cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model of the optical properties of a non-absorbing media with application to thermotropic materials for overheat protection

Abstract Thermotropic materials offer the potential to provide overheat protection for polymer absorbers. These materials are composed of a matrix material in which a second material, referred to as the scattering domain, is dispersed. Temperature control is accomplished by a reduction in transmittance at a desired temperature corresponding to the phase change temperature of the scattering domain. The phase change is accompanied by a change in refractive index. This paper describes a numerical model to predict the transmittance and reflectance of a polymer based thermotropic material as a function of the relative index of refraction m between the matrix and scattering domains, the scattering domain size and volume fraction fv, and the sheet thickness. The thermotropic material is modelled as a non-absorbing sheet comprised of discrete anisotropic scattering spherical particles embedded in a matrix material. Under the assumption that the particles scatter incident radiation independently, the direction of scattered radiation is determined by Mie theory. A Monte Carlo numerical technique is used to predict the transmittance and reflectance for thermotropic materials in which the matrix index of refraction is 1.5 (representative of polymers) and the incident wavelength is 550 nm. Model results are validated by comparison to measured transmittance for 0.3 mm thick polymer samples containing particles with 200 nm radius at m ranging from 0.97 to 1.09 and fv ranging from 5 to 18.2%. As the mismatch in refractive indices and volume fraction increase, the transmittance is reduced. For example, the transmittance is reduced from 83% for m =1.02 and fv = 9.6 to approximately 50% for m =1.09 and fv =13.5% (200 nm radius and 0.3 mm thick).
A theory of particles of spin one-half

Abstract From the two-component second order fermion theory of Feynman and Gell-Mann a four component theory of spin- 1 2 particles in Hamiltonian form is derived. When a suitable indefinite metric is introduced in the spin space by means of charge density the spin as well as the charge degrees of freedom may be separated. Spin and angular momentum are separately constants of the motion which is not the case for the Dirac equation. If states with positive norm describe particles the states of the corresponding charge conjugate particles have negative norm. The Hamiltonian is quadratic in the momenta which allows a straightforward transition to the nonrelativistic Pauli equation. The law of transformation of the wave function under the Lorentz transformations is given, and the relation and equivalence of the theory to Dirac and Foldy-Wouthuysen equations is established.
Aerial Releases of Sterile Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tepbritidae) by Helicopter: Dispersal, Recovery, and Population Suppression

Sterile Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), were released by helicopter over commercial coffee ( Coffea Arabica L.) fields and nearby habitats on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Temporal and spatial dispersal patterns of released flies were expressed effectively by both asymptotic and exponential decay models. Approximately 90% of the captured flies were located within 100 m of the release line. Sterile flies remaining in coffee fields declined rapidly, with <15% remaining within 5 d. Flies released by helicopter dispersed throughout a narrower band than those released at higher altitudes by the standard airplane method. Our studies suggest that flight line intervals of 200 m every 3-4 d should provide adequate coverage and numbers of sterile flies in target areas. An 8-mo program of sterile fly releases (52 releases, total = 208 million flies) by helicopter was conducted throughout an interior 15-km2 area to evaluate the effectiveness of the helicopter. A small C. capitata population in coffee patches throughout the under story of a watershed forest was targeted. Fruit collections from the treatment area indicated a 90.6% reduction of the larval infestation rate. Higher levels of control or eradication of C. capitata in riparian forest areas would probably require sterile fly releases throughout surrounding areas to prevent reinfestation. Helicopters appear to be well suited for sterile fly releases in mountainous areas where terrain and unpredictable weather conditions are unsuitable for airplanes.
Adapting n-gram maximum entropy language models with conditional entropy regularization

Accurate estimates of language model parameters are critical for building quality text generation systems, such as automatic speech recognition. However, text training data for a domain of interest is often unavailable. Instead, we use semi-supervised model adaptation; parameters are estimated using both unlabeled in-domain data (raw speech audio) and labeled out of domain data (text.) In this work, we present a new semi-supervised language model adaptation procedure for Maximum Entropy models with n-gram features. We augment the conventional maximum likelihood training criterion on out-of-domain text data with an additional term to minimize conditional entropy on in-domain audio. Additionally, we demonstrate how to compute conditional entropy efficiently on speech lattices using first- and second-order expectation semirings. We demonstrate improvements in terms of word error rate over other adaptation techniques when adapting a maximum entropy language model from broadcast news to MIT lectures.
Converging populations of f-actin promote breakage of associated microtubules to spatially regulate microtubule turnover in migrating cells.

