cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Cascades of Perturbation and Adaptation in the Metabolic Genes of Higher Termite Gut Symbionts

Termites and their gut microbes engage in fascinating dietary mutualisms. Less is known about how these complex symbioses have evolved afterfirst emerging in an insect ancestor over 120 million years ago. Here we examined a bacterial gene, formate dehydrogenase (fdhF), that is key to the mutualism in 8 species of "higher" termite (members of the Termitidae, the youngest and most biomass-abundant and species-rich termite family). Patterns of fdhFdiversity in the gut communities of higher termites contrasted strongly with patterns in less-derived (more-primitive) insect relatives (wood-feeding "lower" ter- mites and roaches). We observed phylogenetic evidence for (i) the sweeping loss of several clades of fdhFthat may reflect extinc- tions of symbiotic protozoa and, importantly, bacteria dependent on them in the last common ancestor of all higher termites and (ii) a radiation of genes from the (possibly) single allele that survived. Sweeping gene loss also resulted in (iii) the elimina- tion of an entire clade of genes encoding selenium (Se)-independent enzymes from higher termite gut communities, perhaps reflecting behavioral or morphological innovations in higher termites that relaxed preexisting environmental limitations of Se, a dietary trace element. Curiously, several higher termite gut communities may have subsequently reencountered Se limitation, reinventing genes for Se-independent proteins via convergent evolution. Lastly, the presence of a novel fdhFlineage within litter- feeding and subterranean higher (but not other) termites may indicate recent gene "invasion" events. These results imply that cascades of perturbation and adaptation by distinct evolutionary mechanisms have impacted the evolution of complex microbial communities in a highly successful lineage of insects. IMPORTANCE Since patterns of relatedness between termite hosts are broadly mirrored by the relatedness of their symbiotic gut microbiota, coevolution between hosts and gut symbionts is rightly considered an important force that has shaped dietary mu- tualism since its inception over 120 million years ago. Apart from that concerning lateral gene or symbiont transfer between ter- mite gut communities (for which no evidence yet exists), there has been little discussion of alternative mechanisms impacting the evolution of mutualism. Here we provide strong gene-based evidence for past environmental perturbations creating signifi- cant upheavals that continue to reverberate throughout the gut communities of species comprising a single termite lineage. We suggest that symbiont extinction events, sweeping gene losses, evolutionary radiations, relaxation and reemergence of key nutri- tional pressures, convergent evolution of similar traits, and recent gene invasions have all shaped gene composition in the sym- biotic gut microbial communities of higher termites, currently the most dominant and successful termite family on Earth.
Optical instabilities: new theories for colored-noise-driven laser instabilities

Novel colored-noise theories for optical instabilities are presented and compared with conventional approaches. In contrast to the conventional approaches, valid for small noise correlation times only, these new theories allow for a description of moderate-to-strong noise color and are of relevance particularly for the dye-laser instability and noise-dithered ring-laser gyroscopes. The theories are applied to the dye-laser instability and optical bistability. For the dye laser we evaluate the stationary probability and the integral of the stationary intensity correlation function (relaxation time), which both compare favorably with exact numerical results. For optical bistability we present the stationary probability and the switching rates.
Learning dissimilarities by ranking: from SDP to QP

We consider the problem of learning dissimilarities between points via formulations which preserve a specified ordering between points rather than the numerical values of the dissimilarities. Dissimilarity ranking (d-ranking) learns from instances like "A is more similar to B than C is to D" or "The distance between E and F is larger than that between G and H". Three formulations of d-ranking problems are presented and new algorithms are presented for two of them, one by semidefinite programming (SDP) and one by quadratic programming (QP). Among the novel capabilities of these approaches are out-of-sample prediction and scalability to large problems.
Dynamic behaviors of conventional SCR and lazy-wave SCR for FPSOs in deepwater

The general and detailed structural/dynamic performances of steel catenary risers (SCRs) and lazy-wave steel catenary risers (LWSCRs) are directly compared under the same storm and floater (deepwater turret-moored FPSO) conditions. Their global performances are simulated by using the hull/mooring/riser fully-coupled dynamic analysis program developed by authors. This study proves that conventional SCRs connected to the FPSO hull exhibit significant dynamic responses and negative tensions, which may induce large structural stress amplification, local dynamic buckling, and serious fatigue damage at the members nearby TD (touch-down) region. The generation, propagation, and decay of the elastic waves generated by the temporal dynamic buckling are investigated in detail. On the other hand, LWSCRs can eliminate the local dynamic buckling for the same floater/storm condition and significantly reduce the stress level and fatigue damage near TDZ (touch-down zone) due to the motion isolation effect. It is because the modified shape with intermediate sag and arch portions can effectively isolate and absorb the downward riser motion. Therefore, LWSCRs can effectively be used for FPSO under very harsh environmental conditions. Despite the big advantage in dynamic characteristics, LWSCR is generally more expensive, more difficult to design, and may have slugging problem for internal flows.
Bioluminescent click beetles revisited.

