cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Site-specific protonation directs low-energy dissociation pathways of dinucleotides in the gas phase

Abstract Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy has been used to examine the low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) pathways of protonated dinucleotides. Collisional activation using continuous off-resonance excitation permits observation of energetically favorable dissociation pathways. Dissociation products were examined under multiple collision conditions over a range of average center-of-mass collision energies from 0 to 8.1 eV. Semiempirical calculations were performed using AM1 and PM3 methods to obtain gas-phase model structures of the protonated dinucleotides and their CID fragments. These calculations indicate that the proton is localized exclusively on one of the nucleic acid bases, with additional stabilization of some systems resulting from hydrogen bonding interactions between the bases. Protonated molecular ions dissociate to yield several characteristic products. The major fragmentation pathways are directed by the site of protonation leading to elimination of a protonated base, generally the 3′-terminus base. Exceptions are observed only in systems having thymine as the 3′-terminus base, where the major product is the protonated 5′-terminus base. These observations agree with the known relative proton affinities of the nucleic acid bases, and the existence of stable tautomeric structures of adenine, cytosine, and guanine which make these bases better leaving groups when protonated. In addition, application of statistical RRKM calculations to model the unimolecular dissociation dynamics of the reaction leading to the protonated 3′-terminus base provides an estimate of 1.9 eV for the activation energy associated with this major fragmentation pathway. In some systems, moderate yields of other fragment ions are also observed. Only minor yields of sequence ions are observed with these quasi-molecular ions. Reaction mechanisms accounting for the observed products are proposed.
Wetting Behavior of Oleophobic Polymer Coatings Synthesized from Fluorosurfactant-Macromers

Architecturally similar monomers were copolymerized with a water–oil discriminate fluorosurfactant to create hydrophilic–oleophobic coatings. Acrylic acid, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate were used as comonomers with the fluorosurfactant macromer. The homopolymers of the selected comonomers are water-soluble, water-swellable, and water-insoluble, respectively, thus coupling the surfactant monomer in varying concentration within polymers of varying hydrophilicity. Wetting behavior of water and hexadecane were examined as a function of copolymer composition, thus revealing critical structure–property relationships for the surfactant-based system. Acrylic acid copolymers and hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymers both exhibited a hexadecane contact angle which exceeded the water contact angle. This condition predicted an ability to “self-clean” oil-based foulants. The most oleophobic of the self-cleaning copolymers had an advancing hexadecane contact angle of 73° and an advancing water conta...
Vaccinology for control of apicomplexan parasites: a simplified language of immune programming and its use in vaccine design

Most mammalian immune systems and parasites have co-evolved over the millennia, interacting within a common environment and communicating through a common language. This language is comprised of copious dialects in which a variety of host innate and acquired immune pathways actively interact with a multitude of parasite-specific survival strategies. Nonetheless, a simplified language is likely present since the same basic molecular and cellular mechanisms are associated with resistance or susceptibility to parasite infection. Protective immunity against protozoa within the phylum Apicomplexa (e.g. Cryptosporidia, Eimeria, Neospora, Plasmodia and Toxoplasma) is generally CD4+ T cell-dependent and elicited along the IL-12/IFN-gamma/iNOS effector axis. This simplified language can be decoded in part by significant advances in understanding naive T cell activation, differentiation and generation of immunologic memory. Vaccine adjuvants and new immunisation strategies for generation of more potent immunity can also be viewed through this common language lens. The aim of this paper is to summarise recently published fundamental immunology studies, their relevance through examples in specific coccidian-host immune dialects, and how this simplified language can be used for the more rationale design of parasite vaccine control strategies.
T-Cell Activation by Soluble MHC Oligomers Can Be Described by a Two-Parameter Binding Model

T-cell activation is essential for initiation and control of immune system function. T cells are activated by interaction of cell-surface antigen receptors with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on the surface of other cells. Studies using soluble oligomers of MHC-peptide complexes and other types of receptor cross-linking agents have supported an activation mechanism that involves T cell receptor clustering. Receptor clustering induced by incubation of T cells with MHC-peptide oligomers leads to the induction of T-cell activation processes, including downregulation of engaged receptors and upregulation of the cell-surface proteins CD69 and CD25. Dose-response curves for these T-cell activation markers are bell-shaped, with different maxima and midpoints, depending on the valency of the soluble oligomer used. In this study, we have analyzed the activation behavior using a mathematical model that describes the binding of multivalent ligands to cell-surface receptors. We show that a simple equilibrium binding model accurately describes the activation data for CD4(+) T cells treated with MHC-peptide oligomers of varying valency. The model can be used to predict activation and binding behavior for T cells and MHC oligomers with different properties.
Design of a ‘self-nulling’ beam combiner needing no external phase inversion

Abstract The complex optics of planned space-based nulling interferometers intended to search for exosolar planets will be simplified substantially if the modified Mach–Zehnder beam combiner is used in a novel fashion, extracting the null from ports traditionally used as bright outputs. This approach entirely eliminates the need for special phase-flipping optics, exploiting instead the broad-band phase shifts intrinsic to the beam splitters themselves. The theory of this ‘self-nulling’ approach is presented, and specifications are given for its use with and without adaptive nulling.
Non-invasive diagnosis of a free-floating left atrial thrombus with emphasis on two-dimensional echocardiographic features.

