cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a production system for weeds as biomass crops

Abstract This paper describes the methodology involved in the selection of several weed species for the production of bioenergy feedstocks and the development of production systems for these species. Five species were selected for evaluation from an initial 11 species. Response to low inputs of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), regrowth from overwintered crowns, and vegetative propagation were studied. Application of 56 kg ha −1 of N resulted in dry matter yields of 7·2, 36·1, 33·7, 16·3 and 10·9 Mg ha −1 for Baccharis sp., Eupatorium capillifolium, Sida rhombifolia, Amaranthus hybridus and Ricinus communis , respectively. Greater than 70% regrowth was observed for overwintered crowns of E. capillifolium, Baccharis sp. and Sida rhombifolia plants. Softwood tip cuttings of all species, except R. communis , initiated roots. Only A. hybridus benefited significantly from application of rooting hormones.
SU-E-T-612: Integral Dose Study of Non-Coplanar 4pi Radiotherapy

Purpose: To quantify the integral doses of 4π highly non‐coplanar treatment plans and compare them to traditional coplanar IMRT plans. Methods: A systematic study was conducted using an elliptical cylinder, with a major axis length of 35.4 cm and minor axis length of 23.6cm. A 4.5cm diameter spherical tumor was embedded at 4 equally spaced radial locations on the long axis from the center to the periphery. Twenty 6MV conformal non‐coplanar beams were selected in a fashion so that their trajectories would form a circular cone 24° with respect to the cone axis that converged on the tumor. A coplanar plan using twenty evenly spaced conformal 6MV coplanar beams was conducted for comparison. The dose distribution was calculated using the convolution/superposition algorithm. A patient study was also conducted for 10 liver and 12 lung SBRT cases. A column generation algorithm was used to optimize both beam orientations and the fluence map. The dosimetry was compared to clinical plans using 2‐arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Results: For the centrally‐located tumor, non‐coplanar plans delivered up to 37% greater integral dose but the ratio decreased rapidly with the tumor locating more superficially. Approximately the same integral dose resulted from both planning methods at a tumor depth of 10 cm. For the tumor at 6cm depth, the non‐coplanar plan integral dose was approximately 10% lower. Compared to VMAT, the integral dose to the liver and lung SBRT patients were reduced by 17% and 42% using 4π, respectively. Conclusion: Non‐coplanar plans can reduce integral doses as exemplified by both the phantom and patient studies. The effect is most significant with shallower tumors, e.g. the tumor center within 10 cm of a given surface in the simplified phantom model. Actual patient treatments benefit more due to the optimization of the non‐coplanar beam angles.
The independence transformation of specific substitutes and specific complements

Abstract When all n observed goods are specific substitutes (complements) in Houthakker's (1960) sense, the independence transformation yields one transformed good in which all observed goods are positively represented, viz., the transformed good with the smallest (largest) income elasticity. The n – 1 other transformed goods are all contrasts between observed goods.
Phospholipid interactions in model membrane systems. I. Experiments on monolayers

We study the lateral headgroup interactions among phosphatidylcholine (PC) molecules and among phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) molecules in monolayers and extend our previous models. In this paper, we present an extensive set of pressure-area isotherms and surface potential experiments on monolayers of phospholipids ranging from 14 to 22 carbons in length at the n-heptane/water interface, over a wide range of temperature, salt concentration, and pH on the acid side. The pressure data presented here are a considerable extension of previous data (1) to higher surface densities, comprehensively checked for monolayer loss, and include new data on PE molecules. We explore surface densities ranging from extremely low to intermediate, near to the main phase transition, in which range the surface pressures and potentials are found to be independent of the chain length. Thus, these data bear directly on the headgroup interactions. These interactions are observed to be independent of ionic strength. PC and PE molecules differ strongly in two respects: (a) the lateral repulsion among PC molecules is much stronger than for PE, and (b) the lateral repulsion among PC molecules increases strongly with temperature whereas PE interactions are almost independent of temperature. Similarly, the surface potential for PC is found to increase with temperature whereas for PE it does not. In this and the following paper we show that these data from dilute to semidilute monolayers are consistent with a theoretical model that predicts that, independent of coverage, for PC the P-N+ dipole is oriented slightly into the oil phase because of the hydrophobicity of the methyl groups, increasingly so with temperature, whereas for PE the P-N+ dipole is directed into the water phase.
Lipoprotein subfractions of runners and sedentary men.

