cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of pH, Temperature, and Water Activity on Covalent Adduct Formation between Selected Flavor Compounds and Model Protein β-Lactoglobulin

This study investigates the influence of pH, temperature, and water activity on the occurrence of covalent adduct formation between select flavor compounds and a model food protein (β-lactoglobulin). These reactions potentially result in the loss of flavor during processing and storage, reducing consumer acceptability. Foods present a diverse reaction environment encompassing a wide range of aw, pH, and storage temperature, which potentially influence protein: flavor reaction rates. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) data showed that covalent adducts were formed more slowly at low pHs (3) than basic pHs (8) (for citral, allyl isothiocyanate, and dimethyl trisulfide). No reactivity was observed for benzaldehyde at pH 3, but substantial reactivity was found at pHs 7 and 8. The amount of adducts formed increased with an increase in storage temperature. Higher temperatures (45 °C) led to the formation of products that were not observed at lower temperatures (4 and 20 °C). An increase in water activity (0.11-0.75) led to an increase in formation of adducts for allyl isothiocyanate. There were no observable differences in adduct formation as a function of aw for benzaldehyde, citral, and dimethyl disulfide. However, this lack of observed effect may be due to the rate of reaction being too slow to be detected in the timeframe of this study.
Carbon monoxide oxidation over copper and nitrogen modified titanium dioxide

Abstract Copper-Titanium Dioxide (Cu-TiO2) catalysts have been widely used to catalyze small molecules through photo- and thermal-catalytic approaches. We report nitrogen doped titanium oxide (N-TiO2) improved catalytic performance of Cu-TiO2 in the carbon monoxide oxidation reaction. Anatase TiO2 and rutile TiO2 are chosen to investigate the effect of the TiO2 phase for nitrogen modification. XPS and DFT results showed both interstitial nitrogen and substitutional nitrogen exists over nitrogen doped anatase TiO2, N-TiO2 (A). Only substitutional nitrogen exists over nitrogen doped rutile TiO2, N-TiO2 (R). Compared with copper over titanium dioxide (Cu-TiO2) catalysts, copper over nitrogen doped titanium dioxide catalysts (Cu-N-TiO2) showed enhanced redox properties based on analysis of temperature programmed reactions including H2-TPR and CO-TPSR. IR studies using CO as a probe molecule as well as copper XPS results showed that surface copper concentration distributed differently with the addition of nitrogen. Therefore, correlation between the ratio of [Cu+]/[Osurf.] and the reaction rate is suggested, because this ratio represents contributions from both active and spectator species in the carbon monoxide oxidation reaction.
A COMBUSTION MODEL FOR MULTI-COMPONENT FUELS BASED ON RELATIVE REACTIVITY AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE

Abstract A reliable multi-component surrogate fuel model needs to be able to represent both physical properties and chemical kinetics of a real fuel. However, enhancing the fidelity of a model with detailed description of physical and chemical behavior of all fuel components found in real fuels is limited by the prohibitive computational load to calculate the combustion chemistry of the fuel. Hence, it is desirable to achieve computational efficiency by reducing the number of chemical surrogates at the minimum expense of prediction accuracy. The objective of this work is to develop a model that can simulate the oxidation of multi-component fuels by representing the ignition characteristics of physical surrogate components with fewer chemical surrogates and achieve both computational efficiency and prediction accuracy. The main advantage of the model, called the Reactivity-Adjustment (ReAd) combustion model, is to accurately predict the reactivity of the physical surrogate components that the reaction mechanisms of which are not included in the reaction kinetics model employed in the simulation. The reactivity variation of local mixtures with different compositions is modeled by adjusting the reaction rate constants of selected control-reactions in the reaction mechanism of the representative chemical surrogates. An initial version of the model has been developed employing a single chemical surrogate to represent the combustion of diesel fuel which is modeled as multiple surrogate components to capture the physical properties of the real fuel. The model was extended to consider two more chemical surrogate components to represent the ignition characteristics of other chemical families than n-alkanes. This enabled to avoid the excessive adjustment of reaction rate constants that were necessary when a single chemical surrogate is used to represent the oxidation kinetics of entire multi-component fuels. The model was extensively tested for simulating oxidation processes of many fuels with a variety of fuel reactivity and in various combustion regimes. The results demonstrated that excellent accuracy of the ignition/combustion prediction was achieved while ensuring computational efficiency.
Electrical stimulation overlap visualization for image-guided cochlear implant programming

Cochlear implants consist of an implanted array of electrodes and passive electronics and an external processor designed to directly stimulate auditory nerve fibers to induce the sensation of hearing in those who have experienced hearing loss caused by problems in the inner ear. After surgical implantation, audiologists program the processor with settings intended to produce optimal hearing outcomes. The likelihood of optimal outcomes increases when audiologists are provided with tools that assist them in making objective decisions based on the patient’s own anatomy and surgical placement of the array. A visualization tool currently in use, called distance-versus-frequency (DVF)curves, can be used to estimate channel interactions between electrodes. Although the information presented is objective, an audiologist’s decisions are subject to their own estimations applied to this visualization. In this paper, we present a new visualization technique designed to remove the subjectivity of visually assessing channel interactions between electrodes. Preliminary results show plans generated using this method are more consistent and are rated as optimal more often than those generated using DVF curves.
Pharmacological Regulation of Tumor Hypoxia in Model Murine Tumors and Spontaneous Canine Tumors.

