cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the impacts of climate change on wheat yields in Northwestern Turkey

Abstract This study investigated the impacts of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and associated changes in climate on winter wheat yields in northwestern Turkey. The analysis was based on climate change predictions of four global circulation models (GCMs) for three greenhouse gas emission scenarios during three time periods in the 21st century. Climate change predictions by most GCMs used in this study suggested a consistent pattern of increase in the mean growing season air temperature and this increase is more pronounced under the aggressive emission scenario. Growing season precipitation experienced various levels of reduction, although with more variability than air temperature, depending on the model used and the scenario considered. Using these inputs, a mechanistic wheat crop model that successfully simulated contemporary wheat yields as well as the timing of critical growth stages indicated that increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations in the absence of changing climatic conditions had a slightly positive effect on yields. This was due to both the stimulating function of CO2 for photosynthesis and the regulatory function of CO2 that increases water use efficiency. However, these positive effects failed to counteract the significant decline in yields when temperature and precipitation were allowed to vary with increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Under these conditions, winter wheat yields were predicted to decline between 5 and 35 percent, depending on the GCM input used. When multi-model ensemble GCM inputs were considered to reduce inter-model variation, wheat yields were predicted to decline in excess of 20 percent across all emission scenarios and time periods. Further investigation of crop model outputs suggested that the main drivers of reduced yields were a shorter grain filling period caused by rapid plant development and increased water loss through transpiration, exacerbated by a significant decline in precipitation. The combined effects of reduced precipitation and enhanced transpiration in a future climate are particularly important in this semi-arid region, which is already at the limit of rain-fed winter wheat production. This study also points to the urgent need for controlled field- and laboratory-based experiments for temperature, water, and greenhouse gas effects on cereal yields as well as development of cultivars with longer grain filling periods in Turkish environments.
Regulation of Autolysis-Dependent Extracellular DNA Release by Enterococcus faecalis Extracellular Proteases Influences Biofilm Development

Enterococci are major contributors of hospital-acquired infections and have emerged as important reservoirs for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance traits. The ability to form biofilms on medical devices is an important aspect of pathogenesis in the hospital environment. The Enterococcus faecalis Fsr quorum system has been shown to regulate biofilm formation through the production of gelatinase, but the mechanism has been hitherto unknown. Here we show that both gelatinase (GelE) and serine protease (SprE) contribute to biofilm formation by E. faecalis and provide clues to how the activity of these proteases governs this developmental process. Confocal imaging of biofilms suggested that GelE − mutants were significantly reduced in biofilm biomass compared to the parental strain, whereas the absence of SprE appeared to accelerate the progression of biofilm development. The phenotype observed in a SprE − mutant was linked to an observed increase in autolytic rate compared to the parental strain. Culture supernatant analysis and confocal microscopy confirmed the inability of mutants deficient in GelE to release extracellular DNA (eDNA) in planktonic and biofilm cultures, whereas cells deficient in SprE produced significantly more eDNA as a component of the biofilm matrix. DNase I treatment of E. faecalis biofilms reduced the accumulation of biofilm, implying a critical role for eDNA in biofilm development. In conclusion, our data suggest that the interplay of two secreted and coregulated proteases—GelE and SprE—is responsible for regulating autolysis and the release of high-molecular-weight eDNA, a critical component for the development of E. faecalis biofilms.
Grandparent parents. Intergenerational surrogate parenting.

There is an increasing prevalence in the United States of intergenerational surrogate parenting. In fact, grandmother-headed households that include grandchildren without their parents are the fast...
Autoimmune associated congenital heart block: integration of clinical and research clues in the management of the maternal / foetal dyad at risk.

One of the strongest associations with autoantibodies directed to components of the SSA/Ro-SSB/La ribonucleoprotein complex is the development of congenital heart block (CHB) in an offspring, an alarming prospect facing 2% of primigravid mothers with these reactivities. This risk is 10-fold higher in women who have had a previously affected child with CHB. Anti-Ro/La antibodies are necessary but insufficient to cause disease. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that the pathogenesis involves exaggerated apoptosis, macrophage/myfibroblast crosstalk, TGFβ expression and extensive fibrosis in the conducting system and in some cases surrounding myocardium. A disturbing observation is the rapidity of disease progression, with advanced heart block and life-threatening cardiomyopathy observed <2 weeks from normal sinus rhythm. Once 3rd degree (complete) block is identified, reversal has never been achieved, despite dexamethasone. Current strategies include the evaluation of an early echocardiographic marker of injury, such as a prolonged PR interval and the use of IVIG as a preventative measure for pregnancies of mothers with previously affected children.
De compras por el supermercado genético

