted to carry out high-energy X-ray scattering measurements of the internal strains developing in the hydroxyapatite (HAP) platelets and the collagen fibrils. The residual strains upon unloading were always tensile in the HAP and compressive in the fibrils, and each increases in magnitude with loading cycles, which can be explained from damage at the HAP–collagen interface and accumulation of plastic deformation within the collagen phase. The samples tested at a higher mean stress and stress amplitude, and at lower loading frequencies exhibit greater plastic deformation and damage accumulation, which is attributed to greater contribution of creep. Synchrotron microcomputed tomography of some of the specimens showed that cracks are produced during cyclic loading and that they mostly occur concentric with Haversian canals.
β-Carotene Supplementation Decreases Placental Transcription of LDL Receptor-Related Protein 1 in Wild-Type Mice and Stimulates Placental β-Carotene Uptake in Marginally Vitamin A-Deficient Mice

The human diet contains β-carotene as the most abundant precursor of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for embryogenesis. Our laboratory previously showed the importance of β-carotene metabolism via β-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase (CMOI) to support mouse embryonic development. However, the mechanisms regulating embryonic acquisition and utilization of β-carotene from the maternal circulation via placenta remain unknown. We used wild-type (WT) and Lrat(-/-)Rbp(-/-) (L(-/-)R(-/-)) mice, the latter being a model of marginal vitamin A deficiency. Pregnant dams, fed a nonpurified diet sufficient in vitamin A throughout life, were i.p. supplemented with β-carotene or vehicle at 13.5 d postcoitum (dpc). Effects of this acute maternal supplementation on retinoid and β-carotene metabolism in maternal (serum, liver) and developing tissues (placenta, yolk sac, embryo) were investigated at 14.5 dpc. We showed that, upon supplementation, placental β-carotene concentrations were greater in L(-/-)R(-/-) than in WT mice. However, the retinoid (retinol and retinyl ester) concentrations remained unchanged in placenta (and in all other tissues analyzed) of both genotypes upon β-carotene administration. We also showed that upon a single i.p. β-carotene supplementation, placental LDL receptor-related protein (Lrp1) mRNA expression was lower in WT mice, and embryonic CmoI mRNA expression was greater in L(-/-)R(-/-) mice. Together, these data suggest a potential role of LRP1 in mediating the uptake of β-carotene across the placenta and that even a marginally impaired maternal vitamin A status may influence uptake and utilization of β-carotene by the placenta and the embryo.
The Church and The Movement for Congo Reform

When Christian missionaries returned to the Congo in the nineteenth century, all traces of the promising Portuguese missionary effort of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries had been obliterated. The Kingdom of the Congo which had produced several generations of Christian Kings, thousands of converts, even an African clergy and an African Bishop, had been literally swept away by the European slave trade. The Church had paid a heavy price for its failure to restrain the greed of the faithful, and one would scarcely expect to find the error repeated. Furthermore, the intervening centuries had produced in Europe a growth of humanitarian sentiment which had sensitized the Christian conscience to the suffering of the oppressed; indeed this concern for the temporal welfare of the African had been an important factor in the outburst of nineteenth century missionary activity. Yet when this second encounter of European and African produced in the Congo Free State a form of exploitation which rivalled the first in its brutality, dedicated Catholic missionaries and zealous Catholic prelates staunchly defended the regime against the attacks of reformers. The explanation of this melancholy episode appears to lie in the fact that sectarian interest, national loyalty, and an overwhelming faith in the benefits of Europeanization were allowed to obscure the essential facts.
Educational Values and Values Education: some recent work

(1997). Educational Values and Values Education: some recent work. British Journal of Sociology of Education: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 133-141.
Cross platform SCA component using C++ Builder and Kylix

A cross-platform component for EPICS Simple Channel Access (SCA) has been developed. EPICS client programs with GUI become portable at their C++ source-code level both on Windows and Linux by using Borland C++ Builder 6 and Kylix 3 on these platforms respectively.
The role of quantum jumps in the squeezing of resonance fluorescence from short-lived and long-lived atoms

