cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy of the surface chemistry of furfural on Pd(111)

The hydrolysis and subsequent acidic dehydration of biomass leads to the production of smaller oxygenates, including furfural, which can undergo subsequent reactions such as hydrogenation to produce value-added products. Palladium has been found to be an active catalyst for this process. As a result, the surface chemistry of furfural is investigated on a Pd(111) single-crystal surface using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy as a basis for understanding the catalytic conversion of furfural to value-added products. Following adsorption at 90 K, furfural adopts a flat-lying geometry at low coverages, but converts to a tilted species as the coverage approaches saturation. Heating to ∼175 K forms a tilted η1(O) species that appears to deprotonate on heating to above 200 K to form an intermediate with a tilted furyl ring and a carbonyl group close to parallel to the surface. Further heating to ∼250 K and above caused this species to decarbonylate to form adsorbed carbon monoxide and an infrared invisible furyl intermediate. This can then undergo a ring-opening reaction to produce further CO and form a C3H3 intermediate that can hydrogenate to produce propylene. This reaction sequence is in good agreement with previous density functional theory calculations and with the products observed in temperature-programmed desorption.
Bargaining Power and Majoritarian Allocations

It seems that decisions in many voting bodies might be described by a two-stage decision in which the first stage is a bargaining process and the second is a vote that is often a formality. This does not mean that the voting is irrelevant, but, rather, that it limits the threats that may be made and so influences bargaining power at the first stage. We will explore a two-stage game in which the first stage is a bargaining process and the game terminates if there is an agreement, while at the second stage, if there is no agreement at the first stage, a contested election is held to determine the joint strategy of the body. Bargaining power at the first stage is attributed to minimum winning coalitions in the possible second stage election. In an idealization of such a two-stage game, majority groups have equal bargaining power, and nonmajority groups have none. This paper uses a recent extension of bargaining theory that attributes bargaining power to groups as well as individuals and assumes that a minimum winning voting bloc has bargaining power one and other groups and individuals have bargaining power zero. For TU games, this yields a striking rule for the bargaining solution: the surplus generated by the coalition is either distributed as equal payouts, or distributed among the members with lesser individual rationality constraints, so that their payouts are equal, while others get their individual rationality constraints. In the tradition of cooperative game theory, we assume that the bargaining is successful and explicitly consider only the bargaining stage. In a digression, a model of a business enterprise as a TU game is developed, and the voting model is applied to contrast decisions in a worker cooperative (which makes decisions on the basis of majority rule among the employee members) with for-profit corporations and other organizational forms.
Assessing the Progression of Renal Disease

Chronic renal insufficiency, once established, tends to progress to end-stage renal failure. The underlying mechanisms have been difficult to elucidate, because the glomerulus and the interstitium have a rather limited repertoire of responses to injury, and the kidney, therefore, responds to a variety of insults in a monotonous fashion. Diverse pathogenetic mechanisms, i.e., vascular, metabolic, or immunologic disorders, may lead to sclerosis, a process in which diverse renal structures are replaced by collagen, fibroblasts and mesenchymal matrix, resulting in disruption of normal renal function (1).
Expert Testimony And Scientific Evidence

This 40-page paper was prepared as a handout at a presentation for the Maryland Judicial Institute, with the Honorable Paul Grimm as a co-presenter. Issues and questions addressed are as follows: When is Expert Testimony Appropriate? Necessary?; When is Opinion Testimony Permitted, Whether Expert or Lay?; Opinions in Out-of-Court Statements; Who Is, and Who May Testify as, an Expert?; May/Must the Expert Testify at Trial to the Factual Basis of His/Her Opinion?; Opinions on Ultimate Issues; Sufficient Basis for Expert Testimony: Generally, 5-401, 5-702, and 5-403; Scientific Evidence; Frye-Reed vs. Daubert/Kumho Tire: How Do They Work? Which is Better?
Inhibition of penetration of cultured cells by Eimeria bovis sporozoites by monoclonal immunoglobulin G antibodies against the parasite surface protein P20.

