cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technical and economic analysis of a novel low-cost concentrated medium-temperature solar collector

Abstract In this manuscript, performance of a novel concentrated solar thermal collector with evacuated tube is studied. The focus is the optimization of cost and performance in respect to commercially available medium temperature collectors (100–300 °C) using thermal and economic index of heat generation system also known as Levelized Cost of Heat. In this project, Levelized Cost of Heat is optimized with material cost reduction while maintaining high thermal performance using economical aluminum fin (instead of copper), a glass cover and highly truncated aluminum reflector. The reflector is truncated using the nonimaging optics methods in order to maximize the optical efficiency while minimizing the material consumption. Also, in order to predict the thermal performance of the proposed collector, analytical and numerical simulation are studied. Finally, the collector is experimentally tested in three stages to measure maximum temperature, maximum efficiency and thermal efficiency at various temperature of heat transfer fluid. The mathematical, numerical and experimental results were found to have good agreement. The results indicate that the collector can operate with optical efficiency of 60%, maximum temperature of 350 °C, thermal efficiency of 51% and 42% at 100 °C and 200 °C respectively while the cost of energy is as low as 2.9 cents/kWh.
Multi-Connectivity using Erasure Code for Reliable Transmission in Millimeter Wave Communications

Millimeter wave (mmWave) mobile network is the cornerstone for capacity enhancement and low latency transmission in the next generation of wireless communications. To compensate the blockage and intermittent connections, multiconnectivity can be taken as an essential component for a robust and reliable link. However, the complicated transfer mechanism for unsent and buffered data, due to handoff or blocked link in mmWave mobile network, will nullify the benefits of increasing link numbers. Taking advantage of properties of rateless erasure code, a fountain code based multi-connectivity mechanism is proposed to not only increase the link reliability, but also simplify the backhaul data offloading. As the problem arises in mmWave channels, the signal strength in a multi-link channel is measured with a 60GHz mmWave testbed. The proposed multi-connectivity system is verified with these measurements. The simulation demonstrates the efficiency and robustness of our system design.
Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis and predictors of major complications: A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction Patients with advanced endometriosis may be at an increased risk of surgical complications following laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis; however, this relationship has not been examined. We sought to identify predictors of major complications following laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. Material and methods A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent laparoscopic treatment of suspected endometriosis between 2009 and 2016 within the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. Predictors of major perioperative complications were assessed by comparing the characteristics of women who had any major intraoperative or postoperative complication with those of women who had no complication. Results A total of 397 women underwent laparoscopic treatment of suspected endometriosis including excision of superficial endometriosis (55.4%), excision of deep-infiltrating endometriosis (24.9%), fulguration of endometriosis (38.3%), hysterectomy (23.2%), ovarian cystectomy (35.5%), salpingectomy (18.6%), oophorectomy (15.1%), and bowel resection (1.0%). Women were followed for 60 days following surgery, over which time 18 women (4.5%) had a major perioperative complication. Patient characteristics and preoperative imaging were similar between women with and without complications. Women with advanced endometriosis, including stage III or IV endometriosis, deep-infiltrating endometriosis, or rectovaginal disease, were more likely to have a complication, though this did not reach statistical significance (77.8% of women with a complication versus 56.7% of women without a complication had advanced endometriosis, P = 0.077). Women who had a complication were more likely to have undergone adhesiolysis or ureterolysis (88.9% of women with a complication versus 52.5% without a complication underwent adhesiolysis, P = 0.002; and 61.1% of women with a complication versus 28.8% without a complication underwent ureterolysis, P = 0.003). The total number of procedures was greater for women who had a complication (4.3 ± 1.2 vs 3.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.003). All other procedure characteristics were similar between women with and without complications. Conclusions Complications following laparoscopic treatment of suspected endometriosis could not be predicted by preoperative patient characteristics or surgical findings of advanced endometriosis. Adhesiolysis, ureterolysis, and an increased number of total procedures may be predictive of perioperative complications, suggesting that surgical complexity as measured by the procedures performed, rather than the disease severity, may increase the risk of a complication compared with women who do not undergo these procedures.
Travel, Time, and Cost Savings Associated with a University Medical Center's Video Medical Interpreting Program

Background: Patients with limited English proficiency experience disparities in health care access, quality, costs, and outcomes. Providing qualified medical interpreting services (MIS) in the heal...
Information Condensing Active Learning

We introduce Information Condensing Active Learning (ICAL), a batch mode model agnostic Active Learning (AL) method targeted at Deep Bayesian Active Learning that focuses on acquiring labels for points which have as much information as possible about the still unacquired points. ICAL uses the Hilbert Schmidt Independence Criterion (HSIC) to measure the strength of the dependency between a candidate batch of points and the unlabeled set. We develop key optimizations that allow us to scale our method to large unlabeled sets. We show significant improvements in terms of model accuracy and negative log likelihood (NLL) on several image datasets compared to state of the art batch mode AL methods for deep learning.
An empirical study on the perceived fairness of realistic, imperfect machine learning models