Serum concentrations of lipoprotein mass by flotation rate were measured in 12 long-distance runners and 64 sedentary men by analytic ultracentrifugation. The runners had significantly lower serum mass concentrations of the smaller, denser low-density lipoprotein particles of flotation rates Sf 0–7 (including the LDL-II, LDL-III, and LDL-IV subspecies), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles of Sf 20–400, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles of flotation rates F1.20 0–1.5 (predominately the HDL3 subspecies), and higher serum mass concentrations of HDL particles with flotation rates between F1.20 2.0–9.0 (including HDL2a and HDL2b and less dense particles belonging to HDL3) than did sedentary men. Lipoprotein lipase activity was higher, and hepatic lipase activity was lower in runners than in the sedentary men. Thus, the affects of endurance exercise training to lower LDL may be specific to the smaller, denser LDL particle region. Similarities in the lipoprotein mass profiles of the runners and the low-risk profiles of sedentary, middle-aged women suggest the effects of common metabolic factors possibly leading to reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Assessment guidelines based on clinical presentation to a specialty clinic

Of 143 adults presenting for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluation, 46 (32%) clearly met diagnostic criteria, 46 (32%) clearly did not meet diagnostic criteria, and another 51 (36%) with current ADHD-like features did not meet criteria due to either a lack of childhood history and/or complicating severe psychiatric or substance abuse comorbidity. The three groups were similar in demographics, psychiatric diagnosis, psychiatric symptom severity, and functional impairment. Compared with the group not meeting ADHD criteria, patients with ADHD had more frequent histories of learning disability in childhood, poorer reading scores on the Wide-Range Achievement Test (WRAT), poorer scores on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and higher scores on the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) for ADHD. Patients in the ambiguous ADHD category had higher rates of current substance abuse than the other two groups. While this group resembled the non-ADHD group in having a low incidence of learning disability and normal reading scores, their poor performance on the CPT and high scores on the WURS more closely resembled those of ADHD patients. These findings suggest that there are a few rating scales, testing instruments, and lifetime history characteristics that help to clarify the difficult diagnostic distinction between adult patients who do and do not have ADHD.
Dual Kidney Transplants From Very Old or Very Young Donors: Long-Term Outcomes and Complications

Abstract The disparity between donors and the demand for organ transplants grows steadily. Annually, 4700 patients die on the kidney transplant waiting list in the United States. To increase utilization of deceased donor organs, we expanded our acceptable criteria to include very old (VO) or very young (VY) donors. We transplanted both such kidneys (dual transplant) into a single recipient and evaluated the long-term outcomes and complications. From July 2001 to December 2005, 16 patients (mean age 68, range 60–78) received dual kidneys from VO (mean age 72, range 60–79) donors and 6 patients (mean age 47, range 27–72) were transplanted from VY (mean age 17 months, range 2–36) donors. Seventy-four percent of these kidneys were imported after rejection by their local center due to low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and extreme age. One- and 5-year patient survival rates were 100% and 88%, respectively. Death-censored 1- and 5-year graft survival rates for recipient of VO kidneys were 95% and 93%, and 66% and 50% for recipients of VY kidneys, respectively. Five-year graft survival rate for recipients of VO donor kidneys was 93% and was equal to the survival of standard deceased donor (SCD) kidney transplants (87%). The 5-year survival of dual transplants from VO donors was higher than expanded criteria deceased donor (ECD; P = .05). Over a mean follow-up of 66 ± 28 months, rejection rates were 10%, not statistically different than other groups. Of 22 dual transplants, four patients experienced urinary tract infections; three developed incisional subcutaneous seromas, and there were more urinary leaks compared to SCD (13.6% vs 2%, P = .002). The average 1- and 5-year estimated GFR (Cockcroft-Gault) was 57.4 and 54.6 mL/min, respectively. When properly placed in a single patient, such marginal organs are a valuable resource that offer comparable outcomes to SCD transplants and superior outcomes to ECD organs.
Power prediction from a battery state estimator that incorporates diffusion resistance

Abstract We present a new algorithm that improves the prediction accuracy of the maximum charge and discharge power capabilities, i.e. state of power ( SOP ), of a battery state estimator (BSE) using an equivalent-circuit representation of a battery. For short time (high frequency) operation, lithium ion traction batteries are often dominated by ohmic and interfacial kinetic resistance, and conventional equivalent circuits employing resistors and capacitors (RC circuits) work well to characterize the system. However, for longer times, diffusion resistance becomes important and conventional BSEs based on RC elements fail to provide useful power predictions. In order to take into account diffusion in the SOP prediction, we propose to incorporate a nonlinear resistance into the power prediction formulas that are otherwise based on an RC circuit formulation; The diffusion effect is addressed with this nonlinear resistance whose value is proportional to the square root of time. The new approach is implemented in a vehicle-simulation environment (a hardware-in-the-loop setup) to predict the SOP of a lithium-ion battery. Simulation results demonstrate that this revised estimator provides much more accurate power prediction without compromising the regression performance of the original BSE.
DOES INCREASED MORTALITY FAVOR THE EVOLUTION OF MORE RAPID SENESCENCE

