cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5622: Effect of novel RhoC inhibitor on breast cancer progression and metastasisin vivo

Introduction: The oncogene RhoC GTPase is overexpressed in highly aggressive inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and increases cellular motility and invasiveness in mammary tissue by interacting with downstream effectors to reorganize cytoskeletal elements in the cell. A small molecule inhibitor of RhoC-effector interaction has been identified. This antagonist decreases proliferation and inhibits motility of IBC cells in vitro. Here we evaluate the in vivo effects of the novel RhoC antagonist in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. Methods: The PyMT-RhoC transgenic mouse model was used in this study. This double transgenic strain was created by crossing the polyoma middle T antigen (PyMT) breast cancer model to a RhoC-overexpressing strain driven by the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. The RhoC inhibitor was administered by intraperitoneal injection beginning at 50 days of age. Tumor size was monitored throughout treatment. At the end of the treatment, mammary glands, tumors, and lungs were extracted, fixed, sectioned, and stained with HE 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5622. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5622
Arachidonic acid protects against hypoxic injury in rat proximal tubules

Arachidonic acid protects against hypoxic injury in rat proximal tubules. Free fatty acids (FFA) and lysophospholipids accumulate during hypoxia (H) in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells partly as a result of increased phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) activity. The role of FFA in mediating hypoxic injury and modulating PLA 2 activity is not clear. In the present study, the effect of several FFA including arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4) on hypoxia-induced injury and PLA 2 activity was assessed in freshly isolated rat proximal tubules. Hypoxia (H) was induced in the presence of either an unsaturated free fatty acid (uFFA) [AA or linoleic acid (LA, 18:2)] or a saturated FFA (sFFA) [palmitic (PA, 16:0) or myristic acid (MA, 14:0)]. Cell membrane injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release (LDH). AA markedly reduced LDH release during hypoxia in a dose dependent manner, while sFFA had no protective effect. LA showed similar protection to that observed with AA. AA did not affect buffer calcium concentration, buffer pH, intracellular pH or intracellular calcium concentration. Neither inhibiting the cyclooxygenase pathway with indomethacin, nor the lipoxygenase pathway with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) had any effect on the AA observed cytoprotection. In vitro PLA 2 activity in the control tubular extracts was compared to that following addition of AA or PA. PLA 2 activity decreased significantly with AA but not with PA in a dose dependent manner. These data suggest that: (1) AA protects against hypoxic injury in rat proximal tubules. (2) This cytoprotection is not specific for AA and other uFFA have a similar effect. (3) AA significantly inhibits PLA 2 activity. (4) AA induced cytoprotection may be related to a negative feedback inhibition of PLA 2 activity.
Optical interferometric characterization of membrane curvature in boron-doped Si microstructures

Optical interferometry has been applied to determine the membrane curvature of p++Si beams. Clamped-clamped Si beams and cantilevered beams were fabricated with an etch- diffusion process and a dissolved wafer process and characterized. This measurement technique allows for very precise measurement of the bending of released Si beams due to stress, thus small height variations due to membrane curvature in clamped-clamped beams can be resolved. Cantilevered beams were found to bend more due to stress as length increased and width decreased. Thicker beams also showed less bending due to stresses due to their increased stiffness. A 6.0 micrometer thick cantilevered beam had a deflection of 12.4 micrometer due to stress, while a 36.7 micrometer thick beam had a deflection of only 0.2 micrometer. Beams fabricated using a dissolved wafer process with a 12 h B diffusion were found to bend the same amount as those fabricated using an etch- diffusion process with a 4 h diffusion. Using the deep etch- shallow diffusion process, resonating elements that are 20 micrometer long, 4 micrometer wide, and 28 micrometer thick were found to be perfectly flat without any bending.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Low Temperature Signal Linearity and Harmonic Distortion in Charge Coupled Devices

The low temperature (15OK, 77OK) signal linearity and harmonic distortion of a surface p-channel CCD have been investigated. The results indicate that the charge injection input mode results in less distortion but a more limited dynamic range than the ``fill-and-spill'' input mode.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN NEGOTIATED INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Public administrators exercise professional discretion. Citizen participation is affected by this discretion in two ways. Public administrators often design programs with citizen participaiton processes, and they also implement these processes. In both cases, citizen participation may be increased or decreased depending on how programs are designed and implemented. Negotiated Investment Strategy is presented as a specific case illustrating how such program design and implementation influenced citizen participaiton. As a result of design concessions, the administrators who implemented Negotiated Investment Strategy were constrained in their ability to share information with the citizenry and from assisting citizen organizations.
Identification of the amino acid sequence that targets peroxiredoxin 6 to lysosome-like structures of lung epithelial cells.

Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), an enzyme with glutathione peroxidase and PLA2 (aiPLA2) activities, is highly expressed in respiratory epithelium, where it participates in phospholipid turnover and antioxidant defense. Prdx6 has been localized by immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation to acidic organelles (lung lamellar bodies and lysosomes) and cytosol. On the basis of their pH optima, we have postulated that protein subcellular localization determines the balance between the two activities of Prdx6. Using green fluorescent protein-labeled protein expression in alveolar epithelial cell lines, we showed Prdx6 localization to organellar structures resembling lamellar bodies in mouse lung epithelial (MLE-12) cells and lysosomes in A549 cells. Localization within lamellar bodies/lysosomes was in the luminal compartment. Targeting to lysosome-like organelles was abolished by the deletion of amino acids 31–40 from the Prdx6 NH2-terminal region; deletion of the COOH-terminal region had no effect. A green fluorescent protein-labeled peptide containing only amino acids 31–40 showed lysosomal targeting that was abolished by mutation of S32 or G34 within the peptide. Studies with mutated protein indicated that lipid binding was not necessary for Prdx6 targeting. This peptide sequence has no homology to known organellar targeting motifs. These studies indicate that the localization of Prdx6 in acidic organelles and consequent PLA2 activity depend on a novel 10-aa peptide located at positions 31–40 of the protein.
Quantum approximation to regular and chaotic classical motion: An electron in two periodic potentials

An electron in a periodic crystal potential, which is subjected to an additional periodic pulsed potential, is an example of a system which can be modeled by the kicked Harper model. The relative simplicity of this model facilitates a comparison of its quantum and classical dynamics. The model has a clearly defined semiclassical limit in which wave packets follow the classical motion. A power series in \ensuremath{\Elzxh} yields systematic quantum corrections to the semiclassical limit. Numerical iterations of the quantum equations agree with the \ensuremath{\Elzxh} expansion (for a limited time), provided the corresponding classical motion is not chaotic. For chaotic motion, the agreement between classical and quantum motion disappears very quickly. The quantum solutions also show (i) precursors to classical chaos, (ii) a time-dependent analog of wave-function scarring, and (iii) quantum echoes arising from quantized phase-space orbits.
Natural Variations in the Analytical Form of the Raindrop Size Distribution

Abstract Empirical analyses are shown to imply variation in the shape or analytical form of the raindrop size distribution consistent with that observed experimentally and predicted theoretically. These natural variations in distribution shape are demonstrated by deriving relationships between pairs of integral rainfall parameters using a three parameter gamma drop size distribution and comparing the expressions with empirical. There comparisons produce values for the size distribution parameters which display a systematic dependence of one of the parameters on another between different rainfall types as well as from moment to moment within a given rainfall type. The implications of this finding are explored in terms of the use of a three-parameter gamma distribution in dual-measurement techniques to determine rainfall rate.
The reduction of iron oxides by volatiles in a rotary hearth furnace process: Part III. The simulation of volatile reduction in a multi-layer rotary hearth furnace process

For reduction of iron oxides by volatiles from coal, the major reductant was found to be H2, and it can affect the overall reduction of iron oxides. In this study, the reduction by actual volatiles of composite pellets at 1000 °C was studied. The volatile reduction of the hand-packed Fe2O3/coal composite pellet as it is devolatilizing out of the pellet was found to be negligible. However, the reduction of iron oxide pellets at the top layer by volatiles from the bottom layers of a three-layer pellet geometry was observed to be about 15 pct. From the morphological observations of partially reduced pellets and the computed rates of bulk mass transfer, volatile reduction appears to be controlled by a mixed-controlled mechanism of bulk gas mass transfer and the limited-mixed control reduction kinetics. Using the reduction rate obtained from the single pellet experiments with pure hydrogen and extrapolating this rate to an H2 partial pressure corresponding to the H2 from the volatiles, an empirical relationship was obtained to approximately predict the amount of volatile reduction up to 20 pct.
Diverticulum-associated colon mass due to Mu ̈llerian cyst: Detection by barium enema but not colonoscopy

VOLUME 53, NO. 3, 2001 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY 359 Intestinal lesions due to paratubal or Mullerian cysts have not been previously reported. Colonoscopy is often the procedure of choice for the detection of colonic neoplasms, but the accuracy of the procedure is dependent on the skill of the operator. Even expert colonoscopists can miss mass lesions in blind spots behind acute colonic bends or submucosal or extracolonic masses, which may be visible with barium enema.16-21 The presence of colonic diverticulosis can make the accurate detection of colon masses by barium enema and colonoscopy more difficult. There are reports of false-negative and false-positive results on barium enema and colonoscopy related to diverticulosis or diverticular disease.22-28 This is a report of a patient with a diverticulumassociated colonic mass lesion due to a Mullerian cyst that was discovered by barium enema, but not seen at sigmoidoscopy or 2 colonoscopies.
Numerical Analysis of Lateral Wave Propagation in Drill-String for Stability Monitoring

