cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the double-stranded RNA in replicase particles in reovirus-infected cells

Abstract The distribution of label into newly synthesized double-stranded (ds) RNA in replicase particles isolated from reovirus-infected cells at 7.5 hr postinfection was determined. A 30-min exposure of infected cells to [ 3 H]uridine labeled the RNA in both (+) and (−) strands. These results indicate that any single-stranded (ss) RNA that is made at later times postinfection and that associates with replicase particles can function as the template for the synthesis of dsRNA.
Multi-core to the masses

Summary form only given. It is likely that 2005 will be viewed as the year that parallelism came to the masses, with multiple vendors shipping dual/multi-core platforms into the mainstream consumer and enterprise markets. Assuming that this trend will follow Moore's Law scaling, mainstream systems will contain over 10 processing cores by the end of the decade, yielding unprecedented theoretical peak performance. However, it is unclear whether the software community is sufficiently ready for this transition and will be able to unleash these capabilities due to the significant challenges associated with parallel programming. This keynote addresses the motivation for multi-core architectures, their unique characteristics, and potential solutions to the fundamental software challenges, including architectural enhancements for transactional memory, fine-grain message passing, and speculative multi-threading. Finally, we stress the need for a concerted, accelerated effort, starting at the academic-level and encompassing the entire platform software ecosystem, to successfully make the multi-core architectural transition.
Domains without frontiers

Delineates the Clinton administration’s handing over licensing control of the Internet domain names and IP addresses from federal government to a non‐profit making organization that represents the industry (ICANN). Wonders whether the US President may have overreached his administration’s area of authority.
Capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of tetrahydroisoquinoline derived neurotoxins: a study on the blood-brain barrier of rat brain.

Abstract Certain tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives such as 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-BnTIQ) and N -methylsalsolinol are parkinsonian neurotoxins. This paper describes a sensitive and reliable analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the determination of tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives (TIQs) in brain dialysate. Samples (20 μL injected) were effectively stacked and cleaned up in-line on a capillary column (5 cm × 0.25 mm I.D.) packed with 5 μm phenyl reversed-phase silica particles. Under the optimized conditions, electrospray ionisation–MS/MS detection of TIQs was highly sensitive. The capillary LC–MS/MS method had a detection limit of 2 ng/ml for TIQ. The method was used in combination with in vivo microdialysis to study the blood–brain barrier (BBB) for TIQs. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the frontal cortex of rat brain. Test compounds were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). Four TIQs including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ), 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinoline (5-TIQ), 1-BnTIQ, and salsolinol (SAL) were studied. A concentration maximum was detected in brain dialysate for TIQ, 5-TIQ, and 1-BnTIQ about 40 min after drug administration. However, SAL, the precursor of N -methylsalsolinol was found unable to cross the BBB of rat brain.
On noise estimation for robust speech recognition using vector Taylor series

In this paper, we propose a novel noise variance estimation method using the fixed point method for the VTS-based robust speech recognition. Noise parameters are re-estimated over a given utterance using an EM algorithm. The derivative of the auxiliary function with respect to the noise variance is resolved, and the fixed point algorithm estimates the noise variance by recursively approximating the root of the resulting derivative. The method leads to a re-estimation formula with a flavor like the standard ML variance estimation, and the iteration procedure is step-size free. We also investigate improving the noise estimation for efficient VTS adaptation. Several fast noise estimation methods are examined including estimation from non-speech areas and incremental adaptation. In the evaluation over Aurora 2 database, the proposed noise variance estimation method obtains a significant improvement in recognition accuracy over the method using sample variance. Further experiments show that the VTS ML estimation over non-speech areas is an effective fast adaptation method. The final refined approach achieves 8.75% WER, 13% relative improvement over the conventional VTS adaptation.
Radiation absorbed dose calculations in diagnostic nuclear medicine.

Abstract The uses of radioactive pharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine are reviewed briefly. The MIRD method of radiation absorbed dose calculations for internally distributed radionuclides is outlined. Dose calculations pertinent to current nuclear medicine procedures are abstracted from the literature and the results tabulated.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (Poss): Silicon Based Monomers and their Use in the Preparation of Hybrid Polyurethanes

Abstract : A series of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers bearing reactive hydroxyl functionalities, suitable for incorporation into step-growth polymers, is described. These monomers are difunctional in nature and are particularly well suited for use as chain extenders in the synthesis of polyurethanes. This work describes the synthesis of these POSS and their incorporation into a series of polyurethanes. Preliminary thermal, mechanical and rheological data for the POSS containing polyurethanes will also be discussed.
Novel Hybrid Inorganic-Organic Abrasion-Resistant Coatings Prepared by a Sol-Gel Process