Abstract Background: In migrating cells, the retrograde flow of filamentous actin (f-actin) from the leading edge toward the cell body is accompanied by the synchronous motion of microtubules (MTs, [1]), whose plus ends undergo net growth. Thus, MTs must depolymerize elsewhere in the cell to maintain polymer mass over time. The source and location of depolymerized MTs is unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that MT polymer loss occurs in central cell regions and is induced by the convergence of actin retrograde and anterograde flow, which buckles and breaks associated MTs and promotes minus-end depolymerization. Results: We characterized the effects of calyculin A and ML-7 on the movement of f-actin and MTs by multi-spectral fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM). Our studies show that these drugs affect the rate of f-actin and MT convergence and MT buckling in a central cell region we call the "convergence zone." Increases in f-actin convergence are associated with faster MT turnover and an increase in both MT breakage and minus-end depolymerization, but they have no effect on MT plus end dynamic instability. Conclusions: We propose that f-actin movement into the convergence zone plays a major role in spatially modulating MT turnover during cell migration by regulating MT breakage, and thus minus-end dynamics, in central cell regions.
On-Center/Inhibitory-Surround Decorrelation via Intraglomerular Inhibition in the Olfactory Bulb Glomerular Layer.

Classical lateral inhibition, which relies on spatially-ordered neural representations of physical stimuli, cannot decorrelate sensory representations in which stimulus properties are represented non-topographically. Recent theoretical and experimental studies indicate that such a non-topographical representation of olfactory stimuli predominates in olfactory bulb, thereby refuting the classical view that olfactory decorrelation is mediated by lateral inhibition comparable to that in the retina. Questions persist, however, regarding how well non-topographical decorrelation models can replicate the inhibitory “surround” that has been observed experimentally (with respect to odor feature-similarity) in olfactory bulb principal neurons, analogous to the spatial inhibitory surround generated by lateral inhibition in retina. Using two contrasting scenarios of stimulus representation – one “retinotopically” organized and one in which receptive fields are unpredictably distributed as they are in olfactory bulb – we here show that intracolumnar inhibitory interactions between local interneurons and principal neurons successfully decorrelate similar sensory representations irrespective of the scenario of representation. In contrast, lateral inhibitory interactions between these same neurons in neighboring columns are only able to effectively decorrelate topographically organized representations. While anatomical substrates superficially consistent with both types of inhibition exist in olfactory bulb, of the two only local intraglomerular inhibition suffices to mediate olfactory decorrelation.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 latency associated transcript locus is required for the maintenance of reactivation competent latent infections

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes latent infections in sensory neurons from which it can periodically reactivate and cause recurrent disease and transmission to new hosts. Little is known about the virally encoded mechanisms that influence the maintenance of HSV latent infectious and modulate the frequency of virus reactivation from the latent state. Here, we report that the latency associated transcript locus of HSV-1 is required for long-term maintenance of reactivation competent latent infections.
Cryptococcal meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Two cases of cryptococcal meningitis occurring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are presented, and 24 additional cases from the literature are reviewed. The insidious onset of this infrequent complication is emphasized. The nonspecific neurological findings associated with this infection are often mistakenly diagnosed as a central nervous system manifestation of SLE. Earlier diagnosis and effective antifungal therapy have improved the prognosis of cryptococcal meningitis in SLE patients in recent years. Strategies for the treatment of patients with this complication are discussed.
Influence of Microbial Biofilms on the Preservation of Primary Soft Tissue in Fossil and Extant Archosaurs

Background Mineralized and permineralized bone is the most common form of fossilization in the vertebrate record. Preservation of gross soft tissues is extremely rare, but recent studies have suggested that primary soft tissues and biomolecules are more commonly preserved within preserved bones than had been presumed. Some of these claims have been challenged, with presentation of evidence suggesting that some of the structures are microbial artifacts, not primary soft tissues. The identification of biomolecules in fossil vertebrate extracts from a specimen of Brachylophosaurus canadensis has shown the interpretation of preserved organic remains as microbial biofilm to be highly unlikely. These discussions also propose a variety of potential mechanisms that would permit the preservation of soft-tissues in vertebrate fossils over geologic time. Methodology/Principal Findings This study experimentally examines the role of microbial biofilms in soft-tissue preservation in vertebrate fossils by quantitatively establishing the growth and morphology of biofilms on extant archosaur bone. These results are microscopically and morphologically compared with soft-tissue extracts from vertebrate fossils from the Hell Creek Formation of southeastern Montana (Latest Maastrichtian) in order to investigate the potential role of microbial biofilms on the preservation of fossil bone and bound organic matter in a variety of taphonomic settings. Based on these analyses, we highlight a mechanism whereby this bound organic matter may be preserved. Conclusions/Significance Results of the study indicate that the crystallization of microbial biofilms on decomposing organic matter within vertebrate bone in early taphonomic stages may contribute to the preservation of primary soft tissues deeper in the bone structure.
Asymptomatic endometrial carcinoma after endometrial ablation