In this paper, the propagation of lateral waves in a drill-string are studied by using a new numerical method and a stability monitoring scheme is proposed. The drill-string is modeled as a linear beam structure under gravitational field effects. An iterative wavelet-based spectral finite element method (WS-FEM) model is developed to obtain a high fidelity response. Numerical simulations of the lateral impact wave propagation at the bottom-hole-assembly (BHA) are conducted and a time-frequency analysis technique is applied to the response in order to identify the relationship between the position of the transition point between positive and negative strain and the dispersive properties of the lateral wave. Based on the results, a new monitoring scheme is proposed to monitor the stability of the drill-string based on a combination of lateral impact wave analysis at the BHA and the axial acoustic telemetry technique.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Characterization and interpretation of forced expiration

Forced expiration is the most widely used test for assessing pulmonary mechanics in man. For clinical purposes, results can be described in terms of the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). In order to provide a more complete description of forced expiration, additional parameters have been applied, e.g., flows at various lung volumes (flow volume loops) and the distribution of transit times during lung emptying (moments).
A phase stabilized beam pulsing system

Abstract A simple phase stabilizer has been developed for klystron-type bunchers used in nanosecond beam-pulsing systems. It improves the bunching efficiency by compensating for time-dependent variations in the injection energy and produces greatly increased average currents. The phase detection principle has applications in accurate measurements of beam energies.
Identification of the Active Form of Endothelial Lipase, a Homodimer in a Head-to-Tail Conformation

Endothelial lipase (EL) is a member of a subfamily of lipases that act on triglycerides and phospholipids in plasma lipoproteins, which also includes lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase. EL has a tropism for high density lipoprotein, and its level of phospholipase activity is similar to its level of triglyceride lipase activity. Inhibition or loss-of-function of EL in mice results in an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, making it a potential therapeutic target. Although hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase have been shown to function as homodimers, the active form of EL is not known. In these studies, the size and conformation of the active form of EL were determined. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested oligomerization. Ultracentrifugation experiments showed that the active form of EL had a molecular weight higher than the molecular weight of a simple monomer but less than a dimer. A construct encoding a covalent head-to-tail homodimer of EL (EL-EL) was expressed and had similar lipolytic activity to EL. The functional molecular weights determined by radiation inactivation were similar for EL and the covalent homodimer EL-EL. We previously showed that EL could be cleaved by proprotein convertases, such as PC5, resulting in loss of activity. In cells overexpressing PC5, the covalent homodimeric EL-EL appeared to be more stable, with reduced cleavage and conserved lipolytic activity. A comparative model obtained using other lipase structures suggests a structure for the head-to-tail EL homodimer that is consistent with the experimental findings. These data confirm the hypothesis that EL is active as a homodimer in head-to-tail conformation.
SVM to detect the presence of visitors in a smart home environment

With the rising age of the population, there is increased need to help elderly maintain their independence. Smart homes, employing passive sensor networks and pervasive computing techniques, enable the unobtrusive assessment of activities and behaviors of the elderly which can be useful for health state assessment and intervention. Due to the multiple health benefits associated with socializing, accurately tracking whether an individual has visitors to their home is one of the more important aspects of elders' behaviors that could be assessed with smart home technology. With this goal, we have developed a preliminary SVM model to identify periods where untagged visitors are present in the home. Using the dwell time, number of sensor firings, and number of transitions between major living spaces (living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom) as features in the model, and self report from two subjects as ground truth, we were able to accurately detect the presence of visitors in the home with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.90 and 0.89 for subject 1, and of 0.67 and 0.78 for subject 2, respectively. These preliminary data demonstrate the feasibility of detecting visitors with in-home sensor data, but highlight the need for more advanced modeling techniques so the model performs well for all subjects and all types of visitors.
Clinically Relevant Mechanical Testing of Hernia Graft Constructs

Abstract Background To understand the mechanical behavior of grafts in the context of hernia repair, there is a need to develop and adopt methods for mechanical testing of grafts in a clinically-relevant manner with clinically-relevant outcomes. Materials and methods Ball-burst and planar-biaxial methods were used to test three commercially-available hernia grafts (DermaMatrix, Biodesign, VitaMesh Blue). Both load-to-failure and cyclic fatigue tests were performed ( n =6–11/group/test). Grafts were tested as sutured constructs in patch geometry. Dilatational strain analysis was performed considering the construct (both test methods) or the graft (planar-biaxial only) as the area of interest. Results DermaMatrix, Biodesign, and VitaMesh grafts showed differences in mechanical properties at the point of construct failure (load, in-plane load-per-suture and membrane tension) in ball-burst tests and differences in sub-failure properties (stiffness, dilatational strain at 16 N/cm and cyclic mechanical properties) in planar-biaxial tests. In both load-to-failure and cyclic fatigue tests, each graft construct tended to be stiffer in planar-biaxial than ball-burst testing. In biaxial testing, the strain analysis method influenced the mechanical properties with the construct being more compliant than the graft. Conclusions This study demonstrates that graft-fixation method, test mode and analysis method are important considerations for mechanical characterization of hernia grafts. Ball-burst tests can only estimate construct or material properties, whereas planar-biaxial tests capture anisotropy and can estimate construct, graft and material properties of the same test specimen. When the clinical performance of a graft in the context of hernia repair is of interest, testing a sutured construct and performing construct strain analysis arguably provides the most clinically-relevant assessment method.
Nodal Cooper-pair stabilized phase dynamics in granular d-wave superconductors.