Abstract Five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were partially characterized and tested for their ability to inhibit penetration of Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells by sporozoites of Eimeria bovis. By indirect fluorescent-antibody assays, all MAbs reacted with acetone-fixed sporozoites, but only two MAbs, EbS9 (immunoglobulin G1) and EbS11 (immunoglobulin G2a), localized specifically on the plasmalemma of live sporozoites. Two of the five MAbs also reacted with acetone-fixed first-generation merozoites of E. bovis; however, none of the MAbs reacted with live merozoites. Treatment of live sporozoites with EbS9 or EbS11 resulted in 79 and 73% decreases, respectively, in sporozoite penetration of MDBK cells. No significant differences in cell penetration occurred in MDBK cells inoculated with sporozoites that had been treated with the other three MAbs. Both EbS9 and EbS11 reacted in Western blots (immunoblots) of sporozoites with the same 20,000-relative-molecular-weight protein. The antigens against which these neutralizing MAbs react might be useful in immunizing against bovine coccidiosis.
BRAF V600E does not predict aggressive features of pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Objectives/Hypothesis This study aimed to review the prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation in pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and any possible association with aggressive tumor behavior. Study Design A retrospective chart review and post hoc BRAF V600E mutational analysis of archived tumor tissue. Methods Patients 0 to 18 years old who underwent surgery for PTC from 1999 to 2012 were selected for a retrospective chart review to assess for aggressive disease characteristics. Microdissection was performed on archived tumor tissue, which was analyzed for the BRAF V600E mutation by pyrosequencing. Results Archived tumor specimens were available for 19/27 pediatric patients who fit the inclusion criteria. Ages ranged from 2.8 to 18 years (median, 13.7 years). Thirteen patients (68.4%) had central neck metastases, eight (42.1%) had lateral neck metastases, and five (26.3%) had pulmonary metastases. The BRAF V600E mutation was present in seven patients (36.8%). There were 11 patients with classic PTC, seven with a follicular variant of PTC, and one with an oncocytic variant. Seven (63.6%) with classical PTC were BRAF V600E positive. All histologic variants were wild type. PTC histology significantly correlated with the BRAF mutation (P = .013). The BRAF mutation was associated with a lower metastases, age at diagnosis, completeness of resection, invasion, and size of the tumor score, which trended toward significance (P = .087). Presence of lymphatic or pulmonary metastases, tumor size, overall age, lymphovascular invasion, or extrathyroidal extension were not associated with BRAF V600E. Our results are combined with existing studies for a combined incidence of 28.4%. Conclusions BRAF V600E mutations may be more prevalent than previously thought in pediatric patients with PTC, but do not correlate with aggressive disease characteristics. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 124:E389–E393, 2014
The osteoblast: An insulin target cell controlling glucose homeostasis

The past five years have witnessed the emergence and discovery of unexpected functions played by the skeleton in whole-organism physiology. Among these newly described tasks is the role of bone in the control of energy metabolism, which is achieved through the secretion of osteocalcin, an osteoblasts-derived hormone regulating insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure. These initial findings raised several fundamental questions on the nature of insulin action in bone. Discoveries made independently by our two groups have provided answers recently to some of these questions. Through the analysis of mice lacking insulin receptor (InsR) only in osteoblasts, we found that insulin signaling in these cells favors whole-body glucose homeostasis. Importantly, this function of insulin signaling in osteoblasts was achieved through the negative regulation of osteocalcin carboxylation and bioavailability. Our studies also established that insulin signaling in osteoblasts was a positive regulator not only of postnatal bone acquisition but also of bone resorption. Interestingly, it appears that insulin signaling in osteoblasts induced osteocalcin activation by stimulating osteoclast activity. Indeed, the low pH generated during bone resorption is a sufficient means to decarboxylate osteocalcin. Our findings establish that the osteoblast is an important target used by insulin to control whole-body glucose homeostasis and identify bone resorption as the mechanism regulating osteocalcin activation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
SOFAR Float Observations of an Intermediate-Depth Eastern Boundary Current and Mesoscale Variability in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic Ocean*

Two neutrally buoyant SOFAR floats vigorously looped and meandered at depths of 950‐1150 m in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. The float trajectories illustrate a poleward flow along the tropical eastern boundary and significant intermediate-depth mesoscale variability in the low-latitude eastern basin. One float, caught within an energetic cyclonic eddy near the eastern boundary, looped cyclonically 14 times while translating 600 km northward parallel to the African coastline. A second float, launched near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, meandered eastward with a Lagrangian zonal wavelength of 400 km and meridional amplitude exceeding 200 km. Satellite infrared imagery indicates that horizontal shear associated with the system of near-surface zonal equatorial currents may contribute to the observed intermediate-depth variability.
Sympathetic response during 21 days at high altitude (4,300 m) as determined by urinary and arterial catecholamines

The sympathoadrenal system plays a major role in adjustments to both short- and long-term high-altitude exposure. Thus, this study investigated catecholamine responses in blood, urine, and muscle during 3 weeks' exposure to 4,300 m in control and beta-blocked subjects. Eleven healthy, sea level (SL)-resident men (aged 26 +/- 1 years) were studied under resting conditions at SL and on arrival and during 21 days at 4,300 m (Pikes Peak). Six subjects received 240 mg/d propranolol, and five were administered a placebo. Compared with SL values (38.7 +/- 4.3 v 32.4 +/- 2.8 micrograms/d for control and beta-blocked, respectively), urinary norepinephrine (NE) excretion increased significantly during altitude exposure, reaching peak values on days 6 to 7 (105.5 +/- 16.1 v 88.4 +/- 12.3 micrograms/d, respectively). Furthermore, resting arterial NE levels (increases 87%), as well as net NE release (decreases 219%) across the leg, both increased during acclimatization, indicating elevated sympathetic activity. Systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressures increased with time at altitude and correlated with NE measurements. Resting heart rates increased initially and then declined steadily after day 4 at altitude in both groups of subjects. Urinary epinephrine (EPI) excretion increased with initial exposure as compared with SL values (5.1 +/- 0.8 to 6.6 +/- 0.7 micrograms/d for control, 4.5 +/- 0.5 to 5.2 +/- 1.3 micrograms/d for beta-blocked); however, no consistent pattern was observed for the following 20 days at altitude. Arterial EPI increased upon acute exposure, but declined after 21 days' acclimatization. No changes in dopamine excretion were observed with beta-blockade or altitude exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Initiation and re-initiation of DNA unwinding by the Escherichia coli Rep helicase

