cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conceptual organizers in short-term memory

This study determined the effects on the STM of five noun lists of: (a) conceptual recoding cues (adjectives) presented prior to the lists, (b) list dominance (high, low, and no dom), and (c) retention interval (1, 5, 15, and 30 sec). Number of nouns correctly recalled was a function of recoding cue, dominance level (high > low > no dom), and time. The recoding cues facilitated retention of the high and low dom lists, but depressed 1-sec recall of the no dom lists. There were relatively more within concept-category noun intrusions during high dom and recoding-cue recall than with their controls. Mean latencies between nouns correctly recalled were shorter at 1-sec recall than thereafter, but there were no other differences due to time, recoding cue, or dominance. These results, involving the reorganization of input, were interpreted in terms of a simple model postulating familiar and unfamiliar storage locations.
Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid restriction fragment length polymorphism of Streptococcus uberis: evidence of clonal diversity.

Abstract Fifty plasmid-free strains of Streptococcus uberis , including 40 strains isolated from cows in two dairy herds in Tennessee with subclinical and clinical mastitis, 9 strains isolated from cows in the US, and 1 strain from Great Britain were examined for genomic DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The 50 strains belonged to 35 DNA fingerprint patterns. Within a herd, fingerprint patterns from isolates obtained from cows with subclinical mastitis at different periods of the lactation cycle and from episodes of clinical mastitis were similar. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed the presence of DNA fragments ≥21kb in all 12 strains of S. uberis isolated from episodes of clinical mastitis and in only 8 of the 38 (21%) remaining strains. Cluster analysis placed the 50 strains into eight distinct clusters. Most strains from the northeastern US were confined to one cluster, whereas most of the isolates from episodes of clinical mastitis belonged to two different clusters. These data suggest that clonal diversity exists among strains of S. uberis isolated from bovine mammary secretions.
On fog formation in a coronal discharge: effects of the discharge on droplet growth

Abstract The effect of a coronal discharge on the growth of small cloud droplets was studied in a 1 m 3 cloud chamber. Evidence was found that the discharge creates large numbers of nuclei for condensation, possibly as a reaction between NO and NO 2 , formed by the discharge, and the SO 2 , Aitken nuclei and H 2 O in the chamber air. The rate of droplet growth using these nuclei was also studied. The major effect upon the droplet growth process appears to be due to increased competition for vapor due to the nucleation of new droplets.
Using Polynomial Kernel Support Vector Machines for Speaker Verification

In this letter, we propose a discriminative modeling approach for the speaker verification problem that uses polynomial kernel support vector machines (PK-SVMs). The proposed approach is rooted in an equivalence relationship between the state-of-the-art probabilistic linear discriminant analysis (PLDA) and second degree polynomial kernel methods. We present two techniques for overcoming the memory and computational challenges that PK-SVMs pose. The first of these, a kernel evaluation simplification trick, eliminates the need to explicitly compute dot products for a huge number of training samples. The second technique makes use of the massively parallel processing power of modern graphical processing units. We performed experiments on the Phase I speaker verification track of the DARPA sponsored Robust Automatic Transcription of Speech (RATS) program. We found that, in the multi-session enrollment experiments, second degree PK-SVMs outperformed PLDA across all tasks in terms of the official evaluation metric, and third and fourth degree PK-SVMs provided a performance improvement over the second degree PK-SVMs. Furthermore, for the “30s-30s” task, a linear score combination between the PLDA and PK-SVM based systems provided 27% improvement relative to the PLDA baseline in terms of the official evaluation metric.
Preparing students to participate in the global business environment

In a global business environment, technical communication products must meet significant demands of different cultures and languages. The employees, our graduates, who work across time zones, cultures, and languages to create those products, need to prepare for this globally networked professional environment. As academics, how do we educate these students to participate in the global business environment? This panel of professors and students will discuss the benefits, as well as the challenges, of working with faculty and students at a German university to understand the complexities of intercultural technical communication. Two professors will describe how they introduce students to the cultural variables (beliefs, attitudes, and values) that shape the communication process and how they have established cooperative learning experiences with the University of Applied Sciences (HsKA) in Karlsruhe, Germany, to help students translate the theory of intercultural communication into practice. Students will describe the types of products and their experiences working and interacting with HsKA students.
Quality of Restructured Hams Manufactured with PSE Pork as Affected by Water Binders

Restructured hams were made from modified food starch (MFS), kappa-carrageenan (k-c), isolated soy protein (ISP), and processed with different levels of PSE pork [100% Normal, 50% PSE/50% Normal, 100% PSE]. Hams were ground, tumbled for 2h with a brine, stuffed, and water cooked. Bind strength values decreased and expressible moisture increased with addition of PSE pork to the ISP and k-c treatments. Incorporation of MFS decreased bind strength and expressible moisture and increased yields in the 100P treatment. Results indicated MFS enhanced the water retention of PSE pork in a restructured product.
Some Plasma Effects in Semiconductors

