cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compiler assisted dynamic management of registers for network processors

Modern network processors support high levels of parallelism in packet processing by supporting multiple threads that execute on a micro-engine. Threads switch context upon encountering long latency memory accesses and this way the parallelism and memory access can be overlapped. Context switches in the typical network processor architectures such as the IXP are designed to be very fast. However, the low overhead is partly achieved by leaving register management to programs, with minimal support from the hardware. The complexity of the multi-engine, multi-threaded environment makes manual register management a daunting task, which is better left to a compiler. However, a purely static analysis is unable to achieve full utilization of the register file due to conservative estimates of liveness. A register that is live across a context switch point must be considered live for the duration of all other threads, and so it must be assumed to be unavailable to other threads. In addition, aliasing further reduces the effectiveness of static analysis. The net effect is a large number of idle cycles that are still present after static optimization. We propose a dynamic solution that requires minimal software and hardware support. On the software side, we take a pre-allocated binary file and annotate the potential context switch instructions with information about the dead registers. On the hardware side, we try to rename the transfer registers and addresses to dead general purpose registers and update the usage of registers. We then replace the long-latency memory instructions with fast move instructions in the architecture using the dynamic context. The results show up to 51% reduction in idle cycles and up to H% increase in the throughput for hand coded applications on Intel IXP 1200 network processor.
State factor relationships of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen losses from unpolluted temperate forest watersheds

[1] We sampled 100 unpolluted, old-growth forested watersheds, divided among 13 separate study areas over 5 years in temperate southern Chile and Argentina, to evaluate relationships among dominant soil-forming state factors and dissolved carbon and nitrogen concentrations in watershed streams. These watersheds provide a unique opportunity to examine broad-scale controls over carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry in the absence of significant human disturbance from chronic N deposition and land use change. Variations in the ratio dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to nitrogen (DON) in watershed streams differed by underlying soil parent material, with average C:N = 29 for watersheds underlain by volcanic ash and basalt versus C:N = 73 for sedimentary and metamorphic parent materials, consistent with stronger adsorption of low C:N hydrophobic materials by amorphous clays commonly associated with volcanic ash and basalt weathering. Mean annual precipitation was related positively to variations in both DOC (range: 0.2–9.7 mg C/L) and DON (range: 0.008–0.135 mg N/L) across study areas, suggesting that variations in water volume and concentration may act synergistically to influence C and N losses across dry to wet gradients in these forest ecosystems. Dominance of vegetation by broadleaf versus coniferous trees had negligible effects on organic C and N concentrations in comparison to abiotic factors. We conclude that precipitation volume and soil parent material are important controls over chemical losses of dissolved organic C and N from unpolluted temperate forest watersheds. Our results raise the possibility that biotic imprints on watershed C and N losses may be less pronounced in naturally N-poor forests than in areas impacted by land use change and chronic N deposition.
Using pulsar scintillation to probe AU-size structure in the interstellar medium

It is well known that pulsar dynamic spectra occasionally show pronounced fringing or criss-cross patterns. It was a surprise, however, that a two-dimensional Fourier analysis of these spectra showed faint, parabolic features, which are now called scintillation arcs. I will show evidence that the scintillation arc phenomenon is widespread and that it underpins many other scintillation phenomena. If an estimate of the distance to the pulsar and a measurement of its proper motion exist, then the location of the scattering material along the line of sight can be determined. There is often pronounced substructure in the arcs, and it translates along the main arc in a manner that is determined by the proper motion of the pulsar. This substructure may be produced by lens-like features in the ionized interstellar medium that are far out of pressure balance with the warm ionized medium and that may be related to deterministic structures that cause extreme scattering events. Observations with this technique, which...
PRMT 3, a type I protein arginine N-methyltransferase that differs from PRMT1 in its oligomerization, subcellular localization, substrate specificity, and regulation

Methylation is one of the many post-translational modifications that modulate protein function. Although asymmetric NG,NG-dimethylation of arginine residues in glycine-arginine-rich domains of eucaryotic proteins, catalyzed by type I protein arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMT), has been known for some time, members of this enzyme class have only recently been cloned. The first example of this type of enzyme, designated PRMT1, cloned because of its ability to interact with the mammalian TIS21 immediate-early protein, was then shown to have protein arginine methyltransferase activity. We have now isolated rat and human cDNA orthologues that encode proteins with substantial sequence similarity to PRMT1. A recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion product of this new rat protein, named PRMT3, asymmetrically dimethylates arginine residues present both in the designed substrate GST-GAR and in substrate proteins present in hypomethylated extracts of a yeast rmt1 mutant that lacks type I arginine methyltransferase activity; PRMT3 is thus a functional type I protein arginine N-methyltransferase. However, rat PRMT1 and PRMT3 glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins have distinct enzyme specificities for substrates present in both hypomethylated rmt1 yeast extract and hypomethylated RAT1 embryo cell extract. TIS21 protein modulates the enzymatic activity of recombinant GST-PRMT1 fusion protein but not the activity of GST-PRMT3. Western blot analysis of gel filtration fractions suggests that PRMT3 is present as a monomer in RAT1 cell extracts. In contrast, PRMT1 is present in an oligomeric complex. Immunofluorescence analysis localized PRMT1 predominantly to the nucleus of RAT1 cells. In contrast, PRMT3 is predominantly cytoplasmic.
Taste buds develop autonomously from endoderm without induction by cephalic neural crest or paraxial mesoderm

