cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Descriptions, pronouns, and uniqueness

Both definite descriptions and pronouns are often anaphoric; that is, part of their interpretation in context depends on prior linguistic material in the discourse. For example: (1) A student walked in. The student sat down. (2) A student walked in. She sat down. One popular view of anaphoric pronouns, the d-type view, is that pronouns like ‘she’ go proxy for definite descriptions like ‘the student who walked in’, which are in turn treated in a classical (neo-) Russellian or (neo-) Fregean fashion. I argue for a novel version of the d-type view in which anaphoric definites are restricted existential quantifiers that presuppose discourse uniqueness, which is uniqueness of discourse referent in the context, rather than uniqueness of object in the world. In other words, the anaphoric definites ‘the student’ and ‘she’ in (1) and (2) presuppose that there is a single object under discussion that is a student who walked in. I further argue that, by contrast, non-anaphoric definites are restricted existential quantifiers that presuppose worldly uniqueness, that is, that there is a unique object in the world that satisfies the descriptive information. The semantics for anaphoric and non-anaphoric definites accounts for the differences in truth conditions in discourses involving the two different types of definites, improving on existing accounts. It is further supported by crosslinguistic data. The semantics is formally implemented in a static system employing quantifier domain restriction in the style of Stanley and Szabo (Mind Lang 15(2–3):219–261, 2000) and extended to account for bridging definites and donkey sentences.
Synthesis and antiviral activity of fatty acyl conjugates of remdesivir against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Ebola virus.

Abstract We report here the synthesis, purification, and characterization of mono- and di-fatty acyl conjugates of remdesivir (RDV) and their in vitro antiviral activity against SAR-CoV-2, an Ebola virus transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particle (trVLP) system, and infectious Ebola virus. The most potent monofatty acyl conjugate was 4b, containing a 4-oxatetradecanolyl at the 3′ position. Monofatty acyl conjugates, 3′-O-tetradecanoyl (4a) (IC50(VeroE6) = 2.3 μM; IC50(Calu3) = 0.24 μM), 3′-O-4-oxatetradodecanoyl (4b) (IC50(VeroE6) = 2.0 μM; IC50(Calu3) = 0.18 μM), and 3′-O-(12-ethylthiododecanoyl) (4e) (IC50(VeroE6) = 2.4 μM; IC50(Calu3) = 0.25 μM) derivatives exhibited less activity than RDV (IC50(VeroE6) = 0.85 μM; IC50(Calu3) = 0.06 μM) in both VeroE6 and Calu3 cells. Difatty acylation led to a significant reduction in the antiviral activity of RDV (as shown in conjugates 5a and 5b) against SARS-CoV-2 when compared with monofatty acylation (3a-e and 4a-e). About 77.9% of 4c remained intact after 4 h incubation with human plasma while only 47% of parent RDV was observed at the 2 h time point. The results clearly indicate the effectiveness of fatty acylation to improve the half-life of RDV. The antiviral activities of a number of monofatty acyl conjugates of RDV, such as 3b, 3e, and 4b, were comparable with RDV against the Ebola trVLP system. Meanwhile, the corresponding physical mixtures of RDV and fatty acids 6a and 6b showed 1.6 to 2.2 times less antiviral activity than the corresponding conjugates, 4a and 4c, respectively, against SARS-CoV-2 in VeroE6 cells. A significant reduction in viral RNA synthesis was observed for selected compounds 3a and 4b consistent with the IC50 results. These studies indicate the potential of these compounds as long-acting antiviral agents or prodrugs of RDV.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Nasal Airway Epithelial Cells Following Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal mucosal pathogen that infects the ciliated respiratory epithelium and results in the most severe morbidity in the first six months of life. RSV is a common cause of acute respiratory infection during infancy and is an important early-life risk factor strongly associated with asthma development. While this association has been repeatedly demonstrated, limited progress has been made on the mechanistic understanding in humans of the contribution of infant RSV infection to airway epithelial dysfunction. An active infection of epithelial cells with RSV in vitro results in heightened central metabolism and overall hypermetabolic state; however, little is known about whether natural infection with RSV in vivo results in lasting metabolic reprogramming of the airway epithelium in infancy. To address this gap, we performed functional metabolomics, 13C glucose metabolic flux analysis, and RNA-seq gene expression analysis of nasal airway epithelial cells (NAECs) sampled from infants between 2-3 years of age, with RSV infection or not during the first year of life. We found that RSV infection in infancy was associated with lasting epithelial metabolic reprogramming, which was characterized by (1) significant increase in glucose uptake and differential utilization of glucose by epithelium; (2) altered preferences for metabolism of several carbon and energy sources; and (3) significant sexual dimorphism in metabolic parameters, with RSV-induced metabolic changes most pronounced in male epithelium. In summary, our study supports the proposed phenomenon of metabolic reprogramming of epithelial cells associated with RSV infection in infancy and opens exciting new venues for pursuing mechanisms of RSV-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in early life.
"Psychologically and emotionally, it affects me 'til this day": exploration of childhood sexual abuse perspectives among older adults living with HIV in South Carolina.

