cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Discoveries in the Reproductive Control of Aging

Reproduction is an energetically expensive endeavor that has profound influences on many life history traits, including the length of life. Reduced reproduction is associated with increased longevity in many organisms. Similarly, mating has been reported to shorten the lifespan of females in multiple species. Contemporary studies in model organisms have begun to unravel the molecular complexities that govern the relationship between reproduction and longevity. Here, we discuss recent discoveries that examine the genetic mechanisms by which two contrasting reproductive events—germline loss and successful mating—impact the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. We first describe genes necessary for the longevity associated with germline removal in C. elegans, with particular emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) that play essential roles in this paradigm. Next, we discuss current efforts toward molecular characterization of procreative interactions between different sexes that affect lifespan. Together, these studies illustrate how the same genetic pathways may be utilized by different sexes to exert behavioral and physiological changes in response to various reproductive events.
Long-Term Variability In The Spectral Loci Of Unique Blue And Unique Yellow.

The spectral loci of both unique blue and unique yellow were measured over a 16-month period. Using the method of constant stimuli, two neutrally adapted observers made forced-choice green or red responses to monochromatic test flashes. Results showed a consistent difference between observers (about 5 nm), considerable within-subject variability (standard deviation 3 nm), and significant long-term drifts (>5 nm) in spectral loci. These results demonstrate the importance of frequently redetermining unique-hue loci when they are used as baselines in chromatic contrast and adaptation studies.
Effects of variable input in the acquisition of plural in two dialects of Spanish

Abstract In Mexico City Spanish, plural morphology is always overtly realized but in Chilean Spanish, due to a lenition process that targets syllable-final [s], plural morphology is not always realized, and the conditions of overt realization of plural morphology are subject to both linguistic and extra-linguistic factors. In this paper we show that variability in the input for grammatical morphology causes the performance of Chilean and Mexican children to differ from each other and from the adult control groups in production and comprehension tasks in ways that correlate with the reliability of plural marking in the input. Our results support Yang (2002)’s proposal that variability in the input does cause some children to assume a different grammar from the adult.
Oxygen and carbon isotopes of detrital carbonate in North Atlantic Heinrich Events

Abstract We report oxygen and carbon isotope results of detrital carbonate grains from Heinrich layers at three sites in the North Atlantic located along a transect from the Labrador Sea to the eastern North Atlantic. Oxygen isotopic values of individual detrital carbonate grains from six Heinrich layers at all sites average − 5.6‰ ± 1.5‰ (1σ; n = 166), reflecting values of dolomitic limestone derived from source areas in northeastern Canada. The δ18O of bulk carbonate at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1308 (re-occupation of Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 609) in the eastern North Atlantic records the proportion of detrital to biogenic carbonate and δ18O decreases to − 5‰ during Heinrich (H) events 1, 2, 4 and 5 relative to a background value of ∼ 1 to 2‰ for biogenic carbonate. Bulk δ18O also decreases during H3 and H6 but only attains values of − 1‰, indicating either a greater proportion of biogenic-to-detrital carbonate or a different source. Because the δ18O of detrital carbonate is ∼ 9‰ lower than foraminifer carbonate, any fine-grained detrital carbonate not removed from the inner test chambers will lower foraminifer δ18O. We conclude bulk carbonate δ18O is a sensitive proxy for detrital carbonate and may be useful for identifying Heinrich layers in cores within and near the margins of the North Atlantic ice-rafted detritus (IRD) belt.
Wrinkling on irreversibly deforming foundations

Abstract Wrinkling is a mechanical instability occurring in multi-layer structures comprising a thin and stiff layer resting on a supporting underlying compliant layer. The present study is motivated by experimental observations of wrinkling leading to irreversible deformation and to the initiation of defects. An incremental Spectral Method is employed to solve the governing differential equations. This approach enables the analysis of wrinkling processes non-linear foundations and under cyclic loading. Numerical simulation results are compared to a set of analytical solutions describing wrinkling events on nonlinear foundations. Wrinkling is analyzed for cases of elastic, elastic damageable, and elastic plastic foundations. The behavior of homogeneous foundation properties is contrasted to situations where local defects are present.
Production of cholesteryl ester-rich, anisotropic inclusions by mammalian cells in culture.

