cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicokinetics of the plasticizer, N-butylbenzenesulfonamide, in plasma and brain following oral exposure in rodents: Route, species, and sex comparison.

Abstract N-Butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) is a widely used plasticizer and hence there is potential for human exposure via oral routes. This work investigates the toxicokinetic behavior of NBBS in rodents following a single gavage (20, 60, and 200 mg/kg body weight) or multi-day feed administration (500, 1000, and 2000 ppm). In male and female rats following gavage administration, maximum plasma NBBS concentration, Cmax, was reached at ≤0.539 h. Cmax increased proportionally to the dose. Area under the curve (AUC) increased more than proportionally to the dose and was 4- to 5-fold higher in females than in males. In mice, plasma Cmax was reached at ≤0.136 h and increased proportionally to the dose in female mice and more than proportionally to the dose in males. AUC increased more than proportionally to the dose with no apparent sex difference. Elimination of NBBS in plasma was faster in mice (half-life (h); mice ≤0.432, rat ≤3.55). Oral bioavailability was higher in female rats (≥60%) than males (23-52%) with apparent saturation of clearance at ∼200 mg/kg body weight in females. In mice, bioavailability (5-14%) was lower with no apparent sex difference. NBBS was detected in brains of rats and mice but with low brain:plasma ratios (rats, ≤5; mice, ≤1) suggesting low potential to cross the blood brain barrier. Systemic exposure in male rats and mice following a single gavage administration was ≥48-fold higher than multi-day feed exposure. These data demonstrate potential species, sex, dose- and route-related difference in toxicokinetics of NBBS in rodents.
Investigation of Ultrasonically Induced Degradation of Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate in Water

AbstractThe widespread use of hazardous organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants has led to the contamination of groundwater and drinking water sources. Given the negative impact of OPEs on env...
Alignment-Free Optical Pre-Conditioning System for Omni-Resonant Enhancement of a Solar Cell

We construct an alignment-free, planar optical system consisting of diffraction gratings and micro-prism array that pre-conditions near-infrared sunlight for broadband omni-resonant enhancement of a solar cell photocurrent.
Extremely Weakly Interacting ΔSz = 0 and ΔSz = 1 Excitations and Evidence for Fractional Quantization in a Magnetization Plateau: CeSb

The plateau at $1/3$ of the saturation magnetization ${M}_{s}$ in the metamagnet CeSb is accompanied by a state of ferromagnetic layers of spins in an up-up-down sequence. We measured $M$ and the specific heat $C$ in the plateau, spin wave analyses of which reveal two distinct branches of excitations. Those with $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{z}=1$ as measured by $M$, coexist with a much larger population of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{z}=0$ excitations measured by $C$ but invisible to $M$. The large density of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{z}=0$ excitations, their energy gap, and their seeming lack of interaction with $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{z}=1$ excitations suggest an analogy with astrophysical dark matter. Additionally, in the middle of the plateau three sharp jumps in $M(H)$ are seen, the size of which, $0.15%{M}_{s}$, is consistent with fractional quantization of magnetization per site in the down-spin layers.
Granger-faithfulness and link orientation in network reconstruction.

Networked dynamic systems are often abstracted as directed graphs, where the observed system processes form the vertex set and directed edges are used to represent non-zero transfer functions. Recovering the exact underlying graph structure of such a networked dynamic system, given only observational data, is a challenging task. Under relatively mild well-posedness assumptions on the network dynamics, there are state-of-the-art methods which can guarantee the absence of false positives. However, in this article we prove that under the same well-posedness assumptions, there are instances of networks for which any method is susceptible to inferring false negative edges or false positive edges. Borrowing a terminology from the theory of graphical models, we say those systems are unfaithful to their networks. We formalize a variant of faithfulness for dynamic systems, called Granger-faithfulness, and for a large class of dynamic networks, we show that Granger-unfaithful systems constitute a Lebesgue zero-measure set. For the same class of networks, under the Granger-faithfulness assumption, we provide an algorithm that reconstructs the network topology with guarantees for no false positive and no false negative edges in its output. We augment the topology reconstruction algorithm with orientation rules for some of the inferred edges, and we prove the rules are consistent under the Granger-faithfulness assumption.
The Effect of Joint Line Elevation on In Vivo Knee Kinematics in Bicruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Prior studies have reported a negative effect on both clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) following joint line elevation (JLE) in cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and posterior stabilized (PS) TKA designs. This experimental study was aimed to quantify the effect of JLE on in vivo knee kinematics in patients with bicruciate retaining (BCR) TKA during strenuous activities. Thirty unilateral BCR TKA patients were evaluated during single-leg deep lunge and sit-to-stand using a validated combined computer tomography and dual fluoroscopic imaging system. Correlation analysis was performed to quantify any correlations between JLE and in vivo kinematics, as well as PROMS. There was a significant negative correlation between JLE and maximum flexion angle during single-leg deep lunge (ρ = −0.34, p = 0.02), maximum varus joint angles during single-leg deep lunge (ρ = −0.37, p = 0.04), and sit-to-stand (ρ = −0.29, p = 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between JLE and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (ρ = −0.39, p = 0.01) and knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score physical function (KOOS-PS; ρ = −0.33, p = 0.03). The JLE that yields a significant loss in PROMS and maximum flexion angles were 2.6 and 2.3 mm, respectively. There was a linear negative correlation of JLE with both in vivo knee kinematics and PROMS, with changes in JLE of greater than 2.6 and 2.3 mm, leading to a clinically significant loss in PROMS and maximum flexion angles, respectively, suggesting an increased need to improve surgical precision to optimize patient outcomes following BCR TKA.
From the Individual to the Public