OBJECTIVES The influence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be seen immediately or across the life course. CSA is also associated with increased HIV-risk behavior, and greater likelihood of an HIV/STI diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of CSA among older adults living with HIV. METHODS Twenty-four adults living with HIV aged 50 to 67 years (mean age = 58.5 years), with a history of CSA, receiving care from an HIV clinic in South Carolina, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded and analyzed using a thematic analytic approach. The iterative analytic process included a three-step approach: discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. RESULTS Four themes emerged: Psychological issues due to CSA, relationship challenges due to CSA, self-blame, and reliving childhood trauma (subtheme: lack of influence of CSA today). Some participants reported feeling the influence of CSA several years after the event while others noted that that there was a lack of influence of CSA at present. CONCLUSIONS Trauma-informed intervention programs are needed for older adults living with HIV who still experience the influence of their CSA experience. Future research should delve into the design and feasibility of implementing these programs.
Effect of Single Wide Tires and Trailer Aerodynamics on Fuel Economy and NOx Emissions of Class 8 Line-Haul Tractor-Trailers

We hypothesize that components designed to improve fuel economy by reducing power requirements should also result in a decrease in emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Fuel economy and NOx emissions of a pair of class 8 tractor-trailers were measured on a test track to evaluate the effects of single wide tires and trailer aerodynamic devices. Fuel economy was measured using a modified version of SAE test procedure J1321. NOx emissions were measured using a portable emissions monitoring system (PEMS). Fuel consumption was estimated by a carbon balance on PEMS output and correlated to fuel meter measurements. Tests were conducted using drive cycles simulating highway operations at 55 mph and 65 mph and suburban stop-and-go traffic. The tests showed a negative correlation (significant at p < 0.05) between fuel economy and NOx emissions. Single wide tires and trailer aerodynamic devices resulted in increased fuel economy and decreased NOx emissions relative to the baseline tests. Decreases in NOx emissions were disproportionately larger than increases in fuel economy; however, this effect may be an artifact of the particular engine being tested. These results demonstrate that emissions reductions can be achieved using strategies that decrease fuel use and save truck operators money.
Diagnosis‐Related Group–Adjusted Hospital Costs Are Higher in Older Medical Patients with Lower Functional Status

Objectives: To determine whether hospital costs are higher in patients with lower functional status at admission, defined as dependence in one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), after adjustment for Medicare Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payments. Design: Prospective study. Setting: General medical service at a teaching hospital. Participants: One thousand six hundred twelve patients aged 70 and older. Measurements: The hospital cost of care for each patient was determined using a cost management information system, which allocates all hospital costs to individual patients. Results: Hospital costs were higher in patients dependent in ADLs on admission than in patients independent in ADLs on admission ($5,300 vs $4,060, P<.01). Mean hospital costs remained higher in ADL-dependent patients than in ADL-independent patients in an analysis that adjusted for DRG weight ($5,240 vs $4,140, P<.01), and in multivariate analyses adjusting for age, race, sex, Charlson comorbidity score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score, and admission from a nursing home as well as for DRG weight ($5,200 vs $4,220, P<.01). This difference represents a 23% (95% confidence interval=15–32%) higher cost to take care of older dependent patients. Conclusion: Hospital cost is higher in patients with worse ADL function, even after adjusting for DRG payments. If this finding is true in other hospitals, DRG-based payments provide hospitals a financial incentive to avoid patients dependent in ADLs and disadvantage hospitals with more patients dependent in ADLs.
Reevaluation of the evidence that an antibody to the insulin receptor is insulinmimetic without activating the protein tyrosine kinase activity of the receptor

The immunoglobulin fraction of a polyclonal anti-insulin receptor antibody (B-10) derived from a patient with severe insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans was tested for its ability to activate the protein kinase activity of the insulin receptor and to mimic insulin action in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing either wild type or kinase-deficient human insulin receptors. This antiserum had previously been reported to be insulinmimetic without activating the insulin receptor protein tyrosine kinase. Antibody B-10 bound to both wild type and mutant human insulin receptors, but it induced receptor down-regulation and stimulated hexose transport and thymidine incorporation into DNA only in cells expressing the wild type receptor. Furthermore, this antibody activated the kinase activity of the wild type insulin receptor in intact cells and in vitro. It is likely, therefore, that the biological activities of antibody B-10, like those of insulin, depend upon the protein tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor.
The Relation of Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors to the 5-year Incidence of Age-related Maculopathy: The Beaver Dam Eye Study