Abstract Growth of Fu5AH hepatoma cells in tissue culture medium supplemented with hyperlipemic rabbit serum results in the accumulation of cholesteryl ester-rich, anisotropic inclusions similar to the inclusions which accumulate in atherosclerotic aorta of man and animals. Scanning electron microscopic studies of whole cells and isolated inclusions have been performed. The chemical composition of cellular lipid inclusions has been determined and can be related to the observed anisotropicisotropic phase transition temperatures.
The Regulatory Function of Language in Bilingual Children

The authors investigated the development of the ability of 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old bilingual children to per form a complex perceptual-motor task when they were given only Spanish or English verbal instructions. Results indicated that children perform better when given Spanish instruction. This was especially true of the 5-year-olds. Results also indicated that performance under both languages increased with age, and that a stable system of per ceptual-motor connections was established by verbal instruction under the Spanish treatment at age 6 and under the English treatment at age 7. THE ABILITY to decode verbal instructions and encode them in other forms of behavior, such as perceptual-motor, may be basic to other forms of language behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the above mentioned ability in bilingual children. Luria (3, 4) demonstrated that children from ! SY2 to 4% years old regulate their perceptual motor behavior by means of the nonspecific im pulse aspect of language. From the ages of 4^ to 51/2 years, the regulatory function of language is transferred from the nonspecific impulse aspect to the analytic system of specific elective signifi cative connections which are produced by verbal rules. Language begins to play an important role in the establishment of new connections which
Using Force and Kinematic Driven Finite Element Models to Analyze Contact Pressure Distributions on the Tibial Plateau

Finite element (FE) models have become an effective tool in studying soft tissue behavior in the knee joint, including meniscal translation and deformation, as well as articular cartilage contact [1–2]. These models are also useful in osteoarthritis research and implant design [3–4]. Our group has previously used a kinematic-driven FE analysis to study the effect of weightbearing on the load distribution of tibio-menisco-femoral contact using MR imaging [5].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Aeroelastic Analysis and Experiment for Wing/Store Model with Stiction Nonlinearity

An experimental delta wing/store model with stiction nonlinearity has been designed and tested in a low-speed wind tunnel. The wing structure ismodeled theoretically using vonKarman plate theory that accounts for geometric strain-displacement nonlinearities in the plate wing structure. A component modal analysis is used to derive the full structural equations of motion for the wing/store system. A linear three-dimensional time-domain vortex-lattice aerodynamic model including a reduced-order model aerodynamic technique and a slender-body aerodynamic theory for the store are also used to investigate the nonlinear aeroelastic system. The dynamic behavior of the stiction nonlinearity in the store model has been experimentally measured and determined. The effects of the stiction gap angle and the initial store pitch angle on the limit cycle oscillations are discussed. The correlations between the theory and experiment are good for the smaller limit cycle oscillation amplitudes and for flow velocities between the onset of limit cycle oscillations and the linear flutter velocity and slightly higher than the flutter velocity. At yet higher flow velocities, the theoretical and experimental correlations are not as good.
Interfacial chemistry of poly(methyl methacrylate) arising from exposure to vacuum-ultraviolet light and atomic oxygen.

We herein report on the chemical and physical changes that occur in thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, induced by exposure to high-energy vacuum ultraviolet radiation and a supersonic beam of neutral, ground electronic state O(3P) atomic oxygen. A combination of in situ quartz crystal microbalance and in situ Fourier-transform infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy were used to determine the photochemical reaction kinetics and mechanisms during irradiation. The surface morphological changes were measured with atomic force microscopy. The results showed there was no enhancement in the mass loss rate during simultaneous exposure of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation and atomic oxygen. Rather, the rate of mass loss was impeded when the polymer film was exposed to both reagents. This study elucidates the kinetics of photochemical and oxidative reaction for PMMA, and shows that the synergistic effect involving VUV irradiation and exposure to ground state atomic oxygen depends substantially on ...
Testing for acute HIV infection: implications for treatment as prevention.

Purpose of review The aim of this study is to give an overview of the recent literature related to HIV testing with an emphasis on detecting acute HIV infection. Testing technology as well as implications for treatment as prevention will be discussed. Recent findings HIV testing technology continues to evolve. Advances include updated immunologic formats that detect both HIV antibody and antigen (4th generation assays), new nucleic acid amplification tests, and continued development of rapid assays that can be used in either clinical or nonclinical settings. Because of these advances there are proposed changes for HIV diagnostic algorithms to encourage detection of acute infection. These technologic advances have implications for HIV prevention as testing is a cornerstone for all HIV prevention strategies. There is considerable new research indicating that treatment may be an important aspect of HIV prevention. Data also suggest that detection of acute infection will be important for the success of these prevention strategies. Summary Continued improvements in technology and testing practice are vital for the success of HIV prevention. Detection of acute or early HIV infection will likely play a key role in the success of treatment as prevention, as well as play an important role in ongoing behavioral prevention strategies.
Aluminum Salen Complexes and Tetrabutylammonium Salts: A Binary Catalytic System for Production of Polycarbonates from CO2 and Cyclohexene Oxide

