cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strawberry Yield over Red versus Black Plastic Mulch

Plastic mulches are frequently used in raised-bed culture of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) to conserve water, control weeds with less herbiddes, and keep fruit clean. The most commonly used plastic mulch color is black. It was hypothesized that a specially formulated red plastic mulch that reflects a higher far-red to red photon ratio could regulate photosynthate allocation enough to increase yield of strawberry. Yields over the red plastic (SRM-Red) were compared with those over standard black plastic in field experiments at a research center and on a commercial strawberry farm. Yield per plant and size per berry were greater over the red than over the black plastic at both locations. The yield advantage of red mulch relative to black occurred whether the red plastic was placed directly over the soil or over a layer of black plastic. It is concluded that strawberries were larger over the new red plastic mulch because reflected far-red and red light affected phytochrome-mediated allocation of photosynthate, and more was directed to developing fruit.
Phosphoproteomic profiling of in vivo signaling in liver by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1).

Background Our understanding of signal transduction networks in the physiological context of an organism remains limited, partly due to the technical challenge of identifying serine/threonine phosphorylated peptides from complex tissue samples. In the present study, we focused on signaling through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), which is at the center of a nutrient- and growth factor-responsive cell signaling network. Though studied extensively, the mechanisms involved in many mTORC1 biological functions remain poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings We developed a phosphoproteomic strategy to purify, enrich and identify phosphopeptides from rat liver homogenates. Using the anticancer drug rapamycin, the only known target of which is mTORC1, we characterized signaling in liver from rats in which the complex was maximally activated by refeeding following 48 hr of starvation. Using protein and peptide fractionation methods, TiO2 affinity purification of phosphopeptides and mass spectrometry, we reproducibly identified and quantified over four thousand phosphopeptides. Along with 5 known rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation events, we identified 62 new rapamycin-responsive candidate phosphorylation sites. Among these were PRAS40, gephyrin, and AMP kinase 2. We observed similar proportions of increased and reduced phosphorylation in response to rapamycin. Gene ontology analysis revealed over-representation of mTOR pathway components among rapamycin-sensitive phosphopeptide candidates. Conclusions/Significance In addition to identifying potential new mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation events, and providing information relevant to the biology of this signaling network, our experimental and analytical approaches indicate the feasibility of large-scale phosphoproteomic profiling of tissue samples to study physiological signaling events in vivo.
Nanoscale Assembly of Gold Nanowires Templated by Microtubules

There is increasing interest in using biostructures as templates to construct nanoscale-architectures. Many biosystems can self-assemble into regular structures of less than 100 nm and contain functional groups that bind to inorganic particles. In this study, fabrication of microtubule (MT)-based Au nanowires is investigated. Microtubules are fibrous proteins that are rigid hollow tubes about 25 nm in outer diameter and microns in length. We deposit nanoparticles of Au on microtubules by a new method involving photochemical reduction, in which MTs are mixed with Au3+ and the surfactant poly(oxyethelene) isooctylphenyl ether (Triton X-100 or TX-100). Exposure of the solution to UV irradiation reduces Au3+ to Au0. By varying the Au3+ and TX-100 concentration in the solution, Au particle size can be well controlled and uniform Au coverage on microtubules is observed. Multiple UV exposure steps induce Au particle growth and leads to dense coverage of Au on the MT.
The Design and Performance of the Parallel Multiprocessor Nuclear Physics Data Acquisition System, DAPHNE

In summary DAPHNE has met the needs of the experimental program at ATLAS and provides a sophisticated, generalized, fast, and easy to learn data-acquisition/replay program. The limits in terms of data-acquisition rates are determined solely by the hardware.
Mass spectrometric analysis of nitroxyl-mediated protein modification: comparison of products formed with free and protein-based cysteines.

Although biologically active, nitroxyl (HNO) remains one of the most poorly studied NOx. Protein-based thiols are suspected targets of HNO, forming either a disulfide or sulfinamide (RSONH2) through an N-hydroxysulfenamide (RSNHOH) addition product. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is used here to examine the products formed during incubation of thiol proteins with the HNO donor, Angeli's salt (AS; Na2N2O3). Only the disulfide, cystine, was formed in incubates of 15 mM free Cys with equimolar AS at pH 7.0−7.4. In contrast, the thiol proteins (120−180 μM), human calbindin D28k (HCalB), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) gave four distinct types of derivatives in incubates containing 0.9−2.5 mM AS. Ions at M + n × 31 units were detected in the ESI mass spectra of intact HCalB (n = 1−5) and GAPDH (n = 2), indicating conversion of thiol groups on these proteins to RSONH2 (+31 units). An ion at M + 14 dominated the mass spectrum of BSA, and intram...
A Framework for Average Case Analysis of Conjunctive Learning Algorithms

