cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Sol-gel Encapsulated Proteins using Small-angle Neutron Scattering

Entrapment of biomolecules in silica-derived sol−gels has grown into a vibrant area of research since it was originally demonstrated. However, accessing the consequences of entrapment on biomolecules and the gel structure remains a major challenge in characterizing these biohybrid materials. We present the first demonstration that it is possible with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to study the conformation of dilute proteins that are entrapped in transparent and dense sol−gels. Using deuterium-labeled green fluorescent protein (GFP) and SANS with contrast variation, we demonstrate that the scattering signatures of the sol−gel and the protein can be separated. Analysis of the scattering curves of the sol−gels using a mass-fractal model shows that the size of the colloidal silica particles and the fractal dimensions of the gels were similar in the absence and presence of protein, demonstrating that GFP did not influence the reaction pathway for the formation of the gel. The major structural differenc...
Liquid‐Liquid Immiscibility in BaO‐B2O3

A simple method to determine the liquid-in-liquid immiscibility boundary is applied to a BaO-B2O3 glass. The method is based on the scanning electron microscope observation of the heat-treated and quenched specimens and differentiation of the microstructure.
Exact nonlinear optical coefficients of quantum cell models with interacting electrons

Diagrammatic valence-bond (DVB) methods yield exact dynamic nonlinear optical (NLO) coefficients for π-electron models of conjugated molecules and polymers. We contrast exact coefficients with mean-field or Huckel results and discuss several qualitative differences. The length and alternation dependencies of NLO spectra for Pariser–Parr–Pople (PPP) models provide a unified treatment of even-parity states and two-photon processes in polyenes, polydiacetylenes, and polysilanes. We emphasize relationships between one- and two-photon spectra, correlation effects involving both parallel and transverse NLO coefficients, and the nature of correlated states in polar conjugated molecules and in polymers with centrosymmetric backbones.
Complete Recombinant Silk-Elastinlike Protein-Based Tissue Scaffold

Due to their improved biocompatibility and specificity over synthetic materials, protein-based biomaterials, either derived from natural sources or genetically engineered, have been widely fabricated into nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. However, their inferior mechanical properties often require the reinforcement of protein-based tissue scaffolds using synthetic polymers. In this study, we report the electrospinning of a completely recombinant silk-elastinlike protein-based tissue scaffold with excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In particular, SELP-47K containing tandemly repeated polypeptide sequences derived from native silk and elastin was electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds, and stabilized via chemical vapor treatment and mechanical preconditioning. When fully hydrated in 1× PBS at 37 °C, mechanically preconditioned SELP-47K scaffolds displayed elastic moduli of 3.4-13.2 MPa, ultimate tensile strengths of 5.7-13.5 MPa, deformabilities of 100-130% strain, and resilience of 80.6-86.9%, closely matching or exceeding those of protein-synthetic blend polymeric scaffolds. Additionally, SELP-47K nanofibrous scaffolds promoted cell attachment and growth, demonstrating their in vitro biocompatibility.
Sequential Observation of AgnS4- (1 n 7) Gas Phase Clusters in MS/MS and Prediction of Their Structures

Recently we reported synthesis and characterization of a monodisperse thiolate-protected Ag7 cluster. Here we show in detail that a unique series of silver sulfide cluster anions (AgnS4−) were observed sequentially from n = 7 to 1 when subjecting the thiolate-protected Ag7 cluster to an MS/MS experiment. Random silver cluster anion distributions were not observed in a wide range of collision energies. This indicates the special structure and stability of these gas phase AgnS4− clusters. Global minimum search based on density functional theory-enabled basin hopping has yielded the most stable structures for AgnS4− (1 ≤ n ≤ 7). The global minima show a transition from three-dimensional to two-dimensional and then to one-dimensional geometry with decreasing n for AgnS4− clusters. This joint experimental and computational effort provides a pathway to discover and elucidate metal-sulfide clusters of unique stoichiometry, which are not accessible through conventional methods such as laser ablation of mixed meta...
Terahertz Pioneer: Federico Capasso “Physics by Design: Engineering Our Way Out of the THz Gap”

Federico Capasso credits his father, an economist and business man, for nourishing his early interest in science, and his mother for making sure he stuck it out, despite some tough moments. However, he confesses his real attraction to science came from a well read children’s book—Our Friend the Atom [1], which he received at the age of 7, and recalls fondly to this day. I read it myself, but it did not do me nearly as much good as it seems to have done for Federico!
Prediction of Segmental and Global Dynamics in Disordered Styrene−Isoprene Tetrablock Copolymers

The Lodge/McLeish model successfully fits the temperature and composition dependences of the segmental dynamics for both components in disordered styrene−isoprene tetrablock copolymers (SISI). The fitted parameters φself are in good agreement with the values anticipated in the Lodge/McLeish model after accounting for the junction effect. A geometric mean mixing rule was used to average the segmental dynamics of the two components in order to describe tracer diffusion in the SISI matrices. This mixing rule accurately reproduces previously reported experimental results for polyisoprene, polystyrene, and styrene−isoprene diblock tracers. The unusual homogeneity of these matrices, as inferred from tracer diffusion measurements, is discussed in terms of thermodynamic barriers to diffusion.
Silanization and non-aqueous electrochemistry of two oxide states on platinum electrodes

