cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Concise Synthesis of All Four Possible Benzo[4,5]furopyridines via Palladium-Mediated Reactions

By taking advantage of the α- and γ-activation of chloropyridines as well as palladium-mediated reactions, all four possible benzo[4,5]furopyridine tricyclic heterocycles, benzo[4,5]furo[2,3-b]pyridine, benzo[4,5]furo[2,3-c]pyridine, benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-c]pyridine, and benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]pyridine, are efficiently synthesized from 2-chloro-3-iodopyridine, 3-chloro-4-stannylpyridine, 4-chloro-3-iodopyridine, and 2-chloro-3-hydroxypyridine, respectively.
High-resolution electron microscopy of amorphization of Cu4 Ti3

The electron irradiation-induced, crystalline-to-amorphous transition was studied in the intermetallic compound Cu4Ti3 by high-resolution electron microscopy. Using highresolution maps from the crystalline region into the amorphized region, the amorphization process and the amorphous structure were examined. The extent of chemical order in crystalline regions just prior to amorphization was studied by simultaneously imaging superlattice and fundamental lattice fringe contrast. The chemical order continuously decreased in these regions but faint superlattice contrast was recognized as long as the crystalline feature remained on the image, supporting the theory that chemical disordering is the major driving force for amorphization. The amorphization process appears to be evolutionary, leading to a nanocrystalline type of amorphous structure. A model of the amorphization process is proposed based on the present results and those from previous studies.
Over-the-Horizon radar in the HF band

Over-the-horizon (OTH) HF radar using sky-wave propagation via refraction by the ionosphere is capable of detecting targets at distances an order of magnitude greater than conventional microwave radar limited by the line of sight. Some of the characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of OTH radar based on the experience of the MADRE radar as developed by the Naval Research Laboratory are described. Also discussed is the application of OTH radar to air-traffic control and to the remote sensing of sea conditions.
Nutrient demand affects ruminal digestion responses to a change in dietary forage concentration.

Abstract Previous research in our laboratory has indicated that the physical filling effects of high-forage diets become increasingly dominant in determining feed intake and milk production as nutrient demand increases. This effect was tested further by using 14 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in a crossover design experiment with a 14-d preliminary period and two 15-d experimental periods. During the preliminary period, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield was 15 to 60 kg/d (mean = 40 kg/d), and preliminary voluntary dry matter intake (pVDMI) was 20.6 to 30.5 kg/d (mean = 25.0 kg/ d). Treatments were a low-forage diet (LF), containing 20% (dry matter basis) forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and a high-forage diet (HF), containing 27% forage NDF. The ability of linear and quadratic factors of pVDMI to predict the difference in responses of individual cows to treatments (Y LF -Y HF ) was tested by ANOVA, with treatment sequence as a covariate. In contrast to results of previous research, differences in dry matter intake and fat-corrected milk yield responses to LF and HF did not depend on pVDMI. This might be because of the combined physical fill and metabolic satiety effects of LF, especially in cows with the greatest pVDMI. Digestion or passage of NDF might have been inhibited on LF among high-pVDMI cows. As pVDMI increased, NDF turnover time increased more on LF than on HF. Among high-pVDMI cows, the NDF turnover time was unexpectedly greater on LF than on HF. With increasing pVDMI, the digestion rate of potentially digestible NDF decreased at a similar rate on both diets. Passage rates of potentially digestible NDF and indigestible NDF were not related to pVDMI, regardless of treatment. Greater starch fermentation (resulting from greater starch intake) for LF as pVDMI increased likely inhibited NDF digestion through pH-dependent and pH-independent effects. Inhibition of NDF digestion might cause LF and HF to have similar effects on dry matter intake, depending on the nutrient demand of individual cows.
Luteotropic Action of Decidual Tissue in the Pregnant Rat

