cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Effects of Commercial-Type Peanut Sheller Design and Operation on Seed Germination

Abstract Investigations were conducted with commercial-type peanut shellers to determine the effects of several variables of mechanical shelling on seed germination. The investigated variables were types of shellers, grate design, cylinder design, direction of cylinder rotation, radial distance between cylinder and grates, cylinder speed, and techniques of feeding peanuts into the sheller. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that only the effects of cylinder speed were statistically significant. Although the effects of feed techniques were not statistically significant, it appeared that some feed techniques lowered the germination by several percentage points. Operating commercial-type shellers so as to obtain a maximum whole-seed outturn and treating the shelled peanuts with the fungicide immediately after shelling minimized the detrimental effects of mechanical shelling on germination.
Aesthetic and economic impacts associated with four different cool-season lawn fertility and pesticide programs.

Aesthetic and economic characteristics of different turfgrass fertility and pesticide programs were compared in an effort to provide a framework for lawn care professionals to evaluate, market, and implement alternative management strategies. Programs included a consumer program (CP), an integrated pest management program (IPMP), a natural organic program (NOP), and a no-input program (NIP). All programs significantly improved visual appearance compared with the NIP, and although the IPMP and CP consistently had the highest ratings, the NOP produced lawns of similar quality on the majority of rating dates. The NOP also resulted in canopy greenness levels similar to or significantly greater than those provided by the IPMP and CP on most dates. Aside from the NIP, the lowest total maintenance costs were associated with the IPMP during both study years. Although the NOP was the most expensive program when white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) populations exceeded treatment thresholds, it was less expensive than the CP when white grubs were below thresholds. Incorporation of scouting into different fertility and pesticide programs resulted in short-term economic benefits without significantly compromising turfgrass aesthetic quality.
Regulation of hepatocyte plasma membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

The effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on hepatocyte alpha 1-adrenergic receptors was determined by [3H]prazosin binding to plasma membranes from control and PMA-treated hepatocytes. Membranes from hepatocytes incubated with PMA (1 microgram/ml) for 1 h exhibited a 40% decrease in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (481 +/- 10 fmol/mg of protein; mean +/- S.E.M. for three separate experiments) relative to vehicle-treated (dimethylformamide) hepatocytes (802 +/- 91 fmol/mg of protein; n = 3), with no significant effect on the KD. The PMA-induced decrease in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors was maximal by 30 min and half-maximal inhibition of [3H]prazosin binding occurred with a PMA concentration of approx. 15 ng/ml. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with staurosporine (5 microM) blocked the effect of PMA, and 4 beta-phorbol 13-monoacetate was ineffective, suggesting the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC). Treatment of hepatocytes with primaquine (300 microM) for 15 min decreased hepatocyte plasma membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by 34.0 +/- 2.4% (mean +/- S.E.M. of three experiments). Removal of primaquine allowed essentially complete recovery (98 +/- 4%; mean +/- S.E.M. for five separate experiments) of plasma membrane [3H]prazosin binding within 20 min, suggesting that the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor undergoes endocytotic recycling. Addition of PMA (1 microgram/ml) to hepatocytes immediately after removal of primaquine, completely inhibited the increase in plasma membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors relative to control cells, but had no effect on hepatocytes whose cell surface alpha 1-receptors remaining after primaquine treatment had been inactivated by alkylation. These observations suggested that activation of PKC may facilitate the internalization of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor in hepatocytes.
Differences in Blood Haptoglobin and Length–Mass Relationships in River Otters (Lutra canadensis) from Oiled and Nonoiled Areas of Prince William Sound, Alaska

Significant differences in levels of blood haptoglobin occurred between river otters (Lutra canadensis) inhabiting oiled x = 361 mg/100 ml, SD = 38, n = 6) and nonoiled x = 306 mg/100 ml, SD = 87, n = 8) areas of Prince William Sound, Alaska (USA) following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. Additionally, male river otters from oiled areas had significantly lower body mass (1.13 kg) than male otters from nonoiled areas. We propose oil-related causes for these differences.
Phosphoinositide metabolism: towards an understanding of subcellular signaling.