This is a review of some selected plasma effects in semiconductors, principally InSb at 77° K. The production of nonequilibrium electronhole plasmas by electrical injection and impact ionization is described including some instabilities which attend the latter process. Some new results on the pinch effect obtained by diagnosis with a 10.6 ? CW laser are shown. Observations of the manifestation of another instability, namely gigahertz radiation, not requiring an applied magnetic field are presented. A magnetic field is required to produce some instabilities in plasmas, among these are the helical instability. A bistable element resulting from an inherent hysteresis in the threshold conditions of this instability is described. Discontinuous changes in the plasma conductance can be produced by a magnetic field and the relation of this effect to high intensity microwave emission is outlined. Finally, some preliminary results on plasma decay are presented.
An inverted hexagonal phase of cationic liposome-DNA complexes related to DNA release and delivery

A two-dimensional columnar phase in mixtures of DNA complexed with cationic liposomes has been found in the lipid composition regime known to be significantly more efficient at transfecting mammalian cells in culture compared to the lamellar (LalphaC) structure of cationic liposome-DNA complexes. The structure, derived from synchrotron x-ray diffraction, consists of DNA coated by cationic lipid monolayers and arranged on a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice (HIIC). Two membrane-altering pathways induce the LalphaC --> HIIC transition: one where the spontaneous curvature of the lipid monolayer is driven negative, and another where the membrane bending rigidity is lowered with a new class of helper-lipids. Optical microscopy revealed that the LalphaC complexes bind stably to anionic vesicles (models of cellular membranes), whereas the more transfectant HIIC complexes are unstable and rapidly fuse and release DNA upon adhering to anionic vesicles.
Distribution of Type A Spermatogonia in the Mouse Is Not Random

The distribution of type A spermatogonia was studied using drawings of cross-sectioned tubules at various stages of the spermatogenic cycle of perfusion-fixed, epoxy-embedded mouse testis. Spermatogonia were classified as either positioned opposite the interstitium or opposite the region where two tubules make contact or in a defined, intermediate region at which the two tubules diverged. At stage V, the population of type A spermatogonia, comprised of As through Aal cells, is randomly positioned around the periphery of the seminiferous tubule. The As through Aal population becomes nonrandomly distributed beginning at stage VI, being located primarily in regions where the tubule opposes the interstitium, and remains nonrandom through stage III of the next cycle. The A1 spermatogonia of stage VII, derived from most Apr and Aal spermatogonia, and the A2 spermatogonia of stage IX, derived from the A1 spermatogonia, are also nonrandomly positioned opposing the interstitium. However, the A3 population of stage XI becomes randomly distributed around the tubule. To our knowledge, these are the first data to show that the more primitive spermatogonial types (As to Aal) move to specific sites within the seminiferous tubule. Division of the regularly spaced, more primitive spermatogonia (As to Aal) leads to the spread of their progeny (A1 to A4) laterally along the base of the seminiferous tubule. The lateral spread from more or less evenly spaced foci ensures that spermatogenesis is conducted uniformly around the entire tubule. The data also suggest that the position of a seminiferous tubule in the mouse is stabilized in relationship to other seminiferous tubules.
Cryopreservation of adipose tissues: the role of trehalose.

Abstract Background Several studies have shown that one of the sugars, trehalose, can improve tissue survival after cryopreservation when combined with other cryoprotective agents, and thus may possibly be used in cryopreservation of adipose tissues that have been found more resistant to injury after freezing. Objectives The purpose of this study was to test our hypothesis that lipoplasty-derived adipose aspirates could be effectively cryopreserved by adding trehalose as the sole cryoprotective agent (CPA), and to develop a practical technique to effectively preserve adipose tissues for future applications. Methods The middle layer of adipose aspirates obtained from conventional lipoplasty was collected after centrifugation and each specimen was randomized into 3 groups: the control group, fresh adipose aspirates without preservation; the simple cryopreservation group (no CPA); and the optimal cryopreservation group (with trehalose as a CPA). Cryopreservation of adipose aspirates was conducted with controlled slow cooling and fast rewarming rates. Fresh or cryopreserved adipose aspirates in each group were evaluated by viable adipocyte counts, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) assay, and routine histology. Results More viable adipocytes and better cellular function of adipose aspirates were found in the optimal cryopreservation group compared to the simple cryopreservation group, but these results were less ideal than results from the control group. Conclusions An optimal cryopreservation method using trehalose as a CPA appears to provide better long-term preservation of adipose aspirates than a simple cryopreservation method. Further studies are needed to refine our method for cryopreservation with trehalose as a CPA and confirm our findings in vivo.
Beyond the “Fetishism of Words”: Considerations on the Use of the Interview to Gather Chronic Illness Narratives

The author explores the technique of interviewing chronic illness patients to obtain narratives of their illness experiences. It is argued that the perspective that interview responses are accurate reflections of experience (the "fetishism of words") hampers the understanding of patient voice and agency. Discussions of chronic illness and narrative are followed by an examination of the interview based on the work of Charles L. Briggs. The author then uses the concepts of self-presentation and social support to examine what interviewers and interviewees contribute to the coconstructed discourse that is produced by the interview and addresses the question of how these concepts contribute to the beneficial outcomes of constructing narratives. The author offers specific suggestions for future research.
Specificity and Signaling in the Drosophila Immune Response