A series of complexes of the form (salen)AlZ, where H2salen = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediimine and various other salen derivatives and Z = Et or Cl, have been synthesized. Several of these complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. An investigation of the utilization of these aluminum derivatives along with both ionic and neutral bases as cocatalysts for the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and cyclohexene oxide has been conducted. By studying the reactivity of these complexes for this process as substituents on the diimine backbone and phenolate rings are altered, we have observed that aluminum prefers electron-withdrawing groups on the salen ligands, thereby producing an electrophilic metal center to be most active toward production of polycarbonates from CO2 and cyclohexene oxide. For example, the complex derived from H2salen = N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-ethylenediimine is essentially inactive when compared to the analogous derivative containing nitro substituents in the 3-positions of the phenolate groups. This is to be contrasted with the catalytic activity observed for the (salen)CrX systems, where electron-donating salen ligands greatly enhanced the reactivity of these complexes for the coupling of CO2 and epoxides. While (salen)AlZ complexes are capable of producing poly(cyclohexene oxide) carbonate with low amounts of polyether linkage along with small quantities of cyclic carbonate byproducts, their reactivities, covering a turnover frequency range of 5.2-35.4 mol of epoxide consumed/(mol of Al x h), are greatly reduced when compared to their (salen)CrX analogues under identical reaction conditions.
Emergent fundamental pedestrian flows from cellular automata microsimulation

In recent years cellular automata (CA) have been successfully applied to modeling traffic flow. Use of a CA for modeling pedestrian flows is examined here. A particle hopping model for a single-directional pedestrian flow over a multilane walkway is presented. This model offers the advantage of effectively capturing the behaviors of pedestrians at the micro-level while attaining realistic macro-level activity. The emergent group behavior is an outgrowth of the interaction of the rule set in simulation. The results indicate that a heuristically derived minimal rule set produces flow patterns that closely resemble the accepted fundamental diagrams. Important parameters for determining the shape of the fundamental diagrams are examined. Key rules used in a vehicular traffic CA are tested for their applicability to the pedestrian CA model.
The role of estrogen receptor subtypes on hepatic neutrophil accumulation following trauma-hemorrhage: direct modulation of CINC-1 production by Kupffer cells.

Abstract Although 17β-estradiol (E2) administration following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) reduces liver injury by decreasing neutrophil accumulation via estrogen receptor (ER)-α, it remains unclear whether cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 production by Kupffer cells (KC) is directly modulated by ER-α under such condition. Male rats underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (40 mmHg for 90 min), followed by resuscitation with four times the shed blood volume in the form of Ringer’s lactate. ER-α agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 5 μg/kg), ER-β agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 5 μg/kg), E2 (50 μg/kg), or vehicle (10% DMSO) was administered subcutaneously during resuscitation; rats were sacrificed 24 h thereafter. KC were isolated and cultured with ER agonists to examine if they directly affect CINC-1 production. T-H increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT; hepatic injury) and hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. E2, PPT and DPN administration reduced increased ALT; however, PPT was more effective than DPN. PPT and E2, but not DPN significantly attenuated increased hepatic MPO activity and CINC-1 levels. PPT addition in vitro (10 −7 and 10 −6 M) significantly reduced KC CINC-1 production. In summary, the salutary effects of E2 against hepatic injury are mediated predominantly via ER-α which directly modulates KC CINC-1 production and hepatic neutrophil accumulation following T-H.
Male Mythological Beings Among the South Slavs

The South Slavs have a long tradition of belief in protective domestic spirits and in malevolent demons of the field, forest and water.(1) Such mythological creatures were prevalent among all Slavic peoples and are part of the common Indo-European heritage.(2) Whereas most beliefs of this type receded among the East and West Slavs by the end of the nineteenth century, they were maintained in many areas of the Balkans until the beginning of the Second World War.(3) Ethnographic fieldwork conducted in the 1960s-1980s has shown that many farmers and stockbreeders in the more remote villages (of former Yugoslavia) have not abandoned their traditional beliefs. For example, the protector housesnake,(4) mischievous forest and dangerous water spirits, and many lesser mythological beings have been reported in several South Slavic territories in the last forty years. Many traditional domestic rituals have their origin in the conviction that the family ancestor's spirit resides under the threshold or near the open hearth and, if properly cared for, will ensure happiness and good fortune for the family. In Russia that spirit was manifest in the domovoj, "house spirit," but as this name itself was taboo, he was referred to in euphemisms such as ded or deduska, "grandfather," and xozjain "master." Offerings of food, especially bread and salt, the traditional symbols of hospitality, were routinely left for the domovoj at night before the family retired. The corresponding belief in a protector-ancestor spirit in the South Slavic territories saw the male founder of the family incarnate in a housesnake which was euphemized most commonly in Serbo-Croatian as cuvarica "protector," cuvarkuca "house protector," and kucarica "household one," and in Bulgarian stopanin or stopan "master of the house"; compare English "stoop," i.e., the threshold, the resting place of this spirit.(5) The South Slavs' perception of mythological beings was based on a dualistic view which incorporated both positive and negative features. This was true of snakes as well. Most snakes were considered incarnations of demons living in the Underworld (Donji svet) and were to be killed on sight, poisonous or not. Yet the white snake rarely seen, but thought to live under the threshold, in the foundation, or near the house was considered to embody the spirit of the family's first male ancestor. In Serbia the protector snake was sometimes believed to live in the foundation wall near the threshold, but in most areas it was said to dwell in, behind, or under the hearth. Likewise, both locations were thought to be the dwelling place of the domovoj in pre-Revolutionary Russia, and each has been the site of domestic rituals in all parts of the Slavic world. The family's albino protector snake not only caught
Control Of Sensitivity Following Pigment Bleaching By NADPH In Salamander Rods