In studying beetle bioluminescence in the early 1960s, Dr McElroy and his colleagues found that the Jamaican click beetle, Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus, was capable of emitting different colours of light. They further found that the luciferin substrate used by this beetle was the same as that in the firefly, demonstrating that the different colours of bioluminescence were due to differences in the structure of the luciferases. We have recently cloned cDNAs from this beetle species which code for at least four different luciferases. The luciferases are distinguishable by their different colours of bioluminescence when expressed in Escherichia coli. The sequence differences between these different luciferases are few, so the amino acids responsible for the different colours of emission must also be few. Through the construction of hybrid luciferases, by rearranging fragments of the original cDNA clones, we have identified some of these amino acid determinants of colour.
Análise de redes sociais: avanços recentes e controvérsias atuais

Network analysis has grown rapidly over the past two decades, but criticisms of the approach have increased as well. This article focuses on several accomplishments and unresolved problems of the network approach. In the first section, I illustrate the value of the network model in several substantive areas, focusing on studies of centrality and power, network subgroups, and interorganizational relations. I then discuss three issues over which the approach has provoked controversy: the relation between network analysis and rational choice theory; the role of norms and culture; and the question of human agency. I conclude with some examples of how network theorists are addressing these problems.
The endocannabinoid system in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Endocannabinoids (ECs) are defined as endogenous agonists of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). ECs, EC anabolic and catabolic enzymes and cannabinoid receptors constitute the EC signalling system. This system participates in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism at several levels, with the possible endpoint of the accumulation of energy as fat. Following unbalanced energy intake, however, the EC system becomes dysregulated, and in most cases overactive, in several organs participating in energy homeostasis, particularly, in intra-abdominal adipose tissue. This dysregulation might contribute to excessive visceral fat accumulation and reduced adiponectin release from this tissue, and to the onset of several cardiometabolic risk factors that are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. This phenomenon might form the basis of the mechanism of action of CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists, recently developed by several pharmaceutical companies as adjuvants to lifestyle modification for weight reduction, glycaemic control and dyslipidaemia in obese and type 2 diabetes patients. It also helps to explain why some of the beneficial actions of these new therapeutics appear to be partly independent from weight loss.
A Strategy for Simulation-Based Multiscale, Multi-Functional Products and Associated Design Processes

Simulation Based Engineering Science (SBES) is an evolving interdisciplinary research area rooted in the methods for modeling multiscale, multi-physics events. The objective in SBES is to develop methodologies that are foundational to designing multiscale systems by accounting for phenomena at multiple scales of lengths and time. Some of the key challenges faced in SBES include lack of methods for bridging various time and length scales, management of models and uncertainty associated with them, management of huge amount and variety of information, and methods for efficient decision making based on the available models. Although efforts have been made to address some of these challenges for individual application domains, a domain independent framework for addressing these challenges associated with multiscale problems is not currently available in the literature. In this paper, we make a clear distinction between multiscale modeling and design. Multiscale modeling deals with efficient integration of information from multiscale models to gain a holistic understanding of the system, whereas multiscale design deals with efficient utilization of information to satisfy design objectives. Our focus in this paper is on multiscale design. In order to address the challenges associated with multiscale design, we propose a domain independent strategy that is based on understanding the generic interaction patterns between models at multiple scales. The design strategy outlined in this paper has as its foundation a systems-based approach for designing design processes (meta-design) and robust design. The concepts are illustrated with a multiscale design problem from materials domain.
Robust simulation-based design of hierarchical systems

Hierarchical design scenarios arise when the performance of large-scale, complex systems can be affected through the optimal design of several smaller functional units or subsystems. Monte Carlo simulation provides a useful technique to evaluate probabilistic uncertainty in customer-specified requirements, design variables, and environmental conditions while concurrently seeking to resolve conflicts among competing subsystems. This paper presents a framework for multidisciplinary simulation-based design optimization, and the framework is applied to the design of a Formula 1 racecar. The results indicate that the proposed hierarchical approach successfully identifies designs that are robust to the observed uncertainty.
Comparison of two algorithms for determining beam weights and wedge filters

