cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin and glucagon concentrations in portal and peripheral veins in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

The portal vein was catheterized via the umbilical vein under local anaesthesia in 10 non-diabetic subjects about to undergo exploratory laparotomy and in 8 patients with liver cirrhosis. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and glucagon (IRG) were assayed in portal and peripheral blood before and during IV infusion of glucose (0.33 g/kg) or arginine (25 g). Basal peripheral plasma (IRI) levels were raised in cirrhotic patients (19±2 versus 10±1 μU/ml; P<0.001). Basal portal insulin values, however, did not differ in the two groups. After glucose cirrhotic patients had higher peripheral insulin concentrations, compared to controls, significant at 45 and 60 minutes. In contrast portal insulin levels were higher in controls than in cirrhotics by 1 minute (403±43 versus 158±38 μU/ml; P<0.001) and remained so for the 60 minutes of study. Similarly, after arginine cirrhotics had significantly higher peripheral insulin concentrations and lower portal concentrations than controls. Peak portal vein insulin levels were delayed in cirrhotics (168±16 μU/ml at 3 min) compared with controls (413±25 μU/ml at 1 min). In the basal state both portal and peripheral glucagon levels were higher in cirrhotics than control subjects. Unlike in controls, IV glucose did not suppress glucagon secretion in cirrhotic patients. Peripheral plasma glucagon concentrations after arginine were also consistently higher in cirrhotics than controls, but unlike insulin portal venous glucagon levels were also raised (1800±360 pg/ml, cirrhotics; 960±87 pg/ml, controls; P<0.001; 1 min after arginine infusion). We conclude that insulin secretion is decreased in liver cirrhosis and that the peripheral hyperinsulinaemia observed reflects diminished hormone metabolism. The high plasma glucagon levels observed in cirrhotic patients are the result of pancreatic hypersecretion of glucagon.
Evidence for the involvement of distinct voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the release of 3H-dopamine from primary cultures of mesencephalic neurons

In ventral mesencephalic neurons cultured for five days the K+-evoked 3H-dopamine release is mediated through activation of N-type Ca2+ channels, while L- or T-type channels appear to be inactive. In contrast, veratridine-elicited release of 3H-dopamine that was attenuated by tetrodotoxin was not altered by N-, L-, nor T-type Ca2+ channel blockers.
Hinged beam elements for the topology design of compliant mechanisms using the ground structure approach

The design obtained from a topology optimization problem can be sensitive to the type and details of the ground structure used. A new type of ground structure containing hinged beam elements is described that increases the types of elements in the ground structure available to the optimizer. In addition to the pin-ended truss and rigidly-connected beam elements that have traditionally been used, two new types of elements are introduced: (1) a beam with a hinge on one end and a solid connection on the other end, (2) a beam with hinges on both ends. These elements have different deflection characteristics than those of the typical truss or beam elements, and can be used in ground structure-based compliant mechanism design. Given a reduced ground structure, these new elements effectively increase the design space. Pin-ended members with lengths larger than those of the ground structure cell size are permitted to develop, reducing the sensitivity of solutions to the cell density of the reduced ground structure. Furthermore, because these longer members do not require intermediate lateral support to provide stability, as series connections of shorter pin-ended members do, fewer ancillary members are required. Two compliant mechanism problems are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new elements.
Individual differences in imagery vividness and voluntary heart rate control

Abstract Dispositional differences in imagery vividness may account partially for the large individual differences in learning heart rate control. Based upon scores on the Betts QMI Vividness of Imagery Scale, 10 subjects were defined as a high imagery group and 10 subjects were defined as a low imagery group. All subjects were instructed to try to alter their heart rate as indicated by appropriately labeled lights. Six increasing, six decreasing and six rest, 45-sec trials were presented. During the trials, visual heart rate feedback was provided by a digital voltmeter. The dependent measure was computed by subtracting the mean of the last 5 beats of a 15-sec intertrial interval from the mean rate per trial. Results indicated that subjects were able to significantly raise and lower heart rate relative to rest trials. Furthermore, high imagery subjects demonstrated significantly larger changes than low imagery subjects on increase trials but not on decrease trials. Subjects in both groups typically reported using more specific images for increasing heart rate than for decreasing heart rate. These data suggest that dispositional differences in imagery vividness may have contributed to the differential performance of the two groups during the increase task.
Synthesis of a new class of retinoid, 3H‐labelled TTNPB, 1 with a high specific activity

Synthetic procedures for tritiation of a retinodal benzoic acid derivative, (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl-6,7- 3H2)-1-propenyl]-benzoic acid, (TTNPB), are described. Tritium was introduced by catalytic hydrogenation. The final product, TTNPB-3H2 (9), had a specific activity of 24.1 Ci/mmole and a radiochemical purity of 95.6%.
Comprehensive diagnostics of argon plasmajet flows by means of Fabry-Perot interferometry

