cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modifications of the reproductive complex and implications for the reproductive biology of Gobiodon oculolineatus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

The reproductive anatomy of gobiid fishes (Family Gobiidae) exhibits remarkable morphological diversity and complexity. However, there has been little in the way of detailed anatomical descriptions of species-specific reproductive anatomy among gobiid fishes that could be used to generate hypotheses of homology. Consequently, identifying valid reproductive synapomorphies among extant gobiid lineages remains problematic. Gobiodon oculolineatus, an obligate coral-dwelling fish, exhibits several unusual modifications of the reproductive complex associated with its hermaphroditic sexual pattern and with the production and storage of secretory material. All post-indifferent individuals had either an ovariform gonad or an ovotestis. In addition, all individuals had fully developed secretory structures derived from the gonoduct wall with secretory activity being greatest among male-active fish. Among male-active fish, part of the ovotestis was modified for the storage of secreted material. Based on current reportage, the combination of features seen in G. oculolineatus is unique, with the exception of a congener, G. okinawae, the only other species in the genus for which detailed information on reproductive anatomy is available. This study represents the first step towards identifying and characterizing the functional and anatomical components of the reproductive system in a gobiid taxon in order to develop testable hypotheses regarding homology and the nature of adaptive modifications of various components of the gobiid reproductive system.
Micromixing using induced-charge electrokinetic flow

Abstract The mixing effect of induced-charge electrokinetic flow (ICEKF) in a rectangular microchannel with embedded conducting hurdles is investigated in this paper. A correction method is suggested to estimate numerically the induced zeta potential on the conducting surface. Two-dimensional pressure-linked Navier–Stokes equation is used to model the flow field in the channel. The numerical results show flow circulations generated from the induced non-uniform zeta potential distribution along the conducting hurdle surfaces. It is demonstrated that the local flow circulations provide effective means to enhance the flow mixing between different solutions. The mixing enhancement effect is experimentally validated using PDMS based microchannels with embedded platinum hurdles. The dependence of the degree of mixing enhancement on the hurdle geometries and hurdle numbers is also predicted. The mixing using ICEKF described in this paper can be used in various microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Pairing model for doubly excited atoms

A model is investigated for doubly excited states, in which two electrons move on the surface of a spherical shell with restricted angular momentum to account for a hydrogenlike shell structure. Hybridized two-electron wave functions are constructed for the short-range part of the intrashell interaction potential using a modified version of hybridization theory originally developed by Pauling for molecules. The highest energy level obtained by this approach is identified as being invariant under SO(4) rotations on the restricted-shell basis, and is thus seen to be compatible with the SO(4) structure and rotation-vibration levels in a recent "supermultiplet" theory of doubly excited states. The highest energy level in each shell has $^{1}S$ symmetry, and is interpreted as a "perfect pairing" level which maximizes the electron density at values of the interelectronic angle ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{12}=0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, and hence is an exact eigenstate of a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function interaction between the two electrons. Formulas are described for the explicit ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{12}$ dependence of related $^{1}S$ states for SO(4), and these give rise to approximate decoupling of the radial Schr\"odinger equation for two electrons in the same shell.
The Hybrid Rat Cytochrome P450 Containing the First 5 Exons of the CYP11B1 and Last 4 Exons from the CYP11B2 Enzyme Retains 11β-Hydroxylase Activity, but the Alternative Hybrid Is Inactive

Abstract Human, mouse and rats have 2 different cytochrome P-450 11β-hydroxylases in the adrenal cortex. The classical rat 11β-hydroxylase or CYP11B1 enzyme hydroxylates deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and is located throughout the adrenal. The second aldosterone synthase or CYP11B2 enzyme is located in the zona glomerulosa and converts deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone. In rat the coding nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequences of the CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes are homologous by 88% and 83%,respectively. We have constructed two different hybrid cDNAs by exchanging two fragments of the rat CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 at the junction of the 5/6 exon and expressed them in COS 7 cells. The hybrid CYPH11B1 construct containing the first 5 exons of the CYP11B1 when expressed, retains 11β-hydroxylase activity, but cannot process corticosterone to 18-hydroxycorticosterone or aldosterone. The hybrid CYPH11B2 construct containing the first 5 exons of the CYP11B2 enzyme when expressed is inactive.
Uncovering clinical and radiological associations of triphasic waves in acute encephalopathy: a case-control study.