geal region was removed from salamander embryos prior to the onset of cephalic neural crest migration, taste buds developed in grafts and explants coincident with their appearance in intact control embryos. Similarly, explants from neurulae in which movement of paraxial mesoderm had not yet begun also developed taste buds after 9-12 days in vitro. We conclude that neither cranial neural crest nor paraxial mesoderm is responsible for the induction of embryonic taste buds. Surprisingly, the ability to develop taste buds late in embryonic development seems to be an intrinsic feature of the oropharyngeal endoderm that is determined by the completion of gastrulation. SUMMARY
A Comparison of the Influence of Additive and Multiplicative Stochastic Forcing on a Coupled Model of ENSO

Abstract A currently popular idea is that El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can be viewed as a linear deterministic system forced by noise representing processes with periods shorter than ENSO. Also, there is observational evidence to suggest that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) acts to trigger and/or amplify the warm phase of ENSO in this way. The feedback of the slower process, ENSO, to higher-frequency atmospheric phenomena, of which a large part of the variability in the intraseasonal band is due to the MJO, has received little attention. This paper considers the hypothesis that the probability of an El Nino event is modified by high MJO activity and that, in turn, the MJO is regulated by ENSO activity. If this is indeed the case, then viewing ENSO as a low-frequency oscillation forced by additive stochastic noise would not present a complete picture. This paper tests the above hypothesis using a stochastically forced intermediate coupled model by allowing ENSO to directly influence the stochast...
"Blackfeet Belong to the Mountains": Hope, Loss, and Blackfeet Claims to Glacier National Park, Montana

While relationships between indigenous groups and protected areas have been extensively documented internationally, research on Native Americans and US National Parks is surprisingly sparse. Based on in-depth interviews with Blackfeet Indians, this article examines the complex contemporary relationship between the Blackfeet and Glacier National Park. According to the Blackfeet, tribal relationships with the park landscape are sustained through on-site practices that provide an interwoven and inseparable set of material, cultural, and spiritual benefits. The prohibition and regulation of many historic practices within park boundaries prevents the realisation of these benefits and fuels tensions between the tribe and the park, especially in the context of past dispossession and longstanding animosity toward the federal government. At the same time, the undeveloped landscape of Glacier National Park is evocative of an ancestral past and has, for many Blackfeet, preserved the potential for cultural reclamation and renewal. To realise this potential, Blackfeet argued for greater integration of their needs and perspectives into park management and policy. We suggest reinstatement of treaty rights, voluntary closure of cultural sites, co-management of parklands, and special legal designations as possible paths forward.
Absorption and Excretion of Mercury in Man. I. Relationship of Mercury in Blood and Urine.

To evaluate the occupational hazard of the use of mercury by dentists, determinations were made of (1) the total mercury and vapor concentrations In a group of urban dental offices; and (2) the urinary excretion of mercury by the dentists. In a small but significant proportion (14%) of these offices, mercury concentrations were found In excess off the threshold limit value, Implying a lack of care in handling mercury., The average total mercury concentration was more than twice the average vapor concentration, clearly inferring that mercury particulates cannot be ignored in assessing the dental work environment. Absorption of mercury was evidenced by higher than “normal” urinary mercury levels, which correlated well with both the total ambient air concentrations and estimated exposure times.
The ever-expanding function of NOD2: autophagy, viral recognition, and T cell activation

The identification of several families of innate pattern recognition receptors has greatly enhanced our understanding of the host innate immune response against a variety of pathogens. One such family of innate receptors is the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine rich repeat containing receptors (NLRs). NOD2 has been characterized as a cytosolic sensor of bacteria peptidoglycan (PGN). For almost 10 years, NOD2 was assigned with the function of mediating the RICK- and nuclear factor-κB induced proinflammatory response triggered by PGN. Recent studies have extended the biological activity of NOD2 to include the induction of autophagy and antiviral responses, as well as mediating direct T cell activation. Here, we highlight and discuss these new findings in the context of immune activation and pathogen detection.
Ritual and (im)moral voices: Locating the Testament of Judas in Sakapultek communicative ecology