It is widely believed (following the 1957 hypothesis of G. C. Williams) that greater rates of "extrinsic" (age- and condition-independent) mortality favor more rapid senescence. However, a recent analysis of mammalian life tables failed to find a significant correlation between minimum adult mortality rate and the rate of senescence. This article presents a simple theoretical analysis of how extrinsic mortality should affect the rate of senescence (i.e., the rate at which probability of mortality increases with age) under different evolutionary and population dynamical assumptions. If population dynamics are density independent, extrinsic mortality should not alter the senescence rate favored by natural selection. If population growth is density dependent and populations are stable, the effect of extrinsic mortality depends on the age specificity of the density dependence and on whether survival or reproduction (or both) are functions of density. It is possible that higher extrinsic mortality will increase the rate of senescence at all ages, decrease the rate at all ages, or increase it at some ages while decreasing it at others. Williams's hypothesis is most likely to be supported when density dependence acts primarily on fertility and does not differentially decrease the fertilities of older individuals. Patterns contrary to Williams's prediction are possible when density dependence acts primarily on the survival or fertility of later ages or when most variation in mortality rates is due to variation in nonextrinsic mortality.
Sensitivity of bioenergetic growth models of animals to changes in the energy balance parameters.

Abstract Identification of mechanisms and parameters to which the system dynamics are most sensitive leads not only to a better understanding of the system but also eliminates unnecessary experimental and theoretical investigations concerning non-critical parameters. An effective approach to this identification is sensitivity analysis of a mathematical model of the system being studied. This paper examines the sensitivity of bioenergetic growth models of animals to changes in the energy balance parameters and draws a general conclusion. Bioenergetic growth models of animals are much more sensitive to changes in the instantaneous values of food consumption and food assimilation efficiency than to changes in the instantaneous value of respiration. A model of energy flow through the amictic female rotifer Brachionus rubens Ehrbg. is considered to illustrate the conclusion.
Individual versus Collaborative Problem Solving: Divergent Outcomes Depending on Task Complexity.

Many studies have tested external supports for promoting productive collaboration, but relatively few have examined what features characterize naturally productive collaborative tasks. Two lines of research have come to distinct conclusions on the primary task feature associated with productive collaboration: demonstrability versus complexity. This study examined the problem-solving performance of 110 seventh grade students on a demonstrable mathematical task, including 69 in three traditional math classrooms (for whom the task was complex) and 41 in two accelerated math classrooms (for whom the task was not complex). Students were further assigned to one of four conditions split by two factors: grouping (individual versus dyad) and number of problems (one or two). For the accelerated math classes, individuals performed significantly better than dyads. For the traditional math classes, dyads performed significantly better than individuals and exceeded the truth-wins criterion (a theoretical maximum indicating how individuals would perform if they shared knowledge perfectly). A complex-demonstrable task framework is proposed for characterizing naturally productive collaborative tasks.
Energetics and stability of pentacene thin films on amorphous and crystalline octadecylsilane modified surfaces

Charge transport in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) is directly related to the morphology and growth of the organic semiconductor at the dielectric interface. The most commonly used dielectric interface in OTFT research is alkylsilane-modified silicon oxide (SiO2). In this report, the nucleation, energetics, and stability of pentacene thin films on methyl-terminated surfaces are discussed. The density of the terminal methyl group was found to be an important parameter for controlling the growth of organic semiconductors. Pentacene growth is two-dimensional (2D) on SiO2 dielectrics modified with a crystalline, densely packed octadecylsilane (OTS) monolayer. However, it is primarily three-dimensional (3D) on SiO2 dielectrics modified with an amorphous OTS layer. Beyond a critical OTS density, the interaction between the OTS and pentacene exceeds the pentacene interlayer interaction energy engendering 2D growth which is preferential for high charge carrier mobility. The nucleation density is also much higher on the crystalline OTS compared to the amorphous OTS. The sub-monolayer thin films of pentacene were found to be much more stable on the ordered OTS compared to disordered OTS. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Monte Carlo simulations were used to develop a thorough analysis of pentacene film growth and energetics on OTS surfaces.
Effect of fibroblast growth factor-23 on phosphate transport in proximal tubules

Effect of fibroblast growth factor-23 on phosphate transport in proximal tubules. Background Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) has been implicated in the renal phosphate wasting in tumor-induced osteomalacia, X-linked hypophosphatemia, and autosomal-dominant hypophosphatemic rickets. Methods In this in vitro microperfusion study we examined if FGF23R176Q, a stable mutant of FGF-23, impairs phosphate transport in rabbit proximal convoluted and proximal straight tubules perfused in vitro. We also examined if heparin, a molecule that is known to facilitate binding of FGFs to their receptor was necessary for the action of FGF23R176Q on transport. Results In the presence of heparin, FGF23R176Q reduced phosphate transport from 10.8 ± 2.0 to 9.9 ± 1.9 pmol/mm/min in proximal convoluted tubules and 1.0 ± 0.2 to 0.8 ± 0.2 pmol/mm/min in proximal straight tubules (both P Conclusion These data demonstrate that the inhibition of phosphate transport by FGF23R176Q in vitro requires heparin. The action of FGF23R176Q is associated with a reduction in BBMV NaPi-2A protein abundance.
Longshore sediment transport via littoral drift rose

