cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method for the mass collection of axenically cultivated Paramecium aurelia.

SYNOPSIS. A method is described for the collection of large numbers of axenically cultivated Paramecium aurelia free of contaminating particulate debris. The procedure takes advantage of the fact that the ciliates are negatively geotropic and involves migrating the organisms directly from the culture medium into an overlayer of salt solution of low density. Details are given for the construction of a simple apparatus used to carry out these migrations.
The pentose cycle in animal tissues: evidence for the classical and against the ‘L-type’ pathway

Abstract There is abundant evidence for the operation in animals of the classical textbook scheme of reactions comprising the pentose cycle, also called the pentose phosphate pathway or pentose pathway. A second pentose pathway has been proposed to operate in many mammalian tissues. We do not find the evidence for this second pathway convincing.
Quantum mechanics of the gravitational field in asymptotically flat space

An expression for the propagation amplitude between two gravitational field configurations in asymptotically flat space is given. It depends on two three-geometries and on an element of the Poincare group which specifies the relative location of two hyperplanes in the Minkowski space at infinity. The amplitude is obtained by path integrating over gravitational fields in the proper-time gauge which was previously used by the author for compact spaces. The causality condition, which is imposed by admitting in the path integral only positive proper-time separations between the initial and final surfaces, implies that the amplitude is not annihilated by the generator of normal deformations. It is argued that, as a consequence, it is not permissible to regard quantized gravitation theory in asymptotically flat space as an ''ordinary gauge theory'' even if one is only interested in asymptotic pro- p cesses.
Vocal pathway degradation in gonadectomized Xenopus laevis adults

Reproductive behaviors of many vertebrate species are activated in adult males by elevated androgen levels and abolished by castration. Neural and muscular components controlling these behaviors co...
Urinary biomarkers and the rate of DNA damage in carcinogenesis and anticarcinogenesis.

Endogenous oxidative processes are shown to generate hydrogen peroxide and .OH radicals, which react in vivo to form a variety of products. Thymidine glycol (Tg) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-dRG-OH) are such products. They result from the excision repair of DNA and are excreted in urine. Both products can be used as biomarkers in the dosimetry of oxidative damage to DNA. Since oxidative processes and accumulation of their effects contribute to carcinogenesis, the proposed rate-of-damage hypothesis provides a rationale for using these biomarkers in early diagnostics and in the assessment of carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties of diets, foods, and food components, as well as certain exogenous toxicants and agents. Approaches for measurement of urinary biomarkers of DNA damage are reviewed.
The choice of IPO versus M&A: evidence from banking industry

This study investigates factors influencing private banks’ exit strategy between going public (Initial Public Offering (IPO)) and being a target in Merger and Acquisitions (M&A). Evidence indicates that a bank with high liquidity, operating in a geographical deregulatory environment is more likely to go for the M&A option. Larger and older institutions, improved economic environment, increased recent trend of choosing IPOs and smaller difference in premiums paid between the alternative choices are likely to encourage banks to opt for IPO as an exit strategy. We observe the existence of self-selection in making the exit choice and find that the average transaction value of bank IPOs (M&As) would have been higher (lower) had the banks chosen to engage in M&A (IPOs).
A reversible unfolding reaction of swine pepsin; implications for pepsinogen's folding mechanism.

Summary Above pH 6, swine pepsin undergoes a conformational change to a neutral form which has 80% of the secondary structure of the native protein. In contrast to native pepsin, this form of the enzyme can be reversibly unfolded by urea in a rapid, cooperative reaction. Since all of pepsin's sequence is present in its precursor pepsinogen, it is likely that this neutral structure is present in one or more of the transient intermediates previously detected in the reversible unfolding reaction of the zymogen. The mechanism of this rapid reaction may resemble early steps in protein folding.
Response adaptive designs that incorporate switching costs and constraints

Abstract This paper examines the design and performance of sequential experiments where extensive switching is undesirable. Given an objective function to optimize by sampling between Bernoulli populations, two different models are considered. The constraint model restricts the maximum number of switches possible, while the cost model introduces a charge for each switch. Optimal allocation procedures and a new “hyperopic” procedure are discussed and their behavior examined. For the cost model, if one views the costs as control variables then the optimal allocation procedures yield the optimal tradeoff of expected switches vs. expected value of the objective function. Our approach is quite general, applying to any objective function, and gives users flexibility in incorporating practical considerations in the design of experiments. To illustrate the effects of the switching restrictions, they are applied to the problems of minimizing failures and of minimizing the Bayes risk in a nonlinear estimation problem. It is observed that when there are no restrictions the expected number of switches in the optimal allocation grows approximately as the square root of the sample size, for sample sizes up to a few hundred. It is also observed that one can dramatically reduce the number of switches without substantially affecting the expected value of the objective function. The adaptive hyperopic procedure is introduced and it is seen to perform nearly as well as the optimal procedure. Thus, one need to sacrifice only a small amount of statistical objective in order to achieve significant gains in practicality. We also examine scenarios in which switching is desirable, even beyond that which would occur in the optimal design, and show that similar computational approaches can be applied.
Microfluidic optoelectronic sensor based on a composite halochromic material for dissolved carbon dioxide detection