This article compares two algorithms for determining beam weights and wedge filters for conformal treatment planning. One algorithm, which is based on dose-gradient analysis, provides analytic formulas for determining beam weights, wedge angles, and collimator angles (i.e., wedge orientations) so that the dose distribution is homogeneous in the target volume. The second algorithm is based on the concept of the super-omni wedge (i.e., the arrangement of two pairs of orthogonal nominal wedged beams), numerically optimize beam weights, wedge angles, and collimator angles so that the dose requirements to targets and organs at risk are satisfied to the best. Three clinical cases were tested. For the first case, both algorithms resulted in comparable homogeneous dose distributions in the target volume. For the second case, the second algorithm resulted in much lower doses to the eyes plus a better homogeneous dose distribution in the target volume. For the third case, only the second algorithm was applicable, and the treatment plan it developed met the prescribed requirements. The results show that the first algorithm is better in terms of feasibility, whereas the second is better in terms of applicability and the quality of treatment plans. 2002 American College of Medical Physics.
A Runtime and Analysis Framework Support for Unit Component Testing in Distributed Systems

This paper presents a test framework to support unit component testing in distributed component-based systems that are built upon component technologies like CORBA, COM/.NET, J2EE/RMI. The framework exploits automatic code instrumentation at the stubs and the skeletons of the calls in order to monitor a global call session. The calls can be cross-thread, cross-process and cross-processor. We further define certain testing-related interfaces for driver components in the component test harness and extend the IDL compiler, such that at runtime, test-related attributes can be automatically embedded in the call session identifier and propagated system-wide. As a result, various support for unit component testing can be enabled, including behavior coordination for stub components, collaborator component determination from historical execution, selective regression testing, and crash site pinpointing
Protein deprivation in primates. II. Effects of fondling on feeding behavior of discomforted infant rhesus monkeys.

Infant rhesus monkeys whose mothers were fed diets providing 1, 2, or 4 g protein/kg body weight/day during pregnancy were fondled for 5 min before their noon and 1600 hour feedings on 2-3 weekdays weekly. Fourteen were caressed between 10 and 30 days of age; 18 between 41 and 95 days of age. The intake at meals following handling was compared to that for meals when handling was not given. The younger animals' intake was specific to the diet group and treatment. The older animals ate more at the 1600 hour meal than at the noon meal and more at weekday, nonhandled feedings than at weekday, handled or weekend feedings. Differences due to maternal nutritional history were not significant. Infant monkeys subjected to a variety of laboratory anxiety-producing tests during weekdays drank more formula on test days than on tranquil weekends. This effect was ameliorated by preprandial comforting.
Non-isothermal catalyst particle performance under selective deactivation

Abstract The behavior of non-isothermal catalyst particles under selective deactivation is examined. The catalyst particle production rate, which is represented by an effectiveness factor plot, is seen to increase with decay in certain cases. In addition, multiple steady states, not present with fresh catalyst, can arise at certain intermediate stages in the deactivation. Dimensionless plots are given which allow rough estimation of effective particle activities with very little a priori data.
Analysis of quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine N9-C10 reversed-bridge antifolates in complex with NADP+ and Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase.

Structural studies of two ternary complexes of Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase (pcDHFR) with the cofactor NADP+ and potent antifolates, the N9—C10 reversed-bridge inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-[N-(2′,5′-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-methyl­amino]quinazoline (1) and its 3′,5′-dimethoxypyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine analog (2), were carried out. Data for the monoclinic crystals were refined to 1.90 A resolution for the complex with (1) (R = 0.178) and to 2.1 A resolution for the complex with (2) (R = 0.193). The effect of the N9—C10 reversed-bridge geometry is to distort the bridge from coplanarity with the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine or quinazoline ring system and to twist the C10 methylene conformation toward a gauche conformation. This change also influences the conformation of the methoxybenzyl ring, moving it away from a trans position. This change places the 5′-methoxy group deeper within the hydrophobic pocket made by Ile65, Pro66 and Phe69 of the pcDHFR active site. These results also revealed the first observation of an unusual conformation for the reversed-bridge geometry (C5—C6—N9—C10 torsion angle) in antifolate (2). The electron density is consistent with the presence of two models (conformers 2-1 and 2-2) that result from inversion of the geometry at N9. The four examples of N9—C10 reversed-bridge antifolates cluster in two conformations, with the structure of quinazoline (1) similar to that previously reported for its 2′,5′-dimethoxypyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine analog (3). The two conformers of (2) differ from these and each other by a twisted-bridge geometry that results in the dimethoxybenzyl ring occupying the same conformational space. Conformer 2-2 also has the N9—C10 reversed bridge perpendicular to the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine plane, in contrast to the gauche–trans conformation normally observed. As a result of these changes, the N9 methyl probes conformational space in the active site not normally occupied by antifolate structures. The N9 methyl of conformer 2-2 makes close contacts to the conserved Leu25 as well as the hydroxyl O atoms of the nicotinamide ribose and Ser64, whereas the other three reversed-bridge conformers make weak hydrophobic contacts with Ile123, Thr61 and Ile65. These antifolates are ten times more selective for pcDHFR than the C9—N10 bridge parent trimetrexate. However, pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines (2) and (3) are three times more selective for pcDHFR than quinazoline (1) is for rat liver DHFR. These data suggest that the loss of hydrogen-bonding interactions with N8 is more important to potency than the interactions of the methoxybenzyl substituents.
Determining Implicit Prices for Hay Quality and Bale Characteristics