Abstract When the surface of a Pt electrode is oxidized in aqueous 1 M H2SO4 at +0.8 to +2.0 V vs. SSCE for a few seconds to 10 min, disconnected, washed and dried, and placed in CH3CN solvent, a negative potential scan shows that the surface oxide is reduced in two waves at potentials between−1.2 and−1.6 V vs. SSCE. The combined charge of the two waves amounts to 0.3–2.5 layers of oxide, depending on anodization potential and time. The more easily reduced oxide becomes non-reducible after reaction of the electrode with methyltrichlorosilane. The two oxide waves are interpreted as surface and subsurface oxide layers.
20nm MOL overlay case study

As the process nodes continue to shrink, overlay budgets are approaching theoretical performance of the tools. It becomes even more imperative to improve overlay performance in order to maintain the roadmap for advance integrated circuit manufacturing. One of the critical factors in 20nm manufacturing is the overlay performance between the Middle of Line (MOL) and the Poly layer. The margin between these two layers was a process limiter, it was essential that we maintain a very tight overlay control between these layers. Due to various process and metrology related effects, maintaining good overlay control became a challenge. In this paper we describe the various factors affecting overlay performance and the measures taken to mitigate or eliminate said factors to improve overlay performance.
Iodine losses during Winkler titrations

Abstract An experiment designed to measure iodine loss during the aliquot version of the Winkler titration for dissolved oxygen in seawater shows that 0.01–0.03 ml l−1 equivalent oxygen is lost at typical oceanic concentrations in the method presently used. A standardization technique, which mimics that employed during the titration of seawater samples, compensates for this iodine loss throughout the oceanic range. This result, contradicting an earlier report by Green and Carritt (1966, Analyst, 91, 207–208), demonstrates that the whole-bottle method of oxygen titration is not to be preferred over the aliquot method.
Comparison of Ecdysteroid Production in Drosophila and Manduca: Pharmacology and Cross-Species Neural Reactivity

In both Manduca sexta and Drosophila melanogaster, metamorphic events are driven by ecdysteroids whose production in prothoracic gland (PGs) is stimulated periodically by neural factors. Differences in the life cycle of moths and flies have made it difficult to compare the regulation of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in these two species. As in Manduca, at least two neural factors in the larval Drosophila BVG complex were separable by molecular weight, and they stimulated increased ecdysteroid biosynthesis from the ring gland, a composite organ that includes PG cells. Drosophila neural extracts accelerated ecdysteroid biosynthesis in Manduca PGs and, conversely, partially purified Manduca PTTH preparations elevated ecdysteroid biosynthesis in Drosophila ring glands, suggesting that the two species may share structurally similar prothoracicotropic factors. Drosophila ring glands required the presence of calcium ions to respond to neural extracts, but the phosphodiesterase inhibitor MIX and cAMP analogues exerted little, if any, positive effect on production. Mean ecdysteroid production rates of BVG-ring gland complexes taken from Drosophila larvae during various phases of the wandering period were often submaximal and highly variable, suggesting that they fluctuate widely prior to pupariation. Based on available data in Drosophila and the Manduca model for the control of ecdysteroid biosynthesis, a developmental scheme for neuroendocrine control in Drosophila is proposed.
Nosocomial infections in the nursery

Nosocomial infections in newborns are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This article provides an overview of the risk factors, causative organisms, and major sites of these infections and describes selective characteristics of emerging nosocomial pathogens. Prematurity, low birth weight, and immature immune systems predispose infants to infection. Invasive devices or procedures, antimicrobial therapy, and exposure to nursery personnel may increase their susceptibility to infection. Among infants in neonatal intensive care units, the bloodstream is the most frequent site of nosocomial infection, followed by pneumonia. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Enterobacter species, and Escherichia coli are the most common nosocomial pathogens in neonates. Recently, methicillin-resistant S aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Malassezia species, and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens. Prevention, through effective hand washing, implementation of published prevention guidelines, and judicious antimicrobial use, is the most effective means for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with nosocomial infections in newborns.
A 14C- and 3H-thymidine double labeling technique in the study of cell proliferation in Tradescantia root tips