Digital technologies facilitate the formation of communities, which are distinct from the broader, more inclusive concept of the public. They are enmeshed in pronounced ways in the emergence of a “society of individuals” and a retreat from public space (and into virtual pseudo-spaces) that problematizes traditional notions of the constitution of publics and the pursuit of public life. These technologies are also implicated in the problematization of the supposed binary distinction between public and private spaces and practices. However, they also are being used in forging new modes of public interactions and relationships with different impacts on the public space of the city.
Neuroimmune Circuits Activated by Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The interaction between the nervous system and the immune system has recently been well-recognized. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) presents potential as an anti-inflammatory therapy through activation of neuroimmune pathways. Detailed understanding of the neuroimmune pathways VNS evokes is critical in order to successfully use it in the clinic for the treatment of acute kidney injury, in which inflammation plays an important role. In this review, we describe recent findings regarding VNS-induced neuroimmune pathways responsible for anti-inflammation and tissue protection.
Experimental Validation of Physics-Based Planning and Control Algorithms for Planetary Robotic Rovers

Robotic planetary exploration is a major component of the United States’ NASA space science program. The focus of our research is to develop rover planning and control algorithms for high-performance robotic planetary explorers based on the physics of these systems. Experimental evaluation is essential to ensure that unmodeled effects do not degrade algorithm performance. To perform this evaluation a low-cost rover test-bed has been developed. It consists of a rocker-bogie type rover with an on-board manipulator operating in a rough-terrain environment. In this paper the design and fabrication of an experimental rover system is described, and the experimental validation of several rover control algorithms is presented. The experimental results obtained are key to the evaluation and validation of our research.
The Lipid Bilayer Principle: A Historic Perspective and Some Highlights

Abstract The basic unit of all living organisms is the cell, which is surrounded by a 5 nm thick lipid bilayer-based plasma membrane. Colloid and interfacial chemistry have played a pivotal role, as evidenced by the work of Hooke, Newton, Gibbs, Langmuir and others. On the basis of these findings and insights, methods for forming bilayer lipid membranes were discovered. The development of self-assembled ‘black’ or bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs or planar lipid bilayers) has opened research opportunities in studying hitherto unapproachable phenomena at interfaces and bifaces. To impart relevant functions in BLMs, a variety of compounds such as ionophores, enzymes, receptors, pigments, and nanoparticles have been embedded. Some of these incorporated compounds cause the BLMs to exhibit nonlinear phenomena and photoelectric effects. Our past work has been benefited by a cross-fertilization of ideas among various branches of sciences. Further insights concerning the lipid bilayer principle of biomembranes will come from collaborations of investigators of diverse background and disciplines.
Dissolved organic carbon concentration and flux in a grassland stream: spatial and temporal patterns and processes from long-term data

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams is a critical component of the global carbon cycle, but little is known about long-term patterns in DOC concentration and export in grassland streams. Here we present the results of a 15-year dataset collected from multiple sites in the Kings Creek watershed on Konza Prairie, KS, USA. DOC concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 15.97 mg L−1, with a mean of 1.19 mg L−1 (standard deviation 1.01 mg L−1). Sites differed in their DOC concentrations as a function of the year of study and the season. Generally, headwaters had greater DOC concentrations, and DOC decreased downstream. The lowest concentrations were found in a groundwater spring in the watershed. Concentrations showed no trend over the study and were not correlated with discharge. However, annual export (mean: 0.29 kg ha−1 year−1; range: 0.00–9.09 kg ha−1 year−1) was highly correlated with annual runoff, and annual runoff explained over 80 % of the variation in export. Export from Kings Creek was 30 times lower than the literature-reported mean for grasslands and 137 times less than export averaged across all biomes. Neither fire nor bison, two forces that maintain prairies, were statistically related to DOC concentrations. Main drivers of DOC concentrations are likely leaching from terrestrial organic material in soils and the accumulations in dry streambeds during drought periods as well as instream autotrophic production. Downstream declines in DOC concentrations suggest instream processing. Grassland streams probably have modest effects on the global carbon budget due to instream processing and low precipitation. Changes in precipitation may have large effects on carbon export from grassland streams.
Corruption, Political Participation, and Appetite for Reform: Americans' Assessment of the Role of Money in Politics

