cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term cultivation of a stable Methylocystis-dominated methanotrophic enrichment enabling tailored production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)

Methane (CH4) is a readily available feedstock for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The structure and PHA production capacity of a Methylocystis-dominated methanotrophic enrichment was stable in long-term operation (>175 days) when grown exponentially under non-aseptic conditions in fill-and-draw batch cultures with ammonium as nitrogen source. Cells harvested in the draw step were incubated in the absence of nitrogen with various combinations of CH4 and valerate to assess capacity for synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). When fed CH4 alone, only P3HB was produced. When fed CH4 plus valerate, PHBV was synthesized. The mol% of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) increased with added valerate. Oxidation of CH4 was required for valerate assimilation, and the fraction of CH4 oxidized increased with increased mol% 3 HV. By separating PHA accumulation from cell replication, tailored PHA-rich biomass can be generated by addition of co-substrate, while retaining a large inoculum for the next cycle of cell division.
Reciprocal Regulation of Hck Activity by Phosphorylation of Tyr527 and Tyr416 EFFECT OF INTRODUCING A HIGH AFFINITY INTRAMOLECULAR SH2 LIGAND

The Src family tyrosine kinase Hck possesses two phosphorylation sites, Tyr527 and Tyr416, that affect the catalytic activity in opposite ways. When phosphorylated, Tyr527 and residues C-terminal to it are involved in an inhibitory intramolecular interaction with the SH2 domain. However, this sequence does not conform to the sequence of the high affinity SH2 ligand, pYEEI. We mutated this sequence to YEEI and show that this mutant form of Hck cannot be activated by exogenous SH2 ligands. The SH3 domain of Hck is also involved in an inhibitory interaction with the catalytic domain. The SH3 ligand Nef binds to and activates YEEI-Hck mutant in a similar manner to wild-type Hck, indicating that disrupting the SH3 interaction overrides the strengthened SH2 interaction. The other phosphorylation site, Tyr416, is the autophosphorylation site in the activation loop. Phosphorylation of Tyr416 is required for Hck activation. We mutated this residue to alanine and characterized its catalytic activity. The Y416A mutant shows a higherK m value for peptide and a lowerV max than autophosphorylated wild-type Hck. We also present evidence for cross-talk between the activation loop and the intramolecular binding of the SH2 and SH3 domains.
Use of ground penetrating radar in detecting fossilized dinosaur bones

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been used successfully to help archaeologists locate building foundations and other artifacts of past civilizations. Yet, little has been done to help paleontologists in their search for fossilized remains. Fossilized and partially fossilized dinosaur bones are located in a sandstone outcrop at the Dinosaur Ridge Natural Landmark outside Morrison, Colorado. The bones are located within a cliff face and in two large boulders located along the road. Little work has been done to characterize the size of these bones and to study the possibility of bones located deeper within the sandstone cliff face. Mineralogical studies have shown that these bones contain approximately 15% iron oxides (Fe2O3) along with smaller percentages of MgO and Al2O3. Due to the presence of Fe2O3, as strong reflection is expected on the GPR record. Data have been collected along the cliff face using a Sensors and Software pulseEKKO 1000 900 MHz antenna. The area of interest measures approximately 1 meter high and 3.5 meters long. Several strong hyperbolas stand out in the raw and processed data. Velocity estimations show the depth of investigation to be greater than 1.1 meters. Data have been collected along crosslines in order to judge size and orientation of any anomalies discovered. Full waveform modeling was performed on traces showing anomalies to better characterize the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability. These results will be analyzed to determine what anomalies have the possibility of being dinosaur bones.
Chromaticity co-ordinates of Ishihara plates reveal that hidden digit plates can be read by S-cones

Background: The Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates constitute one of the most commonly used screening tools for red-green colour vision deficiencies. Even though hidden digit plates are supposed to be read only by those who are colour vision defective, studies report that some normal trichromats can indeed read these plates. By measuring the chromaticity co-ordinates of the dots used in Ishihara plates, the purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism that enables normal trichromats and colour vision defectives to read the plates, particularly hidden digit plates. Methods: Spectrophotometric measurements were made for a 24-plate version of the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates and chromaticity co-ordinates of the dots were expressed in the MacLeod-Boynton diagram. Results: As theoretically expected, reading of Ishihara plates by normal trichromats was mediated by the dot chromaticity differences along the L/(L + M) axis. On the other hand, reading by colour vision defective observers was made possible mainly by the dot chromaticity differences along the S/(L + M) axis. This would also explain why some normal trichromats can read hidden digit plates, the plates that are supposed to be read only by colour vision defective observers. Conclusion: Normal trichromats read Ishihara plates using their chromatic discrimination ability along the L/(L + M) axis. Red-green colour vision defective observers rely on S-cones in reading the plates. Some normal trichromats can read the hidden digit plates because they can extract S-cone differences efficiently despite the distraction from the L/(L + M) axis.
Right-angularity, flag complexes, asphericity