In this article, I examine el Testamento de Judas (the Testament of Judas), an annual letter “from” Judas Iscariot to the townspeople of Sacapulas, Guatemala. Drawing on a conceptual framework that synthesizes Bakhtinian concepts of voice and speech genres, I argue that the characteristics of the Testament of Judas serve to create idealized “voices” that reflect stances toward its content and audience. Furthermore, I demonstrate that the Testament can only be understood against the backdrop of Sakapultek Maya communicative ecology, including ritual wedding counsels, which constitute the Testament's moral instructional complement, and the quotidian genre of “gossip–scolding.”[voice, genre, moral discourse, ritual, Maya, Judas, Guatemala]
The effect of nitrogen on the cold forging properties of 1020 steel

Abstract We have studied the effect of nitrogen on the cold forging properties of a low carbon steel as a function of temperature. Five AISI 1020 steels with nitrogen contents from 12 to 180 ppm were examined by tensile testing from 25 to 371 °C. Yield strength, tensile elongation (ductility), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain hardening exponents and strength coefficients were determined. The influence of nitrogen on the mechanical property behavior of this low carbon steel exhibits trends as expected—when nitrogen content increases, the strength of the steel increases and the ductility decreases. Likewise, as the temperature increases, the strength of the steel generally decreases; however, the ductility initially decreases, then exhibits an increasing trend. Additionally, there is an intermediate temperature range for these alloys where anomalous behavior is observed. Serrated stress–strain curves seen in this temperature range are indicative of dynamic strain aging. It is probable that this anomalous mechanical property trend is due to dynamic strain aging.
Assault on the Ecole: Student Campaigns Against the Beaux Arts, 1925–1950

Abstract Students played a significant part in the growing influence of modernism at American design schools between the First and Second World Wars. At several universities, students led a spirited campaign to replace beaux arts teaching methods with a curriculum based on modernist principles. This essay focuses on the University of California, Berkeley, where activist students advanced their cause by meeting with top university administrators and by publishing a magazine critical of their program. The students' desire for modernism was fueled not only by aesthetic trends in the design profession, but from their involvement in leftist political and social movements that swept campuses in the 1930s. For many students, modernism offered a set of tools for improving the lives of Americans during the Great Depression. The student activity at Berkeley ultimately led to a gradual shift away from beaux arts methods at the school and it hastened a search for a modernist architect to take over the design program.
Robust stability analysis of large scale systems with certain structured perturbation matrices

Earlier results on stability robustness aspects of linear (large-scale) systems are reviewed. In particular, certain numerical issues regarding the applications of these results are discussed. Next, several robust structures that are used to construct the coupling blocks for the robust large-scale system are presented. An efficient method to generate the perturbation scheme to change the coefficients of a Hurwitz polynomial is established. >
Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Political Representation in the United States

In the Concept of Representation, Hanna Pitkin (1967) argues that legislators should be judged by their actions—substantive representation—and not just their closeness in characteristics to their constituents—descriptive representation. Pitkin's theoretical framework is the standard that political representation scholars use when evaluating whether the presence of women or racial and ethnic minorities in legislatures results in greater responsiveness to female or minority interests. Do female legislators better represent the interests of women in U.S. congressional committee hearings on domestic violence than male legislators? Are minority legislators more active in advocating for minority interests than white legislators in hearings relating to racial profiling? Although Pitkin is skeptical that descriptive representatives alone improve legislators' responsiveness to the interests of constituents that they descriptively represent, extensive normative and empirical analyses focusing on race and gender have demonstrated that it is not a question of whether descriptive representation matters, but rather when and how it matters to improving substantive representation (see, for example, Bratton 2005; Canon 1999; Casellas 2011; Gamble 2007; Gay 2001; Grose 2011; Haynie 2001; Lublin 1997; Mansbridge 1999; Tate 2003; Thomas 1994; Whitby 1997).
Thermochemistry of Garnets and Aluminous Pyroxenes in the CMAS System

The bulk chemistry of the earth’s upper mantle, as deduced from analysis of exotic fragments from explosive igneous pipes and from geochemical arguments, can be “modeled” to quite a good approximation by the simple system CaO-MgO-A1203-SiO2. The only significant departures from this quaternary system in Green and Ringwood’s (1967) “pyrolite III”, which is their favored mantle composition, are 8.0 percent FeO and 0.4 percent Cr 203. FeO plays a role in the ferromagnesian minerals very similar to that of MgO, which dominates it by a factor of ten in molar amount, hence its influence should be minor. Cr 203 is closely similar to A1203 in its behavior and again greatly inferior in amount. The quaternary system yields all of the major phases which coexist in peridotites, namely olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, spinel, garnet and plagioclase. For these reasons the simple system has been very useful in geophysical phase-equilibrium investigations.
Microvascular Lip Reconstruction