Abstract A comprehensive argon plasmajet flow diagnostic technique, utilizing a plane, pressure-swept Fabry-Perot interferometer with photoelectric detection is described in which all important flow properties are determined to ±10% or better. It is self-consistent in that no reliance is placed on any assumption of equilibrium, other than Maxwellian velocity distributions. High speed digital computer techniques permit emission spectral line width, shift and intensity data to be obtained as functions of jet position and plasmajet power supply current ripple. Radial property distributions obtained from the spectral data include heavy-particle (atom and ion) temperature and velocity, and electron temperature and density. From these results, and measurements of the jet static pressure, are derived the atom and ion densities, Mach number, and total enthalpy distributions. It is observed that for the conditions of these experiments, (1) significant departures from ionization equilibrium occur, in agreement with early theoretical work by Bray, (2) valid time-averaged data can be obtained in the presence of large (here up to 60% peak-to-peak) arc current ripple, and (3) flows with remarkably low radial and axial gradients can be produced by careful attention to the arc current, voltage, and flow rate, and the arc-head, nozzle-exit, and test-chamber pressures.
Evaluation of a novel host plant volatile-based attracticide for management of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Abstract LT 50 and LD 50 values were established for three novel attract-and-kill formulations that were directed against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) in a field trial. The “attracticide” is comprised of a synthetic blend of three naturally occurring potato plant volatiles (( Z )-3-hexenyl acetate, (±)-linalool and methyl salicylate) and a pyrethroid insecticide. Graphical and quantitative LT 50 and LD 50 estimates for formulations carrying 0.6%, 2%, or 6% active ingredient permethrin were determined by adult insect exposure time (0, 1, 3, or 10 s) and percent active ingredient. Following exposure for 10 s, the 2% and 6% formulation LT 50 estimates were not significantly different despite the former representing a 66.7% reduction in active ingredient. However, only the 6% formulation produced ⩾50% mortality for exposure times below 10 s. Therefore, practical considerations suggest that this formulation would be the most appropriate for commercial use. In the field study, the attracticide proved effective only against small larvae (first and second instars). The 2% and 6% attracticide formulations deployed against small larvae provided control that was not significantly different from that of the commercial insecticide while using 92% less active ingredient.
Developmental mechanisms channeling cortical evolution

Increase in the area and neuron number of the cerebral cortex over evolutionary time systematically changes its computational properties. One of the fundamental developmental mechanisms generating the cortex is a conserved rostrocaudal gradient in duration of neuron production, coupled with distinct asymmetries in the patterns of axon extension and synaptogenesis on the same axis. A small set of conserved sensorimotor areas with well-defined thalamic input anchors the rostrocaudal axis. These core mechanisms organize the cortex into two contrasting topographic zones, while systematically amplifying hierarchical organization on the rostrocaudal axis in larger brains. Recent work has shown that variation in ‘cognitive control’ in multiple species correlates best with absolute brain size, and this may be the behavioral outcome of this progressive organizational change.
Fatty acid-clay mineral association in artificial and natural sea water solutions

Abstract An analytical method using gas liquid chromatography has been developed which provides a measure of the amount of fatty acid that can be associated with montmorillonite clay. Analysis of these acids associated with clay isolated from synthetic and natural sea water systems shows a direct relationship between the amount of acid removed from solution and its initial concentration.
Molecular-field theory method for evaluating critical points of the Ising model

The molecular-field theory is one of the most common approximations used to calculate properties of materials with the Ising model. A generalization, improving the previous results of molecular-field theory, is proposed. It has also been shown that this method distinguishes between two lattices with different geometries but equal numbers of nearest neighbors, such as square, diamond, triangular, and simple cubic lattices, a result that is missing from most other mean-field approaches.
Dead-Time Compensation of Inverters Considering Snubber and Parasitic Capacitance

In power electronics drive systems, dead time is used to prevent shoot-through over power devices. However, dead time can lead to distortion of ac output voltages and currents. Various compensation methods have been proposed to overcome this drawback. However, most strategies assume the power switches as ideal switches and the transition from ON to OFF or vice versa is infinitely fast. In this paper, effects of inverter snubber and parasitic capacitance to the switching instants are investigated when doing dead-time compensation. A new dead-time compensation method is presented with the capacitance being considered. It is verified that the compensation becomes more accurate and effective for the specific application after the modification. It is also shown that the proposed compensation can make the inverter system stable and robust. This proposed approach is validated by the experimental results.
Allocation of simulation runs for simulation optimization

Simulation optimization (SO) is the process of finding the optimum design of a system whose performance measure(s) are estimated via simulation. We propose some ideas to improve overall efficiency of the available SO methods and develop a new approach that primarily deals with continuous two dimensional problems with bounded feasible region. Our search based method, called Adaptive Partitioning Search (APS), uses a neural network as meta- model and combines various exploitation strategies to locate the optimum. Our numerical results show that in terms of the number of evaluations (simulation runs) needed, the APS algorithm converges much faster to the optimum design than two well established methods used as benchmark.
Topographic representation of visceral target organs within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of the pigeon Columba livia.