We present an approach to modeling the average case behavior of learning algorithms. Our motivation is to predict the expected accuracy of learning algorithms as a function of the number of training examples. We apply this framework to a purely empirical learning algorithm, (the one-sided algorithm for pure conjunctive concepts), and to an algorithm that combines empirical and explanation-based learning. The model is used to gain insight into the behavior of these algorithms on a series of problems. Finally, we evaluate how well the average case model performs when the training examples violate the assumptions of the model.
Field Observations on the Association of Anthophora bomboides stanfordiana (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) with the Nematode Bursaphelenchus seani (Aphelenchida: Aphelenchoididae)

All stages except the dispersal stage of the nematode Bursaphelenchus seani Giblin and Kaya occurred within brood cells containing early stages of the bee Anthophora bomboides stanfordiana Cockerell from mid-May through mid-July. A special juvenile stage, the dauer (= resistant or dispersalstage of B. seani ) was observed in July, coincident with the occurrence of the prepupal bee stage. B. seani endures the lengthy bee prepupal and pupal stages (mid-July through May) in bee frass as a dauer. The dauers moved into the reproductive tracts of adult bees before the bees emerged from their cells. There was a significant decline in the number of nematodes per female bee as the nesting season progressed, concurrent with the appearance of nematodes in bee cells. Dauers are deposited or move into brood cells of infested female bees during some phase of cell construction or oviposition. Dauers molt into the propagative phase and feed on fungi infesting the cell. The possibility of venereal transmission of nematodes between adult bees of the same generation is discussed. The association of B. seani with A. bomboides stanfordiana is widely distributed within the Pacific-coastal range of the bee.
Effect of ion migration on the self-assembly of porous nanostructures in anodic oxides

The self-organization of porous nanostructures in anodic oxide is considered. A mathematical model which incorporates the electrochemical transport of oxygen ions within the oxide layer and the chemical reactions at the metal-oxide and oxide-electrolyte interfaces is developed. It is shown through linear stability analysis that a short-wave instability exists in certain parameter ranges which can lead to the formation of hexagonally ordered pores observed in anodized aluminum oxide. Numerical simulations validate these results.
Progress report on a system for general-purpose parallel symbolic algebraic computation

We discuss on-going work on large-grained parallel symbolic computation using a system based on Maple and Linda. The prototype runs on a Sequent Balance. The approach can be used with most existing algebra/symbol manipulation systems, and provides the potential to deliver of parallel symbolic computation on a variety of architectures (e.g. shared memory, hypercubes, networked workstations). Parallel speedup was achieved on a variety of algebraic problems, although many significant improvements in efficiency remain to be achieved.
Cross-Cultural Variability of the Semantic Domain of Emotion Terms: An Examination of English Shame and Embarrass with Japanese Hazukashii

This research builds on recent work exploring the cross-cultural meaning of emotion terms. The specific hypothesis tested is that within the semantic structure of emotion terms in English and Japanese, the English term embarrass is closer to the Japanese term hazukashii than the English word shame. Similarity ratings of 15 emotion terms are compared between an American English sample (n = 33, including the term shame), another American English sample (n = 33, including the term embarrass instead of shame), and a Japanese sample (n = 32, including the term hazukashii). Correspondence analysis, t test, and quadratic assignment are used to represent the similarity among terms and assess the difference between shame, embarrass, and hazukashii. The hypothesis is supported, and in addition, the overall structure of emotion terms appears stable when one emotion term is replaced with another semantically similar label.
Cardiac response to daily activities and exercise in normal subjects assessed by an ambulatory ventricular function monitor.

Abstract The cardiac response to a variety of daily activities was assessed in 18 healthy adult subjects (mean age 31 years, range 21 to 39) with an ambulatory ventricular function monitor (VEST), which records serial beat-to-beat radionuclide and electrocardiographic data. The VEST was positioned and calibrated using data recorded during a multigated blood pool scan. It was worn for an average of 3.0 ± 1.1 hours, while the subjects performed the following activities: sitting quietly (baseline); standing in place; walking; climbing stairs; bicycle or tread-mill exercise; eating; sitting in a room at 4 °C for 20 minutes; and urinating. To calculate ejection fraction (EF), relative end-diastolic counts, relative cardiac output and heart rate, the beat-to-beat data were averaged over 15 to 30 seconds. Compared with baseline, standing increased EF by 0.03 ± 0.04 and decreased end-diastolic volume by 10.9 ± 4.7%. Walking and climbing stairs increased EF by 0.10 ± 0.05 and 0.18 ± 0.09, respectively, and increased end-diastolic volume by 7.8 ± 5.3% and 12.8 ± 4.3% (p
Teaching and assessing programming fundamentals for non majors with visual programming