Helicases are motor proteins that couple conformational changes induced by ATP binding and hydrolysis with unwinding of duplex nucleic acid, and are involved in several human diseases. Some function as hexameric rings, but the functional form of non-hexameric helicases has been debated. Here we use a combination of a surface immobilization scheme and single-molecule fluorescence assays--which do not interfere with biological activity--to probe DNA unwinding by the Escherichia coli Rep helicase. Our studies indicate that a Rep monomer uses ATP hydrolysis to move toward the junction between single-stranded and double-stranded DNA but then displays conformational fluctuations that do not lead to DNA unwinding. DNA unwinding initiates only if a functional helicase is formed via additional protein binding. Partial dissociation of the functional complex during unwinding results in interruptions ('stalls') that lead either to duplex rewinding upon complete dissociation of the complex, or to re-initiation of unwinding upon re-formation of the functional helicase. These results suggest that the low unwinding processivity observed in vitro for Rep is due to the relative instability of the functional complex. We expect that these techniques will be useful for dynamic studies of other helicases and protein-DNA interactions.
A neural circuitry that emphasizes spinal feedback generates diverse behaviours of human locomotion.

Neural networks along the spinal cord contribute substantially to generating locomotion behaviours in humans and other legged animals. However, the neural circuitry involved in this spinal control remains unclear. We here propose a specific circuitry that emphasizes feedback integration over central pattern generation. The circuitry is based on neurophysiologically plausible muscle-reflex pathways that are organized in 10 spinal modules realizing limb functions essential to legged systems in stance and swing. These modules are combined with a supraspinal control layer that adjusts the desired foot placements and selects the leg that is to transition into swing control during double support. Using physics-based simulation, we test the proposed circuitry in a neuromuscular human model that includes neural transmission delays, musculotendon dynamics and compliant foot–ground contacts. We find that the control network is sufficient to compose steady and transitional 3-D locomotion behaviours including walking and running, acceleration and deceleration, slope and stair negotiation, turning, and deliberate obstacle avoidance. The results suggest feedback integration to be functionally more important than central pattern generation in human locomotion across behaviours. In addition, the proposed control architecture may serve as a guide in the search for the neurophysiological origin and circuitry of spinal control in humans.
Grafting of polystyrene onto the cross-links in a siloxane elastomer

Abstract Hydroxyl-terminated chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane) were end-linked with a trimethoxysilane RSi(OCH 3 ) 3 where part of the R group was unsaturated. Styrene monomer was absorbed into portions of the resulting network and then radically polymerized to polystyrene (PS). Approximately half of the PS was unextractable, suggesting that at least some of this part was permanently grafted onto the cross-links. Stress-strain measurements in elongation were performed on an unmodified sample, and unextracted and extracted samples after modification with the PS. Large increases in ultimate strength and rupture energy were observed for the modified networks, with both the grafted and extractable PS contributing to these increases.
Constant fields and constant gradients in open ionic channels

Ions enter cells through pores in proteins that are holes in dielectrics. The energy of interaction between ion and charge induced on the dielectric is many kT, and so the dielectric properties of channel and pore are important. We describe ionic movement by (three-dimensional) Nemst-Planck equations (including flux and net charge). Potential is described by Poisson's equation in the pore and Laplace's equation in the channel wall, allowing induced but not permanent charge. Asymptotic expansions are constructed exploiting the long narrow shape of the pore and the relatively high dielectric constant of the pore's contents. The resulting one-dimensional equations can be integrated numerically; they can be analyzed when channels are short or long (compared with the Debye length). Traditional constant field equations are derived if the induced charge is small, e.g., if the channel is short or if the total concentration gradient is zero. A constant gradient of concentration is derived if the channel is long. Plots directly comparable to experiments are given of current vs voltage, reversal potential vs. concentration, and slope conductance vs. concentration. This dielectric theory can easily be tested: its parameters can be determined by traditional constant field measurements. The dielectric theory then predicts current-voltage relations quite different from constant field, usually more linear, when gradients of total concentration are imposed. Numerical analysis shows that the interaction of ion and channel can be described by a mean potential if, but only if, the induced charge is negligible, that is to say, the electric field is spatially constant.
Natural and recombinant interleukin 1 receptor antagonist does not inhibit human T-cell proliferation induced by mitogens, soluble antigens or allogeneic determinants.