Scanning tunneling microscope measurements on single crystals of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 + x materials have shown that the d-wave superconductivity in cuprates has nanoscale inhomogeneities and is still robust in spite of theirpresence. We study the dynamics of Josephson coupling between such granular d-wave superconductors, focusing on the effect of nodal Cooper pairs and disorder. We find that the nodal Cooper pairs give rise to a power-law Josephson coupling which leads to the stabilization of the superconducting phase. Our findings suggest that the d-wave superconductivity in an array of grains is unexpectedly robust against a disordering transition, as observed in the experiments. Furthermore, we predict the existence of a planar Josephson-plasmon mode with characteristic frequency that decreases with temperature.
Asymptotic structure and extinction of diffusion flames with chain mechanism

Abstract The structure of a diffusion flame with a three-step chain mechanism, consisting of two high-activation-energy thermoneutral branching reactions and a zero-activation-energy termination reaction, has been studied using activation energy asymptotics via the model problems of counterflow and droplet flames. The analysis identifies three types of flames, depending on whether the rate of the termination reaction is fast, moderate, or slow as compared to the rates of the branching reactions. For the fast recombination regime a unique extinction criterion has been derived which contains a chain extinction limit and a global extinction limit; the latter case is identified as Linan's extinction criterion. For the moderate and slow recombination regimes distinct extinction states do not exist.
Explaining `Minor' Party Nominations in Sub-Saharan Africa The Cases of Ethiopia, Zambia and Malawi

To what extent do parties in Africa behave in ways similar to parties in new democracies elsewhere in the world? I examine nominations by the ‘minor’ opposition parties to the single member districts for the legislative elections in Ethiopia, Malawi and Zambia. Using binary logit analysis, I found that generally the number of candidates running in a contest and the use of an ‘electoral arithmetic’ by the parties explains whether they chose to nominate a candidate in a particular electoral district. However, the social demographic characteristics of districts appear to have little impact on whether or not a party nominates a candidate.
The peak pool boiling heat flux on horizontal cylinders

Peak pool boiling heat flux on horizontal cylinders, describing interactions of gravity and heater size effects
Virial coefficients, equation of state, and solid–fluid coexistence for the soft sphere model

Virial coefficients up to B 8 are calculated for the soft-sphere model, with exponents n = 12, 9 and 6. It is demonstrated that for n = 12, the virial series truncated at B 8 describes well the equation of state (EOS) of the fluid phase up to the freezing density, while for n = 9 and 6 the series departs from the correct behaviour for densities of 75% and 18% of the freezing density, respectively. For these cases Pade approximants provide a much improved description of the equation of state at high density. The EOS for these different exponent-n values are further improved by a one-parameter fit of each to corresponding simulation data, using a form consistent with the known virial coefficients. Fluid–solid coexistence properties are evaluated and the results are in reasonably good agreement with the more-recent literature values.
Fluctuating nematic elastomer membranes.

We study the flat phase of nematic elastomer membranes with rotational symmetry spontaneously broken by an in-plane nematic order. Such a state is characterized by a vanishing elastic modulus for simple shear and soft transverse phonons. At harmonic level, the in-plane orientational (nematic) order is stable to thermal fluctuations that lead to short-range in-plane translational (phonon) correlations. To treat thermal fluctuations and relevant elastic nonlinearities, we introduce two generalizations of two-dimensional membranes in a three-dimensional space to arbitrary D-dimensional membranes embedded in a d-dimensional space and analyze their anomalous elasticities in an expansion about D=4. We find a stable fixed point that controls long-scale properties of nematic elastomer membranes. It is characterized by singular in-plane elastic moduli that vanish as a power law eta(lambda)=4-D of a relevant inverse length scale (e.g., wave vector) and a finite bending rigidity. Our predictions are asymptotically exact near four dimensions.
Effect of urea, ammonium and nitrate on foliar absorption of ferric citrate

Abstract Foliar absorption of 59Fe‐ferric citrate, with all possible combinations of urea, ammonium and nitrate, by Vigna unguiculata was studied. A significant increase in absorption was observed with a ferric citrate, urea and ammonium nitrate mixture and a ferric citrate and urea mixture. Some of the other urea containing mixtures did not exhibit enhanced absorption. The addition or subtraction of ammonium and/or nitrate was without a consistent effect None of the combinations of ferric citrate, urea, ammonium and/or nitrate greatly enhanced the re‐greening response compared to ferric citrate applied alone, nor did any of the mixtures tested cause complete re‐greening and alleviation of iron chlorosis. These results may indicate a slight, but inconsistent, benefit from adding urea to Fe foliar sprays of ferric citrate.
Finite-State Robots in a Warehouse: Achieving Linear Parallel Speedup While Rearranging Objects