The “polyhedral product functor” produces a space from a simplicial complex L and a collection of pairs of spaces, {(A(i), B(i))}, where i ranges over the vertex set of L. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the resulting space to be aspherical. There are two similar constructions, each of which starts with a space X and a collection of subspaces, {Xi}, where \({i \in \{0,1. . . . , n\}}\) , and then produces a new space. We also give conditions for the results of these constructions to be aspherical. All three techniques can be used to produce examples of closed aspherical manifolds.
Immunohistochemical localization of biliverdin reductase in rat brain: age related expression of protein and transcript

Abstract Biliverdin reductase regulates heme oxygenase activity by removing the inhibitory product of the oxygenase activity, biliverdin; and reducing it to bilirubin. The other products of the oxygenase are carbon monoxide and Fe. To date, biliverdin reductase remains unique among all enzymes described by using 2 different cofactors (NADPH and NADH) at different pH ranges. The present study reports on the developmentally regulated changes in the patter of protein expression and the level of biliverdin reductase transcript in rat brain. Biliverdin reductase activity of the brain cytosol with both NADPH (pH 8.7) and NADH (pH 6.7) exhibited developmental changes with the activity increasing after birth, reaching an adult level by day 28 postpartum. When analyzed by Western blotting the immunoreactive protein detected increased as the animal matured (day 1 to 28 postparturition). Northern blot hybridization of RNA isolated from rat brain revealed the presence of ∼ 1.5 kb biliverdin reductase transcript at all stages of development ranging from 1 day post partum to 20 months. The level of the transcript was developmentally regulated and a gradual increase (≈ 4-fold) was observed from day 1 after birth to adulthood and was maintained in 20 month old animals. Cellular localization, using immunohistochemical technique, revealed age-related pattern of expression of the reductase in select regions sich as the cortex, substantia nigra, hippocampus and in the cerebellum; the changes, however, did not follow the same pattern. To elaborate, in the cortex, the reductase expression increased when 7-day-old animals were compared with young adults (2 months old) and then declined in the 20-month-old animals. In the substantia nigra the level of reductase expression progressively declined with age when 7-day-old neonate, 2- and 20-month-old animals were compared. In the hippocampus, a distinct reductase-expressing cell population residing between CA1 and the dentate gyrus was observed in the 7-day-old animals; these cells were not detected in the adults (2 or 20 months old). In the cerebellum, the expression of the reductase reflected the developmental organization of this region. We postulate that age-dependent increase of the brain reductase at the transcript and protein levels in the course of maturation serves to control heme oxygenase activity which also displays a developmental pattern in the organ. As such, the reductase modulates generation of biologically active heme degradation products; bilirubin, carbon monoxide and Fe.
Methylmercury: decreased antibody formation in mice.

It has been shown that methylmercury from environmental sources can readily produce toxicity in human beings. Most environmental exposures reported to date involved relatively high methylmercury concentrations and produced clinical signs of mercury poisoning. However, it is equally important to determine whether subclinical doses of methylmercury affect human health. Experiments with animals revealed that subclinical doses of methylmercury increased mortality of mice challenged with an infectious virus. Furthermore, rabbits fed 10 ppM methylmercury for 14 weeks and then exposed to an influenza virus demonstrated decreased circulating antibody titers as compared to those of controls. In this study, we report that methylmercury significantly suppresses antibody synthesis in mice exposed to a nonpathogenic antigen.
Efficacy of the discreteness of voicing category (DOVC) measure for characterizing voicing errors in children with cochlear implants: a report.

Purpose This investigation explored the utility of an acoustic measure, called the discreteness of voicing category (DOVC), in identifying voicing errors in stop consonants produced by children wit...
Progesterone Signaling Inhibits Cervical Carcinogenesis in Mice

Human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer, yet other nonviral cofactors are also required for the disease. The uterine cervix is a hormone-responsive tissue, and female hormones have been implicated in cervical carcinogenesis. A transgenic mouse model expressing human papillomavirus oncogenes E6 and/or E7 has proven useful to study a mechanism of hormone actions in the context of this common malignancy. Estrogen and estrogen receptor α are required for the development of cervical cancer in this mouse model. Estrogen receptor α is known to up-regulate expression of the progesterone receptor, which, on activation by its ligands, either promotes or inhibits carcinogenesis, depending on the tissue context. Here, we report that progesterone receptor inhibits cervical and vaginal epithelial cell proliferation in a ligand-dependent manner. We also report that synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate promotes regression of cancers and precancerous lesions in the female lower reproductive tracts (ie, cervix and vagina) in the human papillomavirus transgenic mouse model. Our results provide the first experimental evidence that supports the hypothesis that progesterone signaling is inhibitory for cervical carcinogenesis in vivo.
Group decision making using the analytic hierarchy process