The littoral drift rose (LDR) concept is presented herein for improvement in understanding of longshore sediment transport and consequent shoreline processes in areas with smooth (gradually varying) offshore bathymetry extending over a coastal region where the deep water wave climate is reasonably uniform. The concept of the littoral drift rose (LDR) is presented and LDRs are shown to provide insight into coastal evolution and shoreline stability (or instability) for a given region having uniform wave climate. This paper reviews earlier documented applications and work using LDRs and provides an interpretation of earlier findings of shoreline stability using LDRs. Previously known but undocumented findings are also discussed herein which show that the wave climate and hence the LDR can be synthesized into an equivalent LDR developed from one wave component of given magnitude and direction. Practical applications using LDRs are presented, which show that the magnitude and direction of littoral drift throughout a region can be interpreted from limited measured, calculated, or observed data on littoral drift at two locations in the region.
Impact of Multi-Media Case Studies on Improving Intrinsic Learning Motivation of Students.

Past research has suggested that students need to be motivated by themselves (intrinsic learning motivation) and use higher-order cognitive skills so as to excel in problem solving, decision-making...
The Synergism of Substituted Phenyl N-methylcarbamates by Piperonyl Butoxide

The toxicity of 40 substituted phenyl N -methylearbamates to the house fly, Musca domestica L., was re-evaluated with piperonyl butoxide as a synergist. There was no correlation between house fly toxicity and fly brain anticholinesterase activity when the carbamate was used alone. In general, the use of piperonyl butoxide with the carbamate increased the toxicity to levels which parallel anticholinesterase activity. An approximately linear relationship between the logarithm of toxicity and cholinesterase inhibition was obtained. The data support previous suggestions that variability in the toxicity of carbamates used alone is due to different detoxication rates in the insect.
Holographic precompensation for one-way transmission of diffraction-limited beams through diffusing media

A new method to deliver high-quality laser beams through multimode optical fibers, based on the principle of phase conjugation generated by a hologram, is investigated. The delivery process is divided into two steps. In step 1, a hologram, which records the distorted output from the fiber, is made with the aid of a self-pumped phase-conjugating crystal. In step 2 the laser beam is first directed to the hologram, which gives the laser beam a phase precompensation, and is then coupled into the fiber. A clean wave with diffraction-limited quality is obtained at the other end of the fiber. The experimental configuration is almost the same as for an ordinary delivery system, except that the lens which couples the laser beam into the fiber is replaced by a hologram; some energy is lost if the hologram is not very efficient. The beam pattern of the final output could be one of any desired shape such as plane wave, spherical wave or Gaussian beam. Experimental results demonstrating diffraction- limited linearly polarized output are presented, and some limitations are discussed.
Direct and interactive effects of light and nutrients on the legume-rhizobia mutualism

Abstract The relative abundance of traded resources can alter the outcomes of symbioses, potentially shifting mutually-beneficial interactions into interactions that are detrimental to one or both partners. We manipulated the legume-rhizobia symbiosis and light and nutrient levels to investigate how the net growth benefits to both partners shift across environments differing in the availability of both traded resources. In low nutrient, high light environments, rhizobia increased mean plant biomass by 62%. In contrast, when plants were light-limited, rhizobia did not increase above-ground biomass and reduced mean below-ground biomass by 46%. Similarly, rhizobia only increased plant biomass under low nutrient conditions. Resource availability also affected nodule traits correlated with rhizobia fitness, with light-limited plants producing fewer and smaller nodules. Our results suggest that the growth benefits to both partners in the legume-rhizobia symbiosis depend on the availability of both traded resources. We also detected evidence, however, that plants may reduce investment in symbionts as the net benefits of association decrease, potentially limiting how far this interaction shifts toward parasitism in low-light, high nutrient environments.
The pathologic basis of the electrocardiographic pattern of parietal block

Abstract Extensive pathologic examination of hearts of patients with parietal block and varying clinical pictures indicates that parietal block and left axis deviation can result from a variety of anatomic lesions and that no specific area of the heart or conduction system is consistently involved.
An analysis of the American Medical Association's recommendations for change in the medical care sector of the United States.

In several recent publications, the American Medical Association has provided explanations of the current crisis in the medical sector of the United States. This article presents empirical information that questions the basic assumptions behind the AMA's explanations of the U.S. realities and the AMA's recommendations on how to solve the current crisis. The author also critically reviews some of the major proposals--such as employer mandated coverage--that are being put forward by several forces in the United States, including the AMA, for resolving the twin problems of high costs and limited health benefits coverage for the U.S. population. The political context in which the AMA's calls for reforms are being made is also discussed.
Tandem Repeats Domain in Candida Albicans Als Adhesins