Markets for dairy quality hay have emerged as dairy farms purchase more feed off the farm. Previous research on hay markets used proxies for quality since objective measures of quality were unavailable. A hedonic pricing model incorporating direct measures of quality (moisture, crude protein, and relative feed value (RFV)), proxies (cutting), and bale-type variables was estimated using data from a hay auction. Large round and square bales and medium round bales were discounted relative to small square bales. The implicit price for RFV was $0.55/ton in 2001–02.
Knockdown and Mortality of Adults of Eight Species of Stored-Product Beetles Exposed to Four Surfaces Treated with Spinosad

Contact toxicity of a commercial bacterial fermentation insecticide, spinosad, to adults of eight stored-product beetles was evaluated on four different surfaces. Aqueous spinosad suspension was sprayed with an airbrush to 30.5-cm2 surfaces of concrete, galvanized steel, unwaxed floor tile, or waxed floor tile to obtain deposits of 0.05 or 0.1 mg (AI)/cm2. Control surfaces were sprayed with distilled water. Approximately 24 h after distilled water or spinosad application, 30 adult beetles were confined, by species, to each untreated and spinosad-treated surface. Insects on surfaces were exposed for 24 h to assess knockdown at 25 ± 1°C and 50 ± 10% RH, and then were held on food for an additional 24 h to assess mortality. Knockdown and mortality of each insect species on all four surfaces were significantly greater on spinosad-treated surfaces than on distilled water-treated surfaces. Knockdown and mortality of all species on all surfaces was similar at the two spinosad deposit levels. Except for Tribolium spp., mortality of all other species exposed to spinosad was 99–100%. Tribolium spp. were highly susceptible to spinosad on concrete (98–100% mortality); however, on unwaxed floor tile, steel, and waxed floor tile recovery on food after knockdown resulted in only 72–92% mortality. Our results suggest that spinosad has excellent contact activity against adults of stored-product insects, especially on concrete, and has potential for use as a general surface, spot, or crack/crevice spray to control insects in empty bins, warehouses, food-processing facilities, and retail stores.
New Chemical and Stereochemical Applications of Organoiron Complexes

The objective of this review is to provide a current overview of the rapidly developing chemistry of organometallic complexes and particularly organoiron complexes useful in asymmetric and stereoselective reactions. Also covered are stereoselective reactions of α, β-unsaturated acyl ligands bound to the chiral auxiliary [(η5-C5H5) Fe(CO)(PPh3)] and new applications of organoiron complexes in the synthesis of natural products. The mechanistic aspects and stabilizing effects of the Fe(CO)3 group for alkenes or conjugated dienes are discussed. A brief summary of recent work on the special role of iron in biological reactions is also included.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BUOY-MEMBRANE WAVE BARRIERS

The interaction of water waves with a tensioned, inextensible, vertical flexible membrane hinged at the sea floor and attached to a solid cylindrical buoy at its top, was investigated in the context of two-dimensional linear wave-body interaction theory. A two-domain boundary element program was developed based on a discrete-membrane dynamic model and simple-source distribution over the entire fluid boundaries. To verify the numerical results, a series of experiments were conducted with two different models in the two-dimensional wave tank. For each model, both surface-piercing and submerged cases were tested. The numerical prediction was generally in good agreement with experimental results except resonance regions. The comparison was improved after including viscous or material damping effects. It is shown that the buoy/membrane system can be a very effective wave barrier if it is properly designed.
Time synchronzing implementation for digital protection devices

The main feature of time synchronizing in the IEC61850 digital substation is analysed systematically,the error of clock source proved to be produced from crystal oscillator.Based on the analysis conclusion,a general software scheme of time synchronizing is presented to correct the error caused by external time source and protection device crystal oscillator using the methods of backfill crystal oscillator time's counter by capturing the two different trigger edge's time and using one-place quadratic equation of regression.Based on the mentional software scheme,a general hardware design is proposed to meet the demands of each time synchronizing nets.Engineering application and test results for various time-synchronizing error proved the mentional hardware and software are valid to the time synchronizing of digital protection devices in IEC 61850 communication and other applications of high precision time synchronizing.
Selection of the Optimal Battery Capacity for Wind Farm

The technology for reducing wind power fluctuation is very important for the development of wind energy.The paper analyses the power and capacity of storage batteries dedicated for wind power system,and proposes a new criterion for deriving the optimal battery capacity.With this method,the optimal battery capacity is obtained on the basis of cost performance analysis by using the time constant-normalized standard deviation characteristics.The results can be used as a reference for selecting the energy storage system parameters of wind farm.
Acute spinal cord injury. Nursing considerations for the first 72 hours