Should we say that selective abortion is a “powerful message that we seek to eliminate future persons”? When deaf parents want to have a deaf children, Are they crazy? Are they advocates of a culture –the Deaf culture? If genetic engineering can give us health, intelligent, and athletic childrens, why say not to this advantages? The aim of this article is not to deal with all objections that could be urged against these options; the purpose is developing a clear understanding of the central values at stake.
An Investigation into Techniques for Cleaning Mold-Contaminated Home Contents

This study examined the efficacy of the following treatments to reduce selected fungal spore and mycotoxin levels on materials commonly found in home contents: (1) gamma irradiation at a 10–13 kiloGray exposure, (2) a detergent/bleach wash, and (3) a steam cleaning technique. A minimum of six replicates were performed per treatment. Paper, cloth, wood, and carpet were inoculated with either fungal spores (Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, or Chaetomium globosum) at 240,000 spores/2.54 cm2 of material or with the mycotoxins roridin A, T-2, and verrucarin A at 10 μg per 2.54 cm2of material. Treatments were evaluated with an agar plating technique for fungal spores and a yeast toxicity culture assay for mycotoxins. Results showed that gamma irradiation inactivated fungal spores, but the treatment was not successful in inactivating mycotoxins. The washing technique completely inactivated or removed spores on all materials except for C. globosum, which was reduced on all items...
Monkeys that voluntarily and chronically drink alcohol damage their brains: a longitudinal MRI study.

Neuroimaging has consistently documented reductions in the brain tissue of alcoholics. Inability to control comorbidity, environmental insult, and nutritional deficiency, however, confound the ability to assess whether ethanol itself is neurotoxic. Here we report monkey oral ethanol self-administration combined with MR imaging to characterize brain changes over 15 months in 18 well-nourished rhesus macaques. Significant brain volume shrinkage occurred in the cerebral cortices of monkeys drinking⩾3 g/kg ethanol/day (12 alcoholic drinks) at 6 months, and this persisted throughout the period of continuous access to ethanol. Correlation analyses revealed a cerebral cortical volumetric loss of ∼0.11% of the intracranial vault for each daily drink (0.25 g/kg), and selective vulnerability of cortical and non-cortical brain regions. These results demonstrate for the first time a direct relation between oral ethanol intake and measures of decreased brain gray matter volume in vivo in primates. Notably, greater volume shrinkage occurred in monkeys with younger drinking onset that ultimately became heavier drinkers than monkeys with older drinking onset. The pattern of volumetric changes observed in nonhuman primates following 15 months of drinking suggests that cerebral cortical gray matter changes are the first macroscopic manifestation of chronic ethanol exposure in the brain.
Estimating the Impact of Regulatory Program Enforcement: Practical Implications of Positive Political Theory

The most common model for estimating the impact of regulatory program enforcement on intended outcomes is based on a standard version of deterrence theory. The corresponding estimating equation regards the amount of noncompliance by a firm as a linear function of enforcement by the regulatory agency, holding a variety of other variables constant. This article shows, based on recent theories in formal political science about how regulatory programs are likely to be implemented, that an equation of this form is likely to produce biased estimates. Specifically, the literature implies that the function should probably be a second-degree polynomial; that it should be two simultaneous equations, with one for compliance and one for enforcement; and that relevant equations should include variables that characterize the political coloration of the local area in which enforcement and compliance decisions are made. The general conclusion is that theory and method cannot and need not be separated. Evaluators of regul...
Swimming upstream: Faculty and staff members from urban middle schools in low-income communities describe their experience implementing nutrition and physical activity initiatives

Introduction Addressing childhood overweight has become a top priority in the United States. Modification of school policies and practices has been used in an attempt to address the overweight epidemic among children and adolescents. Culturally diverse urban schools in low-income communities attempting to improve nutrition and increase physical activity may face unique challenges in the school environment. A better understanding is needed about school environments and how they may affect the implementation, efficacy, and sustainability of initiatives designed to improve nutrition and physical activity.
Sustainability of evidence-based community-based physical activity programs for older adults: Lessons from Active for Life

Program sustainability in community and healthcare settings is critical to realizing the translation of research into practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation and assessment of an intervention to increase organizational maintenance of evidence-based physical activity programs and the factors that impede or facilitate sustainability. All organizations implemented a sustainability action plan that included identifying factors related to sustainability, examining resources available, identifying program modifications to enhance sustainability, and long-term action planning. A mixed methods approach was used. Organizational (n = 12 sites) ability to demonstrate program effectiveness, align priorities with the organizational mission, and integrate the program within the existing infrastructure were strengths related to sustainability. Sites were more optimistic about program sustainability when they had less reliance on internal financial, but more reliance on internal human resources to run the program post-funding. The study resulted in a number of tools that can help community organizations plan for sustainability of physical activity programs.
The role of university, government, and industry cooperation in regaining US competitiveness