It has been reported that the rat placenta possesses luteotropic activity as early as Day 8 of pregnancy (Alloiteau, 1957; Kisch and Shelesnyak, 1967; Morishige and Rothchild, 1974). Since rat placental lactogen is undetectable at this stage of pregnancy by either bioassay or radioreceptor assay (Alloiteau and Mayer, 1967; Kelly et al., 1975) and since the decidual tissue of pseudopregnant animals sustains progesterone synthesis in the relative absence of prolactin (Gibori et al., 1974), it was of interest to determine the possibility of a similar luteotropic activity by the decidual tissue of the pregnant rat. Day 9 pregnant rats possessing only decidual tissue or trophoblast were obtained by either excising fetuses and trophoblast and maintaining the decidual tissue in situ or by removing the whole conceptuses and transplanting trophoblastic tissue subcutaneously. Control rats consisted of animals either bearing the whole placenta (fetuses removed), bearing no conceptuses (uterus completely evacuated), hysterectomized, or sham-operated. To suppress prolactin release, rats were injected s.c. with 0.4 mg ergocryptine (ECO) on Day 9 of pregnancy. Control rats were treated with the vehicle. Removal of the fetuses had no deleterious effect on progesterone secretion. However, when the whole conceptuses were removed, serum progesterone levels dropped by 25% within 24 h and remained at lower levels through Day 12 than in shamcontrol animals. In rats bearing only decidual tissue, the concentration of progesterone in the serum on Days 10 and 11 remained at levels found in intact pregnant rats. ECO treatment of sham-operated or fetectomized animals on Day 9 had no effect on serum progesterone, suggesting that either the placenta or prolactin is necessary for the maintenance of progesterone synthesis at this stage of pregnancy. However, when both prolactin and the conceptuses were removed by ECO treatment and hysterectomy or removal of conceptuses, serum progesterone decreased within 24 h to 8.5 ± 1.4 ng/mI and remained low through Day 12. In contrast, in decidua-bearing rats, serum progesterone concentration remained elevated 24 and 48 h after ECO treatment. Transplant of Day 12, but not Day 9, trophoblastic tissue to rats with the conceptuses removed also reversed the effect of ECO on progesterone. These findings indicate that the decidual tissue of pregnant rats maintains progesterone secretion in the relative absence of prolactin, and further suggest that a luteotropic hormone secreted in early pregnancy by the placenta is of decidual tissue origin.
Scalable I/O of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations: A data-compression algorithm

Disk space, input/output (I/O) speed, and data-transfer bandwidth present a major bottleneck in large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, which require storing positions and velocities of multimillion atoms. A data compression algorithm is designed for scalable I/O of molecular dynamics data. The algorithm uses octree indexing and sorts atoms accordingly on the resulting space-filling curve. By storing differences of successive atomic coordinates and using an adaptive, variable-length encoding to handle exceptional values, the I/O size is reduced by an order-of-magnitude with user-controlled error bound.
Book Clubs and the Evaluation of Books

Books represent a mass medium of communication which has received comparatively little attention from students of public opinion. In this article an attempt is made to evaluate some of the effects of the recent mushrooming of book clubs on the publishing of trade books as a whole, and to this end an experimental method of comparing the merit of various classes of books has been devised. The results of this comparison may surprise both friends and foes of the book clubs: in general, it is found that the clubs do not lower literary standards, and may raise them in some cases, although much depends upon the type of public which each book club is attempting to reach. The author is associated with the Bureau of Applied Social Research, Columbia University.
Effects of different bile salts on steady-state mRNA levels and transcriptional activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase

Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the bile acid synthesis pathway, is downregulated by taurocholate by way of negative feedback control at the level of gene transcription. The molecular basis of regulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase by other hydrophobic bile salts and under more physiological conditions is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of regulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase by several naturally occurring bile salts in rats with intact enterohepatic circulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed for 14 days normal chow (control), cholestyramine (5% of diet), cholic acid (1%), chenodeoxycholic acid (1%) or deoxycholic acid (0.25%)
Detection of growth factor binding to gelatin and heparin using a photonic crystal optical biosensor

Abstract Drug–carrier interactions are important to protein controlled release systems to protect the protein from denaturation and ensure properly timed release. A novel photonic crystal biosensor was used to investigate a gelatin–protein controlled release system to determine the amount of protein bound to the carrier at physiological conditions. The Biomolecular Interaction Detection (BIND) system reflects a narrow band of wavelengths when white light is shone incident to the grating. As mass is deposited onto the surface, the peak wavelength value is shifted due to changes in the optical density of the biosensor. The BIND system was used to detect the binding of growth factors onto acidic gelatin, basic gelatin, and heparin on the sensor surface. Through a series of experiments, including functionalizing the sensor, adjusting the ionic strength of the solution, adjusting the substrate concentration, and minimizing non-specific signal, the adsorption of the gelatins and heparin on the sensor was enhanced. The binding interaction of recombinant human transforming growth factor (rhTGF)-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 with the two types of gelatin and heparin were investigated. The strength of the interaction between rhTGF-β1 and the substrates is in the following order: heparin > acidic gelatin > basic gelatin. RhBMP-2 bound to the substrates but with less intensity than TGF-β1: heparin > basic gelatin > acidic gelatin. This work provides support for the controlled release mechanism through degradation of the gelatin carrier.
The effect of hemodialysis on tardive dyskinesia