Abstract Novel abrasion-resistant coatings prepared by a sol-gel process have been developed and applied on the polymeric substrate Bisphenol A polycarbonate. In general, coatings utilize either 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) or diethylenetriamine (DETA) that are then functionalized at their amine groups with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane. Following functionalization, these coating materials are then spin coated onto bisphenol A polycarbonate sheet and cured. These reactants undergo a comparable sol-gel reaction similar to typical metal alkoxide chemistry, thereby producing an insoluble network material containing a good dispersion of the functionalized organic along with the hydrolyzed and condensed silicon alkoxide groups. The final coating is transparent and of a few microns in thickness. Following curing, an index of the abrasion resistance is assessed by an optical method, and the adhesion behavior of the coatings is investigated and quantified. It is demonstrated that these thin transparent ...
Out of the ER—outfitters, escorts and guides

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contains a variety of specialized proteins that interact with secretory proteins and facilitate their uptake into transport vesicles destined for the Golgi apparatus. These accessory proteins might induce and/or stabilize a conformation that is required for secretion competence or they might be directly involved in the sorting and uptake of secretory proteins into Golgi-bound vesicles. Recent efforts have aimed to identify and characterize the role of several of these substrate-specific accessory proteins.
Surface structural controls on dolomite composition: Evidence from sectoral zoning

Abstract Sectoral zoning in calcium-rich, sedimentary dolomite crystals involves differences in CaCO3 content of up to 3 mol% between coeval 1014 and 1011 growth sectors. Cathodoluminescence microscopy shows that these nonequivalent sectors exhibit different overall luminescence, suggesting that consistent differences in Mn and/or Fe concentrations also exist between them. Surface structural models predict differences in microtopography and in detailed atomic configuration between these growth faces, which are interpreted as the cause of differential incorporation. Structural models also constrain possible growth mechanisms, and differences are expected for {1014} and {1011}. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that growth microstructures within 1014 and 1011 sectors differ, indicating that growth mechanisms on their respective faces differed in some manner. Analysis of concentric zoning patterns demonstrates that linear growth rates on {1014} and {1011} faces changed relative to one another during crystal growth. However, CaCO3 content shows no corresponding change, which supports the importance of surface structural controls on element incorporation in dolomite. Surface-dependent and mechanistic influences on element incorporation during crystal growth demonstrate disequilibrium, which may be more important than previously realized.
Induction of models under uncertainty

This paper outlines a procedure for performing induction under uncertainty. This procedure uses a probabilitic representation and uses Bayes' theorem to decide between alternative hypotheses (theories). This procedure is illustrated by a robot with no prior world experience performing induction on data it has gathered about the world. The particular inductive problem is the formation class descriptions both for the tutored and untutored cases. The resulting class definitions are inherenty probabilistic and so do not have any sharply defined membership criterion. This robot example raises some fundamental problems about induction—particularly it is shown that inductively formed theories are not the best way of making predictions. Another difficulty is the need to provide prior probabilities for the set of possible theories. The main criterion for such priors is a proagmatic one aimed at keeping the theory structure as simple as possible, while still reflecting any structure discovered in the data.
Geometric phases and the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization of multicomponent wave fields.

Geometric phases play an important role in the asymptotic behavior of multicomponent wave fields, such as electromagnetic waves in plasmas or quantum-mechanical spinors, particularly in the problem of Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization. The proper gauge independence of the eigenvalues and asymptotic wave functions can be understood in terms of gauge-invariant but noncanonical coordinates on the classical phase space.
Lexicalization of idioms in urban fifth graders: a reaction time study.

Abstract Idioms are an important aspect of language that comprises a sizeable portion of our vocabulary. However, lexical access research has largely been limited to understanding how literal words are accessed and processed in the mental lexicon. Adult data show that idioms are quickly accessed from the lexicon and are likely processed as long words [J. Verbal Learn. Verbal Behav. 18 (1979) 523]. The purpose of this study was to examine lexicalization of idioms in a group of school-aged children. Using a phrase classification design, this research tested the Lexical Representation Hypothesis [J. Verbal Learn. Verbal Behav. 18 (1979) 523] in 19 urban fifth graders (5 boys, 14 girls; M age=10.16 years). On a computer, the students classified 54 phrases, including 24 idioms (high, moderate, and low familiarity [J. Speech Hear. Res. 36 (1993) 728]), 24 grammatical control word strings and 6 unrelated foils as either idioms or nonidioms. The idioms were identified with 62% accuracy. Unexpectedly, the boys tended to show higher rates of accuracy than the girls. Response latencies were shorter on the idioms compared to the controls and high familiarity idioms were processed faster than moderate and low familiarity idioms. These findings provide developmental data for lexicalization of idioms and the relationship between lexicalization and familiarity. Learning outcomes At the conclusion of this article, the reader will be able to: (1) discuss the various theories of idiom access and processing, (2) discuss how lexical access relates to idiom knowledge in school-aged children, and (3) consider the association between lexical access and familiarity relative to idiom comprehension in school-aged children.
Automatic repositioning of MRSI voxels in longitudinal studies: impact on reproducibility of metabolite concentration measurements.