The recovery of sensitivity following photopigment bleaching requires the quenching of phototransduction, and the reduction of all-trans retinal is key. Retinol fluorescence increases after bleaching as a base to tip gradient in the rod outer segment and broadly matches the recovery of sensitivity. This gradient must result from a key component in retinal reduction, and we sought to determine how NADPH limits this process. Rod outer segment currents were recorded with suction electrodes, and responses were evoked by brief full-field flashes or by a narrow slit to stimulate selectively the base or tip of the outer segment. Simultaneous whole-cell recordings were made prior to bleaching to dialyze the cell with NADPH and track the recovery of sensitivity. After a 50% bleach rods remained in saturation for ∼ 12 minutes. The base recovered sensitivity with tau ∼ 160 s, but the tip recovered with tau ∼ 450 s resulting in a tip-base tau ratio of ∼ 3. Dialysis of 5 mM NADPH accelerated the recovery time by ∼ 2 min, and eliminated the tip-base difference. Dialysis with 1.66 mM NADPH didn't influence recovery and failed to eliminate the tip-base difference. After a 90% bleach rods remained saturated for ∼ 20 minutes with tip-base ratio ∼ 10 (base tau ∼ 250 s and tip tau ∼ 2700 s). Thus 5 mM NADPH eliminates the gradient along the outer segment, while 1.66 mM fails to influence the recovery of sensitivity; suggesting intrinsic NADPH exceeds 1.66 mM. In addition, tau at the base following 50% or 90% bleach are remarkably equivalent, suggesting that NADPH availability is sufficient to reduce all-trans retinal. The slower tip tau following 90% bleach suggests NADPH originates predominantly near the base, which is adjacent to mitochondria.
On Moral Hazard and Cost Sharing under Sharecropping

In this article we show that when the tenant's input use is not observable by the landlord, there will be cost sharing at the margin (instead of a lump sum transfer) if the standard model is extended to include cases of imperfection and interlinkage of transactions in rural markets, thus making the opportunity cost of inputs different for the landlord and the tenant.
Retroocular fibroblasts: important effector cells in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Retroocular and pretibial fibroblasts are likely important effector cells in Graves' ophthalmopathy and pretibial dermopathy. Histologic similarities exist between the tissues involved in these cli...
Green Advertising and the Reluctant Consumer

Abstract As ecological concerns evolve and diffuse throughout society, advertisers are interested in developing green (i.e., environmental) messages and are interested in targeting green customer segments. Unfortunately for advertisers, many green consumers have negative attitudes about business, and they often have negative impressions of the advertising industry. Here, this dilemma is examined from a variety of perspectives.
L-Canaline Detoxification: A Seed Predator's Biochemical Mechanism

The seeds of the Neotropical legume, Dioclea megacarpa, the sole food source for developing larvae of the bruchid beetle, Caryedes brasiliensis, contain about 13 percent L-canavanine (dry weight). Canavanine detoxification and utilization produces L-canaline, a potent neurotoxic and insecticidal amino acid. This seed predator has developed a unique biochemical mechanism for degrading canaline by reductive deamination to form homoserine and ammonia. In this way, canaline is detoxified; canavanine9s stored nitrogen is more fully utilized and its carbon skeleton is conserved.
The effect of cholinergic antagonists on a central response to nicotine

Mecamylamine and hexamethonium antagonize the prostration response of rats to centrally-administered nicotine; decamethonium and d-tubocurarine are less effective. Physostigmine does not elicit the response. Nicotine's central cholinergic effect thus may contribute to but does not fully account for its action.
Impairment of cardiac function by moderate potassium depletion

A previous study found that potassium depletion in dogs that resulted in a reduction in plasma potassium from 4.1 to 3.2 mmol/L was associated with impairment of many aspects of left ventricular mechanical function, including a 51% reduction in the peak rate of left ventricular filling. To determine if potassium depletion had similar effects in humans, cardiac function was assessed by Doppler and two-dimensional echocardiography in 10 normal volunteers following a 7-day period of potassium depletion, and again after 7 days of potassium repletion. Potassium concentration for the group averaged 3.49 ± 0.12 mmol/L after the depletion period, and 4.57 ± 0.14 mmol/L after repletion. Early peak mitral flow velocity was significantly less during depletion than during repletion. The values at rest were 89.5 ± 6.6 and 77.0 ± 4.9 cm/s during repletion and depletion, respectively (P < .01). Isovolomic relaxation time and deceleration time of flow through the mitral valve were also significantly increased during potassium depletion. No other measured indices of cardiac function were affected by potassium depletion. The results suggest that in normal volunteers, moderate potassium depletion may impair active relaxation of the left ventricle to a degree that is clinically significant.
Object classification in traffic scenes using multiple spatio-temporal features