In recent years tardive dyskinesia has emerged as one of the most serious complications of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy. Two recent reviews have summarized the clinical and theoretical aspects of this disorder.1.2 The exact cause of tardive dyskinesia remains obscure but a number of possibilities have been suggested, including dopaminergic hypersensitivity,) alterations in the dopaminergic/cholinergic neurotransmitter balance,4 cholinergic hypofunction,S and altered function of yaminobutyric acid.6 These proposed mechanisms have led to a large number of therapeutic trials; however, to date no drug has been found generally effective in treating tardive dyskinesia. This report describes significant improvement in tardive dyskinesia occurring in a patient involved in a double-blind study of the effects of hemodialysis on schizophrenia.'
Hypothalamic Neuronal Loss and Altered Circadian Rhythm of Temperature in a Rat Model of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Numerous dysfunctions in endogenous hypothalamic function have been associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). One endogenous activity is the circadian rhythm of temperature (CRT). In this study we examined whether hypothalamically mediated function is altered in the electrically induced, self-sustained, limbic status epilepticus model of MTLE. We then wished to determine whether there was a structural basis for regulatory alterations. Methods: We measured CRT with peritoneal temperature telemetry obtained in light-entrained (LD) and in free-running, constant-dark (DD) conditions. CRT from epileptic and controls of normal animals and kindled animals were quantized by fast Fourier transform-nonlinear least squares analysis to determine rhythmic complexity. Results: The circadian component of CRT was preserved in all animals. In DD, CRTs of epileptic animals were more complex than those of normal animals. CRT of kindled animals showed no increased complexity after electrically induced seizures. Neuronal density was decreased in regions of the anterior and posterior hypothalamus but not in the suprachiasmatic nuclei from the epileptic rats. Conclusions: Alterations in CRT due to the epileptic state were independent of isolated seizures. Altered circadian thermoregulation in epileptic rats corresponded to regional hypothalamic neuronal loss. Structural changes of the hypothalamus may explain alterations in endogenous rhythms in MTLE.
Modeling Raindrop Size

Being able to characterize the size of raindrops is useful in a number of fields including meteorology, hydrology, agriculture and telecommunications. Associated with this article are data sets containing surface (i.e. ground-level) measurements of raindrop size from two different instruments and two different geographical locations. Students may begin to develop some sense of the character of raindrop size distributions through some basic exploratory data analysis of these data sets. Teachers of mathematical statistics students will find an example useful for discussing the beta, gamma, lognormal and Weibull probability density models, as well as fitting these by maximum likelihood and assessing the quality of fit. R software is provided by the authors to assist students in these investigations.
Hydrology, habitat change and population demography: an individual-based model for the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis

Summary 1 Habitat destruction and fragmentation have led to precipitous declines in a number of species of concern. For these species, traditional models that group individuals into age or stage cohorts may not accurately capture the stochasticity associated with small populations. Additionally, traditional models do not explicitly incorporate landscape-level structure, which becomes increasingly important at small population sizes. Thus, for declining species, spatially explicit individual-based models (SEIBM) can be used to understand both population demography and the impacts of habitat destruction, and to guide management practices to increase the chances of species survival. 2 To gauge the impacts of changes in habitat and also demographic rates on a US endangered species, we constructed an SEIBM for the Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis Howell) of the South Florida Everglades. The model simulates temporal and spatial dynamics of individual sparrows using local GIS-based topography, vegetation and hydrology along with behavioural and demographic rates derived from field studies. 3 When adult mortality and, to a lesser extent, juvenile mortality were increased in model simulations, there was an increase in extinction risk and a decrease in population size, whereas changes in number of clutches or female mating range had little impact. In contrast to the effects of simulating changes in mortality rates, simulated landscape-level changes (increasing water levels or decreasing habitat availability) were associated with dramatic population declines and increases in extinction risk. The sparrow appears to be particularly sensitive to the loss of higher-elevation breeding habitat. These results highlight the importance of proper water- and land-use management in assuring the species’ survival. 4 Synthesis and applications. Although changes in demographic rates affect population growth and are often the focus of conservation efforts, changes in habitat structure can also dramatically alter population viability. When both landscape-level and demographic data are available, spatially explicit models are particularly advantageous. Not only do they allow researchers and resource managers to prioritize areas for habitat restoration and species management, but they can also be used to help focus future research efforts.
Livedo Vasculitis: Therapy With Pentoxifylline

• Eight patients with livedo vasculitis of four to 30 years' duration that was unresponsive to a variety of medications were treated with pentoxifylline. Three patients experienced complete healing and remained free of active lesions while receiving the drug, four noted much improvement, and one had no change. (Arch Dermatol1988;124:684-687)
A Class of Permutation Tests of Bivariate Interchangeability

Abstract A set of permutation tests that are both exact and distribution-free are proposed to simultaneously detect differences in marginal locations and/or scales in bivariate data. The tests take advantage of the fact that when the marginal means and variances are equal, the pairwise differences are symmetrically distributed about 0 and are uncorrelated with the pairwise sums. Two statistics for detecting the marginal location and scale differences are combined in a quadratic form. A permutation distribution for this quadratic form follows from considering all 2 n conditionally equally likely sign changes on the differences. Several methods of estimating the covariance matrix of the quadratic form are examined, including conditional and unconditional (plug-in) approaches. These new tests are compared with the standard tests in the literature and, through simulation for several families of bivariate distributions, are found to compare quite favorably. This article also brings to light the largely overloo...
Mechanical and Optical Dynamic Model of Lung