Yeast adhesins are involved in binding interactions to other cells, substrates and surfaces. Als adhesins in Candida albicans consists of 8 homologous proteins. The proteins are composed of an N terminal signal sequence, three Ig-like domains, a threonine rich (T) region, tandem repeats (TR), a glycosylated stalk and C-terminal GPI-anchor to the cell wall. Tandem repeats in the C. albicans Als adhesins consist of 2 to 36 copies of a 36-residue sequence.Tandem repeat domain structures from six Als adhesins were modeled by Rosetta and LINUS. Both methods produced a three-stranded antiparallel β-sheet. This is consistent with circular dichroism (CD) secondary structure and atomic force microscopy domain measurements. Models of glycosylated TR domains show carbohydrates surrounding hydrophobic patches. This is the basis of protein-protein and protein-substrate interactions. In addition, the presence of tandem repeats led to enhanced non-saturable binding to polystyrene and other TR domains. Interestingly, TR domains do not affect the isosbestic point in thermal CD experiments.This modeling structure and function of the tandem repeats in Als proteins can be applied to repeat regions in other yeast adhesins proteins.
Ferromagnetic Behavior of Iron Alloys Containing Molybdenum, Manganese, and Tantalum

The mass magnetization of iron-rich binary iron solid solutions, containing molybdenum, manganese, and tantalum, have been studied as a function of the internal magnetic field at 298 °K. The mass spontaneous magnetizations have been determined from these data using the Belov-Arrott-Kouvel method. Our values of the spontaneous magnetization as a function of molybdenum or manganese concentration are in fair agreement with previous investigations of the saturation magnetization by Aldered and Sadron, respectively. The spontaneous magnetizations for iron-tantalum alloys have been measured for the first time. These investigations indicate that, from the viewpoint of the bulk magnetization, molybdenum, manganese, and tantalum very approximately produce a simple dilution effect. Die Gesamtmagnetisierung von eisenreichen, binaren Eisenmischkristallen, die Molybdan, Mangan und Tantal enthalten, wurden in Abhangigkeit vom inneren Magnetfeld bei 298 °K untersucht. Die spontane Gesamtmagnetisierung wurde mit der Methode von Belov-Arrott-Kouvel aus diesen Daten bestimmt. Unsere Werte fur die spontane Magnetisierung als Funktion der Molybdan- oder Mangankonzentration befinden sich in befriedigender Ubereinstimmung mit fruheren Untersuchungen der Sattigungsmagnetisierung von Aldred bzw. Sadron. Zuerst wurden die spontanen Magnetisierungen fur Eisen-Tantal-Legierungen gemessen. Diese Untersuchungen zeigen, das vom Standpunkt der Volumenmagnetisierung Molybdan, Mangan und Tantal auserst naherungsweise einen einfachen Verdunnungseffekt hervorrufen.
The roles of bile salts in the uptake of β-carotene and retinol by rat everted gut sac

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of bile salts, Tween 20 and hexadecyltrimethylammonium-bromide on the uptake of β-[3H]carotene and [2H]retonol by rat-everted gut sacs were studied in vitro under conditions simulating those present in the intestinal lumen during lipid adsorption. 2. 2. Micellar solutions significantly enhanced uptake over emulsions. Maximum uptake occurred at the critical micellar concentration of the bile salts mixture. At higher detergent concentrations β-carotene uptake declined sharply; retinol absorption remained high. 3. 3. In β-carotene absorption bile salts functioned not only as micellar solubilizers but also may have been required for interaction with the cell membrane or as a transport carrier. In retinol uptake their primary function appeared only to be micellar solubilization. Both uptake and efflux of substrates were enhanced in bile salt micellar solutions compared to the other detergents. 4. 4. β-carotene cleavage and conversion to retinyl esters occurred only in bile salts solutions. Retinol esterification was seen with all detergents. These effects increased as the tri-/dihydroxy bile salts ratio was increased. 5. 5. β-carotene uptake appeared to be reversible and passive at low concentrations. Retinol uptake was reversible, 7–30 times more rapid, and partially inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol at higher concentrations. An energy-requiring step may have been rate limiting.
Modeling SPR sensors with the finite-difference time-domain method

Abstract In sensors employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the uniformity of the metal film and the wavefront structure of the incident beam have an effect of angular sensitivity, yet most modeling methods are not capable of considering inhomogeneous layers or nonplanar excitation beams. We have applied the numerical electromagnetic method of finite-difference time-domain to this problem. To correctly model the time-domain behavior of the metal's electron oscillations, we add a kinetic force equation consistent with the Drude free electron model. We have analyzed an SPR configuration consisting of an illuminating beam of finite size (approximating a focused beam) incident onto a smooth silver film, and have obtained Poynting vector plots and reflectivity data. We find that the angular width of the near-field reflectivity minimum is in reasonable agreement with an extension of planewave theory using an angular spectrum approach. We have also analyzed a model of a rough metal film, and find that the reflectivity curve is broadened and shifted, and that local electric fields are enhanced near the metal edges.
Functional biomimetic optical devices

The diversity of biological sensing and biocatalysis is astounding. A considerable effort has been directed at not only understanding the mechanism of these biological processes, but also how this activity can be maintained or duplicated in an artificial environment. We will present work on the formation of functional optical devices that convert biological responses into optical signals through changes in diffraction efficiency and reflection angle. By incorporating biomolecules into monomer systems that can be cured using a two-photon polymerization mechanism, greater spatial resolution and increased biological viability can be achieved. The polymer can be nanopatterned using ultrafast nonlinear holography to create a functional BioMEMS device. Additionally, we will discuss the characterization of the biomolecules and the processing of the gratings that incorporate these functional proteins. This approach is a first step towards the development of a hybrid organic-inorganic composite device.
RAW SOYBEAN FEEDING DECREASES TRANSAMIDINASE ACTIVITY.