The Drosophila immune response is characterized by the rapid and robust production of a battery of antimicrobial peptides immediately following infection. The genes encoding these antimicrobial peptides are controlled by two NF-κB signaling pathways that respond to microbial infection. The IMD pathway is triggered by DAP-type peptidoglycan, from the cell wall of most Gram-negative and certain Gram-positive bacteria, and activates the NF-κB precursor protein Relish. The Toll pathway, on the other hand, is stimulated by lysine-type peptidoglycan from many Gram-positive bacteria, β 1,3 glucans from many fungi, as well as by microbial proteases. Toll signaling leads to the activation and nuclear translocation of DIF or Dorsal, two other NF-κB homologs. This review presents our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in microbial recognition and signal transduction in these two innate immune pathways.
Dietary Biotin Intake Modulates the Pool of Free and Protein-Bound Biotin in Rat Liver

The current studies were undertaken to analyze the relationships among dietary biotin intake, hepatic free biotin and hepatic protein-bound biotin in rats. The biotin status of rats was manipulated through dietary intervention to model moderate biotin deficiency, adequacy, supplementation and pharmacologic biotin supplementation (0, 0.06, 0.6 and 100 mg/kg, respectively). Urinary biotin excretion was directly related to biotin intake, but no difference between biotin-adequate and biotin-supplemented rats was detected. In contrast, plasma biotin was directly and significantly regulated by biotin intake at every intake level. A hepatic free biotin pool was directly demonstrated in these studies, and like plasma, its size was directly related to dietary biotin intake. The relationship between dietary biotin intake and protein-bound biotin was also analyzed. Moderate biotin deficiency markedly decreased the abundance of each biotinylated polypeptide in rat liver. Biotin supplementation did not significantly elevate the abundance of biotinylated pyruvate, propionyl CoA, methylcrotonyl CoA or acetyl CoA carboxylase 1. The abundance of biotinylated acetyl CoA carboxylase 2, however, was significantly higher in biotin-supplemented rats. Pharmacologic biotin intake significantly reduced the abundance of biotinylated propionyl CoA and methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase. These results indicate the following: 1) moderate biotin deficiency reduces free and protein bound biotin; 2) biotin intakes in rats that mimic the currently recommended daily value (DV) do not result in full protein biotinylation; and 3) pharmacologic supplementation may reduce the abundance of functional carboxylases.
Benzenediazonium‐2‐Carboxylate and Biphenylene

Benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate and biphenylene solvent: 50-ml. portions of 1,2-dichloroethane product: benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate product: biphenylene Keywords: annulation, carbocyclic-[4]; cyclization, cycloaddition; diazotization, preparation of diazonium salts; diazotization, replacement of diazonium group (loss of N2), miscellaneous; benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate, shock-sensitive; addition funnels, plastic
Transfer functions and spatial filtering in grating interferometers.

Diffraction grating interferometers, under extended source monochromatic illumination and with appropriate spatial filtering, are seen to be essentially imaging systems, linear in amplitude. By broadening the spectrum of the illumination, the system becomes linear in irradiance.
Studies in arginine metabolism by schistosomes—I. Arginine uptake and lysis by Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract 1. 1. In an in vivo experiment it was shown that Schistosoma mansoni worms and eggs take up C 14 - l -arginine more rapidly than l -histidine, d,l -tryptophan or l -methionine. Hydrolysis of the worms and eggs indicated that worm proteins contain more arginine than do eggs. In a comparison with levels or arginine available in the host, it appears that the worms specially concentrate this amino acid in their proteins. On the other hand, eggs have a higher relative proportion of proline. 2. 2. Metabolic studies reveal that worm homogenates convert arginine to ornithine and urea. No conversion to citrulline by means of the desimidase reaction was noted. In addition, only a trace of ornithine can be produced from citrulline by ornithine transcarbamylase enzyme. It is concluded that the arginase reaction is the most important arginolytic pathway employed by this trenatode. It is highly unlikely that arginine is metabolized in order to produce ATP energy. 3. 3. The preponderance of proline in eggs is possibly linked to an arginine-ornithine-proline metabolic cycle and may be a logical explanation for the pronounced arginine uptake and lysis by schistosomes.
An approach to predicting the usefulness of a decision aid

The authors summarize an approach to developing a quantitative model for predicting the performance impact of a decision aid. This approach emerged from research in team decision making. The approach predicts combined user/decision aid performance. The approach to developing a predictive performance model for a decision aid is to first to characterize a decision aid use strategy, and then to use this strategy to determine the function for predicting combined user/decision aid performance. Examples provide some simple illustrations of this approach. >
Measurement of the 100 nm NIST SRM 1963 by differential mobility analysis