Various methods of consensus of preference rankings of individuals are described in applying group decision making. Here, we discuss two different approaches, one deterministic and the other stochastic. The first is applicable to situations where the group is small, and the second applies to opinions of the population at large where one cannot deal with people on an individual basis. The dividing line between these two approaches is not made in stone and it is the choice of the decision maker to select one approach or the other. How does one synthesize the judgments of a group? In these approaches we address the issues of obtaining priority weights for a group of individuals. Importance ranking of the judges is considered in the deterministic case.
Some remarks on rearrangements and functionals with non‐constant density

Conditions on non-constant densities of energy functionals are discussed, such that monotone rearrangement of functions decreases the value of the functional. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A computer simulation of the crack propagation process

Abstract A molecular dynamics technique based on a pair interaction model was employed to simulate the propagation of a surface crack in two-dimensional prestrained systems. Investigations include an atomistic level analysis of the crack growth process as well as the distributions of the high stress regions in the system and their associations with the crack tip. The results obtained in this study were found to be in good agreement with other reported calculations and with existing theories based on macroscopic considerations.
Inelastic STEM Imaging Based on Low-Loss Spectroscopy

1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. 2. Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA. 3. Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA. 4. Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA. 5. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Nonparametric tests for optimizing behavior in production: Extensions to unobservable factors and superadditive technology

This paper develops two new nonparametric tests for optimizing behavior in production. The first is a test for consistency of observed data with cost minimization from a superadditive technology. Superadditivity of technology plays a key role in the theory of industry structure and natural monopoly. The second is an extension of Varian's profit maximization test. When the data fails Varian's test, one possible explanation is technical/allocative inefficiency. However, another possibility is the presence of unobservable, untradeable, and varying endowments of some factor of production. This paper develops a test that allows for such an ordinally measurable factor and notes its correspondence to the Afriat Theorem for utility maximization in demand analysis.
Power, knowledge and positioning in teacher networks

In this Viewpoint, we aim to raise questions about the positioning of teachers and teacher knowledge in professional development networks. We contend that diverse purposes across professional development configurations labeled ‘networks’ have been glossed over in the literature, obscuring important questions about teacher learning and its role in educational change. For example, are teachers viewed as change agents or objects of the change agendas of others? Whose purposes guide the work of the network? Is teacher knowledge viewed as something to be shared or something to be remediated? What role can networks positioned outside schools, districts and state reform plans have in improving education? We argue that, without taking a critical look at how networks and network research position teachers and their knowledge, the promise of networks is misunderstood and ultimately diluted.
Cultural Competence: An Evolutionary Perspective

Problem The need for conceptual clarity, which is essential for effective communication related to cultural competence. Practice, education, administration, and research are identified. Methods Rodgers' (2000) method of concept analysis. Findings Attributes of cultural competence were identified as cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural understanding, cultural sensitivity, and cultural skill. Conclusions Cultural competence can best be identified as a nonlinear dynamic process that is never ending and ever expanding. It is built on increases in knowledge and skill development related to its attributes.
Measurement of bulk mechanical properties of tissue using laser speckle rheology

In virtually all tissues, disease progression is accompanied by changes in the mechanical properties. Laser speckle rheology (LSR) is a new technique we have developed to measure the mechanical properties of tissue. By illuminating the sample with coherent laser light and calculating the speckle intensity modulations from reflected laser speckle patterns, LSR calculates τ, the decay time constant of intensity decorrelation which is closely associated with tissue mechanical properties. In this paper we validate the use of LSR technology in measuring mechanical properties of tissue. LSR measurements of τ are performed on a variety of phantom and tissue samples and compared with the complex shear modulus G∗, measured using a rheometer. In all cases, strong correlation is observed between τ and G∗ (r=0.95, p<0.002). These results demonstrate the efficacy of LSR as a non-invasive and non-contact technology for mechanical evaluation of biological samples.
Tunable 2D time-wavelength optical CDMA encoder for differentiated service provisioning

We propose and demonstrate a reconfigurable tunable encoder for two-dimensional time–wavelength optical code division multiple access (OCDMA). This encoder is capable of creating 2D codes with variable code weight, enabling differentiated service provisioning. The demonstrated novel scheme uses ultra-fast optical delay lines and all-optical sampling while operating at 115 Gchip/s. Our proposed architecture provides an all-optical method of varying the code weight on a bit-per-bit basis, while maintaining the core architecture of a tunable OCDMA encoder.
Preservation of accurate spatial memory in aged rats.