There are many competing definitions of what statistical properties make a machine learning model fair. Unfortunately, research has shown that some key properties are mutually exclusive. Realistic models are thus necessarily imperfect, choosing one side of a trade-off or the other. To gauge perceptions of the fairness of such realistic, imperfect models, we conducted a between-subjects experiment with 502 Mechanical Turk workers. Each participant compared two models for deciding whether to grant bail to criminal defendants. The first model equalized one potentially desirable model property, with the other property varying across racial groups. The second model did the opposite. We tested pairwise trade-offs between the following four properties: accuracy; false positive rate; outcomes; and the consideration of race. We also varied which racial group the model disadvantaged. We observed a preference among participants for equalizing the false positive rate between groups over equalizing accuracy. Nonetheless, no preferences were overwhelming, and both sides of each trade-off we tested were strongly preferred by a non-trivial fraction of participants. We observed nuanced distinctions between participants considering a model "unbiased" and considering it "fair." Furthermore, even when a model within a trade-off pair was seen as fair and unbiased by a majority of participants, we did not observe consensus that a machine learning model was preferable to a human judge. Our results highlight challenges for building machine learning models that are perceived as fair and broadly acceptable in realistic situations.
Flipping the English Language Arts and Literacy Classroom

English Language Arts and Literacy (ELA–L) encompasses reading of literature, informational texts, and developing foundational skills, as well as writing, speaking, and listening, and language. When considering flipping the ELA–L classroom, it is important to understand the complexity and scaffolded nature of the individual skills or components throughout K–12.
ARE PETS (PRIVACY ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES) GIVING PROTECTION FOR SMARTPHONES?-A CASE STUDY

With smartphone technologies enhanced way of interacting with the world around us, it has also been paving the way for easier access to our private and personal information. This has been amplified by the existence of numerous embedded sensors utilized by millions of apps to users. While mobile apps have positively transformed many aspects of our lives with new functionalities, many of these applications are taking advantage of vast amounts of data, privacy apps, a form of Privacy Enhancing Technology can be an effective privacy management tool for smartphones. To protect against vulnerabilities related to the collection, storage, and sharing of sensitive data, developers are building numerous privacy apps. However, there has been a lack of discretion in this particular area which calls for a proper assessment to understand the far-reaching utilization of these apps among users. During this process we have conducted an evaluation of the most popular privacy apps from our total collection of five hundred and twelve to demonstrate their functionality specific data protections they are claiming to offer, both technologically and conventionally, measuring up to standards. Taking their offered security functionalities as a scale, we conducted forensic experiments to indicate where they are failing to be consistent in maintaining protection. For legitimate validation of security gaps in assessed privacy apps, we have also utilized NIST and OWASP guidelines. We believe this study will be efficacious for continuous improvement and can be considered as a foundation towards a common standard for privacy and security measures for an app's development stage.
Productive and abortive infections of simian and nonsimian cells with a simian adenovirus SV15. II. Viral biosynthesis and effects of chemical inhibitors.

Abstract The viral biosynthesis of a simian adenovirus, SV15, was studied in both simian and nonsimian cells. In rhesus monkey kidney cells, viral complement-fixing (CF) antigen and infectious progeny virus were first detected 12 hours after virus inoculation. Synthesis of viral DNA was initiated at about 5–6 hours before the first appearance of complete virus; viral protein was first obtained 2–3 hours before the maturation of virus. In primary hamster kidney cells, SV15 induced an abortive infection. DNA synthesis was stimulated in SV15-infected hamster kidney cells as determined by the increased uptake of thymidine- 3 H, but viral antigen could not be detected by CF test, immunofluorescence or agar gel double-diffusion methods. At no time could progeny infectious virus be detected by infectivity titrations. The use of polyoma virus or SV40 as a “helper” virus did not induce the production of SV15 infectious virus in hamster kidney cells. Fluorouracil and cytosine arabinoside were unable to inhibit cytopathic effect as well as the formation of eosinophilic inclusions in SV15-infected RhMK or HamK cells; these inhibitors did prevent the development of basophilic inclusions in infected RhMK cells. Actinomycin D and streptovitacin A inhibited cellular changes and eosinophilic inclusions induced by SV15 in both cell systems tested. In monkey cells, fluorouracil at concentrations of 12–50 μg/ml inhibited 90% or more of the infectious virus, whereas only a 50% reduction of complement-fixing antigen occurred at concentrations of 25–50 μg/ml. To obtain a greater than 90% reduction of CF antigen production, 100 μg/ml of FU was required. Cytosine arabinoside (10 μg/ml), actinomycin D (1 μg/ml), and streptovitacin A (3 μg/ml) completely inhibited viral antigen as well as infectious virus production.
Antidepressant-like effects of guanfacine and sex-specific differences in effects on c-fos immunoreactivity and paired-pulse ratio in male and female mice.