As the main focal point of the lower facial third, the lips have both significant functional and esthetic qualities that must be addressed when planning a reconstructive procedure. As historically described by multiple authors, limited lip defects can be closed primarily or with local rotational or advancement flaps. Local flaps have the benefit of achieving an ideal color match as well as re-approximation of the mucosa and orbicularis oris muscle which helps maintain oral competence. The drawbacks, however, include commissure distortion and microstomia that can limit oral intake, oral hygiene, and the ability to place a prosthetic appliance. When ablative defects approach total lip length or violate adjacent facial subunits, local flaps are insufficient and produce a less-than-ideal result. These defects have plagued reconstructive surgeons for many years. With microvascular free tissue transfer, these total or subtotal lip defects encompassing multiple subunits can be reconstructed simultaneously avoiding the creation of microstomia and allowing for good functional and esthetic results.
Effect of Drug Additives and Type of Diet on Methionine Requirement for Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Feathering of Broilers Reared in Floor Pens

Abstract Two experiments were conducted in litter floor pens with broiler-type chicks to determine the effect of amprolium-ethopabate, lasalocid, monensin, and lincomycin on growth, feed efficiency, and feathering responses to graded levels of methionine. In Experiment 1, a pea-corn diet was supplemented with 5 levels of methionine (0 to .3%) in combination with amprolium-ethopabate (125 to 140 ppm), lasalocid (125 ppm), or monensin (121 ppm). In the second experiment, two different types of diets (corn-soy and pea-corn) were used which differed primarily in the source of protein. These two diets were supplemented with methionine (.1%), lincomycin (2 ppm), or a combination of lincomycin and methionine. Either lasalocid (100 ppm) or monensin (100 ppm) was used as a coccidiostat. At a suboptimum level of sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), lasalocid in Experiments 1 and 2 and lincomycin in Experiment 2 were found to have growth and feed efficiency stimulating effects. The SAA requirement for growth was reduced by as much as .1% in the presence of lasalocid. The SAA requirement was not affected by the use of monensin up to 49 days, but it was considerably increased after 49 days due to a faster rate of gain brought on by the withdrawal of monensin from the diet. The different coccidiostats and methionine had significant effects on the score for feathers in the litter and on feather weight. Overall floor-feather score and feather weight were better on the diet containing lasalocid than on diets containing the other two coccidiostats. Growth response to a lincomycin supplement was much more pronounced on the corn-soy or pea-corn diet containing lasalocid and no supplemental methionine than on other combinations. In contrast, growth response to the lincomycin supplement was very small in the presence of added methionine. Lincomycin gave a considerable and a significant growth response in the presence of monensin on the corn-soy and pea-corn diets, respectively. Lincomycin had no effect on growth on the pea-corn diet containing monensin and no added methionine. Even though the monensin fed birds outgained the lasalocid fed birds during the 5-day withdrawal period, their body weight was lower than that of the lasalocid or amprolium fed birds. The growth depressing effect of monensin was also seen at the level of 100 ppm, and this was not counteracted by adding the high level of methionine beyond the NRC (1977) requirement.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase-3 Isoenzyme in Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia

Abnormal levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase-3 (LD-3) activity were observed in 92% of patients (35 of 38) with active chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL), in 40% of patients (4 of 10) in partial remission, and in 13% of patients (1 of 8) in complete remission. In evaluating the electrophoretic LD isoenzyme patterns of these patients, three criteria were used. In criterion-1 elevations, the LD-3/total LD ratio, expressed as a fraction of serum total LD, and LD-3 value, expressed in absolute units, were greater than the upper limit of the reference range. In criterion-2 elevations, only the LD-3/total LD ratio was greater than the upper limit of the reference range. In criterion-3 elevations, only the absolute LD-3 activity exceeded the upper limit of the reference range, and these specimens showed isomorphic elevation of all five LD isoenzymes. Use of the last of these criteria increased the clinical sensitivity of serum LD-3 elevations in active CGL from 82% to 92%. The mean serum LD-3 absolute value and serum total LD activity usually showed statistically significant differences (P less than 0.05) among patients with active CGL, those in partial remission, and those in complete remission, but did not distinguish between subgroups of individuals with active CGL. Elevation of the serum LD-5/total LD ratio in 16 of 58 patients was due to hepatic injury or methodologic imprecision, showing analytically insignificant, borderline abnormalities in all cases of active CGL. In 10 of 62 patients in complete remission or partial remission, however, such elevation was unexplained. Our results indicate that the evaluation of serum LD-3 values in both absolute and relative terms slightly increases the clinical sensitivity of LD-3, and, therefore, suggest that LD-3 might be a useful marker for CGL.
Below-ground herbivory limits induction of extrafloral nectar by above-ground herbivores.