Abstract Male rats were tested in an 8 arm radial maze from 6–26 months of age with 5 hr delay imposed between choices 4 and 5. At 26 months their spatial memory was more accurate than when they were first tested at 6 months and also more accurate than that exhibited by another 5 month old group tested concurrently. However, these old rats acquired a noval spatial habit more slowly than the younger animals. In a subsequent study, we compared the acquisition of accurate spatial memory by rats that were 3 or 21.5 months old at the start of training. Older rats adapted to the maze more slowly and required more sessions to achieve criterion with no delay imposed during the test. There was no reliable difference in acquisition when a 1 hr delay was imposed between choices 4 and 5, but the old rats learned more slowly with a 5 hr delay. On memory tests after criterion performance had been achieved, the older rats performed as well as the younger animals at all delay intervals. Aged rats are deficient in acquiring the skills required for accurate spatial memory, but once acquired these skills do not deteriorate. The possibility that other “memory” deficits associated with aging might be alleviated by overtraining is discussed.
Model-independent determination of hadronic neutral-current couplings

Completion of a second generation of experiments on neutrino-induced neutral-current reactions allows a more discriminating study of neutral-current couplings to hadrons. To minimize the sensitivity to model-dependent analyses of inclusive and exclusive pion data, we base our work on measurements of deep-inelastic and elastic reactions alone. Within the regions allowed by the deep-inelastic data for scattering on isoscalar targets, the coupling constants are fit to the ${q}^{2}$ dependence of the neutrino-proton elastic scattering data. This procedure initially yields two solutions for the couplings. One of these, at ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{L}=55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{R}=205\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, is predominantly isoscalar and therefore is ruled out by only qualitative consideration of exclusive pion data. The other solution at ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{L}=140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{R}=330\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, is thus a unique determination of the hadronic neutral-current couplings. It coincides with solution A obtained in earlier work, and is insensitive to variations of ${M}_{A}$ within 2 standard deviations of the world average. When constrained to the coupling constants required by the Weinberg-Salam model, the fit agrees with the data to within 1 standard deviation.
Luteolin Nanoparticle in Chemoprevention: In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity

Cancer prevention (chemoprevention) by using naturally occurring dietary agents has gained immense interest because of the broad safety window of these compounds. However, many of these compounds are hydrophobic and poorly soluble in water. They frequently display low bioavailability, poor systemic delivery, and low efficacy. To circumvent this problem, we explored a novel approach toward chemoprevention using nanotechnology to deliver luteolin, a natural compound present in green vegetables. We formulated water-soluble polymer-encapsulated Nano-Luteolin from hydrophobic luteolin, and studied its anticancer activity against lung cancer and head and neck cancer. In vitro studies demonstrated that, like luteolin, Nano-Luteolin inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (H292 cell line) and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) cells (Tu212 cell line). In Tu212 cells, the IC50 value of Nano-Luteolin was 4.13 μmol/L, and that of luteolin was 6.96 μmol/L. In H292 cells, the IC50 of luteolin was 15.56 μmol/L, and Nano-Luteolin was 14.96 μmol/L. In vivo studies using a tumor xenograft mouse model demonstrated that Nano-Luteolin has a significant inhibitory effect on the tumor growth of SCCHN in comparison to luteolin. Our results suggest that nanoparticle delivery of naturally occurring dietary agents like luteolin has many advantages and may have potential application in chemoprevention in clinical settings.
Performance of a Heat Exchanger Based on Enhanced Heat Diffusion in Fluids by Oscillation: Analysis

The results of a study on the performance of a heat exchanger that takes advantage of enhanced heat diffusion in oscillated fluids are presented. In this heat exchanger, the fluid occupies a bundle of capillary tubes that connects two reservoirs at different temperatures; a piston in each reservoir drives the oscillation. The experimental findings are compared with predictions based on the assumptions that (a) a capillary tube does not exchange heat with the neighboring tubes, (b) the pressure in the reservoirs undergoes an ideal sinusoidal motion, and (c) each reservoir has an infinite heat capacity such that the fluid entering the tubes is at a constant temperature. Good agreement has been found between the actual performance of the heat exchanger and the idealized analysis for low and high frequencies. However, around the frequency corresponding to optimum performance, i.e., where the thermal boundary layers occupy the entire cross section of the capillary tubes, agreement is only fair. The measurements show that there is a temperature variation across the bundle and that the fluid entering the tubes has a nonsteady temperature due to weak, nonuniform mixing within the reservoirs (therefore, a spatial/temporal average was taken). This lateral and temporal variation in themore » temperature distribution appears to be the leading cause of the difference between the experimental and predicted results. As with any heat pipe, the reduction in the resistance to heat flow in the pipe must be accompanied by a similar ease of heat flow to and away from the ends of the pipe. Therefore, the reservoir fluid dynamics is of paramount importance in these heat exchangers. Some numerical modeling of the fluid flow in the reservoirs, as well as some velocity measurements (using a laser-Doppler anemometer), are also presented.« less
Some properties of a glycoprotein with calcium binding ability found in human biological fluids in macroglobulinaemia IgM.