Abstract This article explores the avowed linkage between perceptions of corruption and political participation. Using new data from an original national poll on the role of money in politics conducted just prior to the Citizens United decision, we test the effect of perceptions of corruption on support for campaign finance regulations and political participation. We find little evidence to substantiate the Supreme Court's reasoning about the relationship between public perceptions of the influence of money on politics and political participation. We offer individual-level explanations for relative levels of perceptions of corruption, efficacy, and participation.
Assimilation Of A Knowledge Base And Physical Models To Reduce Errors In Passive-microwave Classifications Of Sea Ice

An expert system framework has been developed to classify sea ice types using satellite passive microwave data, an operational classification algorithm, spatial and temporal information, ice types estimated from a dynamic-thermodynamic model, output from a neural network that detects the onset of melt, and knowledge about season and region. The rule base imposes boundary conditions upon the ice classification, modifies parameters in the ice algorithm, determines a `confidence' measure for the classified data, and under certain conditions, replaces the algorithm output with model output. Results demonstrate the potential power of such a system for minimizing overall error in the classification and for providing non-expert data users with a means of assessing the usefulness of the classification results for their applications.
P3.5P: Pose estimation with unknown focal length

It is well known that the problem of camera pose estimation with unknown focal length has 7 degrees of freedom. Since each image point gives 2 constraints, solving this problem requires a minimum of 3.5 image points of 4 known 3D points, where 0.5 means either x or y coordinate of an image point. We refer to this minimal problem as P3.5P. However, the existing methods require 4 full image points to solve the camera pose and focal length [21, 1, 3, 23]. In this paper, we present a general solution to the true minimal P3.5P problem with up to 10 solutions. The remaining image coordinate is then used to filter the candidate solutions, which typically results in a single solution for good data or no solution for outliers. Experiments show the proposed method significantly improves the efficiency over the state of the art methods while maintaining a high accuracy.
Evidence for the role of surface-exposed segments of the light-harvesting complex in cation-mediated control of chloroplast structure and function☆

Abstract Chloroplast membranes contain a light-harvesting pigment-protein complex (LHC) which binds chlorophylls a and b . A mild trypsin digestion of intact thylakoid membranes has been utilized to specifically alter the apparent molecular weights of polypeptides of this complex. The modified membrane preparations were analyzed for altered functional and structural properties. Cation-induced changes in room temperature fluorescence intensity and low temperature chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectra, and cation regulation of the quantum yield of photosystem I and II partial reactions at limiting light were lost following the trypsin-induced alteration of the LHC. Electron microscopy revealed that cations can neither maintain nor promote grana stacking in membranes which have been subjected to mild trypsin treatment. Freeze-fracture analysis of these membranes showed no significant differences in particle density or average particle size of membrane subunits on the EF fracture face; structural features of the modified lamellae were comparable to membranes which had been unstacked in a “low salt” buffer. Digitonin digestion of trypsin-treated membranes in the presence of cations followed by differential centrifugation resulted in a subchloroplast fractionation pattern similar to that observed when control chloroplasts were detergent treated in cation-free medium. We conclude that: (a) the initial action of trypsin at the thylakoid membrane surface of pea chloroplasts was the specific alteration of the LHC polypeptides, (b) the segment of the LHC polypeptides which was altered by trypsin is necessary for cation-mediated grana stacking and cation regulation of membrane subunit distribution, and (c) cation regulation of excitation energy distribution between photosystem I and II involves the participation of polypeptide segments of the LHC which are exposed at the membrane surface.
Protein Folding Trends in the Cellular Environment

The pathways of protein folding in vivo are still poorly understood despite the tremendous impact of correct folding for cell function. In the case of small/medium-size proteins, kinetic arguments suggest there is ample time for cotranslational conformational sampling, while nascent chains are still ribosome-bound and before synthesis of the full length protein is complete. Given the complexity of the cellular environment (molecular crowding, chaperones, ribosome), a combination of tailored biological and spectroscopic tools is likely needed to drive progress in this area. This lecture will present our current efforts to understand how proteins acquire the ability to attain their native state as nascent chains elongate from N to C terminus.
Physiographic engineering: land-erosion controls

Peoples and civilizations write their records in the land. The scale of this writing is small in comparison with that of geophysical forces which have written a marvelous record in the Earth; nevertheless, its effects may mean life or death of peoples and rise or decline of civilizations. Land-erosion in Northern Syria proved to be in the end more devastating than war. Land-erosion has become a menace to national welfare and a vital problem of national economy of the United States. Only a beginning has been made in the present movement for land-conservation. To establish an enduring and adequate agriculture in this new land of America confronts us with complex problems of which basic ones are geophysical. A guiding principle in applying findings of geophysical science is to set the stage in the use of land so that natural forces work for us rather than against us.
Computer-aided design of multistage forging operations for round parts

