cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual Instruction Applied in a University Level Meal Management Course

An individualized instructional strategy was designed and evaluated as an alternative to the teacher-directed strategy in a university level meal management course. Analysis of variance of scores on objective pretest, posttests, and rating scales indicate that students learn well by either approach. The results of this study show that a laboratory course such as meal management can be adapted to the individualized mode of instruction to the advantage of students with exceptionally high or low levels of previous experience as well as those who require flexibility of scheduling.
Estimating birth stopping and spacing behavior

A decomposition of age-specific marital fertility rates into indices related to spacing and stopping is developed by using Coale and Trussell’s indices and the first few parity progression ratios. This approach leads to estimates of the mean birth interval among low-parity births that can be used to address the issue of fertility control early in marriage. In this way the model addresses several of the most serious limitations of Coale and Trussell’s approach. The usefulness of the proposed indices is demonstrated by applications to historical data from the United States and Europe.
Genetic analyses of cell-matrix interactions in development.

Abstract The extracellular matrix and its cell surface receptors are thought to be important in development. Recent applications of targeted mutagenesis in mice have begun to test hypotheses based on in vitro data and patterns of expression. ‘Knockout’ mutations of matrix molecules and integrins reveal complexities arising from multiple receptors and ligands.
D-lactate production by Leishmania braziliensis through the glyoxalase pathway.

Abstract Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes incubated anaerobically produce d -lactate from glucose, ribose, and methylglyoxal, but not from glycerol, alanine, or pyruvate, suggesting the presence of glyoxalases I and II but the absence of d -lactate dehydrogenase. Further support for this is shown by: (1) conversion of methylglyoxal to d -lactate in sonicates of promastigotes in the presence of reduced glutathione, (2) utilization of phenylglyoxal at rates comparable to methylglyoxal. (3) lack of utilization of exogenously supplied d -lactate by promastigotes under aerobic conditions. Sonicates of promastigotes catalyze the conversion of dihydroxy-acetone phosphate to methylglyoxal, suggesting the presence of methylglyoxal synthase. Whereas the rate of production of d -lactate from glucose is much greater under anaerobic conditions, the rate from methylglyoxal is independent of oxygen tension, indicating that control of flux through the methylglyoxal pathway occurs at, or before, methylglyoxal synthase.
Harmonic balance simulation of a new physics based model of the AlGaN/GaN HFET

HFETs fabricated with nitride-based wide bandgap materials are capable of producing high RF output power and are promising for the next generation radar and wireless communication systems. To take full advantage of this new kind of device, large-signal models suitable for use in commercial microwave circuit simulators are desirable, but existing models can only interpolate or fit data that has been measured from previously fabricated devices. In this study, a new physics-based large-signal model for AlGaN/GaN HFETs is introduced that can predict the large-signal performance of an HFET from its design parameters. It couples a compact physics-based DC module with a harmonic balance RF module. This new model is shown to agree with both DC and RF experimental data without any adjustable fitting parameters for the device. The DC IV and transconductance curves predicted by this new model also agree with those generated by a commercial 2D simulator.
Martian paleolakes and waterways: Exobiological implications

The problems of how warm and wet Mars once was and when climate transitions may have occurred are not well understood. Mars may have had an early environment similar to Earth's that was conductive to the ermergence of life. In addition, increasing geologic evidence indicates that water, upon which terrestrial life depends, has been present on Mars throughout its history. This evidence suggests that life could have developed not only on early Mars but also over longer periods of time in longer lasting, more clement local environments. Indications of past or present life most likely would be found in areas where liquid water existed in sufficient quantities to provide for the needs of biological systems. We suggest that paleolakes may have provided such environments. Unlike the case on Earth, this record of the origin and evolution of life has probably not been erased by extensive deformation of the Martian surface. Our work has identified eleven prospective areas where large lacustrine basins may once have existed. These areas are important for future biological, geological, and climatological investigations.
Gambling with Retirement: Market Risk Implications for Social Security Privatization

Under Social Security privatization, workers would be allowed to divert some of the money that currently goes to Social Security into private accounts. This would expose them to market risk, that is, the risk of a substantial drop in equity prices or of a prolonged bear market. This could result in generations of workers with less money than they thought they would have for retirement. A privatized system could require the government to intervene, for example, by expanding social programs. The primary alternative to a government bailout of the Social Security system, older workers working longer, would create enormous labor market pressures. Other alternatives, such as working longer or diversification, also encounter obstacles. Many middle-class families affected by market risk already save too little for retirement, and optimal diversification may prove too costly for many low- and moderate-income households.
A Randomized Trial of the Duration of Therapy with Metronidazole plus or minus Azithromycin for Treatment of Symptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis

Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis worldwide. Currently recommended treatments have poor efficacy and are associated with high rates of BV recurrence. We examined whether a longer duration of treatment with metronidazole or combination therapy with metronidazole and azithromycin would enhance the cure rates for BV. In addition, we examined factors other than drug therapy associated with cure. Methods Women with symptomatic BV (defined by a modified Amsel criteria) were enrolled in a 4-arm study that compared metronidazole for 7 days versus 14 days, plus or minus azithromycin on days 1 and 3. Data regarding interim behaviors were also obtained, as were vaginal specimens for Gram staining. Results At the first follow-up visit (7 days after the completion of therapy), there was a significant difference in cure rates among patients who received 7 days of metronidazole therapy, compared with those who received 14 days of therapy, combined across azithromycin therapy (P=.0003). There was no effect associated with azithromycin therapy. There were no differences in cure rates between any of the treatment groups at 21 days after completion of therapy. Abstinence or protected sex, refraining from douching, and a lower baseline Nugent score for the vaginal Gram stain were all significantly associated with cure. Conclusions Cure rates for BV were significantly improved by 14 days of metronidazole treatment (compared with 7 days of treatment), but the effects were not sustained, suggesting that relapse or reinfection occurred. Combination therapy with the addition of azithromycin had no benefit. Lower baseline Nugent scores--presumably reflecting less complex vaginal flora--were significantly associated with cure, as was refraining from unprotected sex and from douching.
Component-Based Hardware/Software Co-Simulation

Developing highly efficient and reliable embedded systems demands hardware/software (HW/SW) co-design and, therefore, co-simulation. In order to be highly configurable, embedded systems are increasingly component-based in both hardware and software. In this paper, we present a novel approach to hardware/software co-simulation of component-based embedded systems. Our approach features a component model which unifies hardware and software component models with the concept of bridge component. Bridge components raise the level of abstraction for designing HW/SW interfaces. Their specifications are used to configure the co-simulators. Our approach has been applied to co-simulation of sensor system instances included in the TinyOS distribution. The case studies have demonstrated that our approach is readily applicable to real-world embedded systems and reduces co-simulation complexities.
Increased Messenger RNA for Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1, LERK-5, and a Novel Gene in 17.5-Day Relative to 15.5-Day Bovine Embryos

Considerable embryonic loss occurs between Gestation Days 15 and 18 in cattle when critical cellular and molecular events occur, including maternal recognition of pregnancy. To gain insight into these events, mRNA differential display analysis was used to identify eight unique cDNA fragments present in greater abundance in 17.5-day than in 15.5-day bovine embryos. Four cDNA fragments, confirmed to be upregulated in 17.5-day embryos using Northern analysis, were cloned and sequenced. Three cDNA fragments shared sequence identities with known homologs: human allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1), human LERK-5, and bovine interferon-tau. One novel cDNA fragment did not share sequence identity to previously reported genes, except for a similar DNA sequence in the human genome. AIF-1 mRNA was present in developing placenta through Gestation Day 36, and abundant levels were observed in adult bovine spleen and lung. The novel gene, which we have named periattachment factor (PAF), was not detected in adult tissues using Northern analysis or in conceptuses between Days 30 and 36 of pregnancy. Additional sequence information for bPAF was obtained from a cDNA library constructed from a 25-day bovine embryo. The protein corresponding to the open reading frame has four protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, two casein kinase II phosphorylation sites, a nuclear targeting sequence, but no obvious DNA or RNA binding motifs. Abundant expression of this gene during a narrow but critical window of embryonic development makes it worthy of further study.
Sex-Specific and Strain-Dependent Effects of Early Life Adversity on Behavioral and Epigenetic Outcomes

Early life adversity can have a significant long-term impact with implications for the emergence of psychopathology. Disruption to mother-infant interactions is a form of early life adversity that may, in particular, have profound programing effects on the developing brain. However, despite converging evidence from human and animal studies, the precise mechanistic pathways underlying adversity-associated neurobehavioral changes have yet to be elucidated. One approach to the study of mechanism is exploration of epigenetic changes associated with early life experience. In the current study, we examined the effects of postnatal maternal separation (MS) in mice and assessed the behavioral, brain gene expression, and epigenetic effects of this manipulation in offspring. Importantly, we included two different mouse strains (C57BL/6J and Balb/cJ) and both male and female offspring to determine strain- and/or sex-associated differential response to MS. We found both strain-specific and sex-dependent effects of MS in early adolescent offspring on measures of open-field exploration, sucrose preference, and social behavior. Analyses of cortical and hippocampal mRNA levels of the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) genes revealed decreased hippocampal Bdnf expression in maternally separated C57BL/6J females and increased cortical Bdnf expression in maternally separated male and female Balb/cJ offspring. Analyses of Nr3c1and Bdnf (IV and IX) CpG methylation indicated increased hippocampal Nr3c1 methylation in maternally separated C57BL/6J males and increased hippocampal Bdnf IX methylation in male and female maternally separated Balb/c mice. Overall, though effect sizes were modest, these findings suggest a complex interaction between early life adversity, genetic background, and sex in the determination of neurobehavioral and epigenetic outcomes that may account for differential vulnerability to later-life disorder.
Online stratified sampling: evaluating classifiers at web-scale