Summary form only given, as follows. It is noted that during this past year, with discussions of DRAMs (dynamic random access memories), high-definition television, and other technology-based competitiveness issues, there has been a marked increase in the acceptance of cooperation as a US response. It is important to recognize that cooperation is being used in a context that requires fundamental changes in the way in which universities, government, and industry operate. It is suggested that prerogatives must be sacrificed, common goals accepted, and priorities recorded. Most importantly, competitors must agree to cooperate, and cooperators to compete. Then US competitiveness may be restored. >
The Dietary Sodium-Blood Pressure Plot “Stiffens”

Nearly 50% of our population by 65 years of age has a systolic pressure within a “risky” range, that is, has predominantly systolic hypertension (PSH),1 attributable, in part, to a reduction in large artery compliance because of an increased stiffness of the arterial wall. For a given pattern of left ventricular ejection, arterial stiffening reduces diastolic pressure and increases pulse pressure. Although increased arterial stiffness elevates pulse pressure, it is not itself sufficient to raise systolic pressure to hypertensive levels, unless accompanied by an increase in stroke volume or peripheral vascular resistance (PVR).2 Whereas the former is not increased in older persons with PSH, the latter is higher (by ≈15% on average) than in age-matched normotensive persons.3 This mild-moderate elevation of PVR is usually unrecognized because it is not routinely assessed. The increased large artery stiffness that accompanies PSH precedes the elevation of arterial pressure to clinically defined hypertensive values,4 giving rise to the notion that this form of hypertension, at least in part, is a disease of the arterial wall. Moreover, elevated pulse wave velocity, an index of arterial stiffness, and reduced total systemic compliance, assessed by stroke volume/pulse pressure, are themselves independent predictors of future cardiovascular events, even after accounting for the effect of the concomitant increase in blood pressure.5,6 There is substantial evidence to indicate that the NaCl dependence of arterial pressure increases with advancing age and that this age effect is exaggerated in older hypertensive patients.7 In this issue of Hypertension , Gates et al8 add to this perspective by demonstrating that a reduction in dietary sodium to approximately 60 mmol/d, considered to be a low sodium intake by the Dietary …
Depression Management Training: A Structured Group Approach.

This article describes a structured group program called Depression Management Training (DMT), the focus of which is to increase participants' awareness of the multidimentional sources of depression and to enhance their coping strategies.
Sources and deposition of reactive gaseous mercury in the marine atmosphere

Observations of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) in marine air show a consistent diurnal cycle with minimum at night, rapid increase at sunrise, maximum at midday, and rapid decline in afternoon. We use a box model for the marine boundary layer (MBL) to interpret these observations in terms of RGM sources and sinks. The morning rise and midday maximum are consistent with oxidation of elemental mercury (Hg 0 ) by Br atoms, requiring <2 ppt BrO in most conditions. Oxidation of Hg 0 by Br accounts for 35–60% of the RGM source in our model MBL, with most of the remainder contributed by oxidation of Hg 0 by ozone (5–20%) and entrainment of RGM-rich air from the free troposphere (25–40%). Oxidation of Hg 0 by Cl is minor (3–7%), and oxidation by OH cannot reproduce the observed RGM diurnal cycle, suggesting that it is unimportant. Fitting the RGM observations could be achieved in the model without oxidation of Hg 0 by ozone (leaving Br as the only significant oxidant) by increasing the entrainment flux from the free troposphere. The large relative diurnal amplitude of RGM concentrations implies rapid loss with a lifetime of only a few hours. We show that this can be quantitatively explained by rapid, masstransfer-limited uptake of RGM into sea-salt aerosols as HgCl3 2� . Our results suggest that 80– 95% of Hg II in the MBL should be present in sea-salt aerosol rather than gas-phase, and that deposition of sea-salt aerosols is the major pathway delivering Hg II to the ocean.
Evidence to Inform Policy, Practice and Education for Unintended Pregnancy Prevention and Management

Diana Taylor, RNP, PhD, FAAN, is a professor emerita in the School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and Research & Evaluation Director, UCSF Primary Care Initiative, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health Program (ANSIRH), UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Oakland, CA. Imagine a world in which every child is wanted and couples feel secure in making choices about when to have children and how many to have. Unfortunately, the United States has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy among the world’s most developed nations and the highest rate of teen pregnancy. The political and emotional nature of the discussions regarding reproduction and sexuality, especially abstinence and abortion, hinder progress toward change that will significantly impact unintended pregnancy rates in the United States. The charged national conversation limits the federal funding available for research investigating effective interventions and suppresses development of national prevention guidelines (Taylor, Levi, & Simmonds, 2010). Without strong national guidelines on prevention and management of unintended pregnancies, state policies widely vary, and according to recent reports, the majority of states consistently do not serve to protect the reproductive health of women (Institute Of Medicine, 2010; National Women’s Law Center, 2010).
Collagen and Elastin Content in Canine Arteries Selected from Functionally Different Vascular Beds