Abstract An acidic glycoprotein with calcium-binding properties was isolated from the urine of patients with severe macroglobulinaemia IgM. The molecular weight of this protein determined by Sephadex gel filtration was found to be 62 000 ± 2800 in Tris · HCl buffer and 21 000 ± 1 000 in 6 M guanidine · HCl. The amino acid and carbohydrate composition of the isolated glycoprotein is presented. Electrophoretic migration of this protein was observed to be greatly affected by calcium ions present in the buffer in a concentration of 10−3 M. At least two sets of binding sites seem to participate in binding calcium. The values 2.2 · 106 M−1 for the apparent association constant and 4.4 · 10−4 mol of Ca2+ bound per g of protein for high affinity binding sites were estimated, on the basis of data from the equilibrium dialysis. The origin possible biological role of this protein is discussed.
A Harmonically Excited Elastic Half-Plane Containing a Rigid Flat Inclusion

Abstract The plane strain problem for an elastic half-plane containing a rigid flat inclusion and subjected to a concentrated harmonic surface load is considered. The problem is reduced to a system of singular integral equations, with the differences in interface stresses between the inclusion and the matrix as the unknown functions. With the potential applications to problems in fracture mechanics and the non-destructive testing and evaluation in mind, the main results presented are the modes I and II stress intensity factors and the components of the displacement vector on the surface.
Effects of phosphorus and iron fertilizers on the growth of two soybean varieties at two soil temperatures

The influence of FeEDDHA (0, 0.2 and 2 μg Fe g−1 soil) and NaH2PO4·H2O (0 and 120 μg Pg−1 soil) on the growth of two Fe-ineffective soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) varieties (anoka and T203) on a calcareous soil at two soil temperatures (16 and 24°C) was compared under greenhouse conditions. The two soybean varieties differed in the following respects: (a) T203 accumulated smaller concentrations of Fe in washed tops than Anoka under comparable conditions; (b) T203 was more susceptible to Fe deficiency and its accentuation by high levels of fertilizer P than Anoka; (c) T203 accumulated lower quantities of Mn in tops than Anoka under comparable conditions; (d) T203, but not Anoka, developed Mn deficiency symptoms when treated with P and 2 μg Fe g−1 at 16°C. Fe deficiency was more severe in both varieties at the higher soil temperature due apparently to: (a) greater plant concentration of P in tops at 24°C; and/or (b) an increased rate of plant growth and greater dilution of Fe in young tissue at 24°C. Foliar P concentration was increased much more than foliar Fe concentration by an increase in soil temperature. Severely Fe deficient T203 plants grown without FeEDDHA at 24°C accumulated less foliar Mn than their FeEDDHA counterparts. Comparisons of Fe effectiveness of various soybean cultivars based on relative responses to FeEDDHA can be influenced by differential effects on Mn nutrition.
Comparison of function approximation with sigmoid and radial basis function networks

Theoretical and computational results have demonstrated that several types of neural networks have the universal approximation property, i.e., the ability to represent any continuous function to an arbitrary degree of accuracy, given enough hidden units. However, practical considerations, such as the relative advantages of different networks for function approximation using a small to moderate number of hidden units, are not as well understood. This paper presents preliminary results of investigations into the comparison of networks using sigmoidal activation functions and networks using radial basis functions. In particular, we consider the ability of several such networks to learn mappings from the unit square to the real interval [0,1].© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nonlinearly broadened phase-modulated continuous-wave laser frequency combs characterized using DPSK decoding

9.953 GHz phase-modulated continuous-wave laser combs are spectrally broadened via nonlinear propagation in normal and anomalous dispersion media and experimentally characterized using a differential phase shift keying (DPSK) decoder. DPSK bit-error rate data are in qualitative agreement with radio-frequency spectrum analyzer measurements.
Scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy phenotype due to TRIM32-sarcotubular myopathy in South Dakota Hutterite

Scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy is a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders that share the phenotype of progressive weakness of scapular and anterior distal leg muscles. Recessive mutations in C-terminal domains of TRIM32 result in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2H and sarcotubular myopathy, a rare congenital myopathy commonly seen in Hutterites. A scapuloperoneal phenotype has never been reported in sarcotubular myopathy. We here report a 23-year-old Hutterite man with a one-year history of progressive weakness predominantly involving the anterior tibial and left scapular muscles, and hyperCKemia. Biopsy of the anterior tibial muscle showed an active myopathy with non-rimmed vacuoles and mild denervation atrophy associated with reinnervation. The vacuoles are similar to those described in sarcotubular myopathy. TRIM32 sequencing revealed the common c.1459G>A mutation at homozygosity. A search for mutations in TRIM32 should be considered in patients with scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy, and especially in patients of Hutterite origin or with an atypical vacuolar myopathy.
Avian influenza: a wake-up call from birds to humans.