Visual programming tools and mobile device applications are a natural tool to engage university students; but, are they effective in teaching quantitative thinking skills to non computer science majors? Answering this question can be based on careful assessment of the learning outcomes.This paper reports the results from teaching over 100 students mobile app development with App Inventor in a university core course. Results were measured using an assessment process motivated by Bloom's Taxonomy that included student self assessment, ratings by instructors, and comparisons of the two results. The categories in the assessment were mapped to specific levels of skills with various App Inventor components.Results presented here confirm App Inventor's effectiveness and ability to motivate students. App Inventor features and components that most impacted the student learning are noted.The assessment results show the course was very successful particularly in the three assessment categories of Remembering, Understanding, and Application (Lower Order Thinking Skills) and acceptably successful in Analysis, Evaluating, and Creating (Higher Order Thinking Skills). The paper concludes with suggestions on continued improvement of the course content and additional App Inventor features that should become part of the assessment process.
Li Ion Diffusion Mechanisms in Bulk Monoclinic Li2CO3 Crystals from Density Functional Studies

Density functional studies of Li+ ion diffusion mechanisms in bulk monoclinic lithium carbonate Li2CO3 crystals are performed to identify the stable Li+ interstitial positions and migration barriers. The migration barrier for Li+ diffusion between the planes defined by Li2CO3 units along the open channels [010] is found to be very small at 0.28 eV, while a higher migration barrier of 0.60 eV was found for the diffusion across the planes. These results show that diffusion of Li+ in Li2CO3 is favorable along the [010] channels. The implications for Li+ ion transport in solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) in Li ion batteries are discussed.
The effects of gregarine parasites on longevity, weight loss, fecundity and developmental time in the field crickets Gryllus veletis and G.pennsylvanicus

ABSTRACT. 1. Gregarines, debilitating gut parasites, significantly reduced longevity and increased weight loss in the field cricket Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeiser when adults were kept on suboptimal diets, but in G.pennsylvanicus and G.veletis (Alexander and Bigelow) fed ad libitum, weight change, longevity, and fecundity were not significantly different in infected and control individuals. 2. Adults harbouring gregarines at eclosion took significantly longer to develop from the second and third instars than did uninfected adults. 3. Longevity of nymphs kept in the laboratory without food was decreased in infected individuals compared with uninfected ones, but not significantly so. 4. The evolutionary and ecological implications of nonlethal parasites are discussed.
Individual Variability in the Detoxification of Carcinogenic Arylhydroxylamines in Human Breast

Cytochrome b5 (b5) and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) detoxify reactive hydroxylamine (NHOH) metabolites of known arylamine and heterocyclic amine mammary carcinogens. The aim of this study was to determine whether NHOH reduction for the prototypic arylamine 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) was present in human breast and to determine whether variability in activity was associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding, promoter, and 3′untranslated region (UTR) regions of the genes encoding b5 (CYB5A) and b5R (CYB5R3). 4-ABP-NHOH reduction was readily detected in pooled human breast microsomes, with a Km (280μM) similar to that found with recombinant b5 and b5R, and a Vmax of 1.12 ± 0.19 nmol/min/mg protein 4-ABP-NHOH reduction varied 75-fold across 70 individual breast samples and correlated significantly with both b5 (80-fold variability) and b5R (14-fold) immunoreactive protein. In addition, wide variability in b5 protein expression was significantly associated with variability in CYB5A transcript levels, with a trend toward the same association between b5R and CYB5R3. Although a sample with a novel coding SNP in CYB5A, His22Arg, was found with low reduction and b5 expression, no other SNPs in either gene were associated with outlier activity or protein expression. We conclude that b5 and b5R catalyze the reduction of 4-ABP-NHOH in breast tissue, with very low activity, protein, and messenger RNA expression in some samples, which cannot be attributed to promoter, coding, or 3′UTR SNPs. Further studies are underway to characterize the transcriptional regulation of CYB5A and CYB5R3 and begin to understand the mechanisms of individual variability in this detoxification pathway.
Early cellular responses in cortical bone healing around unloaded titanium implants: an animal study.