Phase-sensitive squeezing in the resonance fluorescence of two-level atoms, that are coherently driven by a near-resonant laser field in free space, was observed recently (Lu et al 1998 Phys. Rev .L ett. 81 3635). This was accomplished via homodyne detection at a phase near ±45 ◦ relative to the driving field for strong off-resonant excitation of ‘long-lived’ atoms (where th ea tomic lifetime far exceeded the laser–atom interaction time, meaning that relaxation effects could be ignored). On the other hand, traditional theoretical predictions of phase-sensitive squeezing in the resonance fluorescence from two-level atoms have emphasized in- and out-of-phase (i.e., 0 ◦ and 90 ◦ ) quadratures, and weak, on-resonant excitation of ‘short-lived’ atoms (where the observation time for laser–atom interaction fa re xceeded the natural atomic lifetime, meaning that relaxation effects dominate). Here, we calculate the probability of a delayed-coincidence detection in the interference field of a fluorescing dipole with a local oscillator (LO). We show that, despite the strikingly different conditions in which squeezing occurs in short- and long-lived atoms, squeezing in both cases can be shown to arise from a joint detection of two photons which are related by a quantum jump in the following way: the first photodetection precipitates a quantum jump of the atom to the ground state, and the second measures the mean amplitude of the fluorescent field subsequent to the quantum jump.
Transforming the future: rethinking time for the new millennium

The next 25 years is likely to see a transformation of attitudes in the UK and other Western countries. This will affect the way we view economic growth and how the benefits of it are used. There will be much greater concern about the quality of time use, and about the way our lives are divided between free time and paid work. Using the example of the UK, this article highlights the reasons why the conventional view of the future is not sustainable, and discusses the actions needed if the required transformation of the future is to be achieved.
Anti-Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Activity of β-l-5-Iododioxolane Uracil Is Dependent on EBV Thymidine Kinase

β-l-5-Iododioxolane uracil was shown to have potent anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activity (50% effective concentration = 0.03 μM) with low cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration = 1,000 μM). It exerts its antiviral activity by suppressing replicative EBV DNA and viral protein synthesis. This compound is phosphorylated in cells where the EBV is replicating but not in cells where the EBV is latent. EBV-specific thymidine kinase could phosphorylate β-l-5-iododioxolane uracil to the monophosphate metabolite. The K m of β-l-5-iododioxolane uracil with EBV thymidine kinase was estimated to be 5.5 μM, which is similar to that obtained with thymidine but about fivefold higher than that obtained with 2′ fluoro-5-methyl-β-l-arabinofuranosyl uracil, the firstl-nucleoside analogue discovered to have anti-EBV activity. The relative V max is seven times higher than that of thymidine. The anti-EBV activity of β-l-5-iododioxolane uracil and its intracellular phosphorylation could be inhibited by 5′-ethynylthymidine, a potent EBV thymidine kinase inhibitor. The present study suggests that β-l-5-iododioxolane uracil exerts its action after phosphorylation; therefore, EBV thymidine kinase is critical for the antiviral action of this drug.
A Visual Monitoring Framework for Integrated Productivity and Carbon Footprint Control of Construction Operations

As buildings and infrastructure are becoming more energy efficient, reducing and mitigating construction-phase carbon footprint and embodied carbon is getting more attention. Government agencies are forming incentive-based regulations on controlling these impacts and expressing control of carbon footprints as principle dynamic goals in projects. These regulations are placing requirements upon construction firms to find control techniques to minimize carbon footprint without affecting productivity of operations. Nevertheless, there is limited research on integrated real-time techniques to monitor operations productivity and carbon footprint. This paper proposes a new framework and presents preliminary data in which (1) construction operations are visually sensed through construction site imagery and video-streams; subsequently (2) equipment’s location and action are semantically analyzed through an integrated 3D image-based reconstruction and appearance-based recognition algorithm; (3) productivity and carbon footprint of construction operations are measured through a new machine learning approach; and finally (4) for each construction schedule activity, measured productivity and carbon footprint are visualized.
Offspring Size and Sex Ratio Variation in a Feral Population of Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