Rationale The a2A-noradrenergic agonist guanfacine can decreases stress-induced smoking in female, but not male, human smokers. It is not known whether these effects are due to effects on mood regulation and/or result from nicotinic-cholinergic interactions.
Ethical Issues in Ethnic Segmentation and Target Marketing

In light of increasing diversity in the marketplace, marketers more than ever are using ethnic segmentation and marketing to reach various consumer groups. While some companies have become increasingly sophisticated in marketing to ethnic consumers, others’ attempts have misfired and created much controversy, calling for a closer examination of the validity and potential pitfalls of ethnic segmentation and marketing. This research analyzes the ethical issues associated with ethnic segmentation and marketing, and explores managerial implications for devising effective and socially responsible marketing programs.
Preserving secrecy under refinement

We propose a general framework of secrecy and preservation of secrecy for labeled transition systems. Our definition of secrecy is parameterized by the distinguishing power of the observer, the properties to be kept secret, and the executions of interest, and captures a multitude of definitions in the literature. We define a notion of secrecy preserving refinement between systems by strengthening the classical trace-based refinement so that the implementation leaks a secret only when the specification also leaks it. We show that secrecy is in general not definable in μ-calculus, and thus not expressible in specification logics supported by standard model-checkers. However, we develop a simulation-based proof technique for establishing secrecy preserving refinement. This result shows how existing refinement checkers can be used to show correctness of an implementation with respect to a specification
Enhancement of the near-bandgap nonlinearity using intersubband absorption in quantum wells and dots

Summary form only given. The switching time is much shorter that the switching time of the photorefractive process and thus this scheme can be used in such applications as the four-wave mixing and real-time optical holography. In conclusion, we have shown that intersubband absorption by the photoexcited carriers solves the problem of the delivery of the bias power to the optical switching elements without wires and lithography. >
Regulation of lambda exonuclease. II. Joint regulation of exonuclease and a new lambda antigen.

The increased exonuclease activity of the T11 mutant of coliphage λ has been related to a proportional increase in exonuclease protein which was measured immunologically. These and other data ascribe the increased exonuclease activity of λ T11 to an increased rate of synthesis of the enzyme. Joint reversion of λ T11 to wild-type growth and exonuclease activity indicated a single point mutation as the genetic basis for the increased rate of synthesis. Inhibition studies with antiserum to λ exonuclease confirmed previous observations on the decreased synthesis of λ exonuclease by mutants in a different cistron, N. Another λ antigen, β , was found the synthesis of which is under genetic control similar to that of λ exonuclease: synthesis of β was increased by the T11 mutation and decreased by mutations in cistron N.
Refining Keyword Queries for XML Retrieval by Combining Content and Structure

The structural heterogeneity and complexity of XML repositories makes query formulation challenging for users who have little knowledge of XML. To assist its users, an XML retrieval system can have a keyword-based interface, relegating the task of combining textual and structural clues to the retrieval algorithm. In this work, we propose an automatic query refinement method to transform a keyword query into structured XML queries that capture the original information need and conform to the underlying XML data. We formulate query generation as a search problem, and show the effectiveness of the method in generating accurate content-and-structure queries.
A longitudinal study of social media privacy behavior

Existing constructs for privacy concerns and behaviors do not adequately model deviations between user attitudes and stated user behaviors. While a number of studies have examined supposed deviations from rationality by online users, the true explanations for these stated behaviors may lie in factors not previously addressed in privacy concern constructs. This dissertation presents the results of an Agile, sprint-based longitudinal study of Social Networking Site users conducted over a twenty month period between April of 2009 and March of 2011. Extending the base constructs of the Internet User Information and Privacy Concern model and Privacy Regulation Theory to an online survey of privacy attitudes and self-reported behaviors for social media use; this dissertation's findings have significant implications for the study of online privacy management. This study supports prior published observations that online users behave counterintuitively when disclosing personal information, while indicating that existing models of disclosure are inadequate, and that a new model of online privacy disclosure is required. This initial irrational disclosure behavior and subsequent tightening of privacy attitudes and behaviors indicate the importance of assessing temporality when considering models of privacy behavior. By testing an evolving set of hypotheses through 'point in time' studies using a common test instrument, this study creates a harmonized longitudinal model for the manner in which individuals regulate their privacy boundaries. This model delineates how, in each privacy disclosure choice, individuals engage in a process of privacy boundary regulation and constantly mediate between privacy threats and threat mitigation strategies. The model developed and presented within this study offers a significant contribution to greater understanding of nuanced privacy disclosure behaviors among users. Keywords: online privacy, privacy behavior, social media, social networking, security, privacy regulation.
ansa-Calcocenes: trans-Ph2(CH3)2C2(η5-C5H4)2Ca(DME)