Background: A clear understanding of the early cellular events leading to osseointegration of implants is currently lacking. To gain better insight, titanium implants were inserted in a rabbit model and histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed at early time points after insertion.Methods: Thirty-six cylindrical implants were inserted in the tibial diaphysis of six rabbits and left to heal for 1 to 42 days. Samples were processed into paraffin or methylmethacrylate sections, on which the surface of new bone, region of altered nuclear morphology, relative surface of basic multicellular units (BMUs) and blood vessels, and bone-to-implant contact were measured.Results: After coagulum formation, osteoclasts and osteoblasts were observed at the bone surface 1 week after healing. In the preexisting bone, osteocytic lacunae appeared to be devoid of cells. This region of altered nuclear morphology continued to extend for 28 days (P <0.05) after implant insertion. This expansion was accompanied by a...
A Mathematical Model of Dilution Curves for Flow Study

The graphical method of estimating cardiac output and central circulating blood volume is reviewed. An electronic-integration modification is described for fast, accurate cardiacoutput estimation. A mathematical representation of biphasic dilution curves is developed and, based on this analysis, formulas are proposed for determination of cardiac output and central circulating blood volume. Clinical application of this determination method is shown, and its advantages are discussed.
Adaptive Space Modulation With Partial CSIT in Spatially Correlated Fading Channels

The problem of adaptive space modulation (ASM) design using partial channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) is investigated. ASM relies on adaptive modulation of information symbols in the spatial domain using multiple antennas based on some sort of CSIT. The CSIT is exploited to adjust the transmission such that the distances between the receive constel- lation vectors are increased to reduce the probability of error. We assume that the spatial correlation matrices are available as the partial CSIT and introduce two different approaches to design ASM. In the first approach, we consider that all the transmit antennas are active at each transmit interval and, using an upper bound on the average probability of error, design the transmit vectors based on the spatial correlation matrices to improve the performance. In the second approach and to avoid interantenna synchronization, we assume that only one transmit antenna is active at each transmit interval, and we modify a space shift keying (SSK) transmission by transmitting different complex values from different transmit antennas. Finally, we derive a power allocation to improve further the performance in nonstationary channels. By simulation, we show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in improving the performance in terms of the symbol error rate (SER). Index Terms—Adaptive space modulation (ASM), multiple- input-multiple-output (MIMO), partial channel state informa- tion at the transmitter (CSIT), space shift keying (SSK), spatial modulation (SM).
A neural network model of transformations in the somatosensory system

Neural responses simulated using a feed-forward, linear neural network were compared to responses recorded from neurons of the primary somatosensory cortex responding to stimulation of the finger pad with embossed letters. Based on the similarity between simulated and observed responses, it is hypothesized that ascending paths of the somatosensory system might have a general structure similar to the organization of this model network and that early cortical responses could be partial transforms leading to a nonisomorphic higher level representation of spatial form. >
The plastic deformation behavior of Mo single crystals under compression

The yield stress and slip behavior of Mo single crystals in six different orientations were investigated under compression over the temperature range from 77 to 550°K. The plastic behavior shows varying degrees of reversal effects in yield stress and slip band formation upon reversal of the sense of applied stress, depending on the crystal orientation. An attempt was made to rationalize the results in terms of the modified Peierls model. It is shown that not all experimental observations can be explained satsfactorily by the model. Die Fliesspannung und das Gleitverhalten von Mo-Einkristallen bei sechs verschiedenen Orientierungen wurden unter Kompression im Temperaturbereich von 77 bis 550°K untersucht. Das plastische Verhalten zeigt im unterschiedlichen Grade Umkehreffekte in der Fliesspannung und der Gleitbandbildung nach der Umkehr der angelegten Spannung, die von der Kristallorientierung abhangen. Es wird versucht, die Ergebnisse mit dem modifizierten Peierlsmodell zu diskutieren. Es wird gezeigt, das nicht alle experimentellen Beobachtungen mit dem Modell befriedigend erklart werden konnen.
On Error Probability for Non-coherent MIMO Channels in the Wideband Regime

We consider a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) wideband Rayleigh block fading channel where the channel state is unknown to both the transmitter and the receiver and there is only an average power constraint on the input. We compute the error probability and study its dependence on receive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), number of transmit and receive antennas and coherence length. We show that error probability decays inversely with coherence length and exponentially with the product of the number of transmit and receive antennas. Moreover, channel outage dominates error probability in the wideband regime. We also show that the critical as well as cut-off rates are much smaller than channel capacity in this regime.
Mass Migration and Local Outcomes: Is International Migration to the United States Creating a New Urban Underclass?

For earlier migrant streams, labour migration was a means of economic advancement. Moreover, migrants by and large were welcomed by the host societies, even recruited in the widely used guest worker programmes in Europe. Now, in the late 20th century, with changing economic conditions and very large-scale migrant flows, the context is changing; immigrants are less welcome and appear less well equipped to deal with the changing economies of post-industrial societies. An analysis of flows to a sample of large metropolitan areas in the US shows that the new immigrants are substantially poorer in educational levels than both earlier immigrants and the native-born population, with consequently lower incomes and greater likelihoods of being in poverty. If the new immigrant groups do not constitute a new underclass, it certainly raises the possibility that a larger number of new immigrants are likely to have a more difficult time making the transition to self-sufficiency than was true of earlier groups.
Finite element lumbar spine facet contact parameter predictions are affected by the cartilage thickness distribution and initial joint gap size