Abstract We present a microfluidic optoelectronic cross-reactive sensor based on a novel composite material for selective detection of dissolved CO 2 . A microfluidic device contains an array of micro-wells filled with ion-exchange polymeric microbeads doped by halochromic dyes paired to quaternary ammonium cations. The sensor configuration allows incorporation of virtually any combination of halochromic ion-pairs, providing a route for cross reactive sensing. A versatile optical arrangement based on a white LED and a miniature portable USB spectrometer allows recording optical spectra, which are easily translated into electronic readouts. Rather than monitoring response at a particular absorption or emission wavelength of the dye, data acquisition is performed over a broad continuous spectrum. This results in a rich multidimensional readout useful for ultrasensitive detection. The sensor provides distinctive responses to different concentrations of dissolved CO 2 , with no cross sensitivity to other sources of acidity. Our findings could lead to the development of a cost-effective, lightweight, and low-power sensor for detection of dissolved CO 2 for a variety of applications.
HOST PLANT GENOTYPE INFLUENCES SURVIVAL OF HYBRIDS BETWEEN EUROSTA SOLIDAGINIS HOST RACES

Extrinsic, host-associated environmental factors may influence postmating isolation between herbivorous insect populations and represent a fundamentally ecological cause of speciation. We investigated this issue in experiments on hybrids between the host races of Eurosta solidaginis, a fly that induces galls on the goldenrods Solidago altissima and S. gigantea. To do so, we measured the performance of parental host races and their hybrids on five genotypes of S. gigantea and nine genotypes of S. altissima to test hypotheses about how variation in plant genotype affects performance (i.e., fitness) and potentially influences gene flow between these host races. We found that rates of gall induction and of survival to adult emergence by hybrid larvae were significantly lower than those of both parental host races on both host species, adding support to the hypothesis that there is partial postmating isolation between the host races. Hybrid flies significantly varied in their performance across plant genotypes of both host species. A significant interaction between the effects of plant genotype and mating treatment (parental vs. hybrid crosses) on larval performance indicated that the relative suitability of particular plant genotypes differed between the parental host races and their hybrids. These patterns illustrate a poor correspondence between optimal parental and hybrid environments, consistent with the hypothesis that these host races are partially isolated due to extrinsic (ecological) factors. Based on these findings, we discuss the possibility that plant genotypes in which hybrid performance is high can facilitate hybridization and gene flow between partially reproductively isolated populations of herbivorous insects, thus affecting the dynamics of ecological speciation.
Characterization of acoustically engineered polymer nanocomposite metamaterials using x-ray microcomputed tomography

We demonstrate the fabrication of acoustically engineered diamond nanoparticles-based metamaterials and their internal microstructure characterization using x-ray microcomputed tomography (XμCT). The state-of-the-art technique based on the radiation force of ultrasound standing (or stationary) waves in a rectangular chamber is utilized to pattern clusters of 5-nm-diameter diamond nanoparticles in parallel planes within a three-dimensional (3D) matrix of epoxy before solidification. Gradually, the periodic pattern becomes permanent with full cure of the epoxy matrix so as to form a 3D metamaterial structure. We also show that the periodicity of the pattern can be changed by selecting a different ultrasound frequency. Furthermore, XμCT is used as a quality control tool to map the internal structure and characterize each metamaterial. The ultimate application is to use the results as a base for the development of finite-element models which take into account all the structural features to study the various metamaterial (optical, acoustical, thermal, etc.) functional properties.
BAKKE, WEBER, AND RACE IN EMPLOYMENT: ANALYSIS OF INFORMED OPINION

The article reports research on informed opinion as to linkage between Bakke and the discretionary use of race in private employment practice. Of particular concern is the legal parallel between the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title 6 as applied in Bakke and Title 7 as it relates to Kaiser Aluminum v. Weber and to other employment cases. The principal research entailed Q-methodology, a technique allowing respondents to produce and present a structured attitude (mind set) with regard to an issue or controversy. Focus of the study was upon 1) respondent values or norms as to race in employment; 2) opinions as to the impact of Bakke upon race in employment; and 3) perceptions of Bakke as portent of things to come. Responses were made in the Fall of 1978. Respondents were from groups indicating interest in Bakke, together with university teachers in relevant fields. Factor analysis of responses revealed three principal attitudes. One attitude (Factor I) strongly affirms race-conscious affirmative action, including quotas, sharply condemned the Supreme Court for abrogating (in Bakke) its responsibility for protecting minority rights, and saw Bakke as a portent of unwelcome things. Factor II condemns any consideration of race in programs of admission or employment, predicted some beneficial legacy of Bakke, but was most critical of its deference to racial considerations. Factor III is pragmatic and was supportive of the Supreme Court Bakke decision, from which it projected beneficial consequences. Factor III accepts the discretionary use of race while rejecting quotas. Survey research conducted by others reveals that a public majority holds opinions most congruent with Factor III. In the employment area specifically, a majority rejects quotas but endorses minority training programs. The 1979 Weber decision gives a limited sanction to voluntary quotas, but does not exceed the range of tolerance set by a public permissive in this particular policy area.
Actual vs perceived profitability : a study of floral choice of honey bees