Background: Hypoxia is found in many solid tumors and is associated with increased disease aggressiveness and resistance to therapy. Reducing oxygen demand by targeting mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is an emerging concept in translational cancer research aimed at reducing hypoxia. We have shown that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug papaverine and its novel derivative SMV-32 are potent mitochondrial complex I inhibitors. Methods: We used a dynamic in vivo luciferase reporter system, pODD-Luc, to evaluate the impact of pharmacological manipulation of mitochondrial metabolism on the levels of tumor hypoxia in transplanted mouse tumors. We also imaged canine patients with blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MRI at baseline and one hour after a dose of 1 or 2 mg/kg papaverine. Results: We showed that the pharmacological suppression of mitochondrial oxygen consumption (OCR) in tumor-bearing mice increases tumor oxygenation, while the stimulation of mitochondrial OCR decreases tumor oxygenation. In parallel experiments in a small series of spontaneous canine sarcomas treated at The Ohio State University (OSU) Veterinary Medical Center, we observed a significant increase in BOLD signals indicative of an increase in tumor oxygenation of up to 10–50 mm HgO2. Conclusion: In both transplanted murine tumors and spontaneous canine tumors we found that decreasing mitochondrial metabolism can decrease tumor hypoxia, potentially offering a therapeutic advantage.
Bound Carbohydrates in Nature

1. Introduction, history, microheterogeneity of bound carbohydrates function of bound carbohydrates inducible changes in bound carbohydrates programmed changes in bound carbohydrates a possible role for bound carbohydrates 2. Sialic acids distribution of sialic acids in nature the metabolism of hexamines and sialic acids metabolic control of hexosamines and sialic acids asparagine N-glycosylation processing of lysomal enzymes biosynthesis of O-linked oligosaccarides modification of sialic acids sialidases genetic metabolic disorders involving sialic acids, glycosidases, bound carbohydrates in malignancy 3. Multidrug resistance, properties of P-glycoprotein lysomes and multidrug resistance kinetics of influx and efflux of drugs, modulation of multidrug resistance the role of lipids in the accumulation of drugs by MDR cells P-170 and membrane lipids Overview.
Quantification of external hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Publisher Summary This chapter presents current knowledge on the function and distribution of the external hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; and describes techniques for quantifying vesicular- arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphae in soil. It is demonstrated that external hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi take up phosphorus from the soil and translocate it some distance to the plant. In addition, it is reviewed that the water relations of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal plants and concluded that most changes attributed to vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were secondary responses due to improved plant nutrition. Indeed, improved nutrient and water uptake by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal plants are closely related phenomena because nutrients are available to the plant only in the soil solution. Under conditions of water stress movement of nutrients in the root zone is restricted, limiting uptake of poorly-mobile ions. The chapter further describes the methods of quantification, such as indirect methods for total hyphae. Moreover, there is completely satisfactory method to quantify external hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil.
Differential induction of primary-response (TIS) genes in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and the unresponsive variant PC12nnr5.

As a measure of the transmembrane signals that they transduce, two neurotrophic agents, nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and the muscarinic agonist carbachol were compared for their ability to induce TIS (tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-inducible sequences) transcripts, representing a family of immediate early response genes, in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 and the morphologically unresponsive variant PC12nnr5. Three genes, TIS1 (also designated NGFIB), TIS8 (also designated NGFIA), and TIS21, induced in these cells by NGF (Kujubu, D.A., Lim, R.W., Varnum, B.C., and Herschman, H.R. (1987) Oncogene 1, 257-262, 1987), are also induced by bFGF and carbachol. In native PC12 cells the level of expression of TIS8 and TIS21 is similar for all three stimuli, as well as for tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA). In contrast, the induction of TIS1 by NGF and TPA is slight and is only just detectable after stimulation by bFGF, but is strong for carbachol. Thus, although all of these agents can stimulate protein kinase (PK-C), at least one TIS gene can apparently be differentially regulated by these ligands, suggesting that alternative signaling pathways must also exist. In keeping with this view, bFGF, and to a lesser degree NGF, can elicit a TIS gene response in PC12 cells in which PK-C has been down-regulated with TPA. The response to carbachol (and TPA) is effectively blocked under these conditions. Since both NGF and bFGF stimulate neurite outgrowth in such cells, PK-C is apparently not essential, i.e. does not represent the sole mechanism, for signal transduction leading to modulation of gene expression for these factors. Consistent with this model, putative protein kinase inhibitors, K252a and sphingosine, did not inhibit the TIS gene responses to bFGF. However, these agents also failed to block TIS gene responses to carbachol and TPA indicating that they were ineffective as PK-C inhibitors under these conditions. The NGF-induced response was, however, blocked by K252a indicating a unique step in the mechanism of this factor not shared by the other ligands. Sphingosine did not block TIS induction with NGF. The mutant cell line PC12 nnr5 does not respond morphologically to either NGF or bFGF. However, TIS gene responses to bFGF are unaffected, whereas those to NGF are completely abolished. The response to TPA is altered quantitatively but not qualitatively; the induction by carbachol is largely eliminated, apparently as a result of a 90% reduction in muscarinic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A genetic representation for evolutionary fault recovery in Virtex FPGAs