Abstract Endometrial ablation has been recently introduced as a surgical alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The procedure itself is reasonably safe. However, if occult endometrial cancer is present before the procedure and is not detected, it may be more difficult to diagnose later. Endometrial cancer may also arise de novo from endometrial tissue. Two cases of endometrial cancer following endometrial ablation have been reported, but its overall incidence is unknown. A 58-year-old woman was treated with endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Three years later she underwent hysterectomy and Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure for urinary incontinence; incidental, asymptomatic endometrial adenocarcinoma was discovered. The final pathology was grade 1 adenocarcinoma, invading more than 50% of the myometrium (FIGO stage Ic). Endometrial cancer may occur following endometrial ablation and it may be asymptomatic. Careful patient selection and close follow-up are essential.
Impact of Simultaneous Kidney–Pancreas Transplant and Timing of Transplant on Kidney Allograft Survival

Since 1988 over 10 000 simultaneous cadaveric pancreas–kidney transplants (SPK) have been performed in the United States among patients with end-stage renal disease due to Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The two aims of this study were to assess the impact on kidney allograft survival of (i) SPK versus transplantation of a kidney alone (KA), and (ii) SPK prior to versus after initiation of chronic dialysis. This retrospective, non-concurrent cohort study examined registry data collected from 8323 patients waitlisted in the United States for an SPK and transplanted with either an SPK or a KA during January 1, 1990 – October 31, 2002. SPK recipients had an adjusted hazard ratio for kidney allograft loss of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.51–0.77, p < 0.001) compared to transplantation without pancreas allograft. SPK recipients who received their allografts prior to beginning chronic dialysis had a lower rate of kidney allograft loss than SPK recipients who received their transplant after initiation of chronic dialysis (adjusted hazard rates (HR) = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99, p = 0.042). Simultaneous transplantation of pancreas–kidney compared to kidney transplantation alone and SPK prior to the initiation of chronic dialysis compared to SPK after initiation of dialysis were both associated with longer kidney allograft survival.
A chicken middle-repetitive DNA sequence which shares homology with mammalian ubiquitous repeats

We have identified and sequenced two members of a chicken middle repetitive DNA sequence family. By reassociation kinetics, members of this family (termed CRl) are estimated to be present in 1500-7000 copies per chicken haploid genome. The first family member sequenced (CRlUla) is located approximately 2 kb upstream from the previously cloned chicken Ul RNA gene. The second CRl sequence (CRl)Va) is located approximately 12 kb downstream from the 3' end of the chicken ovalbumin gene. The region of homology between these two sequences extends over a region of approximately 160 base pairs. In each case, the 160 base pair region is flanked by imperfect, but homologous, short direct repeats 10-15 base pairs in length. When the CRl sequences are compared with mammalian ubiquitous interspersed repetitive DNA sequences (human Alu and Mouse Bl families), several regions of extensive homology are evident. In addition, the short nucleotide sequence CAGCCTGG which is completely conserved in ubiquitous repetitive sequence families from several mammalian species is also conserved at a homologous position in the chicken sequences. These data imply that at least certain aspects of the sequence and structure of these interspersed repeats must predate the avian-mammalian divergence. It seems that the CRl family may possibly represent an avian counterpart of the mammalian ubiquitous repeats.
Vitamin D and the Parenteral Nutrition Patient

Vitamin D is a prohormone produced in the skin epidermis when irradiated with sunlight or ultraviolet light B. It is also absorbed from food or supplements. Vitamin D must be converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (circulating form) and finally to the hormone, 1a,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, before it can function. This hormone acts through a single nuclear receptor. The details of these conversions and molecular biology of the action of vitamin D3 are summarized. The physiologic functions of vitamin D have been expanded beyond the mineralization of the skeleton to include modulation of the immune system, terminal differentiation in several tissues, suppression of malignant cells, and anabolic activity in the skeleton and in the renal–cardiovascular system. Epidemiologic studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of colorectal and breast cancers and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and cardiovascular events. Thus, vitamin D is essential not only for the skeleton but also many other organ systems. Recommendations for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels for PN patients are presented.
Coherence between expressive and experiential systems in emotion

Abstract In order to assess the extent of coherence in emotional response systems, we examined the relationship between facial expression and self-report of emotion at multiple points in time during an affective episode. We showed subjects brief films that were selected for their ability to elicit disgust and fear, and we asked them to report on their emotions using a new reporting procedure. This procedure, called cued-review, allows subjects to rate the degree to which they experienced each of several categories of emotion for many locations over the time interval of a stimulus period. When facial expressions and reports of emotion were analysed for specific moments in film time, there was a high degree of temporal linkage and categorical agreement between facial expression and self-report, as predicted. Coherence was even stronger for more intense emotional events. This is the first evidence of linkage between facial expression and self-report of emotion on a momentary basis.
Engineering the healing of the rabbit medial collateral ligament