Background and purpose Triphasic waves (TWs) are archetypal waveforms seen on electroencephalography (EEG) in some forms of encephalopathy. Their particular underlying pathological substrates are largely unexplored. This case–control study was designed to identify and quantify specific clinical and neuroradiological associations underlying TWs and to determine if TWs predicate outcome. Methods From 2004 to 2012, adult encephalopathic patients with TWs (cases) were matched 1:1 with encephalopathic patients without TWs (controls) by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the frequency range of EEG background activity. Clinical characteristics, neuroimaging and outcomes were assessed. Results The mean age of 190 patients (95 with and 95 without TWs) was 66.6 years (±15.6). In multivariable analyses, patients with TWs had significantly higher odds for liver insufficiency [odds ratio (OR) = 8.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98–33.08], alcohol abuse (OR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.25–10.63), subcortical brain atrophy (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.39–5.71) and respiratory tract infections (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–4.71). With each additional independent predictor, the odds increased for the occurrence of TWs (1 predictor, OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.16–5.13; ≥2 predictors, OR = 9.20, 95% CI 3.27–25.62). Mortality was 15% and tended to be higher in patients with TWs (19% with vs. 11% without TWs). Conclusions Alcohol abuse, liver insufficiency, infections and subcortical brain atrophy were independently associated with TWs in patients matched for clinical and EEG features of encephalopathy. These associations strengthen the hypothesis that TWs evolve from an interplay of pathological neurostructural, metabolic and toxic conditions. When matched for EEG background activity and GCS, TWs were not associated with death.
Protease-activated receptor-1 signaling by activated protein C in cytokine-perturbed endothelial cells is distinct from thrombin signaling.

Activated protein C (APC) has anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects independent of anticoagulation. We previously identified the prototypical thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), as part of a novel APC-endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) signaling pathway in endothelial cells. Experiments in wild-type and PAR1-/- mice demonstrated that intravenous injection of APC leads to PAR1-dependent gene induction in the lung. The vascular endothelium undergoes profound changes in severe sepsis, the approved therapeutic indication for APC. Similar to PAR1, APC activated PAR2 through canonical cleavage. Although PAR2 was up-regulated in cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells, APC signaling remained PAR1-dependent. Large scale gene expression profiling documented marked differences in both up- and down-regulated genes between APC and thrombin signaling in cytokine-stimulated cells. APC down-regulated transcripts for proapoptotic proteins including p53 and thrombospondin-1, but p53 was unchanged, and thrombospondin was even up-regulated by thrombin. Concordant PAR1-dependent effects on protein levels were found. Thus, by signaling through the same receptor PAR1, APC, and thrombin can exert distinct biological effects in perturbed endothelium. These data may explain how APC can be therapeutically protective through the EPCR-PAR1 signaling despite ongoing thrombin generation due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.
Two biochemical indices of mouse bone formation are increased, in vivo , in response to calcitonin

In a series of four studies, adult female Swiss-Webster mice were used to measure the effects of salmon calcitonin on two biochemical indices of local and systematic bone formation: (1) skeletal alkaline phosphatase activity—in serum and in extracts of calvaria and tibiae, and (2) calvarial collagenase-digestible protein synthesis—measured, acutely, in vitro. Subcutaneous calcitonin doses ranged from 50 to 400 mU/mouse/day (0.95–18.1 U/kg/day), and treatment schedules were continuous (daily) for 2–14 days, acute, or intermittent (2 days/week for 6 weeks). The effects of calcitonin on these bone formation indices (skeletal alkaline phosphatase and collagenase-digestible protein synthesis) were biphasic with respect to dose and treatment time, being increased in response to short-term, low-dose treatment, but not long-term, continuous treatment. The effects of long-term intermittent calcitonin treatment were dose-dependent increases in skeletal alkaline phosphatase in calvaria and serum (r=0.948, P< 0.02, and r=0.960, P< 0.01, respectively).
Your Dinner with Peter

My Dinner with Andre is a classic 1981 movie whose action is limited to a dinner conversation between friends talking for the first time in many years. Over the leisurely course of the meal, the conversation, dominated by Andre, takes many odd twists and turns. Though there are a few dull spots, the movie is riveting.
Platelet–cancer interactions: mechanisms and pharmacology of tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation

During haematogenous metastasis, cancer cells migrate to the vasculature and interact with platelets resulting in tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA). We review: 1. The biological and clinical significance of TCIPA; 2. Molecular mechanisms involved in platelet aggregation by cancer cells; 3. Strategies for pharmacological regulation of these interactions. We conclude that pharmacological regulation of platelet-cancer cell interactions may reduce the impact of TCIPA on cancer biology.
The amplistat — A magnetic amplifier

Amplifications of 10 to the 12th power have been obtained in one stage of the amplistat in the laboratories of the General Electric Company. This amplifier also has advantages of long life, no starting delay, no moving parts, and is very sturdy and quiet in operation. A description of the operation of the amplistat, diagrams of the circuits, and its advantages and limitations are given in this article.
Extrasolar planets: too close for comfort.

Three gas-giant planets have now been found in puzzlingly close orbits around their stars. These 'very hot Jupiters' raise questions about planet-finding methods and our understanding of planetary systems.
Calcium urolithiasis: is it analogous to bone formation?