The title compound, (1,2-di-η5-cyclo­penta­dienyl-1,2-dimethyl-trans-1,2-di­phenyl­ethane)(1,2-di­methoxy­ethane)­calcium, trans-Ph2(CH3)2C2(η5-C5H4)2Ca(DME) or [Ca(C26H24)(C4H10O2)], was synthesized by reductively coupling 6,6-methyl­phenyl­fulvene with activated calcium in the presence of di­methoxy­ethane (DME). The trans isomer was isolated by fractional crystallization. The Ca atom is four-coordinate and is η5-bonded to both cyclo­penta­dienyl rings [Ca—Cp(centroid) distance = 2.381 (3) A] and the O atoms of the coordinated solvent chelate ligand [Ca—O = 2.350 (2) and 2.404 (2) A].
Purine biosynthetic genes are required for cadmium tolerance in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Phytochelatins (PCs) are metal-chelating peptides produced in plants and some fungi in response to heavy metal exposure. A Cd-sensitive mutant of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, defective in production of a PC-Cd-sulfide complex essential for metal tolerance, was found to harbor mutations in specific genes of the purine biosynthetic pathway. Genetic analysis of the link between metal complex accumulation and purine biosynthesis enzymes revealed that genetic lesions blocking two segments of the pathway, before and after the IMP branchpoint, are required to produce the Cd-sensitive phenotype. The biochemical functions of these two segments of the pathway are similar, and a model based on the alternate use of a sulfur analog substrate is presented. The novel participation of purine biosynthesis enzymes in the conversion of the PC-Cd complex to the PC-Cd-sulfide complex in the fission yeast raises an intriguing possibility that these same enzymes might have a role in sulfur metabolism in the fission yeast S. pombe, and perhaps in other biological systems. 41 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.
THE IMMUNOGLOBULINS OF MICE. I. FOUR MAJOR CLASSES OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS: 7S GAMMA-2-, 7S GAMMA-1-, GAMMA-1A (BETA-2A)-, AND 18S GAMMA-1M-GLOBULINS.

Two classes of 7S γ-globulins are identified in normal mouse serum and are designated 7S γ2-globulins and 7S γ1-globulins. These two immunoglobulin classes are similar in size. They differ in range of electrophoretic mobility, in specific antigenic determinants, and in genetically determined isoantigens. Four classes of immunoglobulins in mouse serum, i.e. 7S γ2-, 7S γ1-, γ1A (β2A), and γM-globulins, were shown to have antibody activity. Each class was characterized and shown to have distinctive immunochemical and physicochemical properties. The genetically determined isoantigens, Iga-1 and Iga-2, were shown to be present only on 7S γ2-globulin molecules.
Serine Protease Activation Essential for Endothelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Vascular Calcification

Rationale:Endothelial cells have the ability to undergo endothelial–mesenchymal transitions (EndMTs), by which they acquire a mesenchymal phenotype and stem cell–like characteristics. We previously...
Optimal Persistence Policies

This paper deals with the problem of whether or not a search activity should be started and, if started, whether or not it should be continued. This problem suggests a model that is described. The model gives rise to a general functional equation for which existence and uniqueness conditions are given. Several examples are discussed, solutions to the specific functional equations appropriate to the examples are given, and the optimal policies are characterized.
Future challenges in preparing for and responding to bioterrorism events

The future success of our preparations for bioterrorism depends on many issues as presented in this article. If these issues are properly addressed, the resulting improvements in bioterrorism preparations will allow us to better deter and mitigate a bioterrorism incident and will also provide us with the added benefit of improvements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of natural disease outbreaks. Emergency physicians must take an active leading role in working with the various disciplines to produce a better-prepared community. Language: en
Changes in motor cortex excitability during ipsilateral hand muscle activation in humans

Abstract Objectives : To test whether unilateral hand muscle activation involves changes in ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) excitability. Methods : Single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the right hemisphere was used to evoke motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the resting left abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in 9 normal volunteers. We monitored changes in motor threshold (MT), MEP recruitment, intracortical inhibition (ICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) while the ipsilateral right APB was either at rest or voluntarily activated. Spinal motoneuron excitability was assessed using F-wave recording procedures. Results : Voluntary muscle activation of the ipsilateral APB significantly facilitated the MEPs and F-waves recorded from the contralateral APB. Facilitation was observed with muscle activation >50% of the maximum voluntary force and with stimulus intensities >20% above the individual resting motor threshold. Intracortical inhibition significantly decreased in the ipsilateral M1, while there was no significant change in intracortical facilitation during this maneuver. Conclusions : Unilateral hand muscle activation changes the excitability of homotopic hand muscle representations in both the ipsilateral M1 and the contralateral spinal cord. While the large proportion of MEP facilitation most likely occurred at a spinal level, involvement of the ipsilateral hemisphere may have contributed to the enlargement of magnetic responses.
In vivo dynamic changes of dimensions in the lumbar intervertebral foramen