We have teams of r identical mobile finite-state machines (FSMs, for short) act as robots that rearrange objects within a "warehouse" whose floor is the side-n square mesh M_n. We study a variety of rearrangement problems that (teams of) FSMs can solve via algorithms that are scalable-i.e., that work in arbitrarily large meshes-and fully pipeline able-i.e., that achieve (asymptotic) linear speedup when larger teams of FSMs are deployed. Regarding pipelining, in detail: If r FSMs can solve a problem on M_n in time T_r(n), then as r grows, even as large as n, T_r(n) = O((1/r) T_1(n)), uniformly in n and r. The rearrangement problems we have chosen are reminiscent of tasks that one might have robots perform in a warehouse. Sample problems have FSMs move objects from the top edge of M_n to the bottom edge: (1) in the reverse of the objects' original top-edge order, (2) in piles organized by object type (from a fixed set of types).
In memoriam: Teshome H. Gabriel, 1939–2010

What I am seeking to do, I would say, is validate the notion of the academic citizen, by which I mean an academic who has some relationship to the wider communities that surround us and which overl...
Targeted deployment of scour monitoring sensors for at-risk bridges

This paper presents a methodology on prioritizing deployment of scour sensors at high-risk bridges using a holistic approach. Specifically, stream geomorphic data, bridge design information, and bridge scour ratings are used to intelligently identify and prioritize bridge sites for remote scour monitoring. Scour is the leading cause of bridge failure, with 309 bridges in the State of Vermont rated as scour critical. Using Vermont as a case study, this work looks to correlate bridge structural design data with hydraulic and stream geomorphic information to identify bridges at high risk of scour processes, and specifically for bridges more structurally susceptible to scour damage. Including additional stream and hydraulic indicators in the analysis, rather than relying on structural evaluations alone, enables areas of geomorphic instability to be identified; and bridges in these areas can be outfitted with scour monitoring devices. Lowcost monitoring devices are proposed to monitor at-risk bridges and to provide additional information in scour-prone areas. A sensor under development would allow for direct installment into stream beds at existing bridges, and incorporate accelerometer-based monitoring, with wireless data transmission. The device would allow for real-time measurement of streambed degradation and aggradation during high flow events, thereby providing timely information regarding critical scour events. This work aims to aid State transportation engineers in identifying, which bridges in the transportation network are at risk, of scour processes, provides useful insight into scour rating systems, and assesses the value of the geomorphic assessments to improve our existing bridge rating system. The compilation of results from geomorphic assessments, scour ratings, and bridge design information will be presented.
Toward Electronic Conductance Characterization of DNA Nucleotide Bases

We calculate electron-transport properties within equilibrium, linear transport theory through the DNA nucleotide bases spanning two gold nanowires. Our quantum mechanical calculations show that single configurations of DNA bases A, C, T, and G have significantly different charge conductance characteristics. This result is consistent with the notion that it is possible to read the nucleotide base sequence on an individual DNA heteropolymer which is moving through a gap between electrically biased nanoelectrodes by measuring the changes in the electron-transport conductance.
Recovery of function in aphasia

Abstract A neurobiological model for recovery of function in aphasia is proposed. Clinical features and contributing factors are systematically reviewed: aphasia type, time course, etiology, sex, age, handedness, cerebral asymmetries, depression, epilepsy, perseveration. The role of the right hemisphere is investigated: language recovery and the right hemisphere, crossed aphasia, transfer of language dominance, right hemisphere language. Mechanisms of recovery are considered: localizationist theories (redundancy, vicarious function, multiple control, substitution) and diaschisis (anatomy and physiology, experimental evidence). Evidence for a new theory of recovery of function in aphasia is then provided: sprouting, supersensitivity., chemical anatomy (noradrenergic and serotonergic systems, mesocortical dopaminergic system), release of right hemisphere potential, latent synapses (pharmacological deblocking, environmental deblocking). A more active intervention into recovery from aphasia is suggested.
Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of seed coat color in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).