Purpose To study an automatic repositioning method to reduce variability in longitudinal MRSI exams based on a priori image registration. Longitudinal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) exams to study the effects of disease or treatment are becoming increasingly common. However, one source of variability in such exams arises from imperfect re-localization of the MRSI grid in the follow-up exams.
On Parameterized Intractability

We study the theory and techniques developed in the research of parameterized intractability, emphasizing on parameterized hardness and completeness that imply (stronger) computational lower bounds for natural computational problems. Moreover, the fundamentals of the structural properties in parameterized complexity theory, relationships to classical complexity theory and more recent developments in the area are also introduced.
Effects of Mn2+and Oxalate on the Catalatic Activity of Manganese Peroxidase☆☆☆★

Abstract Manganese peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium is an extracellular heme-containing enzyme known to catalyze the oxidation of Mn 2+ to Mn 3+ in a reaction requiring oxalate or another appropriate manganese chelator. We have found that the enzyme can also catalyze a manganese-dependent disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide when a manganese chelator is not included. The catalatic activity was observed in the pH range from 3.0 to 8.5, and the apparent second-order rate constant for catalatic reaction was about 2 × 10 5 M −1 s −1 at pH 4.5 to 7.0 at 25°C. Oxalate inhibited oxygen production by increasing the apparent K m for Mn 2+ for catalatic activity from micromolar to millimolar levels and facilitating peroxidase activity. Catalase-type function was recovered by excess of Mn 2+ in the presence of oxalate. We propose that catalatic activity may protect the enzyme from inactivation by hydrogen peroxide in an environment where free oxalate may be limited.
Ab initio analysis of the local coordination environment of oligomers derived from polymerizing 5-Norbornene-2-carboxylic acid

Abstract Detailed ab initio analysis was performed on the local coordination environment of the polymer formed in three polymerization reactions, polymerization of (1) pure exo-Norbornene carboxylic acid, (2) pure endo-Norbornene carboxylic acid and (3) mixture of exo- and endo-Norbornene carboxylic acids. All possible combinations of dimers resulting from endo/exo attack in a diagonal/linear fashion of the monomers were considered. The calculations were extended up to tetramers with the same repeating units as the dimers. From these calculations it was observed that the formation of the most stable isomer has the following preferences (1) exo linkage between monomer units were favored over endo linkage, (2) diagonal linkages between monomer units were preferred over linear linkages and (3) isomers with more exo-Norbornene carboxylic acid repeat units were more stable than isomers with endo-Norbornene carboxylic acid.
An endogenous pain control system is altered in subjects with interstitial cystitis.

Purpose: Multiple studies have demonstrated that in healthy subjects, painful stimuli applied to one part of the body inhibit pain sensation in other parts of the body, a phenomenon referred to as conditioned pain modulation. Conditioned pain modulation is related to the presence of endogenous pain control systems. Studies have demonstrated deficits in conditioned pain modulation associated inhibition in many but not all chronic pain disorders. In this study we determine whether conditioned pain modulation is altered in subjects with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.Materials and Methods: Female subjects with and without the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome were studied psychophysically using quantitative cutaneous thermal, forearm ischemia and ice water immersion tests. Conditioned pain modulation was assessed by quantifying the effects of immersion of the hand in ice water (conditioning stimulus) on threshold and tolerance of cutaneous heat pain (test stimulus) applied...
Effect of trapped charges on cable SVL failure

Abstract Excessive sheath voltage limiters (SVL) failures were observed in at least three of the 275 kV circuits in National Grid network, which in turn led to extra cost, more frequent and longer maintenance interventions. The ATP-EMTP programme is used to model a cable circuit with high SVL failure rate. This paper presents results of the investigation. It will be shown that although the SVLs should withstand the surges for normal switching and external fault conditions, but their energy absorption rating is exceeded if the cable is energised while it has high level of trapped charges with opposite polarity to switching voltages. The operational switching log confirmed that the cables with high SVL failures are those which were used as a means of voltage control during light load conditions and that when they are switched daily for this purpose there is no discharge path for the charge drainage. Short and long term remedies are proposed to resolve the issues.
Ultrastructure of Primary Afferent Terminals and Synapses in the Rat Nucleus of the Solitary Tract: Comparison Among the Greater Superficial Petrosal, Chorda Tympani, and Glossopharyngeal Nerves