Two-dimensional echocardiography permitted identification of a large free-floating left atrial thrombus in a patient with mitral stenosis. A specific pattern of motion afforded its recognition and differentiation from mural left atrial thrombosis and tumors. Phonocardiographic tracings revealed a non- ejection systolic click and opening snap. A gated blood pool scintigram dis closed a left atrial filling defect. Subsequent left atrial angiography and left atriotomy confirmed the non-invasive findings.
CCD Chemical/Mechanical Thinning Results

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are becoming increasingly used as the primary detector for many astronomical imaging and spectroscopic instruments. The major limitations of front-illuminated CCDs in this field are their lack of blue and UV spectral response and relatively poor visible light response. Thinned, back-illuminated CCDs can achieve significantly higher quantum efficiency but typically have a warped imaging surface, non-uniform flat-field response, and often do not respond well to backside charging techniques to eliminate the backside potential well. We describe here a novel thinning/polishing technique which produces an optically fiat imaging surface independent of the epitaxial/substrate interface location. Chemical/mechanical polishing can be used to thin a CCD when the final device thickness is greater 20pm or possible a wafer to any thickness. We discuss the effect of silicon thickness and thinning technique on surface warpage. We also discuss the bump bonding mounting method which we are beginning to use to improve the yield of the thinning process, the ease of backside charging and antireflection coating, and the ability to produce mosaics of CCDs for large focal planes such as the new generation of ground-based telescopes.
The determination of aluminum, nickel, cobalt, copper, and iron in alnico

Abstract A method has been developed for the determination of the major constituents of Alnico based on an anion exchange separation of the chloride complexes and the subsequent determination of aluminum, nickel, copper, cobalt and iron with EDTA. The method is more convenient than conventional classical methods.
Conditions for superconvergence of HDG methods for second-order elliptic problems

We provide a projection-based analysis of a large class of finite element methods for second order elliptic problems. It includes the hybridized version of the main mixed and hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin methods. The main feature of this unifying approach is that it reduces the main difficulty of the analysis to the verification of some properties of an auxiliary, locally defined projection and of the local spaces defining the methods. Sufficient conditions for the optimal convergence of the approximate flux and the superconvergence of an element-by-element postprocessing of the scalar variable are obtained. New mixed and hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin methods with these properties are devised which are defined on squares, cubes and prisms.
The Effects of Financial Education on the Financial Knowledge of High School Students

This study investigated the effects of a financial education program on high school students' knowledge of personal finance. A comparison of pretest and posttest scores achieved on a reliable and valid thirty-item instrument suggested that the Financing Your Future curriculum increased financial knowledge across many concepts. The scores increased regardless of the course in which the curriculum was used and across student characteristics. The assessment contributes to the growing literature showing that a well-specified and properly implemented program in financial education can positively and significantly influence the financial knowledge of high school students.
Variations in Type Ratings of Individual Ayrshire Cows

Summary Eighty Ayrshire cows at the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station were rated for type an average of five times over a period of 4.5 years by nine different inspectors. A summary of these results shows that 54 animals or 67.5 per cent had a range of one grade or less, while 26 or 32.5 per cent had a range of two or three grades. The relationships (repeatabilities) between ratings given a cow by the same inspector at different times were calculated for three different inspectors and found to be 0.73, 0.82, and 0.62, while the repeatability of ratings given the same cows by different inspectors was calculated to be 0.55. Type ratings were found to be somewhat higher on older cows and, in addition, were higher on cows classified during the first 3 months of a lactation or the last 2 months as compared with the middle segment of the lactation. It is concluded that several type ratings on an individual cow form a far more accurate guide to her true type conformation than does one official rating which can never be lowered.
Using Thin Slices for Behavioral Coding

This study investigated whether brief segments of nonverbal behavior or “thin slices” would be representative of behavior across a longer interaction. It was hypothesized that behavioral slices would correlate with behavior across a full 15-minute interaction. Five commonly investigated nonverbal behaviors were coded: gazing, gestures, nods, smiles, and self-touch. The findings showed moderate to high positive correlations between the thin slices (1-minute slice, total of two 1-minute slices, total of three 1-minute slices) and the full interaction for all five behaviors. In regards to behavioral coding, the thin-slice methodology proposed could save nonverbal researchers considerable time, energy, and money by decreasing resources dedicated to coding behavior in some types of interactions. Such results suggest that thin slices could represent an individual’s behavior across a longer length of time.
Effect of Plasmin, Milk Somatic Cells and Psychrotrophic Bacteria on Casein Fractions of Ultra High Temperature Treated Milk