Abstract A double labeling technique is described in which a cell population is briefly labeled with 3H-thymidine and then labeled again after a short period of time with 14C-thymidine. Two labeled populations of cells may be resolved autoradiographically, viz. those labeled only with 3H and all cells labeled with 14C. The cells labeled only with 3H will have left DNA synthesis during the interval between treatments and hence, their numbers will be proportional to the length of time between treatments. Likewise the numbers of all cells labeled with 14C will be proportional to the duration of DNA synthesis. If a representative sample of such a population is scored for these two groups of labeled cells, the length of DNA synthesis (S) and mitosis may be immediately calculated. By increasing the time between the first and the second labels, the duration of the pre- and post-DNA synthetic periods (G1 and G2) may also be determined. Five cell population types are discussed and equations relating to the double-labeling of these populations are presented. The normal nuclear cycle was estimated in Tradescantia paludosa root tips at 21 °C: G1, 1 hr; G2, 2.5 hr; M, 3.0 hr, S, 10.5 hr; a total of 17 hr. A disturbance in the normal nuclear cycle was noted when 4 μc/ml 3H-thymidine for 0.5 hr was used in the labeling sequences. Those cells labeled with 3H passed out of DNA synthesis at a normal rate but were delayed for at least 1–2 hr in G2 prior to mitosis. Following mitosis, these cells entered into a G1 period lengthened by several hours over normal. From calculations based on grain counts it is estimated that there were about 7.5 tritium disintegrations per labeled nucleus per hour prior to mitosis.
Significant Impact of Sequence Variations in the Nucleoprotein on CD8 T Cell-Mediated Cross-Protection against Influenza A Virus Infections

Background: Memory CD8 T cells to influenza A viruses are widely detectable in healthy human subjects and broadly crossreactive for serologically distinct influenza A virus subtypes. However, it is not clear to what extent such pre-existing cellular immunity can provide cross-subtype protection against novel emerging influenza A viruses. Methodology/Principal Findings: We show in the mouse model that naturally occurring sequence variations of the conserved nucleoprotein of the virus significantly impact cross-protection against lethal disease in vivo. When priming and challenge viruses shared identical sequences of the immunodominant, protective NP366/D b epitope, strong cross-subtype protection was observed. However, when they did not share complete sequence identity in this epitope, cross-protection was considerably reduced. Contributions of virus-specific antibodies appeared to be minimal under these circumstances. Detailed analysis revealed that the magnitude of the memory CD8 T cell response triggered by the NP366/D b variants was significantly lower than those triggered by the homologous NP366/D b ligand. It appears that strict specificity of a dominant public TCR to the original NP366/D b ligand may limit the expansion of cross-reactive memory CD8 T cells to the NP366/D b variants. Conclusions/Significance: Pre-existing CD8 T cell immunity may provide substantial cross-protection against heterosubtypic influenza A viruses, provided that the priming and the subsequent challenge viruses share the identical sequences of the immunodominant, protective CTL epitopes.
A free-standing and flexible parylene PCR device

We present a free-standing and flexible parylene-channel PCR device that allows a simple sealing mechanism to prevent bubbling caused by PCR temperature cycling. This sealing mechanism saves complicated, time-consuming in-channel valve fabrication processes and achieves excellent sealing performance. It is proven experimentally that this new PCR device plus its unique packaging is capable of locking PCR solution in the PCR chamber at 95°C for at least 5 hours without bubbling and leaking. As a result, we have successfully obtained the on chip PCR amplification without the bubble and leaking problem
Interleukin‐4‐dependent innate collaboration between iNKT cells and B‐1 B cells controls adaptative contact sensitivity

We showed that hepatic Valpha14+ invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, via their rapid interleukin (IL)-4 production, activate B-1 cells to initiate contact sensitivity (CS). This innate collaboration was absent in IL-4(-/-) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6(-/-) mice and was inhibited by anti-IL-4 treatment. These mice have defective CS because they fail to locally recruit the sensitized effector T cells of acquired immunity. Their CS is reconstituted by transfer of downstream-acting 1-day immune B-1 cells from wild-type mice. Responses were not reconstituted with B-1 cells from IL-4 receptor-alpha(-/-) or STAT-6(-/-) mice, nor by IL-4 treatment of B cell-deficient mice at immunization. Finally, IL-4 was preferentially and transiently produced by hepatic iNKT cells within 7 min after sensitization to mediate collaboration between innate-like iNKT cells and the B-1 B cells that participate in the recruitment of effector T cells in vivo.
Organic matter in estuaries

Organic carbon compounds in river waters occur in both particulate and dissolved forms. The definition is rather arbitrarily based on separation by a 0.45 gm filter pore size. More than 90 percent of the total organic carbon (TOC) occurs in the dissolved form. The bulk of dissolved organic carbon compounds consists of biopolymers (e.g. polypeptides, polysaccharides) and geopolymers (humic substances). Since the chemical structure of the geopolymers requires specialized, less common enzyme systems for breakdown, microbial attack introduces a strong bias favoring digestion of the biopolymers. As a result, the latter make up less than 10 percent of the dissolved carbon, especially in river water where primary productivity is low. Humic substances are therefore the main
Chimpanzee GB virus C and GB virus A E2 envelope glycoproteins contain a peptide motif that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in human CD4⁺ T-cells.