Object classification is a widely researched area in the field of computer vision. Lately there has been a lot of attention to appearance based models for representing objects. The most important feature of classifying objects such as pedestrians, vehicles, etc. in traffic scenes is that we have motion information available to us. The motion information presents itself in the form of temporal cues such as velocity and also as spatio-temporal cues such as optical flow, DHOG [6], etc. We propose a novel spatio-temporal feature based on covariance descriptors known as DCOV which captures complementary information to the DHOG feature. We present a combined classifier based on properties of tracked objects along with the DHOG and the DCOV features. We show based on experiments on the PETS 2001 dataset and two video sequences of bicycle and pedestrian traffic that the proposed classifier provides competent performance for distinguishing pedestrians, vehicles and bicyclists. Our method is also adaptive and benefits from the availability of more data for training. The classifier is also developed with real-time feasibility in mind.
Gamma radiation as a quarantine treatment for Fuller rose beetle eggs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on citrus fruit.

Since 1985 when eggs of the Fuller rose beetle, Pantomorus cervinus (Boheman), were found by Japanese fruit inspectors under the calyxes of California citrus, researchers have sought to develop alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation as a suitable quarantine treatment for this pest. Three different ages of Fuller rose beetle eggs laid on waxed paper were exposed to gamma radiation doses of 10, 50, 100, and 150 Gy. The oldest age class (10-13 d old) was the least susceptible. Egg hatch of the two younger age classes (1-3 and 6-8 d old) was prevented by 50 Gy, whereas 150 Gy was needed to prevent hatch of older eggs. To confirm the efficacy of the method, lemons infested with 10- to 13-d-old Fuller rose beetle eggs were placed in the center of standard cardboard lemon cartons and irradiated at doses averaging 174.1 Gy. Egg hatch from egg clusters infesting untreated lemons averaged (x ± SEM) 42.5% ± 4.66 per lemon. None of the estimated 6,500 eggs infesting irradiated lemons hatched. Damage of irradiated fruit varied but did not exceed a 6.1% increase compared with damage found in controls. These data show that irradiation of lemons could be an effective quarantine treatment against Fuller rose beetle eggs.
Overwriting and rebinding: Why feature-switch detection tasks underestimate the binding capacity of visual working memory

In these two experiments, we explored the ability to store bound representations of colour and location information in visual working memory using three different tasks. In the location-cue task, we probed how well colour information could be recalled when observers are given a location cue. In the feature-cue task, we probed how well location information could be recalled when observers are given a colour cue. Finally, in the feature-switch detection task, we tested how well observers could detect a recombination of features (e.g., switching the locations of the red and green items). We hypothesized that these tasks might reveal differences in binding capacity limits between switching and nonswitching tests of visual working memory. We also hoped the tasks could provide an explanation for those differences in terms of the component processes of working memory—do failures occur in the encoding, maintenance, or retrieval stages of the task? Experiment 1 showed that performance in the two cued-recall tasks ...
Nanotechnology for aerospace: potential transitions from university research

Nanotechnology is expected to provide the fundamental basis of the next two generations of products and processes. Impacts for applications are already being felt in many fields, and there is interest especially in the aerospace industry, where performance is a major driver of decisions for applications. Four areas are receiving special emphasis in a program aimed at the Air Force's strategic focus on materials. The emphasis includes adaptive coatings and surface engineering, nanoenergetics, electromagnetic sensors, and power generation and storage. Seven universities in Texas have initiated the CONTACT program of focused research including nine projects in the first year, with plans for expansion in subsequent years. This paper discusses the focus, progress, and plans for the second year and opportunities for industry input to the scope and content of the research. A new model for the creation and guidance of research programs for industry is presented. The new approach includes interaction with the aerospace industry and the Air Force that provides a focus for the research. Results to date for the new method and for the research are presented. A discussion of nanoengineering technology transition into the aerospace industry highlights the mechanisms for enhancing the process and for dealing with intellectual property.
Learned flavor preferences based on calories are independent of initial hedonic value

In three experiments, the learning of flavor preferences due to pairing with calories was examined. In Experiment 1, the relative hedonic values of four isocaloric solutions and saccharin were assessed by offering these substances simultaneously to naive rats. The caloric solutions were then used to condition a flavor preference in separate groups of rats. Although the solutions were reliably different in unconditioned hedonic value, the conditioned flavor preferences were identical. In Experiment 2, we compared solutions of sucrose and saccharin that were equal in unconditioned hedonic value. Only the sucrose conditioned a preference. Finally, in Experiment 3, preferences were found to be sensitive to the number of calories available during conditioning. These results are discussed in terms of a peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK) reflex and the integration of that information along with taste information at the area postrema (AP) and surrounding nuclei. It is proposed that CCK acts centrally to adjust the incentive motivation or hedonic value of flavors.
The nonaqueous microtitration of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)