A biological approach to improve healing of the medical collateral ligament (MCL) was investigated by exploring the use of therapeutic growth factors based on in vitro and in vivo experiments. The in vitro cell culture studies involved screening a variety of growth factors to select those that exhibit the most positive effects on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. The selected growth factors were applied in vivo to a rabbit model where the MCL was ruptured. Biomechanical and histological evaluations are performed to determine whether the selected growth factors can enhance the properties of the healed MCL, whether these improvements are dose dependent, and whether combinations of growth factors can enhance MCL healing to a greater extent than individual growth factors. In vitro studies showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) have the greatest effect on ligament fibroblast proliferation, whereas transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) superiorly promotes extracellular matrix synthesis. These growth factors were then applied in vivo at different dosages, in isolation and in combination, and the ligaments were evaluated six weeks post-operatively. Tensile testing of the femur-MCL-tibia complexes (FMTCs) revealed that the specimens treated with a high dose of PDGF-BB have ultimate load, ultimate elongation and energy absorbed to failure values that are significantly greater than those from the other groups. The high dose of PDGF-BB was more effective than the low dose, indicating a dose dependency. The addition ofTGF-β1 to PDGF-BB did not lead to any further increases in the structural properties of the FMTC. These encouraging results suggest that PDGF-BB may be a potential growth factor to enhance the quality of the healing ligament.
Increased brain norepinephrine metabolism correlated with analgesia produced by the periaqueductal gray injection of opiates.

Abstract Dose-dependent increases in in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate (MOPEG-SO4), a major metabolite of norepinephrine, were produced in the limbic forebrain and cerebral cortex 30 min after the bilateral injection of morphine into the periaqueductal gray (PAG). These effects were also elicited by similar injections of levorphanol. Highly significant correlations were obtained between the concentrations of MOPEG-SO4 and the analgesic effect of the opiates and opiate actions were antagonized by systemic naloxone. These results indicate that activation of opiate receptors in the PAG may elicit the involvement of noradrenergic systems in distant brain regions in the mediation of analgesia.
P3-S6.05 Comparing the analytical sensitivities of six treponemal tests

Background Traditional syphilis testing consists of screening with a non-treponemal test (RPR) and confirmation with a treponemal test (TP-PA, FTA-ABS, EIA, CIA, etc). Recently, that testing algorithm has been reversed due to efforts to reduce labour costs and the availability of automatable tests (EIA, CIA). Large numbers of discordant test results (treponemal +, non-treponemal−) can be obtained using the reverse algorithm and can be due to (1) treated cases of syphilis, (2) a false-positive treponemal test, or (3) a case of early primary syphilis that has yet to seroconvert. Those sera need to be confirmed with a second treponemal test to eliminate false positive specimens. The dilemma arises which treponemal test is best suited for confirmation, and secondly what are the relative analytical sensitivities of available treponemal tests used for both screening and confirmation. Methods Two hundred randomised TP-PA positive, cleanascite treated samples (GADPH) were serially diluted with normal human sera to determine the analytical endpoint and sensitivity of six commonly used treponemal tests (TP-PA, FTA-ABS, TrepSure, TrepChek, TrepID, and LIAISON). All dilutions were treated as neat sera in each test, and the tests were performed according to the manufacturer9s instructions. Results The FTA-ABS was used as the reference since it has been considered the Gold Standard" among treponemal tests. The analytical sensitivity of the six tests fell into three statistically different groups (from lowest to highest): (1) the FTA-ABS, the TP-PA, and the TrepChek, (2) the LIAISON and the TrepID, and (3) the TrepSure. In addition, there were 24 sera that were found non-reactive by FTA-ABS and nine found non-reactive by TrepChek that were reactive by at least two other treponemal tests. Conclusions These results highlight significant differences in the analytical sensitivity of various treponemal tests and could explain some discordant results between treponemal tests used to confirm screening EIAs and CIAs. First, the FTA-ABS should no longer be considered the “Gold Standard”. Second, low titre sera could appear non-reactive if relatively insensitive tests are used for the either screening or confirmatory tests. Third, the question arises, “Should initial screening tests be confirmed by treponemal tests with lower analytical sensitivity?” Future patient studies could verify these results, so that a more accurate standard protocol for syphilis testing can be established.
A framework to assess the vulnerability of California commercial sea urchin fishermen to the impact of MPAs under climate change