Abstract Background context Previous studies have reported position-dependent changes of the lumbar intervertebral foramen (LIVF) dimensions at different static flexion-extension postures. However, the changes of the LIVF dimensions during dynamic body motion have not been reported. Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo dimensions of the LIVF during a dynamic weight-lifting activity. Study design/Setting This was a retrospective study. Methods Ten asymptomatic subjects were recruited for this study. Three-dimensional (3D) vertebral models of the lumbar segments from L2 to S1 were constructed for each subject using magnetic resonance images. The lumbar spine was then imaged using a dual fluoroscopic imaging system as the subject performed a dynamic weight-lifting activity from an upper body position of 45° to a maximal extension position. The in vivo positions of the vertebrae along the motion path were reproduced using the 3D vertebral models and the fluoroscopic images. The minimal area, height, and width of each LIVF during the dynamic body motion were analyzed. Results The LIVF area and width monotonically decreased with lumbar extension at all levels except L5–S1 (p Conclusions Human lumbar foramen dimensions show segment-dependent characteristics during the dynamic weight-lifting activity.
Effects of the hindlimb-unloading model of spaceflight conditions on resistance of mice to infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae

BACKGROUND: It has been well documented in several studies that many immunologic parameters are altered in experimental animals and human subjects who have flown in space. However, it is not fully known whether these immunologic changes could result in increased susceptibility to infection. Hindlimb (antiorthostatic) unloading of rodents has been used successfully to simulate some of the effects of spaceflight on physiologic systems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hindlimb unloading on the outcome of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in mice. METHODS: Hindlimb-unloaded, hindlimb-restrained, and control mice were intraperitoneally infected with one 50% lethal dose of K pneumoniae 2 days after suspension. Mortality and bacterial load in several organs were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Unloaded mice showed significantly increased mortality and reduced mean time to death compared with that seen in the control groups. Kinetics of bacterial growth with smaller infective doses revealed that control mice were able to clear bacteria from the organs after 30 hours. In contrast, unloaded mice had continued bacterial growth at the same time point. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that hindlimb unloading might enhance the dissemination of K pneumoniae, leading to increased mortality. The complex physiologic changes observed during hindlimb unloading, including stress, have a key role in the pathophysiology of this infection.
The cancer nuclear microenvironment: Interface between light microscopic cytology and molecular phenotype

A definitive diagnosis of cancer may be rendered by microscopic assessment of only a few cells in an appropriate clinical setting due to the distinctive nuclear structure of most cancer cells in comparison to nuclei of normal human cells. The molecular architecture of non-neoplastic human nuclei--of the nuclear matrix and of matrix-associated proteins and nucleic acids--is being characterized in exquisite molecular detail. What is missing is the application of the findings and tools of molecular biology to understanding the cytological structure of cancer nuclei. This article delves into the basis of nuclear structure at different levels of resolution--light microscopic, electron microscopic, and molecular.
Absorbance-based assay for membrane disruption by antimicrobial peptides and synthetic copolymers using pyrroloquinoline quinone-loaded liposomes

A simple homogeneous assay for the detection of membrane permeabilization by antimicrobial peptides and synthetic copolymers is described. Liposomes encapsulating pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), the prosthetic group of the apoenzyme glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), are used to detect membrane permeabilization by the antimicrobial peptides MSI-594 and MSI-78 as well as various synthetic antimicrobial copolymers in an optical microwell assay. PQQ-loaded liposomes and the peptide or copolymer are added to wells of a 96-well microtiter plate. If the integrity of the liposome is compromised, the PQQ encapsulated in the liposomes is released and available for activating the apoenzyme. The release of PQQ catalyzes a color change in the presence of apo-GDH, glucose, and the redox dye 1,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) that can be evaluated through a visual color change. For more quantitative measurements, the absorbance change over a 30 min period was measured. The absorbance change is related to the activity and concentration for a given antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, by varying liposome compositions to include cholesterol, the potential toxicity of the peptide or polymer toward mammalian cells can be readily evaluated. The assay is simple and sensitive and will be useful for analyzing the membrane permeation/disruption properties of a host of antimicrobial peptides and synthetic polymers.
Reconstruction of three‐dimensional anatomical landmark coordinates using video‐based stereophotogrammetry

A method is described for reconstructing the 3-dimensional coordinates of anatomical landmarks from multiple video images. This method consists of 2 stages: (1) separate reconstructions of landmark coordinates visible in dorsal and ventral orientations using Direct Linear Transformation (Abdel-Aziz & Karara, 1972), and (2) least-squares alignment of the partial reconstructions using landmarks present in both. The repeatability of the overall reconstructions and of individual landmarks were assessed by performing multiple independent reconstructions of landmark coordinates for 2 canid specimens. Results indicate that the repeatability of interlandmark distances based on stereophotogrammetric reconstructions from standard-resolution video images is comparable to that of caliper measurement, and slightly superior to that of electronic 3-dimensional digitisation. At least 4 images should be available per landmark for optimal repeatability, but additional images allow only a slight increase in repeatability.
Evaluation of plasma membrane stability by detergent-induced rupture of osmotically swollen sperm.