The present study examined the enzymes responsible for proteolysis of casein in milk. Reversed-phase HPLC was used to differentiate the peptide products, of each proteinase, soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid and in pH 4.6 milk filtrates. Peptides produced by bacterial proteinase were less hydrophobic and eluted early in the RP-HPLC chromatogram, while peptides produced by plasmin and somatic cell proteinase were more hydrophobic and eluted later. β-caseins were preferential substrates for plasmin, whereas α s-and κ-caseins were hydrolysed to a lesser extent. Proteases from bacterial origin predominantly affected κ-casein, while s-casein and α s-casein were less susceptible. Somatic cell proteinase degraded mainly β-casein, followed by α s-casein and κ-casein. When milk was contaminated by bacterial proteinases, chromatograms of the TCA 12% filtrate showed early peaks, while the pH 4.6 filtrate showed early and late peaks when proteolysis was caused by either plasmin, somatic cell proteinase or bacterial proteinase.
The effect of immigrant generation on smoking

Immigrants to the US are not only an increasingly significant demographic group but overall they also have lower socioeconomic status (SES) than the native-born. It is known that tobacco use is a major health risk for groups that have low SES. However, there is some evidence that tobacco use among certain immigrant groups is lower than among the respective native-born ethnic group, and that immigrant assimilation is positively related to tobacco use. We investigated the relationship between immigrant generation and daily smoking, using the Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), 1995-96, a national data set representative of the US general and immigrant populations. Our multivariate logistic regression analysis of the relationship between immigrant generation and daily smoker status (n = 221,798) showed that after controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, SES variables (i.e. equivalized household income, education, occupation), and central-city residence, the odds of being a daily smoker were highest among US-born individuals of US-born parents (reference group) and lowest among foreign-born individuals (95% CI: 0.54-0.62). Being a second-generation immigrant (i.e. US born) with two immigrant parents also conferred a protective effective from smoking (95% CI: 0.64-0.77). However, having only one foreign-born parent was not protective against smoking. Testing for interaction effects, we also found that being foreign born and being second generation with two immigrant parents were especially protective against smoking among females (vis-a-vis males); racial/ethnic minorities (vis-a-vis whites); and low-income individuals (vis-a-vis high-income individuals). We discuss possible mechanisms that may explain the protective effect against smoking of being foreign born and being second generation with two immigrant parents, including differences in the stage of the tobacco epidemic between immigrants' countries of origin and the US, the "healthy immigrant effect", and anti-smoking socialization in immigrant families.
Reflections on the Steady Increase in Submissions Commentary from the co‐editor and editor's assistant of Applied Linguistics

The article presents the authors' personal views and reflections regarding the status and trends of applied linguistics scholarship as of the Winter of 2010, drawing on their experiences as editors of a research journal. The authors focus on what they see as the steady increase of submitted research articles to their journal in the previous decade. Also mentioned are the benefits and shortcomings of such trends.
Sensitivity and accuracy of an updated line probe assay (HBV DR v.3) in detecting mutations associated with hepatitis B antiviral resistance.

Background/Aims Early detection of antiviral drug-resistant mutations enables prompt initiation of rescue therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and sensitivity of a new line probe assay in the detection of antiviral drug-resistant HBV mutations. Methods One-hundred samples from 54 patients with virologic breakthrough during entecavir, lamivudine or adefovir treatment and 21 samples from 21 nucleoside-naive patients were tested by direct sequencing and an updated line probe assay (Innogenetics, HBV DR v.3) which incorporates probes that can detect mutations at 11 positions of the reverse transcriptase region of the HBV polymerase gene. Results Complete concordance between line probe and sequencing results was observed for 90/121 samples (74.3%) and 1291/1331 amino acid positions (96.9%). Testing of follow-up samples and clonal analysis of discordant samples confirmed the presence of mutations where line probe assay but not direct sequencing detected mutations. HBV DR v.3 assay consistently detected mutations present in ⩾5% of the virus population when HBV DNA concentration was ⩾4log 10 copies/mL. Conclusions The updated version of the line probe assay (HBV DR v.3) has high concordance with direct sequencing in detecting antiviral drug-resistant mutations but its sensitivity in detecting mutations at some positions needs to be improved.
Are alexithymia and schizoid personality disorder synonymous diagnoses