Current finite element modeling techniques utilize geometrically inaccurate cartilage distribution representations in the lumbar spine. We hypothesize that this shortcoming severely limits the predictive fidelity of these simulations. Specifically, it is unclear how these anatomically inaccurate cartilage representations alter range of motion and facet contact predictions. In the current study, cadaveric vertebrae were serially sectioned, and images were taken of each slice in order to identify the osteochondral interface and the articulating surface. A series of custom-written algorithms were utilized in order to quantify each facet joint's three-dimensional cartilage distribution using a previously developed methodology. These vertebrae-dependent thickness cartilage distributions were implemented on an L1 through L5 lumbar spine finite element model. Moments were applied in three principal planes of motion, and range of motion and facet contact predictions from the variable thickness and constant thickness distribution models were determined. Initial facet gap thickness dimensions were also parameterized. The data indicate that the mean and maximum cartilage thickness increased inferiorly from L1 to L5, with an overall mean thickness value of 0.57 mm. Cartilage distribution and initial facet joint gap thickness had little influence on the lumbar range of motion in any direction, whereas the mean contact pressure, total contact force, and total contact area predictions were altered considerably. The data indicate that range of motion predictions alone are insufficient to establish model validation intended to predict mechanical contact parameters. These data also emphasize the need for the careful consideration of the initial facet joint gap thickness with respect to the spinal condition being studied.
Modeling of the Transition From Active to Passive Oxidation of Si(100)

For a Si(100)2×1 surface exposed to oxygen, there is a transition from etching (“active” oxidation via removal of SiO) to “passive” oxidation (buildup of an oxide film) with decreasing surface temperature. The transition depends sensitively on a competition between SiO desorption, and oxide island formation. We analyze these processes utilizing both ab-initio quantum chemistry studies of key energetics and lattice-gas models for the cooperative behavior.
Perspectives on mammography after receipt of secondary screening owing to a false positive.

Abstract Background The utility of mammography screening as an efficacious tool for early detection is being contested owing to the risk of potential harms, including psychological distress and exposure to unnecessary procedures associated with false-positive (FPs) results and overdiagnosis. However, there is little research regarding women's experiences, values, or preferences for participating in mammography programs. Our aim was to explore women's actual experiences of a FP mammography screen and their perceptions of the value, risks and benefits given their recent experience. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 40 women who experienced a recent FP mammogram. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A directed content analysis was used to identify and explore primary themes. Knowledge of breast cancer risk was also assessed. Findings Receiving a FP mammography screen generated significant worry among 60% (n = 24) of women. Yet 70% maintained that mammography screening was necessary despite the worry incurred. Women also described the experience as stimulating greater interest in additional cancer prevention activities (32.5%; n = 13) and one-third discussed needing more information about the risks and benefits of mammography screening. Less than one-quarter of women (22.5%; n = 9) correctly identified a women's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer; 20% (n = 8) overestimated, and 57.5% (n = 23) underestimated this risk. Conclusion Women reported needing more information about the risks and benefits of mammography screening, but also considered FP results an acceptable risk. Further, our results suggest that breast cancer screening programs may provide a unique opportunity to deliver additional breast cancer prevention interventions.
Teaching the integration of information systems technologies

A curriculum for a master's level course called Integrating Information Systems Technologies is presented. The course content is drawn from industry practice, and teaches ways of integrating large scale information systems. The teaching method used is similar to the method used to teach architecture. Students are asked to design complex systems in the form of posters; in each class these posters are discussed. Course evaluations from 95 students suggest that students find posters more effective than written papers and slide presentations. Specifically, students find that posters not only encourage visualization, but also provide them a way of seeing the thought processes of fellow students
Analog circuit verification by statistical model checking

We show how statistical Model Checking can be used for verifying properties of analog circuits. As integrated circuit technologies scale down, manufacturing variations in devices make analog designs behave like stochastic systems. The problem of verifying stochastic systems is often difficult because of their large state space. Statistical Model Checking can be an efficient verification technique for stochastic systems. In this paper, we use sequential statistical techniques and model checking to verify properties of analog circuits in both the temporal and the frequency domain. In particular, randomly sampled system traces are sequentially generated by SPICE and passed to a trace checker to determine whether they satisfy a given specification, until the desired statistical strength is achieved.
A Control Framework for the Smart Grid for Voltage Support Using Agent-Based Technologies