Abstract Parts with rotational symmetry are formed (cold and warm) either on multistage automatic forging machines or on conventional presses in several steps. A number of individual forming operations (e.g. upsetting, forward extrusion, backward extrusion, pointing, trimming, piercing, etc.) and/or a combination of these are required to arrive at a specific finished workpiece geometry, starting with a (usually) round billet. The design of the process sequence involved in making the part is based on several years of experience and relies heavily on the rare skills of die design engineers. This article describes a computer-aided system called “FORMING” for designing the forming sequence for multistage forging of round parts. Given the billet diameter, the final part geometry, the material and friction conditions, “FORMING”, through its own “Artificial Intelligence”, recognizes automatically the final part geometry, applies established design rules on different forming operations, determines and displays the forming sequence, and calculates the forming loads to perform each forming operation. At this time, FORMING can handle only solid round parts without protrusions. However, the program can be expanded to design forming steps for hollow parts and parts with internal protrusions that are forged without flash in upsetters, automatic forging machines, and vertical presses.
Blood of the Leviathan: Western contact and warfare in Amazonia

This article argues that reported wars among Native peoples of Amazonia are not representative of pre-Columbian warfare. The well-known cases that are the bases for our conceptions of Amazonian warfare, as well as dozens of less prominent instances of war, can be attributed largely to circumstances created by the European intrusion. The broader implication is that anthropological theory and teaching about war are distorted by an unexamined premise that reported cases of war among nonstate or tribal peoples are self-generated phenomena. [warfare, Amazonia, Western contact, anthropology and history, the Columbian encounter]
EFFECT OF SULFURIC ACID ON REACTIONS OF PEROXYMONOSULFATE ION WITH SULFIDES AND THIOL ESTERS

Peroxymonosulfate ion, HSO, as Oxone in aqueous H2SO4, oxidizes sulfides [MeSC6H4X(p), X = Me, H, NO2] to sulfoxides and converts aryl thiobenzoates [PhCOSC6H4X(p), X = Me, H] and thiol phosphorus(V) esters [Ph2POSPh, (EtO)2POSPh, Ph2POSEt, Ph(EtO)POSEt] into the acids and sulfonate ions. Second-order rate constants increase with increasing concentration of H2SO4 (10–53 wt%), owing to the high polarity of the medium rather than to acid catalysis. The rate increases fit the Grunwald–Winstein equation based on YOTs solvent parameters derived from rate effects on SN1 solvolyses. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination of Breeding Pools Utilized by the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, Peltophryne lemur

Habitat preservation and management may play an important role in the conservation of the Puerto Rican crested toad, Peltophryne lemur, due to this species' small geographic range and declining native wild population. Bioavailable water concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants within breeding pools at 3 sites were established using Passive Sampling Devices (PSDs) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A more diverse population of PAH analytes were found in higher concentrations at the breeding site that allowed direct vehicular access, but calculated risk quotients indicated low risk to toad reproduction associated with the current PAH analyte levels.
MCL1 Enhances the Survival of CD8+ Memory T Cells after Viral Infection

ABSTRACT Viral infection results in the generation of massive numbers of activated effector CD8 + T cells that recognize viral components. Most of these are short-lived effector T cells (SLECs) that die after clearance of the virus. However, a small proportion of this population survives and forms antigen-specific memory precursor effector cells (MPECs), which ultimately develop into memory cells. These can participate in a recall response upon reexposure to antigen even at protracted times postinfection. Here, antiapoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) was found to prolong survival upon T cell stimulation, and mice expressing human MCL1 as a transgene exhibited a skewing in the proportion of CD8 + T cells, away from SLECs toward MPECs, during the acute phase of vaccinia virus infection. A higher frequency and total number of antigen-specific CD8 + T cells were observed in MCL1 transgenic mice. These findings show that MCL1 can shape the makeup of the CD8 + T cell response, promoting the formation of long-term memory. IMPORTANCE During an immune response to a virus, CD8 + T cells kill cells infected by the virus, and most die when the infection resolves. However, a small proportion of cells survives and differentiates into long-lived memory cells that confer protection from reinfection by the same virus. This report shows that transgenic expression of an MCL1 protein enhances survival of memory CD8 + T cells following infection with vaccinia virus. This is important because it shows that MCL1 expression may be an important determinant of the formation of long-term CD8 + T cell memory.
VIBRATION OF THE ABDOMINAL SEGMENT IN PREGNANT SHEEP

mechanical vibration of the abdominal wall results in a frequency-related distribution of intra-abdominal sound pressure levels. A greater attenuation of applied signals of equal dynamic force occurs as frequency increases. A broad resonance peak exists between 6 and 18 Hz. Transducers fixed to the fetal head show clear increases in acceleration levels during stimulation of the abdominal surface with the artificial electronic larynx. Sine-wave stimulation results in a frequency-dependent increase in vibration levels of the abdominal wall of 4% to 140% of the input levels. At the fetal head, a broad peak in response was noted between 6 and 12 Hz, but the overall levels never exceeded 4% of the input level.
Assessing Cognitive Functioning in Older Patients: The Why, Who, What, and How