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study is to examine the association between cardiovascular disease and its risk factors and the incidence of age-related maculopathy. Participants: A population of 3583 adults (range, 43–86 years of age at baseline) living in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, was studied at baseline and 5 years later. Methods: Standardized protocols for physical examination, blood collection, administration of a questionnaire, and stereoscopic color fundus photography to determine agerelated maculopathy were used. Standard univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Main Outcome Measures: Incidence and progression of age-related maculopathy were measured. Results: After controlling for age and gender, the authors found both higher systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] per 10 mmHg, 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 1.27) and uncontrolled treated hypertension (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.00, 3.94) were related to the incidence of retinal pigment epithelial depigmentation. After controlling for age and gender, the authors found that both blood pressure and uncontrolled treated hypertension were not significantly associated with an increased risk of having exudative macular degeneration develop (for systolic blood pressure, OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.95,1.45; for uncontrolled treated hypertension, OR 2.10, 95% CI 0.54, 8.11). After controlling for age and gender, the authors found higher pulse pressure was significantly associated with increased incidence of retinal pigment epithelial depigmentation (OR per 10 mmHg 1.27, 95% CI 1.14, 1.42) and exudative macular degeneration (OR per 10 mmHg 1.29, 95% CI 1.02, 1.65). These relations remained significant after controlling for other risk factors in multivariable analyses. Conclusions: These findings indicate modest relations between higher pulse pressure (a presumed indicator of atherosclerotic vascular disease) and uncontrolled hypertension with increased 5-year incidence of retinal pigment epithelial depigmentation. Overall, however, data from this study show neither consistent nor strong relations between cardiovascular disease and most of its risk factors with the incidence of lesions associated with age-related maculopathy.
Chloromethyl)diphenylphosphine Oxide Complexes of Tin and Uranium

The reactions between (chloromethyl)diphenylphosphine oxide, ClCH 2 P(O)Ph 2 (L) and Me 2 SnCl 2 , Ph 2 SnCl 2 , Ph 3 SnCl and UO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 form complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The organotin complexes 1, 2, 3, exhibit a 1:1 ligand metal stoichiometry while the uranyl nitrate (4) complex is a 2:1 complex. The complexes have been characterized by 13 C, 119 Sn and 31 P NMR spectroscopy and their single crystal X-ray structures have also been determined. The chlo- rine atom of the (chloromethyl)diphenylphosphine oxide does not directly interact either intramolecularly or intermolecularly with either the uranium or tin center as determined by the internuclear dis- tances being greater than the sum of their respective Van der Waal's radii. However, in 1 and 4 there are clear dipolar interactions that result in conformational and molecular alignments due to the pres- ence of the CH 2 Cl group.
Debate: is ICSI a genetic time bomb? Yes.

LAMBFrom theScott Department ofUrology, Department ofCellBiology, Baylor College ofMedicine, Houston,Texas.AsDr.Schlegel haspresented, there isnodoubt thatin-tracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) hasrevolutionizedthetreatment ofmale-factor infertility. Until thedevel-opment ofICSI, thetreatment ofidiopathic male infertil-ityhad remained essentially unchanged forthe last 30years. ICSI hasresulted inparenthood forpreviously in-fertile couples. Suboptimal semen specimens arecom-monly used toproduce conceptions following ICSI; nev-ertheless, thepotential fortransmitting defects infertilitytochildren asaresult ofthistypeofconception islargelyunknown. Inthis debate, Iwill argue thatwhile ICSI iseffective incomparison with standard treatments andwithinvitro fertilization (IVF) (when fertilization andpreg-nancy aretheoutcomes measured), theefficacy andsafetyofgamete micromanipulation inhuman IVFhasnotbeenthoroughly assessed. ICSI may beagenetic time bomb.Atbest, analysis oftheefficacy ofgamete microma-mpulation has proved difficult. Inmany studies, infor-mation concerning theevaluation ofthemale remainedincomplete orunclear. Different techniques were em-ployed toprocess thesperm and different criteria wereused toclassify semen samples. Some early studies re-ported pregnancies after amixed transfer ofembryos fer-tilized bygamete micromanipulation and IVF, and per-haps most importantly, few ofthestudies had adequatecontrols (reviewed inFishel etal,1993). Despite theseproblems, there isnodoubt that significantly improvedfertility results have been obtained through the use ofICSI inmale infertility patients.Amajor concern associated with theuseofICSI forthetreatment ofthemale-factor couple isthesafety ofthe procedure. Abnormal fertilization (three pronuclei,failure toextrude thesecond polar body) andegg acti-vation (parthenogenesis, one pronuclei) sometimes oc-curs, and these embryos arenot transferred. Agreater
Existence-uniqueness and long time behavior for a class of nonlocal nonlinear parabolic evolution equations

We establish existence and uniqueness of solutions for a general class of nonlocal nonlinear evolution equations. An application of this theory to a class of nonlinear reaction-diffusion problems that arise in population dynamics is presented. Furthermore, conditions on the initial population density for this class of problems that result in finite time extinction or persistence of the population is discussed. Numerical evidence corroborating our theoretical results is given.
Variations on the temporoparietal fascial flap