GB virus type C (GBV-C) is a lymphotropic virus that can cause persistent infection in humans. GBV-C is not associated with any disease, but is associated with reduced mortality in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals. Related viruses have been isolated from chimpanzees (GBV-Ccpz) and from New World primates (GB virus type A, GBV-A). These viruses are also capable of establishing persistent infection. We determined the nucleotide sequence encoding the envelope glycoprotein (E2) of two GBV-Ccpz isolates obtained from the sera of captive chimpanzees. The deduced GBV-Ccpz E2 protein differed from human GBV-C by 31 % at the amino acid level. Similar to human GBV-C E2, expression of GBV-Ccpz E2 in a tet-off human CD4+ Jurkat T-cell line significantly inhibited the replication of diverse HIV-1 isolates. This anti-HIV-replication effect of GBV-Ccpz E2 protein was reversed by maintaining cells in doxycycline to reduce E2 expression. Previously, we found a 17 aa region within human GBV-C E2 that was sufficient to inhibit HIV-1. Although GBV-Ccpz E2 differed by 3 aa differences in this region, the chimpanzee GBV-C 17mer E2 peptide inhibited HIV-1 replication. Similarly, the GBV-A peptide that aligns with this GBV-C E2 region inhibited HIV-1 replication despite sharing only 5 aa with the human GBV-C E2 sequence. Thus, despite amino acid differences, the peptide region on both the GBV-Ccpz and the GBV-A E2 protein inhibit HIV-1 replication similar to human GBV-C. Consequently, GBV-Ccpz or GBV-A infection of non-human primates may provide an animal model to study GB virus–HIV interactions.
Structured IRA Codes: Performance Analysis and Construction

In this letter, we present design techniques for structured irregular repeat-accumulate (S-IRA) codes with low error-rate floors. These S-IRA codes need not be quasi-cyclic, permitting flexibility in code dimension, length, and rate. We present a simple ensemble estimate of the level of the error-rate floor of finite-length IRA codes on the additive white Gaussian noise channel. This performance estimate provides guidance on the choice of IRA code column weights which yield low floors. We also present two design algorithms for S-IRA codes accompanied by software- and hardware-based performance results which demonstrate their low floors. Lastly, we present two design algorithms for multirate S-IRA code families implementable by a single encoder/decoder
Dynamic behavior of MEM‐mirrors for tunable vertical cavity surface‐emitting lasers

the AWG passband (0.4 nm) is less than the mode separation (0.48 nm). At the base stations, data signals modulate the SOA carrier density as they copropagate through an SOA along with optical LO signals. The modulated SOA carrier density modulates the optical LO signals due to cross-gain modulation. The SOA cross-gain modulation by the optical LO signals is negligible since the fLO of 60 GHz is far beyond the SOA gain-modulation frequency bandwidth. When the modulated LO signals are photo detected in PD, frequency upconversion of data signals to fLO is achieved. Figure 3 shows the measured RF spectrum of the frequency-upconverted 622-Mb/s data with the 60-GHz optical LO signal for base station #2. The spectral asymmetry in Figure 3 stems from the fact that the amplifiers employed in the experiment did not provide flat RF gains at around 60 GHz. The frequency-upconverted data signals are transmitted ove r3mi nfree space using 60-GHz horn antennas. The received signals are demodulated by direct detection, using a Schottky diode electrically filtered with a standard OC-12 low-pass filter ( fC 467 MHz). As shown in Figure 3, clear eye-openings are achieved for both base stations. Although the present demonstration has only two WDM channels, more WDM channels are possible as long as their wavelengths are within the optical-gain wavelength bandwidth of SOA used. In addition, by utilizing different IF frequencies for WDM data, different wireless carrier frequencies can be provided to different base stations. CONCLUSION In summary, we have demonstrated a new 60-GHz RoF distribution scheme for WDM channels using the remote photonic-frequency upconversion technique. The frequency upconversion of WDM data signals with 60-GHz optical LO signals was performed remotely at base stations so that high-frequency electrical mixers and LO sources would not be required. This photonic-frequency upconversion process was limited by PD photo-detection frequency bandwidth only. We believe our scheme will be useful in RoF systems, in which one optical LO signal is shared among multiple base stations addressed by their wavelengths.
Toxicities of the platinum antineoplastic agents

The platinum agents (cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin) are among the most useful anticancer agents available to oncologists. The drugs have the potential to produce both mild and more serious side effects. However, in general, the platinum agents can be delivered with acceptable toxicity, even when used in combination chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, with appropriate dose modifications, the large majority of patients who may benefit from this class of cytotoxic pharmaceutical drugs will be able to complete a planned therapeutic programme.
The Wavelength-Smoothing Method For Approximating Broad-Band Wave Propagation Through Complicated Velocity Structures