The relationship between actual and perceived profitability was investigated by quantifying choice behavior of foraging honey bees (Apis mellifera).Rate of net energy gain was used as a measure of profitability. Individual bees repeatedly chose between a yellow and a blue tubular artificial flower which had different associated profitabilities. Handling costs were manipulated by using flowers of different depth;energy gains were manipulated by using different volumes of a 20% (w/w) sucrose solution. Bees' discrimination between the two flowers increased as the absolute difference in profitabilities increased and discrimination decreased as profitabilities of both flowers increased. Therefore, discrimination depended on the relative difference in profitability between flowers, and therefore, perception was a nonlinear function of actual rates of net energy gain. The results also suggested that motivation to choose between flowers depended on the level of profitability. We suggest that nonlinear perceptual scales and motivation should be incorporated into models of food choice as constraints and should be considered in the design of experiments used to test predictions of models and in the interpretation of experimental results.
Inhibitory effect of hysterectomy on compensatory ovulation in the unilaterally ovariectomized rat

Cyclic rats were hysterectomized and unilaterally ovariectomized during random stages of the cycle or on day 2 (metestrus) and killed in metestrus after one or two complete estrous cycles. Control (intact and unilaterally ovariectomized) rats were also killed at this time. Counts of tubal ova revealed that intact rats ovulated an average of 4.9 eggs per ovary (N-5). Following only unilateral ovariectomy, compensatory ovulation (10.1 eggs per ovary) occurred in all rats (N-6). However, when both hemicastration and hysterectomy were performed, only 6.5 eggs were shed (N-19). The findings suggest an inhibitory effect of hysterectomy on compensatory ovulation in the unilaterally ovariectomized rat.
Mutation of human μ opioid receptor extracellular “disulfide cysteine” residues alters ligand binding but does not prevent receptor targeting to the cell plasma membrane

Abstract The μ opioid receptor, a primary site of action in the brain for opioid neuropeptides and opiate drugs of abuse, is a member of the seven transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Two cysteine residues, one in each of the first two of three extracellular loops (ECLs), are highly conserved among GPCRs, and there is direct or circumstantial evidence that the residues form a disulfide bond in many of these receptors. Such a bond would dramatically govern the topology of the ECLs, and possibly affect the position of the membrane-spanning domains. Recent findings from several laboratories indicate the importance of the ECLs for opioid ligand selectivity. These conserved cysteine residues in the μ opioid receptor were studied using site-directed mutagenesis. Little or no specific binding of radiolabled opiate alkaloid or opioid peptide agonists or antagonists was observed for receptors mutated at either “disulfide cysteine” residue. Each mutant μ opioid receptor was expressed in both transiently- and stably-transfected cells, in some cases at levels comparable to the wild type receptor. The two point mutants possessing serine-for-cysteine substitutions were also observed to successfully reach the cell plasma membrane, as evidenced by electron microscopy. Consistent with related work with other GPCRs, the μ opioid receptor apparently also employs the extracellular disulfide bond. This information now permits accurate molecular modeling of extracellular aspects of the receptor, including plausible scenarios of μ receptor docking of opioid ligands known to require specific extracellular loop features for high affinity binding.
Diffusion limitation in the block by symmetric tetraalkylammonium ions of anthrax toxin channels in planar phospholipid bilayer membranes