ABSTRACT The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is widely used in western North America to enhance pollination of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., grown for seed production. Feral populations have been documented but have been little-studied, We used trap-nests of a wide range of diameters (3–9 mm) to study a feral population at a wildflower seed farm in Montana. Adult females accepted all hole sizes but tended to provision nest tunnels of smaller diameters (3–4 mm) than those provided in managed populations (5–7 mm). Progeny, especially females, from intermediate- and large-diameter nests averaged larger body size that those in the two smallest nest-diameter classes. Offspring were often larger in nests with greater numbers of offspring, indicating that there was no trade-off between offspring size and number within nests. Individual nests tended to contain a relatively small range of progeny sizes and those sizes tended to vary among nests of the same diameter. Pr...
Fault-tolerant algorithms for fair interprocess synchronization

The implementation of nondeterministic pairwise synchronous communication among a set of asynchronous processes is modeled as the binary interaction problem. The paper describes an algorithm for this problem that satisfies a strong fairness property that guarantees freedom from process starvation. This is the first algorithm for binary interactions with strong fairness whose message cost and response time are independent of the total number of processes in the system. The paper also describes how the fair algorithm may be extended to tolerate detectable fail-stop failures. Finally, we show how any solution to the dining philosophers problem can be embedded to design a fair algorithm for binary interactions. In particular, this embedding is used to derive a fair algorithm that can cope with undetectable fail-stop failures. >
Adsorption of Au on an O-deficient MgO(001) surface

The atomic and electronic properties of the O-deficient MgO(001) surface and effects of Au adsorption (0.25 monolayer) are investigated using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The calculated formation energy of a surface (bulk) O vacancy on MgO(001) is 9.5 eV (10.0 eV). The vacancy induces gap states in a range of 1.8--3.3 eV above the valence band, which is expected to strongly alter the chemical properties of MgO(001). Through total energy and atomic force calculations, the adsorption of Au on the ideal MgO(001) surface is found to be very weak with a Au-O bond length ${(d}_{\mathrm{Au}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{O}})$ of $2.16 \mathrm{\AA{}}$ and an adsorption energy ${(E}_{\mathrm{ad}})$ of $\ensuremath{-}0.13 \mathrm{eV}/\mathrm{adatom}.$ On the defective MgO(001) surface, Au adatoms prefer the vacancy sites with a strongly enhanced adsorption energy of $\ensuremath{-}1.93 \mathrm{eV}/\mathrm{adatom}.$ The core state energies of Au ${4f}_{7/2}$ are very sensitive to the change of environment.
Characterization of Phytophthora spp. Isolated from Ornamental Plants in Florida

This report investigates population structure and genetic variability of Phytophthora spp. isolated from botanically diverse plants in Florida. Internal transcribed spacer-based molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that Phytophthora isolates recovered from ornamental plants in Florida represent a genetically diverse population and that a majority of the isolates belong to Phytophthora nicotianae (73.2%), P. palmivora (18.7%), P. tropicalis (4.9%), P. katsurae (2.4%), and P. cinnamomi (0.8%). Mating type analyses revealed that most isolates were heterothallic, consisting of both mating type A1 (25.2%) and mating type A2 (39.0%), and suggesting that they could outcross. Fungicide sensitivity assays determined that several isolates were moderate to completely insensitive to mefenoxam. In addition, several isolates were also moderately insensitive to additional fungicides with different modes of action. However, correlation analyses did not reveal occurrence of fungicide cross-resistance. These studies suggest that a genetically diverse Phytophthora population infects ornamental crops and the occurrence of mefenoxam-insensitive Phytophthora populations raises concerns about disease management in ornamentals. Mitigating fungicide resistance will require prudent management strategies, including tank mixes and rotation of chemicals with different modes of actions.
Poverty Reduction through Regional Integration: Technical Measures to Trade in Central America