The introduction of remotely controlled network devices is transforming the way the power system is operated and studied. The ability to provide real and reactive power support can be achieved at the end-user level. In this paper, a framework and algorithm to coordinate this type of end-user control is presented. The algorithm is based on a layered architecture that would follow a chain of command from the top layer (transmission grid) to the bottom layer (distribution grid). At the distribution grid layer, certain local problems can be solved without the intervention of the top layers. A reactive load control optimization algorithm to improve the voltage profile in distribution grid is presented. The framework presented in this paper integrates agent-based technologies to manage the data and control actions required to operate this type of architecture.
Reduction of Adhesion Formation by Intraperitoneal Administration of a Recombinant Hirudin Analog

Adhesion formation is a major source of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the reduction of postoperative adhesion formation would be of clinical benefit. Various modalities have been shown to reduce adhesion formation, including fibrinolytic enzymes, nonsteroidal anti-inflummatory drugs, and barriers that reduce the apposition of sites of potential adhesion formation. This study examined the ability of an inhibitor of thrombin, a recombinant hirudin analog (recHirudin), to reduce the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions in two rabbit models of adhesion formation. In the sidewall and double uterine horn models, recHirudin was administered via Alzet miniosmotic pump for the entire postoperative interval. In both of these models, there was a dose-dependent reduction in adhesion formation as measured by (1) the area of the sidewall injury that was involved in adhesions to the cecum and the bowel or (2) the involvement of the uterine horns to themselves or other peritoneal organs. These studi...
Architecture of the Soluble Receptor Aer2 Indicates an In-Line Mechanism for PAS and HAMP Domain Signaling

Abstract Bacterial receptors typically contain modular architectures with distinct functional domains that combine to send signals in response to stimuli. Although the properties of individual components have been investigated in many contexts, there is little information about how diverse sets of modules work together in full-length receptors. Here, we investigate the architecture of Aer2, a soluble gas-sensing receptor that has emerged as a model for PAS (Per–Arnt–Sim) and poly-HAMP (histidine kinase–adenylyl cyclase–methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein–phosphatase) domain signaling. The crystal structure of the heme-binding PAS domain in the ferric, ligand-free form, in comparison to the previously determined cyanide-bound state, identifies conformational changes induced by ligand binding that are likely essential for the signaling mechanism. Heme-pocket alternations share some similarities with the heme-based PAS sensors FixL and Ec DOS but propagate to the Iβ strand in a manner predicted to alter PAS–PAS associations and the downstream HAMP junction within full-length Aer2. Small-angle X-ray scattering of PAS and poly-HAMP domain fragments of increasing complexity allow unambiguous domain assignments and reveal a linear quaternary structure. The Aer2 PAS dimeric crystal structure fits well within ab initio small-angle X-ray scattering molecular envelopes, and pulsed dipolar ESR measurements of inter-PAS distances confirm the crystallographic PAS arrangement within Aer2. Spectroscopic and pull-down assays fail to detect direct interactions between the PAS and HAMP domains. Overall, the Aer2 signaling mechanism differs from the Escherichia coli Aer paradigm, where side-on PAS–HAMP contacts are key. We propose an in-line model for Aer2 signaling, where ligand binding induces alterations in PAS domain structure and subunit association that is relayed through the poly-HAMP junction to downstream domains.
Robust performance in systems with parametric uncertainty

The problem of checking the infinity norm of a transfer matrix that depends on a number of uncertain bounded parameters for being less than one (or any given bound) over all variations of the parameters is investigated. The problem is shown to be equivalent to checking robust stability with respect to the uncertain parameters in a system that is constructed from the given one by routine state-space calculations. The results allow many important robustness analysis problems to be solved efficiently. In particular, they can be used to check the robust performance of feedback systems with real parametric uncertainty and to check robust stability when that model uncertainty is expressed in terms of unknown but bounded real parameters and unmodeled dynamics lumped in one location in the feedback path. The results completely circumvent the need for manipulations with multivariate polynomials. Robust stability in the equivalent problem can be checked by only one multivariable stability margin computation. >
Using objects to communicate legal information

The problem of developing a formal knowledge representation system for communicating information about legal events is considered. This system is to be based on the use of the object metaphor embodied in Smalltalk-80. Once a knowledge representation system has been developed, it will be iteratively refined to better approximate the real-world issues in communicating legal information. A litigation event database, which is the necessary precursor to building and validating a litigation event knowledge representation schema, has been developed. >
Absence of Linkage for ‘Endothelial’ Nitric Oxide Synthase Locus to Blood Pressure in Dahl Rats

Nitric oxide is thought to be involved in blood pressure regulation. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes are logical candidates for genetic hypertension. Of the three known forms of NOS, the “neuronal” and “inducible” Nos genes have been tested as candidate genes for causing inherited hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. In the present work, we analyzed the endothelial Nos gene, designated Nos3 , directly and indirectly for cosegregation with blood pressure in six F 2 populations independently generated from crosses of Dahl salt-sensitive rats with rats of various other strains. The Nos3 alleles did not cosegregate with blood pressure in these populations. Therefore, Nos3 is an improbable, if not impossible, candidate gene for causing hypertension in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat.
The organic content of the Tagish Lake meteorite.