The greater superficial petrosal (GSP), chorda tympani (CT), and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves terminate in overlapping patterns in the brainstem in the rat nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). There is one region, in particular, that receives overlapping inputs from all three nerves and is especially plastic during normal and experimentally altered development. To provide the requisite data necessary ultimately to delineate the circuitry in this region, we characterized the morphology of the synaptic inputs provided by the GSP, CT, and IX nerves through transmission electron microscopy. Although all three nerves had features characteristic of excitatory nerve terminals, ultrastructural analysis revealed dimorphic morphologies differentiating IX terminals from GSP and CT terminals. IX terminals had a larger area than GSP and CT terminals, and more synapses were associated with IX terminals compared with GSP and CT terminals. Additionally, IX terminals formed synapses most often with spines, as opposed to GSP and CT terminals, which formed synapses more often with dendrites. IX terminals also exhibited morphological features often associated with synaptic plasticity more often than was seen for GSP and CT terminals. These normative data form the basis for future studies of developmentally and environmentally induced plasticity in the rodent brainstem.
Correlates of Salvia divinorum use in a national sample: findings from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Abstract Salvia, a hallucinogenic plant legally available in most of the United States, has become a widely discussed drug in the media. The extant research on Salvia use relies on non-probability samples and studies of college students. There is a clear need for research that identifies the correlates of Salvia use using data from a large sample that is nationally representative. The current study fills this important gap in the literature by using data from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This survey includes data from nearly 70,000 respondents ages 12 and older living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Due to survey design, separate analyses are conducted among adolescents and adults. Findings indicate that 1.66% of adolescents (respondents ages 12 to 17) and 5.08% of adults (respondents ages 18–34) report the use of Salvia at some point in their lifetime. Correlates of use among adolescents include age, gender, income, peer and parent attitudes toward substance use, and other forms of drug use. Correlates of use among adults include age, gender, race, religiosity, marital status, criminal involvement, and other forms of substance use. Implications of the findings and limitations of the current study are discussed.
The effect of varying stimulus and response modes and asymmetric transfer on the dual-task performance of discrete tasks

A verbal short-term memory task and a spatial short-term memory task were performed alone and concurrently. Stimuli for the verbal task were presented either visually or auditorily; responses were made either manually or vocally. The effect of the four different stimulus and response mode combinations on single- and dual-task performance was examined. The effect of asymmetric transfer on dual-task performance was also investigated. Twelve male subjects performed the verbal task using visual stimuli presented on a CRT. A second group of 12 males performed the verbal task using auditory stimuli presented by a voice-generation system. Subjects responded to the verbal task using either a keypad or a voice-recognition system. The presentation order for the response modes was counterbalanced within each group of subjects. Stimuli for the spatial task were always presented visually and subjects always responded manually. Initial analyses of the dual-task data indicated that using the voice-generation system bene...
On Growth and Progress

It is my great pleasure to announce that, beginning with this issue (February 2015) the Journal of Music Teacher Education (JMTE) will appear three times a year. Issues now will be published in February, June, and October. Page counts will remain the same per issue (105) thus expanding our annual pages from 210 to 315. Thanks to the NAfME leadership for sponsoring these important changes. And further thanks to the Society for Music Teacher Education and all the authors and researchers for their contributions to the scholarship of teaching.
Recent advances in hair cell regeneration research.

Purpose of reviewThis review discusses recent progress in research that seeks to understand the regeneration of hair cells and highlights findings that may hold importance for the eventual development of regenerative therapies for hearing and balance impairments.Recent findingsSignaling via the Notc
Clinical characteristics of transient is chemic attacks in black patients

We analyzed the clinical, CT, and angiographic findings in 50 black patients with carotid transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Thirty-two percent had TIAs lasting less than 1 hour, 26% had TIAs lasting 1 to 6 hours, and 42% had TIAs lasting 6 to 24 hours. Fifty-two percent of TIA patients had CT evidence of cerebral infarction despite complete clinical recovery. CT was abnormal in two of 16 (13%) patients with TIAs lasting less than 1 hour; however, CT was abnormal in 24 of 34 (70%) patients with TIAs lasting longer than 1 hour. Angiographic findings of extracranial carotid disease appropriate to TIA symptoms were present in 12 (24%) patients. Two patients in whom the TIA episode lasted less than 1 hour later had clinical cerebral infarction, whereas 20 patients with longer-duration TIAs developed ischemic stroke within 4 months. Of these black TIA patients, 22 (44%) developed clinical cerebral infarction.
The triple calibration sphere (CALSPHERE) experiment

Three small [26-cm diameter) spheres were launched on February 15, 1971, into near circular 800-km high orbits with an inclination of 99° from the Western Test Range. Two of the spheres have a polished aluminum finish, the third is gold plated. Each has a mass of 732g. The different surfaces are used as a test of Cook's theory [1], [2].
Expression of p107 and p130 during human adipose-derived stem cell adipogenesis

Within the first 24 h of hormonally stimulated adipocyte differentiation, murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes undergo a mitotic expansion phase prior to terminal differentiation. During this time, the cell cycle regulatory proteins, p130 and p107 undergo dramatic differential expression and the transient increase in expression of p107 appears to be required for terminal differentiation. Recently, human adipose-derived human stem cells (hASC) of mesenchymal origin have been used as a model of human adipocyte differentiation and we sought to determine if differentiating hASC undergo clonal expansion and if the regulated expression of p130/p107 was similar to that observed during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis. Results indicate that differentiating hASC, unlike 3T3-L1 cells do not undergo clonal expansion and p130 expression gradually diminishes across differentiation. However, p107 expression is transiently increased during hASC differentiation in a manner analogous to 3T3-L1 cells suggesting a similar role for p107 in terminal differentiation in human adipocytes.
Extraction of selected metallic cations by di-acidic phosphorus-based extractants, XPO(OH)2, in a ketone diluent