Abstract A general assay for plasma membrane stability was developed and tested. Osmotically swollen spermatozoa were ruptured with detergents and their volume distribution was monitored with resistance pulse spectroscopy. The extent of cell breakage was determined and expressed as [D] 50 , the concentration of detergent necessary to lyse 50% of the initially intact cells. Preliminary experiments established the degree to which spermatozoa could be swollen without lysis (no detergent) and the ability of the method to detect known mixtures of intact and membrane disrupted spermatozoa. [D] 50 values were determined for caput (immature) and cauda (mature) ram epididymal spermatozoa with four detergents (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium dodecylsulfate, Zwittergent 3–14, and sodium deoxycholate). [D] 50 values for caput spermatozoa were higher than those for cauda spermatozoa ( P
Genetic implications in the decline of red spruce

Despite substantial increases in atmospheric pollution and significant correlations between specific inputs and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) decline at certain locations in eastern North America, it has not been possible to demonstrate a consistent relationship between severity of decline and either pollution inputs or climatic factors throughout the region of decline. These results indicate that different pollutants or environmental features may be associated with red spruce deterioration in different regions and raise the question of why red spruce, and not other sympatric species, might be predisposed to injury from a diversity of inputs and over a large geographic area. In this paper we present data to indicate red spruce is a relatively uniform species genetically, and we discuss the possibility that it may be deteriorating because it lacks the genetic flexibility to cope with and respond to abrupt environmental modification. Estimates of genetic variability in red spruce were determined from electrophoretic assessments of 30 trees from each of 10 populations distributed throughout the region of red spruce decline. An examination of genetic variation at 36 loci revealed an average observed heterozygosity for red spruce of 6.9% with only 21.3% polymorphic loci and 1.43 alleles per locus. These genetic variability estimates are considerably lower than those reported for other north-temperate woody plant species, including conifer species that are sympatric with red spruce and are presumably exposed to similar selection pressures. In one population, individual trees that were high in observed heterozygosity were generally more vigorous (as estimated from sapwood area/basal area ratios) than less genetically variable individuals. As a result, it appears highly heterozygous individuals may be more resilient and capable of surviving and reconstituting viable populations in the future. We discuss five additional lines of evidence that are consistent with a hypothesis of insufficient genetic variability and limited adaptability in red spruce.
James Buchanan on inheritance: a critique

Purpose – What are the reasons for writing this paper? The purpose of this paper is to make the case for liberty, and free enterprise, against the criticisms of this system. Specifically, the present essay is an attempt to criticize the case for inheritance taxation. This is made by many, but the author focuses on James Buchanan's contribution to this support for socialism. The author does so because James Buchanan is widely known as a champion of capitalism and free markets, and he is nothing of the sort, at least in this one case.Design/methodology/approach – The approach used in this paper is to quote widely from the adherents of inheritance taxes, and then to show the flaws in the cases they offer in support of this system.Findings – The finding is that none of the arguments offered on behalf of inheritance taxation have been shown to be valid. There are flaws in all of them. This, of course, does not imply no such arguments can be shown to be successful; only that the ones herein cited do not justify...
Simultaneous analysis of antiarrhythmic drugs and metabolites by high performance liquid chromatography: interference studies and comparisons with other methods.

Our previously described HPLC method for the simultaneous analysis of several antiarrhythmic drugs and metabolites in serum Z Clin. Biochem. 14 . 113–118 (1981) ] was correlated with an enzyme immunoassay technique (EMIT) for quinidine, procainamide. Nacetyl procainamide, and disopyramide. Correlation coefficients in each case was greater than 0.95. Our method compared favorably with a fluorescent procedure for the quantitation of propanolol in plasma. Interference studies with 34 drugs indicated that the measurements of quinidine and monodealkyldisopyramide were affected by quinine and lidocaine. respectively. Carbamazepine and glutethimide interfered with propanolol, but additional clean-up extractions removed these interferences.
Students' perceptions of the engineering profession and implications for interest in the field