Most evolutionary approaches to fault recovery in FPGAs focus on evolving alternative logic configurations as opposed to evolving the intra-cell routing. Since the majority of transistors in a typical FPGA are dedicated to interconnect, nearly 80% according to one estimate, evolutionary fault-recovery systems should benefit by accommodating routing. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary fault-recovery system employing a genetic representation that takes into account both logic and routing configurations. Experiments were run using a software model of the Xilinx Virtex FPGA. We report that using four Virtex combinational logic blocks, we were able to evolve a 100% accurate quadrature decoder finite state machine in the presence of a stuck-at-zero fault.
Correlations of partial words

Partial words are strings over a finite alphabet that may contain a number of "do not know" symbols. In this paper, we introduce the notions of binary and ternary correlations, which are binary and ternary vectors indicating the periods and weak periods of partial words. Extending a result of Guibas and Odlyzko, we characterize precisely which of these vectors represent the (weak) period sets of partial words and prove that all valid correlations may be taken over the binary alphabet. We show that the sets of all such vectors of a given length form distributive lattices under inclusion. We also show that there is a well defined minimal set of generators for any binary correlation of length n and demonstrate that these generating sets are the primitive subsets of {1, 2, ..., n - 1}. Finally, we investigate the number of correlations of length n.
50.53-Gb/s PDM-1024QAM-OFDM transmission using pilot-based phase noise mitigation

We demonstrate the largest signal constellation reported to date for optical transmission with 50.53-Gb/s PDM-1024-QAM-OFDM over 2×80-km ULAF. A spectral efficiency of 11.7 b/s/Hz was achieved.
End results of breech deliveries at Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital; based on a twenty-one year study.

Abstract 1. 1. In thirty-one years at Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital, 38,962 deliveries yielded 1,544 breeches, an incidence of 3.9 per cent. 2. 2. Maternal morbidity was 8.5 per cent; corrected maternal mortality was 0.0. 3. 3. Breech extraction, as opposed to aided or spontaneous deliveries, cause the highest puerperal morbidity and over twice the number of postpartum hemorrhages. 4. 4. Mothers delivered by extraction were in labor 30 per cent longer than with spontaneous and aided deliveries. Footlings were delivered after shorter labors than other breeches. The position of the breech had no effect upon the length of prolonged labors. 5. 5. The corrected fetal mortality was 4.12 per cent. The fetal morbidity was 2.27 per cent. The cause of the largest number of fetal deaths was cerebral hemorrhage, and the largest number of cases of fetal morbidity were of traumatic origin. 6. 6. Delivery by extraction and prolonged labor both carried a much higher fetal mortality than did spontaneous and aided deliveries. 7. 7. The use of episiotomy was associated with less than half the fetal mortality associated with no episiotomy. 8. 8. General anesthesia, in contrast to regional or no anesthesia, had the lowest associated fetal morbidity; regional had the highest mortality. 9. 9. Nuchal arms were associated with traumatic morbidity in 26.7 per cent of cases. 10. 10. Prolapsed cords caused an 8.9 per cent fetal mortality. 11. 11. Higher fetal mortality and more postpartum hemorrhages accompanied delivery of very large infants in breech presentation.
Cell-substrate adhesivity. A determinant of cell motility.

These experiments suggest that cell motility depends on cell-substrate adhesivity. In the situations studied, increased adhesivity was associated with decreased motility for both 3T3 fibroblasts and SV3T3 viral transformants. Motility was measured cinematographically in terms of the augmented diffusion constant, D∗. An air-blast method for qualitative assessment of cell-substrate adhesivity is described, and these measurements were used for correlating adhesivity with motility.
Verifying parallel programs with resource allocation

Dynamic allocation is a common method of sharing resources among processes in operating systems and other concurrent programs. Proving the correctness of these programs is simplified if the proof techniques can take advantage of the fact that only one process at a time can operate on the shared resource. This paper describes a pattern for dynamic allocation, called protected allocation, and a verification technique based on that pattern. Protected allocation is defined in terms of capabilities, but it is not restricted to capability-based systems; in fact, the pattern is general enough to cover most allocation policies and implementation mechanisms. Several examples of the use and verification of protected allocation are sketched, but detailed proofs are omitted. This paper is a report of work in progress.
Molecular Genetics of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