This paper describes the development of a Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) that estimates the relative ability of California commercial sea urchin fishermen to cope with the change associated with proposed marine protected areas. A key goal in establishing marine protected areas is to maximize conservation benefits while minimizing the potential negative impacts to local fishing communities. However, current impact analyses largely assume a linear relationship between percent of fishing area or revenue lost with the magnitude of impact to fishermen. The LVI described in this paper aims to provide an additional dimension to impact analyses in which the adaptive capacity of individual fishermen is examined to estimate the differential abilities of fishermen to cope with the loss of fishing areas or revenue. This paper advances vulnerability assessments as it develops a novel framework for identifying and measuring drivers of vulnerability for understudied fishing populations whose livelihoods depend upon marine resources. This vulnerability assessment is intended to inform the design of marine protected areas by enabling researchers to incorporate the adaptive capacity of fishermen into socioeconomic impact analyses. The LVI was developed for the California commercial sea urchin fishery in the context of proposed marine protected area networks develop through the California Marine Life Protected Act planning process. As climate change advances there is an increasing need to identify vulnerable and resilient populations and ways to bolster adaptive capacity given the environmental and economic changes ahead.
Identification of trophoblastic giant cells as the initial principal target of early gestational murine enterovirus infection

Summary Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a murine enterovirus, infects the majority of murine placentae and fetuses following inoculation in early gestation and infects most placentae but almost no fetuses in late gestation. The sequence of infection of TMEV following early gestation inoculation was studied. Mice were inoculated with TMEV on day 6 or 7 of pregnancy and sacrificed at intervals between 1 h and 4 days later. Culture of placenta-embryo units identified infection at 2, 3, and 4 days post-inoculation. In situ hybridization revealed TMEV RNA primarily in giant cells around the yolk cavity and in giant cells situated between the decidua and spongiotrophoblast layers of the placenta. Occasional decidual cells located near giant cells were also hybridization-positive. The giant cells were immunohistochemically identified as fetally derived trophoblast cells. Giant cells are the earliest predominant target of TMEV infection following early gestation inoculation and appear to be an integral part of the pathogenesis of gestational murine enterovirus infection.
A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of a CO 2 -based heavy metal extraction process

The development of a cost effective CO2-based hydrometallurgical process was realized through examining the extraction performance of a nearcritical carbon dioxide/CO2-soluble alkylamine extraction system over a large range of temperatures, pressures, and compositions, as well as through characterizing the phase behavior of the highly CO2-soluble alkylamines. A most important discovery of this research is that Fluorolink exhibits a higher CO2 solubility than other fluorinated alkylamines examined in past efforts. Development of these novel polymeric chelating agents is of great utility since these CO2-philic materials show high solubilities of 15 wt% at 860 psi and 25 °C. In addition to its high thermodynamic affinity for carbon dioxide, Fluorolink was chosen as the model complexing agent because of its ability to target the zinc metal ions of interest and form stable metal complexes. The chelating power of the complexing agent is validated by the large formation constant for the zinc metal complex of 1.0×1013 and the quantitative zinc extraction efficiency of 99% attained using a hexane/Fluorolink extractant system. It is because of the material’s high CO2 solubility as well as its chelating power that the complexing agent was capable of extracting zinc in quantitative amounts from aqueous solutions containing high metal loadings of 5,000 ppm while operating at relatively low system pressures of 1,500 psi and below. This analysis validated the extraction mechanism via examination of reagent partitioning behavior, existence of zinc in carbon dioxide, stoichiometry of complexation process, and identification of the anion responsible for charge neutralization.
Absorbed dose measurements external to thick shielding at a high energy proton accelerator: Comparison with Monte-Carlo calculations

Abstract The design of efficient biological shielding at a 400 GeV proton synchrotron is often done using Monte-Carlo computer calculations. Several test cases involving lateral concrete and soil shields up to 660 cm thick were selected according to a criterion of simplicity. Measurements of absorbed dose rates were done using tissue equivalent ion and proportional chambers. Agreement typically within a factor of three is obtained with Monte-Carlo calculations using the program CASIM developed at Fermilab. No evidence was found for any systematic dependence of the degree of agreement upon the thickness of the shield.
(3+2) Cyclopentane annulation reactions. Hydroazulene synthesis using organoiron reagents

Abstract A short synthesis of the 10-methyl-4-keto-hydroazulenes, using organoiron reagents, is described.
Determinants of occupational safety for agribusiness workers

Increases in crop yields and changing cropping patterns have placed stress on agribusiness handling and storage facilities. The objective of this research is to gain insight into the relationship between safety culture and safety performance, and to identify the determinants of safety culture in agribusinesses. The research suggests that investments in labor inputs such as increased training, consistent discipline, and recognition of safety achievements all increase safety culture. Furthermore, improvements in employee perceptions of safety culture have a positive impact on reducing employee injuries. Congress has recently funded nine centers to work on occupational health and safety research in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Language: en
Modeling Thermal Fluctuations of Bio-Filaments With Elastic Rod Theory