Relationships among alexithymia, personality disorders, and higher-order psychopathological and interpersonal dimensions were examined in 199 college students and a close relative of each. Alexithymia, the difficulty to express and identify emotions, was measured by the Observer Alexithymia Scale (OAS; [Haviland, M. G., Warren, W. L., & Riggs, M. L. (2000). An observer scale to measure alexithymia. Psychosomatics, 41, 385-392]), which was completed by each student's relative. Each student completed three self-report measures: the Coolidge Axis II Inventory (CATI; [Coolidge, F. L. (2000). Coolidge Axis II Inventory: Manual. Colorado Springs, CO: Author.), the Five Dimensional Personality Test (5DPT; [van Kampen, D. (2009). Personality and psychopathology: A theory-based revision of Eysenck's PEN model. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 5, 9-21]), and the Horney-Coolidge Tridimensional Inventory (HCTI; [Coolidge, F. L. (1998). Horney-Coolidge Tridimensional Inventory: Manual. Colorado Springs, CO: Author]). Results indicated that higher levels of alexithymia are associated with personality disorders and their traits, such as schizoid, avoidant, and paranoid. With regard to the issue of the similarity and difference between alexithymia and schizoid personality disorder, there was sufficient evidence across all of the measures to suggest that they are not synonymous entities. Finally, alexithymic traits were associated with concurrent depressive traits even in a non-clinical sample.
Active imaginative listening—a neuromusical critique

The parallel study of music in science and creative practice can be traced back to the ancients; and paralleling the emergence of music neuroscience, creative musical practitioners have employed neurobiological phenomena extensively in music composition and performance. Several examples from the author’s work in this area, which began in the 1960s, are cited and briefly described. From this perspective, the author also explores questions pertinent to current agendas evident in music neuroscience and speculates on potentially potent future directions.
Experimental determination of equilibrium magnesium isotope fractionation between spinel, forsterite, and magnesite from 600 to 800 C

Magnesium isotopes are potentially powerful tracers for high-temperature geochemical processes if relevant fractionation factors are known. However, experimental data for Mg isotope fractionation are lacking at high temperatures. We performed experiments at 600, 700, and 800 C and 1 GPa to establish the equilibrium magnesium isotope partitioning between forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and magnesite (MgCO3) and between spinel (MgAl2O4) and magnesite, making use of the carbonate as an isotope exchange medium to overcome sluggish diffusion-limited magnesium isotope exchange between spinel and forsterite. Using the three-isotope method, the magnitudes of exchange between forsterite and magnesite, and between spinel and magnesite, were determined at the three temperatures for varying lengths of time, allowing equilibrium isotope partitioning to be established. Results are as follows: D 26 MgFo–Mgs = 0.04 ± 0.04& at 800 C, 0.11 ± 0.10& at 700 C, and 0.44 ± 0.10& at 600 C; and D 26 MgSpl–Mgs = 0.90 ± 0.28& at 800 C, 1.10 ± 0.27& at 700 C, and 1.73 ± 0.38& at 600 C. From these experimentally determined equilibrium fractionation values, we derive the temperature-dependent equilibrium fractionation between spinel and forsterite by difference, yielding D 26 MgSpl–Fo values of 0.86 ± 0.29& at 800 C, 0.99 ± 0.29& at 700 C, and 1.29 ± 0.39& at 600 C. These data agree well with first-principles estimates of equilibrium magnesium isotope fractionation between spinel and forsterite at high temperatures. The data allow the calculation of an experimentally determined equation for the temperature dependence of 26 Mg/ 24 Mg fractionation between spinel and olivine: D 26 Mg Spl–Fo ¼ 0:96ð� 0:21 Þ� 10 6 =T 2 .
The Life Course and Cumulative Disadvantage: Poverty Among Grandmother-Headed Families

Using multivariate techniques, the authors investigate how age, family type, and race/ethnicity affect grandmother-headed families’ economic resources. The authors examine four grandmother-headed f...
The zebrafish dag1 mutant: a novel genetic model for dystroglycanopathies

In a forward genetic approach to identify novel genes for congenital muscle diseases, a zebrafish mutant, designated patchytail, was identified that exhibits degenerating muscle fibers with impaired motility behavior. Genetic mapping identified a genomic locus containing the zebrafish ortholog of the dystroglycan gene (DAG1). Patchytail fish contain a point mutation (c.1700T>A) in dag1, resulting in a missense change p.V567D. This change is associated with reduced transcripts and a complete absence of protein. The absence of α-dystroglycan and β-dystroglycan caused destabilization of dystroglycan complex, resulting in membrane damages. Membrane damage was localized on the extracellular matrix at myosepta as well as basement membrane between adjacent myofibers. These studies also identified structural abnormalities in triads at 3 days post fertilization (dpf) of dystroglycan-deficient muscles, significantly preceding sarcolemmal damage that becomes evident at 7 dpf. Immunofluorescence studies identified a subpopulation of dystroglycan that is expressed at t-tubules in normal skeletal muscles. In dag1-mutated fish, smaller and irregular-shaped t-tubule vesicles, as well as highly disorganized terminal cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum, were common. In addition to skeletal muscle defects, dag1-mutated fish have brain abnormalities and ocular defects in posterior as well as anterior chambers. These phenotypes of dystroglycan-deficient fish are highly reminiscent of the phenotypes observed in the human conditions muscle–eye–brain disease and Walker–Warburg syndrome. This animal model will provide unique opportunities in the understanding of biological functions of dystroglycan in a wide range of dystroglycanopathies, as disruption of this gene in higher vertebrates results in early embryonic lethality.
Fundamental performance assessment of 2-D myocardial elastography in a phased array configuration