Current flow through the channel formed in planar phospholipid bilayer membranes by the PA65 fragment of anthrax toxin is blocked, in a voltage-dependent manner, by tetraalkylammonium ions (at micromolar concentrations), which bind to a blocking site within the channel lumen. We have presented evidence that diffusion plays a significant role in the kinetics of blocking by tetrabutylammonium ion (Bu4N+) from the cis (toxin-containing) side of the membrane (Blaustein, R. O., E. J. A. Lea, and A. Finkelstein. 1990. J. Gen. Physiol. 96:921-942); in this paper we examine the implications and consequences of diffusion control for binding kinetics. As expected for a diffusion-affected reaction, both the entry rate constant (kcis1) of Bu4N+ from the cis solution to the blocking site and the exit rate constant (kcis-1) of Bu4N+ from the blocking site to the cis solution are reduced if the viscosity of that medium is increased by the addition of dextran. In conformity with both thermodynamics and kinetic arguments, however, the voltage-dependent equilibrium binding constant, Keq (= kcis-1/kcis1), is not altered by the dextran-induced viscosity increase of the cis solution. The entry rate constants (kcis1) for tetrapentylammonium (Pe4N+), tetrahexylammonium (Hx4N+), and tetraheptylammonium (Hp4N+) are also diffusion controlled, and all of them, including that for Bu4N+, attain a voltage-independent plateau value at large positive cis voltages consistent with diffusion limitation. Although the plateau value of kcis1 for Hx4N+ is only a factor of 3 less than that for Bu4N+, the plateau value for Hp4N+ is a factor of 35 less. This precipitous fall in value indicates, from diffusion-limitation theory, that the diameter of the channel entrance facing the cis solution is not much larger than the diameter of Hp4N+, i.e., approximately 12 A.
What do users of parallel computer systems really need

High performance computers have played key roles in many scientific and engineering advances over the past 40 years, and many more may be expected in the future. However, unless practical parallel systems can be produced in this decade, a performance crisis will arise by 2000 across the spectrum of systems from workstations to supercomputers. There is widespread confusion today about how best to proceed with future parallel systems because so many different approaches have been taken and the performance results have been so spotty. A fundamental flaw in our approach to parallel computing, as a nation, is the poor understanding we have obtained about delivered performance. This paper analyzes the situation and suggests fundamental changes that are necessary to achieve practical parallelism in this decade. A great deal of money is now being spent and more is planned, to advance the field, but money is not so much the problem as shortages of qualified people and a sharp focus for their work. Our national goals for the end of this decade must be the creation of an infrastructure for understanding performance, and its natural consequence, the development of practical parallel systems.
Isolation of the Ozone QBO in SAGE II Data by Singular-Value Decomposition

Abstract Detailed structure of the global quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in ozone is analyzed using Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II ozone and nitrogen dioxide data. Emphasis is placed on the midlatitude QBO, in particular its vertical structure and seasonal synchronization. The global QBO signal is isolated using a combination of singular-value decomposition and regression analyses, which combine to act as an accurate QBO digital filter. Results show that the midlatitude ozone QBO has a two-cell structure in the vertical (similar to that at the equator), with in-phase maxima in the lower and middle stratosphere. Both upper- and lower-level anomalies contribute important fractions to the midlatitude column amounts. The lower-level maxima have a broad latitudinal structure (˜15°–60°), and collocation with the strongest background gradients suggests that these anomalies result from mean vertical transport. The, middle stratosphere signal maximizes in the subtropics (10°–40°) and is likely due t...
General Method for Forming Micrometer-Scale Lateral Chemical Gradients in Polymer Brushes

We report a general diffusion based method to form micrometer-scale lateral chemical gradients in polymer brushes via selective alkylation. A quaternized brush gradient is derived from a concentration gradient of alkylating agent formed by diffusion in permeable media around a microchannel carrying the alkylating agent. Polymer brushes containing both charge and aromatic gradients are formed using the alkylating agents, methyl iodide and benzyl bromide, respectively. The gradients are quantitatively characterized by confocal Raman spectroscopy and qualitatively by fluorescence microscopy. The length and gradient strength can be controlled by varying the diffusion time, concentrations, and solvents of the alkylating agent solutions. This microfluidic brush gradient generation method enables formation of 2-D chemical potential gradients with a diversity of shapes.
Feminism and the Decade of Behavior

This Psychology of Women Quarterly special issue argues that the goals of the Decade of Behavior to foster a healthier, safer, better educated, more prosperous, and more democratic nation cannot be achieved without contributions from feminist psychology. Its individual articles reflect feminist perspectives and provide examples of how feminist perspectives can inform behavioral and social research within Decade domains. In this overview, we outline the challenges that gender poses to achieving Decade goals, and discuss four cross-cutting feminist principles for research to address those challenges: Inclusiveness and Diversity, Context, Power and Privilege, and Activism. We discuss specific limitations of traditional research, and emphasize the need for new models that view the world in more complex, context-based ways. We underscore the importance of generating new, diversity-mindful research questions and of developing and accepting new methods to answer them. We discuss policy implications, stressing the need for activism. We hope this work will encourage the expansion of feminist scholarship in the new millennium and be helpful to researchers, educators, and policymakers in working to achieve the goals of the Decade of Behavior.
Adaptive Control Strategy for Active Power Sharing in Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery Power Sources