ABSTRACT The number mean diameter of 100 nm NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1963 was measured to be 100.7 nm with an expanded uncertainty at the 95% confidence level of 1.0 nm by measurement with the differential mobility analyzer (DMA). The low level of uncertainty resulted from the use of the 1.0 μm SRM 1690 for calibrating the DMA. The largest single component of the Type B (systematic) uncertainty was a 0.29 nm uncertainty in the calibration diameter. Measurements of the 0.3 μm SRM with the calibrated DMA give results within 0.001 μm of the certified diameter. Results obtained by other investigators using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), angle dependent light scattering, electro-gravitational aerosol balance, and atomic force microscopy are consistent with this DMA value. The 100 nm NIST SRM 1963 and the Japanese 100 nm Calibration Standard are shown to differ by 10% based on TEM analysis and DMA measurements. This size difference has a significant effect on the calibration of scanning s...
An assessment of soil nematode food webs and nutrient pools in community gardens and vacant lots in two post-industrial American cities

In the midst of the current economic crisis, there is renewed interest in transforming vacant lots into food-producing gardens. This study analyzed whether vacant lots are suitable for food production, by comparing the soil nematode food webs and nutrient pools of vacant lots and community gardens in two post-industrial U.S. cities, Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. Twelve vacant lots and 12 community gardens were examined in the two cities. All six Akron community gardens were established just prior to the initiation of this study, whereas the six in Cleveland were 15–30 years old. Soil pH, texture, moisture, organic matter, mineral nitrogen content, microbial biomass, and nematode communities were measured in both cities. Soil decomposition rate was also measured in Cleveland. Results show that the soils of vacant lots surpassed those of the newly-established Akron gardens and were equal to the soils of the well-established Cleveland gardens in the amount of ammonium-nitrogen, total nematode population, genus diversity, and maturity and structure indices. The soils of the vacant lots were lower than the community gardens in the amounts of soil moisture, organic matter, and nitrate-nitrogen, which we associate with the addition of water, compost, fertilizer, and tilling in the gardens. No significant difference was found between community gardens and vacant lots in microbial biomass, decomposition rate, or nematode enrichment index, which seems to indicate that vacant lots are equal to community gardens in nutrient availability and nutrient cycling. We conclude that barring any contamination, the soil in vacant lots maybe suitable for the establishment of food gardens, which can provide many desirable ecosystem services and enhance human well-being. We also find that the disturbance associated with tillage and conversion of a vacant lot into a community garden has short-term ramifications for both nematode food webs and mineral-nitrogen content.
Defining correlation functions and power spectra for multirate random processes

This paper proposes a representation for the time-lag cross-correlation function of two random processes sampled at different rates and its related cross-power density spectrum, using the theory of lattices. The representation of autocorrelation and the (auto)power spectral density function then follows directly.
DNA Binding Activity of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Origin Binding Protein, UL9, Can Be Modulated by Sequences in the N Terminus: Correlation between Transdominance and DNA Binding

UL9, the origin binding protein of herpes simplex virus type 1, is a member of the SF2 family of helicases. Cotransfection of cells with infectious viral DNA and plasmids expressing either full-length UL9 or the C-terminal DNA binding domain alone results in the drastic inhibition of plaque formation which can be partially relieved by an insertion mutant lacking DNA binding activity. In this work, C-terminally truncated mutants which terminate at or near residue 359 were shown to potentiate plaque formation, while other C-terminal truncations were inhibitory. Thus, residues in the N-terminal region appear to regulate the inhibitory properties of UL9. To identify which residues were involved in this regulation, a series of N-terminally truncated mutants were constructed which contain the DNA binding domain and various N-terminal extensions. Mutants whose N terminus is either at residue 494 or 535 were able to bind the origin efficiently and were inhibitory to plaque formation, whereas constructs whose N terminus is at residue 304 or 394 were defective in origin binding activity and were able to relieve inhibition. Since UL9 is required for viral infection at early but not late times and is inhibitory to infection when overexpressed, we propose that the DNA binding activities of UL9 are regulated during infection. For infection to proceed, UL9 may need to switch from a DNA binding to a non-DNA binding mode, and we suggest that sequences residing in the N terminus play a role in this switch.
Estimating the Ages of Mountain Sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus from the Black Hills: Precision, Maturation, and Growth

Abstract. Although mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus is considered secure across its range, it has declined in parts of its range and is listed in South Dakota as a species of greatest conservation need. To our knowledge, no research has identified which calcified structure provides the most precise age estimates for mountain sucker, and little is known about mountain sucker population dynamics. To identify which structure provided the most precise age estimates, we compared age estimates from scales, sectioned pectoral fin rays, whole asteriscus otoliths, and polished asteriscus otoliths collected from 110 mountain sucker from 2 creeks in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Additionally, we quantified growth, age, and size at maturation for one population of mountain sucker in the Black Hills. Polished otoliths had the greatest precision of the 4 structures used, followed by sectioned pectoral fin rays. Mountain sucker reached an average size of 100 mm total length (TL) during their fourth growing se...
Developing Applications and Methodologies for Electronically Facilitated Project Planning: a Coast Guard Case Study

This paper reports on development of an electronic project planning application and process designed to quickly and easily generate plans. The literature suggests that collaboration, planning and follow-up are major obstacles to project success. During the 1990s, the authors developed a formatting application providing GroupSystems output in MS Project format, and successfully tested it by developing a treaty implementation plan for the coast guard. The application worked, but languished because it was cumbersome and constrained by 1990's technology. In 2004, authors were asked to expand the earlier coast guard plan. Determined to improve upon their legacy system, they developed a completely new application specifically designed to collaboratively develop project plans, and tested it in development of a new long range plan for the coast guard. The opportunity to develop an application without legacy artifacts was an exciting experience. This paper discusses the author's experiences in application and collaborative process development
Long-term increase in nitrogen supply alters above- and below-ground ectomycorrhizal communities and increases the dominance of Russula spp. in a temperate oak savanna.