Two-dimensional myocardial elastography, an RF-based, speckle-tracking technique, uses 1-D cross-correlation and recorrelation methods in a 2-D search, and can estimate and image the 2-D transmural motion and deformation of the myocardium so as to characterize the cardiac function. Based on a 3-D finite-element (FE) canine left-ventricular model, a theoretical framework was previously developed by our group to evaluate the estimation quality of 2-D myocardial elastography using a linear array. In this paper, an ultrasound simulation program, Field II, was used to generate the RF signals of a model of the heart in a phased-array configuration and under 3-D motion conditions; thus simulating a standard echocardiography exam. The estimation method of 2-D myocardial elastography was adapted for use with such a configuration. All elastographic displacements and strains were found to be in good agreement with the FE solutions, as indicated by the mean absolute error (MAE) between the two. The classified first and second principal strains approximated the radial and circumferential strains, respectively, in the phased-array configuration. The results at different sonographic signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) showed that the MAEs of the axial, lateral, radial, and circumferential strains remained relatively constant when the SNRs was equal to or higher than 20 dB. The MAEs of the strain estimation were not significantly affected when the acoustic attenuation was included in the simulations. A significantly reduced number of scatterers could be used to speed up the simulation, without sacrificing the estimation quality.The proposed framework can further be used to assess the estimation quality, explore the theoretical limitation and investigate the effects of various parameters in 2-D myocardial elastography under more realistic conditions.
How Individual Performance Affects Variability of Peer Evaluations in Classroom Teams A Distributive Justice Perspective

Business school courses often require team projects, both for pedagogical reasons as well as to prepare students for the kinds of team-based activities that are common in organizations these days. However, social loafing is a common problem in teams, and peer evaluations by team members are sometimes used in such team settings to assess individuals’ contributions. We propose that high and low team performers differ in terms of their ability and motivation to make distinctions in their teammates’ performance, and consequently they differ in how they evaluate their teammates’ performances. Specifically, we predict that high performers will provide evaluations of teammates that distinguish between those who did well and those who performed poorly, and thus high performers’ ratings will exhibit greater variability. In contrast, we predict that low performers will fail to distinguish among teammates’ levels of performance, and thus will provide evaluations that are lower in variability. Using latent growth mod...
Poverty amidst plenty: food insecurity in the United States

The United States faces domestic food security issues that differ from those encountered by many countries. Yet, in 2001, 10.7% of U.S. households were estimated to be food insecure at some point during the year. Food security, poverty, and food insecurity are strongly linked by economic conditions. Job transitions, layoffs, and family disruptions result in periods of low income and vulnerability to food insecurity. Economic and food assistance programs have helped protect many U.S. households when the market economy has failed to do so. These programs have reduced vulnerability to falling income and food insecurity during economic downturns in the business cycle. However effective food assistance programs have been for reducing short-term vulnerability, they do not enhance a household's ability to achieve sustainable food security. Prospects for improving long-term food security are tied to the same economic forces shaping a household's income and budget, particularly those related to labor productivity and wages.
Efficient gradient F0 tree model for prosody modeling and unit-selection, applied for the embedded US English concatenative TTS

Modeling of pitch dynamics in addition to absolute pitch modeling is highly desirable for robust pitch curve prediction and unit selection in concatenative TTS systems. Transition prosody models have been reported to improve consistency and naturalness for pitch-accent and tonal languages, like Japanese and Mandarin. In the current work we revise a Gradient F0 tree model, originally developed for Japanese, and adjust it for American English. The resultant model requires few computational resources at a runtime that makes it highly suitable for embedded TTS applications. We report encouraging results of applying it for an embedded concatenative TTS system for American English.
The Surgical Treatment of External Coxa Saltans (the Snapping Hip) by Z-Plasty of the Iliotibial Band:

Purpose: A snapping hip (coxa saltans) secondary to a tight iliotibial band rarely needs surgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to present the surgical results of refractory external-type snapping hip by Z-plasty of the iliotibial band.Materials and Methods: Nine symptomatic snapping hips in 8 consecutive patients (1 bilateral) from August 1997 through March 2002 who underwent an iliotibial band Z-plasty were reviewed.Results: Eight of the 9 hips were in active-duty military and 1 was a civilian, with an average age of 25.6 years (range, 21 to 38 years). Mean duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 25.2 months (range, 16 to 39 months) with an average follow-up of 22.9 months (range, 7 to 38 months). All patients had complete resolution of the snapping hip, and all but 1 returned to full unrestricted activities. The 1 failure had persistent groin pain but no residual snapping.Conclusions: Patients with snapping hip of the iliotibial band refractory to conservative treatment are...
On the Control of Calcium Secretion in the Avian Shell Gland (Uterus)

Shell glands (SGs) of white Leghorn hens were perfused in situ to determine the time course and magnitude of secretion of egg shell Ca and factors that control secretion, during laying cycles. With a surrogate wax egg present in the SG during all test periods (substituted for the natural egg when necessary), net Ca secretion averaged 20 �.sm/h/g dry wt before a natural egg arrived in the SG (1-4 hr after ovulation), increased sharply as an egg arrived(h 5-6) progressingto 150 Mm/h/g (h 14-18) and returned to basal levels (by h 24) when a shell was completed, but 2 h before the egg normally left the SG. Secretion rates in SGs were always greaterwhen distended in egg-like fashion than when not, but rates in active (shell forming) SGs whether distended or not were always substantially higher than in inactive controls. Ca secretion in the mature magnum and in SGs of mature prelaying hens and pullets was minimal (<30% of mature, inactive SGs) or undetectable. These observations indicate: 1) in the oviduct, capacity for functional Ca secretion is specific to the mature laying SG; 2) timing of Ca secretion is not cued by the previous oviposition, but is associated with occurrence of ovulation; 3) an egg in the SG (distention) enhances Ca secretion, but does not account for the normal magnitude of secretion. Severing the SG from the upper oviduct did not affect secretory cycles and decreasing the concentration of SG luminal Ca did not change secretion rates. Also, severing known autonomic nerves to the SG did not permanently affect egg laying or egg shell quality. The collective results dictate an hypothesis: Ca secretion by the SG is directed by hormonal factors thit control and coordinate both ovulation and Ca secretion. Accordingly, the time course of Ca secretion is discussed in relation to current knowledge of circulating levels of hypophyseal and gonadal steroid
COMPARISON OF YES-NO AND LATENCY MEASURES OF AUDITORY INTENSITY DISCRIMINATION

Abstract Rats discriminated auditory intensity differences of sinusoids at 3.0 kilohertz in a go/no-go signal detection procedure. Responses to the signal (hits) were reinforced with electrical brain stimulation, and misses produced a brief timeout. On intermixed noise trials, withholding of responses (correct rejections) was reinforced, and false alarms produced the time-out. In two test conditions, the signal was either the louder (100 decibels) or softer (90, 93, 96, or 99 decibels) of the pair of intensities presented within a set of trials. Each animal was first trained with signal value louder or softer, and reversed for the second condition so that the former noise value served as signal. Hits showed shorter latencies than false alarms, regardless of the relative intensity of signal and noise, and the magnitude of differentiation was proportional to signal-noise separation. Both hits and false alarms showed longer latencies as the discrimination became more difficult. Isosensitivity contours derived from the latencies showed close similarity across conditions; in comparison, the yes-no measure of detectability, d', showed greater variability. The similarity of latency differentiation across louder and softer signal conditions supports a detection model in which the observer's judgment is controlled by the distance of sensory effect from criterion on each trial, as opposed to the loudness of the tones per se.
Game design from the lens of a student

The efficacy of games-based instruction in computer science education ultimately depends on the student experience. As there remains a continued emphasis on the use of games in computer science education, there is a need for a deeper exploration on the impact of the structure of game design and development courses on computer science student's overall experience. Though current research reflects the benefits of games within computer science courses, there is limited research that depicts the voice of the students. Student's insight is both necessary and relevant both to researchers and educators if games are to be sought to further the agenda of increasing participation in computer science education. This paper describes a game design course from the lens of six graduate students; it explores some of their challenges and their gratifications.
Expression, Regulation, and Function of IGF-1, IGF-1R, and IGF-1 Binding Proteins in Blood Vessels

The vascular insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 system includes the IGFs, the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and multiple binding proteins. This growth factor system exerts multiple physiologic effects on the vasculature through both endocrine and autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. The effects of IGF-1 are mediated principally through the IGF-1R but are modulated by complex interactions with multiple IGF binding proteins that themselves are regulated by phosphorylation, proteolysis, polymerization, and cell or matrix association. During the last decade, a significant body of evidence has accumulated, indicating that expression of the components of the IGF system are regulated by multiple factors, including growth factors, cytokines, lipoproteins, reactive oxygen species, and hemodynamic forces. In addition, cross-talk between the IGF system and other growth factors and integrin receptors has been demonstrated. There is accumulating evidence of a role for IGF-1 in multiple vascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis, angiogenesis, and diabetic vascular disease. This review will discuss the regulation of expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R, and IGF binding proteins in the vasculature and summarize evidence implicating involvement of this system in vascular diseases.
Genetic variants, plasma lipoprotein(a) levels, and risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among two prospective cohorts of type 2 diabetes.