The polyphosphorylated inositol phospholipids have multiple effects on cellular metabolism including regulating cytoskeletal structure, membrane associated enzymes, ion channels and pumps, vesicle trafficking, and producing second messengers (Cockcroft and De Matteis, 2001; Laude and Prior, 2004; Roth, 1999; Roth, 2004; Simonsen et al., 2001; Takenawa and Itoh, 2001; Yin and Janmey, 2002). These diverse functions emphasize the importance of understanding both the spatial and the temporal regulation of phosphoinositide (PI) metabolism and the need to characterize the subcellular pools (Laude and Prior, 2004; Roth, 2004; Sprong et al., 2001; Yin and Janmey, 2002). Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) pools can be regulated by PI kinases, PtdIns(4,5)P2-phosphatases, phospholipase C (PLC), and lipid transfer and binding proteins. The contribution of each to PtdIns(4,5)P2 pools will depend on the metabolic status of the cell. Enzymes involved in PtdIns(4,5)P2 biosynthesis are shown in Figure 1. Our goal is to convince the reader of the importance of characterizing the metabolic fluxes within the discrete subcellular phospholipid microdomains that make up the lipid signaling pools. The chemistry of the lipid head group helps to explain the ubiquitous nature of these polar lipids. Sugar phosphates are the most fundamental structures in biology. They provide the backbone of DNA and RNA and are the building
Impact of an autotransfusion system during endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms : Does it decrease the use of allogeneic blood?

Endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is associated with decreased blood loss and transfusion requirements when compared to open AAA repair. We evaluated the use of an intraoperative autotransfusion system during endoluminal exclusion of AAAs. Fifty endoluminal AAA procedures selected at random were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their estimated blood loss: Group I, 20 patients (0-500 cc); Group II, 18 patients (501-1,000 cc); Group III, 7 patients (1,001-1,500 cc); and Group IV, 5 patients (1,501-3,400 cc). The average blood loss was 327 cc for Group I, 728 cc for Group II, 1,217 for Group III, and 2,125, for Group IV. The overall blood loss was 834 cc, but 75 per cent was recovered. Hematuria was always present when greater than 1,000 cc of blood was retransfused, but renal function was not affected even with the concomitant administration of radiographic contrast. Only one patient required an autologous blood transfusion. The use of an autotransfusion device is safe, efficacious, and appears to further limit the need for homologous blood transfusion in patients undergoing endoluminal AAA repair.
United States Patent and Trademark Office: Closing the Gap on Pendency in Class 705 Business Methods

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experiences overwelming demand for patents in Class 705: Business Methods. The current resources and process design are not sufficient to handle the incoming patents, and the result is extremely long wait times for patents to be granted. This technical note describes the history of the USPTO, the Business Methods Class, and the process for granting patents.
Evaluation of whole cell fixation methods for the analysis of nanoscale surface features of Yersinia pestis KIM

Summary Manipulation of viable Yersinia pestis (etiologic agent of plague) in the laboratory usually necessitates elevated biosafety and biocontainment procedures, even with avirulent or vaccine strains. To facilitate downstream biochemical or physical analyses in a Biosafety Level 1 laboratory environment, effective inactivation without affecting its intrinsic properties is critical. Here, we report on the morphological and biochemical changes to Y. pestis surfaces following four different fixation methods that render the cells nonviable. The results, obtained at the single cell level, demonstrate that methanol inactivation is best able to preserve bacterial morphology and bioactivity, enabling subsequent analysis. This nanoscale evaluation of the effects of inactivation on cell morphology and surface bioactivity may provide a crucial preparatory approach to study virulent pathogens in the lab setting using high-resolution microscopic techniques such as atomic force microscopy.
Longitudinal Dynamics and Adaptive Control Application for an Aeroelastic Generic Transport Model

This paper presents an aeroelastic model of longitudinal dynamics of a generic transport model (GTM). Aeroelasticity theory is used to develop an aeroelastic flight dynamic model of the flexible GTM to account for interactions between wing bending and torsion on aircraft performance and stability. The Galerkin’s method is used to implement a weak-form solution of the aeroelastic equations of the aircraft. The weak-form aeroelastic equations are then coupled with the longitudinal dynamic equations of the rigid-body aircraft to formulate an aeroelastic flight dynamic model. This model is then used to create a reduced-order state space model of the rigid-body longitudinal dynamics with the flexible-body dynamics represented as unmodeled dynamics. Matched uncertainty and wind gust disturbances are introduced in the model and is effectively addressed by two recently developed robust modification adaptive control methods: Optimal Control Modification and Adaptive Loop Recovery. Both methods demonstrate the effectiveness in reducing the effects of the uncertainty and wind gust disturbances.
Open Trade, Price Supports, and Regional Price Behavior in Mexican Maize Markets

AbstractWe analyze wholesale maize prices in 12 Mexican markets from 1998 to 2010, a period when markets became more open to inter- and intranational trade. We ask how the influence of global and local forces on Mexican maize prices changed during this period. We also explore how the strength of global and local forces varies across maize-producing regions. In general, we expect the influence of global forces to increase and local forces to decrease as markets become more open. We find that the influence of global forces does vary over the study period and, counter to expectation, is the highest at the beginning and middle of the period rather than at the end. This result suggests that even under less open market conditions, buyers and sellers were still following global price signals. In contrast, the influence of local forces follows expectation and decreases over time. However, the estimated pattern of response is not uniform across various maize-producing regions. Taken together, our results suggest t...
Foraging Habits of Ruby-Crowned and Golden-Crowned Kinglets in an Arizona Montane Forest