The amount of collagen and elastin in normal canine arteries was determined biochemically in nine different sites. The total collagen and elastin ranges from 58 to 75% of the weight of the dry defatted artery. Reasons are adduced to propose that the expression of results as the ratio of collagen to elastin (C/E) is a useful index of the relative distensibility for the maintenance tension of arterial wall. Two arteries, carotid and renal, which are pathways to blood pressure sensors, have a statistically significantly higher C/E than the femoral and mesenteric arteries, which are pathways to regulated beds. The highest C/E was found in the coronary artery. Results are interpreted in relation to the function of the vascular beds to which the representative arterial specimens belong.
ViteX: a streaming XPath processing system

We present ViteX, an XPath processing system on XML streams with polynomial time complexity. ViteX uses a polynomial-space data structure to encode an exponential number of pattern matches (in the query size) which are required to process queries correctly during a single sequential scan of XML. Then ViteX computes query solutions by probing the data structure in a lazy fashion without enumerating pattern matches.
Acute incident rapid response at a mass-gathering event through comprehensive planning systems: a case report from the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle

Planning and execution of mass-gathering events involves various challenges. In this case report, the Chicago Model (CM), which was designed to organize and operate such events and to maintain the health and wellbeing of both runners and the public in a more effective way, is described. The Chicago Model also was designed to prepare for unexpected incidents, including disasters, during the marathon event. The model has been used successfully in the planning and execution stages of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon since 2008. The key components of the CM are organizational structure, information systems, and communication. This case report describes how the organizers at the 2013 Shamrock Shuffle used the key components of the CM approach in order to respond to an acute incident caused by a man who was threatening to jump off the State Street Bridge. The course route was changed to accommodate this unexpected event, while maintaining access to key health care facilities. The lessons learned from the incident are presented and further improvements to the existing model are proposed.
Links between child and adolescent trauma exposure and service use histories in a national clinic-referred sample

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is a federally funded child mental health service initiative designed to raise the standard of care and increase access to evidence-based services for traumatized children and their families across the United States. As part of the quality improvement goal, a Core Data Set (CDS) was established to standardize data collection and examine treatment outcomes across participating centers. This paper describes baseline demographic characteristics, prevalence of trauma exposure, and service use for children and adolescents served by a broad range of NCTSN service delivery centers. Data were collected from children 0–18 years (52% girls, 82% were 6–18 years old) who reported exposure to at least one trauma and who received trauma-related services (n 11,104). Approximately half the sample was White; more than three quarters reported exposure to multiple types of trauma. Sixty-three percent were eligible for state- or federally funded insurance. The two most commonly reported traumatic events were traumatic loss/separation/bereavement and domestic violence. Number and type of trauma exposure varied by gender and age. Type and number of services utilized prior to entering an NCTSN center varied by number of trauma exposures. Systematically assessing children’s trauma exposure provides clinically useful information, particularly for those exposed to multiple types of traumatic events. Identifying subgroups, and markers of risk for trauma-related sequelae, may inform policies, programs, and best practices to meet specific needs of children and families. Future research may clarify high-risk trauma profiles for coordinated utilization of systems of care.
Glucoamylase and glucose oxidase preparations and their combined application for conversion of maltose to gluconic acid

The kinetic behavior of a system of multiple enzyme in solution has been studied in a variable volume batch reactor at pH 5, controlled dissolved oxygen concentration, and T = 30°C. The enzymes used were glucoamylase (R. delemar), glucose oxidase (A. niger), and gluconolactonase (A. niger), all of which are important commercial biocatalysts, and a disaccharide was employed as the starting substrate. This study includes the basic kinetic properties of individual enzymes and interactions between components of the reaction mixture. Classical Michaelis–Menten single substrate or two substrate kinetic with parameters based on initial rate data predict correctly the batch time course of the sequential reaction network.
The Novel PIAS-like Protein hZimp10 Enhances Smad Transcriptional Activity

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays critical roles in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Smad proteins are substrates of the TGF-β type I receptor and are responsible for transducing receptor signals to target genes in the nucleus. The PIAS (protein inhibitor of activated STAT) proteins were originally identified as transcriptional co-regulators of the JAK-STAT pathway. Subsequently, cross-talk between the PIAS proteins and other signaling pathways has been shown to be involved in various cellular processes. Importantly, PIAS proteins modulate TGF-β signaling by regulating the transcriptional activity of Smad3. In this study we tested whether hZimp10, a novel PIAS-like protein, acts as other PIAS proteins to regulate Smad3-mediated transcription. We show that expression of exogenous hZimp10 enhances the transcriptional activity of Smad3, which appears to be Smad4-dependent and responsive to TGF-β induction. Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous hZimp10 reduced the transcriptional activity of Smad3. A protein-protein interaction between Smad3 and Smad4 with hZimp10 was identified in glutathione S-transferase-pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The Miz domain of hZimp10 and the MH2 domains of Smad3 and Smad4 were mapped as the regions responsible for binding. Results from immunostaining assays further demonstrated that Smad3, Smad4, and hZimp10 co-localize within cell nuclei. Finally, we demonstrated that Smad3/4-mediated transcription is significantly impaired in response to TGF-β induction in Zimp10 null (zimp10-/-) embryonic fibroblasts. Taken together, these results provide the first line of evidence to demonstrate a role for Zimp10 in regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
Cooperative assembly of three-ring-based zeolite-type metal-organic frameworks and Johnson-type dodecahedra.