Despite the widespread tariff reductions sparked by the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, anecdotal evidence suggests that borders in the region remain thick, with many hurdles standing in the way of regional integration. This paper uses a newly collected dataset to quantify the incidence of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade in the region. The results indicate that Central America has the lowest prevalence of technical non-tariff measures in the world. However, substantial heterogeneity is observed among countries. The paper estimates that the impact of sanitary and phytosanitary measures on border prices is equivalent to an ad-valorem tariff of 11.6%. This effect is further investigated by looking in detail at the effect on the prices of beef, chicken meat, bread, and dairy products in Guatemala. The impact is estimated to be equivalent to an ad-valorem tariff of 68.4%, 51.4%, 22.0%, and 5.0%, respectively. The paper shows that efforts to streamline key sanitary and phytosanitary measures affecting these products by, for example, reducing the cost and time required to obtain sanitary registries, would likely reduce the Guatemalan urban extreme poverty rate from 5.07% to 4.91%.
Testing Leaf Multispectral Reflectance Data as Input into Random Forest to Differentiate Velvetleaf from Soybean

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) infestations negatively impact row crop production throughout the United States and Canada’s eastern provinces. To implement management strategies to control velvetleaf, managers need tools for differentiating it from crop plants. 5 Band, 7 Band, 8 Band, and 16 Band multispectral datasets simulating LANDSAT 3 plus a blue band, LANDSAT 8, WorldView 2, and WorldView 3 spectral bands, respectively were tested as input into the random forest algorithm for velvetleaf soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] discrimination. During two separate greenhouse experiments in 2014, leaf reflectance measurements were obtained at the vegetative growth stage of velvetleaf plants and two soybean varieties. The reflectance measurements were collected with a plant contact probe attached to a hyperspectral spectroradiometer. Leaf hyperspectral reflectance measurements were convolved to the four multispectral datasets with computer software. Overall, user’s, and producer’s accuracies and kappa coefficient were employed to determine classification accuracies. Using the multispectral datasets as input, the random forest algorithm differentiated velvetleaf from the soybean varieties with accuracies ranging from 86.7% to 100%. 7 Band, 16 Band, 8 Band, and 5 Band datasets ranked or tied for the highest accuracies seventeen, sixteen, twelve, and one time, respectively. Kappa coefficients indicated an almost perfect agreement (i.e., kappa value, 0.81 - 1.0) to substantial agreement (i.e., kappa value, 0.61 - 0.80) between reference data and model predicted classes. This study was the first to demonstrate the application of the random forest machine learner and leaf multispectral reflectance data as tools to distinguish velvetleaf from soybean and to identify multispectral band combinations providing the best accuracies. Findings support further application of the random forest machine learner along with remotely-sensed multispectral data as tools for velvetleaf soybean discrimination with future implications for site-specific management of velvetleaf.
The Internet as a Celestial TiVo

It appears that the Internet is soon going to fulfill its potential to become a giant on-demand repository of television shows (and movies) available asynchronously. As companies such as Netflix and Hulu increase their activities in this sphere, there are many unanswered questions about the impacts of this transition. In this paper we attempt to foretell the impact of this shift on one key aspect of television viewing: the amount of time viewers devote to it. We use cable and satellite television’s impact on viewing as a proxy for the likely impact that future Internet transmission of programs will have. Using country-based panel data going back to the mid 1990s we find that the increased variety brought about by cable and satellite has had virtually no impact on time devoted to television viewing. We discuss the import of this finding for Internet business models of television transmission.
A history of the solar red shift problem

(1961). A history of the solar red shift problem. Annals of Science: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 129-164.