In the coming years, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can expect the numbers of older patients on their caseloads to increase. Epidemiological data indicate that the elderly represent one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population as national life expectancy continues to increase (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). Unfortunately, as people age, they become more vulnerable to medical conditions and diseases (e.g., hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) that compromise the integrity of their brain structures and functioning (Alzheimer's Association, 2011; Roger et al., 2010). These conditions and diseases negatively affect our cognitive and communication abilities. In this article, I will focus on cognitive assessment, an important component of service provision to older patients. More specifically, I will review the rationale, issues, and procedures pertaining to evaluating attention, memory, and executive functioning abilities in older patients.
Disposition of bisphenol AF, a bisphenol A analogue, in hepatocytes in vitro and in male and female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats and B6C3F1/N mice following oral and intravenous administration

Abstract1. Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is used as a crosslinking agent for polymers and is being considered as a replacement for bisphenol A (BPA).2. In this study, comparative clearance and metabolism of BPAF and BPA in hepatocytes and the disposition and metabolism of BPAF in rodents following oral administration of 3.4, 34 or 340 mg/kg [14C]BPAF were investigated.3. BPAF was cleared more slowly than BPA in hepatocytes with the rate: rat > mouse > human.4. [14C]BPAF was excreted primarily in feces by 72 h after oral administration to rats (65–80%) and mice (63–72%). Females excreted more in urine (rat, 15%; mouse, 24%) than males (rat, 1–4%; mouse, 10%). Residual tissue radioactivity was 94% of fecal radioactivity was present as BPAF, suggesting extensive deconjugation in the intestine.6. Metabo...
Neural activity in the midbrain correlated with hindlimb extension initiated by locomotor stimulation of the hypothalamus of the anesthetized rat

Midbrain neuronal activity that correlated with the initiation of locomotion produced by hypothalamic stimulation was studied. Locomotion was elicited by electrical stimulation in the perifornical hypothalamus of 59 rats anesthetized with Nembutal. The first hindlimb extension indexed stepping onset. Single and multiple neurons were recorded ipsilateral to the stimulation site at 2230 sites in the anterior and posterior midbrain. To classify responses, activity patterns averaged around stimulation onset and around the extension onset were examined. Responses with specific correlations to extension onset were Type I; responses not specifically related to the extension onset were Type II. In the anterior midbrain, 6% of sites were Type I and 8% were Type II. The larger Type I responses were frequent in the anterior tegmentum near the central gray. The relative frequency of Type I patterns in the posterior ventrolateral tegmentum was similar. Other regions showed relatively more Type II responses; they included the ventral tegmental area, and the regions near the superior cerebellar peduncle and the posterior central gray. Regional population profiles showed that during the initiation of locomotion, neurons in the posterior peribrachial region responded early and neurons in the anterior dorsal and the posterior ventrolateral tegmentum responded later. The initiation-related activity of Type I neurons in the anterior and posterior midbrain tegmentum suggest that they warrant further study for a role in locomotor initiation.
The Impact of Perceived Discrimination and Immigration Policies Upon Perceptions of Quality of Life Among Latinos in the United States

This study examined the impact of enforcement of US immigration policies and perceived discrimination on perceptions of quality of life for Latinos in the US. Data for this study were drawn from the 2007 Pew Hispanic Center survey of 2,000 Latino adults living in the US. Multinomial logistic regressions indicated that participants who had higher levels of perceived discrimination and who were personally affected by US immigration enforcement also perceived the following: (1) life was more difficult now for Latinos than in the past; (2) higher levels of fear of deportation for themselves or a loved one; (3) the lives of Latino children will be worse in the future; and (4) a lower quality of life for themselves. Female participants and participants with more years in the United States, and higher levels of linguistic acculturation generally had fewer issues regarding immigration policies or had a more positive outlook for Latinos in the United States.
Understanding computer-aided manufacturing impact on total productivity

Abstract This paper presents a step-by-step procedure for assessing the impact of computer-aided manufacturing on total productivity. The Task-Oriented Total Productivity Measurement Model (TOTPM) was used in two studies. The first study deals with the comparison of the total and partial productivities of the manual and computer-aided method of manufacturing printed circuit boards. The second study shows a comparison of the productivities of two types of computer-aided method of assembling printed circuit boards. Both studies were conducted for a period of 10 weeks. Computer system design problems encountered during implementation are discussed as well as ways to correct these problems.
Recombination between temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1☆