Our previous work (Katz and Karten, '83a J. Comp. Neurol. 217:31–46) demonstrated that the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMN complex) in the pigeon is composed of cytoarchitecturally distinct subnuclei that are distinguished by the size, shape, position, and cytochemical characteristics of their constituent neurons. In view of the diversity of target organs innervated by the vagus nerve, we sought to determine whether the subnuclear heterogeneity of the DMN complex is related to the pattern of target innervation. To test this possibility, retrograde tracing techniques were used to define the subnuclear localization of vagal motoneurons that innervate individual vagal target organs. The distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled motoneurons within the DMN complex was studied following application of HRP to the cut central end of individual vagal nerve branches and after injection of the tracer into vagal target tissues. In addition, we examined the distribution of acetylcholinesterase depletion within the DMN complex following transection of individual vagal branches. Our data demonstrate that individual vagal target organs have discrete and topographic representations within cytoarchitecturally distinct subnuclei of the DMN complex. Therefore, in the pigeon, the subnuclear distribution of vagal motoneurons plays a critical role in the organization of descending vagal motor pathways. Segregation of visceral representations within the DMN complex may provide a mechanism for organizing functionally diverse afferent inputs to target-specific populations of vagal motoneurons.
Isotope labelling of Rubisco subunits provides in vivo information on subcellular biosynthesis and exchange of amino acids between compartments

The architecture of plant metabolism includes substantial duplication of metabolite pools and enzyme catalyzed reactions in different subcellular compartments. This poses challenges for understanding the regulation of metabolism particularly in primary metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis. To explore the extent to which amino acids are made in single compartments and to gain insight into the metabolic precursors from which they derive, we used steady state 13C labelling and analysed labelling in protein amino acids from plastid and cytosol. Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is a major component of green tissues and its large and small subunits are synthesized from different pools of amino acids in the plastid and cytosol, respectively. Developing Brassica napus embryos were cultured in the presence of [U-13C]-sucrose, [U-13C]-glucose, [U-13C]-glutamine or [U-13C]-alanine to generate proteins. The large subunits (LSU) and small subunits (SSU) of Rubisco were isolated and the labelling in their constituent amino acids was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Amino acids including alanine, glycine and serine exhibited different 13C enrichment in the LSU and SSU, demonstrating that these pools have different metabolic origins and are not isotopically equilibrated between the plastid and cytosol on the time scale of cellular growth. Potential extensions of this novel approach to other macromolecules, organelles and cell types of eukaryotes are discussed.
Foster care and college: the educational aspirations and expectations of youth in the foster care system

Despite an overall increase in college attendance, low-income youth and particularly those in the foster care system are less likely to attend college (Wolanin, 2005). Although youth in foster care report high educational aspirations, as little as 4% obtain a 4-year college degree (Nixon & Jones, 2007). The purpose of this study is to explore differences in educational aspirations and expectations among foster care and nonfoster care youth and to explore key predictors of these differences. Using baseline data generated from Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), 1,377 youth were surveyed in regard to their future educational goals, academic self-perception, and level of social support. Results demonstrated that youth from the foster care system report lower educational aspirations and expectations, of which academic self-perception and parental support for education were the best predictors. Limitations and implications for future research will be discussed.
NBTI behavior of Ge/HFO 2 /Al gate stacks

In this paper negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) characteristics of Al/HfO2/Ge MOS gate stack with nitrided Ge surface was compared with the non-nitrided Ge surface at high temperatures (125degC). Results show that nitridation creates additional bulk traps even though it shows initial improvements. The authors, therefore, noticed that nitrided Ge has higher DeltaVFB shift and stress induced leakage current than non-nitrided samples. NBTI degradation of nitrided germanium surface is also consistent with literature regarding NBTI on nitrided Si devices. Optimization on nitrogen content and nitridation procedure may improve sensitivity to NBTI.
Free volume of molten and glassy polystyrene and its nanocomposites

The Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) dependencies of polystyrene-based clay-containing nanocomposites (CPNC) were determined in the glassy and molten state. The PVT data in the melt were fitted to the Simha-Somcynsky (S-S) lattice-hole equation-of-state (eos), yielding the free volume quantity, h = h(T, P), and the characteristic reducing parameters, P*, V*, T*. The data within the glassy region were interpreted considering that the latter parameters are valid in the whole range of independent variables, than calculating h = h(T, P) from the experimental values of V = V(T, P). Next, the frozen free volume fraction in the glass was computed as FF = FF(P). In the molten state the maximum reduction of free volume was observed at wsolid ≈ 3.6–wt % clay, amount sufficient to adsorb all PS into solidified layer around organoclay stacks. In the vitreous state FF increased with clay content from 0.6 to 1.6—this is the first time FF ≫ 1 has been observed. The highest value was determined for CPNC with the highest clay content, w = 17.1 wt %, thus well above wsolid. The derivative properties, compressibility, κ, and the thermal expansion coefficient, α, depend on T, P, and w. Plots of κ versus T indicate the presence of two secondary transitions, one at Tβ/Tg ≈ 0.9 ± 0.1 and other at TT/Tg = 1.2 ± 0.1. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2504–2518, 2008
Determination of spring onset and growing season leaf development using satellite measurements

An integrated approach to retrieve microwave emissivity difference vegetation index (EDVI) over land regions has been developed from combined multi-platform/multi-sensor satellite measurements, including SSM/I measurements. A possible relationship of the remotely sensed EDVI and the leaf physiology of canopy is explored at the Harvard Forest site for two growing seasons. This study finds that the EDVI is sensitive to leaf development through vegetation water content of the crown layer of the forest canopy, and has demonstrated that the spring onset and growing season duration can be determined accurately from the time series of satellite estimated EDVI within uncertainties of approximately 3 and 7 days for spring onset and growing season duration, respectively, compared to in situ observations. The leaf growing stage can also be monitored by a normalized EDVI. EDVI retrievals from satellite generally are possible during both daytime and nighttime when it is not raining. The EDVI technique studied here may provide higher temporal resolution observations for monitoring the onset of spring, the duration of growing season, and leaf development stage compared to current operational satellite methods.
The unifrac significance test is sensitive to tree topology

Long et al. (BMC Bioinformatics 2014, 15(1):278) describe a “discrepancy” in using UniFrac to assess statistical significance of community differences. Specifically, they find that weighted UniFrac results differ between input trees where (a) replicate sequences each have their own tip, or (b) all replicates are assigned to one tip with an associated count. We argue that these are two distinct cases that differ in the probability distribution on which the statistical test is based, because of the differences in tree topology. Further study is needed to understand which randomization procedure best detects different aspects of community dissimilarities.
Iliofemoral venous thrombosis

Iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with serious short- and long-term physical, social, and economic sequelae for patients. Most physicians treat patients with acute iliofemoral DVT in the same manner as they treat all acute DVT patients: with anticoagulation alone. Yet a growing body of evidence suggests that, in this subset of DVT patients, a treatment strategy that includes thrombus removal plus optimal anticoagulation significantly improves outcomes. This article reviews the evidence supporting this strategy and discusses current and promising techniques of thrombus removal, including contemporary venous thrombectomy, intrathrombus catheter-directed thrombolysis, and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis.
Dynamic Survivable Network Design for Path Level Traffic Grooming in WDM Optical Networks

Recent research has focused on designing new architectures and protocols for pure optical grooming without resorting to fast optical switching. This is achieved in three steps: (1) the circuit is configured in the form of a path or a tree (2) optical devices like couplers/splitters are used to allow a wavelength to aggregate traffic from multiple transmitters and/or receivers through one of the following means - point to point, point to multi-point, multi-point to point and multipoint to multi-point (3) an arbitration mechanism is provided to avoid contention among end users of the circuit. In this paper, we focus on design of mesh networks that aggregate traffic at the path level. We develop a shared, mixed protection algorithms for guaranteed survival from single link failures in the context of dynamic traffic for mesh networks. Based on our simulations on random graphs, we conclude that light-trails, that enable multi-point to multi-point aggregation, performs multiple orders of magnitude better than lightpaths that allow point to point aggregation.
Using a Nationwide Internet‐Based Bridge Design Contest as a Vehicle for Engineering Outreach

The West Point Bridge Design Contest is a nationwide competition intended to increase middle school and high school students' interest in engineering. Unique among national engineering competitions, it entails no cost to participants, is entirely Internet-based, and is achievable by any student with a Web-enabled computer. By leveraging information technology, a project team of just three people has provided an engaging engineering design experience to over 30,000 students in the past two years. The project receives financial and promotional support from the American Society of Civil Engineers and private industry. Feedback from contestants and teachers indicates that students' interest in engineering is positively affected by their participation in the contest.
Genetic code redundancy and its influence on the encoded polypeptides.