PETN has been determined by nonaqueous titration as an acid in pyridine and l, l,3,3-tetramethylguanidine. The titrant was tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. Endpoints were determined potentiometrically by a glass/modified calomel electrode system, or by two polarized platinum electrodes. The method may be applicable to other very weakly acidic compounds for which no other titrimetric methods are currently available.
Uremia attenuates growth hormone-stimulated insulin-like growth factor-1 expression, a process worsened by inflammation

Growth hormone (GH) resistance is common in uremia and together with resistance to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) contributes to uremic growth retardation and muscle wasting. Previously, we found decreased GH-stimulated janus-kinase 2–signal transducers and activators of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in uremia; however, it is unclear whether there are more distal defects. Therefore, we tested whether the binding of phosphorylated STAT5b to DNA is intact in uremia. Using uremic rats we found that in addition to impaired hepatic STAT5b phosphorylation, the binding of available phospho-STAT5b to DNA is decreased thus contributing to impaired IGF-1 gene expression. As sepsis-induced inflammation causes a loss of body protein and as Gram-negative infections are relatively common in uremia, we also characterized mechanisms in which acute inflammation might contribute to GH resistance in uremia. Endotoxin-induced inflammation markedly increased the resistance to GH-mediated STAT5b signaling, and further decreased STAT5b binding to DNA and IGF-1 gene expression. These perturbations appear to be related to increased cytokine expression. Thus, our findings indicate that hepatic resistance to GH-induced IGF-1 expression in uremia arises due to defects in STAT5b phosphorylation and its impaired binding to DNA, processes further aggravated by inflammation.
Whence interferon? Variety in the production of interferon in response to viral infection.

The type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) were first characterized as cytokines capable of inducing an antiviral state in sensitive target cells ([1][1]). They were originally classified as leukocyte IFN and fibroblast IFN, respectively, to designate their distinct presumptive cellular origins. This
Advertising via wireless networks

The subscriber growth of wireless networks has created an increasing demand for wireless (mobile) advertising. However, at this point there are no standard industry practices to deal with some of the key mobile advertising issues. This research analyses the business model of a mobile advertising firm and highlights some of the key issues for modelling ad deliveries via wireless networks. We also perform an initial experimental study to gauge the significance on advertising effectiveness of some of the vital factors such as distance between retail store and ad delivery location.
The antioxidants of the osage orange fruit

The fruit of the osage orange tree (Maclua pomifera [Raf.] Schneider) was shown to contain at least four pigments with antioxidant activity. Pomiferin was present as 3 to 4% of the dry fruit and, as a primary antioxidant, was responsible for 20–25% of the activity exhibited by methanol extracts. An unidentified substance was also present which reacted synergistically with pomiferin, increasing its contribution to the overall activity to approximately 75%. The three new pigments, totalling 0.5% to .75% of the dry fruit, all showed antioxidant activity exceeding that of pomiferin when tested at equal concentrations.
Isolation of a precursor and a nascent chain form of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from rat uterus and regulation of precursor processing by estradiol

Abstract SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of anti-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase immunoprecipitates from radiolabeled uterine tissue extracts previously revealed three proteins: A, B and C, which were tentatively identified as a 60–64 kDa precursor form, a 57 kDa predominant form, and a 40–42 kDa nascent peptide form of the enzyme, respectively. A peptide-mapping technique was used to examine structural homologies among A, B and C. Following the labeling of uterine proteins with [35S]methionine, labeled proteins A, B and C were isolated by immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis. Each protein was individually co-digested with authentic, [3H]methionine-labeled glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase using papain, the resulting peptides were resolved by isoelectric focusing and the peptides from the two sources on each gel were compared using double-label counting methods. Proteins, A, B and C had at least eight peptides in common, both proteins A and c had two additional peptides in common that were not present in proteins B, and B protein had two peptides that were either absent or present in reduced amounts in digests of proteins A and C. The extensive structural homology and immunoreactivity of these proteins indicated that proteins A, B and C are well related to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The presence of two extra peptides in proteins A and C suggested that these peptides may be derived from a common NH2-terminal leader sequence which was present in both the precursor and nascent peptide chains. The presence of two peptides that were present in protein B and absent from proteins A and C is easiest to explain if they are derived from the two ends of the molecule, with the corresponding peptides in proteins A and C containing additional peptide sequence that are ‘normally’ removed by endogenous proteolytic processing enzymes. Based on the relative time-course of synthesis of the three glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-related proteins in control and estrogen-treated uteri, it appears that estradiol promotes an increase in the relative rate of transfer of label from protein A into B by stimulating the rate of processing of the precursor to the predominant form of the enzyme and enhances the rate of translational conversion of protein C into higher molecular weight forms.
Contributions of hydrological processes to sea level change