Two birds with one stone One synthetic strategy led to the preparation of both 3-ring-based zeolite-type metal-organic frameworks (NPO-type) and Johnson-type metal-organic polyhedra. The strategy is based on the cooperative assembly of 4-connected indium nodes with two symmetry-complementary ligands (one serves to generate 3-rings and the other crosslinks 3-rings). Photocatalytic H2 production experiments demonstrated these NPO-zeolite compounds behave as semiconductors and exhibit photocatalytic activity for the generation of dihydrogen from water under ultraviolet irradiation.
Finite-Element Modeling of the Thermal/Structural Response of a Rifled Silicon-Nitride Barrel Subjected to Thermal and Pressure Transients

A 3-D finite-element model was used to simulate the severe and localized thermal/pressure transients and the resulting stresses experienced by a rifled ceramic liner with a steel sheath. The focus of the simulations was on the influence of the rifling fillets on the heat transfer and resulting thermoelastic stresses (including pressure transients) generated during a single firing event. Since the modeling was primarily concerned with the effects of the rifling groove, a small, twisted segment of the barrel length based on rotational symmetry was employed. Using this simplification, the model utilized uniform heating and pressure across the inner surface via a time-dependent convective coefficient and pressure generated by the propellant gasses. Results indicated that the inner fillet radius of the rifling groove (rf2) had the greatest influence on the maximum circumferential (hoop) stresses and temperatures experience by the rifled barrel. Based on these simulations, it is recommended that rf2 be kept as large as possible in order to reduce the tensile hoop-stresses. Moreover, it appears to be permissible to keep the outer fillet radius of the groove (rf1) relatively small so as to help ensure that the rifling will adequately engrave the projectile and transmit rifling torque.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Human Dignity Scenarios With Doing the Right Thing

Human dignity is a phenomenon of great importance to all health-related disciplines. For the professional nurse, human dignity is embedded in the ontological beliefs of a philosophical school of thought that guides the priority actions found in nurse practice. The common ethical phrase of doing the right thing is insinuated in the enduring truths of affirming human dignity in nurse practice. The author in this column examines possible meanings for doing the right thing in light of the ethical tenets of humanbecoming including reverence, awe, betrayal, and shame.
H-1, C-13, and F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance assignments of 3,3-difluoro-5α-androstane-17β-ol acetate

Abstract The molecular structure of 3,3-difluoro-5α-androstane-17β-ol acetate was analyzed by 1 H, 13 C, and 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques; two-dimensional NMR was used to assigned 1 H and 13 C resonances. The 1 H NMR spectrum in deuterated chloroform shows three sharp singlets (δ = 0.74, 0.79, and 2.00 ppm) integrating for three protons each, an isolated triplet at 4.55 ppm integrating for one proton, and overlapping multiplets between 0.72 and 2.12 ppm integrating for 31 protons. The 13 C spectrum shows 18 resonances between 10 and 55 ppm, and three additional resonances at 82.9, 124.0, and 171.5 ppm. The 19 F{ 1 H} spectrum shows two sets of doublets (observed 2 J = 150 Hz) at 5.00 and −4.80 ppm. Multiplets arising from 19 F- 13 C J-coupling provide the starting assignment for all resonances by means of 1 H homonuclear correlation (COSY) and 1 H- 13 C heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy.
Rationale and approach to evaluation of the impact of medical therapies on progression of atherosclerosis with arterial wall imaging.

AbstractBackground:Despite the benefit of medical therapies, there remains a substantial residual risk of cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis imaging has been used to assess new therapies.Scope:A selective review of current imaging techniques used to evaluate novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies.Findings:Noninvasive and invasive arterial wall imaging permits characterization of the quantity and composition of atherosclerotic plaque. Serial imaging enables assessment of the impact of therapies on the natural history of disease progression.Conclusion:Both noninvasive and invasive imaging modalities can be used in development programs to provide an early assessment of the impact of novel anti-atherosclerotic agents.
Physical models for degradation effects in polysilicon thin-film transistors

Experimental data showing the degradation in performance of polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) under a variety of bias stress conditions are presented. A model is proposed to explain these effects whereby device performance degrades due to changes in the effective density of defect states in the material. Unlike single-crystal devices which degrade from hot-carrier effects, poly-Si TFTs are believed to degrade primarily due to the presence of high carrier densities in the channel. Good agreement between computer simulations of the device characteristics and experimental data ia demonstrated. It is shown that stressing under transient conditions leads to a more severe performance degradation than stressing under comparable steady-state conditions. >
Reactive Robust Routing with Opportunistic Large Arrays