In this chapter we present basic protocols for the use of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, commonly known as fission yeast, in molecular biology and genetics research. Fission yeast is an increasingly popular model organism for the study of biological pathways because of its genetic tractability and as a model for metazoan biology. It provides an alternative and complimentary approach to Saccharomyces cerevisiae for addressing questions of cell biology, physiology, genetics, and genomics/proteomics. We include details and considerations for growing fission yeast, information on crosses and genetics, gene targeting and transformation, cell synchrony and analysis, and molecular biology protocols.
Extensions of Modern Control and Estimation Methods to a Military Drive System

This paper investigates the application of Linear Quadratic Gaussian control to a nonlinear, military drive system. The major objective of this design is to eliminate the need of an expensive sensor used for disturbance measurement and, if possible, improve the system performance. Special attention is paid towards selecting efficient, accurate, control and estimator plant models. The resulting controller consists of a four state Linear Quadradic Regulator coupled with a eight state extended Kalman Filter, in addition to a nonlinear compensator to reduce multiplicative perturbations. The combined system was designed and evaluated via a detailed simulation. Baseline and sensitivity results indicate that the "modern" controller performs as well as the classically designed system, but without the need for an expensive sensor used for disturbance measurement.
Discussion of "Tests on Instrumented Piles, Ogeechee River Site"

THE DISCUSSER CONCURS WITH THE AUTHOR IN HIS RECOMMENDATION FOR MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF THE STATIC CONE PENETRATION TESTS FOR BEARING CAPACITY AND SETTLEMENT PREDICTIONS FOR BOTH DEEP AND SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS IN SAND. THE URGENT NEED IS MENTIONED FOR SOME REASONABLY RELIABLE PRACTICAL METHOD FOR PREDICTION OF SETTLEMENTS. THE BUISMAN APPROACH UTILIZING THE DEEP STATIC CONE PENETRATION TEST WAS MENTIONED. IN THE BUISMAN METHOD THE PRESSURE DUE TO THE FOUNDATION ENTERS THE CALCULATION FOR SETTLEMENT IN LOG FORM. BRIEF REVIEWS ARE PRESENTED OF WORKS OF ANOTHER AUTHOR AND THE DISCUSSER REVIEWING THE BUISMAN APPROACH. USING ELASTIC THEORY AVOIDS THE LOG-PRESSURE ERROR IN THE BUISMAN APPROACH THAT RESULTS IN ALTERNATE WAVES. REFERENCES: TESTS ON INSTRUMENTED PILES, OGEECHEE RIVER SITE, ALEKSANDER SEDMAK VESIC, ASSCE PROCEEDINGS PAPER 7170, MARCH, 1970.
Determinants of bone strength and quality in diabetes mellitus in humans

Abstract There is growing evidence that the higher fracture rate observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with normal, or even increased, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by DXA. This has led to the hypothesis that patients with T2DM may have abnormalities in bone microarchitecture and/or material composition – i.e., key determinants of bone “quality.” Consistent with this hypothesis, several studies using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) have demonstrated preserved indices of trabecular microarchitecture but increased cortical porosity in T2DM patients. In addition, a recent study using a novel in vivo microindentation device found an impairment in a measure of bone material properties (bone material strength index, BMSi) in postmenopausal women with longstanding T2DM; notably, the reduction in BMSi was associated with chronic glycemic control, suggesting that the skeleton should be included as another target organ subject to diabetic complications. The underlying pathogenesis of skeletal fragility in T2DM remains to be defined, although high levels of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) may play a role. In addition, T2DM is associated with reduced bone turnover, perhaps with an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Although several studies have found increased serum sclerostin levels in patients with T2DM, the role of these increased levels in mediating the observed increases in cortical porosity or reduction in BMSi remains to be defined. Thus, although bone quality appears to be impaired in T2DM, the pathogenesis of these abnormalities and their relationship to the increased fracture risk observed in these patients needs further study.
Plastic Zone Transitions

This chapter describes an analytical solution for mode III cracking obtained for a finite-width plastic zone model. This model recovers—as special cases—the small-scale yielding elastic-perfectly plastic solution obtained by Hult and McClintock, and a plastic strip model for mode III proposed by Cherepanov, which is analogous in shape to the Dugdale plastic strip model of mode I. The model presented represents a transitional phase of mode III cracking where the elastic-plastic boundary assumes an elliptical form. The stress, strain, and displacement fields are given for both the elastic and plastic regions. For the mode III problem, only the antiplane displacement is nonzero. The elastic-plastic boundary for the plastic strip model given by Cherepanov is a straight line. The elastic-plastic boundary all for the small-scale yielding solution of Hult and McClintock is circular. The additional solution reflects the quadratic nature of the yield condition, and it corresponds to an antiplane loading which is opposite to the loading used to generate the stresses. A change of shape in the plastic zone may be related to an internal variable such as temperature, or it may be related to a three-dimensional effect such as plate thickness. An energy-dissipation analysis for the transition model is also presented.
Bax Translocation to Mitochondria Is an Important Event in Inducing Apoptotic Cell Death by Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) Treatment of Breast Cancer Cells