A multiscale, multiphysics model generates synthetic images of alveolar compression under spherical indentation at the visceral pleura of an inflated lung. A mechanical model connects the millimeter scale of an indenter tip to the behavior of alveoli, walls, and membrane at the micrometer scale. A finite-difference model of optical coherence tomography (OCT) generates the resulting images. Results show good agreement with the experiments performed using a unique indenter-OCT system. The images depict the physical result with the addition of refractive artifacts and speckle. Compression of the alveoli alters the refractive effects, which introduce systematic errors in the computation of alveolar volume. The complete computational model is useful to evaluate new proposed imaging instrumentation and to develop algorithms for obtaining quantitative data on deformation. Among the potential applications, a better understanding of recruitment of alveoli during inflation of a lung, obtained through a combination of models and imaging could lead to improvements in noninvasive treatment of atelectasis.
Domestic Violence and Parental Divorce as Predictors of Best Friendship Qualities Among College Students

Data regarding the effects of domestic violence and parental divorce have been inconsistent. Assessments of the effects of childhood trauma on psychosocial adjustment might be enhanced by an examination of the way developmental stressors interact. A total of 370 college students with histories of combinations of parental divorce and domestic violence participated in this correlational study of best friendships in early adulthood. College students exposed to domestic violence during childhood described their best friendships as relatively less reinforcing, helpful, and sustainable than those without the abuse history. Participants from intact families, as compared to those with parental divorce histories, described their best friendship as relatively more reinforcing and favorable. The combination of parental divorce and exposure to domestic violence was linked to magnified effects regarding these best friendship qualities. Average effect sizes for domestic violence (d = .31), parental divorce (d = .18), a...
Phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I at protein kinase C site threonine 144 depresses cooperative activation of thin filaments

There is evidence for PKC-dependent multisite phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at Ser-23 and Ser-24 (also PKA sites) in the cardiac-specific N-terminal extension and at Thr-144, a unique residue in the inhibitory region. The functional effect of these phosphorylations in combination is of interest in view of data indicating intramolecular interaction between the N-terminal extension and the inhibitory region of cTnI. To determine the role of PKC-dependent phosphorylation of cTnI on sarcomeric function, we measured contractile regulation at multiple levels of complexity. Ca2+ binding to thin filaments reconstituted with either cTnI(wild-type) or pseudo-phosphorylated cTnI(S23D/S24D), cTnI(T144E), and cTnI(S23D/S24D/T144E) was determined. Compared with controls regulated by cTnI(wild-type), thin filaments with cTnI(S23D/S24D) and cTnI(S23D/S24D/T144E) exhibited decreased Ca2+ sensitivity. In contrast, there was no significant difference between Ca2+ binding to thin filaments with cTnI(wild-type) and with cTnI(T144E). Studies of the pCa-force relations in skinned papillary fibers regulated by these forms of cTnI yielded similar results. However, in both the Ca2+ binding measurements and the skinned fiber tension measurements, the presence of cTnI(S23D/S24D/T144E) induced a much lower Hill coefficient than either wild type, S23D/S24D, or T144E. These data highlight the importance of thin filament-based cooperative mechanisms in cardiac regulation, with implications for mechanisms of control of function in normal and pathological hearts.
Variation in season of birth in singleton and multiple births concordant for autism spectrum disorders

Patterns of seasonal variation in births in some neuropsychiatric conditions have been found in previous research; however, no study to date has examined these disorders for seasonal variation in singletons and multiple births separately. This study aimed to determine whether the birth date distribution for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including singletons and multiple births, differed from the general population. Two ASD case groups were studied: 907 singletons and 161 multiple births concordant for ASD. Two control groups were obtained from registered births of singletons and multiples. Results of the non-parametric time-series analyses, where day of birth was used, suggested there were three peaks in ASD singletons and ASD concordant multiple births. Roughly, the peaks were in April, June and October for singletons and about 2-4 weeks earlier in multiples. Results from multivariable Poisson regression, where month of birth was used, indicated that ASD concordant multiple births in males tended to be higher than expected in March, May and September (with borderline statistical significance), but were 87% less in December (P < 0.05), as compared with January. Overall, the patterns of relative risk estimates from Poisson regression are similar to findings from the non-parametric time-series approach, but are not exactly congruent. It is important to note that indications of seasonality may be sensitive to the selection of time cut-points and therefore an arbitrary binning of time can either mask existing trends or falsely indicate the presence of a trend. The presence of seasonal trends in ASD singletons and concordant multiple births suggests a role for non-heritable factors operating during the pre- or perinatal period, even among cases with a genetic susceptibility.
Finding film resources: Challenges of formats, policies and intranets