Abstract Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) has been found in glycosylated form in the urine of febrile patients or of children with rheumatoid arthritis, and in the supernatant of monocytes cultured in the presence of immune complexes. It blocks competitively the binding of IL-1α and β to their receptors. Produced amongst others by mononuclear cell lines and matured monocytes and alveolar macrophages, it prevents prostaglandin E2 and collagenase production by fibroblasts and synovial cells. In mice, IL-1ra improves survival after lethal endotoxemia. In this study, both natural and recombinant human IL-1ra (rhIL-1ra) were tested in an allogenic T-cell reaction, and in mitogen- or antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Neither the natural nor the rhIL-1ra blocked T-cell proliferation, but rhIL-1ra abolished the effect of exogenous IL-1β. This was not due to a loss of bioactivity of IL-1ra in culture, as the IL-1ra of the supernatant still completely inhibited 125 I-IL-1α binding to EL 4–61 cells and markedly reduced PGE 2 production during antigen presentation. We conclude that IL-1ra alone, even at high concentrations, is not sufficient to block human T-cell proliferation in vitro.
The future of enterprise computing

Summary form only given. With emerging computing trends of social, mobile, cloud and big data, and also with the new trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in companies, enterprise computing is recently going through transformational changes. This talk will start by looking at the recent computing trends, one by one, and their implication on the enterprise computing, individually and collectively. While the trends started mostly for consumer computing, they ultimately have a significant impact on enterprise computing. It is expected that they will transform how information and communication technologies are used in enterprises, and so that they will fundamentally and permanently change the nature of the business of enterprise computing. We will look at a number of recent example products and services for enterprising computing built on the emerging computing trends and catering their needs, in an effort to take a peek at where enterprise computing is going in the future. Based on this observation, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in the future of enterprise computing.
Flexible antipredator behavior in a dragonfly species that coexists with different predator types

Two of the main predators of dragonfly larvae, insectivorous fish in communities with fish and large dragonfly species in communities without fish, differ markedly in their mode of predation. In general, dragonfly species coexist successfully with one predator or the other, but larvae of the dragonfly Pachydiplax longipennis can coexist successfully with both. I examined the behavioral response of these larvae to a simulated predator attack to determine whether their response (1) differs between the two communities, and (2) is sensitive to waterborne cues about the type of predator present. I compared larvae from two different communities: fish ponds where insectivorous fish were the top predators, and fish-free ponds where large dragonflies were the top predators. Larvae from fish-free ponds actively moved away from an attack significantly more than did larvae from fish ponds, provided each was attacked in its native pond water. Larvae collected from a fish-free pond but then attacked in fish water moved less than did controls (larvae attacked in fish-free water). Likewise, larvae collected from a fish pond but attacked in fish-free water moved more than did controls (larvae attacked in fish water). Larvae attacked first in water from their native pond and then in water from the contrasting pond changed their response in the expected direction. These results indicate that escape behavior in P. longipennis differs between communities with different predator types and is sensitive to waterborne cues in a manner consistent with the mode of predation employed by each predator.
Solvent effects on supercoiled DNA dynamics explored by Langevin dynamics simulations.

The dynamical effects of solvent on supercoiled DNA are explored through a simple, macroscopic energy model for DNA in the Langevin dynamics framework. Closed circular DNA is modeled by B splines, and both eleastic and electrostatic (screened Coulomb) potentials are included in the energy function. The Langevin formalism describes approximately the influence of the solvent on the motion of the solute. The collision frequency \ensuremath{\gamma} determines the magnitude of the friction and the variance of the random forces due to molecular collisions. Thus, as a first approximation, the Langevin equation of motion can be parametrized to capture the approximate dynamics of DNA in a viscous medium. Solvent damping is well known to alter the dynamical behavior of DNA and affect various hydrodynamic properties. This work examines these effects systematically by varying the collision frequency (viscosity) with the goal of better understanding the dynamical behavior of supercoiled DNA. By varying \ensuremath{\gamma} over ten orders of magnitude, we identify three distinct physical regimes of DNA behavior: (i) low \ensuremath{\gamma}, dominated by globally harmonic motion; (ii) intermediate \ensuremath{\gamma}, characterized by maximal sampling and high mobility of the DNA; and (iii) high \ensuremath{\gamma}, dominated by random forces, where all of the global modes are effectively frozen by extreme overdamping. These regimes are explored extensively by Langevin dynamics simulations, offering insight into hydrodynamic effects on supercoiled DNA. At low \ensuremath{\gamma}, the DNA exhibits small, harmonic fluctuations.
Effects of Parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds May Persist Into Post-fledging

Abstract Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) typically decreases the number of host juveniles that fledge: however, little information exists regarding the effect of cowbird parasitism during the post-fledging period. We monitored 115 Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) nests in 2006–2008 in northcentral Minnesota, six of which were parasitized. We used radiotelemetry to monitor movements of 36 Ovenbird fledglings (nine additional fledglings depredated 50 m from its nest and 25 days to travel >...
Aperture efficiency analysis of reflectarray antennas