An improved understanding of the vascular supply of the layers of the temporal fossa has increased the potential of this region for new and ingenious reconstructive techniques. Separate and independently vascularized layers of this region include hair-bearing scalp, glabrous skin, tempororoparietal fascia (and galea aponeurotica), temporalis muscle and fascia, and pericranium. Island flaps of glabrous skin and scalp provided esthetically appropriate tissue to cover a variety of defects. The malleable bulk of the subcutaneous fascial layers were combined with skin grafts to restore thin lining, and used as a vascularized bed for cartilage grafts in otherwise unsatisfactory recipient sites. Illustrative cases from our 5-year clinical experience are presented to demonstrate various combinations of the temporoparietal fascial pedicle with tissues from the temporal region to reconstruct the eyebrows, eyelids, orbits, cheeks, and lips.
Evaluating Activity for Hydrogen-Evolving Cobalt and Nickel Complexes at Elevated Pressures of Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide

Molecular cobalt and nickel complexes are among the most promising homogeneous systems for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, there has been little exploration into the effect of gaseous co-additives such as CO and H_2, which may be present in operating hydrogen-evolving or carbon-dioxide reduction systems, on the performance of these molecular electrocatalysts. In this report, we investigate the electrocatalytic activity of six cobalt and nickel complexes supported by tetraazamacrocyclic or diazadiphosphacyclooctane ligands for the reduction of p-toluenesulfonic acid to hydrogen in acetonitrile under inert atmosphere and in the presence of CO and H_2. We present an elevated-pressure electrochemical apparatus capable of reaching CO and H_2 pressures of ca. 15–520 pounds per square inch (psia) (∼1–35 atm), and we use this apparatus to determine binding constants for CO addition for each catalyst and study the inhibition of the electrocatalysis as a function of CO and H_2 pressure. In the case of CO, the extent of catalytic inhibition is correlated to the binding constant, with the cobalt complexes showing a greater degree of catalyst inhibition compared to the nickel complexes. In the case of H2, no complex showed appreciable electrocatalytic inhibition even at H_2 pressures of ca. 500 psia.
Physiological changes due to age. Pharmacodynamic changes of drug action and implications for therapy.

The elderly respond differently to drugs than do younger people. Their physiological response is much more variable, and predictability of drug action is much less certain. When all non-pharmacological factors and age-associated pharmacokinetics are taken into account, there is still no full explanation of the potentially altered drug action and increased drug toxicity observed in the elderly. It is only relatively recently that age-associated physiological changes (primary age changes), their interplay with age-associated pathophysiological changes (secondary age changes) and environmental changes (tertiary age changes) have been studied with regard to the effect of those changes on the pharmacodynamics of drug action. In general, age-associated pharmacodynamic changes, i.e. changes in the type, intensity and duration of drug action, have been associated with changes in receptor function (e.g. altered receptor number and affinity, altered second messenger function, altered cell response), changes in the homeostatic mechanisms, and reduced reserve capacity.
Characterization of the immunosuppressive effect of burned tissue in an animal model

Abstract The immunosuppressive effect of burned tissue was studied using a mouse burn model. To evaluate the immunologic status an in vivo measure of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) involving contact sensitization of mice by painting the skin with dinitrofluorobenzene was used; mice were challenged 5 days later by painting the ear with the same antigen. Ear swelling in response to antigenic challenge was used as a quantitative measure of CMI; diminution in ear swelling in treatment mice compared to sensitized, unburned control mice indicated the degree of immunosuppression. A full-thickness steam burn covering 20% body surface ares (BSA) was profoundly immunosuppressive as reflected by ear swelling of 45 to 60% of that found in normal mice; partial thickness burns and burns of 10% BSA extent were not significantly immunosuppressive. Transfer into unburned mice of burned skin equivalent in size to a 20% BSA burn eschar resulted in marked immunosuppression, but transfer of smaller amounts of burned skin, or of larger amounts of unburned skin and normal and burned liver tissue, did not produce immunosuppression. Mice receiving a very high-temperature (300°C), dry burn were only slightly more suppressed than mice receiving a standard steam burn. Normal immunity was preserved in burned mice which received daily application of cerium nitrate to the wound for 7 days, but application of other topical agents commonly used in burn treatment did not preserve immunity. Postburn immunosuppression thus appears related quantitatively to toxic factors in burned skin, and these toxic factors can be abrogated in burned mice by the topical application of cerium nitrate.
International Variations in Transparency and Capital Structure: Evidence from European Firms