Hybrid systems composed of fuel cells and batteries combine the high energy density of fuel cells with the high power density of batteries. A dc/dc power converter is placed between the fuel cell and the battery to balance the power flow between them and greatly increase the peak output power of the hybrid. This paper presents an adaptive control strategy for active power sharing in the hybrid power source. This control strategy can adjust the output current setpoint of the fuel cell according to the state-of-charge (or voltage) of the battery, and is applicable in two topologies of active fuel cell/battery hybrids. The control strategy is implemented in Simulink and then tested under arbitrary load conditions through simulation and experiments. Simulation and experimental results show that the adaptive control strategy is able to adjust the fuel cell output current to adapt to the charge state of the battery, and appropriately distribute the electrical power between the fuel cell and the battery. Experiments demonstrate the generality of the adaptive control strategy.
Explicit soft fringe maps of a quadrupole

The analytic linear and nonlinear zero-length fringe maps are calculated explicitly for a normal quadrupole up to 6-th order generators. A very simple leading term is found for the linear fringe map. The 4-th order leading term is the L. Whiting's hard edge result (1970) as expected. No significant leading term at the 6-th order are found. Our results should be useful to estimate the significancy of the soft fringe of a quadrupole to beam dynamics. The method used in this calculation can be used to compute the soft fringe maps of various magnets.
Update on the surgical management of ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis: current controversies and problems.

SUMMARY : The surgical management of ulcerative colitis has been revolutionized in recent years by the development of the ileal pouch-anal procedure. Although it is now the operation of choice for most patients, there remain several controversies. A variety of designs of ileal pouch are available each with advantages and disadvantages. The technique used to anastomose the pouch to the anal canal is also open to debate with some surgeons favoring distal mucosectomy with eradication of all disease and others choosing to perform a stapled anastomosis to achieve better functional results. The main concern for gastroenterologists, however, is the risk of development of pouchitis. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition will also be discussed in this review as well as the more classical options for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Measurements of the performance of BSCCO HTS tape under magnetic fields with a cryocooled test rig

The use of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials for electric power applications is being realized in prototype systems. A test rig was designed and fabricated that uses a 6-T cryocooled magnet with an 20.3 cm warm bore. Inserted in the bore is a stainless steel vacuum vessel that has a Cryomech GB37 cryocooler to conductively cool the sample. Critical current measurements were made on BSCCO-2223 tapes under externally applied perpendicular and parallel magnetic fields. A description of the test rig design and results from a series of measurements will be presented.
Flexible multicast authentication for time-triggered embedded control network applications

Security for wired embedded networks is becoming a greater concern as connectivity to the outside world increases. Protocols used in these networks omit support for authenticating messages to prevent masquerade and replay attacks. The unique constraints of embedded control systems make incorporating existing multicast authentication schemes impractical. Our approach provides multicast authentication for time-triggered applications by validating truncated message authentication codes (MACs) across multiple packets. We extend this approach to tolerate occasional invalid MACs, analyze our approach through simulated at-tacks, and give an upper bound on the probability of successful attack. This approach allows a tradeoff among per-packet authentication cost, application le vel latency, tolerance to invalid MACs, and probability of induced failure, while satisfying typical embedded system constraints.
Alkylation of proteins by artemisinin: Effects of heme, pH, and drug structure

Artemisinin and its derivatives are a promising new class of antimalarial agents containing an endoperoxide bridge. [14C]Artemisinin alkylated various proteins in vitro. Between 5 and 18% of added drug bound to hemoproteins such as catalase, cytochrome c, and hemoglobin. However, it did not react with heme-free globin. For catalase and hemoglobin, most of the drug reacted with the protein moiety rather than the heme. Artemisinin bound to human serum albumin (HSA) more efficiently at pH 8.6 than 7.4, more efficiently in Dulbecco's PBS than in Tris-HCl buffer, and better when HSA had been made fatty acid-free. Dihydroartemisinin also bound to HSA, whereas deoxyartemisinin, an inactive derivative, did not. There was no binding between DNA and artemisinin. These data provide insight into the mechanism of the reaction between artemisinin and proteins.
Proximity, Sociality, and Observation: The Definition of Social Groups

It seems likely that individuals would be especially attuned to the kinds of social grouping that typically occur in their own species. Consider for example a male hamadryas baboon who herds females when experimentally transferred to a savanna baboon troop (cf. Kummer 1968). He acts as if he is establishing and protecting a harem, and responds to females in terms of whether or not they are members of his harem. When the females enter estrus, however, it is clear that the savanna males do not behave as if this harem exists; this "group" of females that is recognized by the hamadryas male is apparently not recognized by the savanna males.
Risky Inference: Unobserved Treatment Effects in Conflict Studies

This article illustrates the importance of testing empirical models in samples appropriate to the theories the models are intended to test. While social science appears to mandate that we prefer general theories to limited ones, the generality of a theory rests in its logical application to a set of observations, not solely to its statistical survival in a large data set. Theories in international relations, especially those linking domestic turmoil and international conflict, are advancing, but are sometimes applied to samples larger than the related theories indicate. This paper examines the statistical consequences of estimation in overexpansive samples with unmodeled treatment effects; we argue that samples containing cases that cannot experience the causal phenomenon in question produce unmodeled treatment effects, and we reexamine three published articles whose samples are perhaps broader than their theories suggest they should be. The empirical analyses demonstrate that overexpansive samples can produce somewhat misleading results: the new models produce interesting findings that emerge as treatment effects are identified.
Distributed Resource Kernels: OS Support for End-To-End Resource Isolation