The Tagish Lake meteorite felt last year on a frozen take in Canada and may provide the most pristine material of its kind. Analyses have now shown this carbonaceous chondrite to contain a suite of soluble organic compounds (approximately 100 parts per million) that includes mono- and dicarboxylic acids, dicarboximides, pyridine carboxylic acids, a sulfonic acid, and both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The insoluble carbon exhibits exclusive aromatic character, deuterium enrichment, and fullerenes containing 'planetary' helium and argon. The findings provide insight into an outcome of early solar chemical evolution that differs from any seen so far in meteorites.
‘New Security’ in Cyberspace: Emerging Intersection between Military and Civilian Contingencies

From the outset, the emergent national and transnational networks of automated, inter-connected information systems were expected to create beneficial communities. Unfortunately, unpleasant contingencies more like those of turbulent urban environments have emerged in the undesired challenges to individual and group security from these spreading global and critical networks. The ‘netted’ nations of the West are acting more like global neighbouring cities in their increasingly similar social burdens and competition for resources seeping across real and virtual borders. At the same time, with the rise of both wider global networks and highly-Webbed military technology, the global military community is developing new, broader notions of the contingencies for which they must be prepared. In this process, on-going since the Gulf War of 1991, millions of defense research and acquisition budget dollars have been, and continue to be, aimed at solutions for these newly perceived broadening responsibilities. The surprising result is a growing intersection between the capabilities being sought and developed in the most modern of militaries, the services of the US, and the emerging needs of the wider civilian community in meeting new contingencies. This article discusses this growing intersection in meeting internet-borne societal threats or in applying internet-enabled responses to intentional or unintentional social disruptions. While these trends are largely seen, today, in the US military and society, they portend similar possible developments around the globe. Not only is the US currently defining the dominant notions of a ‘modern’ military, it is also the incubator nation for global notions of a computerized society
Exciton annihilation and dephasing dynamics in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are one of the most intriguing nanomaterials due to their large aspect ratios, size tunable properties, and dominant many body interactions. While the dynamics of exciton population relaxation have been well characterized, optical dephasing processes have only been examined indirectly through steady-state measurements such as single-molecule spectroscopy that can yield highly variable estimates of the homogeneous linewidth. To bring clarity to these conflicting estimates, a time-domain measurement of exciton dephasing at an ensemble level is necessary. Using two-pulse photon echo (2PE) spectroscopy, comparatively long dephasing times approaching 200 fs are extracted for the (6,5) tube species at room temperature. In this contribution, we extend our previous study of 2PE and pump-probe spectroscopy to low temperatures to investigate inelastic exciton-exciton scattering. In contrast to the population kinetics observed upon excitation of the second transition-allowed excitonic state (E 22 ), our one-color pump-probe data instead shows faster relaxation upon cooling to 60 K when the lowest transition-allowed state (E 11 ) is directly excited for the (6,5) tube species. Analysis of the kinetics obtained suggests that the observed acceleration of kinetic decay at low temperature originates from an increasing rate of exciton-exciton annihilation. In order to directly probe exciton-exciton scattering processes, femtosecond 2PE signal is measured as a function of excitation fluence and temperature. Consistent with the observed enhancement of exciton-exciton scattering and annihilation at low temperatures, the dephasing rates show a correlated trend with the temperature dependence of the population lifetimes extracted from one-color pump-probe measurements.
Genderism in the LGBTQQIA community: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the researchers examined experiences of genderism within, among, and between members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and ally (LGBTQQIA) community. Genderism, or bias resulting from a gender binary view, was explored with regard to gender identity, gender expression, gender roles, and gender-based assumptions. Responses from 10 participants were analyzed for themes within and across participants using IPA. Seven themes are presented, discussed, and supported by participant extracts. Implications for counseling with LGBTQQIA clients are presented, along with considerations for advocacy at a systemic level.
Cuckoo-Filter Based Privacy-Aware Search over Encrypted Cloud Data

Many organizations and individual users are out-sourcing their information which includes sensitive data into the cloud. To deal with the potential risks of privacy exposure, such data is typically encrypted before being outsourced but users would like to conduct keyword-based searches. Traditional searchable encryption techniques are overly restrictive for they only allow exact keyword search. Thus, fuzzy keyword search is needed to deal with typos in users' search strings. In this paper, we present a Cuckoo Filter Based Private Keyword Search Scheme (CFPKS) to provide privacy-aware keyword search over encrypted data. This CFPKS scheme uses a bed-tree structure-based index to boost search efficiency, a wildcard approach to support fuzzy keyword search, and a Cuckoo-filter to improve search accuracy and storage efficiency. Our scheme handles both typos and query unlinkability. Using a large ACM publication dataset, the evaluation results comparing the search efficiency and accuracy of our proposed CFPKS scheme with three existing schemes show that our scheme achieves higher search accuracy with lower search cost.
Design and Numerical Investigation of Advanced Radial Inlet for a Centrifugal Compressor Stage