As interdisciplinary cultural studies programs become increasingly prevalent in North America, many humanities-trained scholars find themselves drawn to study film from a similar perspective. Finding source materials such as copies of canon films and appropriate scholarly resources is complicated by library lending policies that do not extend to media items, or foreign films with formats different from those collected by one�s institution. This article examines such problematic issues for patrons looking for films and includes personal experiences at several research institutions in both Los Angeles and Paris, with advice and insight for the potential researcher writing about film for academic purposes.
Atmospheric Timing Transfer Using a Femtosecond Frequency Comb

We have experimentally demonstrated atmospheric transfer of microwave timing references using a femtosecond frequency comb. The excess timing jitter induced by the atmospheric propagation has been characterized, and evidence is provided to show that such characterization is not compromised by the parasitic effect of power-to-phase coupling in the photodetector. The fractional frequency stability for a 60-m total transmission distance is on the order of 10-12 with a 1-s averaging time. The Allan deviation shows a τ-1 dependence up to 500 s. Scale estimate confirms that the measured excess timing noise is caused by clear-air turbulence. Comparisons with previous works show that our results offer a more precise characterization of atmospheric timing transfer. The work may potentially help the development of high-fidelity synchronization for future free-space optical communications.
Exposure of Diamond to Atomic Hydrogen: Secondary Electron Emission and Conductivity Effects

Secondary electron (SE) yield was enhanced by a factor of ∼30 and surface conductance increased up to 10 orders of magnitude when O-terminated or non-terminated natural diamond (100) surfaces were exposed to atomic H. The SE yield from atomic H-exposed surfaces was spatially dependent on near-surface microcrystalline perfection enabling defect-contrast imaging in the conventional SE mode of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) on atomic H-exposed surfaces revealed an intense low energy peak attributed to photoexcitation of secondary electrons into unoccupied hydrogen-induced states near the conduction band edge and their subsequent escape into vacuum. The low energy photoemission peak, enhanced SE yield and enhanced surface conductivity were completely removed via high temperature annealing or exposure to atomic O creating the denuded or O-terminated surfaces, respectively.
A new method for compiler code generation

An algorithm is given to translate a relatively low-level intermediate representation of a program into assembly code or machine code for a target computer. The algorithm is table driven. A construction algorithm is used to produce the table from a functional description of the target machine. The method produces high quality code for many commercially available computers. By replacing the table, it is possible to retarget a compiler for another kind of computer. In addition techniques are given to prove the correctness of the translator.
Escaping the Middleman Paradox: Better Reykjavik and Open Policy Innovation

Better Reykjavik is a unique municipal ePetition website that is developed and maintained by a grassroots nonprofit organization, has significant deliberative mechanisms, and has been normalized as an ongoing channel for citizen-government interaction across multiple elected administrations. The primary contribution of this study is an analysis of the novel “interface” that was established between the grassroots-developed technical system and the existing political and administrative institutions of policymaking. I begin with a brief overview of the challenges that citizens and governments face in the implementation of ePetition processes. I then suggest that Landemore’s (2012) “democratic reason” and Coleman’s (2008) “autonomous citizenship” constructs provide useful insights into why and how the Better Reykjavik has made a continuing impact on city governance. Next, I present an analysis of the socio-technical process of the initiative’s software development and political integration, showing how this project moved from the fringes of the grassroots towards the center of public and governmental awareness. I conclude by examining Reykjavik’s “new normal” political culture, which illustrates how a bottom-up, fast-moving technical initiative can productively support the slower-moving processes of democratic governance.
Rebinding of the 33 kDalton Polypeptide of Photosystem II to the D-1/D-2 Sub-Core Complex

Specific and stoichiometric binding is shown between the D-1/D-2 sub-core complex and the 33 kDa polypeptide of photosystem II. Fluorescence from chlorophyll is used as an endogenous probe. W h e n binding occurs there is an increase in fluorescence yield, as well as changes in both the fluorescence spectrum and excitation spectrum.
Glycerol lysis time as a screening test for erythrocyte disorders.

Abstract A rapid, simple procedure, measuring the rate of hemolysis of erythrocytes suspended in glycerol, was used to screen blood samples for erythrocyte abnormalities. The normal range was determined by measuring the time required for hemolysis of 50 per cent of the erythrocytes (GLT 50 ) in a standardized glycerol mixture. In 70 normal subjects the median GLT 50 value was 42 seconds, with a skewed distribution and a range of 26 to 72 seconds. A population of 484 hospitalized patients had a median GLT 50 value of 39 seconds and a clinical range (95 per cent confidence interval) of 26 to 73 seconds. Species differences in glycerol permeability have been attributed in the past to differences in the erythrocyte membrane lipids. In this study, abnormally slow hemolysis was found not only in disorders of erythrocyte lipids, but also in other conditions, particularly hemoglobinopathies. The GLT 50 value was elevated in 40 out of 41 cases of β-thalassemia trait. Microcytic erythrocytes (MCV ⩽ 75 μ 3 ) could often be distinguished on the basis of GLT 50 values: thalassemia trait > 100 seconds (35 out of 41 cases), iron deficiency anemia ⩽ 100 seconds (19 out of 21 cases), and chronic renal disease ⩽ 73 seconds (20 out of 22 cases). Abnormally rapid hemolysis was found in some cases of hereditary spherocytosis. This procedure may be applicable to mass screening for selected erythrocyte disorders and may also be useful for monitoring the effects of membrane-active agents.
Bias and Variability in Lower Developmental Thresholds Estimated from Field Studies