Understanding personal learning goals and perceptions of engineering is critical in encouraging students' interest in the field. This work defines engineering in terms of the students' course-related learning outcomes (e.g., skills and knowledge) described in the latest version of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000 (EC2000). We argue that aligning students' perceptions of course task value with the EC2000 should enhance students' perceptions of the engineering profession and increase their interest in the field overall. Using student interviews from a larger study of instructor and student experiences in three undergraduate engineering programs, this study is guided by the following questions: 1) What are students' perceptions of the skills required by the engineering profession? 2) How do these perceptions compare to the skill set defined by ABET EC2000? 3) How do these perceptions affect students' assessment of course value and interest in the relevant coursework? Two required introductory engineering courses, Physics Laboratory and Engineering Design, are investigated. The ensuing theoretical framework is placed in the broader context of Eccles and Wigfield's expectancy-value model, specifically focusing on utility value. Our findings indicate that students' perceptions of the skills and knowledge required in professional engineering diverge from those defined by ABET. This disparity is negatively correlated to the students' assessment of the required coursework utility value. The absence of perceived utility then contributes to the students' lack of interest in their courses.
Chemokine-Releasing Nanoparticles for Manipulation of the Lymph Node Microenvironment

This work was supported by the grant 5R21AI099851-2 from the National Institutes of Health, USA (S.G.P., V.E., and L.A.L.). Publication of this article was funded in part by the George Mason University Libraries Open Access Fund.
Effects of groundnut stover or Bermudagrass hay supplementation to doe kids on winter hardwood range

Abstract Goats in north-central Texas raised on rangeland often face winter forage quantity and quality deficits that may be mitigated by feeding hay or stover. Groundnut ( Arachis hypogea ) stover (8% CP, 35% ADF, 43% NDF and 8% acid detergent lignin (ADL) DM basis) and bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon ) hay (12% CP, 33% ADF, 73% NDF, and 5% ADL DM basis) were tested at Stephenville, Texas as 0.0, 0.5, or 2.0% BW supplement/substitution diets on 18 kg Boer X Spanish doe kids browsing native hardwoods (8 ha −1 ). Both hay and stover were fed ad libitum in a traditional feedlot, using a complete formulated feed ration as a control. Trials ran for 10 weeks from January to March in 2003 (134 mm rainfall) and in 2004 (182 mm rainfall). Goats receiving 0.5% and 2% BW bermudagrass or 2% BW groundnut stover had greater ADG than those in the control and 0.5% BW groundnut paddocks ( P P
PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION AND CHANNEL MANAGEMENT: A KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES PERSPECTIVE†

This paper examines the interrelationship between physical distribution and channel management. A conceptual framework is developed, based on industry and firm conditions, to explain the relative importance of physical distribution functions in the field of channel management. The need for knowledge transfer and integration among channel members to enable organizational capabilities lies at the heart of the research approach.
Self-discharge characteristics and performance degradation of Ni-MH batteries for storage applications

Abstract The needs for onboard energy storage are practically dependent on the Ni-MH and Li-ion battery packs, because these two power-assisting systems have features of proper energy density, longer cycle lifetime, quick charge acceptance, and proper operating windows for both voltage and temperature. In particular, the Ni-MH power system has a proper tolerance mechanism for overcharge and overdischarge, a lower cost for battery pack maintenance, and a slightly longer cycle lifetime profile. We studied the self-discharge characteristics, state-of-health, state-of-charge, and energy efficiencies at various charge input levels. The end-of-voltages during charge and discharge were evaluated for the Ni-MH storage batteries. The impedance measurements and data analysis have also been conducted for equivalent circuit simulations. The performance deterioration and capacity decay are fundamentally analyzed and discussed in details, including electrode side-reactions, structure degradations, separator weakening, and level changes of electrolyte saturation in the battery. Further battery quality enhancement through cycle duration improvement for onboard energy storage potentially provides more suitable power and energy delivery in order to obtain higher efficiency, save more fuels, and reduce CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions.
A unified approach to kinetic processing of nonisothermal data

Basic problems of kinetic processing of nonisothermal data ascertained from thermal analysis measurements can be solved by isoconversional methods. Analysis of the dependence of the activation energy on conversion often permits the identification of the kinetic scheme for the process. This dependence may also be used to solve applied kinetic problems related to predicting the behavior of a substance outside the range of experimental temperatures. Methods for using this dependence for evaluating both the preexponential factor and the reaction model, as well as for detecting isokinetic relationships, have been discussed. Because all of these operations have a common origin in computing the dependence of the activation energy on conversion, isoconversional methods may be considered as a basis of a unified approach to kinetic processing of nonisothermal data. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regulation of glucokinase activity in the domestic fowl

Summary The factors which regulate soluble and particulate glucokinase and hexokinase activity in the liver of domestic chickens has been investigated. Pretreatment with oral administration (via tube feeding) of glucose plus injection of insulin resulted in a significant increase in the activity of soluble (p
Analysis of Milk Phospholipids by Chromatography and Infrared Spectrophotometry