Abstract Isopiestic measurements in dry methyl isobutyl ketone (Hexone), with tri 2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid as monomeric standard, show both mono 2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid, (C2H5·C8H12O)PO(OH)2, H2MEHP, and 2-ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid, (C2H5·C6H12O)PO(OH)2, H2[EHP] to be essentially dimeric, the respective number of formula weights per aggregate being measured as 2·4 and 2·3. Assuming the extractants to be dimeric under extraction conditions (wet Hexone) the extraction of Am(III), Eu(III) and Tm(III), as representatives of M3+, and of Ca(II) and U(VI) i.e. UO22+, as of M2+, in the H2Y (Hexone) vs. HCl system may be presented as: H2Y is H2MEHP: Mδ3+ + 2·5(H2Y)2o ⇌ M(HY)(H2Y2)2o + 3Hδ+H2Y is H2[EHP]: Mδ3+ + 3(H2Y)2o ⇌ M(H2Y2)2o + 3Hδ+H2Y is H2MEHP or H2[EHP]: Mδ3+ + 2(H2Y)2o ⇌ M(H2Y2)2o + 2Hδ+ In H2MEHP (diluent) vs. HCl systems, comparison of extractant dependency of the K for Eu(III) is made for toluene (non hydrogen bonding), Hexone (hydrogen bond acceptor) and n-decanol (hydrogen bond donor and acceptor) as diluent. The variation of log K with Z for lanthanides(III) in 0·30 F extractant (Hexone) vs. 0·0625 F HCl shows H2[EHP] to be the more promising extracting for mutual separation of lanthanides (III).
Bipartite tetracysteine display requires site flexibility for ReAsH coordination

Flexibility required: We designed intramolecular bipartite tetracysteine sites in loops of p53 and the beta-sheets of EmGFP. We found that ReAsH binding preferentially favors tetracysteine sites with flexible geometries such as loops; flexibility was assessed by comparing Calpha B-factor values. This information is important for directing successful bipartite tetracysteine site designs.
Electrocardiographic screening for emphysema: the frontal plane P axis.

BACKGROUND Because the most characteristic and sensitive electrocardiographic (ECG) correlate of pulmonary emphysema in adults is verticalization of the frontal plane P-wave vector (P axis), we investigated its strength as a lone criterion to screen for obstructive pulmonary disease (OPD) in an adult hospital population. METHODS In all, 954 consecutive unselected ECGs were required to yield 100 with P axis > or = +70 degrees (unequivocally negative P in a VL during sinus rhythm) and pulmonary function tests. and 100 with P axis < or = +50 degrees (unequivocally positive P-aVL). RESULTS Obstructive pulmonary disease by both pulmonary function test and clinical criteria was present in 89 of 100 patients with vertical P axes and 4 of 100 patients without OPD. CONCLUSION The high sensitivity (89% for this series) and high specificity (96%) makes vertical P axis a useful screening criterion. Its at-a-glance simplicity makes it "user-friendly."
The phase structure of SU(2) × U(1)Y lattice gauge theory

Abstract Using analytic and Monte Carlo techniques, we determine the phase structure and nature of spontaneous symmetry breaking of the SU(2) × U(1)Y electroweak gauge theory with fixed-length Higgs fields on a lattice. We find that it has two completely separated phases: (a) a disordered, symmetric phase and (b) a phase in which SU(2) × U(1)Y is spontaneously broken to U(1)em, which is realized in its deconfined Coulomb phase with massless photons. Exact analytic results and approximate series expansions are given for various special cases of the theory.
Einstein observations of cool stars

Observations of cool stars with the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2) have brought about a fundamental change in our knowledge and understanding of stellar coronae. The existence of X-ray emission from stars throughout the H-R diagram, the wide range of X-ray luminosity within a given spectral and luminosity class, and the strong correlation of X-ray luminosity with stellar age and rotation are among the more significant Einstein results. These results are strong evidence for the influence of stellar dynamo action on the formation and heating of stellar coronae. A discussion of relevant consortium and guest observations is given. The Hyades cluster, in particular, serves as an example to demonstrate the usefulness of X-ray observations in the study of stellar activity and coronal evolution.
Aspergillus ficuum phytase: partial primary structure, substrate selectivity, and kinetic characterization.