SUMMARY This paper introduces a new, efficient method for approximating broad-band wave propagation in complicated velocity structures. the complete justification and development of this method are not presented, but it is shown that this technique, despite its simplicity, reproduces many expected broad-band, wave-propagation phenomena. This method, named here the wavelength-smoothing (WS) technique, is based on the computation of wave refraction using Huygens’ principle and a frequency-dependent velocity function defined as the wave velocity smoothed over a wavelength across the wavefront. the WS method reduces to geometrical ray theory at high frequency, but also produces broad-band wave phenomena such as dispersion, phase shifting upon reflection and wavelength-dependent scattering. Transmitted refractions, wide-angle reflections and head waves are produced at discontinuities without requiring the matching of boundary conditions. the WS method is subject to some of the limitations of geometrical ray methods including amplitude instability at caustics and incomplete modelling of diffractions near critical regions. Also, wavetype conversions and pre-critical reflections are not produced at internal discontinuities. The WS technique is an application of physical principles but is intuitively based and not formally derived from basic equations. As a consequence, the completeness and accuracy of the method may be less than that of other techniques. Although a number of tests and comparisons of the method have given satisfactory results, additional investigations to provide further justification and verification are now required. The WS algorithm requires much less computer time and memory than numerical techniques and may be applied in practice to complicated, 3-D velocity models. A comparison between the WS method and a boundary integral method applied to a 2-D, rough interface model is presented in this paper.
Characterization of retinoic acid–inducible gene-I expression in primary murine glia following exposure to vesicular stomatitis virus

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that closely resembles its deadly cousin, rabies virus. In mice, VSV elicits a rapid and severe T cell—independent encephalitis, indicating that resident glial cells play an important role in the initiation of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Recently, retinoic acid—inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like helicases have been shown to function as intracellular pattern recognition receptors for replicative viral RNA motifs. In the present study, we demonstrate that the expression of two members of this RIG-I—like receptor family (RLR), RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated antigen 5 (MDA5), are elevated in mouse brain tissue following intranasal administration of VSV. Using isolated cultures of primary murine glial cells, we demonstrate that microglia and astrocytes constitutively express both RIG-I and MDA5 transcripts and protein. Importantly, we show that such expression is elevated following challenge with VSV or another negative-sense RNA virus, Sendai virus. The authors provide evidence that such induction is indirect and secondary to the production of soluble mediators by infected cells. Circumstantial evidence for the functional nature of RLR expression in glial cells comes from the observation that microglia express the RLR downstream effector molecule, interferon promoter stimulator-1, and demonstrate diminished levels of the negative RLR regulator, laboratory of genetics and physiology 2, following viral challenge. These findings raise the exciting possibility that RLR molecules play important roles in the detection of viral CNS pathogens and the initiation of protective immune responses or, alternatively, the progression of damaging inflammation within the brain.
Recurrent random walks in nonnegative matrices II

In this paper, we continue the study undertaken in our earlier paper [M1]. One of the main results here can be described as follows. LetX0,X1, ... be a sequence of iid random affine maps from (R+) d into itself. Let us write:W n ≡X n X n −1...X0 andZ n ≡X0X1...X n , where “composition” of maps is the rule of multiplication. By the attractorA(u),u∈(R+) d , we mean the setAu={y∈(R+)d:P(Wnu∈N i.o.) > 0 for every openN containingy}. It is shown that the attractorA(u), under mild conditions, is the support of a stationary probability measure, when the random walk (Z n ) has at least one recurrent state.
Postprandial plasma lysine as an indicator of dietary lysine adequacy in infants.

Postprandial plasma free amino acids were studied as an index of the level of dietary lysine. Fasting blood was obtained from 11 children who were then fed a meal in which wheat provided 100% of 0.4 g protein and 30% to 50% of 25 kcal/kg body weight. Blood samples were obtained 3 and 4 hours postprandially. Fasting blood samples were obtained from these same children after 9, 18 and 27 (n = 6) days of consuming the same diet (2 g protein, 125 kcal/kg/day). Postprandial blood samples were taken from four additional children after consuming a meal containing 25 kcal and 0.75 g protein (0.5 g from wheat, 0.25 g casein)/kg. This meal was expected to provide adequate lysine while still maintaining lysine in lowest concentration among the essential amino acids relative to needs for protein synthesis. After consuming the unsupple- mented wheat diet postprandial values showed a significant rise of total amino acids at 3 hours with a return to fasting levels at 4 hours. Total essen tial amino acids did not change at 3 or 4 hours. Lysine concentration was significantly lower at 3 and 4 hours. The ratio of lysine to total essential amino acids decreased at 3 and, more so, at 4 hours. In 3 of 4 children studied the postprandial decrease of plasma lysine and its molar fraction was not manifest after consuming wheat + casein. The fasting lysine con centration during continued wheat consumption showed no change at 9 days and then a progressive fall at 18 and 27 days. The results with wheat + casein lend support to the concept that a postprandial fall in the concen tration of lysine and its molar fraction indicates not merely that lysine is present in lowest concentration but that it is present in inadequate con centration relative to needs for protein synthesis. J. Nutr. 107: 567-573, 1977.
Maintenance of chloroplast components during chromoplast differentiation in the tomato mutant green flesh