The notion of resource reservation for obtaining real-time scheduling guarantees and enforcement of resource usage has gained strong support in recent years. However, much work on resource reservation has primarily focused on single-processor systems. In this paper, we propose the distributed resource kernel frame wo rk to deploy distributed real-time applications with end-to-end timing constraints, and to efficiently enforce and monitor their usage. Modern distributed real-time systems host multiple applications, where each application can span two or more processors. Timing bugs in one distributed application can affect the timing properties of other applications in the system. Our framework introduces the abstraction of a distributed resource container as an isolated virtual operating environment for a distributed real-time application. We have implemented this framework by extending our open-source single- node Linux/RK platform (R. Rajkumar et al., 1998). A deployment and monitoring tool called dMon is also provided. We evaluate the framework's ability to provide timing guarantees by stress-testing the system using the Distributed Hartstone benchmarks. An audio processing pipeline is then used to illustrate the temporal isolation support provided by the Distributed RK framework. The distributed container abstraction can also be extended in the future to support security and fault-tolerance attributes.
Utilization of phospho-GSK3b as a cellular and in vivo pharmacodynamic marker to evaluate the activity of AKT pathway inhibitors

288 The PI3 Kinase/AKT pathway plays a critical role in cell survival signaling and the activation of this pathway has been linked to tumorigenesis. Upregulation of AKT (PKB) and PI3 Kinase is seen in many tumor types and the negative regulator of this pathway PTEN is deleted in a number of tumor types. Therefore, this pathway remains an attractive target for cancer drug discovery. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-beta (GSK3b) is characterized to be phosphorylated at its Ser 9 site by AKT. Phosphorylation of GSK3b by AKT results in inactivation of the kinase activity of GSK3b and downstream activation of glycogen synthesis and metabolic events leading to and promoting cell proliferation. Therefore, phosphorylation of GSK3b at the Ser 9 site can be utilized as a pharmacodynamic marker for evaluating the in vivo PK/PD effects of AKT/PI3K inhibitors. We developed a novel in cell ELISA to measure the phosphorylation of GSK3b in U87MG cells. In order to link cellular target inhibition to in vivo target inhibition, we utilized a commercially available sandwich ELISA to measure the in vivo activity of PI3 Kinase/AKT pathway inhibitors quantitating the phosphorylation level of GSK3b in native U87MG glioblastoma cells. We treated these cells and mice bearing U87MG xenografts with the PI3 Kinase inhibitor wortmannin and an Isoquinoline Sulfonamide (IS) AKT inhibitor. The ELISA analysis showed that PI3 Kinase inhibitor Wortmannin and IS AKT inhibitor inhibits GSK3b phosphorylation U87MG cells potently in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition correlates well with the inhibition of phosphorylation of other known AKT substrates such as phospho-Forkhead and phospho-TSC2. In vivo pGSK3b inhibition shows excellent correlation with serum exposure of compound. These results show that phospho-GSK3b can be utilized as a in vitro and in vivo PD marker to develop inhibitors of AKT and PI3 Kinase as potential targeted cancer therapeutic agents.
Facial taste responses of the channel catfish to binary mixtures of amino acids.

We investigated the neural processing of binary gustatory mixtures of amino acids by the facial taste system of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. In vivo electrophysiological recordings ind...
Valence Band Dependent Charge Transport in Bulk Molecular Electronic Devices Incorporating Highly Conjugated Multi-[(Porphinato)Metal] Oligomers

Molecular electronics offers the potential to control device functions through the fundamental electronic properties of individual molecules, but realization of such possibilities is typically frustrated when such specialized molecules are integrated into a larger area device. Here we utilize highly conjugated (porphinato)metal-based oligomers (PMn structures) as molecular wire components of nanotransfer printed (nTP) molecular junctions; electrical characterization of these “bulk” nTP devices highlights device resistances that depend on PMn wire length. Device resistance measurements, determined as a function of PMn molecular length, were utilized to evaluate the magnitude of a phenomenological β corresponding to the resistance decay parameter across the barrier; these data show that the magnitude of this β value is modulated via porphyrin macrocycle central metal atom substitution [β(PZnn; 0.065 A–1) < β(PCun; 0.132 A–1) < β(PNin; 0.176 A–1)]. Cyclic voltammetric data, and ultraviolet photoelectron spec...
Temperature-Dependent Development, Mortality, and Adult Size of Sweetpotato Whitefly Biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Cotton

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, was reared on ‘DES 119’ and Pima ‘S-6’ cotton at 31 constant temperatures. Development times of eggs, nymphs, and the combined immature stages were recorded and assembled into frequency distributions at each temperature. From these data, median and mean development times and rates were derived for each life stage, as were temperature-independent distributions of normalized development times. Models describing the rate versus temperature and distributional relationships were constructed. The models can be used to predict life-stage development of populations under fluctuating temperatures. Results are compared with those of other biotypes.
Newer drugs and their uses.