An opportunistic large array (OLA)-based reactive routing protocol, which we call OLA routing on-demand (OLAROAD), is investigated for mobile ad hoc networks for varying node densities. An OLA is a simple form of cooperative transmission (CT) in which a group of simple relays or forwarding nodes operate without any mutual coordination, but naturally fire together in response to energy received from a single source or another OLA. OLAROAD incorporates CT into both route discovery and data transmission. It avoids the overhead involved in finding a conventional multi-hop route and individual addressing of relay nodes, which are problems of the other CT-based routing schemes. Through extensive simulations using the random way point mobility model, we show that the packet delivery ratio (PDR) and latency of OLAROAD doesn 't change with density whereas a traditional multi-hop scheme like AODV incurs much more overhead and delay as the density increases. We also compare the end-to-end delays where we take into account the delay due to route breakages and also the delay in data transmission.
The flexible C-terminal arm of the Lassa arenavirus Z-protein mediates interactions with multiple binding partners.

The arenavirus genome encodes for a Z-protein, which contains a RING domain that coordinates two zinc ions, and has been identified as having several functional roles at various stages of the virus life cycle. Z-protein binds to multiple host proteins and has been directly implicated in the promotion of viral budding, repression of mRNA translation and apoptosis of infected cells. Using homology models of the Z-protein from Lassa strain arenavirus, replica exchange molecular dynamics were employed to refine the structures, which were then subsequently clustered. Population weighted ensembles of low energy cluster representatives were predicted based upon optimal agreement of the chemical shifts computed with the SPARTA program with the experimental NMR chemical shifts. A member of the refined ensemble was indentified to be a potential binder of budding factor Tsg101 based on its correspondence to the structure of the HIV-1 Gag late domain when bound to Tsg101. Members of these ensembles were docked against the crystal structure of human eIF4E translation initiation factor. Two plausible binding modes emerged based upon their agreement with experimental observation, favorable interaction energies and stability during molecular dynamics trajectories. Mutations to Z are proposed that would either inhibit both binding mechanisms or selectively inhibit only one mode. The C-terminal domain conformation of the most populated member of the representative ensemble shielded protein binding recognition motifs for Tsg101 and eIF4E, and represents the most populated state free in solution. We propose that C-terminal flexibility is key for mediating the different functional states of the Z-protein.
Fast Poisson blending using multi-splines

We present a technique for fast Poisson blending and gradient domain compositing. Instead of using a single piecewise-smooth offset map to perform the blending, we associate a separate map with each input source image. Each individual offset map is itself smoothly varying and can therefore be represented using a low-dimensional spline. The resulting linear system is much smaller than either the original Poisson system or the quadtree spline approximation of a single (unified) offset map. We demonstrate the speed and memory improvements available with our system and apply it to large panoramas. We also show how robustly modeling the multiplicative gain rather than the offset between overlapping images leads to improved results, and how adding a small amount of Laplacian pyramid blending improves the results in areas of inconsistent texture.
Structure of the ribonucleic acid bacteriophage R17.

Abstract Vasquez, Cesar (Institut de Recherches sur le Cancer, Villejuif, Seine, France), Nicole Granboulan, and Richard M. Franklin. Structure of the ribonucleic acid bacteriophage R17. J. Bacteriol. 92:1779–1786. 1966.—The morphology of bacteriophage R17 was studied by electron microscopy of negatively stained virions. The hexagonal shape, the presence of a maximum of 10 units at the periphery, and especially the observation of central fivefold points of symmetry with neighboring five and six coordinated units indicated icosahedral symmetry with 32 morphological units. Although the exact shape of the polyhedron could not be specified, the number of morphological units agreed with the chemically estimated number of structural units.
Identity of Nyctimystes cheesmani (Anura: Hylidae), with description of two new related species

Using morphological and call data, I redescribe the taxonomically problematic Papuan hylid frog Nyctimystes cheesmani based on specimens collected at similar elevation to and within 5 km of the type locality. It has long been known thatseveral species of Nyctimystes closely related to N. cheesmani remain to be described in New Guinea, but diagnosis anddescription of these species has languished for decades in the absence of a clear exposition of what constitutes true N. cheesmani. This species is characterized by having vocal slits; a small heel tubercle; basal webbing on hand; exposedtympanum; vertical lines of palpebral reticulum oriented obliquely and with relatively few horizontal cross-connections;pale-tan iris; rear of thighs barred/mottled with brown, caramel, or blue-gray; and call a single, quiet pulsed croak deliv-ered relatively slowly in long trains and with a dominant frequency around 1.9 kHz. It is currently known only from theimmediate vicinity of the type locality, and its exact distribution throughout the Owen Stanley Mts. remains to be deter-mined. I also describe two new species related to N. cheesmani from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Both aresimilar to N. cheesmani in morphometric measurements but are easily distinguished from that species by their advertise-ment calls and by details in color pattern. The first species is known only from the southernmost extent of the Owen Stanley Mts and the adjacent Cloudy Mts., the second is endemic to the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago.
Religiosity in 5-D: A Critical Note