Abstract Purified Aspergillus ficuum phytase's partial primary structure and amino acid and sugar composition were elucidated. Determination of kinetic parameters of the enzyme at different pH values and temperatures indicated no significant alteration of the Km for phytate while the Kcmt was affected. The enzyme was able to release more than 512 of the total available P1 from phytate in a 3.0 hr assay at 58°C, but the Kcmt dropped to 15Z of the initial rate. Substrate selectivity studies revealed phytate to be the preferred substrate. The pH optima of phytase was 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0 for phytate, ATP, and polyphosphate, respectively. The enzyme had varied sensitivity towards cations. While Ca±± and Fe±±produced no effect on the catalytic rate of the enzyme, Cu±, Cu±±, Zn±±, and Fe±±± were found to be inhibitory. Mn±± was observed to enhance enzyme activity by 33Z at 50 μM. Known inhibitors of acid phosphatases e. g. L (±)-tartrate, phosphomycin, and sodium fluoride had no effect on enzyme activity.
The surgical management of active ulcerative colitis complicated by Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile stool toxin is detected in 5–20 % of patients with acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis (UC). There is little data regarding the safety of surgery for UC with concurrent C. difficile. A retrospective review was performed of 23 patients undergoing colectomy for refractory UC complicated by C. difficile infection between January 2002 and June 2012. Patients were stratified into those who completed a full antibiotic course for C. difficile infection prior to surgery (group A, n = 7) and those who proceeded directly to surgery (group B, n = 16). The primary endpoints of perioperative mortality, ICU requirement, reoperation, readmission, and surgical site infection were assessed within 30 days after surgery. Postoperatively, no mortalities, ICU admissions, readmission, or reoperations occurred. One group A patient developed a superficial wound infection, which resolved with a course of outpatient antibiotics (14 vs. 0 %, p = 0.12). Average days until return of bowel function and average length of postoperative stay were comparable between group A and B (3.9 vs. 3.6 days, p = 0.70; 7.0 vs. 6.9 days, p = 0.87; respectively). Ninety-one percent of patients subsequently underwent ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. Colectomy for ulcerative colitis complicated by C. difficile can be performed safely without completing a course of antibiotic therapy.
Open Vehicle Sketch Pad Aircraft Modeling Strategies

Geometric modeling of aircraft during the Conceptual design phase is very different from that needed for the Preliminary or Detailed design phases. The Conceptual design phase is characterized by the rapid, multi-disciplinary analysis of many design variables by a small engineering team. The designer must walk a line between fidelity and productivity, picking tools and methods with the appropriate balance of characteristics to achieve the goals of the study, while staying within the available resources. Identifying geometric details that are important, and those that are not, is critical to making modeling and methodology choices. This is true for both the low-order analysis methods traditionally used in Conceptual design as well as the highest-order analyses available. This paper will highlight some of Conceptual design's characteristics that drive the designer s choices as well as modeling examples for several aircraft configurations using the open source version of the Vehicle Sketch Pad (Open VSP) aircraft Conceptual design geometry modeler.
Irradiation-induced amorphization: Effects of temperature, ion mass, cascade size, and dose rate

An empirical model based on cascade ``quenching'' and epitaxial recrystallization has been developed to describe the accumulation of the amorphous fraction during ion beam irradiation experiments. The model is based on the assumption that the amorphous fraction that remains after the formation of a cascade is related to a crystallization efficiency parameter A. For low values of A, as would be expected at low temperatures, for heavy-ion irradiations, or for materials that are good glass formers, the accumulation of the amorphous fraction as a function of dose is an exponential function. For high values of A, as would be expected at elevated temperatures, for light-ion irradiations, or for materials that are poor glass formers, the accumulation of the amorphous fraction as a function of dose is a sigmoidal function. Amorphization dose varies as a function of temperature and is reflected by the temperature-dependent crystallization efficiency. The effects of ion mass and energy on critical amorphization dose and temperature are discussed in terms of the cascade size. The dose-rate effect on the critical temperature of amorphization is derived considering the thermal annealing of the damaged material.
Assessing the effects of exposure timing on biomarker expression using 17β-estradiol

Temporal and spatial variability in estrogenicity has been documented for many treated wastewater effluents with the consequences of this variability on the expression of biomarkers of endocrine disruption being largely unknown. Laboratory exposure studies usually utilize constant exposure concentrations which may produce biological effects that differ from those observed in organisms exposed in natural environments. In this study, we investigated the effects of differential timing of exposures with 17β-estradiol (E2) on a range of fathead minnow biomarkers to simulate diverse environmentally relevant exposure profiles. Two 21-day, replicate experiments were performed exposing mature male fathead minnows to E2 at time-weighted mean concentrations (similar average exposure to the contaminant during the 21-day exposure period; 17 ng E2/L experiment 1; 12 ng E2/L experiment 2) comparable to E2 equivalency values (EEQ) reported for several anthropogenically altered environments. A comparable time-weighted mean concentration of E2 was applied to five treatments which varied in the daily application schema: E2 was either applied at a steady rate (ST), in a gradual decreasing concentration (HI), a gradual increasing concentration (LO), applied intermittently (IN), or at a randomly varying concentration (VA). We assessed a range of widely used physiological (vitellogenin mRNA induction and plasma concentrations), anatomical (body and organ indices, secondary sex characteristics, and histopathology), and behavioral (nest holding) biomarkers reported to change following exposure to endocrine active compounds (EACs). All treatments responded with a rise in plasma vitellogenin concentration when compared with the ethanol carrier control. Predicatively, vitellogenin mRNA induction, which tracked closely with plasma vitellogenin concentrations in most treatments was not elevated in the HI treatment, presumably due to the lack of E2 exposure immediately prior to analysis. The ability of treatment male fish to hold nest sites in direct competition with control males was sensitive to E2 exposure and did yield statistically significant differences between treatments and carrier control. Other biological endpoints assessed in this study (organosomatic indices, secondary sex characteristics) varied little between treatments and controls. This study indicates that a broad suite of endpoints is necessary to fully assess the biological consequences of fish exposure to estrogens and that for at least field studies, a combination of vitellogenin mRNA and plasma vitellogenin analysis are most promising in deciphering exposure histories of wild-caught and caged fishes.
A model reference quantitative feedback design theory with application to turbomachinery