Summary • Here we examine the effects of increased nitrogen (N) supply on the ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of a temperate oak savanna. • In a 16-yr N-addition experiment in which replicate 1000 m2 plots received 0, 5.4 or 17 g N m−2 yr−1, ectomycorrhizal sporocarp production was measured in the 14th, 15th and 16th year of fertilization. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) colonizing roots were examined by morphotyping-PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis in the 14th and 15th year of fertilization. • Total sporocarp richness was reduced by > 50% in both fertilization treatments in all 3 yrs, whereas Russula spp. produced approx. five times more sporocarps with 17 g N m−2 yr−1. Below-ground, treatment-scale species richness and species area curves were lower with 17 g N m−2 yr−1 but richness, diversity indices and evenness at smaller spatial scales were not. Dominant fungi colonizing roots included Cenococcum geophilum, common in all treatments, Cortinarius spp., dominant in unfertilized plots, and Russula spp., dominant with 17 g N m−2 yr−1. • Communities of EMF in this temperate deciduous ecosystem responded to N addition similarly to those of coniferous ecosystems in that increased N supply altered EMF diversity and community composition but differently in that dominance of Russula spp. increased.
Sonic Hedgehog Opposes Epithelial Cell Cycle Arrest

Stratified epithelium displays an equilibrium between proliferation and cell cycle arrest, a balance that is disrupted in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway activation appears sufficient to induce BCC, however, the way it does so is unknown. Shh-induced epidermal hyperplasia is accompanied by continued cell proliferation in normally growth arrested suprabasal cells in vivo. Shh-expressing cells fail to exit S and G2/M phases in response to calcium-induced differentiation and also resist exhaustion of replicative growth capacity. In addition, Shh blocks p21CIP1/WAF1-induced growth arrest. These data indicate that Shh promotes neoplasia by opposing normal stimuli for epithelial cell cycle arrest.
Estimating the role of autotrophs in nonpoint source phosphorus retention in a Laurentian Great Lakes coastal wetland

Abstract Primary productivity of a plankton/ Nelumbo lutea freshwater marsh (56 ha) with intermittent hydrologic links to Lake Erie (Ohio, USA) was determined in order to estimate the role of autotrophs in phosphorus uptake. Water column gross primary productivity, as measured by the diurnal oxygen technique, averaged 6.5 g O 2 m −2 day −1 for 80 measurements during the growing season. This productivity could account for the uptake of 8600 kg P/year (15 g P m −2 year −1 ). Chlorophyll a concentrations (which averaged 157 mg m −3 throughout the study period) suggest a phosphorus retention of 5500 kg P/year (10 g P m −2 year −1 ). Nelumbo lutea , which covered about 23% of the wetland and averaged 125 g m −2 above-ground dry weight at peak biomass, was estimated to be responsible for transforming approximately only 61 kg P/year (0.1 g P m −2 year −1 ) of phosphorus. A barrier beach system, which generally restricts the wetland's connection to Lake Erie during the periods of highest nonpoint source phosphorus loading, combined with the high planktonic productivity, suggest an excellent ecological engineering design for constructed or restored coastal wetlands to protect the Laurentian Great Lakes from nonpoint phosphorus runoff.
Library services for remote users with Linkway

Universal access to libraries is a credo of librarianship. Students in library school learn the credo and most hold it fervently throughout their careers. However, as new technologies permit extended access to library collections and services, librarians must re‐examine this fundamental belief in light of new groups of remote users. This paper will discuss some implications of providing extended easy access to library resources.
Binding sites for blood coagulation factor Xa and protein S involving residues 493–506 in factor Va