SummaryThe kidney transamidinase activity of weanling rats fed raw soybean meal rations was reduced to approximately 70% of control animals fed heated soybean meal rations. This reduced activity was attained in 4 days feeding and remained at this level for the remainder of the feeding test.
Biosynthesis of l-rhamnose from d-glucose in buckwheat

Abstract d -Glucose-1-C14, -2-C14, and -6-C14 were fed to cuttings of buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) and 24–48 hr later the rutin was isolated and hydrolysed. This gave d -glucose, l -rhamnose and quercetin all with the same specific activity and suggests that all components of rutin came from the same carbohydrate metabolic pool. Both rhamnose and glucose were degraded by methods which allowed estimation of C14 in each of the six carbon atoms. The rhamnose was apparently derived from glucose without rearrangement of the carbon skeleton. l -Rhamnose-1-C14 and l -fucose-1-C14, fed to buckwheat, were not incorporated into rutin.
Velocity perturbations produced by oscillating delta wing actuators in the wall region

Abstract Piezoceramic delta wing actuators have been developed for the manipulation of the flow in the near wall region of a bounded shear flow. Velocity measurements have been obtained in a wind tunnel in the presence of steady state transitional streamwise Gortler vortices and in a fully developed turbulent boundary layer. Active piezoceramic delta wing actuators were mounted flush with the wall and were oscillated at various locations, frequencies and amplitudes. All tests were conducted at a subcritical roughness Reynolds number. The detailed actuator flow disturbance patterns have been obtained by hot-wire velocity measurements. With oscillation amplitudes of only one viscous scale, the actuator was able to delay the breakdown of the streamwise vortices. Visual studies have been conducted in a water channel. Oscillating and fixed delta wing passive actuators were operated in a steady state mode. The laser-sheet fluorescence dye visualization results show that the actuator creates spanwise streaming near the wall which produce two low speed regions further downstream. A simple model is proposed which suggests the effectiveness of the actuator increases monotonically with the frequency.
Pretreatment of rice hulls by ionic liquid dissolution

Abstract As a highly available waste product, rice hulls could be a starting block in replacing liquid fossil fuels. However, their silica covering can make further use difficult. This preliminary study investigates effects of dissolving rice hulls in the ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM Ac), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, (HMIM Cl), and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIM Cl), and what lignocellulosic components can be precipitated from the used ionic liquid with water and ethanol. EMIM Ac dissolution at 110 °C for 8 h was found to completely remove lignin from rice hulls, while ethanol was capable of precipitating lignin out of the used EMIM Ac. With 8 h dissolution at 110 °C using HMIM Cl, approximately 20% of the cellulose in the rice hull sample can be precipitated out using water as co-solvent, while more than 60% of the hemicellulose can be precipitated with ethanol.
Stability of Ion Exchange Resin Under Freeze–Thaw or Dry–Wet Environment

Ion exchange resins have widely been used in mineralization studies of organic materials. However, the stability of resin (anionic and cationic) under changing physical environmental conditions is not well known. Our objective was to evaluate N and P adsorption or desorption characteristics of resins exposed to freeze-thaw or dry-wet cycles. Mixed bed resins (1:1 oven-dry mass strong base anion A464-D and strong acid cation C-249) were subjected to 0, 1, and 30 freeze-thaw or dry-wet cycles. To accomplish the dry-wet cycles, fresh resin was kept in a forced-air oven at 25 (±2)°C for 28 h and rewetted to initial moisture condition for 20 h. To accomplish the freeze-thaw cycle, fresh resin was frozen for 16 h and thawed to room temperature for 8 h daily. At the end of the freeze-thaw or dry-wet cycles, resin was equilibrated with 3.2 mM L -1 NH 4 -N, 3.2 mM L -1 NO 3 -N, or 0.97 mM L -1 PO 4 -P for a period of 1 h. Dry-wet cycles induced desorption of N and P associated with shrinkage of resins and expulsion of interstitial liquid. At the highest dry-wet cycle, 3.3, 0.35, and 0.15% of the total adsorbed PO 4 -P, NH 4 -N, and NO 3 -N was desorbed, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the dry-wet or freeze-thaw cycles did not alter the physical integrity of these resins. Freeze-thaw cycles had no effects on N and P adsorption or desorption characteristics of resins of the specific resins used in this study. Ion exchange resins used for in situ nutrient monitoring should be screened using similar techniques to assess its adsorption and desorption stability and physical integrity to fluctuating environmental conditions. Resin types and stability should be mentioned when comparisons are made to other studies.
Neutron-Irradiated Enamel in Dissolution Studies