Abstract We estimate the global mean sea level (GMSL) change using TOPEX/Poseidon satellite radar altimeter measurements and investigate possible contributions from water mass redistribution within the global hydrological cycle using a few numerical models. We examine the global mean sea level change at seasonal, interannual, and long-term time scales. The atmospheric and hydrological models include the ECMWF operational atmospheric model and the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis system. The World Ocean Atlas 1998 and over 19 years’ satellite sea surface temperature observations are used to evaluate steric mean sea level change at different time scales. Both hydrological cycle and steric change provide important contribution to seasonal GMSL change. At interannual time scales, atmospheric water vapor variation shows good correlation to the altimeter observation and can introduce observable changes in the mean sea level. The snow water over Greenland and Antarctica estimated from the ECMWF model also shows encouraging interannual variability during the 1997/1998 El Nino period. Preliminary results show that thermal effect is a major but not a dominant contributor to long-term sea level rise, indicating that snow and ice melting associated with global warming may play an important role in driving GMSL rise.
Effect of specimen thickness on symmetry determinations by convergent-beam electron diffraction

Abstract The application of convergent-beam electron diffraction to the study of local symmetry is becoming increasingly popular in the materials science community. One of the most important tests for determining the point and/or space group of a material is the ± g experiment which is used to test for a center of symmetry. This study shows that thin specimens may appear to lack centrosymmetry due only to their limited thickness along the beam direction, rather than to the actual space group of the material. Conversely, zone axis convergent-beam patterns from thin specimens may display a symmetry which is higher than the actual symmetry of the material, due to a loss of higher-order Laue zone lines in the patterns under weak dynamical scattering conditions. Extreme care must therefore be taken to ensure that point and/or space group determinations are performed on specimens which most closely satisfy the conditions of an infinitely thick, parallel-sided crystal.
Experimental and analytical study of nonlinear bending response of sandwich beams

The practical value of the geometrically nonlinear higher-order theory is demonstrated using four-point bend tests carried out on sandwich beam specimens comprised of aluminum face sheets and a PVC foam core. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of classical sandwich theory, and with linear and geometrically nonlinear higher-order sandwich panel theory. The analytical predictions based on the higher-order theory are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Response parameters show fundamentally distinct behavior with increasing external load, both in the particular section and along the span. Considering the longitudinal displacements, there is a significant geometrically nonlinear stage of the response that precedes the appearance of the material nonlinearity. The peeling stresses also exhibit significant geometrical nonlinearity in the vicinity of the internal supports. The linear higher-order theory can be used efficiently to estimate the vertical displacements of the soft-core sandwich beams up to high load levels with a great accuracy. Premature failure of sandwich beam specimens with weak adhesive layers is caused by high peeling stresses in the upper interface layer at the ends of the specimen, and the loading capacity decreases by more than 40%.
Axial fixation of testes for prevention of recurrent testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that requires prompt exploration in order to maintain testicular viability. All testicular fixation techniques, so far in use, are not entirely reliable in preventing recurrences. Although recurrent testicular torsion after previous fixation is rare, in cases that it occurs, it is associated with atrophy of the testis or gangrene leading to loss of the testes. The most common cause for recurrence is improper or inadequate fixation. We describe a simple and effective method using a four point fixation, which is likely to prevent testicular torsion recurrences Keywords: Testes, torsion, recurrence, fixation Surgeon, 1 February 2006 20-21
Sex, equity, and science

It’s clear that 2014 has the potential to be a big year for realizing equality in women’s health research and care.
Guest editorial: special issue on data mining technologies for computational social science

Social Science has long been used as an umbrella term to refer to a plurality of fields outside natural sciences, such as economics, linguistics, education and even psychology. It can be any discipline or branch of science that deals with the sociocultural aspects of human behavior. There are many fundamental problems in social sciences, such as detecting underlying communities, analyzing the mechanism of a specific behavior (social activity) and discovering the evolutionary patterns in a community. The emergence of online social network sites andweb 2.0 applications generate a large volume of valuable data. This greatly stimulates the development of computational social science, which tries to solve the research problems in traditional social science with the help of computational technologies. In recent years, the computing technologies, such as data mining, machine learning and statistics, has been developing rapidly. More and more sophisticated methods, such as Support Vector Machine (Cristianini and John 2000), Matrix and Graph based
New comparison and oscillation theorems for second-order half-linear dynamic equations on time scales