Inactivation due to cleavage of Factor Va (FVa) at Arg 506 by activated protein C (APC) helps to downregulate blood coagulation. To identify potential functional roles of amino acids near Arg 506, synthetic overlapping pentadecapeptides comprising FVa heavy chain residues 481-525 were tested for their ability to inhibit prothrombin activation by prothrombinase complexes [Factor Xa (FXa):FVa:phospholipids:Ca2+]. The most potent inhibition was observed for peptide VP493 (residues 493-506), with 50% inhibition at 2.5 microM. VP493 also inhibited FXa in plasma in FXa-1-stage clotting assays by 50% at 3 microM. When the C-terminal carboxamide group of VP493 was replaced by a carboxyl group, most prothrombinase inhibitory activity was lost. VP493 preincubated with FXa inhibited prothrombinase with a pattern of mixed inhibition. Homologous peptides from Factor VIII sequences did not inhibit prothrombinase. Affinity-purified antibodies to VP493 inhibited prothrombinase activity and prolonged FXa-1-stage clotting times. VP493 also blocked the ability of protein S to inhibit prothrombinase independently of APC. Immobilized VP493 bound specifically with similar affinity to both FXa and protein S (Kd approximately 40 nM), but did not measurably bind prothrombin or APC. These studies suggest that FVa residues 493-506 contribute to binding sites for both FXa and protein S, providing a rationale for the ability of protein S to negate the protective effect of FXa toward APC cleavage of FVa. Possible loss of this FVa binding site for FXa due to cleavage at Arg 506 by APC may help explain why this cleavage causes 40% decrease in FVa activity and facilitates inactivation of FVa.
Fetal and maternal metabolism of estradiol during pregnancy.

The fetal and maternal metabolism of estradiol (E2) was studied by isotope dilution methods involving the administration of tracers of E2 and the measurement of the specific activities of urinary metabolites. In one experiment, tritiated E2 was introduced into the peritoneal cavity of the fetus during a transfusion, in utero, for erythroblastosis fetalis. In 3 other pregnant women, 3H-E2 was administered intra-amniotically. In all experiments, simultaneously with the administration of the tritiated tracer, 14C-E2 was injected into a maternal peripheral vein. Urine collected following the injections was treated with β-glucuronidase and estrone, estradiol, epiestriol, estriol and a metabolite more polar than estriol (a tetrol, E4) were isolated. E4 contained little or no 14C, thus revealing its fetal origin. Formulae derived from a theoretical analysis of tracer experiments were used to estimate the rates at which E2 formed in the placenta is released into the fetal and maternal circulations and the rates o...
Structural optimization in magnetic devices by the homogenization design method

The homogenization design method (HDM) is extended to obtain an optimal topology of magnetic fields. This is accomplished by maximizing the magnetic mean compliance in a given region of the device. HDM is applied to a three-dimensional case, taking into account the saturation effect of the material. Results show that HDM is valid to maximize the vector potential and the magnetic energy. This method can also be applied to increase the performance of motors and antennas.
Nutrient removal from septic effluents as affected by soil thickness and texture.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of soils with different textures and thickness to treat BOD, N and P eluted from household septic effluent. The assessments were accomplished by leaching undisturbed soil monoliths of 30, 45 and 60cm thickness and 25cm in diameter, representing the four different textural groups and hydraulic loadings recommended by the Kentucky Health Department, with domestic wastewater effluent collected regularly from a household septic system. Effluent concentrations were monitored daily over a 15d period for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total-N, NH4‐N, NO3‐N and total-P concentrations. The results of the study indicate an alarming frequency of failure to comply with EPA criteria for BOD, total-N and NH4‐N concentrations when using a 30cm vertical separation distance between the bottom of the drain field and a limiting soil interface. The treatment performance was particularly poor in coarsetextured soils, apparently due to insufficient reactive surface area. Although biomat development over time is expected to improve the treatment for some of these parameters, the high influent levels of BOD pose great concerns for surface and groundwater contamination during the early stages of operation. Fine-textured soils generally provided better treatment efficiency and more consistent compliance with EPA standards for BOD, total-N, NH4‐N and total-P, as well as greater nitrification/denitrification potential. Treatment efficiency and compliance usually improved with increasing soil depth, with the 60cm thickness providing the most consistent performance and compliance with MDL requirements. Considering that increasing soil thickness requirements may be impractical in many marginal soils, complementary or alternative treatment technologies should be adopted to improve treatment efficiency and prevent further deterioration of the quality of water resources.
Digital Forensics Education: A Multidisciplinary Curriculum Model

This paper reports experiences and lessons learned in the process of developing and implementing an undergraduate curriculum for digital forensics over the last three years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The project addresses the challenges of developing a higher-education standardized curriculum for digital forensics that meets the needs of the digital forensics community. The curriculum provides degree options and considers the growing employability of digital forensics students in an increasing range of jobs. The approach builds on the multidisciplinary nature of the field. The findings include a curriculum model, detailed course content, exams, and an evaluation package for measuring how students respond to the courses. This paper summarizes the model, results, challenges, and opportunities.
A novel secreted protein, MYR1, is central to Toxoplasma’s manipulation of host cells