Bio-filaments at sub-micron scales such as DNA perform their biological functions via well-regulated structural deformations that involve large twisting and bending. The strain energies associated with these deformations are of the order of the thermal kinetic energies of surrounding solvent molecules. Therefore, the bio-filaments at such small length scales also exhibit large fluctuations in their shape due to the random collisions of the solvent molecules with them. These thermal fluctuations may, on one hand, help the bio-filaments explore functionally desirable configuration space, while, on the other hand, hinder the regulation of their deformations by motor proteins. Nevertheless, it seems indispensable to model the thermal fluctuations to accurately study the dynamics of deformation of bio-filaments. This paper presents the first elastic rod formulation that incorporates the thermal fluctuations by modeling the impacts of solvent molecules as distributed stochastic force. For quasi-static fluctuations, this formulation leverages the simplicity of a rod formulation noted by Anker et al. [1] that allows solving it as an initial value problem (IVP) in single iteration, and yet capturing arbitrarily large (nonlinear) deformations with rigorous description of constitutive laws.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Some Elementary Uses of Complex Numbers

A special infinite series of real numbers which appeared in a comic strip is summed. Some of the techniques used are standard in complex calculus, but are now applied in a different context. Two other basic problems where complex numbers are useful are described. One, the solution of cubics is well known. The other, an extension of Ptolemy’s Theorem on cyclic quadrilaterals to general quadrilaterals, is an old result of Bretschneider, but the use of complex numbers to obtain this result seems to be new.
NiO as an Efficient Counter Electrode Catalyst for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

NiO is an important heterogeneous catalyst employed in chemical processes. However, it is a new topic to explore NiO as a counter electrode catalyst for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this paper, NiO with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) was demonstrated an efficient DSSC counter electrode with a maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.58 %. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed that the excellent photovoltaic performance is due to the combination between the high catalytic activity of NiO and the superior electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS. The optimum weight ratio of NiO to PEDOT:PSS is 48.
Forever young: rejuvenating muscle satellite cells

A hallmark of aging is alteration of organismal homeostasis and progressive decline of tissue functions. Alterations of both cell intrinsic functions and regenerative environmental cues contribute to the compromised stem cell activity and reduced regenerative capability occurring in aged muscles. In this perspective, we discuss the new evidence supporting the hypothesis that skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are intrinsically defective in elderly muscles. In particular, we review three recent papers leading to identify fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and p16INK4a as altered signaling in satellite cells from aged mice. These pathways contribute to age-related loss of MuSCs asymmetric polarization, compromised self-renewal capacity, and acquisition of pre-senescent state. The pharmacological manipulation of those networks can open novel strategies to rejuvenate MuSCs and counteract the functional decline of skeletal muscle during aging.
Persistence and memory in patchwork dynamics for glassy models

Slow dynamics in disordered materials prohibits direct simulation of their rich nonequilibrium behavior at large scales. ``Patchwork dynamics'' is introduced to mimic relaxation over a very broad range of time scales by directly equilibrating or optimizing on successive length scales. This dynamics is used to study coarsening and to replicate memory effects for spin glasses and random ferromagnets. It is also used to find, with high confidence, correct ground states in large toroidal samples.
Mining the Arabidopsis and rice genomes for cyclophilin protein families

Cyclophilins, which possess peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity, are cellular targets of immunosuppressant drugs and involved in a wide variety of functions. While the Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains the largest number of cyclophilins, the number of plant cyclophilins available in databases is small compared to that of other organisms. It implies that many cyclophilins are yet to be identified in plants. In order to identify cyclophilin candidates from available plant sequence data, we examined alignment-free methods based on Partial Least Squares (PLS). PLS classifier performed better than profile hidden Markov models and PSI-BLAST in identifying cyclophilins from the Arabidopsis and rice genomes.
Segmenting CSA members by motivation: anything but two peas in a pod

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA. Design/methodology/approach – Data obtained from an online survey of 565 members belonging to a New York state CSA were analyzed using a combined hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Findings – Based on their motivations to join a CSA results reveal four distinct types of segments among CSA members: No-Frills Member, Foodie Member, Nonchalant Member, and Quintessential Member. Results show all four clusters differ statistically across demographic characteristics including gender, political affiliation, and household income. The clusters differed across psychographic characteristics such as attitudes toward the treatment of animals, treatment of farm workers, pesticide use, the environment, food miles, and limiting factory farm purchases. Quintessential Members emerge as most concerned with food purchasing decisions while No-Frills Members are least concerned. Research limitations/...
The Scattering of Slow Neutrons by Bound Protons. II. Harmonic Binding-Neutrons of Zero Energy