We can hope that a pandemic does not occur—or we can take proactive steps to prevent one. In particular, we must improve vaccination rates among patients and health care workers.
Self-consciousness and social position: On college students changing their minds about the homeless

Au niveau de la signification et des dispositions, les individus sont des agents des forces socio-historiques qui les placent, comme le signale Bourdieu, a une certaine distance les uns des autres dans des champs de relations sociales specifiques. L'A. etudie la representation sociale des sans-abri chez un echantillon d'etudiants. Ceux-ci concoivent l'experience des sans-abri en fonction de leur propre experience, de ce qu'ils percoivent de la situation. C'est une experience interieure du meme et non de l'autre. L'A. montre que la sensibilisation aux problemes des sans-abri passe chez les etudiants par une prise de conscience de leur propre situation sociale et de son caractere specifique
Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Management of the Burn Patient

Although the principles of burn management are still primarily focused on survival, as advances are realized in resuscitation, nutrition, and wound management, the functional and aesthetic outcomes following burn injury have become increasingly important. Acellular dermal matrix materials, which allow surgeons to minimize skin graft donor site morbidity in the process of repairing injured areas, play a role in addressing these important issues. Many favorable reports have been published, but they are generally characterized by small sample sizes, limited objective testing, and retrospective analysis. There does appear to be some evidence for ADM application in patient populations in whom donor site availability (those with massive burns) or morbidity (children, the elderly) is a concern, but more studies are needed. In this article, the authors discuss the current applications for ADM in burn management, review the existing literature, and present opportunities for future research.
Using Metal Complex Ion-Molecule Reactions in a Miniature Rectilinear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer to Detect Chemical Warfare Agents

The gas-phase reactions of a series of coordinatively unsaturated [Ni(L)n]y+ complexes, where L is a nitrogen-containing ligand, with chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants in a miniature rectilinear ion trap mass spectrometer were investigated as part of a new approach to detect CWAs. Results show that upon entering the vacuum system via a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane introduction, low concentrations of several CWA simulants, including dipropyl sulfide (simulant for mustard gas), acetonitrile (simulant for the nerve agent tabun), and diethyl phosphite (simulant for nerve agents sarin, soman, tabun, and VX), can react with metal complex ions generated by electrospray ionization (ESI), thereby providing a sensitive means of detecting these compounds. The [Ni(L)n]2+ complexes are found to be particularly reactive with the simulants of mustard gas and tabun, allowing their detection at low parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. These detection limits are well below reported exposure limits for these CWAs, which indicates the applicability of this new approach, and are about two orders of magnitude lower than electron ionization detection limits on the same mass spectrometer. The use of coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes as reagent ions offers the possibility of further tuning the ion-molecule chemistry so that desired compounds can be detected selectively or at even lower concentrations.
Female and Male Motives for Using Obscenity

Female and male college students completed a questionnaire designed to determine their beliefs about the common motives for using obscenity. Using a sample of obscene words generated by the partici...
Spectrophotometric assay of NADase-catalyzed reactions.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on spectrophotometric assay of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase (NADase)-catalyzed reactions. NAD glycohydrolases (NADases) catalyze the hydrolysis of the nicotinamide-ribosidic bond in the pyridine nucleotide coenzymes, NAD and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). A spectrophotometric method for assaying NADase-catalyzed reactions is developed using nicotinamide 1, N6-ethenoadenine dinucleotide (ɛ-NAD) as substrate. The minor structural alteration in the purine moiety of this coenzyme analog does not greatly affect the functioning of this dinucleotide as a substrate for NADases and as a coenzyme for many dehydrogenases. Spectral changes accompanying the hydrolysis of the nicotinamide-ribose linkage in this dinucleotide serves as the basis of the spectrophotometric assay. The hydrolysis of ɛ-NAD to yield nicotinamide and ɛ-ADP-ribose is catalyzed by snake venom NADase previously purified to electrophoretic homogeneity according to Yost and Anderson. The snake venom NADase-catalyzed hydrolysis of ɛ-NAD is studied using four different assay methods. Because of the differences in the sensitivities of the methods employed, different substrate concentration ranges are necessary.
Minimization of treatment time for in vitro 1.1 MHz destruction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by high-intensity focused ultrasound