The genetic code is said to be redundant in that the same amino acid residue can be encoded by multiple, so-called synonymous, codons. If all properties of synonymous codons were entirely equivalent, one would expect that they would be equally distributed along protein coding sequences. However, many studies over the last three decades have demonstrated that their distribution is not entirely random. It has been postulated that certain codons may be translated by the ribosome faster than others and thus their non-random distribution dictates how fast the ribosome moves along particular segments of the mRNA. The reasons behind such segmental variability in the rates of protein synthesis, and thus polypeptide emergence from the ribosome, have been explored by theoretical and experimental approaches. Predictions of the relative rates at which particular codons are translated and their impact on the nascent chain have not arrived at unequivocal conclusions. This is probably due, at least in part, to variation in the basis for classification of codons as “fast” or “slow”, as well as variability in the number and types of genes and proteins analyzed. Recent methodological advances have allowed nucleotide-resolution studies of ribosome residency times in entire transcriptomes, which confirm the non-uniform movement of ribosomes along mRNAs and shed light on the actual determinants of rate control. Moreover, experiments have begun to emerge that systematically examine the influence of variations in ribosomal movement and the fate of the emerging polypeptide chain.
Enhancer sequences influence the role of the amino-terminal domain of bicoid in transcription

Bicoid (Bcd) is a Drosophila melanogaster morphogenetic gradient that controls embryonic patterning by activating target gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In this study we describe experiments to determine how different enhancers respond to Bcd distinctively, focusing on two natural Bcd-responsive enhancer elements, hunchback (hb) and knirps (kni). Our results show that, on the hb enhancer element, the amino-terminal domain of Bcd (residues 1 to 91) plays primarily an inhibitory role, whereas on the kni enhancer element this same Bcd domain plays a positive role at low protein concentrations. We further demonstrate that while the amino-terminal domain is largely dispensable for cooperative binding to the hb enhancer element, it is preferentially required for cooperative binding to the kni enhancer element. Alteration of the arrangement of Bcd binding sites in the kni enhancer element reduces the role of the amino-terminal domain in cooperative DNA binding but increases the effectiveness of the self-inhibitory function. In addition, elimination of symmetric pairs of Bcd binding sites in the kni enhancer element reduces both DNA binding and activation by Bcd. We propose that the amino-terminal domain of Bcd is an enhancer-specific switch that contributes to the protein's ability to activate different target genes in distinct manners.
Antidesiccants Applied to Packaged Rose Plants Affect Growth and Field Performance

Moisture loss from bare-root plants during postharvest handling and storage can have a significant impact on plant survival and growth during establishment. Three film- forming antitranspirants and hot wax were applied to bare-root roses ( Rosa) packaged after harvesting from the field and before 13 weeks of -2C storage to determine effects on vegetative growth and flowering. Subsequently, during 15 days under simulated display conditions (22 to 32C), plants treated with hot wax resumed growth at the fastest rate compared to control or antitranspirant treatments. Hot-wax-treated plants remained at an advanced phenological stage compared to the other plants for 2 weeks following transplanting in the field. For the remaining 10 weeks of the experiment, vegetative growth and flowering development were similar for all treatments. More than 60% of the plants treated with hot wax developed moderate to severe cane damage and plant dieback. Less than 20% of the antitranspirant-treated plants were damaged. A laboratory experiment confirmed that hot wax treatment was most effective; it reduced weight loss from stem sections by 85% relative to the control. The other antitranspirants reduced weight loss by 27%.
Global gene expression profiles associated with retinoic acid‐induced differentiation of embryonal carcinoma cells

We have evaluated the effects of retinoic acid (RA) treatment of F9 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, which induces differentiation into primitive endoderm, on gene expression patterns. F9 cells were exposed to RA in culture, and global expression patterns were examined with cDNA-based microarrays at early (8 hr) and later times (24 hr) after exposure. Of the 1,176 known transcripts examined, we identified 57 genes (4.8%) that were responsive to RA at 8 and/or 24 hr: 35 were induced, 20 were repressed, and 2 were differentially regulated at these time points. To determine if our results were dependent on the array technology employed, we also evaluated the response to RA at 24 hr with oligonucleotide-based arrays. With these more dense arrays (12,488 genes), we identified an additional 353 RA-regulated genes (2.8%): 173 were upregulated and 180 were downregulated. Thus, a total of 410 genes regulated by RA were identified with roughly equivalent numbers induced or repressed. Although the expression of many genes found on both array platforms was consistent, the results for some genes were disparate. Quantitative PCR studies on a subset of these genes supported the results obtained with the cDNA arrays. Our results confirmed the regulation of several known RA-responsive genes and we also identified a number of genes not previously known to be RA-responsive. Those novel genes that were induced presumably contribute to the cellular processes required for a shift from proliferation to differentiation, whereas those new genes that were downregulated may possibly contribute to the maintenance of cell proliferation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Citrus Pulp in High Urea Rations for Steers