Aims To examine the relations between genetic loci, plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among diabetic patients and compare with the observations in the general population. Methods and results In two prospective cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes ( n = 2308) from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professional Follow-Up Study, we performed (i) genome-wide association (GWA) scans for plasma Lp(a); (ii) prospective analysis of plasma Lp(a) for CVD risk and mortality; and (iii) genetic association analysis for CVD risk and mortality. Meta-analysis of the two GWA scans yielded 71 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 6q associated with plasma Lp(a) levels at a genome-wide significance level ( P 0.09). For the best SNP rs10455872 for plasma Lp(a) levels, the OR for CHD, CVD, and CVD death was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.69–1.28), 0.97 (0.72–1.29), and 1.23 (0.79–1.92), respectively. The genetic effect on CHD risk showed a significant heterogeneity between the diabetic and the general populations ( P = 0.006). Conclusion Our data indicate that the effect of Lp(a) on CVD risk among diabetic patients might be different from that in the general population. Diabetes status may attenuate the relation between Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk.
Building the Machines: Scaffolding Protein Functions During Bacteriophage Morphogenesis

For a machine to function, it must first be assembled. The morphogenesis of the simplest icosahedral virus would require only 60 copies of a single capsid protein to coalesce. If the capsid protein’s structure could be entirely dedicated to this endeavor, the morphogenetic mechanism would be relatively uncomplicated. However, capsid proteins have had to evolve other functions, such as receptor recognition, immune system evasion, and the incorporation of other structure proteins, which can detract from efficient assembly. Moreover, evolution has mandated that viruses obtain additional proteins that allow them to adapt to their hosts or to more effectively compete in their respective niches. Consequently, genomes have increased in size, which has required capsids to do likewise. This, in turn, has lead to more complex icosahedral geometries. These challenges have driven the evolution of scaffolding proteins, which mediate, catalyze, and promote proper virus assembly. The mechanisms by which these proteins perform their functions are discussed in this review.
Do social skills mediate the relationship between ADHD and depression

ABSTRACTPrevious research has demonstrated a link between depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Researchers have also demonstrated that children with higher social skills have less depression. In addition, sociological scholars have found that those with ADHD have fewer social skills. However, little sociological research has examined whether social skills mediates the relationship between depression and ADHD. Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (N = 64,076) analyzing children aged 6–17 years, are used to test the relationship between depression and ADHD. Results indicate that adolescents with ADHD have worse social skills as well as significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with depression and that social skills account for a significant part of the association between ADHD and depression. Lastly, the author suggests social interventions designed to increased social ties and social integration among those with ADHD.
Constraints on the formation and diagenesis of phosphorites using carbonate clumped isotopes

The isotopic composition of apatites from sedimentary phosphorite deposits has been used previously to reconstruct ancient conditions on the surface of the earth. However, questions remain as to whether these minerals retain their original isotopic composition or are modified during burial and lithification. To better understand how apatites in phosphorites form and are diagenetically modified, we present new isotopic measurements of δ^(18)O values and clumped-isotope-based (Δ_(47)) temperatures of carbonate groups in apatites from phosphorites from the past 265 million years. We compare these measurements to previously measured δ^(18)O values of phosphate groups from the same apatites. These results indicate that the isotopic composition of many of the apatites do not record environmental conditions during formation but instead diagenetic conditions. To understand these results, we construct a model that describes the consequences of diagenetic modification of phosphorites as functions of the environmental conditions (i.e., temperature and δ^(18)O values of the fluids) during initial precipitation and subsequent diagenesis. This model captures the basic features of the dataset and indicates that clumped-isotope-based temperatures provide additional quantitative constraints on both the formational environment of the apatites and subsequent diagenetic modification. Importantly, the combination of the model with the data indicates that the δ^(18)O values and clumped-isotope temperatures recorded by phosphorites do not record either formation or diagenetic temperatures, but rather represent an integrated history that includes both the formation and diagenetic modification of the apatites.
Special subtypes of breast cancers: updates of molecular characteristics ADN tumor markers