Abstract Medical implants are prone to colonization by bacterial biofilms. Normally, surgery is required to replace the infected implant. One promising noninvasive modality is to destroy biofilms with high-intensity focused ultrasound. In our study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were grown on implant-mimicking graphite disks in a flow chamber for 3 days prior to exposing them to ultrasound pulses. Exposure time at each treatment location was varied between 5, 15 and 30 s. Burst period was varied between 1, 3, 6 and 12 milliseconds (ms). The pulses were 20 cycles in duration at 1.1 MHz from a spherically focused transducer ( f /1, 63 mm focal length), creating peak compressional and rarefactional pressures at the graphite disk surface of 30 and 13 MPa, respectively. P. aeruginosa were tagged with green fluorescent protein, and killed cells were visualized using propidium iodide before determining the extent of biofilm destruction. The exposure-induced temperature rise was measured to be less than 0.2 °C at the focus, namely the interface between graphite disk and water. Then, the temperature rise was measured at the focus between the graphite disk and a tissue-mimicking phantom to evaluate therapy safety. Two thresholds, of bacteria destruction increase and of complete bacteria removal, respectively, were identified to divide our eight exposure conditions. Results indicated that 30-s exposure and 6-ms pulse period were sufficient to destroy the biofilms. However, the 15-s exposure and 3-ms pulse period were viewed as optimum when considering exposure time, efficacy, and safety.
Diagnosing specific language impairment in adults for the purpose of pedigree analysis.

Two sets of diagnostic measures were administered to a group of 35 adults with welldocumented histories of specific language impairment and to a control group of 35 normal language users. These mea...
The dose-response relationship in older men exposed to ozone.

Abstract Nine male subjects (56–71 years) were exposed to filtered air (FA) or 0.45 ppm O 3 with inhaled dose altered by varying ventilation volume ( V E = 25, 40, or 55 L/min (BTPS)) to evaluate pulmonary function dose-responses in older men. The subjects walked on a motor-driven treadmill and rested in alternating 20-min periods during the 2-h exposures. Functional residual capacity and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were measured pre- and postexposure. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1.0 ) and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25–75%) were calculated from FVC. Residual volume (RV) was calculated from FRC. V E was measured during the last 4 min of each exercise period, and the electrocardiogram was monitored throughout each exposure. There were no significant changes in any measured parameter with FA exposure. All three O 3 exposures induced small, statistically significant decrements in FVC and FEV 1.0 , but no significant changes in FEF25–75%. There were no significant differences among responses to the three O 3 exposures. The decrements in measured pulmonary functions were smaller than typically observed in young males exposed to similar inhaled doses of O 3 . The data suggest possible saturation of the pulmonary response mechanism at a low degree of functional impairment in older men. Reflex-mediated impairment of inspiration, with concomitant reduction in all dependent pulmonary functions has been suggested as the mechanism of pulmonary dysfunction with O 3 exposure in young adults. The results suggest that this reflex may be less active in older adults.
Semiotics, advertising and marketing

In the summer of 1986 the first International Conference on Marketing and Semiotics was held at Northwestern University. It was sponsored jointly by J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern and the Research Center for Language and Semiotic Studies at Indiana University. The three‐day conference underscored the fact that although the vocabulary for the two disciplines might be different, there was much commonality between Semiotics and Marketing.
Application of knowledge about corpus luteum function in control of estrus and ovulation in cattle

Understanding corpus luteum (CL) function has led to development of methods of estrus synchronization in cattle that either extend the estrous cycle by administration of exogenous progestins or shorten the cycle by induction of luteolysis. Both methods have limitations, which have been reduced or overcome through sequential or combined treatment with progestin and luteolytic drugs. Future improvements in estrus synchronization methodology are most likely to come from achieving more synchrony between the development of a highly fertile ovulatory follicle and control of luteal function.
Effects of pituitary removal or transplantation on ovarian ascorbic acid depletion in the rat.

SummaryImmature female rats were made pseudopregnant in the manner prescribed for the Parlow LH assay. Hypophysectomy of such animals on the sixth day of pseudopregnancy caused a gradual decline in ovarian weight over a 5-week period but concentration of ovarian ascorbic acid was well maintained. At periods of a week or more after hypophysectomy intravenous injection of LH produced no decline in ovarian ascorbic acid. In other animals the pituitary gland was autografted to the renal capsule on sixth day of pseudopregnancy. Ovarian weight was well maintained in these animals for 4 weeks although at 4 weeks there was a significant decrease in level of ovarian ascorbic acid. Intravenous injection of LH in pituitary graft-bearing rats led to depletion of ovarian ascorbic acid even greater than that found in intact, pseudopregnant rats. It is suggested that animals bearing pituitary autografts should prove valuable in the search for LH releasing factors.
Turkey and the EU: A Changed Context

In 2005 the European Union (EU) began formally to negotiate Turkey's application to become a full member. Today, the EU is a very different organization, Turkey has also experienced major changes, and the Arab Spring has dramatically impacted the Middle East. In sum, there is a changed context for the evolving relationship between Turkey and the EU. This article explains that context and concludes that, for the foreseeable future, Turkey is unlikely to become a full EU member, although close ties with respect to economic matters and immigration will persist.
A three-dimensional time-dependent model of the polar wind

A time-dependent three-dimensional multiion model of the polar wind was developed, which covers the altitude range of from 120 to 9000 km and takes into account supersonic ion outflow, shock formation, and ion energization during plasma expansion events. The model was used to study the temporal response of global polar wind to changing magnetospheric conditions, for the winter solstice and for solar-minimum conditions in the northern polar region. Graphs illustrating temporal changes with changes in T(e), T(i), and T(n) along the dawn, the trough, and the dusk convection trajectories and in the O(+), O, and H densities along the same convection trajectories are presented together with conntours of the H(+) and the O(+) densities along the three convection trajectories.
The elusive Minnie G.: revisiting Cushing's case XLV, and his early attempts at improving quality of life.