With the emerging awareness and increasing research activity concerning calcium urolithiasis, it is becoming apparent that considerable similarities exist between renal stone formation and bone formation despite obvious differences between the two processes. Essential features of bone formation are as follows: 1. Requirement for matrix. Bone formation entails mineralization of organic matrix (collagen and ground substance) elaborated by osteoblasts. Initial mineralization steps may involve the activity of vesicles derived from the osteoblasts. Collagen may play a critical role in mineralization, since the orderly deposition of the mineral phase may require specific molecular arrangements in collagen. 2. Control of mineralization. Major products of mineralization are calcium phosphates in varying stages of "maturation." The ionic or physicochemical environment of interstitial fluid of bone (bone fluid) may be critical for this process. 3. Cellular and hormonal regulation. Bone formation and resorption are critically dependent on cellular processes and hormonal regulation, concerned with osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity and regulation of ionic environment of bone fluid.
Numerical investigation of finite-source multiserver systems with different vacation policies

Systems with vacations are usually modeled and analyzed by queueing theory, and almost all works assume that the customer source is infinite and the arrival process is Poisson. This paper aims to present an approach for modeling and analyzing finite-source multiserver systems with single and multiple vacations of servers or all stations, using the Generalized Stochastic Petri nets model. We show how this high level formalism, allows a simple construction of detailed and compact models for such systems and to obtain easily the underlying Markov chains. However, for real vacation systems, the models may have a huge state space. To overcome this problem, we give the algorithms for automatically computing the infinitesimal generator, for the different vacation policies. In addition, we develop the formulas of the main exact stationary performance indices. Through numerical examples, we discuss the effect of server number, vacation rate and vacation policy on the system's performances.
Changes in task-extrinsic context do not affect the persistence of long-term cumulative structural priming

We present two experiments exploring the role of extrinsic memory factors (i.e., factors that are extrinsic to the primary task that is being performed) and intrinsic memory factors (i.e., factors that are intrinsic to the primary task being completed) in the persistence of cumulative structural priming effects. Participants completed a two-phase experiment, where the first phase established a bias toward producing either the double object or prepositional object construction, and the second phase assessed the effects of this bias. Extrinsic memory factors were manipulated by having participants complete the two phases of the study in the same or different locations (physical context change) or while watching the same or different videos (video context change). Participants completed the second phase of the study 10 min after the first phase of the study in Experiment 1, and after a delay of 1 week in Experiment 2. Results suggest that the observed structural priming effects were not affected by manipulations of extrinsic memory factors. These data suggest that explicit memory does not play a large role in the long-term persistence of cumulative structural priming effects.
A somatotype method for young boys.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between the three somatotype componets and selected structural, strength and motor performance characteristics of 12 year old boys. Zero-order correlations, first-order partials, and multiple correlations were computed in an effort to find the variables most highly related to each somatotype component. Although no single anthropometric measure had a correlation of sufficient magnitude with any somatotype component to justify prediction of the component, such prediction was possible by means of regression equations. Utilizing measures of standing height, body weight, and leg length, regression equations were developed which yielded somatotype ratings which were within the range of accuracy of experienced raters. Thus, a practical method of determining the somatotype of young boys was developed without the need for photography or subjective ratings.
DISTRIBUTION AND SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIMETHYLAMINE N‐OXIDE (TMAO) DEMETHYLASE ACTIVITY OF RED HAKE MUSCLE

It has been suggested by some workers that decomposition of trimethyl N-oxide (TMAO) to dimethylamine (DMA) and formaldehyde in gadoid fishes occurs via enzymic processes while others have suggested a nonenzymic pathway. DMA production in frozen red hake muscle is shown in this study to be enzymic by the necessity of the high molecular weight soluble or insoluble fraction from red hake to convert the low molecular weight components of flounder muscle to DMA. In red hake muscle the TMAO demethylase activity is approximately evenly divided between the high molecular weight soluble and the insoluble fractions: the amount of potential activity in either fraction is 60–100 times that required for the production of DMA that normally occurs during frozen storage of the muscle tissue. The Km for TMAO of the soluble enzyme was approximately 3 mM; the concentrations of TMAO in red hake muscle range from 60 to 140 mM (calculation based on water content of 80%). Thus, it seems unlikely that TMAO or TMAO demethylase limit the rate of the reaction. On the other hand, the Km values for flavin mononucleotide and NADH are higher than the concentrations of these components found in the tissue suggesting that the cofactors limit the rate of TMAO breakdown to DMA and formaldehyde in the stored muscle. This supports other studies (Landolt and Hultin 1982; Banda and Hultin 1983) in which the same conclusion is reached based on other considerations.
THE IMPACT OF SHORT‐TERM USE OF CRITERIONSM ON WRITING SKILLS IN NINTH GRADE