In the design procedure of a reflectarray antenna system, the aperture efficiency needs to be first analyzed to forecast the system performance. This article investigates the effects of the reflectarray configuration parameters on the antenna aperture efficiency. A general approach is introduced to calculate the spillover efficiency of a reflectarray with arbitrarily shaped aperture and feed scheme. Meanwhile, the illumination efficiency of the reflectarray is analyzed with a unified set of equations. On the basis of these derivations, parametric studies are performed to provide design guidelines for optimizing the aperture efficiency of reflectarray antennas. V C 2009
Integrals of products of multinormal mixtures

Recurrence formulas are presented for evaluating multiple integrals of products of mixtures of multinormal densities. An application to the calculation of the likelihood of simple pedigree data under the mixed model of genetic inheritance is discussed.
Array Signal Processing with Robust Rejection Constraints via Second-Order Cone Programming

We consider the array signal processing problem of choosing the weight vector to minimize noise power, subject to a unit array gain for the desired wave, and subject to rejection constraints on interferences. We model the variations in the array response with ellipsoidal uncertainty, and take the worst-case robust optimization approach, i.e., we require the constraints to hold for all possible data in the uncertainty ellipsoid. We show that this robust array signal processing problem can be formulated as a second-order cone program, which interior-point algorithms can solve efficiently. The robust solution is demonstrated with an example.
Influence of fiber orientation distribution on performance of aerosol filtration media

Abstract This work is conducted to better our understanding of the influence of fibers’ in-plane and through-plane orientations on pressure drop and collection efficiency of fibrous media. The Stokes flow equations are numerically solved in virtual, 3-D, fibrous geometries with varying in-plane and/or through-plane orientations. Pressure drop and aerosol collection efficiency characteristics of such media are calculated and compared with available studies from the literature. Our results indicate that pressure drop and submicron particle capture efficiency of common fibrous filters with a fiber diameter of about 10 μm are independent of the in-plane orientation of the fibers, but decrease with increasing the fibers’ through-plane orientation. More interestingly, it was found that filters with higher through-plane fiber orientations have a higher figure of merit if challenged with nanoparticles. The figure of merit of these media, however, decreases as the particle size increases, reversing the effect of fibers’ through-plane orientation. It was also shown that when the diameter of the particles is comparable to that of the fibers, collection efficiency increases with decreasing the fibers’ in-plane orientation, while the pressure drop remains almost unchanged. This indicates that decreasing the fibers’ in-plane orientation increased the figure of merit of media made of nanofibers.
Radiative Lifetimes and Oscillator Strengths for Allowed Transitions in Li-like and Be-like Si

The lifefimes of the (2p)2P3/2 level in Si XII and the (2p2)3P2,1,0, (2s2p)1P1 and the (2p2)1D2 levels in Si XI have been determined using the beam-foil method. It is proposed that existing discrepancies between experimental and theoretical f values for the (2s2)1S0-(2s2p)1P1 transition in some ions of the Be sequence may be the result of the inability of the experimentalist to account for strong cascading from the (2p2)1S0 level.
Remote aerosol species-identification using IR scattering spectroscopy

Identification of atmospheric aerosol species and their chemical composition may help to trace their source and better estimate their impact on climate and environment. Optical scattering of aerosols depends primarily on aerosol chemical composition, size distribution, particle shape and the wavelength used. Extraction of features due to the aerosol complex refractive index from scattering spectroscopy at a single angle of observation allows composition identification via the spectral fingerprint, as shown computationally with Mie calculations of the optical scattering. Size-dependent scattering effects are eliminated by using near-forward scattering, such as in the scattering aureole. The only features of the aerosol aureole scattering spectra that very rapidly with wavelength are associated with the composition, so the aureole can give a reliable identification of aerosol composition.
Quantitative separation of estrogens, androgens and progestogens using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography

Dual UV wavelength scanning at 206 and 254 nm was used to develop a sensitive, separation and quantitation procedure for estrone, estradiol-17 beta, testosterone, 4-androstene-3,17,-dione, progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. The difference in UV absorption of the estrogens from the androgens and progestogens allows for correction of the co-elution of testosterone with estradiol-17 beta and 4-androsten-3,17,-dione with estrone. Incorporation of an isocratic step-gradient provides improved separation while maintaining shortened elution times for the less polar steroids.
Unrefined, Dried Apple Pomace as a Potential Food Ingredient