Abstract Fifteen temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 representing 10 complementation groups were examined for their ability to recombine. Efficient recombination was demonstrated between most mutant pairs in standard two-factor crosses. Mutants which failed to complement each other also failed to recombine or recombined with low frequency. Progeny analysis of putative ts+ recombinants demonstrated that complementing clumps and/or multiploid particles did not contribute significantly to recombinant yields. Using recombination data from crosses between 11 mutants representing 7 complementation groups, a provisional linkage map has been constructed. The map spans approximately 38 recombination units and is linear.
DC-20 GHz CMOS LNA using novel multilayered transmission lines and inductors

A distributed low-noise amplifier (LNA) employing novel multilayered transmission lines and inductors is designed in a standard 0.18 µm CMOS process. The new LNA provides significant improvement in performance and size with less than 13 dB return loss from DC to 17 GHz, average gain of 8±0.2 dB from DC to 20 GHz, noise figure of 3.4–5 dB from 0.5–19 GHz, power consumption of 34.2 mW, and 1.05×0.37 mm2 chip size including RF pads.
Rejection of skin grafts from mice chronically infected with Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus by non-infected syngeneic recipients.

THE interaction of lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus with mouse tissues has been discussed recently1–5. The fulminating disease, which occurs in adult mice after intracerebral inoculation with LCM virus, can be ameliorated by several treatments known to impair the immune response of the host, such as X-rays6, amethopterin7, thymectomy8 and anti-lymphocyte serum9. The pathology of the disease10 supports the current view that an immune reaction by the host against the virus or a virus product, located in or on infected cells, plays an essential part in its pathogenesis. A similar mechanism may be important in the chronic autoimmune-like disease in virus carrier mice2,5. Further elucidation of this disease mechanism depends on understanding the nature of the immune response and its target. A question of considerable interest is what the consequences might be for virus infected cells in the event of an immune response against the virus or a virus product. Here we report preliminary experiments involving transplantation of cells from virus carrier mice to syngeneic non-infected recipients which suggest that tissues of mice chronically infected with LCM virus undergo an antigenic change which can be detected by transplant rejection.
The specification of distributed boundary conditions in numerical simulation of the ionosphere

The approach described makes it possible to use boundary conditions which do not have to be associated with any particular point of the solution interval. The approach was applied in a program which solves simultaneously the coupled differential equations describing the concentrations of the O(+) ions, their temperature, the electron temperature and the concentrations of O2(+), NO(+) and N2(+) ions. Several versions of the proposed scheme are described for various kinds of boundary conditions. Attention is given to a given columnar ionic content, a given incoming or outgoing flux, or a given height of the peak concentration.
Clozapine does not induce a motor impairment in operant responding for heat reinforcement

Abstract This experiment examined the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) clozapine (CLZ) compared to haloperidol (HAL) on operant responding for heat reinforcement in a cold environment (−8°C). Three doses of CLZ (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg) were found to dose-dependently increase responding for heat while lowering core temperature ( T c ) only at the highest dose. Three doses of HAL (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased operant responding which resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in T c . The highest dose of CLZ was then tested in two other paradigms: a reinforcement schedule in which heat was available as long as the lever was held down, and a temperature gradient (range 7–45°C) in which access to heat required minimal motor effort. The ad libitum reinforcement schedule still did not provide enough heat to overcome the hypothermic effects of CLZ. However, in the gradient, rats receiving CLZ selected a warmer region of the gradient, and T c was higher than that of controls. These data support CLZ's reputation for having minimal motor side effects. Unlike HAL, the hypothermic effects of CLZ appear to be unrelated to effects of the drug on movement.
Redescription of Alcedinectes alcyon (Acari: Hypoderatidae) from the Belted Kingfisher (Aves: Coraciiformes; Alcedinidae)

Alcedinectes alcyon (Boyd) is redescribed based on specimens collected from its belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (L.), type host in Florida. This species differs from A. cerylei Fain by the chaetotaxy of tarsus III. A. alcyon has a long stout apical seta that tapers to a curved tip resembling that seen on tarsus III of the genus Tytodectes (Ispidectes) Fain. The equivalent seta in A. cerylei is a stout spine. There are other minor differences between these species in the pattern of idiosomal sclerotization and leg chaetotaxy. The chaetotaxy and solenidiotaxy of legs I and II in Alcedinectes closely resemble that of Amazonectes psittaci Fain & Vercammen-Grandjean from parrots (Psittaciformes), whereas the morphology and chaetotaxy of the idiosoma resemble that of Tytonectes (Ispidectes) spp. which also occurs in kingfishers (Coraciiformes). The long stout seta that tapers to a curved tip on tarsus III in A. alcyon also links the genus Alcedinectes with Tytodectes (Ispidectes).
Experimental Ablation of Outflow Tract Muscle With a Thermal Balloon Catheter