Background and Aims Many plants produce extrafloral nectar (EFN), and increase production following above-ground herbivory, presumably to attract natural enemies of the herbivores. Below-ground herbivores, alone or in combination with those above ground, may also alter EFN production depending on the specificity of this defence response and the interactions among herbivores mediated through plant defences. To date, however, a lack of manipulative experiments investigating EFN production induced by above- and below-ground herbivory has limited our understanding of how below-ground herbivory mediates indirect plant defences to affect above-ground herbivores and their natural enemies. Methods In a greenhouse experiment, seedlings of tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) were subjected to herbivory by a specialist flea beetle (Bikasha collaris) that naturally co-occurs as foliage-feeding adults and root-feeding larvae. Seedlings were subjected to above-ground adults and/or below-ground larvae herbivory, and EFN production was monitored. Key Results Above- and/or below-ground herbivory significantly increased the percentage of leaves with active nectaries, the volume of EFN and the mass of soluble solids within the nectar. Simultaneous above- and below-ground herbivory induced a higher volume of EFN and mass of soluble solids than below-ground herbivory alone, but highest EFN production was induced by above-ground herbivory when below-ground herbivores were absent. Conclusions The induction of EFN production by below-ground damage suggests that systemic induction underlies some of the EFN response. The strong induction by above-ground herbivory in the absence of below-ground herbivory points to specific induction based on above- and below-ground signals that may be adaptive for this above-ground indirect defence.
Subseasonal changes observed in subglacial channel pressure, size, and sediment transport

Water that pressurizes the base of glaciers and ice sheets enhances glacier velocities and modulates glacial erosion. Predicting ice flow and erosion therefore requires knowledge of subglacial channel evolution, which remains observationally limited. Here we demonstrate that detailed analysis of seismic ground motion caused by subglacial water flow at Mendenhall Glacier (Alaska) allows for continuous measurement of daily to subseasonal changes in basal water pressure gradient, channel size, and sediment transport. We observe intermittent subglacial water pressure gradient changes during the melt season, at odds with common assumptions of slowly varying, low-pressure channels. These observations indicate that changes in channel size do not keep pace with changes in discharge. This behavior strongly affects glacier dynamics and subglacial channel erosion at Mendenhall Glacier, where episodic periods of high water pressure gradients enhance glacier surface velocity and channel sediment transport by up to 30% and 50%, respectively. We expect the application of this framework to future seismic observations acquired at glaciers worldwide to improve our understanding of subglacial processes.
How do they fare? A study of learning achievement and satisfaction with blended learning for traditional-age undergraduates at moderately selective colleges

Blended learning is proliferating rapidly in higher education across the United States. However, this learning environment may pose new challenges to learners at moderately selective colleges who are normally found to be low in autonomy. This study used a quasi-experimental design to examine student learning achievement and satisfaction in two sections of a course, with one being a blended class section and the other being a face-to-face class section. Course content, instructional design, the assessment, and the instructor were matched; the only difference was the mode of instruction. Data on students’ learning achievement was collected through a final exam. Students’ satisfaction with the class was measured via an end-of-course survey. In addition, the relationship between the constructs of structure, dialogue, and autonomy with satisfaction, as found in Moore’s theory of transactional distance, were examined. While the results lacked statistical significance, students in the traditional class achieved slightly higher learning achievement as measured by a final exam, despite a slight lower incoming mean GPA, and they had a slightly higher level of satisfaction. The constructs of transactional distance of structure, dialogue and autonomy showed strong correlation with satisfaction within both classes, but were stronger yet for the blended section. This stronger correlation in conjunction with the slightly lower assessment of satisfaction supports the existence of increased transactional distance, albeit minimal, in a blended format.
Ultrasonic Mechanical Polishing of End Face of Fiber Optic Connector

To improve the surface quality and machining efficiency of the end face of fiber optic connector and to advance the performance of transferring optical signal of connector. A new way of polishing is discussed, in which the ultrasonic energy is applied to the interface of mechanical polishing and correlative equipment and experimental equipment are designed. The experimental results show that the material removal rate (MRR) of ultrasonic mechanical polishing is 4 to 8 times that of conventional polishing, and the roughness value is reduced from 20 nm to 2-5 nm for fiber end face. Especially , the insertion loss and return loss of optic fiber are below 0.1 dB and - 60 dB respectively. Also it is proved that the surface quality, machining efficiency and the performance of transferring optical signal of fiber optic connector are improved remarkably by ultrasonic/mechanical combining polishing.
K201 (JTV519) is a Ca2+ dependent blocker of SERCA and a partial agonist of ryanodine receptors in striated muscle