Unrefined pomace of three apple cultivars was dried, powdered, analyzed and evaluated in pie filling and oatmeal cookies. Pomace had 2.2 - 3.3% seed, 0.4 - 0.9% stem, 70.0 - 75.7% apple flesh and 20.1 - 26.4% rice hull as filtering aid (DWB). Average dietary fiber was 36.8% and remaining carbohydrates were 54.4%, totalling 91.2%. Remaining components were protein, fat and ash. Average pH was 4.3; water activity, 0.13; and WHC, 3.7 mL/g. Hunter color was L = 51.8, a = 5.4, and b = 18.2. Two levels of pomace in pie filling or three levels in oatmeal cookies did not affect color, cookie size or sensory scores. Both food products were rated as liked moderately.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Polycystin Family Member, Polycystin-L2, in Mouse and Human: Sequence, Expression, Alternative Splicing, and Chromosomal Localization ☆

Polycystins-1, -2, -L, and -REJ are the four known members of the polycystin family of proteins. In this study, we describe a fifth member of the family, polycystin-L2, encoded by PKD2L2 in human and Pkd2l2 in mouse. Full-length cDNA sequences for both mouse and human polycystin-L2 were obtained from testis cDNA. Sequence analysis predicts that the mouse and human polycystin-L2 proteins consist of 621 and 624 amino acid residues, respectively. Polycystin-L2 has significant homology with polycystins-L and -2, with similarities of 58 and 59%, respectively. Both human and murine polycystin-L2 proteins are predicted to have seven putative transmembrane (TM) domains, and, by comparison with transient receptor potential channels, the six carboxyl-terminal TM domains are likely to constitute an ion channel subunit. Northern blot analysis indicated that mouse Pkd2l2 has an abundant approximately 2.5-kb transcript in testis and an approximately 2.2-kb transcript in heart. RT-PCR analysis showed that the full-length transcript is expressed in human brain, kidney, testis, and HepG2 cells, and there are three alternatively spliced variants that were differentially expressed. PKD2L2 consists of 17 exons spanning approximately 50 kb of genomic DNA. PKD2L2 was mapped to human chromosome 5q31 and Pkd2l2 to mouse chromosome 18 in band C.
Using Molecular-Beam Mass Spectrometry to Study the Pecvd of Diamondlike Carbon Films

Molecular-beam mass spectrometry has been used to study plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of diamondlike carbon films. A threshold-ionization technique was used to identify and quantify species in the plasma. Mole fractions of H, H2, CH4, C2H2, C2H6 and Ar were measured in an 83.3% CH4/Ar mixture at a pressure of 0.1 torr and a total flow of 30 sccm. Comparisons were made between mole fractions measured at plasma powers of 25W and 50W. These results were compared to measured concentration profiles and to film growth rates.
A stochastic model for biological tissue elasticity in simple elongation.

Abstract A mathematical model is described which predicts the effective tangent moduli of biological tissues at each deformed state, which accounts for the contributions of two major load-bearing components — collagen and elastin. The problem is studied from a stochastic point of view based upon the theory of composite materials. It is shown that a simple stochastic model is possible and it can be expressed simply in terms of the volume fractions of collagen and elastin fibers and of the ‘collagen arrival density’. The model is then used in the discussion of stress-strain relationships of the alveolar wall in simple elongation.
ELASTIC WAVE MOTIONS IN AN AXIALLY STRAINED, INFINITELY LONG ROTATING TIMOSHENKO SHAFT

In this paper, transverse waves propagating in an infinitely long, rotating Timoshenko shaft subjected to axial forces are studied. The model includes the contributions of axial deformation to the transverse vibration of the rotating shaft. Four different types of wave motions, two cut-off frequencies and frequency spectra are defined and discussed. The effects of rotation speed, axial force and axial deformation on the frequency spectra, phase velocity and group velocity are examined. It is found that the wave motions are generally independent of the rotation speed and the axial load significantly affects the wave motions at small real wavenumbers.
Selection of bioavailability markers for herbal extracts based on in silico descriptors and their correlation to in vitro permeability.

Bioavailability data for herbal supplements in humans is not readily available or is difficult to obtain, because of the complexity of the composition and the diversity of the constituents. Potency of an herbal extract is due to the synergistic interactions between several constituents. Thus, the use of in silico methods is an attractive alternative to predict the qualitative intestinal permeability of the active constituents for the selection of appropriate bioavailability markers. Molecular descriptors such as CLogP, minimal cross-sectional area and polar surface area of 37 active components from selected herbal extracts such as milk thistle, kava, ginkgo, ginseng, valerian, black cohosh and garlic were estimated. In vitro permeability of the compounds was determined by SimBioDAS an in vitro epithelial cell permeability assay. Based on the in silico descriptors and their relationship with the in vitro permeability, the qualitative intestinal permeability of the active compounds was predicted. Bioavailab...
Tourism in the PRC -- five years after China opens its gates.

Abstract The ‘tourism industry’ in China, since its recognition as such in 1978, has grown rapidly. This has entailed both ideological and planning problems. The authors, both with extensive first hand experience of the industry in China, illustrate the pragmatism of the Chinese approach in providing solutions and planning the way ahead.
Response of alpine tundra to a changing climate: a hierarchical simulation model.