In this study, a hierarchical linear model (HLM) was used within a cluster random assignment design to test the impact of Criterionsm on students' writing skill when Criterion was used as a supplementary instructional tool in ninth grade English classrooms over a 4 week period. The study was conducted in three states: Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The sample consisted of 1,464 ninth graders aggregated across 10 schools, 34 teachers, and 61 classes. Findings indicate that over a short time period, Criterion use improved the mechanical aspects of student essays as measured by the analytic scores given to their essays. Students in ninth grade English classes who used Criterion several times a week over a 1 month period received higher analytic scores on their essays written at the end of the study period than those who were in classes that did not. The effect was small, but statistically significant at the .05 level using a one-tailed test. These findings suggest a role for automated feedback systems in supporting writing instruction.
The new Los Alamos opacity code ATOMIC

In this work we report on developments of ATOMIC, a Los Alamos code designed to compute opacities under both LTE and non-LTE conditions for a large range of elements. We report here, for the first time, data associated with the newly generated Rosseland opacity table for oxygen. In addition, the various equation-of-state packages, absorption spectra generation packages, and parallel techniques used in the generation of this table will be discussed.
The weathering of tar on Bermuda

Abstract The indices to determine the weathering of crude oil, which were developed by Blumer, Ehrhardt and Jones (Deep-Sea Research, 20, 239–259, 1973), were applied with success to the tar that is being deposited on Bermuda. Relative to the fresh, floating incoming tar, sunken tar shows pronounced microbiological degradation while tar adhering to the rocky shore shows evaporative loss with less microbial degradation. Surprisingly, normal alkanes with an even number of carbon appear to be more prone to microbial degradation than the ones with an odd carbon number.
Nuclear binding of [3H]-androgens by the epididymis of sexually mature castrated rabbits.

Abstract We have demonstrated that when minces of epididymides from castrated rabbits are incubated with [3H]-testosterone radioactivity bound to a macromolecular component, it enters the nuclei. This entry is a temperature dependent phenomenon which is greater upon incubation at 23°C than at 0°C. In contrast, no macromolecular bound hormone could be detected in leg muscle cytosol or nuclei. The amount of radioactivity extractable from epididymal nuclei was a function of the molar concentration of KC1 in the extraction medium. However, even when 1.0 M KC1 was used, greater than 30% of the radioactivity bound to nuclei remained unextractable. Of the naturally occurring steroids that we used (testosterone, estradiol-17β, and cortisol) in competition studies, unlabeled testosterone was the most effective in preventing the nuclear accumulation of labeled androgen. Estradiol-17β also was effective in this regard, but was much less potent than testosterone under the conditions employed. Unlabeled cortisol was an ineffective inhibitor. The antiandrogens, cyproterone and SKF 7690, both of which inhibit binding to the epididymal cytoplasmic androgen receptor, completely inhibited nuclear accumulation of radioactivity, implying that nuclear accumulation is dependent on an initial binding to the cytoplasmic receptor. We have also demonstrated that the rabbit epididymis is capable of converting testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT). Although the tissues were incubated with [3H]-testosterone, 5α-DHT was selectively bound by the cytoplasmic receptor and concentrated in the nuclei.
Acoustic characterization of /s/ spectra of adolescents: moving beyond moments

The fricative /s/ is generally acquired later than other speech sounds by children. Spectral moments have been used to quantify comparisons of both childrens' and adults' fricatives, but it is difficult to link moment values to a particular production difference: e.g., the first moment may be relatively low if place is more posterior, the noise source is weaker, or voicing persists into the /s/. This study adapts parameters originally developed for analysis of adults' fricatives to children's fricatives. Twelve children (6 boys, 6 girls), 10-15 years old with typical speech, were recorded saying 55-60 words with initial /s/, in singletons or clusters. Multitaper spectra were computed at the beginning, middle and end of each /s/, and parameters were derived from them to capture the main mid-range resonance, relative amplitudes for mid-to-low and mid-to-high ranges, and their change during /s/. Results showed that the mid-to-low-range relative amplitudes increased mid-/s/; the mid-to-high-range relative amplitude decreased; the main peak's frequency decreased in labialized contexts, all of which occur in adult /s/. One parameter indicated low-frequency spectral variability. These parameters thus capture known acoustic effects of source and filter changes occurring during /s/ and are promising both for measuring developmental changes and assessing misarticulations.
Large-Scale Validation of Bench-Scale Fire Toxicity Tests