Background Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty has been performed in selected patients with tetralogy of Fallot as an alternative to surgical palliation; this technique is limited, however, by the fact that the balloon has little effect on the dynamic, muscular contribution to outflow tract obstruction. In an experimental model, we used a new thermal balloon catheter to ablate right ventricular outflow tract muscle. We evaluated the acute efficacy and muscle ablation parameters of this technology and its effects after myocardial healing. Methods and Results A prototype electrolyte-filled balloon catheter, heated by radiofrequency energy, was constructed. Studies were conducted to determine the optimum electrolyte solution needed to minimize balloon heating time with an unmodified, commercially available radiofrequency generator. In vivo ablations of right ventricular outflow tract muscle with the thermal balloon were performed in lambs that were divided into three groups (n=5 each) according to the duration o...
Toward criteria in the development of urban transportation systems

Improved criteria are necessary to aid in determining awards of federal funds for metropolitan transit projects. Commuting is the main use for public transit. Thus a primary objective of an urban transit system should be to provide a flexible and balanced set of options to the workers in the metropolitan area for their journey to work. This paper discusses various facets of an appropriate balance among the three modes: rapid rail, bus, and automobile. Three cities are selected for further analysis: Baltimore, Kansas City, and Phoenix. These cities represent different stages in economic-transportation development, and also present different spatial patterns of residence and employment. The applicability of rapid rail transit to each city is examined in view of central city worker concentration and recent trends.
OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION OF TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT VALENCE DELOCALIZATION IN THE 2FE-2S+ CLUSTER OF A FERREDOXIN FROM CLOSTRIDIUM PASTEURIANUM

We present the results of Mossbauer and magnetization studies of [2Fe−2S]+ clusters from the wild-type and the C56S variant 2Fe-ferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum. At pH = 11 in Tris/Caps buffer, samples of the C56S variant contain, at 4.2 K, a 1:1 mixture of [2Fe−2S]+ clusters with valence-localized S = 1/2 (Fd1/2) and valence-delocalized S = 9/2 (Fd9/2) ground states. A spin Hamiltonian analysis of Mossbauer spectra recorded in applied fields up to 8.0 T provides the fine structure and hyperfine parameters for Fd9/2: D9/2 = −1.5 cm-1, E/D = 0.11, A = (−13, −13, −9.1) MHz, ΔEQ = 1.83 mm/s, η = 0, and δ = 0.50 mm/s. A comparative analysis of the hyperfine tensor components for Fd9/2 and Fd1/2 shows that the intrinsic A-values cannot be directly transferred from localized to delocalized systems. This result indicates that valence delocalization is accompanied by additional modifications in the electronic structure. High-temperature Mossbauer studies show an increase in the fraction of valence-deloca...
Sensitivities and detection limits for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using a continuum source and linear photodiode array detection

Abstract Analytical figures of merit have been examined for a series of elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, and Zn) using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) with a continuum source and a linear photodiode array detector. Intrinsic masses, m i were calculated for continuum source AAS based on wavelength and time integrated absorbance in units of pm-s. A simple triangular model, based on experimental values for the hollow cathode lamp linewidths and calculated widths for the absorption profiles, was used to compute m i values from tabulated characteristic mass values for conventional AAS. With the exception of As and Se, the m i values for continuum source and conventional AAS agreed within a factor of two. Continuum source detection limits obtained were similar to those reported for line source GFAAS. Two standard reference materials were analyzed and values for the elements studied were found to be in good agreement with the certified values.
Petroleum exploration in the non-OPEC LDCs The effects of recent world developments

Abstract The recent decline in world petroleum prices and the uncertainty with respect to future oil prices is having an adverse effect on exploration in non-OPEC LDCs, particularly in the oil-importing developing countries. The fiscal regimes of LDCs, as applied to petroleum investment, have tended to limit incentives for foreign investment, especially in countries without high reserve potential. Recent developments have exacerbated these fiscal deterrents to petroleum investment, particularly in countries where there is little likelihood of discovering large oil fields. In addition, the external debt crisis in a number of LDCs where petroleum operations are largely in the hands of government oil enterprises is likely to reduce the availability of external financing for oil exploration and development.
The Use of Journals to Promote Reflection

Abstract Students come to teacher education programs with distinct convictions regarding what constitutes good teaching. Therefore, they are often not receptive to new methods to which they are exposed during their courses. A key task for teacher educators is to assist students in understanding how their previous experience impacts their belief about teaching. After researching the learning to teach literature Virginia Richardson (1990) indicates that “… improvement of the teacher-learning process requires acknowledging and building upon teachers' experiences, and promoting reflection on those experiences.” (p.12).
In Situ Casting and Imaging of the Rat Airway Tree for Accurate 3D Reconstruction