Seed coat color is an important agronomic trait in sesame, as it is associated with seed biochemical properties, antioxidant content and activity and even disease resistance of sesame. Here, using a high-density linkage map, we analyzed genetic segregation and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sesame seed coat color in six generations (P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2). Results showed that two major genes with additive-dominant-epistatic effects and polygenes with additive-dominant-epistatic effects were responsible for controlling the seed coat color trait. Average heritability of the major genes in the BC1, BC2 and F2 populations was 89.30%, 24.00%, and 91.11% respectively, while the heritability of polygenes was low in the BC1 (5.43%), in BC2 (0.00%) and in F2 (0.89%) populations. A high-density map was constructed using 724 polymorphic markers. 653 SSR, AFLP and RSAMPL loci were anchored in 14 linkage groups (LG) spanning a total of 1,216.00 cM. The average length of each LG was 86.86 cM and the marker density was 1.86 cM per marker interval. Four QTLs for seed coat color, QTL1-1, QTL11-1, QTL11-2 and QTL13-1, whose heritability ranged from 59.33%–69.89%, were detected in F3 populations using CIM and MCIM methods. Alleles at all QTLs from the black-seeded parent tended to increase the seed coat color. Results from QTLs mapping and classical genetic analysis among the P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2 populations were comparatively consistent. This first QTL analysis and high-density genetic linkage map for sesame provided a good foundation for further research on sesame genetics and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS).
Botulinum Toxin A Can Positively Impact First Impression

BACKGROUND First impression is influenced by facial appearance and improved by cosmetic surgery. OBJECTIVE We wanted to determine if treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTxnA) would improve first impression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women received BTxnA in the forehead. Photos were taken prior to, and 1 week after, final BTxnA injection in smiling and relaxed poses. Photos were divided into books with each subject represented only once. Evaluators completed a survey rating first impression on various measures of success for each photo. RESULTS No differences were seen for social skills, financial, or relationship success scales. A significant decrease in first impression scores between treatment photos was seen for academic performance and occupational success. However, analysis of between-subject effects found that "smile/relax" accounted for the decreased score in both scales. Significant increases in first impression scores were seen for dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success scales where smile/relax and BTxnA contributed significantly to the improved scores. CONCLUSIONS BTxnA improved first impression scores for dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success scales. Academic performance and occupational success scores were not affected by BTxnA when the smile/relax variable was included. The smile/relax variable was a more important predictor for academic performance and occupational success scores.
Approach and Avoidance Motivation in the Social Domain

This research put Gable’s (in press) hierarchical model of approach-avoidance social motivation to empirical test using newly developed measures of friendship-approach and avoidance goals. The results from Study 1 supported the psychometric soundness of the new goal measures and showed the anticipated differential predictive patterns for the two goals. The results from Study 2 provided further evidence of the psychometric soundness of the new goal measures and provided support for the full hierarchical model in longitudinal analyses of subjective well-being and physical symptomotology. Implications of the present research for understanding motivation both within and beyond the social domain are discussed.
Multiresolution signature-based SAR target detection

A full-wave electromagnetic-scattering model is utilized to effect a land-mine detector via a multiresolution template- matching-like algorithm. Detection is performed on fully polarimetric ultra-wideband (50 - 1200 MHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Multiresolution template matching is effected via discrete-wavelet transform of the SAR imagery and the parametric target-signatures (templates). Detector results are presented in the form of receiver operating characteristics.
A multilayer client-server queueing network model with synchronous and asynchronous messages

We analyze a multilayered queueing network that models a client-server system where clients and servers communicate via synchronous and asynchronous messages. The servers are organized in groups such that they form a multilayered hierarchical structure. The queueing network is approximately analyzed using a decomposition algorithm. Numerical tests show that the approximation algorithm has a good accuracy.
Process design and supply chain optimization of supercritical biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oils

Abstract A small scale biodiesel production facility based on the Mcgyan process is simulated in HYSYS and a follow-up techno-economic analysis is performed. Two feedstocks are analyzed: a soybean oil and waste cooking oil analogs. It is found that the soybean oil based process is not economical at such small scales, whereas the waste oil case has an NPV of $618K with an internal rate of return of 80%. The economic feasibility of a distributed system of small scale biodiesel production facilities in Greater London using waste vegetable cooking feedstock is also investigated. It is found that this system is feasible with a total of 20 installed facilities and an NPV of $1.1MM. A scheme is then implemented which reduces the total capital expenditure per facility based on the mass production of similar facilities. As expected, this scheme reduces the total capital cost of the system. Finally, a Monte Carlo scheme is implemented to study how the variability in economic parameters affects the system. It is found that the system is most sensitive to the sale price of biodiesel but that in all cases a positive NPV is returned. These analyses support the feasibility of small scale locally based biofuel production from locally sourced feestocks.
Thymidine kinase from peanut seedlings

Abstract Thymidine kinase (ATP:thymidine 5′-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.21) from the hypocotyls of germinating peanuts (Arachis hypogaea var. N.C.2) required the presence of a divalent cation and a phosphate donor (ATP) for the production of thymidine 5′-monophosphate. The divalent cation requirement could be fulfilled by Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. Thymidylate phosphatase activity was present in all of the enzyme preparations despite attempts to inhibit this action. The kinase was relatively heat stable up to 60°; further temperature elevation resulted in complete inactivation. The production of TMP was optimal over a pH range of 7·5–9·0. The rate of thymidine phosphorylation was affected by uridine, deoxyuridine, cytidine and deoxycytidine. Partially purified extracts (15–20-fold) of thymidine kinase also phosphorylated the above pyrimidine nucleosides and deoxynucleosides.
Role of Humoral Mediator in Tolerance to the Pyrogenicity of Bacterial Endotoxin