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a natural component of Brassica vegetables, has been found to be a promising cancer preventive agent. However, the precise molecular mechanism(s) by which I3C exerts its inhibitory effects on cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the molecular mechanism of action of I3C during apoptotic processes in breast epithelial cells. Nontumorigenic and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells were exposed to I3C, and growth inhibition, apoptosis and expression of genes involved in apoptotic processes were measured. Translocation of Bax to the mitochondria was accessed by confocal imaging. Mitochondrial potential and cytochrome c release also were measured. We found that I3C inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis in these cells, concomitant with upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. I3C induced translocation of Bax to the mitochondria in both tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cells, but concomitant loss of mitochondrial potential, release of cytochrome c and induction of apoptosis were observed only in cancer cells. In conclusion, I3C exerts its effects by regulating cell cycle and by altering the expression of genes involved in apoptotic pathway. The translocation of Bax to the mitochondria alone is not sufficient during I3C-induced apoptosis. Translocation of Bax followed by mitochondrial depolarization and cytochrome c release is necessary, which may be responsible for selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, supporting the potential preventive and/or therapeutic benefit of I3C against cancers.
Magnetostriction and Palæomagnetism of Igneous Rocks

IN a recent communication, Stott and Stacey1 report on a “crucial experiment” from which they conclude: “This excellent agreement between the dip and the directions of artificial thermoremanent magnetization of the stressed and unstressed rocks indicates that large systematic errors due to magnetostriction are most improbable in igneous rocks of types normally used for palaeomagnetic work”. This experiment was intended to test the proposals2 and measurements3 bearing on the role of magnetostriction in rock magnetism. We present here our reasons for believing that the experiment was not crucial and that the conclusion is not justified.
Long-term effects of ovariectomy and aging on the rat skeleton

The long-term skeletal effects of ovariectomy and aging were studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats sacrificed at 270, 370, and 540 days after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery at 90 days of age. The proximal tibia was processed undecalcified for quantitative bone histomorphometry. For continuity, data from these late time points were combined with previously published data from earlier time points (0-180 days). A biphasic pattern of cancellous bone loss was detected in the proximal tibial metaphysis of OVX rats. An initial, rapid phase of bone loss out to 100 days was followed by an intermediate period of relative stabilization of cancellous bone volume at the markedly osteopenic level of 5-7%. After 270 days, a slow phase of bone loss occurred during which cancellous bone volume declined to 1-2%. Both the initial, rapid phase and the late, slow phase of bone loss in OVX rats were associated with increased bone turnover. In control rats, cancellous bone volume remained constant at 25-30% out to 270 days (12 months of age), then decreased to approximately 10% by 540 days (21 months of age). This age-related bone loss was also associated with increased bone turnover. It is interesting to note that the proximal tibial growth plates were closed in approximately a quarter of the control rats by 15-21 months of age. Our data indicate that a slow rate of bone loss and increased bone turnover persist in OVX rats during the later stages of estrogen deficiency. Therefore, the development of osteopenia is coincident with increased bone turnover in OVX rats as well as in aged, control rats.
Designing Games, Designing Roles: A Study of Youth Agency in an Urban Informal Education Program

Collaboration (GDMC), an informal education program in 3D computer modeling and 2D interactive game design serving primarily African American youth aged 7 to 19 years in the Washington, D.C. metro area, transformed from a program designed and taught by adults to one designed and taught by youth. In Year 1, 8% of youth participants held a leadership role; by Year 4, 30% of youth participants did. Moreover, the nature of these roles transformed, with youth increasingly taking on responsibilities formerly held by adults. In this qualitative study, the authors describe and seek to understand this role shifting. Through the extensive collection and analysis of field observations over 4 years, the authors describe qualitative shifts in the agency involved in these roles—moving from a conception of youth as student to assistant to youth as designer and implementer of instruction. The authors analyze changes in youth agency that accompanied their implementation of the studio mentorship model where classrooms were...
Ovarian involvement by the intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor with divergent differentiation: a report of three cases.