A sizable number of bench-scale fire toxicity tests have been proposed over the last two decades. To date, no test method has successfully passed through the standards bodies ISO, ASTM, or BSI. The reasons are varied, but a major concern has been that none of the methods were seen to adequately predict the behavior of real, large-scale building fires. Such validation efforts have been held back both due to a shortage of good quality data, and because agreement had not been reached on the criteria for successful validation. NIST has now completed a pilot project to address both of these issues. In this study, several criteria for validation have been put forth. An initial data set has been compared against these criteria, comprising 2 bench-scale methods, 3 test materials, and a single real-scale fire scenario. The project results indicate that the course being pursued is appropriate, and provide illustrative performance data for the two bench-scale methods. The present project was a pilot study; further validation data will have to come from additional test materials and additional real-scale fire scenarios being examined. As a result of these studies, a factor-of-3 agreement between bench-scale and real-scale results was established as both useful and practical.
Influence of levodopa/carbidopa on body temperature in children

Abstract In a multidisciplinary study of the efficacy and tolerability of levodopa/carbidopa in a pediatric population, oral body temperature was measured during two 7-week longitudinal dosing studies. In study 1, 15 children received 0.55/0.14 mg/kg of body weight of levodopa/carbidopa three times daily; in study 2, 13 children received 1.02/0.25 mg/kg. Eight children participated in both studies, and follow-up measurements of body temperature were obtained 4 to 6 weeks after the termination of dosing. The results revealed that, from baseline to the end of the 7-week dosing regimen, mean oral body temperature was unchanged in the 0.55/0.14 mg/kg group but significantly (F = 5.06, P
Clarification of the use of CHI-square and likelihood functions in fits to histograms

Abstract We consider the problem of fitting curves to histograms in which the data obey multinomial or Poisson statistics. Techniques commonly used by physicists are examined in light of standard results found in the statistics literature. We review the relationship between multinomial and Poisson distributions, and clarify a sufficient condition for equality of the area under the fitted curve and the number of events on the histogram. Following the statisticians, we use the likelihood ratio test to construct a general χ2 statistic, χλ2, which yields parameter and error estimates identical to those of the method of maximum likelihood. The χλ2 statist further useful for testing goodness-of-fit since the value of its minimum asymptotically obeys a classical chi-square distribution. One should be aware, however, of the potential for statistical bias, especially when the number of events is small.
Four questions that determine whether traffic management is reasonable

As part of the wider debate over net neutrality, traffic management practices of Internet Service Providers have become an issue of public concern. The Federal Communications Commission has asked for public input on whether deep packet inspection and other traffic management practices are reasonable forms of network management. Little attention has been paid to this issue within the academic networking community, and most Internet policy researchers have recommended a case-by-case analysis. This paper proposes four questions that can be used to determine whether a traffic management practice is reasonable or unreasonable.
The probability of majority rule instability in the 2D euclidean model with an even number of voters

The classic instability theorems of Euclidean voting theory definitively treat all cases except that of an even number of voters in two dimensions. For that case, all that has been known is that the set of stable configurations is neither measure 0 nor measure 1. We prove that instability occurs with probability converging rapidly to 1 as the population increases.
Skeletonization for fuzzy degraded character images

Most skeletonization algorithms are operated on binary images. To avoid information loss and distortion, a topography-based approach is proposed to apply directly on fuzzy or gray scale images. A membership function is used to indicate the degree of membership of each ridge point with respect to the skeleton. Significant ridge points are linked to form strokes of skeleton. Experimental results show that our algorithm can reduce deformation of junction points anti correctly extract the whole skeleton, although a character may be broken into pieces. For merged characters, the breaking positions can be located by searching for the saddle points. A multiple context confirmation is used to increase the reliability of breaking hypotheses.
Magnesite dissolution rates at different spatial scales: The role of mineral spatial distribution and flow velocity