Effects of pelleted and conventional citrus pulp as a replacement for corn, with soybean meal added to keep protein comparable, were tested in rations with 5% urea and 33.33% sugarcane bagasse for fistulated steers. Thus, all rations were low in readily fermented carbohydrates other than those of corn or citrus pulp. Evaluation criteria were concentrations of urea in blood and of pH, ammonia, and volatile fatty acids of rumen fluid. Citrus pulp for diets 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 0, 19, 38, or 55%. Rumen fluid and blood were sampled 1 h before and 2, 4, 7, and 12 h after feed was placed directly into the rumen. No differences between pelleted and conventional pulp or among time trends were significant except that for both forms rumen ammonia was lower with the two highest percents of citrus pulp. Addition of citrus pulp at 0, 19, 38, or 55% of the ration reduced rumen pH (6.85, 6.65, 6.61, 6.51). Blood urea and rumen ammonia decreased in steers fed 19, 38, or 55% pulp; thus, the acetic to propionic ratio was higher. Butyric acid changed only in the time trend. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher at 19, 38, and 55% than at 0% pulp. They were higher at 38 and 55 than at 19%.
Using Scientific Abstracts to Measure Learning Outcomes in the Biological Sciences

Educators must often measure the effectiveness of their instruction. We designed, developed, and preliminarily evaluated a multiple-choice assessment tool that requires students to apply what they have learned to evaluate scientific abstracts. This examination methodology offers the flexibility to both challenge students in specific subject areas and develop the critical thinking skills upper-level classes and research require. Although students do not create an end product (performance), they must demonstrate proficiency in a specific skill that scientists use on a regular basis: critically evaluating scientific literature via abstract analysis, a direct measure of scientific literacy. Scientific abstracts from peer-reviewed research articles lend themselves to in-class testing, since they are typically 250 words or less in length, and their analysis requires skills beyond rote memorization. To address the effectiveness of particular courses, in five different upper-level courses (Ecology, Genetics, Virology, Pathology, and Microbiology) we performed pre- and postcourse assessments to determine whether students were developing subject area competence and if abstract-based testing was a viable instructional strategy. Assessment should cover all levels in Bloom’s hierarchy, which can be accomplished via multiple-choice questions (2). We hypothesized that by comparing the mean scores of pre- and posttest exams designed to address specific tiers of Bloom’s taxonomy, we could evaluate the effectiveness of a course in preparing students to demonstrate subject area competence. We also sought to develop general guidelines for preparing such tests and methods to identify test- and course-specific problems.
FDA regulation of clinical decision support software

INTRODUCTION As the dust clears from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) release of its longanticipatedFinalGuidanceonMobileMedicalApplications inSeptember2013(MMA Final Guidance),1 the attention of industry and regulatory actors may turn to a significant health technology area explicitly excluded from the MMA Final Guidance— clinical decision support (CDS) software.TheFDAplans to release a separate guidance document onCDS software,2 but until then, manufacturers of CDS software remain in a gray area without clear marketing pathways. However, recent recommendations by the working group established under the Food andDrug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (FDASIA) propose a risk-based regulatory framework that the FDAmust take into consideration in its CDS software guidance.3
Developmental Differences in Using a Superordinate Context for the Learning and Retention of Facts

A study was conducted to explore the developmental differences in utilizing a superordinate context during learning and at retention at two grade levels. Ss were 98 students from third and fifth grade classes divided approximately evenly by sex. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design was used: factor 1 was superordinate vs coordinate topic sentence at learning; factor 2 was presence or absence of a superordinate retrieval cue; factor 3 was grade level. Ss were tested on both recognition and recall. Contrary to previous findings, results showed that the condition most conducive to learning was superordinate sentence present at learning, absent at recall. Reasons for the disparity in findings with previous research are discussed.
An evaluation of genotoxicity tests with Aquateric® Aqueous Enteric coating

The genotoxic potential of Aquateric® Aqueous Enteric Coating was evaluated in the Ames test, the mouse lymphoma mutation assay, and the mouse micronucleus test. Aquateric was not mu-tagenic when t...
Cost and financial sustainability of a household-based water treatment and storage intervention in Zambia.

Providing safe water to .1 billion people in need is a major challenge. To address this need, the Safe Water System (SWS) - household water treatment with dilute bleach, safe water storage, and behavior change - has been implemented in .20 countries. To assess the potential sustainability of the SWS, we analyzed costs in Zambia of “Clorin” brand product sold in bottles sufficient for a month of water treatment at a price of $0.09. We analyzed production, marketing, distribution, and overhead costs of Clorin before and after sales reached nationwide scale, and analyzed Clorin sales revenue. The average cost per bottle of Clorin production, marketing and distribution at start-up in 1999 was $1.88 but decreased by 82% to $0.33 in 2003, when .1.7 million bottles were sold. The financial loss per bottle decreased from $1.72 in 1999 to $0.24 in 2003. Net program costs in 2003 were $428,984, or only $0.04 per person-month of protection. A sensitivity analysis showed that if the bottle price increased to $0.18, the project would be self-sustaining at maximum capacity. This analysis demonstrated that efficiencies in the SWS supply chain can be achieved through social marketing. Even with a subsidy, overall program costs per beneficiary are low.
A module-based integration of information retrieval into undergraduate curricula