Abstract Three girls, one 14 and two 15 years of age, with the recently described neoplasm that has been designated “intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor with divergent differentiation,” and ovarian involvement at presentation are described. In two cases the ovarian tumor was initially thought to be the primary neoplasm. In all cases there was extensive extraovarian tumor at the time of presentation. The ovarian involvement was bilateral in two cases and unilateral in the third. Microscopic examination showed prominent nodular growth within the ovaries. The tumors were characterized predominantly by nests of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm separated by a prominent desmoplastic stroma. A few tubules containing mucinous secretion were present in one case. On immunohistochemical staining many of the tumor cells stained positively for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, desmin, and vimentin. Staining for neuron-specific enolase was present in two cases but was conspicuous in only one of them. Leu-7 was expressed by the tumor cells in two cases, and S-100 protein by one, giving further support to the possiblity of neuroectodermal differentiation within some of these neoplasms. The two cases studied by electron microscopy both showed frequent intercellular junctions, basal lamina, cytoplasmic filaments, and sparse, small dense granules of either neuroendocrine or lysosomal type. Paranuclear aggregates of filaments were found in one case and cellular processes were prominent in the other case. The differential diagnosis in these cases was extensive and included a number of small cell tumors that may involve the ovary, either primarily or secondarily, in young females. The desmoplastic small round cell tumor should be considered in such cases when the appearances on routine examination are consistent with the diagnosis, and appropriate immunohistochemical stains should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
TECHNIQUES FOR CULTURING THE AMERICAN EEL

American eels (Anguilla rostrata) have been cultured from the elver stage to marketable size in a flow-through freshwater system. Elvers were captured in coastal freshwater streams using fine mesh dip nets and traps. The young eels were then held in indoor tanks where they became adapted to feeding on a prepared diet and they were treated for external parasites and diseases. When outdoor water temperatures stabilized above 18°C, the eels were transplanted to grow-out ponds and reared to market size in 14 to 18 months. The culture techniques described in this paper include: 1) obtaining elvers, 2) disease prophylaxis, 3) feeding adaptation, and 4) pond grow-out. Details are presented concerning elver harvesting and transport, diets and feeding methods, and the culture system.
Chlorinated, hydroxylated low molecular weight guayule rubber as a convertible binder in thermoset coatings.

Abstract Chlorinated, hydroxylated low molecular weight guayule rubber (CHLMWGR) has been synthesized for the first time. It has been characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. CHLMWGR is a versatile material useful both as a convertible binder and as a precursor for further modifications. Higher solids polyurethane coatings, synthesized with CHLMWGR as a binder ingredient, perform very well relative to coatings derived from chlorinated, hydroxylated masticated Hevea rubber. An advantage of low molecular weight guayule rubber over other natural rubber sources is that it needs no mastication prior to modification, and thus, is economically attractive.
The value of unranked items in the analysis of incomplete ranking survey

In many market research studies, it is cost effective to ask the respondents to select and rank a small fixed number of the most preferred items from a list. There are several analyses available but they are not equally efficient.A simulation study is carried out to compare six intuitive approaches and a market research study is used throughout this article to illustrate the idea.
Circular dichroism and conformation of human α1-antitrypsin

Abstract The solution conformation of α1-antitrypsin from human blood plasma was studied by the circular dichroism (CD) probe. The CD spectra revealed in this glycoprotein approximately 16–20% of α-helix, the rest of the main polypeptide chain possessing the pleated sheet (gb) and the aperiodic structures. The conformation was stable between pH 4.7 and 8.8. Reversible change in conformation was observed at pH 10.3, and more drastic denaturation occured at pH 11.6. The environment of the side chain chromophores was strongly affected by acid at pH 2.5, whereas the main chain conformation was changed slightly. A drastic change in the CD spectra, indicating denaturation, was observed in 3.5 M guanidine hydrochloride. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was effective in disorganizing the tertiary structure and in enhancing the helix content. The phenylalanine band fine structure was observed in the native protein and also after denaturation with acid, guanidine hydrochloride and sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Genome sequencing projects.

Full analysis of two microbial genomes points towards complete catalogues of virulence and disease genes while tracking the course of evolution.
Neuroscience: A bar code for differentiation.

Regulating neuronal development can be complicated. But genetic control of neurotransmitter expression — as exemplified by differentiation of dopamine-secreting neurons — turns out to be relatively straightforward. Neurons that produce dopamine as a neurotransmitter control a broad variety of brain functions, including motor control, cognition, motivation and pleasure. How precursor cells converge onto the dopaminergic fate across the vast diversity of developmental lineages involved in those functions has been unclear. Nuria Flames and Oliver Hobert now report that the regulatory protein AST-1 is necessary and sufficient to drive and maintain the terminal differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in the nematode C. elegans. As the protein and its terminal differentiation function are strikingly conserved in mice, the results have direct implications for stem-cell replacement strategies in dopamine-related disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Theory and Characterization of Weather Radar Networks

Abstract A dense weather radar network is an emerging concept advanced by the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA). In a weather radar environment, the specific radar units employed and the network topology will influence the characteristics of the data obtained. To define this, a general framework is developed to describe the radar network space, and formulations are obtained that can be used for weather radar network characterization. The models developed are useful for quantifying and comparing the performance of different weather radar networks. Starting with system characteristics that are used to specify individual radars, a theoretical basis is developed to extend the concept to network configurations of interest. A general network elemental cell is defined and employed as the parameterized domain over which different coverage aspects (such as detection sensitivity, beam size, and minimum beam height) are studied using analytical tools developed in...
Spectra of Discrete Uniform Subgroups of Semisimple Lie Groups.