Much progress has been made in the treatment of many diseases, and some of the numerous new drugs available today represent important therapeutic advances. New uses have been found for drugs which formerly had been employed only in certain circumstances.The increased potency of drugs is warranted only when it permits significant reduction of the dosage administered or reduction in cost to the patient.Although some mixtures of drugs are practical and necessary, most of them are not as effective as individual agents used in combination.The author discusses some of the important new drugs, particularly those used in treating hematologic conditions.
Genome wide epigenetic analyses of Araptus attenuatus, a bark beetle

GENOME WIDE EPIGENETIC ANALYSES OF ARAPTUS ATTENUATUS, A BARK BEETLE By Chitra Seshadri, Bachelor of Science. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016. Rodney Dyer, PhD Department of Biology, Center for Environmental Studies Phylogeographic studies have relied on surveying neutral genetic variation in natural populations as a way of gaining better insights into the evolutionary processes shaping present day population demography. Recent emphasis on understanding putative adaptive variation have brought to light the role of epigenetic variation in influencing phenotypes and the mechanisms underlying local adaptation. While much is known about how methylation acts at specific loci to influence known phenotypes, there is little information on the spatial genetic structure of genome-wide patterns of methylation and the extent to which it can extend our understanding of both neutral and putatively adaptive processes. This research examines spatial genetic structure using paired nucleotide and methylation genetic markers in the Sonoran bark beetle, Araptus attenuatus, for which we have a considerable knowledge about its neutral demographic history, demography, and factors influencing ongoing genetic connectivity. Using the msAFLP approach, we attained 703 genetic markers. Of those, 297 were polymorphic in both nucleotide (SEQ) and methylation (METH) were assayed from 20 populations collected throughout the species range. Of the paired SEQ and METH locis, the METH were both more frequent (16% vs. 7%), maintained more diversity (Shannon IMeth = 0.361 vs. ISeq=0.272), and had more amongpopulation genetic structure (ΦST; Meth = 0.035 vs. ΦST; Seq= 0.008) than their paired SEQ loci. Interpopulation genetic distance in both SEQ and METH markers were highly correlated, with 16% of the METH loci having sufficient signal to reconstruct phylogeographic history. Allele frequency variation at five loci (two SEQ and three METH) showed significant relationships with at-site bioclimatic variables suggesting the need for subsequent analysis addressing nonneutral evolution. These results suggest that methylation can be as informative as nucleotide variation when examining spatial genetic structure for phylogeography, connectivity, and, identifying putatively adaptive genetic variance.
Study on wind powered and vapor compressed seawater desalination technology

Gives a theoretical analysis and design calculation of technological process on wind powered and vapor compressed seawater desalination technology. And the results show that the device is stable with less energy consumption,can effectively reduce fossil energy consumption and polluted air emissions and can increase wind energy utilization.
Vessel tone affects transmural distribution of coronary flow during hypoperfusion

Subendocardial flow is selectively impaired during coronary hypoperfusion. Systolic compression of intramyocardial vessels not only stops capillary flow but empties vessels as well, leading to reversed flow in the arteries that penetrate the myocardium. The tone of these vessels influences the magnitude of flow oscillation during the cardiac cycle, but whether vessel tone is an independent determinant of subendocardial perfusion during coronary hypoperfusion has not been determined. The discovery of endothelin (ET-1) has made it possible to counteract metabolic vasodilation and increase vessel tone during hypoperfusion. A shunt from a carotid artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery was installed in open-chest pigs anesthetized with halothane. Arterial pressure and heart rate were held constant, and coronary pressure was reduced in stages by restricting shunt flow during intracoronary infusion of ET-1 (n = 7) or adenosine (n = 5). Microspheres were injected at each stage to determine layer flow. Coronary resistance was two- to three-fold higher and subendocardial flow was lower at similar coronary pressures in the animals receiving ET-1 than in those receiving adenosine. In contrast, flow distribution across the left ventricular wall was more homogeneous with ET-1 than with adenosine, even at coronary pressures low enough to cause lactate production and regional hypokinesis. These results demonstrate that vessel tone has an independent effect on absolute subendocardial flow as well as transmural flow distribution during coronary hypoperfusion.
All the things I knew were true about contact dermatitis that aren't