We examined the role of mineral spatial distribution and flow velocity in determining magnesite dissolution rates at different spatial scales. One scale is the column scale of a few to tens of centimeters where dissolution rates are measured. Another is the “local” in situ scale defined as approximately 0.1 mm. The experiments used two columns with the same bulk concentration but different spatial distributions of magnesite. In the “Mixed” column, magnesite was evenly distributed spatially within a quartz sand matrix across the whole column, while in the “One-zone” column, magnesite was distributed in one zone in the middle of the column. The two columns were flushed with the same inlet acidic solution (pH 4.0) under flow velocities varying from 0.18 to 36 m/d. Columns of different lengths (22, 10, and 5 cm) were run to understand the role of length scales. Reactive transport modeling was used to infer local-scale and column-scale dissolution rates. Under the acidic-solution flushing conditions used in this study, local in situ dissolution rates vary by orders of magnitude over a length scale of a few to tens of centimeters. Column-scale rates under different conditions vary between 6.40 � 10 � 12 and 1.02 � 10 � 9 mol/m 2 /s. The distribution of local-scale rates, which collectively determine the column-scale rates, depend on flow velocity, column length scale, and mineral distribution. A two orders of magnitude difference in flow velocity results in more than two orders of magnitude difference in the column-scale rates. Under the same conditions of flow velocity and mineral distribution, column-scale rates are higher in short columns and are lower in long columns. Mineral spatial distribution made a maximum difference of 14% in the medium-flow velocity regime where the reaction kinetics of the system operates under mixed-control conditions. Under such mixed-control conditions, the larger difference between the two columns in their spatial variation of pH and saturation state lead to a larger difference in the spatial distribution of local dissolution rates and therefore column-scale rates. In contrast, under slow-flow velocity conditions, the system is mostly at equilibrium without much spatial variation, i.e., the regime of local equilibrium. Under fast-flow velocity conditions, the system is kinetically controlled, the local aqueous geochemistry is everywhere similar to the inlet condition, and is also relatively uniform. Under these two conditions, there is almost no difference between the two columns. Column-scale rates were best understood in terms of the Damkohler number (DaI) that quantifies the relative dominance of advection and dissolution processes. The observations in this study lead us to surmise that rates of weathering and other natural processes may be similarly affected by chemical heterogeneity in natural systems under conditions where reaction rate and flow rate are comparable. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affirming Rhetorical Materialism: Enfolding the Virtual and the Actual

The essay “Another Materialist Rhetoric” (Greene) attends to the institutional uptake of rhetoric as a technology of deliberation to assess the materiality of rhetoric. By focusing on rhetoric as a...
Stokes shift emission spectroscopy of human tissue and key biomolecules

The Stokes-shifted emission spectra were measured for various photoactive biomolecules in aqueous solution and tissue such as tryptophan, collagen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and flavin. Information is obtained on the molecular activity in the tissue. This new approach allows for the extraction of some new information not obtained from excitation and/or fluorescence spectroscopy for a single spectral scan.
The multiubiquitin-chain-binding protein Mcb1 is a component of the 26S proteasome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and plays a nonessential, substrate-specific role in protein turnover.

The 26S proteasome is an essential proteolytic complex that is responsible for degrading proteins conjugated with ubiquitin. It has been proposed that the recognition of substrates by the 26S proteasome is mediated by a multiubiquitin-chain-binding protein that has previously been characterized in both plants and animals. In this study, we identified a Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog of this protein, designated Mcb1. Mcb1 copurified with the 26S proteasome in both conventional and nickel chelate chromatography. In addition, a significant fraction of Mcb1 in cell extracts was present in a low-molecular-mass form free of the 26S complex. Recombinant Mcb1 protein bound multiubiquitin chains in vitro and, like its plant and animal counterparts, exhibited a binding preference for longer chains. Surprisingly, (delta)mcb1 deletion mutants were viable, grew at near-wild-type rates, degraded the bulk of short-lived proteins normally, and were not sensitive to UV radiation or heat stress. These data indicate that Mcb1 is not an essential component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in S.cerevisiae. However, the (delta)mcb1 mutant exhibited a modest sensitivity to amino acid analogs and had increased steady-state levels of ubiquitin-protein conjugates. Whereas the N-end rule substrate, Arg-beta-galactosidase, was degraded at the wild-type rate in the (delta)mcb1 strain, the ubiquitin fusion degradation pathway substrate, ubiquitin-Pro-beta-galactosidase, was markedly stabilized. Collectively, these data suggest that Mcb1 is not the sole factor involved in ubiquitin recognition by the 26S proteasome and that Mcb1 may interact with only a subset of ubiquitinated substrates.
Numerical simulations and FROG measurements of 185 fs pulses generated from down-chirped dispersion-managed breathing-mode semiconductor mode-locked laser

Balancing of spectral and temporal semiconductor gain dynamics allows broadening of mode-locked spectra. Our numerical model accurately describes SHG-FROG measurements of 185 fs pulses generated by down chirping of a dispersion-managed breathing-mode semiconductor mode-locked laser.
Management Models and Industrial Applications of Linear Programming

An accelerating increase in linear programming applications to industrial problems has made it virtually impossible to keep abreast of them, not only because of their number and diversity but also because of the conditions under which many are carried out. Industrial and governmental secrecy is often present. Other conditions also bar access to ascertainment and assessment of the pattern of applications. Lack of a tradition for publication is one. Failure to ascertain the general significance of particular findings is another, as is discouragement arising from the fact that similar applications have previously been published by others. Immediate remedies are not available for these difficulties. Presumably conventions such as this will help, over a period of time, by encouraging informal contacts between interested persons. A talk on “industrial applications of linear programming” must be altered to suit these circumstances. In place of a survey or evaluation of industrial studies, two broad issues which are relevant to all such applications will be discussed. These are, 1 use of linear programming models as guides to data collection and 2 analysis and prognosis of fruitful areas of additional research, especially those which appear to have been opened by industrial applications.
Applying a New Device in the Optimization of Exponential Queuing Systems