The effects of a spinal cord injury can be devastating. An understanding of spinal anatomy and the mechanisms of injury provide the basis for correlating presenting signs and symptoms with the extent of neural damage. Understanding the principles of acute care management will help guide the nurse in executing interventions aimed at preservation of neurologic function. Research must continue to focus on quality-of-life issues and methods of preventing both primary and secondary injuries.
A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of Maraviroc as Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Pediatric Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients with Nonmalignant Diagnoses

Abstract Maraviroc is an allosteric small molecule antagonist of chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and has been used in adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. The goal of this study was to establish feasibility and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of maraviroc in pediatric HSCT recipients. Children ages 2 to 12 years were enrolled and maraviroc was added to standard GVHD prophylaxis, which included a calcineurin inhibitor and either steroids or mycophenolate mofetil. Maraviroc was started on day -3 and administered at a dose of approximately 300 mg/m2 orally twice daily until day +30 after stem cell infusion. On days 0 and day +10, samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected before the dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours after maraviroc administration. Additional trough concentrations were collected on days +7, 14, and 21. Patients were followed until day +100 for acute GVHD. Functional blockade of CCR5 was assessed in a pharmacodynamic assay by flow cytometry. Thirteen patients, median age of 4 years (range, 2 to 11 years), were prospectively enrolled. Underlying diagnoses included a primary immune deficiency (n = 6), hemoglobinopathy (n = 4), metabolic disorder (n = 1), and bone marrow failure syndrome (n = 2). Patients received either a myeloablative preparative regimen (n = 7) or a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen (n = 6). Cyclosporine and methylprednisolone (n = 7) was the predominant GVHD prophylactic regimen, followed by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (n = 4) and tacrolimus and steroids (n = 2). Two formulations of maraviroc (150-mg tablets and 20-mg/mL solution) were used on study. Mean (± SD) area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours was 4805 ± 3265 hour * ng/mL on day 0 and 5917 ± 4048 hour * ng/mL on day +10. Four patients developed grade 1 or 2 acute skin GVHD before day +100 and were successfully treated. Two patients developed grade 3 acute GI GVHD on days +23 and +24 after HSCT and both had discontinued maraviroc before development of GI GVHD. No adverse effects attributable to maraviroc were observed and administration by enteral tubes was well tolerated by children and accepted by parents. All evaluable patients demonstrated functional CCR5 blockade on day 0. Administration of maraviroc is feasible in most pediatric HSCT recipients with good safety and tolerability profile.
How People with Low Vision Access Computing Devices: Understanding Challenges and Opportunities

Low vision is a pervasive condition in which people have difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses. People with low vision frequently use mainstream computing devices, however how they use their devices to access information and whether digital low vision accessibility tools provide adequate support remains understudied. We addressed these questions with a contextual inquiry study. We observed 11 low vision participants using their smartphones, tablets, and computers when performing simple tasks such as reading email. We found that participants preferred accessing information visually than aurally (e.g., screen readers), and juggled a variety of accessibility tools. However, accessibility tools did not provide them with appropriate support. Moreover, participants had to constantly perform multiple gestures in order to see content comfortably. These challenges made participants inefficient-they were slow and often made mistakes; even tech savvy participants felt frustrated and not in control. Our findings reveal the unique needs of low vision people, which differ from those of people with no vision and design opportunities for improving low vision accessibility tools.
Aortic wall injury as a complication of neonatal aortic valvuloplasty: incidence and risk factors.

Background— Transcatheter balloon aortic valvuloplasty for critical aortic stenosis in neonates is routinely performed without recognized complication. Aortic wall injury has rarely been observed after balloon aortic valvuloplasty, although the incidence of this complication is unstudied. We reviewed single-center data to determine the incidence of aortic injury during balloon aortic valvuloplasty and to identify risk factors. Methods and Results— This retrospective study included all patients <2 months of age who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty at our institution from 1985 to 2007. We defined aortic wall injury as an intimal flap, dissection, or vessel rupture as diagnosed by angiography, echocardiography, or direct surgical or postmortem inspection. Primary imaging data were reviewed, as were all procedural and pathology reports, to identify cases of aortic wall injury. Patient and procedural variables were analyzed. Of 187 procedures performed, 28 procedures resulted in aortic wall injury (15%)....
In Vitro and in Vivo Neutralization of Murine Activated Protein C