T ^ he equivocation which may result from violation of natural language or face validity is manifested in an article by Faulkner and DeJong (1966), "Religiosity in 5-D: An Empirical Analysis." The authors (1966:246-247) claim to be measuring and testing the associations among Glock's (1962) five dimensions of religiosity. They adequately refer to his dimensions as "experiential (feeling, emotion), ritualistic (religious behavior, i.e., church attendance), ideological (beliefs), intellectual (knowledge), and consequential (the effects in the secular world of the prior four dimensions) ." The empirical "definition" of the dimensions, however, is given by the items used to measure them. It cannot be overemphasized that precisely at the juncture of the epistemic correlation, or the operationalization, the question of validity is not to be denied. The gap between stimulus and concept is one major arena for the sociology of social science. Qua sociologist, the relevant explanation for the acceptance or rejection of a posited link between the concept and a measured event, i.e., the event as known, is the prevailing norms and expectations of the scientific community concerning the nature of evidence and the form of inference. In the Faulkner and Dejong article, these expectations are violated. The items which they used to operationalize the ideological (belief) dimension correctly include such stimulus words as "believe, idea, opinion, and view" (all the items are listed on pages 252-254 of their article). The face validity of these stimuli is acceptable. What conclusions about validity can be drawn, however, when the same semantic category of stimuli, viz., "view, opinion, believe," is found in three out of four items on the intellectual (knowledge) dimension? Campbell and Magill (1968: 83) also note that the knowledge dimension which Faulkner and Dejong present contains three "belief" items. The only knowledge (in the usual sense of the term) item is a question asking for the names of the four Gospels or the first five books of the Old Testament. The ritualistic (religious practice, e.g., church attendance) five-item scale includes the following two items (italics added): "Do you feel it is possible for an individual to develop a well-rounded religious life apart from the institutional church?" and "Do you believe that for your marriage the ceremony should be performed by: . . . ?" The experiential (feeling, religious emotion) five-item scale includes only one item which asks about "feeling 'close'" to the Divine. The other items ask whether you would "say" that religious commitment gives a certain purpose to life; or a sense of security in the face of death; how you would "respond" to a statement that religion provides a nonrational interpretation of existence; and whether you agree that faith is essential to a religious life. These items are proffered as operationalizations of real emotional or felt experiences of a Divine presence (Glock, 1962). Most of the stimuli reported above are akin
A Calculation and Test Method of Reactive Current Droop Compensation for Large Generators

For improving power system stability,large generator reacitve current droop compensation unit provides reactive power,which can compensate the reactor of transformer. Generator reactive current droop compensation is an important parameters of generator reactive power,especially for the expansion unit connection generators. According to the industry standards of the power system,this article provides a calculation and test method of reactive current droop compensation for large generators.
Analysis of the monitoring results of Keshan disease from 2008 to 2012 in Chongqing city

Objective To understand the current situation of Keshan disease in Chongqing city so as to provide scientific basis for future prevention and control. Methods The Liangping, Shizhu, Fengdu and Dianjiang endemic counties and endemic Wanzhou district of Chongqing city were chosen for the study. Keshan cases were searched from all registered cases of myocardial patients of the past three years at county-level medical institutions and township hospitals. 29 villages of 5 counties were selected as monitoring sites to carry out intensified investigation. The residents of the village were surveyed by questionnaire, clinical examination, and 12-lead electrocardiogram(EGG). Suspected Keshan patients had chest X-ray examination. Keshan patients were diagnosed according to the criteria of "diagnosis of Keshan disease ". 15 ~20 hair samples and 10~15 rice samples were collected for detecting selenium content. Results 144 medical institutions were searched.43 out of 2 647 cardiac cases from medical institutes were confirmed had chronic Keshan disease.29 villages were investigated and 14 201 people were surveyed by questionnaire and clinical examination. 58 Keshan patients were found and the total detection rate was 0.41%. The detection rates of potential Keshan disease and chronic Keshan were 0.11% and 0.30%, respectively. No acute and sub acute Keshan case was found in the survey. At county level,the total detection rates of Liangping, Shizhu, Fengdu, and Dianjiang counties and Wanzhou district were 0.47%,0.51%, 0.35%, 0.12%, and 0.00%, respectively. At village level, 19 of 29 villages(65.52%) had Keshan cases and the detection rate was between 0.20% and 1.25%. The numbers of subjects with normal and abnormal EGG were 11 409 and 2 792, respectively. The abnormal rate of EGG was 19.66%. 144 of 287 people(50.17%) checked by X-ray showed enlargement changes. Selenium content was detected in 190 rice samples of 16 villages and 391 hair samples of22 villages. The average selenium content of rice and hair samples were 0.023 and 0.311 mg / kg, respectively.Conclusions The detected rate of Keshan disease is low and varies in different investigation sites in Chongqing city.
Modulation of renin by thromboxane: studies with thromboxane synthase inhibitor, receptor antagonists, and mimetic.