Deploying a classifier to large-scale systems such as the web requires careful feature design and performance evaluation. Evaluation is particularly challenging because these large collections frequently change. In this paper we adapt stratified sampling techniques to evaluate the precision of classifiers deployed in large-scale systems. We investigate different types of stratification strategies, and then we derive a new online sampling algorithm that incrementally approximates the theoretical optimal disproportionate sampling strategy. In experiments, the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms both simple random sampling as well as other types of stratified sampling, with an average reduction of about 20% in labeling effort to reach the same confidence and interval-bounds on precision
Artificial neural networks and artificial immune systems: similarities and differences

Both the nervous system and the immune system are complex biological systems. Recognition and categorization are the major functions of both systems. The information processing principles of these natural systems inspired in developing intelligent problem-solving techniques, namely, the artificial neural network (ANN) and the artificial immune system (AIS). Though ANNs are well established techniques and are widely used, AISs have received very little attention and there have been relatively few applications of the AIS. This paper briefly describes some of the similarities and differences of these two systems from a computational viewpoint. The paper also reports some preliminary comparative results of the artificial systems.
On the nonlinearities of inductors using linear ferrite toroidal cores

The importance of magnetic device characterization as an engineering design tool for inductors and transformers using linear ferrites is emphasized. A piecewise linear model is given for the permeance of a toroidal core, to bring into evidence the role of core geometry on partial saturation under the assumption of an ideally linear core material with abrupt saturation. A variety of measurements are reported for two different inductors under extremes of signal that partially saturate the cores. Measurements and theory are found to agree well only for low-level signals where hysteretic effects are small. At high signal levels the lack of quantitative agreement is attributed to the fact that different features of the hysteresis are probed by the different classes of measurement signals.
Chronic Morphine Administration Increases β‐Adrenergic Receptor Kinase (βARK) Levels in the Rat Locus Coeruleus

Based on the established role of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) and beta-arrestin in the desensitization of several G protein-coupled receptors, we investigated the effect of chronic morphine administration on beta ARK and beta-arrestin levels in selected brain areas. Levels of beta ARK were measured by blot immunolabeling analysis using antibodies specific for two known forms of beta ARK, i.e., beta ARK1 and beta ARK2. It was found that chronic morphine treatment produced an approximately 35% increase in levels of beta ARK1 immunoreactivity in the locus coeruleus, but not in several other brain regions studied. In contrast, chronic morphine treatment failed to alter levels of beta ARK2 immunoreactivity in any of the brain regions studied. Levels of beta-arrestin immunoreactivity, measured using an antiserum that recognizes two major forms of this protein in brain, were also found to increase (by approximately 20%) in the locus coeruleus. It is proposed that chronic morphine regulation of beta ARK1 and beta-arrestin levels may contribute to opioid-receptor tolerance that is known to occur in this brain region.
Optimization of IVF pregnancy outcomes with donor spermatozoa

Purpose To identify risk factors for suboptimal IVF outcomes using insemination with donor spermatozoa and to define a lower threshold that may signal a conversion to fertilization by ICSI rather than insemination.
Relating Values of Selected Benthic Macroinvertebrate Metrics from D-net to Surber Sampler in Two Southeast Wyoming Streams

Abstract Samples were taken from two southeast Wyoming streams to determine if values of selected benthic macroinvertebrate metrics derived from using a D-net could be related to values derived from using a Surber sampler. Conditions under which samples were collected were variable, ranging from severely polluted to non-polluted over two seasons. Metrics evaluated were the Shannon-Weiner index and the random runs value plus four measures of richness; Ephemeroptera taxa richness, Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera taxa richness, total taxa richness, and Plecoptera taxa richness. Regression analysis indicated that linear relations existed between average metric values estimated through use of the D-net and Surber sampler. These results indicated that average D-net values for these six metrics can be expressed as average Surber sampler values, and vice versa, in these two streams when using either the D-net or Surber sampler in the manner described. This study presented two ways (i.e., the F test or the mo...
Phosphorylation of the RNA-dependent protein kinase regulates its RNA-binding activity

The RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon-induced, RNA-activated enzyme that phosphorylates the α-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), inhibiting the function of the eIF2 complex and continued initiation of translation. When bound to an activating RNA and ATP, PKR undergoes autophosphorylation reactions at multiple serine and threonine residues. This autophosphorylation reaction stimulates the eIF2α kinase activity of PKR. The binding of certain viral RNAs inhibits the activation of PKR. Wild-type PKR is obtained as a highly phosphorylated protein when overexpressed in Escherichia coli. We report here that treatment of the isolated phosphoprotein with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 dephosphorylates the enzyme. The in vitro autophosphorylation and eIF2α kinase activities of the dephosphorylated enzyme are stimulated by addition of RNA. Thus, inactivation by phosphatase treatment of autophosphorylated PKR obtained from overexpression in bacteria generates PKR in a form suitable for in vitro analysis of the RNA-induced activation mechanism. Furthermore, we used gel mobility shift assays, methidiumpropyl-EDTA·Fe footprinting and affinity chromatography to demonstrate differences in the RNA-binding properties of phospho- and dephosphoPKR. We found that dephosphorylation of PKR increases binding affinity of the enzyme for both kinase activating and inhibiting RNAs. These results are consistent with an activation mechanism that includes release of the activating RNA upon autophosphorylation of PKR prior to phosphorylation of eIF2α.
Borrelia burgdorferi Stimulates the Production of Interleukin-10 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Uninfected Humans and Rhesus Monkeys

Heat-killed Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes stimulate in vitro production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) at both mRNA and protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of uninfected rhesus monkeys. A concomitant down-modulation of IL-2 gene transcription was observed. Neither IL-4 nor gamma interferon gene expression was ostensibly affected by B. burgdorferi spirochetes. These phenomena were observed regardless of whether the stimulating spirochetes belonged to the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, or Borrelia garinii genospecies, the three main species that cause Lyme disease. B. burgdorferi also induced production of IL-10 in uninfected human PBMC, indicating that this effect might play a role in human Lyme disease. Purified lipidated outer surface protein A (OspA), but not its unlipidated form, induced the production of high levels of IL-10 in uninfected human PBMC. Thus, the lipid moiety is essential in the induction of IL-10 in these PBMC. B. burgdorferi M297, a mutant strain that lacks the plasmid that encodes OspA and OspB, also induced IL-10 gene transcription in PBMC, indicating that this phenomenon is not causally linked exclusively to OspA and its lipid moiety. These results demonstrate that B. burgdorferi can stimulate the production of an antiinflammatory, immunosuppressive cytokine in naive cells and suggest that IL-10 may play a role both in avoidance by the spirochete of deleterious immune responses and in limiting the inflammation that the spirochete is able to induce.
An interesting case of an absent right-sided AV connection with an atrioventricular septal defect and double-outlet left atrium

A 41-year-old female presented with exertional presyncope without palpitation and easy fatigability since 7 years. On examination she had cyanosis, clubbing, and room air oxygen saturation of 88%. The electrocardiogram showed 2 : 1 atrioventricular (AV) block. Transthoracic ( Panels A–C and see Supplementary data online, Video S1 and S2 ) and transoesophageal ( Panel D , arrowhead and see Supplementary data …
The Impact of Sentencing Guidelines on State-Level Sanctions: An Analysis Over Time

This article argues that the conclusions of previous research on the impact of sentencing guidelines may be misleading due to the cross-sectional methodologies employed in these studies. This study will suggest that a theoretically driven longitudinal analysis of mandatory guidelines offers a more appropriate way to study these policies. Specifically, the author proposes that over time, guidelines that link sentencing decisions to correctional resources help to mitigate prison populations, while those that do not tend to contribute to growth in that area. An analysis of prison populations in the American states between 1975 and 1998 confirms this proposition. The results suggest that mandatory guidelines have increased both commitment and incarceration rates in states where sentencing decisions are not resource driven. Alternatively, when mandatory guidelines are linked to capacity and expenditures, these policies have had either a negative or an insignificant impact on prison populations.
A secure protocol for computing dot-products in clustered and distributed environments