SummaryRabbits given volumes of endo-toxin-tolerant donor plasma too small to modify significantly the course of fever produced by a first test dose of endotoxin injected shortly thereafter, display a remarkable degree of tolerance to a larger dose of endotoxin given 24 hours later, compared to identically endotoxin-treated controls. The results are inconsistent with hypotheses invoking any direct effect of the humoral mediator upon the endotoxin.The technical assistance of Romus Broadway is gratefully acknowledged.
ELECTRON-IMPACT EXCITATION CROSS-SECTION MEASUREMENTS OF HIGHLY CHARGED HELIUMLIKE AND LITHIUMLIKE IONS

The cross sections for electron-impact excitation of the heliumlike forbidden line [ital z], intercombination lines [ital y] and [ital x], and the resonance line [ital w], together with the associated lithiumlike collisional satellite lines [ital q], [ital r], [ital t], [ital u], and [ital v] have been measured for Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and Fe ([ital Z]=22--26) on the Livermore electron beam ion trap. The measurements were made near the threshold for excitation of the heliumlike transitions, where no other processes can contribute to the excitation of the lines, and are normalized to the cross sections for radiative electron capture. The uncertainties in the measurements are less than 8% for the heliumlike Fe transitions and between 11% and 15% for the lithiumlike Fe transitions together with a 3% systematic uncertainty from the normalization to theoretical radiative recombination cross sections. We find good agreement with results from a distorted-wave calculation.
Mechanism and Selectivity of the Effects of Halothane on Gap Junction Channel Function

Volatile anesthetics alter tissue excitability by decreasing the extent of gap junction-mediated cell-cell coupling and by altering the activity of the channels that underlie the action potential. In the present study, we demonstrate, using dual whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques, that coexpression of connexin (Cx) 40 and Cx43 rendered cells more sensitive to uncoupling by halothane than cells that express only Cx40 or only Cx43. The halothane-induced reduction in junctional conductance was caused by decreased channel mean open time and increased channel mean closed time. The magnitude of the effect of halothane on channel open time was least for Cx40-like channels and greatest for heteromeric channels. Thus, the data indicate that halothane gates gap junction channels to the closed state in a dose-dependent and connexin-specific manner. One consequence of the selectivity of halothane is that the profile of single-channel events observed in the presence of halothane may not be quantitatively representative of the population of channels contributing to macroscopic conductance in cells that express more than one connexin. In addition, in tissues that express multiple connexins, such as heart and blood vessels, the capacity of the gap junctions to transmit electrical and chemical signals in the presence of halothane could vary according to the pattern of connexin expression.
Radionuclide flow during the conversion of phosphogypsum to ammonium sulfate

Abstract Approximately 30 million tons of the by-product phosphogypsum are currently produced annually by the phosphate fertilizer industry in Florida. Nearly all of this material is stockpiled because radioactive impurities prevent utilization of what could otherwise be a useful agricultural amendment or construction material. Long-term storage and maintenance of this material presents economic as well as potential environmental concerns. One partial solution to this problem may be conversion of phosphogypsum to ammonium sulfate by the so-called Merseberg ammonocarbonation process. Ammonium sulfate is an excellent fertilizer which supplies sulfur as well as nitrogen to soils. We have assessed the flow of the natural decayseries radionuclides 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po through the Merseberg process by the analysis of starting materials and products from overseas industrial-scale plants. Results indicate that the radionuclides associated with phosphogypsum do not report to the ammonium sulfate product but are found instead almost exclusively in the by-product calcium carbonate. Thus, the radiochemical results are encouraging in terms of using this process as an option for partial removal of waste phosphogypsum. Although there is a clear and recognized need for increased sulfur addition to many crops, the price of sulfur has been so low and alternative supplies of ammonium sulfate so common that investment in this process has been discouraged. Recent price increases and demand for ammonium sulfate may make the Merseberg process more attractive.
Homochiral ketals in organic synthesis. Enantioselective synthesis of [m.n.1]propellanones

Abstract Optically active [m.n.1]propellanones have been prepared by diastereoselective cyclopropanation of homochiral one ketals derived from 1,4-di- O -benzyl- L -threitol and readily available bicyclic enones.
HER family receptor and ligand status in thymic carcinoma