Let G be a connected, semisimple Lie group with finite center and without compact factors, F a discrete uniform subgroup of G, U the unitary representation of G on L2(F\G) and [U] the equivalence class of U. For each class co in the unitary dual E(G) of G, let nr(co) be the multiplicity of co in [U]. It is well known [6] that [U] =~nr(m)c0, a discrete direct sum, where nr(co) 0 only for a countable number of o. The function n r may be called the spectral function of F. In [5], Gangolli asked the question to what extent does n r determine F? If F, F' are two discrete uniform subgroups of G, then does n r = n r, imply that F is isomorphic to F'?
Release, oxidation, and reesterification of fatty acids from infused triglycerides: Effect of heparin

We have investigated the effects of heparin on rates of fatty acid (FA) release, oxidation, and reesterification from intravenously (IV) infused triglycerides (TGs) during euglycemic (4.7 mmol · L−1) hyperinsulinemia (−450 pmol · L−1). Four healthy men (aged 31 ± 3 years; body mass index, 26.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2) received IV TGs (1.02 mmol TG · kg−1 · 4 h−1), four other men (aged 24.3 ± 2.8 years; body mass index, 24.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2) received TGs plus heparin (200-U bolus followed by 0.4 U · kg−1 · min−1), and nine men and one woman (aged 28.8 ± 2.3 years; body mass index, 23.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2) received saline (controls). Heparin increased lipolysis from infused TGs (to 1.0 ± 0.1 from 0.3 ± 0.1 mmol · kg−1 · 4 h−1, P < .01), increased plasma free fatty acids ([Ffa]to 737 ± 32 from 597 ± 136 μmol · l−1, P < .05), and increased FA reesterification (to 0.84 ± 0.14 from 0.18 ± 0.12 mmol· kg−1 · 4 h−1, P < .02), but had no effect on FA oxidation (0.13 ± 0.02 v 0.12 ± 0.04 mmol · kg−1 · 4 h−1) or net energy gain (167 ± 42 v 243 ± 79 kJ · 4 h−1). In summary, addition of heparin (1) increased lipolysis (to ∼98% from ∼29%) and reesterification (to ∼82% from ∼17%) of infused TG, but had no significant effects on fat oxidation (∼12%) and net energy gain. We conclude that heparin accelerated removal of infused lipid from the blood and its deposition into endogenous fat depots. Since the doses of heparin and insulin used in this study were higher than those generally used in total parenteral nutrition protocols, our results may not be strictly applicable to the usual clinical situation.
Allergic Reactions After Egg-Free Recombinant Influenza Vaccine: Reports to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System has received reports of allergic reactions following immunization with egg-free recombinant influenza vaccine, among patients with a self-reported egg allergy or previous allergic reaction to inactivated influenza vaccine. These results suggest that allergic reactions following influenza vaccination are not necessarily related to egg proteins.
Real-Time Vector Velocity Estimation in Doppler Radar Networks

In this paper, a real-time algorithm that operates on data provided by a network of weather radars in the form of moments is presented. The algorithm implementation, performance, and abilities are presented and discussed. As part of this paper, a methodology for mapping from native spherical coordinates to a common network grid is developed and demonstrated. Metrics which gauge the quality of mapping and quality of data are derived, and their use from a network point of view is demonstrated. The main product of the algorithm, which is an implementation of a vector velocity estimation technique based on a maximum likelihood approach, is shown, and its results are displayed, compared, and discussed. The application of a methodology for velocity unfolding and reflectivity display enhancement is presented as well.
Early randomized intervention with high-frequency jet ventilation in respiratory distress syndrome.

To determine whether early use of high-frequency jet ventilation reduces neonatal mortality or pulmonary morbidity rates, we randomly selected 42 infants with clinical and radiographic evidence of severe respiratory distress syndrome to receive either high-frequency jet ventilation or conventional ventilation. Separate sequential analyses (two-sided, α=0.05, power=0.95 to detect 85:15 advantage) were performed for mortality rates, air leaks, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, and assignment crossover, and a combined analysis was performed, with death overriding other outcome variables. Enroliment was completed when the combined analysis reached the sequential design boundary indicating no treatment difference. Mortality rates (19% among infants recelving high-frequency jet ventilation vs 24% among infants receiving conventional ventilation), the incidence of air leaks (48% vs 52%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (39% vs 41%), and intraventricular hemorrhage (33% vs 43%), and assignment crossovers (14% vs 24%) did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. We conclude that early use of high-frequency jet ventilation does not prevent or substantially reduce mortallity or morbidity rates associated with assisted ventilation.
Pulmonary embolus from acute superior sagittal sinus thrombosis secondary to skull fracture: case report.