Abstract The present paper describes an alpine tundra simulation model that has been developed within a hierarchical framework based primarily on data from Niwot Ridge and adjacent areas of the Colorado Front Range. Our objective is to simulate the response of alpine tundra to climatic change. The model consists of three hierarchically nested submodels. The level i submodel represents the alpine zone of the Front Range of Colorado (16.6 km 2 ) and operates on a time scale of centuries. The Level ii submodel represents Niwot Ridge alpine (6.8 km 2 ) and operates on a time scale of decades. The Level iii submodel, which is itself divided into six submodels, represents each of the six major soil-plant communities that occur on Niwot Ridge (several hectares each) and operates on a time scale of years. Simulations were run representing tundra system dynamics under (a) constant environmental temperatures and (b) a cooling trend of 0.07°C per year. Simulation results show shifts in the elevation of treeline (Level i ), shifts in the proportion of tundra occupied by each of six different soil-plant communities (Level ii ), and changes in rates of primary production and decomposition in each community type (Level iii ).
Convective Momentum Transport Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation Based on a Reanalysis Dataset

AbstractA better understanding of multiscale interactions within the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), including momentum exchanges, is critical for improved MJO prediction skill. In this study, convective momentum transport (CMT) associated with the MJO is analyzed based on the NOAA Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). A three-layer vertical structure associated with the MJO, as previously suggested in the mesoscale momentum tendency profile based on global cloud-resolving model simulations, is evident in the subgrid-scale momentum tendency from the CFSR. Positive (negative) subgrid-scale momentum tendency anomalies are found near the surface, negative (positive) anomalies are found in the low to midtroposphere, and positive (negative) anomalies in the upper troposphere are found within and to the west (east) of the MJO convection. This tends to damp the MJO circulation in the free atmosphere, while enhancing MJO winds near the surface. In addition, it could also reduce the MJO eastward propagation ...
Low-energy limit for tunnelling subject to an Eckart potential barrier

For two-body s-wave collisions subject to tunnelling though an Eckart potential barrier, cross-sections and rate coefficients in the low-energy regime can be evaluated in analytic form. These provi...
Effects of Fe-enrichment on the equation of state and stability of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite

Fe-rich natural orthopyroxenes with compositions of (Mg0.61Fe0.38Ca0.01)SiO3 (Fe#38) and (Mg0.25Fe0.74Ca0.01)SiO3 (Fe#74) were studied at pressures up to 155 GPa and temperatures up to 3000 K. Single-phase orthorhombic GdFeO3-type perovskite was synthesized by heating to similar to 2000 K at 63 GPa for the Fe#38 composition and at 72 GPa for the Fe#74 composition. At lower pressures, heating both compositions resulted in a mixture of perovskite, SiO2 and (Mg,Fe)O. These measurements provide new constraints on the dependence of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite stability on pressure and composition. Upon further compression and heating at 89 and 99 GPa, Fe#38 and Fe#74 perovskites transformed to two-phase mixtures of perovskite and post-perovskite, consistent with previous findings that increasing Fe content lowers the transition pressure. The volume of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskites increases linearly with Fe-content. Volume data were fit to the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. The bulk modulus at 80 GPa is 550-560 GPa for both Fe-rich perovskites, comparable to or slightly higher than the values measured for MgSiO3 perovskite at this pressure, indicating that the bulk modulus of perovskite is not strongly sensitive to Fe content. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Actuator Array Manipulation Using Low Resolution Local Sensing

An actuator array is a planar distributed manipulation system that uses multiple two degree-of-freedom actuators to manipulate objects with three degrees of freedom (x, y and θ). This paper presents an accurate method of estimating position and orientation of an object using local sensing and communication. In this method, each of the distributed modules contains a number of binary sensors, weight sensors, and two planar actuators. The binary sensors combined together give a binary image and analog sensors in each module combined together form a grayscale image representation of the weight distribution of the object under manipulation. Additive normalization has been used to combine binary and grayscale distributed sensing images together to come up with increased precision estimates of the position and orientation of an object. A distributed sensing simulation has been developed in Simulink and the effectiveness of this method has been verified for rectangular and circular objects using the Simulink model.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Land Management Restrictions and Options for Change in Perpetual Conservation Easements

Conservation organizations rely on conservation easements for diverse purposes, including protection of species and natural communities, working forests, and open space. This research investigated how perpetual conservation easements incorporated property rights, responsibilities, and options for change over time in land management. We compared 34 conservation easements held by one federal, three state, and four nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin. They incorporated six mechanisms for ongoing land management decision-making: management plans (74 %), modifications to permitted landowner uses with discretionary consent (65 %), amendment clauses (53 %), easement holder rights to conduct land management (50 %), reference to laws or policies as compliance terms (47 %), and conditional use permits (12 %). Easements with purposes to protect species and natural communities had more ecological monitoring rights, organizational control over land management, and mechanisms for change than easements with general open space purposes. Forestry purposes were associated with mechanisms for change but not necessarily with ecological monitoring rights or organizational control over land management. The Natural Resources Conservation Service-Wetland Reserve Program had a particularly consistent approach with high control over land use and some discretion to modify uses through permits. Conservation staff perceived a need to respond to changing social and ecological conditions but were divided on whether climate change was likely to negatively impact their conservation easements. Many conservation easements involved significant constraints on easement holders’ options for altering land management to achieve conservation purposes over time. This study suggests the need for greater attention to easement drafting, monitoring, and ongoing decision processes to ensure the public benefits of land conservation in changing landscapes.
Whistle discrimination and categorization by the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A review of the signature whistle framework and a perceptual test