ABSTRACT The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii dramatically reprograms the transcriptome of host cells it infects, including substantially up-regulating the host oncogene c-myc. By applying a flow cytometry-based selection to infected mouse cells expressing green fluorescent protein fused to c-Myc (c-Myc–GFP), we isolated mutant tachyzoites defective in this host c-Myc up-regulation. Whole-genome sequencing of three such mutants led to the identification of MYR1 (Myc regulation 1; TGGT1_254470) as essential for c-Myc induction. MYR1 is a secreted protein that requires TgASP5 to be cleaved into two stable portions, both of which are ultimately found within the parasitophorous vacuole and at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. Deletion of MYR1 revealed that in addition to its requirement for c-Myc up-regulation, the MYR1 protein is needed for the ability of Toxoplasma tachyzoites to modulate several other important host pathways, including those mediated by the dense granule effectors GRA16 and GRA24. This result, combined with its location at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, suggested that MYR1 might be a component of the machinery that translocates Toxoplasma effectors from the parasitophorous vacuole into the host cytosol. Support for this possibility was obtained by showing that transit of GRA24 to the host nucleus is indeed MYR1-dependent. As predicted by this pleiotropic phenotype, parasites deficient in MYR1 were found to be severely attenuated in a mouse model of infection. We conclude, therefore, that MYR1 is a novel protein that plays a critical role in how Toxoplasma delivers effector proteins to the infected host cell and that this is crucial to virulence. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an important human pathogen and a model for the study of intracellular parasitism. Infection of the host cell with Toxoplasma tachyzoites involves the introduction of protein effectors, including many that are initially secreted into the parasitophorous vacuole but must ultimately translocate to the host cell cytosol to function. The work reported here identified a novel protein that is required for this translocation. These results give new insight into a very unusual cell biology process as well as providing a potential handle on a pathway that is necessary for virulence and, therefore, a new potential target for chemotherapy.
The EFF-1A Cytoplasmic Domain Influences Hypodermal Cell Fusions in C. elegans But Is Not Dependent on 14-3-3 Proteins.

Background Regulatory and biophysical mechanisms of cell-cell fusion are largely unknown despite the fundamental requirement for fused cells in eukaryotic development. Only two cellular fusogens that are not of clear recent viral origin have been identified to date, both in nematodes. One of these, EFF-1, is necessary for most cell fusions in Caenorhabditis elegans. Unregulated EFF-1 expression causes lethality due to ectopic fusion between cells not developmentally programmed to fuse, highlighting the necessity of tight fusogen regulation for proper development. Identifying factors that regulate EFF-1 and its paralog AFF-1 could lead to discovery of molecular mechanisms that control cell fusion upstream of the action of a membrane fusogen. Bioinformatic analysis of the EFF-1A isoform’s predicted cytoplasmic domain (endodomain) previously revealed two motifs that have high probabilities of interacting with 14-3-3 proteins when phosphorylated. Mutation of predicted phosphorylation sites within these motifs caused measurable loss of eff-1 gene function in cell fusion in vivo. Moreover, a human 14-3-3 isoform bound to EFF-1::GFP in vitro. We hypothesized that the two 14-3-3 proteins in C. elegans, PAR-5 and FTT-2, may regulate either localization or fusion-inducing activity of EFF-1.
Improving Diagnosis in Health Care--The Next Imperative for Patient Safety.

An IOM report highlights diagnostic errors as common patient-safety problems. Its recommendations address myriad system features and activities affecting diagnosis, acknowledging that many contributing factors are intricately related to health care delivery problems.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Alkali Borate Glass Using Coordination Dependent Potential

The structure of sodium borate glass was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation using coordination dependent potential model. The simulated alkali borate glass consists of basic units, BO3, triangle, BO4 tetrahedra and structural groups such as boroxol ring and triborate units. The coordination of boron is converted from 3 to 4 by adding alkali oxide.
New Records of Ascosphaera Apis from North America

Ascosphaera apis (Maassen ex Claussen) Olive & Spiltoir has been known from Europe since 1916 (Maassen, 1916). It was originally described as Pericystis apis Maassen ex Claussen, the incitant of European Chalk Brood of honey bee. Spiltoir and Olive (1955) established a new genus and family, Ascosphaera and Ascosphaeraceae, based upon this genus, since the name Pericystis had been previously used as a generic name in the red algae. The species has been reported previously only from continental Europe, the British Isles, and New Zealand (Bailey, 1963; Seal, 1957). The present report constitutes the first record of A. apis or any member of the genus from Pan-America. In September 1965, P. F. Torchio collected infected cells from the nest of the leaf-cutter bee, Megachile inermis Prov. within the trunk of a fallen quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) at Tony Grove Lake, Cache County, Utah. The senior author identified the fungus as Ascosphaera apis (Maassen ex Claussen) Olive & Spiltoir var. apis (Prokschl. & Zobl.) Olive & Spiltoir. The male and female strains were subsequently isolated in pure culture. Measurements of spores and spore cysts (matured nutriocytes) fall within the range reported by Spiltoir and Olive (1955). A second collection of the fungus was taken from a cell of Anthophora pacifica Cress. (a soil nesting species) in July 1966 and proved to be the second of the two varieties, A. apis var. major (Prokschl. & Zobl.) Olive & Spiltoir, comprising the species. This collection was
Approximations for Vibrational Thermodynamics of Disordered Alloys: Effective Supercells and the Quasiharmonic Method

Recent work has suggested that vibrational effects can play a significant role in determining alloy phase equilibria. In order to better understand these effects and the methods used in their calculation, the authors investigate the vibrational properties of disordered Ni{sub 3}Al using the Embedded-Atom Method. They examine the effectiveness of the Special Quasirandom Structure (SQS) approximation, and find that an SQS-8 can accurately represent the vibrational thermodynamics of the disordered state. By the use of Monte Carlo (MC) techniques, they also find that the quasiharmonic approximation becomes less accurate as they approach the melting temperature, but that the accuracy may be extended to higher temperatures by resorting to the MC equation of state giving the specific volume as a function of temperature.
DIFFERENCES IN ANTIBODY RESPONSE OF RABBIT TO ENTEROBACTERIAL ANTIGEN AFTER INTRAVENOUS AND SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION WITH ADJUVANT.