The regulation of plasma renin activity (PRA) by thromboxane (Tx) A2 was studied in anesthetized rats by measuring PRA before and after administration of drugs that block cyclooxygenase (CO) (indom...
Advanced SQC Methods

In the previous chapters several methods are described for achieving various objectives. Each of these methods can be viewed as representative of many other similar methods developed by researchers. Many of these methods are published in such respected journals as the Journal of Quality Technology, Technometrics, and The Bell System Technical Journal. In general, the other methods offer additional features and advantages.
Fungal Cell Biology and Development

Fungi share most fundamental features of cell structure and function with other eukaryotes. Cell biological distinctions include the unique chemical composition of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane, and the peculiar mechanisms of hyphal growth in filamentous fungi and budding in yeasts. Filamentous fungi generate multicellular colonies, or mycelia, through the extension and repeated branching of cells called hyphae. Mycelia can be restricted to a patch on a decomposing leaf, or span an enormous territory in a forest ecosystem. Fungi also produce multicellular organs that function in the exploration of the environment and survival under conditions of environmental stress. Fruit bodies, including the familiar mushrooms of basidiomycetes, are multicellular reproductive organs. Mushroom formation involves the coordinated growth of millions of hyphae. The molecular control of hyphal growth and fruit body formation are areas of active research, but many questions about the developmental biology of the fungi are unanswered.
Laser-induced damage of intrinsic and extrinsic defects by picosecond pulses on multilayer dielectric coatings for petawatt-class lasers

We describe a damage testing system and its use in investigating laser-induced optical damage initiated by both intrinsic and extrinsic precursors on multilayer dielectric coatings suitable for use in high-energy, large-aperture petawatt-class lasers. We employ small-area damage test methodologies to evaluate the intrinsic damage resistance of various coatings as a function of deposition methods and coating materials under simulated use conditions. In addition, we demonstrate that damage initiation by raster scanning at lower fluences and growth threshold testing are required to probe the density of extrinsic defects, which will limit large-aperture optics performance.
Political Sophistication and Presidential Candidate Considerations: Disentangling the Effects of Knowledge, Interest, and Media Exposure

Answers to political sophistication questions are typically tied to theoretical or normative assumptions, which produce given sets of operational guidelines. In this study, I develop an understanding of election specific expertise, conceived of as three distinct dimensions—knowledge, interest, and media exposure. This methodological approach helps provide a richer appreciation of the unique effects of each dimension on the nature, number, and breadth of candidate considerations employed by voters. Results lend support for the overriding claim that sophistication is a critical source of heterogeneity within the American electorate. The classic democratic competency standard of an issue-driven voting public is achieved through a more knowledgeable, interested citizenry. At the same time, knowledge and interest produce divergent influences on particular types of personality-based candidate evaluations while media exposure is most remarkable for its absence of explanatory value.
Host microRNAs contribute to immunity and development of pathology in Chlamydia trachomatis infection

C trachomatis (Ct) is the leading cause of human bacterial sexually transmitted infections. In humans, genital Ct infection leads to reproductive sequelae including fibrosis, tissue damage and inflammation. Although molecular events leading to genital tissue exacerbation and tissue remodeling are unclear, early stage host immune responses may lead to collateral damage in the form of upper genital pathological sequelae. Given that immune responses are regulated by non-coding RNA species namely microRNAs (miRs), the objective of this study was to determine signatures miRs and decipher mechanistic contribution of selected miRs in early stage immune responses and subsequent development of pathology. Using the murine model of genital Ct, C57BL/6 wild type (WT) were intravaginally infected with Ct and cellular infiltrates (flow cytometry), miRs and putative targets (real-time PCR and mass spectrometry) and genital pathology was analyzed. Ex vivo genital cell cultures manipulated with miR agonists and antagonists were used for gain and loss of function validation. We found Ct infection in C57BL/6 genital tract significantly regulated selected miRs at early stages of infection post challenge. Amongst these, miRs-125b, -182, -214 and 30c were significantly altered and in vitro knockdown analyses with specific inhibitors resulted in increase in Ct infectivity corroborating our in vivo findings. Additionally, in vivo miR-214 was observed to regulate intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and neutrophil infiltration affecting development of upper genital pathology in an IL17A dependent manner. These findings provide evidence for early stage regulation of immune responses via host miRs affecting development of genital pathology.