This paper documents the impact of national transparency regimes on corporate capital structure in 14 European countries. After controlling for relevant firm, industry, and national variables, we find that owner-manager agency cost-reducing transparency such as higher levels of analysts following is associated with lower corporate debt levels. In contrast, transparency that reduces owner-creditor agency costs that helps creditors control business risks (and creditors-to-owners wealth transfers), such as disclosure timeliness, institutional trading activities, and enforcement of anti-insider trading laws, are associated with higher corporate debt levels. Among other transparency measures, levels of financial and governance disclosures are negatively associated with debt ratios and higher levels of audit intensity and accounting disclosures are positively associated with debt ratios. Further, transparency factors are more important for large firms and for firms in services and high technology.
E C G Sudarshan: Quantum catalyst

A survey of Sudarshan's works is presented to show that his brilliant role in advancing science on many fronts has been like a catalytic agent which, by definition, plays a singular role in increasing the rate of a process, but remains hidden, and is unchanged at the process end. As might be necessary to remain catalytically active for a lifetime, his broad and seminal contributions to science have often gone unappreciated, and rarely given due honor – unfortunately at a great cost to scientific progress.
Oil for the Lamps of China: Managing Uncertainty and Vulnerability in World Energy Markets

The oil and gas resources at stake in China’s maritime disputes in the South China Sea are among the key drivers of conflict in this domain, but little is known about their underlying value and potential to address claimant states’ energy security dilemmas. There appear to be significant opportunity costs in China’s approach to these disputed zones and resources, both in the form of damaged regional political relationships and foregone opportunities to exploit more lucrative resources. This essay offers an explanation of China’s behavior with respect to these resources, finding structural conditions in the regional political and economic environment to be a central concern for Chinese leadership and energy firms. Uncertainty about world energy markets and vulnerability to American market and military power are forwarded as crucial drivers of China’s efforts to secure control over offshore hydrocarbons. This argument is developed through comparison to Japan’s management of energy security, and evaluation of the geostrategic circumstances that shape China’s approach to world energy markets.
Sustained Spending and Persistent Response: A New Look at Long-Term Marketing Profitability:

An intuitively appealing decision rule is to allocate a company's scarce marketing resources to where they have the greatest long-term benefit. This principle, however, is easier to accept than it ...
Within-Subject Partial Reward in Rats: Alternating vs Irregular Schedules:

16 albino rats were trained in a runway on an alternating partial reward schedule and in another runway on an irregular partial reward schedule. The rats learned to pattern their responses in the alternating setting, running faster on rewarded trials than on nonrewarded trials, but such patterning did not occur in the irregular setting. Extinction proved to be faster in the alternating setting than in the irregular setting replicating previous between-subject experiments.
Student/Professor Ethics In Engineering Academia

This paper considers the components which constitute a safe, ethical academic environment in which students can explore the intricacies of engineering technology and engineering science. The concerns of the undergraduate and the graduate student are presented and contrasted, from both the perspective of the student and the faculty.
Body composition of young athletes.

Absolute and relative components of body mass are a primary focus in studies of body composition. Components change with growth and maturation, requiring care in selecting methods of assessment in children and adolescents. Although sex differences are apparent in fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and relative fatness (% Fat) during childhood, they are more clearly defined during adolescence and adulthood. Body composition is one of many determinants of sport performance, but % Fat tends to be the primary focus of discussion in young athletes. The influence of training for sport on bone mineral has received more attention in recent years because of methodological advances in assessment and concern for potential negative effects of altered menstrual function on bone. Relative fatness of young athletes in several sports is summarized, and issues related to sport training and body composition in young athletes are considered. Suggestions for dealing with body composition in young athletes are provided.
Accuracy of a Point‐of‐Care Lactate Analyzer for Measuring Blood and Plasma L‐Lactate Concentrations in Exercising Standardbreds

Introduction The Accutrend® Lactate (formerly Accusport®) is a low cost point-of-care L-lactate analyser. The analyser is widely used in the training of horses and has been used for research studies and to assist the clinical management of critically ill horses. The analyser is reported to be linear from 0.8–22.0 mmol/L (blood) and 0.7–26.0 mmol/L (plasma); however, test performance at high L-lactate concentrations in equine blood and plasma has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Accutrend® Lactate analyzer over a wide range of L-lactate concentrations in paired blood and plasma samples. Methods Duplicate jugular blood samples were collected from 8 trained Standardbreds before, during, and after a simulated race on a treadmill into 4 mL partially evacuated tubes containing lithium heparin. Blood and plasma L-lactate concentrations were measured using a colorimetric lactate-oxidase mediated reaction (BM-Lactate® test strips and Accutrend® Lactate) and the reference enzymatic method (L-lactic dehydrogenase spectrophotometry at 340 nm using samples deproteinized with 8% perchloric acid). Data was analysed using Deming regression and Bland-Altman plots adjusted for repeated measures (P<0.05). Results The reference method measured a wide range of L-lactate concentrations in 128 blood (0.2–23.8 mmol/L) and 127 plasma (0.3–41.1 mmol/L) samples. The Accutrend® Lactate analyzer provided an accurate method of L-lactate measurement, but only when blood and plasma L-lactate concentrations were <12.5 mmol/L (79% of samples) and <15.0 mmol/L (64% of samples), respectively. Conclusions Blood L-lactate concentrations >12.5 mmol/L and plasma L-lactate concentrations >15.0 mmol/L measured by the Accutrend® Lactate analyzer underestimate the true value by a variable amount when compared with the enzymatic reference method. Ethical Animal Research The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Purdue University. Sources of funding: Supported, in part, by a grant from the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. Competing interests: none.
Bumps in the road: how replicative DNA polymerases see DNA damage