Overexpression and gene amplification of the HER family of receptors and their ligands are important prognostic factors in many solid tumors and treatment targeting these molecules has recently become available. The role of this group of receptors has only rarely been described in thymic epithelial neoplasms and never before in a series of cases consisting exclusively of thymic carcinoma. Twenty-four primary squamous cell carcinomas of the thymus were examined for immunohistochemical expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), HER2, phosphorylated HER2 (pHER2), HER3, phosphorylated HER3 (pHER3) and their ligands epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), amphiregulin and epiregulin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for amplification of the EGFR and HER2 genes was performed including assessment of the copy numbers of EGFR and HER2 gene per cell and the ratio of EGFR and HER2 to centromere 7 and 17, respectively. Significant immunohistochemical expression was observed for EGFR (33.3%), pEGFR (33.3%), HER2 (58.3%), HER3 (45.8%), TGF-α (54.1%), amphiregulin (25.0%) and epiregulin (91.7%). A single case showed HER2 gene amplification by FISH. Increased EGFR and HER2 gene copy numbers were observed in 2 (8.4%) and 18 cases (75%), respectively. Eight cases (33.3%) showed an increased HER2:CEP17 ratio. The results of this study indicate that EGFR and HER2 amplification is a rare event in thymic carcinoma, however, protein expression for HER receptors as well as their ligands is a common finding indicating that targeted therapy directed against these molecules may be considered in the treatment of these tumors.
Mini-review: Impact of recurrent hypoglycemia on cognitive and brain function

Recurrent hypoglycemia (RH), the most common side-effect of intensive insulin therapy for diabetes, is well established to diminish counter-regulatory responses to further hypoglycemia. However, despite significant patient concern, the impact of RH on cognitive and neural function remains controversial. Here we review the data from both human studies and recent animal studies regarding the impact of RH on cognitive, metabolic, and neural processes. Overall, RH appears to cause brain adaptations which may enhance cognitive performance and fuel supply when euglycemic but which pose significant threats during future hypoglycemic episodes.
Comparison of 2′-fluoro-arabinosyl pyrimidine nucleosides and 1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine on immunological parameters in vitro

1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara C)3, 2′-fluoro-5-iodo-arabinofuranosyl-cytosine (FIAC) and 2′-fluoro-5-methyl-arabinofuranosyluracil (FMAU) were analyzed for immunosuppressive activity in vitro. In assay systems quantifying both humoral and cellular immune reactivity, FMAU and FIAC were less immunosuppressive than ara C by several orders of magnitude.
Cleavage preferences of the apoptotic endonuclease DFF40 (caspase-activated DNase or nuclease) on naked DNA and chromatin substrates.

Here we report the co-factor requirements for DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) endonuclease and characterize its cleavage sites on naked DNA and chromatin substrates. The endonuclease exhibits a pH optimum of 7.5, requires Mg2+, not Ca2+, and is inhibited by Zn2+. The enzyme generates blunt ends or ends with 1-base 5′-overhangs possessing 5′-phosphate and 3′-hydroxyl groups and is specific for double- and not single-stranded DNA or RNA. DFF endonuclease has a moderately greater sequence preference than micrococcal nuclease or DNase I, and the sites attacked possess a dyad axis of symmetry with respect to purine and pyrimidine content. Using HeLa cell nuclei or chromatin reconstituted on a 5 S rRNA gene tandem array, we prove that the enzyme attacks chromatin in the internucleosomal linker, generating oligonucleosomal DNA ladders sharper than those created by micrococcal nuclease. Histone H1, high mobility group-1, and topoisomerase II activate DFF endonuclease activity on naked DNA substrates but much less so on chromatin substrates. We conclude that DFF is a useful reagent for chromatin research.
A Model for Flow Bypass and Tip Leakage in Pin Fin Heat Sinks

A model for the pressure drop and heat transfer behavior of heat sinks with top bypass is presented. In addition to the characteristics of a traditional two-branch bypass model, the physics of tip leakage are taken into consideration. The total flow bypass is analyzed in terms of flow that is completely diverted and flow that enters the heat sink but leaks out. Difference formulations of the momentum and the energy equations were utilized to model the problem in the flow direction. Traditional hydraulic resistance and heat transfer correlations for infinitely long tube bundles were used to close the equations. Tip leakage mechanisms were modeled by introducing momentum equations in the flow normal direction in both the pin side and bypass channel, with ad hoc assumptions about the static pressure distribution in that direction. Although the model is applicable to any kind of heat sink, as a case study, results are presented for in-line square pin fin heat sinks. Results were compared with the predictions from a two-branch bypass model and previous experimental data. It is shown that tip leakage effects are important in setting the overall pressure drop at moderate and high pin spacing, but have only minor influence on heat transfer.
Yolk-albumen testosterone in a lizard with temperature-dependent sex determination: Relation with development

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination as well as temperature-influenced polymorphisms. Research suggests that in oviparous reptiles with temperaturedependent sex determination, steroid hormones in the yolk might influence sex determination and sexual differentiation. From captive leopard geckos that were all from the same incubation temperature regime, we gathered freshly laid eggs, incubated them at one of two female-biased incubation temperatures (26 or 34 C), and measured testosterone content in the yolk-albumen at early or late development. No differences in the concentration of testosterone were detected in eggs from different incubation temperatures. We report testosterone concentrations in the yolk-albumen were higher in eggs of late development than early development at 26 C incubation temperatures, a finding opposite that reported in other TSD reptiles studied to date.