K201 (JTV-519) may prevent abnormal Ca(2+) leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the ischemic heart and skeletal muscle (SkM) by stabilizing the ryanodine receptors (RyRs; RyR1 and RyR2, respectively). We tested direct modulation of the SR Ca(2+)-stimulated ATPase (SERCA) and RyRs by K201. In isolated cardiac and SkM SR microsomes, K201 slowed the rate of SR Ca(2+) loading, suggesting potential SERCA block and/or RyR agonism. K201 displayed Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of SERCA-dependent ATPase activity, which was measured in microsomes incubated with 200, 2, and 0.25 µM Ca(2+) and with the half-maximal K201 inhibitory doses (IC50) estimated at 130, 19, and 9 µM (cardiac muscle) and 104, 13, and 5 µM (SkM SR). K201 (≥5 µM) increased RyR1-mediated Ca(2+) release from SkM microsomes. Maximal K201 doses at 80 µM produced ∼37% of the increase in SkM SR Ca(2+) release observed with the RyR agonist caffeine. K201 (≥5 µM) increased the open probability (Po) of very active ("high-activity") RyR1 of SkM reconstituted into bilayers, but it had no effect on "low-activity" channels. Likewise, K201 activated cardiac RyR2 under systolic Ca(2+) conditions (∼5 µM; channels at Po ∼0.3) but not under diastolic Ca(2+) conditions (∼100 nM; Po < 0.01). Thus, K201-induced the inhibition of SR Ca(2+) leak found in cell-system studies may relate to potentially potent SERCA block under resting Ca(2+) conditions. SERCA block likely produces mild SR depletion in normal conditions but could prevent SR Ca(2+) overload under pathologic conditions, thus precluding abnormal RyR-mediated Ca(2+) release.
Biliary Excretion of Mercury Enhanced by Spironolactone

A potentially lethal dose of HgCl2 marked with 203HgCl2 was injected intravenously into rats pretreated with spironolactone and into matched control rats. The following significant changes could be shown in pretreated animals: (1) Markedly increased amounts of 203Hg were excreted into the bile in the first 3 hr after injection. (2) A 3-fold increase occurred in 203Hg excretion directly from plasma into the intestine of animals prepared with a biliary fistula. (3) There was more rapid accumulation of 203Hg in the liver, while slower 203Hg accumulation in the kidneys took place. (4) Plasma 203Hg was cleared more rapidly, while the disappearance of 203Hg from erythrocytes occurred more slowly.
Convolution and Correlation

We have thus far considered Fourier transforms of single signals and of linear combinations of signals. In this chapter we consider another means of combining signals: convolution integrals and sums. This leads naturally to the related topics of correlation and products of signals. As with the transforms themselves, the details of the various definitions may differ depending on the signal type, but the definitions and the Fourier transform properties will have the same basic form.
Python in CS1 - not

In 2014 Python became the most popular language for introductory programming courses. For Fall 2013 we switched our CS1 course over to Python from Java for the first time. Now for Fall 2015 we are switching our CS1 course back to Java. In this paper I discuss the reasons, issues that we struggled with that I did not notice in the literature. The widespread introduction of Python in introductory curriculum raises interesting questions about the role of "object first" and arrays in curriculum. These significant philosophical issues have largely been ignored.
Using Accelerated Pavement Testing to Evaluate Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Materials for Pavement Unbound Granular Layers

AbstractUnbound aggregate layers are commonly used as subgrade replacement and subbase over weak subgrade soils. With the recent focus on sustainable construction practices, ever-increasing transportation cost, and scarcity of natural resources, nontraditional and locally available recycled materials have become viable for the construction of unpaved and low volume roads. To this end, a research study was recently undertaken at the Illinois Center for Transportation to evaluate the engineering applications and field performances of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials used in pavement unbound base/subbase and foundation layers. Twelve different full-scale test sections were constructed for the field performance investigations with accelerated pavement testing. Construction quality control was achieved through in-place density and modulus measurements using field testing. Periodic rut measurements were carried out on pavement surfaces throughout the accelerated loading process. Observed rutting trend...
Energy Production and Storage

Ceramic materials are an essential component of devices for production and storage of energy. Some of the topics covered in this chapter are summarized in Table 37.1. In many cases, a more efficient and cleaner process can be designed through the use of catalysts, or better catalysts. The problem is that the catalyst may change during use, and it is very difficult to see what is actually happening on the catalyst surface during the reaction.
The Degradation of Duplex DNA by the recBC DNase of Escherichia coli

The catalytic reactions of the recBC enzyme of Escherichia coli with various substrates are reviewed, and a model for the sequence of events in the degradation of duplex DNA is presented. The potential of the enzyme to take part in genetic recombination and repair is discussed.
Development of flexible, scalable, low cost readout for beam tests of the high granularity calorimeter for the CMS endcap