Significant advances have been made recently in the study of polymerases. First came the realization that there are many more DNA polymerases than originally thought; indeed, no fewer than 14 template-dependent DNA polymerases are found in mammals. Concurrent structural studies of DNA polymerases bound to DNA and incoming nucleotide have revealed how these remarkable copying machines select the correct deoxynucleoside triphosphate among a sea of nucleotides. A whole new level of insight into DNA replication fidelity has been reached as a result of recently determined crystal structures of DNA lesions in the context of the active sites of repair, replicative and specialized DNA polymerases. These structures illustrate why some lesions can be bypassed readily, whereas others are strong blocks to DNA replication.
MTI Focal Plane Assembly Design and Performance

The focal plane assembly for the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI) consists of sensor chip assemblies, optical filters, and a vacuum enclosure. Sensor chip assemblies, composed of linear detector arrays and readout integrated circuits, provide spatial resolution in the cross-track direction for the pushbroom imager. Optical filters define 15 spectral bands in a range from 0.45 {micro}m to 10.7 {micro}m. All the detector arrays are mounted on a single focal plane and are designed to operate at 75 K. Three pairs of sensor chip assemblies (SCAs) are required to provide cross-track coverage in all 15 spectral bands. Each pair of SCAs includes detector arrays made from silicon, iridium antimonide, and mercury cadmium telluride. Read out integrated circuits multiplex the signals from the detectors to 18 separate video channels. Optical filter assemblies defining the spectral bands are mounted over the linear detector arrays. Each filter assembly consists of several filter strips bonded together side-by-side. The MTI focal plane assembly has been integrated with the rest of the payload and has undergone detailed testing and calibration. This paper includes representative test data for the various spectral bands and the overall performance of the focal plane assembly.
Observed and Simulated Northern Hemisphere Intraseasonal Circulation Anomalies and the Effluence of Model Bias

Abstract The ability of an atmospheric general circulation model to simulate the observed primary modes of intraseasonal variability in the Northern Hemisphere upper-tropospheric winds during boreal winter is examined. The model used is the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System. The authors examine differences between the observed and modeled modes of variability in the context of various model deficiencies, where the observed modes are derived from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts analyses. Rotated empirical orthogonal function analysis is used to determine the primary modes of variability in the Pacific and Atlantic regions. EOFs are computed for both the zonal and meridional wind components. Time-lagged composite analysis is used to examine the temporal evolution of these modes, as well as their relationship to tropical convection. Wave activity flux vectors are used to examine further the characteristics of these intraseasonal modes and their relationship to tropi...
Partisan Strength and Nonpartisanship Among Asian Americans

Relatively little is known about partisan identification among immigrant-dominated ethnic groups in the United States. In this article we build on the work of Lien, Conway, and Wong (2004) to explo...
HEDJ, an Hsp40 Co-chaperone Localized to the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Human Cells

Abstract Hsp40 co-chaperones, characterized by the presence of a highly conserved J domain, are involved in nearly all aspects of protein synthesis, folding, and secretion. Within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, these chaperones are also involved in reverse translocation and degradation of misfolded proteins. We describe here the cloning and characterization of a novel Hsp40 chaperone, which we named HEDJ. Epitope-tagged HEDJ was demonstrated by confocal microscopy to be localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. Protease susceptibility, glycosidase treatment, and detergent solubility assays demonstrated that the molecule was luminally oriented and membrane-associated. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the J domain interacted with the endoplasmic reticulum-associated Hsp70, Bip, in an ATP-dependent manner and was capable of stimulating its ATPase activity. HEDJ mRNA expression was detected in all human tissues examined. Highly homologous sequences were found in mouse, Drosophila, andCaenorhabditis elegans data bases. These results suggest potential roles for HEDJ in protein import, folding, or translocation within the endoplasmic reticulum.
FURTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF LONG-TERM POTENTIATION IN PIRIFORM CORTEX