Dot-products form the basis of various applications ranging from scientific computations to commercial applications in data mining and transaction processing. Typical scientific computations utilizing sparse iterative solvers use repeated matrix-vector products. These can be viewed as dot-products of sparse vectors. In database applications, dot-products take the form of counting operations. With widespread use of clustered and distributed platforms, these operations are increasingly being performed across networked hosts. Traditional APIs for messaging are susceptible to sniffing, and the data being transferred between hosts is often enough to compromise the entire computation. Due to the large computational requirements of underlying applications, it is highly desirable that secure protocols add minimal overhead to the original algorithm. Finally, by its very nature, dot-products leak limited amounts of information - one of the parties can detect an entry of the other party's vector by simply probing it with a vector with a I in a particular location and zeros elsewhere. We present an extremely efficient and sufficiently secure protocol for computing the dot-product of two vectors using linear algebraic techniques. Using analytical as well as experimental results, we demonstrate superior performance in terms of computational overhead, numerical stability, and security. We show that the overhead of a two-party dot-product computation using MPI as the messaging API across two high-end workstations connected via a Gigabit ethernet approaches multiple 4.69 over an unsecured dot-product. We also show that the average relative error in dot-products across a large number of random (normalized) vectors was roughly 4.5 /spl times/ 10/sup -9/.
Affective Response to Physical Activity: Testing for Measurement Invariance of the Physical Activity Affect Scale Across Active and Non-Active Individuals

Affective responses to physical activity are assumed to play a role in exercise initiation and maintenance. The Physical Activity Affect Scale measures four dimensions of an individual's affective response to exercise. Group differences in the interpretation of scale items can impact the interpretability of mean differences, underscoring the need to examine whether measurement structure holds across groups (e.g., active vs. non-active). In the current study, physically active (n = 158) and non-active (n = 179) participants exercised for 30 min; affect was assessed during exercise (i.e., 20 min). Tests of measurement invariance were conducted in a confirmatory factor analytic framework. There was good evidence for measurement invariance of the Physical Activity Affect Scale across active and non-active groups, with a single non-invariant factor loading, invariance in item intercepts, and invariance in item uniquenesses, although patterns of factor covariances and means differed across groups. Recommendatio...
IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EFFECTS OF STEROIDS ON GLUCOSE OXIDATION AND RESPIRATION BY NORMAL AND MALIGNANT LYMPHOID TISSUE1

A study has been made of the effects of various steroids, added in vitro, on the endogenous respiration, oxygen consumption in the presence of added glucose, and oxidation of this glucose to carbon dioxide by whole lymph nodes and by lymphocyte cell suspensions. Rat mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, and a transplantablelymphosarcoma were used as sources of lymphoid cells. A variety of steroids studiedcaused inhibition of the metabolism of lymphoid cells, under the experimental conditions used. Correlations are indicated between aspects of steroid structure and inhibitory effects observed. Certain steroids which caused inhibition of metabolism oflymphoid cells whenadded in vitro, were injected into rats 4 hrs. prior to sacrifice of the animals. Lymphoid cells from such steroid-injected rats showed metabolic alterations, when studied in vitro, similar to those seen when the steroid was added directly to the cellsin vitro.
Overcoming the phage replication threshold: a mathematical model with implications for phage therapy

Prior observations of phage-host systems in vitro have led to the conclusion that susceptible host cell populations must reach a critical density before phage replication can occur. Such a replication threshold density would have broad implications for the therapeutic use of phage. In this report, we demonstrate experimentally that no such replication threshold exists and explain the previous data used to support the existence of the threshold in terms of a classical model of the kinetics of colloidal particle interactions in solution. This result leads us to conclude that the frequently used measure of multiplicity of infection (MOI), computed as the ratio of the number of phage to the number of cells, is generally inappropriate for situations in which cell concentrations are less than 107/ml. In its place, we propose an alternative measure, MOIactual, that takes into account the cell concentration and adsorption time. Properties of this function are elucidated that explain the demonstrated usefulness of MOI at high cell densities, as well as some unexpected consequences at low concentrations. In addition, the concept of MOIactual allows us to write simple formulas for computing practical quantities, such as the number of phage sufficient to infect 99.99% of host cells at arbitrary concentrations.
The Merit Pay System: Prognosis:

The merit pay system offers an expensive, complicated, and inequitable way of compensating senior level supervisors and management officials, or a more advanced method of rewarding and recognizing ...
The Politics of Self-Craft: Expert Patients and the Public Health Management of Chronic Disease

As the global challenges posed by chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) run into longer life expectancies and restrictive fiscal environments, public health programs must respond to these issues...
Examination of commercially available copper oxide wire particles in combination with albendazole for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs

Abstract Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) remains a critical issue due to the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. The objective of the experiment was to determine the efficacy of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) from three commercial sources and a combination of COWP and albendazole to control GIN and/or Haemonchus contortus in lambs. Naturally infected Katahdin lambs in early June 2014 and 2015 were randomly assigned to receive no COWP (CON; n = 9 and 12) or 2 g COWP in a gel capsule as Copasure ® (COP; n = 4 and 17; Animax Ltd.), copper oxide—wire form (AUS; n = 7 in 2014 only; Pharmplex), Ultracruz™ (ULT; n = 8 and 15; Santa Cruz Animal Health™), no COWP and albendazole (CON + alb; n = 10 in 2015 only; 15 mg/kg BW; Valbazen ® ; Zoetis Animal Health), or COWP + alb ( n = 7 and 11; in 2014, lambs were administered alb on day 3). Lambs grazed grass pastures as a group and were supplemented with 227 g/lamb daily of a commercial grain mix (15% crude protein) and the same amount of alfalfa pellets. Feces were collected on days 0 (day of COWP treatment), 7, and 14 for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC). Pooled (2014) or pooled treatment group feces were cultured on days 0, 7, and 14 (2015 only) to determine GIN genera. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed. The predominant GIN on day 0 was H. contortus (87%) in 2014, and there was a mixed population in 2015. The mean FEC was reduced by day 7 in AUS and ULT lambs (treatment × day, P = 0.001), and all of the COWP products were similar. By day 14, the AUS FEC were lower than the CON and COP groups. When examining the combination of COWP and synthetic anthelmintic, the FEC of COWP + alb were reduced to nearly 0 eggs/g (back-transformed) and lower than the other groups (treatment × day, P = 0.001). The percentage of H. contortus in cultured feces was reduced to a greater extent in the COWP than CON or CON+alb groups of lambs. In a mixed GIN population, the COWP products appeared to be similar in efficacy and using a combination of COWP + alb increased the efficacy not only against H. contortus , but all GIN genera present, offering options in the face of resistance to benzimidazoles.
Cues for zoospore release by marine oomycotes in naturally decaying submerged leaves

Two common potential environmental impacts upon leaf-decomposers in the marine intertidal zone (mild drying, dilution of salinity/lowering of temperature due to rainfall) were simulated and tested ...
The Effect of Ignoring Statistical Interactions in Regression Analyses Conducted in Epidemiologic Studies: An Example with Survival Analysis Using Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model.

Objective: To demonstrate the adverse impact of ignoring statistical interactions in regression models used in epidemiologic studies. Study design and setting: Based on different scenarios that involved known values for coefficient of the interaction term in Cox regression models we generated 1000 samples of size 600 each. The simulated samples and a real life data set from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort were used to evaluate the effect of ignoring statistical interactions in these models. Results: Compared to correctly specified Cox regression models with interaction terms, misspecified models without interaction terms resulted in up to 8.95 fold bias in estimated regression coefficients. Whereas when data were generated from a perfect additive Cox proportional hazards regression model the inclusion of the interaction between the two covariates resulted in only 2% estimated bias in main effect regression coefficients estimates, but did not alter the main findings of no significant interactions. Conclusions: When the effects are synergic, the failure to account for an interaction effect could lead to bias and misinterpretation of the results, and in some instances to incorrect policy decisions. Best practices in regression analysis must include identification of interactions, including for analysis of data from epidemiologic studies.
An empirical evaluation of the prediction of maximal heart rate

(1998). An Empirical Evaluation of the Prediction of Maximal Heart Rate. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 69, No. 1, pp. 94-98.
Global Reduced Model for Conventional and Alternative Jet and Diesel Fuel Autoignition

A global reduced model for the autoignition of conventional petroleum-derived and alternative, hydroprocessed and Fischer–Tropsch, jet and diesel fuels is presented. The model is based on a seven-step model from the literature (Zheng, J.; Miller, D. L.; Cernansky, N. P. A Global Reaction Model for the HCCI Combustion Process, SAE Paper 2004-01-2950, 2004) and includes steps to predict oxidation and autoignition in the three temperature regimes of interest to engine applications, the high-, low-, and negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) regimes. Here we have included dependence of reaction rate parameters on the derived cetane number (DCN) to predict the influence of fuel variability on autoignition and optimized the reduced model to best fit target shock tube ignition delay time data for jet and diesel fuels. The standard deviation between model predictions for ignition delay and the target shock tube data set is ±21% and the model captures all experimental trends for ignition delay variation with DCN, ...
Research of Matrix Algorithm for Feeder Fault Location Based on FTU

To improve the accuracy and timeliness of feeder automation fault location,the current several application modes of feeder automation fault location were summarized and the basic idea of matrix algorithm for fault location was analyzed,Based on this,with FTU( feeder terminal units) intelligent device,a new fault location algorithm for feeders was proposed,which used a directed edge adjacency matrix to describe the network information, not only for single supply network,multiple source open loop operation network but also terminal of feeder fault can be accurate positioned. To verify the correctness of the algorithm,a multi power parallel complex network as an example,the program algorithm for the localization was wrote with C + + language in the VS2008 environment. Results of the test program indicate that design of the algorithm is correct and reasonable,and accurate positioning can be implemented in feeder fault segment successfully.
Numerical modeling of continuous flow microwave heating: a critical comparison of COMSOL and ANSYS.