As part of the development of the High Granularity Calorimeter for the CMS Endcap at HL-LHC, The CMS collaboration is conducting a comprehensive series of beam tests. The first beam test, with a single HGC module was carried out in March of 2016 at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility, continuing to a 16 module test in July of 2016. We describe here the development of a low cost readout system that is simple to implement and is able to grow with the system under test. The system is based on the low cost Zynq SoC that allows simple DAQ development in a Linux environment. For this application we used the Digilent ZedBoard, which allows high speed LVDS links and Linux software development on a single commercial board. A small custom FPGA board designed to comply with the VITA 57 Field Programmable Mezzanine Card standard implements the interface to the readout ASIC mounted on the HGC sensor modules and provides the LVDS links to the ZedBoard, either directly over the FMC connector or via a custom carrier card. This architecture provides scalability, ease of development and low cost.
Prenatal Perceived Stress and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Puerto Rican Women

Abstract Background: Preterm birth and low birthweight contribute substantially to the disproportionately high infant mortality rates experienced by Puerto Ricans in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the timing and pattern of prenatal psychosocial stress increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in this high-risk population. Materials and Methods: Proyecto Buena Salud was a prospective cohort study conducted from 2006 to 2011 among predominantly Puerto Rican women. Participants (n = 1,267) were interviewed in early, mid-, and late pregnancy. We evaluated associations between early and mid-pregnancy stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and preterm birth and low birthweight, and stress at each pregnancy time point and small for gestational age (SGA). Results: Elevated levels of perceived stress in mid-pregnancy increased risk for preterm birth and low birthweight in adjusted analyses, with a linear trend observed for each increasing quartile of stress (ptrend = 0.01). Women in th...
A pilot study evaluating chemotherapy tolerability for breast cancer patients who have received prior treatment and chest radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Abstract MicroAbstract Women treated with chest radiation for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer, and little is known about how these patients tolerate chemotherapy for breast cancer. This small retrospective study identified 15 patients, noting that these patients tolerate proposed chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer in rates similar to those without prior HL and therapeutic radiation. Purpose Women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) with chest radiation have significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer, and little is known about how these patients tolerate chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods Women with breast cancer diagnosed from 1986–2015 after radiation for HL were identified from hospitals and clinics in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Patient, tumor and treatment characteristics, and clinical outcomes were abstracted from medical records and summarized using descriptive statistics. Chemotherapy was defined as tolerated if all scheduled doses and cycles were completed without deviation from the initial plan, with lack of grade 3 or higher toxicity attributable to chemotherapy in categories including blood, cardiac, gastrointestinal, fatigue and pain. Results Forty-two patients with breast cancer and prior radiation for HL were identified, 15 of which received chemotherapy for breast cancer. We noted 75% tolerability of taxane-based and 100% tolerability of anthracycline-based chemotherapy, suggesting that most patients with prior radiation for HL tolerate chemotherapy for breast cancer. A subset of patients (N = 7) in this study were also treated with chemotherapy for HL prior to breast cancer diagnosis, and 86% (6 of 7) also tolerated chemotherapy for breast cancer. Conclusions Treatment of breast cancer is strongly influenced by prior treatment of HL. Although this study was small and did not meet statistical significance, the data suggest that these patients tolerate proposed chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer in rates similar to those without prior HL and therapeutic radiation. Larger studies comparing specific chemotherapy dosing schedules are needed to address this complicated population.
Race/Ethnicity and Age Distribution of Breast Cancer Diagnosis in the United States.

This study assesses the age distribution of breast cancer diagnosis across race/ethnicity in US female patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database.
A Pilot Study of a Culturally Grounded Breastfeeding Intervention for Pregnant, Low-Income African American Women.

Background:Increasing breastfeeding rates among low-income African American women may work toward the achievement of health equity. The dynamic breastfeeding assessment process (D-BAP) is a communi...
Design and fabrication of high-Q birdbath resonator for MEMS gyroscopes

We present the design, fabrication, and measurement results of an axisymmetric 3D micro-shell resonator called the birdbath resonator. Three classes of birdbath resonators are studied; all exhibiting a record performance in terms of high-quality factor and long ring down time constants for their sizes. We also show that such high performing resonators have the potential to achieve low angle random walk and bias instability, achieving navigation-grade performance.
An architecture for the integration of decision making support functionalities

Various information systems have evolved to support the decision making process. There are decision support systems (DSS), executive information systems (EIS), artificially intelligent systems (AIS), and integrated combinations of these systems. Each of the individual systems supports particular phases and steps of the decision making process, but none of the individual systems supports the entire process in an integrated and complete manner. The integrated systems alleviate the support deficiencies, and each of the integration approaches has specific advantages and disadvantages. By studying these advantages and disadvantages, researchers and practitioners can better design, develop, and implement robust decision making support systems. This chapter facilitates such study by presenting and illustrating the underlying information system architectures for robust decision making support.
Current Research and Practice about Pre-Service Visual Art Specialist Teacher Education.