--Foraging behaviors of breeding Ruby-crowned (Regulus calendula) and Golden-crowned kinglets (R. satrapa) in an Arizona mixed-coniferous forest were compared to assess foraging similarity and the use of available habitat components. The species were not significantly different in five of the eight foraging variables examined. Foraging behavior was significantly different (Chi-square test, P < 0.02), for three variables: method of prey attack (Ruby-crowned Kinglet hovered more, Golden-crowned gleaned more), tree species selection (Goldencrowned was more restricted to certain tree species), and relative foraging location (Ruby-crowned used the upper thirds of the trees more frequently). Mean foraging height was similar. Both kinglets differed from a random distribution of use when compared to resource availability for all foraging variables tested (distance from branch tip, selection of tree species, tree height use, foraging height, and relative location). Foraging repertoires of these similar congeners were strikingly alike. Niche theory predicts that two such similar species will modify their foraging behavior to partition the habitat and minimize potential competition. In the case of the kinglets, limited environmental subdivision was demonstrated. Under less favorable habitat conditions, competitive influences may be more important in modifying the foraging behavior of these species. Ecological theory predicts that similar sympatric species will act in such a way as to reduce the overlap in niche foraging characteristics. Studies suggest that habitats can be partitioned either through differential use of vertical or horizontal portions of the vegetation (e.g., Hartley 1953, Balda 1969, Morse 1980), or through differences in foraging substrate preferences such as perch types or sizes (e.g., Hartley 1953, Morse 1967a, b), or plant species (Balda 1969, Jackson 1970, Willson 1970, Franzreb 1978, Holmes and Robinson 1981, and others). Ruby-crowned Kinglets (Regulus calendula) and Golden-crowned Kinglets (R. satrapa) may coexist during the breeding season. They are similar morphologically and in body size, although the Golden-crowned Kinglet is slightly smaller (see the Appendix for morphometric and weight data). Their diets also are similar, consisting primarily of animal prey (insects, spiders), and to a much lesser extent, plant matter (fruits, seeds; Beal 1907, Laurenzi et al. 1982). The primary objective of my study was to determine if breeding Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned kinglets foraged randomly in a mixed-coniferous forest, and if not, to determine their preferences. Secondly, I wished to assess the similarity of foraging behaviors between the two kinglets in order to ascertain the extent of habitat partitioning. I anticipated finding clear differences in food habits that minimized potential competition.
Increase in Bactericidal Activity as a Result of Injection of Zymosan

Summary1. Bactericidal activity against Escherkhia coli B was increased in rabbits and guinea pigs as a result of injections of zymosan mixed with egg-white and incorporated in Freund adjuvants. 2. These rabbits and guinea pigs responded to intracutaneous injection of zymosan with the Arthus phenomenon. 3. Zymosan absorbed the bactericidal activity without affecting the hemolytic activity of the sera. 4. The possible anti-genicity of zymosan is discussed.
Botulinum toxins in clinical practice: Gaps in knowledge

Since the first clinical use of botulinum toxins over a quarter of a century ago, they have proven themselves a versatile tool, especially in the fields of movement disorders and rehabilitation medicine. A practice guideline update on botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, adult spasticity, and headache has recently been published in Neurology ®.1
Receptor-activated calcium entry in exocrine cells does not occur via agonist-sensitive intracellular pools.

Currently, most models describing receptor-activated Ca2+ entry in exocrine cells invoke a pathway for the entry of extracellular Ca2+ directly linking the agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pools with the plasma membrane. In the avian nasal gland, a model exocrine ion-secreting tissue, we have found that Ca2+ entry during refilling of the intracellular pools following termination of receptor activation (by atropine) occurs via the cytoplasm and not directly into the empty pools. Under appropriate conditions this can be demonstrated as a transient increase in [Ca2+]i (intracellular Ca2+ concn.) seen on restoration of normal extracellular Ca2+ concentrations after atropine to stimulated cells whose intracellular stores have been prevented from refilling by incubation in a low-extracellular-Ca2+ medium. The magnitude of these [Ca2+]i transients decays with time, but with a time course markedly slower than for the corresponding decrease in intracellular Ins(1,4,5)P3. Further experiments have revealed that Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm during the initial stimulation phase is also direct and not via the intracellular pools. Thus the initial rates of increase in [Ca2+]i during stimulation are always faster in conditions where both Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release occur (i.e. they are additive). These differences could not be explained by any effects of extracellular Ca2+ on the initial increases in intracellular Ins(1,4,5)P3 after addition of carbachol. These data are therefore inconsistent with the current models in which the rate of Ca2+ entry through the agonist-sensitive pools cannot exceed the rate of Ca2+ release. It appears therefore that Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release must occur via separate pathways operating in parallel, and not in series as previously predicted.
Common procedures and strategies for anaesthesia in interventional radiology.