During ripening of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit, chloroplasts develop into chromoplasts. The chloroplast-chromoplast transition is marked by the accumulation of carotenoids and the disappearance of chlorophyll, the degradation of the highly structured thylakoid membrane system, and a reduction in the levels of proteins and mRNAs associated with photosynthesis. In the tomato mutant green flesh (gf), detectable amounts of chlorophyll remain in the ripe, mutant fruit, giving rise to a rusty red fruit color and suggesting that at least chlorophyll degradation is defective in the mutant. We show here that the ultrastructure of the plastids in the ripe gf fruit maintained significant amouonts of the chloroplast thylakoid grana along with structures characteristic of tomato chromoplasts. The maintenance of chloroplast structure in the gf ripe fruit was paralleled on the molecular level by the retention of plastid photosynthetic components that normally decline significantly in ripening tomato fruits. These included the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins of photosystem II, the second electron accepting plastoquinone of photosystem II binding protein, the large and small subunits of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, the 33-kD oxygen evolution protein, and cytochrome b559. Similarly, photosynthetic transcripts, cab, psbA, rbcL, rbcS, and psbE mRNAs, also accumulated to higher levels in ripening gf fruit than wild type. It is interesting that the levels of some of these transcripts, especially cab mRNA, were noticeably higher in the mature gf green fruit than in the corresponding wild-type fruit. This suggests that the onset of the effect from the gf mutation might be earlier than fruit ripening. We also observed that when chloroplast formation was blocked during the development and ripening of gf fruit, these mutant fruits were bright red and their chromoplasts were indistinguishable from those found in wild-type ripe fruits grown and ripened either in the dark or in the light. These results suggest that the lesion in gf may alleviate conditions associated with chloroplast deterioration during the chloroplast-chromoplast transition in tomato ripening but has no direct effect on chromoplast differentiation per se. The ultrastructure of gf provides unequivocal evidence that, in ripening tomato, chromoplasts indeed differentiate from preexisting chloroplasts; on the other hand, chromoplast differentiation in the dark-matured and -ripened tomato fruits indicates that chromoplast development can be a process entirely independent of the chloroplasts.
The effect of obstruction of bag surface on platelet concentrate pH.

Platelet concentrates stored in bags (made of a plastic film incorporating a new plasticizer) on flatbed agitators for up to 5 days were found to have accelerated pH decline when the surface of the bag was obstructed with added labels and an invoice on the non-labeled side. Without the over-labeling and invoice, only one of 20 concentrates had a pH below 6.0, even at very high concentrations of platelets. Blood banks experi encing problems with pH decline in the platelet concentrates being stored up to 5 days should consider eliminating surface obstruction on the bag.
CAP Forum on Enron: Former Audit Firm Personnel as CFOs: Effect on Earnings Management*

Corporate hiring of former audit personnel to fill key financial positions is a practice that has attracted attention from the media, the accounting profession, and regulators. The concern is that the former external auditor who now holds a key position with the client may be able to circumvent the audit or exert pressure on the audit team and adversely influence audit quality. We compare a sample of 172 test companies that appointed to the position of chief financial officer (CFO) personnel who are former employees of the companies' auditors, with a control sample of companies that appointed new CFOs who were not affiliated with their auditors. We investigate whether the level of discretionary accruals is greater for the test sample compared with the control sample during the two years following appointment of the CFO. Both univariate and multivariate results for signed discretionary accruals suggest some support for the hypothesis that firms with affiliated CFOs are associated with greater earnings management than firms with unaffiliated CFOs. Furthermore, the results for signed discretionary accruals suggest that the association is stronger for nonpartners who moved from the audit firm to the client with little or no time gap. On average, the results for absolute discretionary accruals do not suggest differences in earnings management between affiliated and unaffiliated CFOs. However, they do indicate some earnings management relative to unaffiliated CFOs by CFOs who had little or no time gap between leaving the audit firm and joining the client firm, although at a weaker level of significance.
Monitoring Oregon Coastal Harmful Algae: Observations and implications of a harmful algal bloom-monitoring project