The cross section for scattering of very slow neutrons by elastically bound protons is calculated by means of the method described in the preceding paper. The results are expressed in terms of a correction factor to be applied to Fermi's factor 4. According to Eq. (5) of the present paper this correction factor is $1+\frac{16aJ}{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\frac{1}{2}}}$ with $J$ defined by Eq. (6) which is suitable for numerical work. The results of numerical calculations for the effects of anisotropy in molecules with axial symmetry are presented in Fig. 1 which has to be used with Eqs. (6.2), (6.3) of the text. For scattering by the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O molecule the correction to be applied to Fermi's result is only \ensuremath{\sim}.3 percent of the final value. Fermi's method is very accurate in this case.
Function of a Foxp3 cis-Element in Protecting Regulatory T Cell Identity

The homeostasis of multicellular organisms requires terminally differentiated cells to preserve their lineage specificity. However, it is unclear whether mechanisms exist to actively protect cell identity in response to environmental cues that confer functional plasticity. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, specified by the transcription factor Foxp3, are indispensable for immune system homeostasis. Here, we report that conserved noncoding sequence 2 (CNS2), a CpG-rich Foxp3 intronic cis-element specifically demethylated in mature Tregs, helps maintain immune homeostasis and limit autoimmune disease development by protecting Treg identity in response to signals that shape mature Treg functions and drive their initial differentiation. In activated Tregs, CNS2 helps protect Foxp3 expression from destabilizing cytokine conditions by sensing TCR/NFAT activation, which facilitates the interaction between CNS2 and Foxp3 promoter. Thus, epigenetically marked cis-elements can protect cell identity by sensing key environmental cues central to both cell identity formation and functional plasticity without interfering with initial cell differentiation.
Abstract PL03-02: Public health genomics: A scientific foundation for using genetic information in cancer prevention

With the accelerating pace of discoveries of human genetic variation, and molecular, biochemical, and cellular technologies for cancer care and prevention, there is an urgent need to develop population‐level research, policy and practice processes to translate basic science discoveries into actions that reduce the population burden of cancer in the United States. The emerging scientific translation needs in the genomics era are substantial. Clinical and population sciences are now urgently needed to assess the distribution of genetic variants and their products biomarkers, and interactions with other genes and environmental factors. New methods are needed to assess the contribution of genes and gene‐environment interactions (behavior, nutrition, chemicals, and other exposures) to individual and population risks for various cancers. Behavioral and social sciences are needed to assess how genetic information can be used to effect behavior change to reduce the burden of cancer. As importantly, delivery research on clinical utility, effectiveness, and economics of genomics‐based health care applications are needed to assess their added value in cancer care and prevention. Genomics and related fields will also affect surveillance, dissemination and diffusion research as well as evaluation of cancer progression and survivorship. Without the expansion of clinical and population sciences in genomics, the promise of genome research and discoveries may not reach its full potential in the genomics era. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):PL03-02.
Isolation and distribution of elongation factor 2 in eggs and embryos of sea urchins.

Following fertilization of sea urchin eggs, there is a rapid and progressive increase of about 50-fold in the rate of protein synthesis (Nakano & Monroy, 1958; Epel, 1967; Gross et al., 1964; Regier & Kafatos, 1977). In the early stages of embryogenesis, this rate increase is independent of the synthesis of new ribosomes and mRNA. Although the major rate-limiting block in translation activity appears to be at the level of mRNA (Jenkins et al., 1978; Ilan & Ilan, 1978) or ribosome availability (Hille et al., 1981; Moon et al, 1982), there is also a 2.5-fold increase in the translational efficiency after fertilization (Hille & Albers, 1979; Brandis & Raff, 1978, 1979). Thus, the increase in translation after fertilization is a multiple of at least two factors. In addition, it is evident that, upon fertilization, numerous different molecular changes in the protein synthesis machinery occur. For instance, after fertilization, (1) the amount of free met-tRNA 40S ribosomal subunits increases (Hille et al., 1980), (2) the translational activity of ribosomes increases (Danilchik & Hille, 1981; Monroy & Tyler, 1967), (3) inhibitors of protein synthesis associated with egg ribosomes are less prevalent (Hille, 1974; Metafora et al., 1971), and (4) the activity of elongation factors increases severalfold (Felicetti et al., 1972). Some of these changes may have no direct effect on the rate-limiting step of protein synthesis. The mechanism of protein synthesis is, however, so complex that the large increase in translational activity may stress the limitations of many different molecules. Thus, some molecular components that are not rate limiting in eggs may increase in quantity or activity after fertilization in order that they not become rate limiting during development. These molecules would simply be keeping pace with the total increase in protein synthesis activity. The importance that the mobilization of protein synthesis factors may play in allowing both elongation and initiation to keep up with this rapid increase in protein synthesis warrants a search for stored factors in unfertilized sea urchin eggs. We have chosen to study elongation factor 2 (EF-2)1 because of the availability of a simple and highly specific assay and because the activity of the factor is known to increase 1.5-fold after fertilization (Felicetti et al., 1972). EF-2 in the presence of GTP catalyzes the movement of nascent peptidyl-tRNA from the aminoacyl site to the peptidyl or donor site on ribosomes. This protein factor can be studied by taking advantage of its characteristic property of ADP-ribosylation in the presence of diphtheria toxin and NAD. The toxin catalyzes the transfer of one moiety of ADP-ribose from NAD to one molecule of EF-2, providing an easy and accurate means of determining the amount of EF-2 (Goor & Maxwell, 1970; Raeburn et al., 1971; Pappenheimer, 1977; Bermek, 1978). In this paper, we determined the quantity and subcellular localization of EF-2 in eggs and embryos. We also determined the molecular weight of EF-2 through early development.
Characterizing adrenocortical activity in zoo-housed southern three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus).