The performance of a centrifugal compressor stage can be seriously affected by inlet flow distortions due to an unsatisfactory inlet configuration and the resulting flow structure. In this study, two radial inlets were designed for a centrifugal compressor stage and investigated numerically using a commercially available 3D viscous Navier-Stokes code. The intent of the design was to minimize the total pressure loss across the inlet while distributing the flow as equally and uniformly as possible to the impeller inlet. For each inlet model, the aerodynamic performance was calculated from the simulation results and then the results from both models were evaluated and compared. The second radial inlet design outperformed the initial design in terms of total pressure loss, flow distortion and uniformity at the impeller inlet. Furthermore, the aerodynamic performance of the second radial inlet was insensitive to wide range of mass flow rates compared to the initial design due to the distinctive geometric features implemented for the second inlet
Diabetes distress from the patient's perspective: Qualitative themes and treatment regimen differences among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Aims To explore diabetes distress in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes, treated and not treated with insulin. Methods Six focus groups were conducted with 32 adults with type 2 diabetes, divided by treatment regimen (insulin-treated N =15; 67% female; 60% black; 46% Hispanic; M age 54; M HbA1c 73mmol/mol (8.8%); non-insulin-treated N =17; 53% female; 65% black; 13% Hispanic; M age 58; M HbA1c 55mmol/mol (7.2%)). A coding team transcribed and analyzed interviews to describe themes. Themes were then compared between groups and with existing diabetes distress measures. Results Participants in both groups described a range of sources of diabetes distress, including lack of support/understanding from others, difficulties communicating with providers, and distress from the burden of lifestyle changes. Insulin-treated participants described significant emotional distress related to the burden of their insulin regimen. They were more likely to report physical burden related to diabetes; to describe feeling depressed as a result of diabetes; and to express distress related to challenges with glycemic control. Non-insulin-treated participants were more likely to discuss the burden of comorbid medical illnesses. Conclusions Our data generate hypotheses for further study into the emotional burdens of diabetes for insulin-treated adults with type 2 diabetes and are in line with quantitative research documenting increased diabetes-related distress among insulin-treated individuals. Data describe needs, currently unmet by most models of care, for comprehensive assessment and tailored management of diabetes-related distress.
The diagnosis and management of Wilms' tumor.

Wilms’ tumor is the most frequent malignant tumor of the kidney in infants and children. Effective treatment requires abdominal exploration with nephrectomy and administration of postoperative combination chemotherapy, with abdominal irradiation employed only for the treatment of microscopic or gross residual abdominal disease. Current therapeutic research is focused on improving therapy for certain patient groups, such as those with sarcomatous tumors, who continue to have a poor prognosis, and designing less toxic treatment programs for those patients who currently have a favorable prognosis.
Resection of a granular cell tumor at the hepatic confluence : a precarious location for a benign tumor

Granular cell tumors are lesions that account for less than 10 per cent of benign biliary tumors and only 1 per cent occur in the biliary tract. Since the first description, 45 other cases have been described to which we add a case. In reviewing the literature, a striking predominance in black females is evident. The most frequent location of these tumors in the biliary tree appears to be the common bile duct (50%), followed by the cystic duct (37%), the hepatic ducts (15%), and the gallbladder (4%). Most patients have been treated with resection followed by restoration of biliary continuity using biliary enteric diversion. In the case presented, the tumor was located at the hepatic confluence with extension into the hepatic substance requiring segmental duct cholangiojejunostomy after resection. This resulted in fulminant sepsis and death despite adequate preoperative biliary decompression and the lack of signs or symptoms of infected bile. Alternative forms of management in the treatment of this benign condition at this location are discussed.
Experimental induction of esophagogastric ulcers with inoculations of Ascaris suum eggs in swine.

Hysterectomy-derived piglet littermates were raised under specific pathogen-free conditions. They were orally inoculated with embryonated Ascaris suum eggs at 8 weeks of age. Two weeks after this primary inoculation, they were given a second dose of embryonated ascarid eggs. Alternatively, some of the piglets were inoculated with laboratory-hatched ascarid larvae in a mesenteric vein instead of the oral inoculation with embryonated eggs. All dually inoculated pigs developed extensive esophagogastric ulcers 8 to 10 days after the second exposure to ascarid eggs or larvae while littermate control pigs, uninoculated or singly inoculated, were normal and developed no ulcers.