Abstract The accumulation of domoic acid (DA) and saxitoxins (STX), phycotoxins produced by some species of Pseudo-nitzschia and Alexandrium , respectively, in coastal food webs are a focus of research on the West Coast of the United States due to the deleterious effects they have on coastal ecosystems and economies. Results are presented from the 2007–2012 Monitoring Oregon Coastal Harmful Algae (MOCHA) project, the Oregon coast's first HAB monitoring and research program. Both historical toxin databases and more detailed case-study observations of individual HAB events are compiled to provide the first detailed overview of HAB occurrence in this region. These results are also presented in the context of informing future HAB monitoring in this and other upwelling regimes affected by STX and DA. A 2009–2010 warming event was associated with the greatest HAB activity during the MOCHA project, including anomalously high sea surface temperatures and shellfish harvesting closures due to STX and DA in 2009 and 2010, respectively. In regards to HAB monitoring, it is shown that (1) razor clams are a more sensitive indicator of DA than mussels; (2) water column concentrations of particulate domoic acid greater than 10 3 ng L −1 can be used as a threshold for early-warning of shellfish DA toxicity and (3) approximately bi-weekly, or shorter, monitoring of Alexandrium in the surf zone and/or offshore can provide advance notice of STX contamination of shellfish. Both of the latter two metrics gain added value when coupled with local wind stress, a proxy of downwelling/relaxation events that facilitate greater interaction between offshore blooms and shellfish.
Depressive symptoms, serious psychological distress, diabetes distress and cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Objective This study examined the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor control and elevated depressive symptoms (EDS), serious psychological distress (SPD), and diabetes distress (DD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods This was a cross-sectional study of adults seen at an academic medical center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the southeastern US. Linear regression models were computed using CVD risk factors as clinically meaningful outcomes (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c); systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure; and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)); EDS, SPD, and DD were primary independent variables. Covariates included sociodemographics and comorbidities. Results The sample consisted of 361 adults. Correlation analyses showed significant relationships between DD and HbA1c, DBP, and LDL-C. Adjusted linear regression models showed DD to be significantly associated with HbA1c and LDL-C, and SPD to be significantly associated only with LDL-C. In the fully adjusted model, DD remained significantly associated with HbA1c (β = 4.349; 95% CI (− 0.649, 2.222)). Conclusions In this sample of adults with T2DM, DD and SPD were significantly associated with CVD risk factors; however, after controlling for covariates, only DD was shown to be significantly associated with poor glycemic control. Practice implications Strategies are warranted to examine the relationship between DD and CVD risk factor control in patients with T2DM.
Coagulation abnormalities of sickle cell disease: Relationship with clinical outcomes and the effect of disease modifying therapies

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hypercoagulable state. Patients exhibit increased platelet activation, high plasma levels of markers of thrombin generation, depletion of natural anticoagulant proteins, abnormal activation of the fibrinolytic system, and increased tissue factor expression, even in the non-crisis "steady state." Furthermore, SCD is characterized by an increased risk of thrombotic complications. The pathogenesis of coagulation activation in SCD appears to be multi-factorial, with contributions from ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammation, hemolysis and nitric oxide deficiency, and increased sickle RBC phosphatidylserine expression. Recent studies in animal models suggest that activation of coagulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of SCD, but the data on the contribution of coagulation and platelet activation to SCD-related complications in humans are limited. Clinical trials of new generations of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, using a variety of clinical endpoints are warranted.
Modeling small RNA competition in C. elegans

Small RNAs have been determined to have an essential role in gene regulation. However, competition between small RNAs is a poorly understood aspect of small RNA dynamics. Recent evidence has suggested that competition between small RNA pathways arises from a scarcity of common resources essential for small RNA activity. In order to understand how competition affects small RNAs in C. elegans, a system of differential equations was used. The model recreates normal behavior of small RNAs and uses random sampling in order to determine the coefficients of competition for each small RNA class. The model includes endogenous small-interfering RNAs (endo-siRNA), exogenous small-interfering RNAs (exo-siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA). The model predicts that exo-siRNAs is dominated by competition between endo-siRNAs and miRNAs. Furthermore, the model predicts that competition is required for normal levels of endogenous small RNAs to be maintained. Although the model makes several assumptions about cell dynamics, the model is still useful in order to understand competition between small RNA pathways.
Efficient power generation from vocal folds vibrations for medical electronic implants

The availability of practical, implantable, efficient power generators will proliferate the use of medical electronic implants that can be very useful for treating and managing various medical conditions. Using a vibration-driven power generator, we have successfully generated 0.3-mW/cm2 of electric power continuously from the acousto-mechanical vibrations that originate from the human vocal folds and propagate along the skeletal frame and air passage throughout the head and neck. Our energy harvesters are highly efficient because vocal vibrations excite them at their designed resonant frequencies at 100 and 200 Hz, which are the dominant vocal vibrations of men and women, respectively. In addition, we use laser micromachining to pattern single crystal lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) sheets for better efficiency. Our harvesters are designed to fit into a square area (1×1 cm2 or smaller) so that they can form a flexible large array to generate more power.
Visual Route Recognition with a Handful of Bits

In this paper we use a sequence-based visual localization algorithm to reveal surprising answers to the question, how much visual information is actually needed to conduct effective navigation? The algorithm actively searches for the best local image matches within a sliding window of short route segments or 'sub-routes', and matches sub-routes by searching for coherent sequences of local image matches. In contract to many existing techniques, the technique requires no pre-training or camera parameter calibration. We compare the algorithm's performance to the state-of-the-art FAB-MAP 2.0 algorithm on a 70 km benchmark dataset. Performance matches or exceeds the state of the art feature-based localization technique using images as small as 4 pixels, fields of view reduced by a factor of 250, and pixel bit depths reduced to 2 bits. We present further results demonstrating the system localizing in an office environment with near 100% precision using two 7 bit Lego light sensors, as well as using 16 and 32 pixel images from a motorbike race and a mountain rally car stage. By demonstrating how little image information is required to achieve localization along a route, we hope to stimulate future 'low fidelity' approaches to visual navigation that complement probabilistic feature-based techniques.
ExRNA in Biofluids as Biomarkers for Brain Tumors.