Despite extensive research, breast cancer remains on the top list of cancer-related death. The WHO classifies breast cancers according to morphology and sometimes combined with clinical features into two major types, invasive carcinoma of no special types and special subtypes. The special subtypes of breast cancers include a group of morphologically distinct tumors with drastically different clinical behaviors. Although the current knowledge of tumor biology at genomic levels has been predominantly obtained on breast cancers of no special types due to their common occurrence, the data on the tumor of special subtypes at molecular levels urges us to view breast cancers as a whole and to understand the underlying biology instead of only anatomy of the disease. So-called triple negative breast cancers overlap with a considerable portion of the tumors in special subtypes and ER-positive diseases with special morphological features are also major contributors in special subtypes. Pathologists need to be aware of the current knowledge and understand the significance of tumor markers in clinical utilities for this special group of diseases. This short course will discuss the update of molecular characteristics at genomic levels and current and evolving tumor markers for the special subtypes.
The Social Context of Adolescent Friendships Parents, Peers, and Romantic Partners

We argue that adolescent friendships flourish, or wither, within the “linked lives” of other salient social network ties. Based on structural equation modeling with data from two time points, we find that young people tend to be in high-quality friendships when they are tightly embedded in their social network and receive social support from their peers, parents, and romantic partners. In addition, females have higher quality friendships than males, and the life course transition to marriage has detrimental effects on friendship quality. Findings show that the influence of parents does not end in childhood but continues into adolescence. Furthermore, although earlier research documents that friends affect romantic relationships, we find the reverse, that is, romantic partners influence friendships. Results demonstrate that social connectedness and support from a range of network ties contribute to high-quality, caring friendships among youth, highlighting the utility of life course and social network pers...
Tissue distribution of radio-B 12 after intravenous injection of gastric juice, saliva and plasma-bound Co57B12. I. In man.

Hepatic uptake of unbound radio-B12 and radio-B12 bound to various B12 binders was studied in 48 rats using a method of in situ liver perfusion of homologous whole blood without recirculation. Compared with unbound radio-B12, radio-B12 bound to pernicious anemia gastric juice, human saliva, hog intrinsic factor concentrate, and boiled hog intrinsic factor concentrate increased uptake of B12 by rat liver. B12 bound to normal human gastric juice, however, was removed in a manner quantitatively similar to that observed with unbound B12. Depression of reticuloendothelial system activity by india ink injection prior to perfusion of hog intrinsic factor concentrate-bound B12 did not significantly alter hepatic B12 removal rates. Comparison with results obtained in similar experiments, but without prior reticuloendothelial system depression, suggests that the removal process was accomplished by hepatic parenchymal cells rather than reticuloendothelial cells of the liver. These results suggest that B12 binders of hog intrinsic factor concentrate, pernicious anemia gastric juice, and saliva may function in the membrane transport of B12 in the liver in a manner both quantitatively and qualitatively different from those of serum. This transport function is obviously not limited to intrinsic factor, since materials with and without intrinsic factor activity can produce this effect.
Use of the modified frailty index to predict 30-day morbidity and mortality from spine surgery

OBJECTIVE Limited tools exist to stratify perioperative risk in patients undergoing spinal procedures. The modified frailty index (mFI) based on the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Frailty Index (CSHA-FI), constructed from standard demographic variables, has been applied to various other surgical populations for risk stratification. The authors hypothesized that it would be predictive of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing spine surgery. METHODS The 2006-2010 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data set was accessed for patients undergoing spine surgeries based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Sixteen preoperative clinical NSQIP variables were matched to 11 CSHA-FI variables (changes in daily activities, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, clouding or delirium, hypertension, coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and so on). The outcomes assessed were 30-day occurrences of adverse events. These were then summarized in groups: any infection, wound-related complication, Clavien IV complications (life-threatening, requiring ICU admission), and mortality. RESULTS A total of 18,294 patients were identified. In 8.1% of patients with an mFI of 0 there was at least one morbid complication, compared with 24.3% of patients with an mFI of ≥ 0.27 (p < 0.001). An mFI of 0 was associated with a mortality rate of 0.1%, compared with 2.3% for an mFI of ≥ 0.27 (p < 0.001). Patients with an mFI of 0 had a 1.7% rate of surgical site infections and a 0.8% rate of Clavien IV complications, whereas patients with an mFI of ≥ 0.27 had rates of 4.1% and 7.1% for surgical site infections and Clavien IV complications, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative mFI and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of ≥ III had a significantly increased risk of leading to Clavien IV complications and death. CONCLUSIONS A higher mFI was associated with a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, providing an additional tool to improve perioperative risk stratification.
Error of Current Transformer & Calculation Method of Secondary Permissible Load

The mechanisms to produce error in current transformer and the factor to influence error have been e]aborated.10%error curve of permissible error in the application of relay is introduced.The calculation method and procedure of actual error in current transformer secondary permissible load impedance are put forward with example.The permissible value of secondary load in current transformer can be calculated and selected as per real condition in power system.