Abstract Improving the husbandry in the southern three-banded armadillo ( Tolypeutes matacus ) through gaining knowledge of its stress physiology is imperative to maintaining a healthy, zoo-housed population. Our objectives were to: 1) validate the use of fecal hormone analysis for monitoring adrenocortical activity using both an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge and biological events; and 2) characterize longitudinal adrenocortical activity in male and female southern three-banded armadillos. An ACTH injection was given intra-muscularly to one male (4 IU/kg; 5.6 IU total) and one female (5.5 IU/kg; 8 IU total) southern three-banded armadillo. Fecal samples were collected 1 day pre- and continued 5 days post-ACTH to capture the physiological response measured by elevated fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) to validate these techniques. Additionally, natural and routine events, including pairing individuals for breeding and veterinary procedures/handling, were used to biologically validate these techniques. To characterize adrenocortical activity, fecal samples (∼3025 total; n = 275/animal/yr) were collected from 11 (5 males; 6 females) southern three-banded armadillos 5–7 times a week for 1 year at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL). A cortisol enzyme immunoassay was used for FGM analysis. The ACTH challenge in the male resulted in a twofold increase of FGM (1123.2 ± 36.2 ng/g dry feces) above baseline (675.7 ± 10.0 ng/g dry feces) at approximately 54–94 h post- injection. The female exhibited a twofold increase (1635.4 ng/g dry feces) over baseline FGMs (608.5 ± 12.3 ng/g dry feces) approximately 30 h post-injection. Reproductive behaviors and veterinary procedures resulted in elevated FGM concentrations from all individuals except for one male. The longitudinal characterization demonstrated that sex and season did not influence ( P
The sprinkling problem

Abstract Let W be a matrix-valued linear function of a vector variable x with the property that each entry of W ( x ) is either 0 or an entry of x . Call such a function a sprinkling. Letting N (·) denote the spectral norm on matrices and n (·) the Euclidean norm on vectors, the problem is to characterize those sprinklings W such that N ( W ( x ))⩽ n ( x ), in terms of the pattern of the entries of x in W ( x ). We mention several equivalent formulations of this problem that motivated us, and describe some sufficient conditions on W for the inequality and some necessary conditions in terms of forbidden subpatterns in W . A complete solution remains open.
Nonmigrating tidal heating and MLT tidal wind variability due to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation

Tides forced by large-scale weather systems in the tropical troposphere introduce significant longitudinal and local time variability in the upper atmosphere. This paper presents variability of tidal harmonics of the latent heating from 2002 to 2011 associated with the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the tidal wind response in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region. Emphasis is on the strong ENSO cycle 2009–2011. Latent tidal heating rates are computed from TRMM satellite precipitation data, with added radiative heating from MERRA reanalysis, as functions of time, latitude, and altitude. The heating rates for the two most affected nonmigrating tides (DE3 and DE2) are examined and compared with MLT tidal wind variability from TIDI/TIMED. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify the tidal modes most affected by ENSO. Our results indicate that the tidal response to ENSO is largest during winter for both of the tides, with the largest response occurring in the DE3 tidal winds during the La Nina phase, with an increase of roughly 70% for the winter months of 2010/2011, and negligible response during the El Nino phase. The ENSO effect in the tidal forcing closely resembles the first symmetric and antisymmetric Hough modes of DE3 and DE2, thus being an efficient mechanism to transmit the ENSO signal into the MLT tides.
A calculation of the bound states of a helium atom adsorbed on graphite

Abstract Calculation are presented of the bound states of the laterally-averaged interaction potential of a He adatom bound on the (0001) surface of graphite, using a new form for the interaction potential. Bound state energies and several related properties of this potential are compared with the results of other potential models, and with selective adsorption resonance experiments for He atoms scattered from the (0001) surface of graphite.