Patients with high-grade gliomas and glioblastomas (GBMs) have poor survival despite optimal surgical and drug therapy. Minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers would enable early diagnosis and tumor-specific treatments for ‘personalized targeted’ therapy, and would create the basis for response tracking in patients with GBM. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and blood contain glioma-specific molecules, including tumor-derived EV RNAs that are detectable in small copy numbers in these biofluids. EV RNA mutations or expression changes are also detectable, the analysis of which gives rise to ‘liquid biopsy’ tumor profiling.
Case 2: Hyperbilirubinemia at Age 4 Days in an African American Infant

A male African American infant is born at term to a gravida 4 now para 3 mother by uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery after an unremarkable prenatal course. His Apgar scores are 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively, and his birth weight is 3,515 g. Before 48-hour discharge, his total bilirubin level is 14.2 mg/dL (242.9 μmol/L). He is discharged home feeding well with formula. On the day of discharge, his weight is down 2.7% (3,420 g) from his birth weight. At his follow-up visit on the fourth day after birth, he is noted to have scleral icterus and jaundice down to his knees. His weight has increased from discharge to 3,435 g. A slightly hemolyzed heelstick total bilirubin measurement is 25.2 mg/dL (431.0 μmol/L) (direct component, 0.2 mg/dL [3.4 μmol/L]), and he is admitted for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Before admission, his parents report that he was taking 2 oz of formula every 2 hours and was producing yellow transitional stool with nearly every feeding. He has an older brother who had a history of jaundice that required phototherapy for 1 week, with no intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or exchange transfusion required. Family history was negative for hemoglobinopathies, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or anemia. His admission vital signs are as follows: temperature, 98.8°F (37.1°C); pulse, 128 beats per minute; respirations, 44 breaths per minute; oxygen saturation, 100% on room air; …
Abstract 2495: Sepiapterin reductase interacts with Ornithine Decarboxylase and regulates neuroblastoma proliferation

Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC) is a key, rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis that is upregulated in various types of cancer including neuroblastoma (NB). MYCN is a transcription factor and proto-oncogene that has been shown to be a key prognostic factor associated with advanced stage NB. ODC is a transcriptional target of MYCN, and has been found to play a critical role in NB progression. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of ODC through drugs such as alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) depletes intracellular polyamine pools and induces G1 cell cycle arrest. Our previous studies have shown that the anti-proliferative effect of DFMO in NB involves upregulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27 and downregulation of MYCN. In a search for novel regulators of ODC, we recently discovered that sepiapterin reductase (SPR), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, binds to ODC and may regulate ODC activity through a novel mechanism. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using NB cell lysates show that ODC interacts with SPR. In addition, immunofluorescence staining and laser-scanning confocal microscopy confirm the co-localization of ODC and SPR. Furthermore, downregulation of SPR expression using siRNA targeting SPR results in significant inhibition of NB proliferation, without affecting ODC protein levels. These results suggest that the interaction between SPR and ODC may be critically important to ODC activity and function and may constitute a novel mechanism for the regulation of NB proliferation. This interaction may play a critical role in fundamental physiological and pathophysiological processes including the development and progression of NB. Understanding the novel interaction between ODC and SPR might play a crucial role for the development of new drugs targeting SPR for the treatment of NB and other MYC/ODC-driven diseases. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2495. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2495
Trophic niche divergence among colour morphs that exhibit alternative mating tactics

Discrete colour morphs associated with alternative mating tactics are assumed to be ecologically equivalent. Yet suites of behaviours linked with reproduction can also favour habitat segregation and exploitation of different prey among morphs. By contrast, trophic polymorphisms are usually attributed to morphs exhibiting habitat or prey selectivity. An alternative hypothesis is that habitat variation generates a trophic polymorphism driven by differences in morph reproductive behaviour, the spatial dispersion of morphs in a landscape and their exposure to different prey types. In this scenario, morphs are allowed to vary in habitat or diet selectivity (e.g. specialist or generalist) as they do in behaviour, rather than being assumed to exhibit equivalent levels of ecological specialization. We test this hypothesis using male Urosaurus ornatus lizards that exhibit a discrete dewlap colour polymorphism that reflects alternative mating tactics. We found blue morphs specialize on prey at higher trophic levels, yellow males display plasticity in trophic and morphological attributes and orange males are trophic generalists. Our results also demonstrate that morph diet differences are enhanced in resource-limited habitats. We conclude that discrete behavioural morphs may also diverge in morphology and trophic niche. Jointly, these processes may enhance speciation rates in colour polymorphic taxa.
Multi-agent Fluorescence Imaging for Quantitative Assessment of Tumor Biomarkers

Quantitative molecular imaging of tumor biomarkers in vivo remains elusive due to the confounding effects of non-specific uptake. A multi-agent fluorescence tomography approach enables receptor concentration estimation in vivo, facilitating the study of drug-receptor interactions.