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAADAMANTE IRRADIATE CON NEUTRONES IN STUDIOS DE DISSOLUTION.—Le rationes pro le non-uniformitate del reductiones producite per bombardmentso neutronic in le solubilitate acidic de intacte superficies de adamante esseva investigate in varie preparatos adamantin sub le conditiones de varie sequentias de solubitate con le uso de methodos chimic e radioactive. Le constatate discrepantia inter le mesurationes chimic isotopic (a P32) del solubilitate esseva attribuite al formation de phosphatos non-orthophosphatic le quales non se dissolve in le mesme maniera coma le resto del adamante.
Interyear differences in the offshore distribution of eastern North Pacific gray whales

Counts of southboundmigrating gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) have taken place over the last four decades from two shore-based stations: Yankee Point and Granite Canyon on the central California coast near Carmel (Rugh et al. 2008). The selection of these central California sites was based on results from whale marking cruises conducted near Yankee Point (36◦29′30′′N) in the 1960s, when it was determined that few gray whales migrated beyond the visual range of observers on shore (Rice and Wolman 1971). This was confirmed in January 1973, when five flights were conducted near Yankee Point to test the width of the whales’ migration corridor (Sund and O’Connor 1974), with results indicating 96% of the whales passed within 2.6 nautical miles (nmi) (4.8 km) of shore (94% within 1.6 km). This offshore distribution was also documented during aerial surveys near the Granite Canyon station (36◦26′41′′N), where fewer than 2% of the whales migrated beyond the sighting range of shore-based observers (Shelden and Laake 2002). Although most whales migrated within the visual range of shore-based observers, there appeared to be significant differences in the distribution of whales within 3 nmi of shore (Shelden and Laake 2002). It was not clear if these variations were the result of data collection errors during aerial surveys, irregularities in the coastline, or if these 0.2–0.3 nmi shifts were indeed real. In January 1995 and 1996, fixed mounted, 25× binoculars (referred to here as “Big Eye”) were tested at the Granite Canyon site, in part to determine if this technique could be a cost-effective replacement for aerial surveys (Rugh et al. 2002). The probability of detection within 1–3 nmi of shore was fairly high between paired, independent observers (0.97 for group sizes >1 whale and 0.87 for lone whales), making this an effective method for detecting interyear differences within this critical sighting range. We present results from Big Eye studies conducted during eight of the southbound censuses (January 1993–1996, 1998, 2001–2002, and 2007) and compare the offshore distributions to aerial survey results from 1993, 1994, and 1996 (Shelden and Laake 2002). In this paper, we also explore the possibility that there were significant changes in the offshore distribution of whales, thereby affecting sighting rates of counting
Position-sensitive microcalorimeters

We present our latest results from our development of Position-Sensitive Transition-Edge Sensors (PoSTs). Our devices work as one-dimensional imaging spectrometers. They consist of a long absorber (segmented or solid) with a transition-edge sensor (TES) on each end. When X-rays hit the absorber, the comparison of the signals sensed in the two TESs determine the position of the TES, while the addition of the signals gives the energy of the X-ray. We obtained impedance curves for three different devices and obtained reasonable fits with our theoretical PoST model.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery in lung cancer: Lung resection and mediastinal lymph node staging

Despite our ever-increasing ability to target the molecular and genetic pathways responsible for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anatomic surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for those without evidence of systemic disease. Although these procedures can be performed with relatively low mortality, the age and coexisting conditions of the population lends itself to a myriad of potential complications. Minimally invasive surgical approaches to the treatment of lung cancer hold the potential to offer curative resection to a much broader group of patients without compromising oncologic principles.
Direct and indirect associations of neighborhood disorder with drug use and high-risk sexual partners.

Background On a macrosocial level, neighborhood characteristics have been found to be associated with the prevalence of HIV and other bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections. The current study used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between neighborhood social and physical disorder and high-risk sexual partners. Methods A cohort (N=838) recruited for an HIV prevention study of drug users (2002–2004) in Baltimore, Maryland, was interviewed about their neighborhood characteristics, drug use, depressive symptoms (using the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk behaviors of exchanging sex for money or drugs, having multiple sexual partners, and having partners who injected drugs or smoked crack cocaine. Data were analyzed in February 2005. Results Model fit statistics from Mplus (Muthen & Muthen, Los Angeles CA, 2004) indicated statistically significant direct associations between neighborhood disorder and psychologic distress, neighborhood disorder and sexual risk behaviors, and neighborhood disorder and drug use. There were also significant indirect associations of neighborhood disorder on sexual risk behaviors. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of viewing drug use, chronic stress, depression and hopelessness, and infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C as interlinked epidemics that are fostered by neighborhood social and physical disorder. Neighborhood, network, and community level interventions are needed to address these intertwined public health issues.
NanoDLSay: a new platform technology for biomolecular detection and analysis using gold nanoparticle probes coupled with dynamic light scattering