We consider the problem of controlling M/M/c queuing systems. By providing a new definition of the time of transition, we enlarge the standard set of decision epochs and obtain a preferred version of the n-period problem in which the times between transitions are exponential random variables with constant parameter. Using this new device, we are able to utilize the inductive approach in a manner characteristic of inventory theory. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by successfully finding the form of an optimal policy for three distinct models that have appeared in the literature, namely, those of i Miller and Cramer, ii Crabill and Sabeti, and iii Low of particular note is our analysis of the Miller-Cramer model, in which we show that a policy optimal for all sufficiently small discount factors can be obtained from the usual average cost functional equation without recourse to further computation.
Beauty as a Symbol of Natural Systematicity

In this essay I examine Kant’s claim that a relation of symbolization links judgements of beauty and judgements of ‘ systematicity ’ in nature (that is, judgements concerning the ordering of natural forms under hierarchies of laws). My aim is to show that the symbolic relation between the two is, for Kant, much closer than many commentators think: it is not only the form but also the objects of some of our judgements of taste that symbolize the systematicity of nature. I
Heritability and Repeatability of Social Aggressiveness in the Domestic Chicken

Abstract INTRODUCTION STUDIES of behavior patterns in the chicken have been reviewed by Guhl (1953) and Wood-Gush (1955). Significant associations between individual social status and various quantitative traits associated with the well-being and productivity of the hen have been found by several investigators, including Guhl (1953) and Tindell and Craig (1959). The latter authors and King and Bray (1959) have also detected significant competition effects when strains and breeds were kept in intermingled flocks and compared with the same strains and breeds in separate flocks. Guhl (unpublished) was able to separate lines with high and low aggressiveness from the same foundation stock of White Leghorns, by selecting for these traits in both sexes over a period of a few generations. The present study was carried out in order to estimate the importance of genetic variation for social aggressiveness within each of six strains, including four breeds of chickens. A total of …
Lack of correlation between dietary level of manganese and growth rate of induced fibrosarcomas.

ConclusionsAt dietary levels of manganese of 1, 11, and 41 mg/rat/day, there is an apparent lack of correlation between level of dietary manganese intake and growth rate of methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas of the thigh muscles of white rats.
A new form of generalized arterial disease in negroes

Abstract Two cases of a previously undescribed form of arterial disease have been reported. Both patients were male Negroes, 30 years of age, who were well except for recent intermittent claudication, until affected by hemiplegia of sudden onset. Pulsations were absent in practically all of the peripheral arteries except the upper femorals, and in greatly reduced intensity in a few others. A striking feature was the absence, or great impairment, of pulsation in the arteries of the neck and head. The nature of the disease could not be ascertained. It is postulated that an arterial degeneration of unknown cause resulted in multiple thrombotic episodes in numerous portions of the peripheral vascular tree, including those of the head and neck.
Analysis of Trends in Human Rabies in Yongfu County of Guangxi Autonomos Region From 2005 to 2007

Objective To analyze 15 cases of rabies in Yongfu County in Guangxi Autonomos Region from 2005 to 2007,and to explore the possible factors causing the epidemics,so as to provide scientific evidences for establishing rabies prevention strategy.Methods Descriptive epidemiological approaches were utilized to statistically analyze the 15 cases of rabies and host animals were investigated in Yongfu County from 2005 to 2007.Result From 2005 to 2007,15 cases of rabies i.e.9 cases(2.33/105)in 2005,2 cases(0.74/105)in 2006,4 cases(1.48/105)in 2007 were reported,with prevalence rate of 1.85/105.Wound by dogs accounted for 13 cases,by cat for one case and by pig for one case.Median incubation period was 58.5 days but less than 30 days in one case.Among 15 cases,13 cases were not correctly treated,and not received vaccine,with 2 cases vaccinated in time.No cases received passive immunization of antirabies serum or human antrabies immune globulin.The density of dogs was 28.14 per 100 persons.The vaccination coverage rates among dogs were 1.42%.Conclusion The increasing number of dog,and low rabies vaccination coverage,incorrect treatment of the wound,and as well as low inoculating rate of rabies vaccine might be responsible for the outbreak of rabies in Youngfu County.
Practice comparisons between accelerated resolution therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive processing therapy with case examples

Recent outcomes for Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy indicate that as many as 60-72% of patients retain their PTSD diagnosis after treatment with CPT or PE. One emerging therapy with the potential to augment existing trauma focused therapies is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART is currently being used along with evidence based approaches at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and by report has been both positive for clients as well as less taxing on professionals trained in ART. The following is an in-practice theoretical comparison of CPT, EMDR and ART with case examples from Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. While all three approaches share common elements and interventions, ART distinguishes itself through emphasis on the rescripting of traumatic events and the brevity of the intervention. While these case reports are not part of a formal study, they suggest that ART has the potential to augment and enhance the current delivery methods of mental health care in military environments.
High-power single-lateral-mode unstable resonator wide-stripe semiconductor lasers