Purpose of review This review describes the range of cases now available in the interventional radiology suite and summarizes suggestions for their anaesthetic and perioperative management. Recent findings The type and complexity of interventional radiology cases being performed increases from year to year. Anaesthesiologists' presence in interventional radiology is increasing in turn, due to increasingly ill patients and intricate procedures requiring more than local anaesthesia for well tolerated completion. The literature available describing this is largely written by radiologists, with little attention paid to anaesthetic considerations. Summary Cases in interventional radiology are complex in terms of the logistics of working in an unfamiliar area, frequency of patient comorbidity and unfamiliar procedures. Ensuring familiarity with the variety of interventional radiology procedures and their periprocedure requirements can increase anaesthesiologists' comfort in interventional radiology.
Personality Development in Adulthood

Most of the empirical research on personality published during the 1980s and 1990s fails to consider potential development in adulthood, reflecting, in part, an assumption that personality changes little in adulthood. There is now substantial evidence for both stability and change in adult personality depending on which facet of human functioning is studied. Broad band descriptive dimensions, such as those captured by the Big-5 personality system, change only modestly with age. In contrast, there is considerable evidence that goals and self-regulatory capacities do change with age. This article overviews important conceptual approaches in the field of adult personality development and provides key empirical findings from different approaches.
Betrayal: radio-tagged Burmese pythons reveal locations of conspecifics in Everglades National Park

The “Judas” technique is based on the idea that a radio-tagged individual can be used to “betray” conspecifics during the course of its routine social behavior. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive constrictor in southern Florida, and few methods are available for its control. Pythons are normally solitary, but from December–April in southern Florida, they form breeding aggregations containing up to 8 individuals, providing an opportunity to apply the technique. We radio-tracked 25 individual adult pythons of both sexes during the breeding season from 2007–2012. Our goals were to (1) characterize python movements and determine habitat selection for betrayal events, (2) quantify betrayal rates of Judas pythons, and (3) compare the efficacy of this tool with current tools for capturing pythons, both in terms of cost per python removed (CPP) and catch per unit effort (CPUE). In a total of 33 python-seasons, we had 8 betrayal events (24 %) in which a Judas python led us to new pythons. Betrayal events occurred more frequently in lowland forest (including tree islands) than would be expected by chance alone. These 8 events resulted in the capture of 14 new individuals (1–4 new pythons per event). Our effort comparison shows that while the Judas technique is more costly than road cruising surveys per python removed, the Judas technique yields more large, reproductive females and is effective at a time of year that road cruising is not, making it a potential complement to the status quo removal effort.
Behavioral Neuroendocrinology of Reproduction in Mammals

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the neuroendocrinological mechanisms underlying mammalian reproduction. It focuses on discoveries made in the past two decades, integrating both male and female reproductive behavior. The mechanisms that underlie sexual behavior range from the social composition of the group to coactivators that bind with steroid receptors to stimulate transcription and translation of new proteins in the brain. “Sexual behavior” refers to behaviors associated with courtship, mating, and copulation and not those associated with maternal behavior, territoriality, lactation, etc. It integrates male and female sexual behavior (MSB/FSB) in mammals and compares the mechanisms that underlie each. Males have been examined from two perspectives: one that deals with the mechanics of copulation and another that investigates the motivational aspects of copulation and, more recently, how this is associated with reward. Female sexual behavior traditionally has been used as a bioassay to map steroid-dependent spinal cord to brain circuits. The most stereotyped aspect of the behavior, lordosis, is the rigid posture that female rodents assume in response to stimulation of the hindquarters.
Multiple-Hazard Fragility and Restoration Models of Highway Bridges for Regional Risk and Resilience Assessment in the United States: State-of-the-Art Review

AbstractHighway bridges are one of the most vulnerable constituents of transportation networks when exposed to one or more natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and riverine floods. To facilitate and enhance prehazard and posthazard event mitigation and emergency response strategies of transportation systems and entire communities, probabilistic risk and resilience assessment methodologies have attracted increased attention recently. In this context, fragility and restoration models for highway bridges subjected to a range of hazards are essential tools for efficient and accurate quantification of risk and resilience. This paper provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art fragility and restoration models for typical highway bridge classes that are applicable for implementation in multihazard risk and resilience analyses of regional portfolios or transportation networks in the United States. An overview of key gaps in the literature is also presented to guide future research.
Fast and accurate technique to decompose jitter for very long pattern length waveform