Twenty-five years of experience in evaluating people with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis has taught me that many of my preconceived notions were false. No patients are more challenging and interesting to investigate or more rewarding to help than those with long-standing histories of undiagnosed contact dermatitis. Furious resolve during investigation coupled with a willingness to be proven wrong and to find the unexpected is most likely to result in a successful outcome for patients with contact dermatitis.
Analgesic Drugs in Palliative Care

Palliative care consists of a new way of supporting the terminally ill who prove unresponsive to specific antitumor treatment to improve their quality of survival. By quality of survival we mean the psychosocial, environmental, and physical conditions of the individual which deteriorate during the advanced and terminal phases of cancer. It is a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing the patient, the family, and the community in its scope.
Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty

Girls with constitutional growth delay typically present in childhood with short stature and/or early adolescence with delayed puberty. Candidate genes producing the picture of short stature and delayed puberty with normal final height are being elucidated but are generally not sought in evaluation outside of research studies. If a family history of delayed puberty is known, review of growth history is reassuring, and bone age radiograph is delayed, diagnosis may be predicted and appropriate counseling given. In other cases in which family history is unknown or negative, evaluation for hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism must be undertaken. Although therapeutic options exist, most girls with constitutional delay will not require intervention. This chapter will examine the genetics and presentation of constitutional delay of puberty and growth, the differential diagnosis, therapeutic options, and prognosis for girls with this diagnosis.
Review of Political Power and Corporate Control: The New Global Politics of Corporate Governance, by Peter A. Gourevitch and James Shinn

Comparative corporate governance has captured the interest of economists and legal scholars during the past two decades. In view of intensified economic globalization, it has become apparent that the public corporation, one of the keystones of the modern market economy, has produced very different systems of how authority in the firm is assigned around the world. In Political Power and Corporate Control, Peter A. Gourevitch and James Shinn bring forward a powerful political explanation challenging the assumptions of a literature dominated by economic theory.
Discrimination, Internalized Homonegativity, and Attitudes Toward Children of Same‐Sex Parents: Can Secure Attachment Buffer Against Stigma Internalization?

With increasing numbers of same-sex couples raising children in the United States, discriminatory attitudes toward children of same-sex parents (ACSSP) are of increasing concern. As with other forms of stigma and discrimination, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are at risk for internalizing these societal attitudes, which can negatively affect parenting-related decisions and behaviors and the mental and physical health of their children. Secure attachment is characterized by positive views of the self as loveable and worthy of care that are understood to develop in early relationships with caregivers. Secure attachment has been associated with positive mental and physical health, including among LGB individuals and couples. This study aimed to test the potential buffering role of secure attachment against stigma internalization by examining associations among secure attachment, discrimination, internalized homonegativity (IH), and ACSSP in an online survey study of 209 U.S. adults in same-sex relationships. Bootstrap analyses supported our hypothesized moderated mediation model, with secure attachment being a buffer. Greater discrimination was indirectly associated with more negative ACSSP through greater IH for individuals with mean or lower levels, but not for individuals with higher than average levels of secure attachment, specifically because among those with higher levels of secure attachment, discrimination was not associated with IH. These findings build on and extend past research, with important implications for future research and clinical work with LGB individuals, same-sex couples, and their families, including potential implementation of interventions targeting attachment security.
Face Forward: Detecting Mind Wandering from Video During Narrative Film Comprehension

Attention is key to effective learning, but mind wandering, a phenomenon in which attention shifts from task-related processing to task-unrelated thoughts, is pervasive across learning tasks. Therefore, intelligent learning environments should benefit from mechanisms to detect and respond to attentional lapses, such as mind wandering. As a step in this direction, we report the development and validation of the first student-independent facial feature-based mind wandering detector. We collected training data in a lab study where participants self-reported when they caught themselves mind wandering over the course of completing a 32.5 min narrative film comprehension task. We used computer vision techniques to extract facial features and bodily movements from videos. Using supervised learning methods, we were able to detect a mind wandering with an F1 score of .390, which reflected a 31% improvement over a chance model. We discuss how our mind wandering detector can be used to adapt the learning experience, particularly for online learning contexts.
Melting and freezing of selenium and tellurium at high pressures

Abstract The melting curve of selenium, as determined by differential thermal analysis, rises with pressure from 217°C at one atmosphere to about 636°C at 40 kbar; the slope decreases rapidly from 22° kbar to approximately 5° kbar at 40 kbar. Selenium crystallized readily from the melt only at temperatures above 400° and this is believed to be due to the decrease in viscosity of the liquid along the melting curve with increasing pressure and temperature. The melting of tellurium was studied under a wide variety of experimental conditions but the data obtained were not sufficiently reproducible to be definitive. The present experiments lend support to the results of Chaney and Babb and of Kennedy and Newton, but not to those of Tikhomirova and Stishov or of others. Extensive undercooling, with some dependence upon thermal history, was observed for the freezing of tellurium at pressure.