A new decentralized robust control design framework, model reference quantitative feedback design (MRQFD), is developed for the design of the MIMO parametric uncertain control systems. An internal model reference loop is proposed to obtain the achievement of generalized diagonal dominance (GDD) and the reduction of uncertainty in the resultant compensated internal loop system. Based on nonnegative matrix theory, a useful design guide is derived to achieve the GDD condition for the internal model reference loop. Then a sensitivity-based quantitative feedback design (QFD) method is developed and used to solve the resulting series of single-loop QFD problems. The MIMO quantitative specifications are guaranteed to be satisfied by the proposed design framework for largely uncertain systems. A successful application to the design of a robust multivariable controller for the Allison PD-514 aircraft turbine engine is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology developed here.
Cone beam computed tomography in the neurointerventional room: Beyond vessels

I f p fl t i t s g u b d C a I nitial attempts to create an interventional hybrid system capable of soft tissue rendering started with the application of computed tomography (CT) reconstruction algorithms to mage-intensifier angiography systems (6–8), but performance as poor until the introduction of flat panel detectors. Flat panel ensors consist of a layer of cesium iodide crystals over silicon hotodiodes (7); when equipped on C-arm rotational traditional ngiography gantries, these flat panel sensors could offer soft issue imaging capabilities to flat detector digital subtraction ngiography (DSA) suites. These hybrid systems have been eferred to in the literature as flat detector CT (FDCT) (6), C-arm at detector CT (7), cone beam CT (16), and C-arm cone beam CT 11). The hybrid systems can provide the operator with direct ntraprocedural and postprocedural feedback, with the potential o guide or alter operational and clinical decisions.
Coupled constrained rational approximation

Abstract A model for a two-dimensional recursive digital filter results in a two-stage coupled constrained uniform rational approximation problem. A characterization of the solution of this problem is given.
Biology of Flower-Infecting Fungi

The ability to infect host flowers offers important ecological benefits to plant-parasitic fungi; not surprisingly, therefore, numerous fungal species from a wide range of taxonomic groups have adopted a life style that involves flower infection. Although flower-infecting fungi are very diverse, they can be classified readily into three major groups: opportunistic, unspecialized pathogens causing necrotic symptoms such as blossom blights (group 1), and specialist flower pathogens which infect inflorescences either through the gynoecium (group 2) or systemically through the apical meristem (group 3). This three-tier system is supported by life history attributes such as host range, mode of spore transmission, degree of host sterilization as a result of infection, and whether or not the fungus undergoes an obligate sexual cycle, produces resting spores in affected inflorescences, and is r- or K-selected. Across the three groups, the flower as an infection court poses important challenges for disease management. Ecologically and evolutionarily, terms and concepts borrowed from the study of venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases of animals do not adequately capture the range of strategies employed by fungi that infect flowers.
A cluster-merge algorithm for solving the minimum power broadcast problem in large scale wireless networks

In this paper, we address the minimum power broadcast problem in wireless networks. Assuming nodes are equipped with omni-directional antennas, the inherently broadcast nature of wireless networks can be exploited to compute power efficient routing trees. We propose a 2-stage cluster-merge algorithm for computing minimum power broadcast trees. The cluster phase is a look-ahead variant of the broadcast incremental power algorithm [Wieselthier, J.E., et al., 2000] and the merge phase is a probabilistic positive reinforcement search procedure, as used in swarm intelligence algorithms. A local tree-improvement procedure is incorporated as an optional step in the merge phase to boost the performance of the algorithm. A key advantage of such a cluster based approach is significant reduction in time complexity. Simulations show that the algorithm is able to generate high quality solutions in relatively little computational time.
Expressive power-based resource allocation for data centers

As data-center energy consumption continues to rise, efficient power management is becoming increasingly important. In this work, we examine the use of a novel market mechanism for finding the right balance between power and performance. The market enables a separation between a 'buyer side' that strives to maximize performance and a 'seller side' that strives to minimize power and other costs. A concise and scalable description language is defined for agent preferences that admits a mixedinteger program for computing optimal allocations. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness, flexibility, practicality and scalability of the architecture.
Strengths and weaknesses of KrF lasers for inertial confinement fusion applications learned from the AURORA laser