Protocols such as CEI, 10G Ethernet and PCIe Gen3 are requiring very long pattern length stress signals such as PRBS-23 and PRBS-31 to claim compliance and ensure robustness. Unfortunately, there is equipment limitation to directly measure very long pattern signals especially on oscilloscopes due to memory size and signal processing power. Thus, new jitter decomposition algorithms are introduced to measure these long stress patterns through behavioral modeling [1–3]. However, there are accuracy concerns with these new measurement methodologies because of incidences of false results when users attempt to qualify or debug a circuit. This paper will explore the limitations of different jitter decomposition algorithms from major equipment vendors in the industry when measuring very long pattern length waveforms. We will also provide the measurement method and calculations required to obtain the correct jitter decomposition. Correlation of the calculated number against direct measurement using bit error rate tester (BERT) is also done to prove the hypothesis and validate accuracy of the methodology. The findings in this paper are very beneficial in assisting the industry to perform accurate jitter measurements with shorter test time to achieve robust designs as well as prevent precious resources from being spent on investigating false failures. The findings also allow companies to show that their products are tested under stringent conditions that satisfy customer requirements.
High-temperature Na2SO4 deposit-assisted corrosion of silicon carbide–II: Effects of B, C, and Si

The effects of boron, carbon, and silicon on the Na2SO4− induced hot corrosion of sintered-α (Hexoloy) and CVD-SiC coupons were studied to elucidate the hot corrosion of SiC-based ceramic matrix composites. The extent of corrosion was quantified after 24 hour exposures at 1000°C using mass change measurements, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analysis of corrosion products, and optical profilometry of pitting on the substrate surface. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to better understand the morphology, distribution, and phase composition of corrosion products. It was found that Si was more resistant to hot corrosion than SiC, indicating that residual Si in a ceramic matrix composites matrix should not negatively impact hot corrosion resistance of the composite in highly oxidizing conditions. Carbon did not have a large impact on hot corrosion of SiC, whereas the presence of boron made the hot corrosion attack more severe.
iPads for Patients: Sharing Authoritative Health Care Resources

Consumer health information is readily available on web sites, Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and applications, but often health consumers are less able to find authoritative, up-to-date hea...
Phase II trial of dovitinib in recurrent glioblastoma.

2050 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a vascular tumor and bevacizumab (a monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A) is FDA-approved in recurrence. Mechanisms of resistance to anti VEGF therapy include u...
Legacies of opportunity and economic integration: Path dependent labor force participation in Puerto Rico’s development

Abstract Using a large-scale sample of the working-age population drawn from U.S. decennial census microdata for Puerto Rico, this article evaluates whether theories of labor markets adequately explain labor force participation rates in developing countries that are highly integrated to more developed nations. Significant differences across labor cohorts in the likelihood of participation of men and women indicate that participation is conditioned by historical timing of entry into the work force. A two-equation model is used to estimate the exogenous effect of expected earnings. Cohort differences persist net of controls for education and earnings. This evidence suggests path-dependent participation rates associated to distinct stages of the economic development process, and is most consistent with institutionalist perspectives in the sociology of labor markets. Cohort participation-experience profiles are not consistent with the labor-leisure choice model or with the international division of labor theory.
Pincer-Supported Carbonyl Complexes of Cobalt(I)

A pair of POCOP-supported mono- and dicarbonyl complexes of Co have been prepared and crystallographically characterized. The reactivity of (tBuPOCOP)Co(CO) with H2, acids, and carbon monoxide has been compared to that of the previously reported Rh and Ir counterparts. Co is found to share reactivity traits with both Rh and Ir.
Small Business Growth Characteristics

Financial characteristics are presented for small firms whose sales increased at a rate greater than the inflation rate over the period 1974–1979. It is noted that these characteristics differ some...
Confirmation of high-throughput screening data and novel mechanistic insights into VDR-xenobiotic interactions by orthogonal assays

High throughput screening (HTS) programs have demonstrated that the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is activated and/or antagonized by a wide range of structurally diverse chemicals. In this study, we examined the Tox21 qHTS data set generated against VDR for reproducibility and concordance and elucidated functional insights into VDR-xenobiotic interactions. Twenty-one potential VDR agonists and 19 VDR antagonists were identified from a subset of >400 compounds with putative VDR activity and examined for VDR functionality utilizing select orthogonal assays. Transient transactivation assay (TT) using a human VDR plasmid and Cyp24 luciferase reporter construct revealed 20/21 active VDR agonists and 18/19 active VDR antagonists. Mammalian-2-hybrid assay (M2H) was then used to evaluate VDR interactions with co-activators and co-regulators. With the exception of a select few compounds, VDR agonists exhibited significant recruitment of co-regulators and co-activators whereas antagonists exhibited considerable attenuation of recruitment by VDR. A unique set of compounds exhibiting synergistic activity in antagonist mode and no activity in agonist mode was identified. Cheminformatics modeling of VDR-ligand interactions were conducted and revealed selective ligand VDR interaction. Overall, data emphasizes the molecular complexity of ligand-mediated interactions with VDR and suggest that VDR transactivation may be a target site of action for diverse xenobiotics.
CYTOCHROME C - CYTOCHROME OXIDASE INTERACTION DURING ELECTRON TRANSFER