Background and importance Pulmonary embolus (PE) occurring concurrent with-and as a result of-traumatic superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) has never before been reported. We report the first case of a patient who presented with acute traumatic SSST and concomitant PE. Clinical presentation A 30-year-old man presented with altered mental status after a motorcycle collision, and subsequently developed respiratory distress. Computed tomography (CT) scanning of the head revealed multiple calvarial and skull base fractures, contusions, and hemorrhages. Air was noted within the superior sagittal sinus, indicating a fracture involving the sinus and suggesting thrombus formation. A chest CT scan obtained at the time of presentation revealed a PE in the right pulmonary artery. The patient had no personal or family history of hypercoagulability, and all coagulation study results were within normal limits. Work-up revealed no evidence of long bone fractures or deep venous thrombosis. Initial intervention involved placement of an external ventricular drain, brain tissue oxygen saturation probe, internal jugular venous oxygen saturation monitor, arterial line, and central venous line with extensive treatment of all abnormal values according to established standards. Ultimately, pentobarbital coma was initiated for persistently elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) refractory to conservative measures. Aggressive pulmonary resuscitation was required to maintain adequate oxygenation. Anticoagulation was begun 3 weeks after admission. Conclusion Our patient had good neurological recovery. This report highlights the possibility of acute PE in the setting of traumatic SSST.
Daily step counts in a US cohort with COPD

Summary Background Baseline values for daily step counts in US adults with COPD and knowledge of its accurate measurement, natural change over time, and independent relationships with measures of COPD severity are limited. Methods 127 persons with stable COPD wore the StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) for 14 days, and 102 of them wore it a median 3.9 months later. SAM counts were compared to manual counts in the clinic. We assessed change over time, the effect of season, and relationships with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) % predicted, 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, the modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea score, and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire Total Score (SGRQ-TS). Results 98% of subjects were males, with mean age 71 ± 8 years and FEV 1 1.48 ± 0.54 L (52 ± 19% predicted). All 4 GOLD stages were represented, with the most subjects in GOLD II (44%) and GOLD III (37%). The SAM had >90% accuracy in 99% of subjects. Average step count was 5680 steps/day, which decreased with increasing GOLD stage ( p = 0.0046). Subjects walked 645 fewer steps/day at follow-up, which was partly explained by season of monitoring ( p = 0.013). In a multivariate model, FEV 1 % predicted, 6MWT distance and MMRC score were weakly associated with daily step counts, while SGRQ-TS was not. Conclusions These findings will aid the design of future studies using daily step counts in COPD. Accurately measured, daily step counts decline over time partly due to season and capture unique information about COPD status.
Supporting faculty research through asynchronous online collaboration at Florida Institute of Technology’s Center for Communication Excellence

This paper presents a case study of the establishment of the center for communication excellence (CCE) at Florida Institute of Technology. Founded in 2006 to help faculty improve the writing of their professional documents (such as grant proposals), the CCE has evolved from an institutionally funded center exclusively serving faculty authors into a fee-based center serving faculty, institutional clients, and graduate students. Our research suggests that the CCE is unique, and we believe that other institutions can benefit from the establishment of similar centers to support faculty writing. Research is the core of many academic institutions, and by helping faculty shape information more effectively, the CCE promotes and protects the universitypsilas intellectual capital, one of its most valuable resources in an information-based economy. Our paper traces the history of the CCE from its establishment through its first two years of existence. We discuss issues associated with establishing a center, such as obtaining funding, developing organizational processes, and meeting the challenge of heavy demand. We show how collaborating via the Internet proved to be the most beneficial arrangement for our staff and the majority of our clients. Finally, we offer recommendations for others who wish to establish similar centers.
Structure and composition of the courtship phenotype in the bird of paradise Parotia lawesii (Aves: Paradisaeidae).

Abstract Ethology is rooted in the idea that behavior is composed of discrete units and sub-units that can be compared among taxa in a phylogenetic framework. This means that behavior, like morphology and genes, is inherently modular. Yet, the concept of modularity is not well integrated into how we envision the behavioral components of phenotype. Understanding ethological modularity, and its implications for animal phenotype organization and evolution, requires that we construct interpretive schemes that permit us to examine it. In this study, I describe the structure and composition of a complex part of the behavioral phenotype of Parotia lawesii Ramsay, 1885 – a bird of paradise (Aves: Paradisaeidae) from the forests of eastern New Guinea. I use archived voucher video clips, photographic ethograms, and phenotype ontology diagrams to describe the modular units comprising courtship at various levels of integration. Results show P. lawesii to have 15 courtship and mating behaviors (11 males, 4 females) hierarchically arranged within a complex seven-level structure. At the finest level examined, male displays are comprised of 49 modular sub-units (elements) differentially employed to form more complex modular units (phases and versions) at higher-levels of integration. With its emphasis on hierarchical modularity, this study provides an important conceptual framework for understanding courtship-related phenotypic complexity and provides a solid basis for comparative study of the genus Parotia .