Although researchers have discovered that Minnie G. had nearly 50 years of progression-free survival, the absence of her original surgical records have precluded anything more than speculation as to the etiology of her symptoms or the details of her admission. Following IRB approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, the microfilm surgical records from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1896–1912 were reviewed. Using the surgical number provided in Cushing’s publications, the record for Minnie G. was recovered for further review. Cushing’s diagnosis relied largely on history and physical findings. Minnie G. presented with stigmata associated with classic Cushings Syndrome: abdominal stria, supraclavicular fat pads, and a rounded face. However, she also presented with unusual physical findings: exophthalmos, and irregular pigmentation of the extremities, face, and eyelids. A note in the chart indicates Minnie G. spoke very little English, implying the history-taking was fraught with opportunities for error. Although there remains no definitive etiology for Minnie G.’s symptoms, this report contributes additional information about her diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation of Microchannel Evaporator for High-Heat-Flux Refrigeration Cooling Applications

While most recently electronic cooling studies have been focused on removing the heat from high-power-density devices, the present study also explores means of greatly decreasing the device operating temperature. This is achieved by incorporating a microchannel heat sink as an evaporator in an R134a refrigeration loop. This system is capable of maintaining device temperatures below 55°C while dissipating in excess of 100W∕cm2. It is shown that while higher heat transfer coefficients are possible with greater mass velocities, those conditions are typically associated with wet compression corresponding to evaporator exit quality below unity and liquid entrainment at the compressor inlet. Wet compression compromises compressor performance and reliability as well as refrigeration cycle efficiency and therefore must be minimized by maintaining only slightly superheated conditions at the compressor inlet, or using a wet-compression-tolerant compressor. A parametric study of the effects of channel geometry on heat sink performance points to channels with small width and high aspect ratio as yielding superior thermal performance corresponding to only a modest penalty in pressure drop.
Characterization of “Neo-Dermis” Formation Beneath Cultured Human Epidermal Autografts Transplanted on Muscle Fascia

Abstract Cultured human keratinocyte autografts were transplanted to burn wounds that had been completely excised down to muscle fascia such that all cutaneous elements were removed from the wounds. Healing autografts were biopsied from days 6–153 in five patients, and the "neo-dermis" beneath the autografts was examined by immunofluorescent staining using antibody probes to connective tissue molecules, by histochemical staining for elastin fibers, and by electron microscopy. We found that the neo-dermis contained most of the major connective tissue elements early in the post-transplantation period. However, regardless of the time examined, there was a paucity of elastin fibers and poor organization of linkin (microthread-like fibers) in the neo-dermis beneath autografts. The perturbations of these connective tissue components in the neo-dermis may play a role in the poor recoil and elastic properties of burn wounds treated with autografts.
Examination of curricula, teaching practices, and assessment through National Standards

This study examined to what degree the existing curricula, teaching practices, and assessments in 15 elementary physical education programs were aligned with the National Standards for Physical Education (NASPE, 1995) in the USA. Fifteen elementary physical education teachers voluntarily participated in this study. Data were gathered through observing 48 lessons while taking field notes, conducting 15 formal interviews with the teachers and collecting curriculum guides, unit and lesson plans and assessment sheets. The findings indicated that 12 teachers intentionally or unintentionally aligned their curriculums with the National Standards by designing an essential scope and progressive sequence for their programs. The teachers addressed Standards 1 and 2 in 35 observed lessons by providing outcome-oriented learning experiences that help students become competent in and knowledgeable about a variety of movement forms. Five teachers used assessment as an integral part of instruction to enhance the students'...
A CHANGE IN RABBIT FIBROMA VIRUS SUGGESTING MUTATION III. INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS

A strain of rabbit fibroma virus (changed virus) producing partly fibromatous, partly inflammatory, lesions is believed to represent a mixture of the original virus with a strain (inflammatory virus) causing only necrotic and inflammatory lesions. The inflammatory virus does not represent a contamination from without, but probably arose as a mutant from the original strain. The occurrence of mutation amongst viruses and the propriety of using the word in this field are briefly discussed. Consideration is also given to the nature of the change in the virus which leads to a tissue reaction so widely different from that produced by the original strain.