Publisher Summary The transfer of electrons between phosphorylation sites II and III is performed by cytochrome c, a small globular protein with m.w. of 12,400 and well defined properties. The greatest virtue of cytochrome c lies in the fact that it can easily be extracted from the mitochondria and subsequently re-incorporated with full restoration of the enzymic activity. Any mechanism of electron transfer contains in itself two important questions: distance and orientations of the partners involved in the reaction. The extremely rapid rates of electron transfer within the mitochondrial respiratory chain involve more than simple diffusion controlled collisions of large proteins. The chapter presents results that demonstrate that cytochrome c remains in close contact with cytochrome oxidase during the electron transfer.
Two-Dimensional Micro-Hartmann Gas Flows

We analyze and simulate a near continuum MagnetoGasDynamic(MGD) flow inside a two-dimensional microchannel with a low magnetic Reynolds number assumption. Complex physics such as rarefication, electric and magnetic effects are considered in the asymptotic solutions. This work represents an extension from the classical Hartmann flow in a two-dimensional channel of infinite length to a microchannel of finite length. We obtain a non-dimensional equation that relates the pressure ratio, Reynolds number, Mach number, magnetic Reynolds number and magnetic force number. We also solved for asymptotic solutions of compressible gas flow based on the velocity-slip and temperature-jump wall boundary conditions while maintaining a consistent quasi-isothermal assumption. Numerical solutions of the same formulation are obtained for validation of the present analytical solutions.
Mesh Sutured Repairs of the Abdominal Wall

When the ultimate tensile strength of newly apposed tissue remains above the level of the forces applied, the repair will remain intact. However, when distracting forces are greater than strength of a repair, the closure begins to gap as sutures tear through tissue at the suture/tissue interface (STI). Dehiscence represents an acute loss of integrity of the closure, often due to a large force applied over a short amount of time. Incisional hernia formation represents a slower deformation of the repair site due to the repetitive application of stress over time resulting in chronic suture pull-through and ultimately repair failure.
Modeling and Control Method for MMC B2B System under Balanced and Unbalanced Grid Voltages

Voltage source converters (VSCs) have been widely used due to their flexibility to control voltages and power independently and bi-directionally. Typically, the control system of VSCs mainly consists of two parts; outer voltage and power controllers and inner current controllers. The vector current control based dq decoupling technique enables to control the active power, reactive power, DC voltage and AC voltage. However, the d- and q-axis of grid voltages and currents comprise AC and DC components under unbalanced grid conditions. The AC components of the d- and q-axis currents make the grid currents unbalanced. In this paper, a novel current control is presented and investigated under unbalanced grid condition for a Back-to-Back Modular Multilevel Converter (B2B-MMC) based HVDC system and validated using the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). Further, the active power oscillation under fault is eliminated by controlling the AC component of grid currents in the dq frame. The RTDS results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed controllers under unbalanced grid voltage conditions.
Association of mononucleotide polymorphisms of angiotensinogen gene at promoter region with antihypertensive response to angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive Chinese.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate whether mononucleotide polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene at promoter were associated with the blood-pressure-lowering response to telmisartan treatment. Materials and methods: After a two-week single-blind placebo run-in period, 148 patients with mild-to-moderate primary hypertension received monotherapy with 80 mg/day of telmisartan and then were followed up for eight weeks. The -6A/G and -20A/C polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene at promoter were determined through polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphsim analysis. The relationship between these polymorphisms and changes in blood pressure was observed and evaluated after eight weeks of treatment. Results: There were no significant differences between -6A/G, -20A/C polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene and blood pressure reductions after treatment, p>0.05. Conclusion: It is suggested that angiotensinogen-6 A/G and angiotensinogen-20 A/C polymorphisms were not associated with the antihypertensive response to telmisartan treatment in Chinese patients with hypertension.
Dual-Energy CT Material Density Iodine Quantification for Distinguishing Vascular From Nonvascular Renal Lesions: Normalization Reduces Intermanufacturer Threshold Variability.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single, uniform normalized iodine threshold reduces variability and enables reliable differentiation between vascular and nonvascular...
Considering toxicology: Specialists in poison information

Toxicology is an interesting and specialized branch of medicine. This article examines the parallels between nursing and working as a specialist in poison information, offering a different career path for eligible nurses.
Environmental and Economic Effects of Changing to Shelf-Stable Dairy or Soy Milk for the Breakfast in the Classroom Program.