Summary Milk phospholipids were fractionated into the major phospholipid classes by successive elution from a silicic acid column with chloroform, acetone, methanol (20% and 40%) in chloroform, and methanol. Each fraction was analyzed by infrared spectrophotometry as well as by chemical methods. Potassium bromide disk spectra of milk cerebrosides, cephalins, lecithins, and sphingomyelins are presented and compared with pure reference compounds. Concentrations of each class were calculated from specific bands measured either in chloroform or in carbon disulfide solutions. Respective weight percentages of cerebrosides, cephalins, lecithins, and sphingomyelins were: 6, 35, 32, and 24. Evidence is given for the presence of minor amounts of other constituents, including carbohydrate-containing phospholipids, lysolecithins, and unidentified lipids. Advantages and limitations of the method at its present state of development are discussed.
Nebulin regulation of actin filament lengths: new angles

The highly organized arrays of thick and thin filaments found in striated muscles continue to be the subject of studies that yield groundbreaking concepts regarding cell motility. One example is the idea that massive, linearly extended polypeptides function as molecular rulers that set the length of polymeric filaments. Actin filaments that are polymerized in vitro exhibit wide variations in length, but many cells can assemble structures that contain actin filaments that are remarkably uniform. In striated muscles, the giant nebulin polypeptide extends the length of the actin filaments, and nebulin size has been correlated with actin filament lengths in muscles from different species. Here, I discuss a recent study by Gregorio and colleagues that demonstrates that nebulin knockdown leads to loss of actin filament-length regulation in cardiomyocytes, providing functional evidence that is consistent with the molecular ruler concept.
Development, dependence, and gender inequality in the Third World.

While there has been much recent empirical investigation of the relationship between economic development, dependence, and income inequality, the issue of gender inequality has received less systematic attention. This exploratory study is a cross-sectional investigation of the effects of industrialization and investment, debt, and export dependency on levels of female education, and on rates of female economic participation, both absolutely and relative to male rates in 60 less-developed countries. Although some of the macroeconomic indicators emerge as significant predictors of gender inequality in several of the regression equations, the most important explanatory variable is cultural region. These findings fail to lend strong empirical support to either the modernization or the dependency/world-system theoretical perspective. The concluding discussion speculates on the interpretation of the research findings, offers some observations on the conceptual distinctions between class and gender stratification, and suggests some directions for future research.
Attitudes toward menopause in relation to symptom experience in Puebla, Mexico.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine how attitudes toward menopause were associated with symptom frequencies after controlling for menopause status and level of education. Methods: Women aged 28–70 (n = 755) were interviewed from May, 1999 through August, 2000 in the city of Puebla, Mexico. Over 90% of the sample were aged 40–60. Participants were asked to select from a set of dichotomies to describe “how a woman feels during menopause.” Symptom frequencies were assessed by a checklist of everyday complaints experienced during the two weeks before interview. Symptom presence or absence was examined in relation to attitudes while controlling for menopause status and level of education using binary logistic regression analyses. Results: The majority of respondents said that a menopausal woman feels “insecure” and “unattractive” yet “complete,” “necessary,” and “successful.” Pre-menopausal women and respondents who had undergone a hysterectomy were more likely to express negative attitudes. Post-menopausal women a...
Identification of the N-Terminal Domain of the Influenza Virus PA Responsible for the Suppression of Host Protein Synthesis

Cellular protein synthesis is suppressed during influenza virus infection, allowing for preferential production of viral proteins. To explore the impact of polymerase subunits on protein synthesis, we coexpressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or luciferase together with each polymerase component or NS1 of A/California/04/2009 (Cal) and found that PA has a significant impact on the expression of eGFP and luciferase. Comparison of the suppressive activity on coexpressed proteins between various strains revealed that avian virus or avian-origin PAs have much stronger activity than human-origin PAs, such as the one from A/WSN/33 (WSN). Protein synthesis data suggested that reduced expression of coexpressed proteins is not due to PA's reported proteolytic activity. A recombinant WSN containing Cal PA showed enhanced host protein synthesis shutoff and induction of apoptosis. Further characterization of the PA fragment indicated that the N-terminal domain (PANt), which includes the endonuclease active site, is sufficient to suppress cotransfected gene expression. By characterizing various chimeric PANts, we found that multiple regions of PA, mainly the helix α4 and the flexible loop of amino acids 51 to 74, affect the activity. The suppressive effect of PANt cDNA was mainly due to PA-X, which was expressed by ribosomal frameshifting. In both Cal and WSN viruses, PA-X showed a stronger effect than the corresponding PANt, suggesting that the unique C-terminal sequences of PA-X also play a role in suppressing cotransfected gene expression. Our data indicate strain variations in PA gene products, which play a major role in suppression of host protein synthesis.
Passivity based control of drum boiler

This paper proposes a novel state space model for the drum boilers with natural recirculation. This model uses the total mass and energy inventories of the boiler as the state variables, and has an affine structure in the control variables. A passivity based inventory controller is developed, which ensures the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop boiler system. Numerical simulations show the performance and efficiency of the passivity based controller design technique.