Abstract 3364 Activated Protein C (APC) is a circulating serine protease with two major roles to maintain homeostasis. APC acts via multiple receptors, including protease-activated receptor 1, to exert anti-apoptotic and vascular integrity protective effects. A number of protective effects of pharmacologic APC are reported in the literature, with beneficial effects in kidney, brain and irradiation-induced pathologies. The functional protections of the endogenous protein C systems are challenging to study. A better understanding of its mechanisms at different cellular levels and in different tissues is needed to enable evaluation of its further usage in humans. To that end, new tools should be considered to increase our knowledge. To help evaluate the endogenous murine protein C system and to be able to neutralize pharmacologic APC, we have made and characterized a novel rat monoclonal anti-mouse protein C antibody, SPC-54, that almost completely ablates in vitro and in vivo APC activity. In solid phase binding assays, the Kd of SPC-54 for APC was about 8 nM. In biochemical assays, SPC-54 inhibited amidolytic activity of wild-type murine APC by > 95%. SPC-54 was similarly a potent inhibitor (> 90%) of the amidolytic activity of the 5A-APC mutant. IC50 value for wild-type APC and the 5A-APC mutant were comparable. SPC-54 was pre-incubated with APC, followed by the addition of a 20 fold molar excess of biotinylated FPR-chloromethylketone, quantification of biotinylation of APC was readily made by SDS-PAGE and Western blots using infrared-coupled streptavidin. SPC-54 blocked successfully active site titration of APC using this biotinylated active site titrant. These and other experiments suggest that the SPC-54 epitope is located in the vicinity of the active site, such that it blocks different small substrates from reaching the active site. When we performed thrombin generation assays using mouse platelet-poor plasma to check whether SPC-54 was a potent blocker of APC activity in plasma, we showed that SPC-54 neutralized almost completely exogenous APC anticoagulant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Using native polyacrylamide gel migration, Western immunoblotting and immuno-precipitation with protein G-agarose, we confirmed that SPC-54 was bound to protein C in plasma after infusing mice with SPC-54 (10 mg/kg). Moreover, using a modified ELISA that is capable to quantify the pool of activatable protein C, the plasma protein C activity level was considerably decreased (> 80%) in mice after a single injection of SPC-54 (10 mg/kg), and that this effect of neutralizing circulating protein C was sustained for at least 7 days. For in vivo proof of concept, we performed murine tissue factor-induced thromboembolism experiments. Results showed a severe decrease in survival of mice that were pre-infused with SPC-54 when compared to control (survival time of 7 min vs. 42.5 min respectively, P = 0.0016). Moreover, blood perfusion in lungs of mice infused with SPC-54 (10 mg/kg) was dramatically impaired (decrease of 54%, P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity among People Living with HIV Enrolled in Antiretroviral Therapy and Livelihood Programs in Two Rural Zambian Hospitals

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in two rural communities in Zambia. A cross-sectional sample of 101 PLHIV was surveyed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. In multivariable linear regression models, income, household possessions, and perceived coping strategies were significantly associated with decreased food insecurity. Debt and perceived mental distress were significantly associated with increased food insecurity. Programs that tackle economic disadvantage and its adverse effect on stress may be an appropriate strategy to improve food security of PLHIV in low-resource communities.
Enabling robots to understand indirect speech acts in task-based interactions

An important open problem for enabling truly taskable robots is the lack of task-general natural language mechanisms within cognitive robot architectures that enable robots to understand typical forms of human directives and generate appropriate responses. In this paper, we first provide experimental evidence that humans tend to phrase their directives to robots indirectly, especially in socially conventionalized contexts. We then introduce pragmatic and dialogue-based mechanisms to infer intended meanings from such indirect speech acts and demonstrate that these mechanisms can handle all indirect speech acts found in our experiment as well as other common forms of requests.
Feature-Rich Discriminative Phrase Rescoring for SMT

This paper proposes a new approach to phrase rescoring for statistical machine translation (SMT). A set of novel features capturing the translingual equivalence between a source and a target phrase pair are introduced. These features are combined with linear regression model and neural network to predict the quality score of the phrase translation pair. These phrase scores are used to discriminatively rescore the baseline MT system's phrase library: boost good phrase translations while prune bad ones. This approach not only significantly improves machine translation quality, but also reduces the model size by a considerable margin.
Characterizing Rigging Crew Proximity to Hazards on Cable Logging Operations Using GNSS-RF: Effect of GNSS Positioning Error on Worker Safety Status

Logging continues to rank among the most lethal occupations in the United States. Though the hazards associated with fatalities are well-documented and safe distances from hazards is a common theme in safety education, positional relationships between workers and hazards have not been quantified previously. Using GNSS-RF (Global Navigation Satellite System-Radio Frequency) transponders that allow real-time monitoring of personnel, we collected positioning data for rigging crew workers and three common cable logging hazards: a log loader, skyline carriage, and snag. We summarized distances between all ground workers and each hazard on three active operations and estimated the proportion of time crew occupied higher-risk areas, as represented by geofences. We then assessed the extent to which positioning error associated with different stand conditions affected perceived worker safety status by applying error sampled in a separate, controlled field experiment to the operational data. Root mean squared error was estimated at 11.08 m in mature stands and 3.37 m in clearcuts. Simulated error expected for mature stands altered safety status in six of nine treatment combinations, whereas error expected for clearcuts affected only one. Our results show that canopy-associated GNSS error affects real-time geofence safety applications when using single-constellation American Global Positioning System transponders.
Signal constellation design in the presence of radar interference and Gaussian noise