SummaryThe antibody response of the rabbit to administration of various enteric bacteria containing both O antigen and an antigen (CA) common to numerous enteric bacilli was studied with the following results: (1) Administration into the footpad of antigen from E. coli 0111 and 026, S. typhimurium, or S. flexneri, together with Freund's adjuvant, resulted in formation of both CA and O antibodies in high titer. Even a single injection of antigen and complete adjuvant proved to be effective. Complete adjuvant was more effective than incomplete adjuvant. (2) Antigen (supernate) alone injected into the footpad also engendered CA antibodies, although the titers were considerably lower than those obtained after administration with adjuvant. (3) Intravenous injection of these antigens did not result in production of CA antibodies in high titer, but O antibody titers were similar to those achieved with adjuvant. (4) Intravenous administration of S. typhimurium antigen into animals injected previously with Freund'...
Gypsy Moth and Elm Spanworm Suppression: Field Evaluation of Natural and Synthetic Pyrethroids

Bioresmethrin, [(5-benzyl-3-furyl)methyl d-trans -2, 2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylpropenyl) cyclopropane-carboxylate), Pyrenone® Crop Spray, (6% pyrethrins + 60% piperonyl butoxide), Pyrocide® Growers Spray 7083, (1.4% pyrethrins), and resmethrin were evaluated in the field against larvae of the gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L,), and the elm spanworm, Ennomos subsignarius (Hubner). A high rate of knockdown and control of 5th-stage elm spanworms was achieved with each insecticide. Bioresmethrin, Pyrocide, and resmethrin were most effective in reducing numbers of 3rd- and 4th-stage gypsy moth larvae, while bioresmethrin and resmethrin were most effective against 5th- and 6th-stage gypsy moth larvae.
More than good intentions: the role of conditions in personal transportation behaviour

ABSTRACTEngaging individuals in pro-environmental behaviours is critical to addressing today’s environmental challenges. This study examines how conditions – or an individual’s context – influence action. Through semi-structured narrative interviews and document analysis, we examined the influence of conditions in five individual cases involving attempted change in personal transportation behaviour. The cases, studied over the course of one year, are derived from participants in a sustainability institute, representing a range of attempted behaviours, and highlight numerous potential barriers to desired pro-environmental behaviours. We found that the degree of engagement with sustainable transportation primarily was influenced by the amount and intensity of supportive conditions relative to barriers. Participants who successfully engaged in their desired transportation-related pro-environmental behaviours experienced physical, social, and learning conditions that promoted competence and satisfaction. We d...
Effect of Se-Met on mouse macrophage proliferation and its intracellular protein-Sel K

Objective To explore the effect of selenomethionine(Se- Met)on mouse macrophage proliferation and itsintracellular protein- selenoprotein K(Sel K),and detect the localization of Sel K in mouse macrophage. Methods Theproliferation of macrophage were measured by CCK- 8 assay after treatment of Se- Met.The Sel K m RNA and protein weredetected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The localization of Sel K protein in mouse macrophage was determined byimmunofluorescence technique. Results Se- Met could promote proliferation of macrophage.The proliferation of mousemacrophage was significantly 24 h and 48 h after treatment with Se- Met at the concentration of 1 μmol/L(P 0.01)respectively. The proliferation of mouse macrophage was significantly inhibited 48 h after treatment with Se- Met at theconcentration of 100 μmol/L(P0.01).Se- Met at the concentration of 1 μmol/L increased the Sel K m RNA level inmacrophages after treating for 24 h(P0.05) and 48 h(P0.01) respectively. Moreover, Sel K protein level also increased aftertreatment for 48 h(P 0.05). Immunofluorescence showed that Sel K protein and endoplasmic reticulum markers(KDEL)existed in the same place in macrophage. Conclusion Se-Met can promote the proliferation of macrophage, meanwhile itcan also make the increase of Sel K level.
Does renin angiotensin system blockade deserve preferred status over other anti-hypertensive medications for the treatment of people with diabetes?

For more than 20 years it has been “accepted medical dogma” that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, renal disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) should be treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the renin angiotensin system (RAS) (1). So widely held is this belief that RAS blockers are commonly prescribed to individuals with DM who do not have a diabetes-related illness because of their perceived “protective” effects. Recently, several studies and meta-analyses have questioned this practice and have reported that RAS blocking agents do not offer any advantages compared to other antihypertensive medications for the treatment of adults with DM. The most recent such study was published by Bangalore et al. in the February 11, 2016 issue of the BMJ (2).