Objectives. To estimate economic and environmental effects of reducing milk waste from the US Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) School Breakfast Program by replacing conventional milk with shelf-sta...
Organocatalysis by a multidentate halogen-bond donor: an alternative to hydrogen-bond based catalysis

A charge neutral iodoethynyl-based multidentate halogen-bond donor was synthesized and successfully utilized as an organocatalyst in a benchmark Ritter-type solvolysis reaction. The catalytic activity was monitored using 1H NMR spectroscopy and several control experiments were systematically carried out in order to rule out hidden catalysis based on other functional groups.
Genetic Mosaicism in the Tailed dsDNA Phages

Abstract Comparative studies of the complete genome sequences of the phages of the Caudovirales revealed that the genomes are collections of genes with independent evolutionary histories; i.e., they are mosaics. Moreover, all phages have unequal access to a vast global pool of diverse viral genes, such that phage genomes share no single sequence or gene in common, and newly sequenced phages contain many genes with no discernable function or similarity to other genes in the global databases. Otherwise unrelated genomes may exhibit similar genome architectures, synteny of gene content, and rates of gene flux, these are influenced by virion morphology and lifestyle.
Children’s Coping and Perceptions of Coping Efficacy After Sexual Abuse: Links to Trauma Symptoms:

Despite an emphasis on coping following childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to reduce trauma-related symptoms, very few studies have researched the associations between sexually abused children's coping and trauma-related difficulties, and perceived coping efficacy has been largely overlooked. The current study investigated whether children's use and perceived efficacy of avoidant, internalized, angry, and active/social coping strategies were associated with caregiver- and child-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and caregiver-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms among 202 sexually abused children (8-12 years; M = 10.47 years, SD = 1.70 years). Children reported using approximately eight types of coping strategies (M = 8.29, SD =2.50). Regression models indicated that internalized and angry coping were associated with child-reported PTSS. In contrast to expectations, none of the types of coping strategies were linked with caregiver's reports of PTSS or internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Interestingly, perceived efficacy of coping was largely unrelated to symptoms, with only perceived efficacy of avoidant coping inversely related to child-reported PTSS. Perceived efficacy was not tied to caregiver's reports of children's symptoms. Coping strategies may be associated with children's, but not caregiver's, reports of children's trauma-related difficulties. Furthermore, perceived efficacy of coping strategies may also be largely unrelated to children's symptoms, or children may have limited insight regarding the efficacy of their coping strategies. To further inform trauma-focused interventions that support effective long-term coping, future research should investigate which coping strategies children perceive to be efficacious, as well as potential reasons why.
A Tournament Theory of Pork Barrel Politics: The Case of Japan:

How do politicians motivate voters to turn out and support them? We posit that incumbents construct tournaments between groups and distribute rewards to groups based on the levels of electoral supp...
Management and outcomes of pediatric septic thrombophlebitis: a case series.

Septic thrombophlebitis is a potentially life-threatening condition. Pediatric hematologists are often consulted to provide recommendations regarding anticoagulation management. We conducted a ten-...
Mercury methylation trait dispersed across diverse anaerobic microbial guilds in a eutrophic sulfate-enriched lake

Abstract Mercury (Hg) methylation is a microbially mediated process that converts inorganic Hg into the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg). Exploring the diversity and metabolic potential of the dominant Hg-methylating microorganisms can provide insights into how biogeochemical cycles and water quality parameters underlie MeHg production. However, our understanding of the ecophysiology of methylators in natural ecosystems is still limited. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics paired with biogeochemical data to identify likely hotspots for MeHg production in a lake with elevated sulfate levels and characterize the microbial methylators and the flanking microbial community. Identified putative methylators were dominated by hgcA sequences divergent from those in canonical, experimentally confirmed methylators. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, these sequences were identified within genomes associated with Bacteroidetes and the recently described phylum Kiritimatiellaeota. Over half of the hgcA abundance comes from genomes corresponding to obligately fermentative organisms, many of which have a large number of glucoside hydrolases for polysaccharide degradation. Sulfate-reducing genomes encoding hgcA were also identified, but only accounted for 22% of the abundance of hgcA+ genomes. This work highlights the diverse dispersal of the methylation trait across the microbial anoxic food web.
Design and Analysis of a Variable Inertia Spatial Robotic Tail for Dynamic Stabilization.

This paper presents the design of a four degree-of-freedom (DoF) spatial tail and demonstrates the dynamic stabilization of a bipedal robotic platform through a hardware-in-loop simulation. The proposed tail design features three active revolute joints with an active prismatic joint, the latter of which provides a variable moment of inertia. Real-time experimental results validate the derived mathematical model when compared to simulated reactive moment results, both obtained while executing a pre-determined trajectory. A 4-DoF tail prototype was constructed and the tail dynamics, in terms of reactive force and moments, were validated using a 6-axis load cell. The paper also presents a case study where a zero moment point (ZMP) placement-based trajectory planner, along with a model-based controller, was developed in order for the tail to stabilize a simulated unstable biped robot. The case study also demonstrates the capability of the motion planner and controller in reducing the system’s kinetic energy during periods of instability by maintaining ZMP within the support polygon of the host biped robot. Both experimental and simulation results show an improvement in the tail-generated reactive moments for robot stabilization through the inclusion of prismatic motion while executing complex trajectories.
You Don’t Have to be Jewish to Hate Levy’s Real Jewish Rye Bread