Increased demand for wireless services has spurred research into spectrum co-existence between radar and communication systems. The effect of an unaltered radar interference on an uncoded communication receiver has been investigated for constellations used in commercial systems. However, the constellation design — possible for a cognitive transmitter-receiver pair — that maximizes the transmission rate for communication systems affected by Gaussian noise and radar interference has not yet been addressed and is tackled here. Two regimes are investigated: when the Interference-to-Noise Ratio (INR) of the radar signal is very low and very high compared to the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the communication signal. It is found that: (a) When INR≪SNR, the channel behaves as a complex-valued AWGN channel; the designed constellations exhibit a concentric (almost equilateral) hexagonal structure as the number of signal points increases, (b) When INR≫SNR≫1, the channel behaves as a real-valued phase-fading AWGN channel; the designed constellations are shaped as an (almost equally-spaced) pulse-amplitude modulation as the number of signal points increases, and (c) The designed constellations outperform practically-used ones in terms of the transmission rate.
Novel Formulation of Mixed-Mode S-Parameters

In this paper, we present a new formulation for the conversion of mixed-mode S-parameters from single-ended S-parameter results. The formulation can be used to improve the accuracy of the characterization of mixed-mode S-parameters including the measurement of differential insertion loss S-parameters ( $S_{\mathrm {DD21}}$ ) for transmission lines. The formulation can also be used to reduce the length of test structures or coupons with an acceptable rate of accuracy. The formulation is an explicit expression, which is also useful as a basis for other derivations and applications. For example, the single-ended transmission to differential insertion loss (SET2DIL) formula can be simply derived from the $S_{\mathrm {DD21}}$ term. The applications to coupled microstrips and striplines are illustrated. The method is compared to time-domain methods for $S_{\mathrm {DD21}}$ characterization. Simulation and measurement results are shown to validate the method.
Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing.

Background Bakuchiol is a phytochemical that has demonstrated cutaneous antiageing effects when applied topically. Early studies have suggested that bakuchiol is a functional analogue of topical retinoids, as both compounds have been shown to induce similar gene expression in the skin and lead to improvement of cutaneous photodamage. No in vivo studies have compared the two compounds for efficacy and side-effects. Objectives To compare the clinical efficacy and side-effect profiles of bakuchiol and retinol in improving common signs of cutaneous facial ageing. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, 12-week study in which 44 patients were asked to apply either bakuchiol 0·5% cream twice daily or retinol 0·5% cream daily. A facial photograph and analytical system was used to obtain and analyse high-resolution photographs of patients at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Patients also completed tolerability assessment questions to review side-effects. During study visits, a board-certified dermatologist, blinded to study group assignments, graded pigmentation and redness. Results Bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference between the compounds. The retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoageing and is better tolerated than retinol. Bakuchiol is promising as a more tolerable alternative to retinol.
Buoyant Convection near a Solidifying Dendrite

An isolated, axisymmetric dendrite of pure material solidifies steadily downward into an undercooled melt. Surface energy and kinetic undercooling are negkligible. Latent heat released at the solid-liquid interface drives buoyant convection. We construct an approximate solution for the flow and temperature in powers of a buoyancy parameter G. The results show that buoyant convection enhances growth at the tip for large Prandtl number P, but may diminish growth for small P. Buoyant convection also modifies the dendrite shape; the base widens more quickly than a paraboloid.
A Fracture Specimen for High-Temperature Testing

A wedge-loaded tapered DCB specimen is proposed for fracture toughness and stable crack growth measurements of ceramic materials at elevated temperatures. The specimen is wedge-loaded by a compression pin seated in the starter notch. By appropriate selection of the specimen’s taper and starter notch angle, the stress intensity factor is maintained relatively constant through 50 percent of the test section. Room temperature fracture toughness testings of commercial grade polycrystalline alumina specimens indicate that the crack will run straight for approximately 50 percent of the length of the test section without side grooving. A moderate 10 percent side grooving was sufficient to maintain straight crack extension throughout the entire specimen length.
Examining preservice teachers' ability to attend and respond to student thinking