The use of anatomically accurate, animal-specific airway geometries is important for understanding and modeling the physiology of the respiratory system. One approach for acquiring detailed airway architecture is to create a bronchial cast of the conducting airways. However, typical casting procedures either do not faithfully preserve the in vivo branching angles or produce rigid casts that when removed for imaging are fragile and thus easily damaged. We address these problems by creating an in situ bronchial cast of the conducting airways in rats that can be subsequently imaged in situ using three-dimensional micro-CT imaging. We also demonstrate that deformations in airway branch angles resulting from the casting procedure are small, and that these angle deformations can be reversed through an interactive adjustment of the segmented cast geometry. Animal work was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Dimerization of Alkynes Promoted by a Pincer-Ligated Iridium Complex. C−C Reductive Elimination Inhibited by Steric Crowding

The pincer-ligated species (PCP)Ir (PCP = κ3-C6H3-2,6-(CH2PtBu2)2) is found to promote dimerization of phenylacetylene to give the enyne complex (PCP)Ir(trans-1,4-phenyl-but-3-ene-1-yne). The mechanism of this reaction is found to proceed through three steps: (i) addition of the alkynyl C−H bond to iridium, (ii) insertion of a second phenylacetylene molecule into the resulting Ir−H bond, and (iii) vinyl−acetylide reductive elimination. Each of these steps has been investigated, by both experimental and computational (DFT) methods, to yield unexpected conclusions of general interest. (i) The product of alkynyl C−H addition, (PCP)Ir(CCPh)(H) (3), has been isolated and, in accord with experimental observations, is calculated to be 29 kcal/mol more stable than the analogous product of benzene C−H addition. (ii) Insertion of a second PhCCH molecule into the Ir−H bond of 3 proceeds rapidly, but with a 1,2-orientation. This orientation gives (PCP)Ir(CCPh)(CPhCH2) (4) which would yield the 1,3-diphenyl-enyne if ...
Flipped Classroom versus Traditional Textbook Instruction: Assessing Accuracy and Mental Effort at Different Levels of Mathematical Complexity

Flipped classrooms are an instructional technology trend mostly incorporated in higher education settings, with growing prominence in high school and middle school (Tucker in Leveraging the power of technology to create student-centered classrooms. Corwin, Thousand Oaks, 2012). Flipped classrooms are meant to effectively combine traditional and online education by utilizing both in and out-of-class time. Despite positively reported implications of the flipped classroom instructional strategy, there is a deep shortage of literature and data that demonstrate advantages for student learning outcomes. The purpose of this preliminary study with directions for future investigations was to examine flipped classroom instruction versus a traditional classroom; specifically, an instructional video versus traditional textbook instruction to assess accuracy and mental effort at three levels of mathematical complexity. College-level nursing students who require mathematical mastery were used as a pilot test group in anticipation that this experience could be translated for larger data sets of variable age groups. Results indicated that accuracy increased and mental effort decreased with flipped instruction. Using Sweller’s cognitive load theory and Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning as theoretical frameworks, this study lends insight into designing effective instruction for learning environments that could benefit from a flipped classroom framework.
Virus activated artificial ECM induces the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells without osteogenic supplements

Biochemical and topographical features of an artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) can direct stem cell fate. However, it is difficult to vary only the biochemical cues without changing nanotopography to study their unique role. We took advantage of two unique features of M13 phage, a non-toxic nanofiber-like virus, to generate a virus-activated aECM with constant ordered ridge/groove nanotopography but displaying different fibronectin-derived peptides (RGD, its synergy site PHSRN, and a combination of RGD and PHSRN). One feature is the self-assembly of phage into a ridge/groove structure, another is the ease of genetically surface-displaying a peptide. We found that the unique ridge/groove nanotopography and the display of RGD and PHSRN could induce the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without any osteogenic supplements. The aECM formed through self-assembly and genetic engineering of phage can be used to understand the role of peptide cues in directing stem cell behavior while keeping nanotopography constant.
An inserted Gly residue fine tunes dynamics between mesophilic and thermophilic ribonucleases H.

Dynamic processes are inherent properties of proteins and are crucial for a wide range of biological functions. To address how changes in protein sequence and structure affect dynamic processes, a quantitative comparison of microsecond-to-microsecond time scale conformational changes, measured by solution NMR spectroscopy, within homologous mesophilic and thermophilic ribonuclease H (RNase H) enzymes is presented. Kinetic transitions between the observed major state (high population) and alternate (low population) conformational state(s) of the substrate-binding handle region in RNase H from the mesophile Escherichia coli (ecRNH) and thermophile Thermus thermophilus (ttRNH) occur with similar kinetic exchange rate constants, but the difference in stability between exchanging conformers is smaller in ttRNH compared to ecRNH. The altered thermodynamic equilibrium between kinetically exchanging conformers in the thermophile is recapitulated in ecRNH by the insertion of a Gly residue within a putative hinge between α-helices B and C. This Gly insertion is conserved among thermophilic RNases H, and allows the formation of additional intrahelical hydrogen bonds. A Gly residue inserted between α-helices B and C appears to relieve unfavorable interactions in the transition state and alternate conformer(s) and represents an important adaptation to adjust conformational changes within RNase H for activity at high temperatures.