In this paper, the author demonstrates that there is a paucity of research about pre-service art specialist education. After reviewing the literature in this area and receiving responses to a questionnaire from college and university teachers, the author offers suggestions about research and practice for pre-service art teacher education programs. The author concludes that research about pre-service art teachers' knowledge about subject matter content, how they put that subject matter content into practice, and the impact of influences outside the university setting on pre-service programs need to be explored through a carefully constructed research agenda.
The Role of Attachment in Spiritual Formation at Richmont Graduate University

This article describes the spiritual formation training program for counseling students at Richmont Graduate University, an evangelical institution providing Master’s-level instruction for counselo...
Characterizing the structure of styrene-maleic acid copolymer-lipid nanoparticles (SMALPs) using RAFT polymerization for membrane protein spectroscopic studies.

Abstract Membrane proteins play an important role in maintaining the structure and physiology of an organism. Despite their significance, spectroscopic studies involving membrane proteins remain challenging due to the difficulties in mimicking their native lipid bilayer environment. Membrane mimetic systems such as detergent micelles, liposomes, bicelles, nanodiscs, lipodisqs have improved the solubility and folding properties of the membrane proteins for structural studies, however, each mimetic system suffers from its own limitations. In this study, using three different lipid environments, vesicles were titrated with styrene-maleic acid (StMA) copolymer leading to a homogeneous SMALP system (∼10 nm) at a weight ratio of 1:1.5 (vesicle: StMA solution). A combination of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize these SMALPs. We used a controlled synthesis mechanism to synthesize StMA based block copolymers called reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) SMALPs. Incorporation of the Voltage Sensor Domain of KCNQ1 (Q1-VSD) into RAFT SMALPs indicates that this is a promising application of this system to study membrane proteins using different biophysical techniques. V165C in Q1-VSD corresponding to the hydrophobic region was incorporated into the SMALP system. Continuous Wave-Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (CW-EPR) line shape analysis showed line shape broadening, exposing a lower rigid component and a faster component of the spin label.
Electronic Proxy Statement Dissemination and Shareholder Monitoring

This study examines how the means of disseminating proxy statements affects shareholder monitoring. I exploit the staggered implementation of a regulatory change that allows firms to switch from postal mail to electronic distribution, and estimate that electronic dissemination reduces total voting participation by about 1% to 2%. Under the plausible assumption that all shareholder non-participation is from retail investors, my results imply that retail investor voting non-participation increases by approximately 7% to 17% with electronic distribution. The reduction in retail investor participation shifts routine voting outcomes in favor of management’s recommendations and shift voting outcomes against for non-routine votes. Consistent with management understanding the importance of dissemination channels, I further show management strategically uses its discretion over the choice of the proxy statement dissemination channel to affect voting.
David Friedrich Strauss: reputation and reality

Because of his radical critique of Christianity, David Friedrich Strauss has often been portrayed as a political radical, as a revolutionary on the far left of the Hegelian school. A closer look at...
Nitrogen-dependent coordination of cell cycle, quiescence and TAG accumulation in Chlamydomonas

Microalgae hold great promises as sustainable cellular factories for the production of alternative fuels, feeds, and biopharmaceuticals for human health. While the biorefinery approach for fuels along with the coproduction of high-value compounds with industrial, therapeutic, or nutraceutical applications have the potential to make algal biofuels more economically viable, a number of challenges continue to hamper algal production systems at all levels. One such hurdle includes the metabolic trade-off often observed between the increased yields of desired products, such as triacylglycerols (TAG), and the growth of an organism. Initial genetic engineering strategies to improve lipid productivity in microalgae, which focused on overproducing the enzymes involved in fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis or inactivating competing carbon (C) metabolism, have seen some successes albeit at the cost of often greatly reduced biomass. Emergent approaches that aim at modifying the dynamics of entire metabolic pathways by engineering of pertinent transcription factors or signaling networks appear to have successfully achieved a balance between growth and neutral lipid accumulation. However, the biological knowledge of key signaling networks and molecular components linking these two processes is still incomplete in photosynthetic eukaryotes, making it difficult to optimize metabolic engineering strategies for microalgae. Here, we focus on nitrogen (N) starvation of the model green microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to present the current understanding of the nutrient-dependent switch between proliferation and quiescence, and the drastic reprogramming of metabolism that results in the storage of C compounds following N starvation. We discuss the potential components mediating the transcriptional repression of cell cycle genes and the establishment of quiescence in Chlamydomonas, and highlight the importance of signaling pathways such as those governed by the target of rapamycin (TOR) and sucrose nonfermenting-related (SnRK) kinases in the coordination of metabolic status with cellular growth. A better understanding of how the cell division cycle is regulated in response to nutrient scarcity and of the signaling pathways linking cellular growth to energy and lipid homeostasis, is essential to improve the prospects of biofuels and biomass production in microalgae.