Dolphin whistles vary by frequency contour, changes in frequency over time. Individual dolphins may broadcast their identities via uniquely contoured whistles, "signature whistles." A recent debate concerning categorization of these whistles has highlighted the on-going need for perceptual studies of whistles by dolphins. This article reviews research on dolphin whistles as well as presenting a study in which a captive, female, adult bottlenose dolphin performed a conditional matching task in which whistles produced by six wild dolphins in Sarasota Bay were each paired with surrogate producers, specific objects/places. The dolphin subject also categorized unfamiliar exemplars produced by the whistlers represented by the original stimuli. The dolphin successfully discriminated among the group of whistles, associated them with surrogate producers, grouped new exemplars of the same dolphin's whistle together when the contour was intact, and discriminated among same-contour whistles produced by the same dolphin. Whistle sequences that included partial contours were not categorized with the original whistlers. Categorization appeared to be based on contour rather than specific acoustic parameters or voice cues. These findings are consistent with the perceptual tenets associated with the signature whistle framework which suggests that dolphins use individualized whistle contours for identification of known conspecifics.
The expression of alpha‐haemolysin is required for Staphylococcus aureus phagosomal escape after internalization in CFT‐1 cells

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and treatment with antibiotics usually results in recurrent and relapsing infections. We have shown that S. aureus can invade and replicate within a cystic fibrosis epithelial cell line (CFT-1), and that these internalized bacteria subsequently escape from the endocytic vesicle. The accessory gene regulator, agr, in S. aureus has been shown to control the expression of a large number of secreted toxins involved in virulence. Here we show that an agr mutant of S. aureus strain RN6390 was unable to escape from the endocytic vesicle after invasion of the CFT-1 cells using markers of vesicular trafficking (LAMP-1 and 2, LysoTracker and Vacuolar-ATPase). Trafficking analysis of live S. aureus which did not express alpha-haemolysin, a specific agr regulated toxin, revealed a defect in vesicular escape that was undistinguishable from the trafficking defect exhibited by the agr mutant. Furthermore, overexpression of alpha-haemolysin under an inducible promoter in an agr mutant of S. aureus partially restored the phagosome-escaping phenotype of an agr mutant. These results demonstrate that the expression of agr is required for vesicular escape, and that biologically active alpha-haemolysin is required for S. aureus escape from the endocytic vesicle into the cytosol of CFT-1 cells.
Induction of fetal/embryonic globin gene expression depends on intact cell signaling in definitive erythroid cells.

Abstract Objective The induction of fetal hemoglobin during definitive erythropoiesis is a major therapeutic goal in β-globin gene disorders. Butyrate induces fetal hemoglobin, and p38 phosphorylation has been implicated in this process. We studied p38 and the effect of its inhibitors in a physiologic primary cell model of fetal/embryonic globin gene induction during definitive erythropoiesis. Methods p38 phosphorylation was evaluated in a short-term culture of definitive erythroid precursor (EryD) cells following butyrate induction, absent prolonged exposure to cytokines. The impact of p38 inhibitors on embryonic/fetal globin gene induction by butyrate and on normal erythroid processes, including proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle occupancy, and RNA transcription, was also examined. Results p38 phosphorylation, maximal at harvest of murine fetal liver-derived EryD (FL EryD), when minimal embryonic/fetal globin gene expression is seen, is suppressed by EPO (as reported by others). Butyrate initially delays EPO-mediated suppression of p38 phosphorylation, but p38 phosphorylation thereafter, at 30 minutes to 48 hours, is equivalent and at low levels in EPO-treated FL EryD, with or without butyrate. Inhibitors of p38, at 10–50 μM, prevent butyrate-mediated induction of embryonic/fetal globin gene expression. We found that p38 inhibitors, which also disrupt non-p38 signaling pathways, perturb cell division, erythroid differentiation, transit through the cell cycle, and RNA transcription in primary EryD. Conclusion p38 inhibitors interrupt normal erythropoiesis and the capacity for embryonic/fetal globin gene induction. However, p38 signaling is maximal in primary EryD at harvest, when embryonic globin genes are minimally expressed, and diminishes thereafter. We conclude that p38 inhibitors disrupt cellular pathways that are essential to butyrate-induced embryonic/fetal globin gene expression. However, levels of p38 phosphorylation are not coordinate with embryonic/fetal globin gene expression in EryD, and increased signaling through p38 may not be the sine qua non for embryonic/fetal globin gene induction.