An assimilated, white body is disciplined and individualized. This body is forged through practices of eating, which can be found across anthropological research, advertisement campaigns, and my ow...
Study on the graft modification mechanism of macroporous silica gel surface based on silane coupling agent vinyl triethoxysilane

In this research, the graft modification mechanism of coupling agent vinyl triethoxysilane (KH-151) to macroporous silica gel was studied using a combination of multiple methods. SEM, FTIR, RAMAN, NMR and XPS were used to characterize the silica gel before and after grafting, determining the mechanism of the grafting reaction of the silane coupling agent. On this basis, the grafting rate of the coupling agent was accurately calculated by TGA weight loss. From the results of characterization, it can be seen that the coupling agent molecules have two connection types on the surface of silica gel, and the ratio of the two types is 43.51% and 56.49% respectively. The influences of hydration degree of the silica gel, coupling agent dosage and reaction temperature on the grafting rate were explored, and the optimal reaction conditions for the modification of macroporous silica gel were determined by the coupling agent through orthogonal experiments, that is, the hydration degree of silica gel of 10%, a coupling agent dosage of 12 mL, and a reaction temperature of 80 °C. Under optimal reaction conditions, the average grafting rate of the coupling agent vinyl triethoxysilane (KH-151) on macroporous silica gel is as high as 91.03%.
The effect of GABA receptor ligands in experimental spina bifida occulta.

Background The pathophysiology behind spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs) is unclear. Folic acid is one variable, but other factors remain. Studies suggest that substances active at the GABA receptor may produce NTDs. To test this hypothesis pregnant rats were exposed to either the GABA a agonist muscimol (1, 2 or 4 mg/kg), the GABA a antagonist bicuculline (.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg), the GABA b agonist baclofen (15, 30, 60 mg/kg), or the GABA b antagonist hydroxysaclofen (1, 3, or 5 mg/kg) during neural tube formation. Normal saline was used as a control and valproic acid (600 mg/kg) as a positive control. The embryos were analyzed for the presence of a spina bifida like NTD.
The Old Age Pension Scheme: A Tax By Any Other Name

In July 1994 the Education and Manpower Branch, Government Secretariat of the Hong Kong government issued a pamphlet on its proposals to introduce an old age pension scheme. Given the inadequacy of the government’s current benefits for the elderly, few would object to the creation of a formal pension scheme. This article raises two objections to the proposed pension scheme: (1) the inherent unfairness of compelling individuals – such as foreign workers, Hong Kong emigrants, and Hong Kong residents who travel for extended periods – to contribute to a pension scheme (without the possibility of receiving a rebate or exemption) from which they may never benefit, and indeed, may not be permitted to benefit, and (2) the government’s failure to admit that compelled contributions to the proposed pension scheme are in fact a tax.
Judgement Accuracy in Body Preferences among African Americans.

Perceptions of body size vary by gender and ethnicity. Women are more dissatisfied with their bodies than are men and Caucasian women are more dissatisfied with their bodies than are African American women. The purpose of this study was to examine if African American men and women accurately estimate the level of thinness preferred by the opposite gender. We predicted that African American women would correctly estimate the level of thinness found attractive by African American men, thereby providing support for the explanation that African American women are partially protected from experiencing similar levels of body dissatisfaction as Caucasian women do because they correctly estimate that African American men like larger women. Participants were 68 African American women and 34 African American men. The results supported our prediction, African American women accurately estimate the level of thinness preferred by African American men.
Mast Cell Mediators in Airway Remodeling

Increasing evidence indicates that airway remodeling plays an important part in asthma pathogenesis. However, mechanisms underlying airway remodeling are not yet fully elucidated. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 is the main inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system and is known to play an essential role in tissue remodeling. Recent evidence indicates that chronic asthma may lead to tissue remodeling such as subepithelial fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the airways. Recently, the mast cell (MC), which plays a major role in asthma, is found as a novel source of PAI-1 and a large number of MCs expressing PAI-1 are infiltrated in the airways of patients with severe asthma. Furthermore, PAI-1-deficient mice show reduced ECM deposition in the airways of a murine model of chronic asthma. In a human study, the 4G allele frequency was significantly higher in the asthmatic patients than in the control group. In view of the findings that the 4G allele is associated with elevated plasma PAI-1 level, elevated PAI-1 level in the lung may contribute to the development of airway remodeling. In summary, MCs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma in part by producing PAI-1. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms of PAI-1 action may provide a new paradigm in airway remodeling and lead to the development of a novel therapeutic target.