We conducted simulated experiments to explore how sampling frequency could influence estimates of insect lower developmental thresholds made from field studies. We also investigated how a 9.44 or 18.89°C (17 and 34°F) difference between daily maximum and minimum temperatures and how 2 similar years, 2 dissimilar years, or 6 dissimilar years of temperature data could influence these estimates. Finally, we investigated how a -3.89 or 7.22°C (25 or 45°F) true lower developmental threshold and 2 different estimation methods, could influence estimates of insect lower developmental thresholds. Results indicated that having two very similar years of temperature data may greatly increase the variability of the estimated lower developmental thresholds. Also, sampling every 3, 4, or 7 d compared with sampling every day, can increase the amount of variability in the estimated lower developmental thresholds. Acceptable estimates of lower developmental thresholds may be obtained with as few as 2 yr of temperature data if the data came from 2 very dissimilar years (weatherwise). However, as many as 6 dissimilar years of temperature data may be needed if the true lower developmental threshold is approximately 7.22°C and the difference between daily maximum and minimum temperatures is 18.89°C. Almost all estimates for lower developmental thresholds were biased and tended to underestimate the true lower developmental threshold. Finally, we found no differences between the 2 estimation methods in bias, variability, and average estimates for the lower developmental thresholds.
Synthesis of New Thermoelectric Materials Using Modulated Elementary Reactants

Modulated elemental reactants have been used to synthesize metastable ternary compounds with the skutterudite crystal structure. The initial reactants are made up of multiple repeats of a unit containing elemental layers of a ternary metal, iron or cobalt (or a combination of these two) and antimony. The elemental layers interdiffuse upon low temperature annealing and form amorphous reaction intermediates. In this paper we target the compounds Pb x Fe 4−y Co y Sb 12 . On annealing at temperatures between 12° and 150° C (depending on the composition) crystallization of the skutterudite structure occurs. The compounds are only kinetically stable, decomposing into a mixture of binary compounds upon annealing past a temperature of about 600°C. Preliminary data for the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity was collected The thermoelectric properties of the lead cobalt antimony skutterudite - films were measured as a function of lead occupancy.
Hormonal iodine determinations in thyroid disorders.

Iodine contaminants are only one of many sources of spurious protein-bound iodine values. Oral contraceptives can significantly influence the test, as can a genetic reduction or elevation of thyroxine-binding globulin. A test sequence based on the medical examination and an abnormal PBI test is suggested.
Efficacy and advance of gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer(TNBC),as a special type of breast cancer,is characterized by lack of expression of estrogen,progesterone and epidermal growth factor receptors on the surface of tumor cells.At present,it is estimated that about one million people had diagnosed with breast cancer annually around the world,of which TNBC accounts for approximately 12%-17% of all the breast cancer cases.Gemcitabine is an anti-metabolite anti-tumor drug with unique mechanism of action.It is used in combination with many other anti-cancer drugs for treatment of advanced TNBC.This review intends to comprehensively demonstrate the efficacy and advance of gemcitabine combination therapies in metastatic TNBC based on the analysis of related clinical studies conducted at home and abroad.
Pharmacokinetic parameters for single‐ and multi‐dose regimens for subcutaneous administration of a high‐dose ceftiofur crystalline‐free acid to neonatal foals

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of single- and multi-dose ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) administered subcutaneously at a dose of 13.2 mg/kg to 12 neonatal foals 1-3 days of age. Six foals received a single subcutaneous dose, while 6 additional foals received 4 doses of CCFA at 48-h intervals. Blood samples were collected at pre-determined times following drug administration, and plasma concentrations of ceftiofur free acid equivalents (CFAE) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Following single-dose administration of CCFA, the mean ± standard deviation maximum observed plasma concentration was 3.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL and observed time to maximal plasma concentration was 14.0 ± 4.9 h. Following multi-dose administration of CCFA, the mean ±standard deviation times above CFAE concentrations of ≥0.5 μg/mL and ≥2.0 μg/mL were 192.95 ± 15.86 h and 78.80 ± 15.31 h, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC0→∝ ) was 246.2 ± 30.7 h × μg/mL and 172.7 ± 27.14 h × μg/mL following single- and multi-dose CCFA administrations, respectively. Subcutaneous administration of CCFA at 13.2 mg/kg in neonatal foals was clinically well- tolerated and resulted in plasma concentrations sufficient for the treatment of most bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal foal septicemia. Multi-dose administration of four doses at dosing interval of 48 h between treatments maintains appropriate therapeutic concentrations in neonatal foals.
A method to estimate the costs and benefits of undergrounding electricity transmission and distribution lines