In order to effectively implement inquiry practices in science, teachers must be able to attend to student thinking and adjust their lessons to build on and respond to student ideas. Research on experienced teachers suggests that their understandings of learners influence their instructional decision-making. However, the research on teacher education has mixed results about preservice teachers' ability to attend to students' ideas (Davis et al, 2006). Although preservice teachers may recognize that learners have prior knowledge they usually do not take into account students' ideas in their teaching practices (Friedrichsen et al, 2009). In this paper, we report on preservice teachers' ability to notice students' ideas (as manifested in written models) and respond to these ideas in subsequent instructional planning. Our data is drawn from clinical interviews conducted with 15 preservice teachers at the end of each of four consecutive methods courses (total of 60 interviews) in a two-year certification program.
Gas-phase structure of nickel dichloride. An electron-diffraction investigation augmented by ab initio and DFT calculations

Abstract The structure of nickel dichloride in the vapor at ca. 1050 K has been studied experimentally by electron diffraction and theoretically by ab initio and DFT molecular orbital calculations. The molecule is found to have a linear equilibrium structure, and from all levels of theory it is predicted to have a triplet ground state. Theory also predicts the existence of a singlet state about 30 kcal/mol less stable than the triplet where the molecule is triangular with a bond angle in the range of about 110° – 117°. Two models of the experimental structure were investigated. Model A consisted of 11 “pseudoconformers” distributed at even intervals over the range 180° ≤ ∠(ClNiCl) ≤ 130° for which the main refined parameter was the distribution (relative weighting) of the pseudoconformers based on an assumed bending potential of the form V(Δθ) = V2(Δθ)2, where Δθ is the difference of the Cl Ni Cl angle from linearity. In this model the pseudoconformational weighting led to averages for the bond- and nonbond distances. Model B was simpler, defined only by values of the bond distance and bond angle. The structural results for Model A are 〈rg(Ni Cl)〉 = 2.067(6) A, 〈rg(Cl⋅⋅Cl)〉 = 4.037(28) A, 〈lg(Ni Cl)〉 = 0.081(6) A, and 〈lg(Cl⋅⋅Cl)〉 = 0.136(52) A; in this case the rms amplitudes are for the frame (no contributions from the bending mode). For Model B they are 〈rg(Ni Cl)〉 = 2.059(5) A, 〈rg(Cl⋅⋅Cl)〉 = 4.041(89) A, 〈lg(Ni Cl)〉 = 0.081(6) A, and 〈lg(Cl⋅⋅Cl)〉 = 0.159(60) A; the uncertainties are estimated 2σ. The theoretical prediction of a linear ground state for nickel dichloride is confirmed by experimental values of about 156° for the bond angle ∠(Cl Ni Cl) in each model, which differs from the theoretical 180° due to the effects of vibrational averaging that arise nearly entirely from the bending mode. The structure is discussed.
Material Uninterrupted Feeding Technology and Feeding Speed Control Research of Large Electroslag Remelting Furnace

Electroslag remelting is one of the most important special metallurgy technologies. To obtain electroslag remelting steel with characters of high purity, dense organization, and good mechanical properties, the temperature field and remelting speed of the electroslag molten bath must be constant, which means material’s uninterrupted feeding and feeding speed must be controlled. In this paper, based on soft-detection technique, electrohydraulic proportional control technique, modern detecting technique, and intelligence control technique, the material uninterrupted feeding system of the electroslag remelting furnace was designed; the system’s three-dimensional model was established; the mathematical model of the surplus-ingot length soft-sensing detecting system was established; the S-style position control curve of the ingot was designed. The research results were applied to an experimental electroslag remelting furnace, and dissection research of the experimental product was made, and system control curves and the experimental production dissection results were obtained. It was found that the material uninterrupted feeding system and the feeding speed control system introduced in this paper meet the production process and technique requirements of large electroslag remelting furnace and provide references for design and application of new-style electroslag remelting furnaces.
Hypercept: Speculating the Visual World Intervened by Digital Media

Human perception has long been influenced by technological breakthroughs. An intimate mediation of technology lies in between our direct perceptions and the environment we perceive. Through three extreme ideal types of perceptual machines, this project defamiliarizes and questions the habitual ways in which we interpret, operate, and understand the visual world intervened by digital media. The three machines create: Hyper-sensitive vision - a speculation on social media's amplification effect and our filtered communication landscape. Hyper-focused vision - an analogue version of the searching behavior on the Internet. Hyper-commoditized vision - monetized vision that meditates on the omnipresent advertisement targeted all over our visual field. The site of intervention is the visual field in a technologically augmented society. All the three machines have both internal state and external signal.
Repeated Stellate Ganglion Blocks for Upper-Extremity Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

During a 3-year period, 51 patients with upperextremity reflex sympathetic dystrophy were studied. Of 20 patients managed by conservative methods, nine (45%) showed signs of improvement 3 years after onset of the syndrome. Of 31 patients treated with repeated stellate ganglion blocks, 23 (74%) had improved at the 3-year evaluation. Management of both the potential causes and the symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy is necessary. Although sympathetic blocks failed to improve all cases, they should be considered as one of the important methods for the management of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.