As more and more digital information available online, the ability to conduct proficient information retrieval (IR) is becoming a key factor for success in almost any career. However, integration of IR into undergraduate curricula has not kept up with this demand. To address primary problems in the current college-level IR education, this paper proposes a module-based curricular model, which facilitates the development of an array of IR modules that enable flexible adoption and integration. These modules, including general IR modules mainly designed for IT/CS programs, and discipline-oriented IR modules based on specific disciplines such as Biology and Psychology, can be adopted based on the specific needs of different universities and programs.
Abstract T MP52: Probabilistic Atlasing of Acute Ischemic Stroke Topology

Background: Knowing which areas of the brain are most vulnerable to acute ischemic stroke can focus care on more effective, targeted therapies. By displaying lesion incidence, these susceptible reg...
Clusters Of Resistance Genes in Lettuce

Strategies for map-based cloning of disease resistance genes have been previously reviewed (e. g. Michelmore et al., 1993). In this chapter, we will discuss the recent progress and current limitations with particular emphasis on our efforts to clone and characterize genes for resistance to downy mildew in lettuce. The approaches discussed here are applicable to cloning the determinants of any trait for which only the genetics is known and the species has not been studied intensively at the molecular level.
SQL QueRIE Recommendations: a query fragment-based approach

Relational database systems are becoming increasingly popular in the scientific community to support the interactive exploration of large volumes of data. In this scenario, users employ a query interface (typically, a web-based client) to issue a series of SQL queries that aim to analyze the data and mine it for interesting information. First-time users, however, may not have the necessary knowledge to know where to start their exploration. Other times, users may simply overlook queries that retrieve important information. In this work we describe a framework to assist non-expert users by providing personalized query recommendations. The querying behavior of the active user is represented by a set of query fragments, which are then used to identify similar query fragments in the recorded sessions of other users. The identified fragments are then transformed to interesting queries that are recommended to the active user. An experimental evaluation using real user traces shows that the generated recommendations can achieve high accuracy.
Regularized model of post-touchdown configurations in electrostatic MEMS: interface dynamics

Interface dynamics of post contact states in regularized models of electrostatic-elastic interactions are analyzed. A canonical setting for our investigations is the field of MicroElectromechanical Systems (MEMS) in which flexible elastic structures may come into physical contact due to applied Coulomb forces. We study the dynamic features of a recently derived regularized model (A.E. Lindsay et al, Regularized Model of Post-Touchdown Configurations in Electrostatic MEMS: Equilibrium Analysis, Physica D, 2014), which describes the system past the quenching singularity associated with touchdown, that is after the components of the device have come together. We build on our previous investigations of steadystate solutions by describing how the system relaxes towards these equilibria. This is accomplished by deriving a reduced dynamical system that governs the evolution of the contact set, thereby providing a detailed description of the intermediary dynamics associated with this bistable system. The analysis yields important practical information on the timescales of equilibration.
Significance of Constituent Chemical age on Solid Rocket Propellant Regression Rates

While the effects of aging cast propellant are well studied, the effects of aging chemicals before they are cast are less well understood. This study stems from difficulty experienced by the Arizona State University student group, Daedalus Astronautics, when developing solid rocket propellant. By varying the age of different chemicals in a solid rocket propellant with known fresh chemical characteristics, the effect of chemical age can be determined on the overall propellant. The experiment was performed by students using a Crawford strand burner.
Cosmic Experiments: Remaking Materialism and Daoist Ethic “Outside of the Establishment”

In this article, I discuss recent experiments in 'classical' (gudian) Chinese medicine. As the marketization and privatization of health care deepens and enters uncharted territories in China, a cohort of young practitioners and entrepreneurs have begun their quest for the 'primordial spirit' of traditional Chinese medicine by setting up their own businesses where they engage in clinical, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial practices outside of state-run institutions. I argue that these explorations in classical Chinese medicine, which focus on classical texts and Daoist analytics, do not aim to restore spirituality to the scientized and secularized theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Nor are they symptomatic of withdrawals from the modern world. Rather, these 'cosmic experiments' need to be understood in relation to dialectical and historical materialisms as modes of knowledge production and political alliance. In challenging the status of materialist theory and the process of theorization in traditional Chinese medicine and postsocialist life more broadly speaking, advocates of classical Chinese medicine imagine nondialectical materialisms as immanent ways of thinking, doing, and being in the world.
A mathematical criterion describing the fast rise of a class of solar flares.