The AURORA KrF laser at Los Alamos became operational in August 1989. AURORA is the first integrated system for demonstrating the capability of a KrF laser to perform target physics experiments for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and is currently configured as a 5-kJ, 5-ns, 96-beam device. Both laser physics and ICF target physics experiments have been performed over the last year. Of the four major amplifiers in the AURORA laser system, one performed better than expected, one performed about as expected, and two performed below expectations. The causes of the variability in the amplifier performance are now well enough understood that this information can be used to improve the detailed design of the NIKE laser currently under construction at the Naval Research Laboratory. design of the NIKE laser currently under construction at the Naval Research Laboratory. High-dynamic-range pulse shapes have been propagated with minimal distortion through the AURORA amplifier chain, verifying theoretical predictions. Target physics experiments have been performed with intensities greater than 100 TW/cm2, pulse lengths ranging from 2–7 ns, and spot-size diameters from 500–1100 µm. The analysis of this first-generation kJ-class KrF laser target physics facility identified the strengths and weaknesses of KrF lasers for ICF applications. Detailed measurements of amplifier performance led to a better understanding of issues for KrF laser-fusion systems, and design studies for future KrF lasers for ICF applications incorporate improvements based in part on AURORA experience.
Circadian Time-Dependent Tumor Suppressor Function of Period Genes

The mammalian core clock genes, Periods (Per1 and Per2), have tumor suppressor properties. Decreased expression of Per1 and Per2 has been reported in several types of human cancers. On the other hand, overexpression of Per1 or Per2 inhibits cancer cell growth in culture. The authors have shown that downregulation of Per1 or Per2 enhances cancer growth in vitro. These genes also regulate the amount of cell proliferation-related molecules, many of which are therapeutic targets. In animals, tumors grow with clear circadian organization, and Per1 and Per2 exert their tumor suppressor functions in a circadian time-dependent manner. Downregulation of Per1 or Per2 increases tumor growth only at certain specific times of the day. Per1 and Per2 differentially regulate tumor growth rhythm in vivo. These data suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of antiproliferation agents depends on the time of day of drug delivery. The optimal times of day may be shifted in tumors that have mutant Period genes.
An economic reappraisal of the Melamchi water supply project - Kathmandu, Nepal

This paper examines whether the benefits of the Melamchi water supply project in Nepal are likely to exceed its costs, assuming that high-quality municipal water services can be delivered to households and firms in the urbanized part of the Kathmandu Valley. Monte Carlo simulations are used to explore the sensitivity of the net present value and economic internal rate of return calculations to a wide range of assumptions and input parameters. We find that extreme assumptions are not required to generate large differences in economic feasibility; quite plausible differences in the values of some key parameters can lead to large differences in the economic attractiveness of the project. The results reveal that the three most important influences on net present value and economic internal rate of return are: (i) the discount rate and discounting procedure; (ii) the magnitude of monthly benefits for households connected to the new water system; and (iii) the annual growth rate in monthly benefits of connected households after the project comes on line. Our contribution lies in illustrating, with an actual case study in a developing country, the degree to which cost-benefit calculations of large infrastructure projects are influenced by key economic modeling assumptions and input parameters.
The Effects of Intensive Inbreeding (Brother × Sister) on Various Traits in Japanese Quail

Abstract Five consecutive generations of full-sib matings in Japanese quail reduced the initial 17 inbred lines to six. In general, fertility, hatchability and egg production were affected to a greater extent by inbreeding than were body weights and egg weights.
Liquefaction, Ground Oscillation, and Soil Deformation at the Wildlife Array, California

Excess pore-water pressure and liquefaction at the Wildlife Liquefaction Array in 1987 were caused by deformation associated with both high-frequency strong ground motion and 5.5-second-period Love waves. The Love waves produced large (∼1.5%) cyclic shear strains well after the stronger high-frequency ground motion abated. These cyclic strains generated approximately from 13 to 35% of the excess pore-water pressure in the liquefied layer and caused excess pore-water pressures ultimately to reach effective overburden stress. The deformation associated with the Love waves explains the “postearthquake” increase of pore-water pressure that was recorded at the array. This explanation suggests that conventional methods for predicting liquefaction based on peak ground acceleration are incomplete and may need to consider cyclic strains associated with long-period surface waves. A postearthquake survey of an inclinometer casing indicated permanent shear strain associated with lateral spreading primarily occurred in the upper part of the liquefied layer. Comparison of cone penetration test soundings conducted after the earthquake with pre-earthquake soundings suggests sleeve friction increased. Natural lateral variability of the liquefied layer obscured changes in tip resistance despite a ∼1% reduction in volume. The large oscillatory motion associated with surface waves explains ground oscillation that has been reported at some liquefaction sites during earthquakes.