There has been a general shortfall of peer-reviewed literature identifying methods to estimate the costs and benefits of strategies employed by electric utilities to improve grid resilience. This paper introduces—for the first time—a comprehensive analysis framework to estimate the societal costs and benefits of implementing one strategy to improve power system reliability: undergrounding power transmission and distribution lines. It is shown that undergrounding transmission and distribution lines can be a cost-effective strategy to improve reliability, but only if certain criteria are met before the decision to underground is made.
Sex Differences and Survival in Adults With Bicuspid Aortic Valves: Verification in 3 Contemporary Echocardiographic Cohorts

Background Sex‐related differences in morbidity and survival in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) adults are fundamentally unknown. Contemporary studies portend excellent survival for BAV patients identified at early echocardiographic‐clinical stages. Whether BAV adults incur a survival disadvantage throughout subsequent echocardiographic‐clinical stages remains undetermined. Methods and Results Analysis was done of 3 different cohorts of consecutive patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of BAV identified retrospectively: (1) a community cohort of 416 patients with first BAV diagnosis (age 35±21 years, follow‐up 16±7 years), (2) a tertiary clinical referral cohort of 2824 BAV adults (age 51±16 years, follow‐up 9±6 years), and (3) a surgical referral cohort of 2242 BAV adults referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR) (age 62±14 years, follow‐up 6±5 years). For the community cohort, 20‐year risks of aortic regurgitation (AR), AVR, and infective endocarditis were higher in men (all P ≤0.04); for a total BAV‐related morbidity risk of 52±4% vs 35±6% in women ( P =0.01). The cohort's 25‐year survival was identical to that in the general population ( P =0.98). AR independently predicted mortality in women ( P =0.001). Baseline AR was more common in men ( P ≤0.02) in the tertiary cohort, with 20‐year survival lower than that in the general population ( P <0.0001); age‐adjusted relative death risk was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.29) for men versus 1.67 (95% CI 1.38‐2.03) for women ( P =0.001). AR independently predicted mortality in women ( P =0.01). Baseline AR and infective endocarditis were higher in men (both ≤0.001) for the surgical referral cohort, with 15‐year survival lower than that in the general population ( P <0.0001); age‐adjusted relative death risk was 1.34 (95% CI 1.22‐1.47) for men versus 1.63 (95% CI 1.40‐1.89) for women ( P =0.026). AR and NYHA class independently predicted mortality in women (both P ≤0.04). Conclusions Within evolving echocardiographic‐clinical stages, the long‐term survival of adults with BAV is not benign, as both men and women incur excess mortality. Although BAV‐related morbidity is higher in men in the community, and AR and infective endocarditis are more prevalent in men, women exhibit a significantly higher relative risk of death in tertiary and surgical referral cohorts, which is independently associated with AR.
Demonstration of a Pixel-Scale Superconducting Heat Switch for an Ideal Integrating Bolometer

The sensitivity of a bolometer is in principle limited by the phonon noise, which is a function of the conductance between its absorber and the thermal sink. However, practical issues limit the degree to which conductance can be minimized. For example, in a high-radiation environment, extremely low conductance, or, equivalently, long thermal recovery time, can lead to high data loss. To circumvent such limitations, we are developing a technique of modulating the conductance through the use of pixel-scale superconducting heat switches. We have fabricated bolometer-like test devices consisting of isolated regions connected to a thermal ground plane through narrow aluminum strips. Niobium coils are patterned around the aluminum strips. Flowing current through a coil allows the aluminum to be driven into the normal or high thermal conductance state. We have measured the conductance of these devices as a function of temperature and drive coil current.
Theoretical analysis of cyber-interpersonal violence victimization and offending using cyber-routine activities theory