AbstractNumerical models were developed to simulate temperature profiles in Newtonian fluids during continuous flow microwave heating by one way coupling electromagnetism, fluid flow, and heat transport in ANSYS 8.0 and COMSOL Multiphysics v3.4. Comparison of the results from the COMSOL model with the results from a pre-developed and validated ANSYS model ensured accuracy of the COMSOL model. Prediction of power loss by both models was in close agreement (5–13% variation) and the predicted temperature profiles were similar. COMSOL provided a flexible model setup whereas ANSYS required coupling incompatible elements to transfer load between electromagnetic, fluid flow, and heat transport modules. Overall, both software packages provided the ability to solve multiphysics phenomena accurately.
Expanding Diversity: Noncategorical Inclusion and Equity

Contemporary public policy and laws give strong support to equal protection and civil rights. This article argues that a modern society and each person therein should cultivate qualities in one’s self and others that will promote inclusion and equity to continually reduce and eventually eliminate unjust bias, prejudice, and discrimination (albeit perhaps an “impossible dream”). To date, equal protection has depended primarily on governmental regulations based on categorization of human factors. It is argued that everyone, particularly those persons granted “professional” status in society, should aspire for self-concept features that will move toward adopting and expanding inclusion to eliminate the need for categorization per se. Rather than diversity per se, inclusion and equity have contemporary support for better obtaining the personal and social values that can reduce bias, discrimination, and prejudice. It is recommended that interventions be directed at the structural, institutionalized, and close-...
Transcriptional Regulation of the Nephrogenic Mesenchyme and Its Progeny

The nephrogenic mesenchyme, or capping mesenchyme, is a reservoir of stem/progenitor cells for kidney development. At each round of branching of the neighboring ureteric epithelium, cells within the nephrogenic mesenchyme decide to remain uncommitted progenitors or to differentiate into renal vesicles (RV), the epithelial precursor unit that gives rise to each nephron. The Six2 transcription factor is required for the nephrogenic mesenchyme to maintain its progenitor status, whereas Wnt9b/β-catenin signaling initiates its differentiation. Genome-wide mapping of Six2 and β-catenin interactions at the DNA level revealed a complex interplay in the action of these factors in controlling cell decision making within the nephrogenic mesenchyme. Several lines of evidence have also linked a number of other regulatory factors, including Hox, Osr, Sall, and Wt family members, to these regulatory networks. Furthermore, genetic studies have highlighted the central role of Notch signaling, and the regional activity of a number of transcriptional factors including Lhx1, Pou3f3, Hnf1b, Mafb, and Tcf21 in subdividing RV derivatives into the physiologically distinct nephron segments that underpin nephron function.
Renewable energy-aware demand response for distributed data centers in smart grid

Data centers consume a large amount of energy from the power grid and have a high carbon footprint. Recent practice has introduced renewable energy to decarbonize the data-center operation. This paper studies how to leverage the demand response of a group of distributed data centers to exploit the diversity of renewable generations and energy prices in a smart grid. We model the data-center operation as an energy cost minimization problem, in which a data-center operator jointly optimizes the energy supply and computing workload allocation for distributed data centers. To solve this problem, we design a distributed demand response algorithm that involves little information exchange yet effective interactions between the operator and data centers. Specifically, the operator updates the dual variable and broadcasts to the data centers, and each data center optimizes its operation separately as a response to the dual variable. Using data-center workload traces and renewable energy data, we validate our solution method and the simulation results show the optimal computing workload allocation and energy management across distributed data centers.
Responsibility to Remember Injustice

Peter French suggests that mythic and reassuring collective memories prevalent in societies can render us “morally challenged” in facing the truth. I explore this idea by asking if there is a responsibility to remember mass violence and grave injustice and if so upon whom this responsibility falls. I argue that a distinctive duty to remember can only reasonably fall upon societies (as it does in emergent international human rights norms) as continuing historical entities who exercise agency through their governing institutions. States, mostly obviously democratic ones constitutively committed to their citizens’ political equality, have obligations to pursue, preserve, and make available accurate historical memory. While not sufficient, fostering accurate collective memory is necessary to equip citizens to understand and accept the need for justice to address persistent disadvantage and other harms that result from histories of profound injustice. For related reasons, some nonstate institutions might also have obligations of memory with regard to injustice. Because individual members of society may find it challenging to accept their general civic obligation to support their society’s legitimate actions in pursuit of accurate but disturbing or shameful historical memory, I suggest we think of mastering this predictable resistance as a kind of civic virtue.
Uranium extraction: Fuel from seawater