High-power semiconductor lasers are required for a broad range of use. There are limitations on the peak output power that can be obtained from single-stripe lasers, Phase-locked arrays have been used to increase output powers with coupling between individual narrow-stripe emitters.
Role of dietary fatty acids in liver injury caused by vinyl chloride metabolites in mice

Abstract Background Vinyl chloride (VC) causes toxicant-associated steatohepatitis at high exposure levels. Recent work by this group suggests that underlying liver disease may predispose the liver to VC hepatotoxicity at lower exposure levels. The most common form of underlying liver disease in the developed world is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is well-known that the type of dietary fat can play an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. However, whether the combination of dietary fat and VC/metabolites promotes liver injury has not been studied. Methods Mice were administered chloroethanol (CE - a VC metabolite) or vehicle once, 10 weeks after being fed diets rich in saturated fatty acids (HSFA), rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (HPUFA), or the respective low-fat control diets (LSFA; LPUFA). Results In control mice, chloroethanol caused no detectable liver injury, as determined by plasma transaminases and histologic indices of damage. In HSFA-fed mice, chloroethanol increased HSFA-induced liver damage, steatosis, infiltrating inflammatory cells, hepatic expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, markers of inflammasome activation were increased, while markers of inflammasome inhibition were downregulated. In mice fed HPUFA all of these effects were significantly attenuated. Conclusions Chloroethanol promotes inflammatory liver injury caused by dietary fatty acids. This effect is far more exacerbated with saturated fat, versus poly-unsaturated fat; and strongly correlates with a robust activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the saturated fed animals only. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that environmental toxicant exposure can exacerbate the severity of NAFLD/NASH.
Distribution fault outage cost evaluation and hotspot area recognition based on big data

Power distribution faulting is one of the main reasons for the unplanned outage. In terms of the distribution fault outage, cost evaluation and hotspot area recognition are beneficial for utilities to develop schemes tailored for distribution operation, maintenance and upgrading. In this study, multi-source data from marketing, distribution, and dispatching fields are effectively utilised for comprehensive information collection of medium-voltage distribution network faults. A new approach to fault fuzzy location is proposed using distribution network topology and transformer outage duration. Meanwhile, fault outage cost is evaluated based on the short-term load forecast of distribution transformers, which completely considers the impact of load transferring on multi-power supply users. Furthermore, the distribution blackout events are mapped with geography information system, and the fault hotspot areas are highlighted by geographical grid virtualisation. The method proposed in this study has been validated using practical examples. This approach has been actually applied in Jiangsu distribution maintenance management.
Abstract 13259: Irrelevance of C-Kit-Positive Subpopulation to the Therapeutic Benefit of Human Cardiosphere-Derived Cells

Background: The regenerative potential of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) has been demonstrated in various animal models and in the recently-completed CADUCEUS clinical trial. CDCs contain a small (typically 3-10%) fraction of ckit POS cells, which have been posited to be cardiac progenitors. We tested the hypothesis that the ckit POS subpopulation is critical for the regenerative benefit of CDCs, using data from a mouse model and the CADUCEUS trial. Methods and Results: MI was induced in SCID mice (n=6-8 mice) by LAD ligation and 10 5 natural CDCs or ckit NEG CDCs (CDCs depleted of ckit POS cells by MACS) were injected intramyocardially in the MI border zone. Masson’s trichrome staining of heart sections (A) and heart morphometry 3 weeks after MI revealed adverse LV remodeling in Control (vehicle injection), while treatment with CDCs or ckit NEG CDCs led to similar improvements in heart morphology (with thicker infarct walls [B] and more viable tissue in the infarct [C] compared to Control). LVEFs two hours post-MI were comparable, indicating similar initial injury among groups (D). Over the 3 week post-MI time course, LVEF deteriorated in Control while CDC- or ckit NEG CDC-treated animals had improved cardiac function (E), which was indistinguishable between the two cell therapy groups. We further found that the percentage of ckit POS cells in CDC-treated CADUCEUS patients was unrelated to regenerative efficacy: Linear regression analysis revealed no correlation between ckit POS % (range: 0.3-7.2%; mean±s.d.: 3.2±2.0%, n=10) and changes in viable mass [F] or scar size [G]. Conclusions: In a mouse model of MI, natural CDCs and ckit-depleted CDCs have the same therapeutic benefit. In a clinical trial, the ckit POS % is not correlated to the clinical outcomes of CDC treatment. Thus, the ckit POS subpopulation is irrelevant to the functional or regenerative efficacy of CDCs.