Let T be a time scale (i.e., a closed nonempty subset of R) with supT=+~. Consider the second-order half-linear dynamic equation (r(t)(x^@D(t))^@a)^@D+p(t)x^@a(@s(t))=0, where r(t)>0,p(t) are continuous, @!"t"""0^~(r(t))^-^1^@a@Dt=~, @a is a quotient of odd positive integers. In particular, no explicit sign assumptions are made with respect to the coefficient p(t). We give conditions under which every positive solution of the equations is strictly increasing. For @a=1, T=R, the result improves the original theorem [see: [Lynn Erbe, Oscillation theorems for second-order linear differential equation, Pacific J. Math. 35 (2) (1970) 337-343]]. As applications, we get two comparison theorems and an oscillation theorem for half-linear dynamic equations which improve and extend earlier results. Some examples are given to illustrate our theorems.
In situ reinforcement of polypropylene with liquid-crystalline polymers: effect of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene

Abstract The effect of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAP) on the mechanical properties of three polypropylene/liquid-crystalline polymer (PP/LCP) blends was investigated. Three LCPs were used in the study. One LCP was a poly(ester amide) and the other two LCPs were copolyesters. The tensile properties of the PP/liquid-crystal (LC) poly(ester amide) blend were affected by the addiction of MAP to a greater extent than were the tensile properties of the two PP/LC copolyester blends. The tensile strength of the former blend increased without reaching a plateau as the level of MAP was increased, whereas the tensile strength of the latter blends showed that a plateau or maximum in the strength existed. The tensile modulus of the PP/LC poly(ester amide) blend showed a 19% increase as the amount of MAP was increased above 5 wt%. Only small changes occurred in the modulus of the PP/LC copolyester blends. The effect of MAP on the mechanical properties of PP/LCP blends indicated that MAP interacted with the amide group preferentially over the ester group. An excess of MAP was also shown to change the morphology from larger elongated structures to smaller structures that can lead to reduced tensile moduli. Measurement of the contact angles of liquids on PP,PP/MAP and the three LCPs indicated that MAP lowered the interfacial tension for all three PP/LCP blends. The reduced interfacial tension and increased adhesion indicated that MAP compatibilized the PP/LCP blends. While in most polymer blends compatibilization leads to finely dispersed drops of the minor components, LCP fibrils were obtained over a large range of compatibilizer concentrations. Finally, isolation of the PP/MAP phase from the LCP phase indicated that MAP did not react with the LCP. Instead, an interaction such as hydrogen bonding was believed to be responsible for the compatibilizing effect of MAP on PP/LCP blends.
Synthesis and characterization of aldol condensation products from unknown aldehydes and ketones : An inquiry-based experiment in the undergraduate laboratory

An experiment for the undergraduate chemistry laboratory in which students perform the aldol condensation on an unknown aldehyde and an unknown ketone is described. The experiment involves the use of techniques such as TLC, column chromatography, and recrystallization, and compounds are characterized by 1H NMR, GC–MS, and FTIR. This experiment provides the students with a thorough exercise in the practical aspects of organic chemistry. It requires students to think like researchers and allows them the opportunity to independently apply previously learned techniques in the laboratory.
Nitrogenase proteins from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, a sugarcane-colonizing bacterium.

Abstract Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus Pal-5 grew well and expressed nitrogenase activity in the absence of NH 4 + and at initial O 2 concentrations greater than 5% in the culture atmosphere. G. diazotrophicus nitrogenase consisted of two components, Gd1 and Gd2, which were difficult to separate but were purified individually to homogeneity. Their compositions were very similar to those of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase, however, all subunits were slightly smaller in size. The purified Gd1 protein contained a 12:1 Fe/Mo ratio as compared to 14:1 found for Av1 purified in parallel. Both Gd2 and Av2 contained 3.9 Fe atoms per molecule. Dithionite-reduced Gd1 exhibited EPR features at g = 3.69, 3.96, and 4.16 compared with 3.64 and 4.27 for Av1. Gd2 gave an S = 1/2 EPR signal identical to that of Av2. A Gd1 maximum specific activity of 1600 nmol H 2 (min mg of protein) −1 was obtained when complemented with either Gd2 or Av2, however, more Av2 was required. Gd2 had specific activities of 600 and 1100 nmol H 2 (min mg protein) −1 when complemented with Av1 and Gd1, respectively. The purified G. diazotrophicus nitrogenase exhibited a narrowed pH range for effective catalysis compared to the A. vinelandii nitrogenase, however, both exhibited maximum specific activity at about pH 7. The Gd-nitrogenase was more sensitive to ionic strength than the Av–nitrogenase.
Active Site Model for Phosphoryl Transfer Enzymes Via Hexacoordination

Previous work has demonstrated the ease with which phosphorus can increase its coordination geometry. The present study has more closely modeled active sites of phosphoryl transfer enzymes by the inclusion of anionic phosphorus, which allows for oxygen atom donor coordination at phosphorus in the presence of a hydrogen bonding network. The resulting increase in phosphorus-oxygen donor coordination compared to analogous systems containing neutral phosphorus compounds serves as a model applicable to proposed mechanisms at active sites of phosphoryl transfer enzymes.