Most analytical techniques that are routinely used in biomedical research for detection and quantification of biomolecules are time-consuming, expensive and labor-intensive, and there is always a need for rapid, affordable and convenient methods. Recently we have developed a new platform technology for biomolecular detection and analysis: NanoDLSay. NanoDLSay employs antibody-coated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and dynamic light scattering, and correlates the specific increase in particle size after antigen-antibody interaction to the target antigen concentration. We applied this technology to develop an assay for rapid detection of actin, a protein widely used as a loading control in Western Blot analysis. GNPs were coated with two types of polyclonal anti-actin antibodies, and used in the assay to detect two types of actin: β- and bovine skeletal muscle actin in RIPA buffer. The results of our study revealed some complex aspects of actin binding characteristics, which depended on the type of actin reagent and anti-actin antibody used. A surprising finding was a reverse dose-response relationship between the actin concentration and the average particle size in the assay solution, which we attributed to the effect of RIPA buffer. Our results indicate that RIPA may also interfere in other types of nanoparticle-based assays, and that this interference deserves further study.
Experimental study of electromagnetic missiles from a hyperboloidal lens

An electromagnetic (EM) missile launched from a hyperboloidal lens has been investigated experimentally. The system includes a hyperboloidal lens made of wax and a V-conical antenna (with a 30 degree(s) apex angle) located at the focal point of the lens. As expected, the lens system performs like an aperture field similar to that from a parabolic reflector. Both the measurement and simulation show that the EM missile launched from the hyperboloidal lens has a slow rate of energy decay and a waveform consisting of a pair of opposite pulses--properties similar to those of a parabolic reflector.
EPR lineshape in ethylenediammonium chloromanganate (II), [C2H10N2] [MnCl4]

Abstract The EPR line shape has been measured on a single crystal of ethylene diammonium chloromanganate (II) as a function of field orientation with respect to the expected two dimensional network of manganese ions. The angular variation of the linewidth may be described by the expression δH = α + β (3 cos 2 δ − 1) 2 with α = 20 and β = 4, and the lineshape may be described by I ( H − H 0 ) − F [exp (− At − Bt ln ( t t 0 )] (where F refers to the Fourier transform of the bracketed function) with | B A | = 1.9 ± 0.8 .
First language retention and attrition in an adult Guatemalan adoptee

This case study illustrates the long-term effects of interrupted input and subsequent re-exposure to the first language in childhood in the adult linguistic competence of an internationally adopted individual. Alicia — the subject of the case study — is a 34-year-old Guatemalan adopted by an American family at age 9 and raised in a small Mid-America town with no Hispanic population at that time. In several sessions, Alicia completed oral production and written tasks (including interpretation, judgment and truth value judgment tasks) targeting knowledge and use of Spanish morphosyntax. On the overall proficiency measures, Alicia demonstrates native-like knowledge of English and significant attrition in Spanish, although not to the extent reported in recent studies of Korean adoptees. Alicia’s degree of L1 attrition and retention after several years of severed input challenges Pallier et al. (2003) and Ventureyra et al.’s (2004) Language Replacement and Impediment Hypothesis, and is more consistent with the view that there are age effects for L1 attrition (Hyltenstam et al. 2009; Montrul 2008).
Additive twists of Fourier coefficients of symmetric-square lifts

Abstract We study the sum of additively twisted Fourier coefficients of a symmetric-square lift of a Maass form invariant under the full modular group. Our bounds are uniform in terms of the spectral parameter of the Maass form, as well as in terms of the additive twist.
Vitamin C deficiency is an under-diagnosed contributor to degenerative disc disease in the elderly

The human aging process is often accompanied by significant increases in degenerative spine disease. The pathophysiology of intervertebral disc degeneration has been extensively studied, but the etiology of this aging-related problem remains poorly understood. The elderly often have lower daily vitamin C intakes and circulating ascorbic acid values than younger people because of problems with poor dentition or mobility, and also are more likely to have underlying sub-clinical diseases that can reduce plasma ascorbate concentrations. Ascorbate is essential for collagen production, and vitamin C deficiency will result in defective connective tissue, including reductions in collagen synthesis and structural stability. It is hypothesised that vitamin C deficiencies may be a key contributing factor in the development of degenerative disk disease (DDD) in the elderly. Once degenerative disc disease has begun, the tissue inflammation that accompanies DDD may further increase vitamin C requirements in the affected patient, thereby creating a cascade of positive feedbacks that potentially accelerates and contributes to further disc degeneration and low-back pain. Aggressive monitoring of patient ascorbate status, as well as more finely-calibrated RDAs for vitamin C that explicitly take into account the patient's age, may be required if aging-related degenerative disk disease is to be minimised.