There are over four billion tonnes of uranium in the oceans that could be harvested for nuclear fuel, but current capture methods have limited performance and reusability. Now, an electrochemical method using modified carbon electrodes is shown to be promising for the extraction of uranium from seawater.
A meter-scale 600-Mb/s 2×2 imaging MIMO OOK VLC link using commercial LEDs and Si p-n photodiode array

This paper presents a free-space 4-channels imaging multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system for On-Off-Keying (OOK) Visible-Light-Communication (VLC) links. An aggregate data-rate of 600 Mb/s is measured over 6 meters link distance with a bit-error-rate (BER) below 10−3 with the 4-channels simultaneously modulated. While the majority of published VLC works to date use components-off-the-shelf (COTS) PIN or Avalanche PDs that require both non-standard and/or higher cost fabrication processes as well as high reverse bias potential, the presented receiver in this paper employs a 2×2 on-chip Nwell/Psub photodiodes (PD) array fabricated in a low cost CMOS-compatible process. To extract high data rate performance out of the proposed CMOS low speed PD array, a 2nd-order LCR equalization is used to compensate for the stringent bandwidth limitation of the PD, measured around 20 MHz and push the speed up to 150 Mbps/channel. With a red light-emitting-diode (LED) array at 650 nm, the 4-channels MIMO setup DC power consumption is 1.38 W, which represents to our knowledge an energy-per-bit record performance for OOK VLC systems of 2.3 nJ/bit.
How do you recognize and reconstitute a synaptic vesicle after fusion

Synaptic vesicle recycling is essential for sustained and reliable neurotransmission. A key component of synaptic vesicle recycling is the synaptic vesicle biogenesis process that is observed in synapses and that maintains the molecular identity of synaptic vesicles. However, the mechanisms by which synaptic vesicles are retrieved and reconstituted after fusion remain unclear. The complex molecular composition of synaptic vesicles renders their rapid biogenesis a daunting task. Therefore, in this context, kiss-and-run type transient fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane without loss of their membrane composition and molecular identity remains a viable hypothesis that can account for the fidelity of the synaptic vesicle cycle. In this article, we discuss the biological implications of this problem as well as its possible molecular solutions.
Risk of cardiac events in Long QT syndrome patients when taking antiseizure medications.

Many antiseizure medications (ASMs) affect ion channel function. We investigated whether ASMs alter the risk of cardiac events in patients with corrected QT (QTc) prolongation. The study included people from the Rochester-based Long QT syndrome (LQTS) Registry with baseline QTc prolongation and history of ASM therapy (n = 296). Using multivariate Anderson-Gill models, we assessed the risk of recurrent cardiac events associated with ASM therapy. We stratified by LQTS genotype and predominant mechanism of ASM action (Na+ channel blocker and gamma-aminobutyric acid modifier.) There was an increased risk of cardiac events when participants with QTc prolongation were taking vs off ASMs (HR 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–2.00, P
Lemierre's syndrome presented with acute pancreatitis

Case Lemierre's syndrome is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by infected internal jugular vein thrombosis with metastatic septicemia. The most common causative agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum. A previously healthy 37-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She was admitted to the general practice unit with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis then was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit due to shock. Physical examination revealed tenderness on right side of the neck. Blood cultures were remarkable for F. necrophorum. Clinical symptoms led to subsequent ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the neck, confirming internal jugular vein thrombosis. Outcome The patient was treated with antibiotics for 6 weeks. Anticoagulation therapy was initiated. Conclusion We report a case of Lemierre's syndrome that presented as acute pancreatitis. The high index of suspicion of this disease is important for early diagnosis.
Assessment Revisited: A Comprehensive Approach to Understanding Family Dynamics:

This article, the first of a series of articles developed from an assessment technology seminar conducted at Family Services of Central Maryland, presents an overview of a generic approach to asses...
Multi-scale Remote Sensing of Introduced and Invasive Species: An Overview of Approaches and Perspectives

A fused, multi-scale remote sensing system that ranges from field-based to satellite-based systems offers considerable power and efficiencies for mapping and monitoring the spread and/or eradication of introduced and invasive plant species. Optical, multispectral, and hyperspectral remote sensing systems are capable of distinguishing alien species from background features through their spectral, spatial, and temporal signatures—often assessed through a suite of change detection approaches that rely upon an assembled image time series. Pixel- and object-based image processing approaches depend on an expanded feature set that generally includes digital enhancements and vegetation indices as well as GIS coverages. Several land suitability and ecosystem process models have been used to assess the spread of introduced and invasive species across the landscape, given ecological site conditions and social considerations associated with human-managed landscapes. Considerable challenges persist in the mapping, monitoring, and modeling of introduced and invasive species related to sub-canopy distributions, target resolutions of young and mature specimens, fragmented distributions, and natural and human forcing functions of their space-time patterns across the landscape.