Mechanisms for the induction and expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) were studied in slices of piriform cortex. Cooperativity among afferent inputs as a controlling factor for induction of LTP was tested by pairing stimulation of one input that normally does not induce LTP with stimulation of another input. Combined stimulation, given either to two weak inputs with simultaneous bursts or by pairing single pulses with bursts, did effectively induce LTP. Tests for expression of LTP by NMDA vs. non-NMDA receptors indicated that non-NMDA receptor-mediated responses expressed much greater LTP than NMDA receptor-mediated responses. Ratios for paired-pulse facilitation and depression were not altered after induction of LTP. These characteristics are comparable to those exhibited by synapses in the CA1 field of hippocampus. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Developing Information Technology Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Education at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan

This paper describes the ongoing development and implementation of a civil engineering program and supporting information technology infrastructure at the newly created National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA) in Kabul. We present a general model for educational capacity-building and apply it to both the information technology infrastructure and civil engineering program development projects at NMAA. We demonstrate how the use of this model facilitated substantive, well-coordinated progress toward the achievement of project goals. We conclude with lessons learned from our experiences in Afghanistan-lessons that are applicable to educational capacity-building in other areas of the developing world as well.
Typing and subtyping clinical isolates of influenza virus using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Background: Influenza virus infections are a major cause of morbidity and the identification of the type or subtype of a clinical isolate has important clinical and epidemiological implications. Objectives: To evaluate the ability of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to type and subtype clinical human isolates of influenza virus. Study design: Reference strains of influenza AH1N1, AH3N2, and B viruses and human clinical isolates of influenza virus representing antigenic variants from the last 15 years were evaluated using an RT-PCR assay. Results: Amplicons of 325, 198 and 365 base pairs in length were obtained from RNA extracted from influenza AH1N1, AH3N2 and B viruses, respectively. All human-derived AH1N1, AH3N2, and B reference strains and antigenic variants tested were correctly identified. Conclusions: RT-PCR is an effective alternative to traditional methods for typing and subtyping influenza viruses.
Dissolution of phenolic polymers in aqueous base: the influence of polymer structure

The differences in the dissolution behavior of novolac and poly(4-hydroxystyrene) (PHS) can be explained in terms of differences in the pKa of the two polymers. The proximity of the hydroxyl groups in ortho-ortho bonded novolac causes a large change in the pKa of the polymer as a function of the degree of ionization. The increased distance between phenolic sites in PHS attenuates this effect. Novolac and PHS samples have been titrated from basic to acidic conditions to determine the `apparent pKa' of each polymer as a function of degree of ionization, (alpha) . The turbidimetric endpoints show that novolac precipitates earlier in the titration than PHS. This differences provides an explanation for the `ortho-ortho effect' and the different inhibition efficiencies of these polymers.
Glucose and glucose analogs modulate collagen metabolism

Abstract Patients with diabetes often develop complications involving collagen-containing connective tissues. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that glucose inhibits collagen fibril formation and subsequent cross-linking. Collagen with diminished cross-linking is more susceptible to collagenolytic degradation. This may underlie the decreased collagen levels. To test this hypothesis, d -glucose and its two analogs, l -glucose and 2-deoxy- d -glucose, were used in chick calvaria organ cultures to examine parameters of collagen metabolism. l -Glucose is not used by the cell and functions as an extracellular glucose-like molecule, while 2-deoxy- d -glucose inhibits normal d -glucose uptake by blockading the glucose transport mechanism. Each of these three sugars had the ability to inhibit collagen fibril formation. d -Glucose stimulated collagen synthesis; l -glucose had no effect; and deoxyglucose inhibited collagen synthesis. d -Glucose was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of deoxyglucose. d -Glucose did not change levels of degradation of newly synthesized collagen while both l -glucose and deoxyglucose stimulated collagen degradation. When glucose transport was inhibited by deoxyglucose, collagen degradation was further enhanced. We suggest that decreased collagen levels in the connective tissues of diabetics may result from a combination of inhibition of collagen fibril formation and subsequent cross-linking, as well as increased collagen degradation.
Tailorable and programmable liquid-crystalline elastomers using a two-stage thiol–acrylate reaction

This study introduces an unexplored method to synthesize and program liquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) based on a two-stage thiol–acrylate Michael addition and photopolymerization (TAMAP) reaction. This methodology can be used to program permanently-aligned monodomain samples capable of “hands-free” shape switching as well as offer spatio-temporal control over liquid-crystalline behaviour. LCE networks were shown to have a cytocompatible response at both stages of the reaction.
Metastatic breast adenocarcinoma to Brenner tumors

Abstract Carcinoma of the breast commonly metastasizes to the ovaries. It is, however, rare to find metastases to an already existing benign ovarian tumor. This report represents the first known recorded episode of a breast carcinoma which metastasized to a Brenner tumor. The purpose of this report is to document this unusual event.
Vibrational spectroscopy of hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys

Abstract In this paper we discuss SiH vibrations in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) alloys. The vibrational frequencies and oscillator strengths for the bond-stretching vibrations are in part determined by the partial charges on the hydrogen atoms. We discuss problems relating to the use of the integrated absorption in these modes as a way of determining the total hydrogen concentration.
Cardiac structural and functional alterations in infants and children with biliary atresia, listed for liver transplantation.