The current study provides an empirical testing of the victim-offender overlap in online platforms due to the scarcity of studies examining this overlapping victim-offending dynamic. Two types of cyber-interpersonal violence are examined: Cyber-harassment (including cyber-sexual harassment) and cyber-impersonation. Using Choi's (2008) integrated theory of Cyber-Routine Activities Theory, a sample of 272 college students at a Massachusetts university are examined. Three major findings are revealed: (1) Respondents who engage in risky online leisure activities are more likely to experience interpersonal violence in cyberspace, (2) poor online security management can contribute to the likelihood of being victimized by interpersonal violence on social networking sites (SNS), and (3) respondents who engage in risky social networking site activities are likely to commit cyber-interpersonal violence. For the two types of cyber-interpersonal violence examined in this study, it could also be predicted that females are more likely to have higher levels of victimization. Cybersecurity management and sex had no significant effects on cyber-interpersonal violence offending. The hope is that education on the potential hazards of the Internet and of cyber-interpersonal violence will induce more responsible online activity and engagement. Risky online leisure activities increase cyber-interpersonal violence.Poor online security management increases cyber-interpersonal violence victimization on social networking sites (SNS).Risky Social Networking Sites (SNS) activities contribute to cyber-interpersonal violence offending.Females have higher levels of cyber-harassment victimization.Security management and sex had no significant effects on cyber-interpersonal offending.
Nearest-neighbour nanocrystal bonding dictates framework stability or collapse in colloidal nanocrystal frameworks

Block copolymers serve as architecture-directing agents for the assembly of colloidal nanocrystals into a variety of mesoporous solids. Here we report the fundamental order-disorder transition in such assemblies, which yield, on one hand, ordered colloidal nanocrystals frameworks or, alternatively, disordered mesoporous nanocrystal films. Our determination of the order-disorder transition is based on extensive image analysis of films after thermal processing. The number of nearest-nanocrystal neighbours emerges as a critical parameter dictating assembly outcomes, which is in turn determined by the nanocrystal volume fraction (fNC). We also identify the minimum fNC needed to support the structure against collapse.
Perception of Surfaces and Forms

The purpose of this article is to consider the strategy that vision uses to generate perceptions of surface qualities such as brightness and color, as well as perceptions of surface form. The basic challenge that vision must contend with in elaborating these subjective experiences is linking inherently ambiguous retinal stimuli to their real-world sources in a manner that leads to successful visually guided behavior. The evidence derived from what people actually see indicates that this problem is solved in a fundamentally empirical manner – that is, by the accumulation of past experience rather than by analytical operations on visual stimulus features.
Unintended Pregnancy, Induced Abortion, and Mental Health

The early medical literature on mental health outcomes following abortion is fraught with methodological flaws that can improperly influence clinical practice. Our goal is to review the current medical literature on depression and other mental health outcomes for women obtaining abortions. The Turnaway Study prospectively enrolled 956 women seeking abortion in the USA and followed their mental health outcomes for 5 years. The control group was comprised of women denied abortions based on gestational age limits, thereby circumventing the major methodological flaw that had plagued earlier studies on the topic. Rates of depression are not significantly different between women obtaining abortion and those denied abortion. Rates of anxiety are initially higher in women denied abortion care. Counseling on decision-making for women with unintended pregnancies should reflect these findings.
The retromer subunit Vps26 mediates Notch signaling during Drosophila oogenesis.

Abstract During endocytosis, molecules are internalized by the cell through the invagination of the plasma membrane. Endocytosis is required for proper cell function and for normal development in Drosophila . One component of the endocytic pathway is the retromer complex, which recycles transmembrane proteins to other parts of the cell such as the plasma membrane and the trans -Golgi network. Previous studies have shown that mutations to the retromer complex result in developmental defects in Drosophila . In humans, retromer dysfunction has been implicated in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, but little is known about the role of the retromer complex in Drosophila oogenesis. In the current project, we examined the role of the retromer protein Vps26 in oogenesis by characterizing the phenotype of vps26 germline clones. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the expression of membrane proteins and vesicular trafficking markers in mutant egg chambers. We find that vps26 germline clones exhibit a signaling defect between the germline cells and follicle cells indicated by an increase in LysoTracker staining of the border cells in the mutants. We show that this signaling defect in vps26 mutants may be the result of impaired Notch signaling based on the misexpression of multiple proteins in the Notch signaling pathway in vps26 mutants.
Transition Services Agreements (TSAs): Approach to De-risk Divestitures

The decision to divest a business unit is a key corporate strategy of many organizations. When a company announces a business divestiture, the information technology (IT) systems that support its business processes must be separated as well. Once the decision to divest is made, business and IT operational teams begin evaluating the path to separate the targeted business unit from the remaining organization (the “seller company”). IT starts to analyze the feasibility of completing certain separation activities before the deal is closed. Key challenges include separating systems, data, infrastructure (e.g., LAN, WAN, end-user computing, security), and people identified to go with the divested business. The difficulty to separate is surmountable considering many of the IT capabilities were designed and built to support a shared services structure, not rapid separation.
Distributed adaptive control and stability verification for linear multiagent systems with heterogeneous actuator dynamics and system uncertainties

ABSTRACTThe contribution of this paper is a control synthesis and stability verification framework for linear time-invariant multiagent systems with heterogeneous actuator dynamics and system uncer...
Metabolism’s temporal tensions

Metabolism is the working through of the porosity of the human body as it absorbs the world. It is a capacious and complex concept whose history captures biomedical, political, and philosophical de...