A mathematical criterion describing the abrupt increase in brightness of a class of solar flares is obtained.
Some Finite Point Geometries

Finite sets with distinguished subsets called lines give examples of the theory of balanced incomplete block designs.
A Cascading Fuzzy Logic Controller to the Mars Surveyor Competition

The Mars Surveyor Challenge was introduced by MathWorks as a way to challenge the community of algorithm developers by asking them to come up with a solution to explore a set of given maps using five vehicles, called rovers. The challenge at hand is to find an optimal strategy using MATLAB to explore as much of a map as possible in a limited number of instructions, or ‘moves.’ This strategy can be used in designing search algorithms for UAVs or other surveillance vehicles in order to perform searches more efficiently. Multiple types of algorithms were studied in order to find their effect on the solution, with the goal of developing algorithms that scale well for larger maps and more rovers. In this work, we present a Cascading Fuzzy Logic Controller to come up with rules that govern the motion of each individual rover. Simulation results show that our algorithm is highly competitive compared to the competition winners and is scalable both in terms of map coverage and runtime required for the calculations.
Non-Nucleoside Building Blocks for Copper-Assisted and Copper-Free Click Chemistry for the Efficient Synthesis of RNA Conjugates

Novel non-nucleoside alkyne monomers compatible with oligonucleotide synthesis were designed, synthesized, and efficiently incorporated into RNA and RNA analogues during solid-phase synthesis. These modifications allowed site-specific conjugation of ligands to the RNA oligonucleotides through copper-assisted (CuAAC) and copper-free strain-promoted azide−alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reactions. The SPAAC click reactions of cyclooctyne−oligonucleotides with various classes of azido-functionalized ligands in solution phase and on solid phase were efficient and quantitative and occurred under mild reaction conditions. The SPAAC reaction provides a method for the synthesis of oligonucleotide−ligand conjugates uncontaminated with copper ions.
Discussion on Evaluating Title of Technical Post for Health Specialty Cadres

The main problems in the course of evaluating title of technical post for health specialty cadres were analyzed,and the countermeasures were proposed which would be of good reference value to carry out this work.
Changing Economic Conditions of Small Rural Trade Areas: Some Notes on the Presence of Discount Retail Chains

Discount retail chain (DRC) stores have exhibited phenomenal growth in recent years, and some have adopted strategies of locating in small rural communities. However, considerable controversy has developed concerning their impact on small rural economies. In fact, some communities have attempted to block their entry. This paper examines U.S. Department of Commerce Census data in an attempt to determine if DRCs have an impact on the economic environment of rural trade areas. It appears that counties in which DRCs are located may be economically more viable than counties without them.
Stereotypical or just typical: how do US practitioners view the role and function of gender stereotypes in advertisements?

There is a long and diverse literature on gender stereotypes in advertising; however, US practitioners’ perspectives on the role and function of stereotypes in advertising remain unknown. Understanding professionals’ views on whether and how stereotypes communicate is important for anyone who believes it beneficial to reduce future stereotypical representations. Using qualitative interviews with 42 practitioners, this study detailed seven themes concerning professionals’ perceptions of the role and function of stereotypes in advertising, including beliefs that stereotypes are based in truth, are attractive to audiences, communicate quickly, simplify processing, prevent distraction, prevent thinking, and are the obvious solution. Practitioners felt stereotypes were used most appropriately when they were subverted or challenged in advertising messages. Stereotypes were most inappropriate when they reinforced negative perceptions. Four factors believed to drive the use of stereotypes in advertising are discu...
Production of Transuranium Elements in a Thermonuclear Explosion – Anacostia

A summary is presented of the results obtained in a radiochemical investigation of the debris in fused rock from the Anacostia underground explosion on Nov. 27, 1962. The relative yields of the actinides of mass numbers 239 to 254 (Np to Cf) are tabulated, and the mass-yield curve is compared with that of the Mike event. (D.L.C.)
Patiromer–an Oral Calcium-Loaded Potassium Binder: Kalirrhea with Calciuresis

In the absence of diarrhea, about 90% of ingested potassium (K) is absorbed and excreted into the urine. Renal K excretion is impaired by a marked reduction in kidney function, kidney disorders, or drugs which sharply reduce the distal tubular delivery of sodium and/or reduce the renal tubular
Considerations for phase accumulator design for direct digital frequency synthesizers

This paper reviews the approach of using a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) to generate high-resolution, fast switching frequencies for modern communication systems. Because these systems are required to have high speed and/or low power requirements, optimizing the phase accumulator (PA) component is a crucial design step. A mathematical model for estimating the speed-power tradeoffs of pipelined PAs will be presented. Simulations based on this model show that pipelining the PA to the maximum allowable number of stages provides the smallest latency, but at power consumptions significantly higher than a non-pipelined PA. The model can be used to estimate the optimal number of pipeline stages for given speed-power constraints.