Background & Aims Cirrhotic liver diseases are associated with abnormalities in cardiac geometry and function in adults (cirrhotic cardiomyopathy) but rarely explored in cirrhotic infants or children. We proposed that features of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are present in infants with cirrhosis due to biliary atresia (BA) as early as the time of evaluation for liver transplant and will correlate with mortality and postoperative morbidity. Methods Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) of infants with BA (n = 40; median age, 8 months), listed for transplantation at the Texas Children's Hospital from 2004 to 2010, were reviewed and compared with age- and sex-matched infants without cardiac or liver disease (controls). Length of stay and correlation with 2DE results were assessed. Results Compared with controls, children with BA had significant increases in multiple 2DE parameters, notably left ventricle wall thickness (23% increase), left ventricular (LV) mass indexed to body surface area (51% increase), and LV shortening fraction (8% increase). Overall, features of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy were observed in most infants (29/40; 72%); 17 had hyperdynamic contractility, and 24 had altered LV geometry. After liver transplantation (33), infants with abnormal 2DE results had longer stays in the intensive care unit (median, 6 vs 4 days) and the hospital (21 vs 11 days) compared with infants who had normal 2DE reports. On univariate analysis, the length of hospital stay correlated with LV mass index. Conclusions Cardiomyopathy is a prevalent condition in infants with end-stage cirrhotic liver disease due to BA (>70%). This underrecognized condition likely contributes to the prolongation of posttransplant hospitalization.
Integrations of slanted silicon nanostructures on 3D microstructures and it application in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Black silicon with slanted nanopillar array on planar and microstructure was produced for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The angle dependence of etching angle and nanopillar slanted angle was investigated with scanning electron microscopy.
Ant compound eye: Size-related ommatidium differences within a single wood ant nest

Pour compter le nombre de facettes de l'œil compose de la fourmi, une nouvelle methode a ete mise au point en utilisant des photographies d'empreintes de collodion. Dans une population d'ouvrieres provenant d'un seul nid de fourmis rouges lignicoles, le nombre et le diametre des facettes augmentent avec la grosseur de l'œil et de la tete. Pour une telle population il y a une relation entre la grosseur des tissus neuraux et sensoriels, l'œil compose inclus, et l'efficacite avec laquelle une fourmi ouvriere parcourt le terrain en cherchant de la nourriture.
Saturation units for use in aquatic bioassays.

Methods were developed for preparing liquid/liquid and glass wool column saturators for generating chemical stock solutions for conducting aquatic bioassays. Exposures have been conducted using several species of fish, invertebrate, and mollusks in static and flow-through conditions using these methods. Stock solutions for 82 organic chemicals were prepared using these saturation units. The primary purpose of stock generation was to provide a continuous and consistent amount of toxicant laden solution at a measured analytical level which would be available to test organisms for the test duration. In the present study, the glass wool column and liquid/liquid saturators were used to provide consistent stock concentrations, at times approaching saturation, for fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) acute exposures. Attempts were made to achieve the maximum solubility of these compounds for comparison purposes to water solubility values available in the literature. Literature solubility values from a database by Yalkowsky et al. [1] provided information on temperatures and data quality which allowed comparison to values obtained from the present study. Twenty four compounds were identified and analyzed for the comparison of maximum obtainable solubility levels. Maximum saturator stock water concentrations were generally lower (R=0.98) but were in close agreement with published water solubility values.
Morphogenesis in Schizophyllum commune. I. Effects of white light.

Reproductive differentiation in the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune Fr. is initiated by plasmogamy and reciprocal nuclear migration and is terminated by the production of basidiospores. The work reported here has analyzed several factors that affect 2 sequential steps in reproductive differentiation: A) the formation of aggregated masses of cells, and B) the subsequent differentiation of fruiting bodies. The 2 steps are both photosensitive: A) light accelerates the formation of aggregated masses of cells; B) a short exposure of light induces nonaggregated dikaryotic cells to form mature fruiting bodies in the dark. Cultures of dikaryotic mycelia showed little or no response to light during approximately the first 60 hr of growth. Subsequent to this time, they were photosensitive. Several properties of the photoinduction of fruiting bodies were established in studies utilizing white fluorescent light. (1) The morphogenetic response (fruiting) was approximately linear with the amount of light delivered at low intensities; higher intensities elicited no further response. (2) The photoresponse did not vary when replicate cultures were irradiated at temperatures of 2 degrees , 24 degrees , or 35 degrees . (3) The induction of fruiting bodies by light is disrupted by post-induction heat-exposures of 50 degrees for 1 hr or longer. (4) Photoinduced fruiting bodies formed in distinctive rings on the mycelia and thus suggested that cells of different ages differ in their ability to be photoinduced.