cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomolecular structural separations by ion mobility-mass spectrometry.

Following the paradigm of the human genome project, much of current systems biology research entails characterizing, quantifying, and cataloging the biomolecular inventory of a sample at specific dimensions of space (e.g., cellular, tissue, or organism levels) and time (e.g., point in the life cycle, healthy vs. diseased state). These largely hypothesis-independent data are then integrated with the development of bioinformatic algorithms to derive an understanding of how different molecular networks interact and function, which subsequently provide a framework for performing hypothesis-driven studies [1]. This reductionist approach (i.e., measuring gene and protein expression levels, evaluating protein post-translational modifications, metabolite levels, etc.) is necessary to begin parameterizing the extraordinarily complex molecular interaction networks that regulate, control, and perturb biochemical processes, rather than directly analyzing the biological entity in its entirety. Quantitation of gene transcription is dominated by the use of gene arrays, while protein expression and metabolite levels are commonly measured using mass spectrometry (MS) or chromatography separations coupled with MS-based techniques [2]. Through a combination of measurements, specific biomolecular networks and molecular signatures of disease-states can be elucidated. To illustrate the scale of such studies, ca. 10 and 10 measurements were performed to generate a perturbation model of galactose metabolism in yeast and to determine a suite of prostate cancer biomarkers, respectively [2, 3]. Such large-scale experiments motivate the development of measurement strategies that incorporate higher throughput, higher selectivity, are comprehensive, and require minimal sample manipulation. Emerging developments in two-dimensional gas-phase separations on the basis of ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM–MS) have demonstrated great promise for biomolecular separations of complex samples. This trend report focuses on several of the unique capabilities of IM–MS in contrast with MS-only strategies and provides a description of several key measurement areas in which IM–MS will likely play an increasing role in the near future. Detailed discussions of IM–MS techniques for biomolecular applications are provided elsewhere [4–9].
Society's retributive response to juvenile violence: A developmental perspective.

Examines theoretical and empirical challenges to a national trend toward increasingly punitive determinate sentences in juvenile court, and “automatic transfer” of juveniles to criminal court, for homicides and other serious violent offenses. Theory and research in developmental psychology, criminology, and child clinical psychology and psychiatry are examined, with special attention to (a) decision-making by adolescents; (b) characteristics of adolescents who commit homicide; and (c) adolescents' recidivism and potential for rehabilitation. Theoretical support is found for promoting legal responses to adolescent violent offenders that are different from those for adult violent offenders, arguing against determinate sentences based on the offense alone. Empirical support, however, is limited by the lack of relevant systematic research, for which specific recommendations are offered.
Images in surgery: retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma

Ganglioneuroma is a differentiated tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. We describe a case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma without vascular invasion that was resected using laparotomy access. We also provide a short review of the ganglioneuroma as a clinical entity.
Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program genetic linkage study of schizophrenia: ascertainment methods and sample description.

To help clarify the genetics of schizophrenia, the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program has completed data collection for a genetic linkage study of schizophrenia. This article describes the methodological details of the data collection. Subsequent articles will describe the results of our genome scan, which is now in progress. The data collection protocol included the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies, the Family Interview for Genetic Studies, a review of medical records, and the collection of blood for transformation into lymphoblast cell lines. Among relatives of schizophrenic probands, we assessed auditory attention and verbal memory with neuropsychological tests. Among the 166 families ascertained for the study, 143 had a single affected sib-pair, 17 had three affected siblings, one had five affected siblings and five had two sets of affected siblings. There was a total of 216 affected sib-pairs in these families. Using the n−1 rule, these families contain 188 independent affected sib-pairs. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:342–347, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of four novel types of in vitro protein modifications.

In vitro chemical modifications in proteins, introduced during sample preparation, can complicate mass spectra and increase the potential for false-positive identifications. While several in vitro protein modifications have been described previously, additional types of such modifications may exist. Here, we report discovery of four types of in vitro protein modifications, identified by HPLC/ MS/MS analysis and nonrestrictive protein sequence alignment by PTMap, an algorithm recently developed in our laboratory. These novel in vitro modifications included ethylation of aspartate and glutamate (+28 Da), esterification of aspartate and glutamate by glycerol (+74 Da), loss of 19 Da from lysine, and addition of 108 Da to cysteine. We confirmed that these modifications occurred in vitro and not in vivo in control experiments designed to avoid conditions likely to induce the modifications. We propose a plausible molecular mechanism for the −19 Da modification of lysine. Our study therefore conclusively identifies several novel in vitro protein modifications, suggests ways to avoid these modifications, and highlights the possibility of misidentification of peptides because of in vitro modifications.
Fundamental operations for knowledge-based signal understanding

Knowledgebased signal processing interprets signal data us^ ing explicit knowledge sources. We suggest the signals-tosymbols paradigm as a model for KBSP, and discern two qualitatively different inference procedures necessary within this paradigm: translation and combination. Translation moves information from one propositional framework to another; combination integrates multiple correlated statements over the same propositional space. Since explicit knowledge is accessible by a knowledgebased system, it may have the capability to control the acquisition and interpretation of information. Such systems have demonstrated the ability to manage their overall workload by focusing processing attention, controlling the application of inference processes, designating the information used in the process, and limiting the range of acceptable conclusions. In this brief paper, we shall discuss essential knowledge-based signal processing operations and methods for their implementation and control using current AI methods.
Towards Using Biotechnology to Modify Soybean Seeds as Protein Bioreactors

Soybean is an attractive platform as a protein bioreactor for the industrial scale-up of recombinant proteins. It is the major global vegetable protein commodity widely used as animal feed and as a component of processed food. The industrial capability to grow and process soybeans to obtain the protein fraction is a well-developed turnkey technology. There is an immense potential to create new feed products that meet the nutritional needs for production animals by developing soybeans as a protein production platform. Modified feed soybeans could be immediately fed into existing production paths as part of deployable products. The same technology used to modify soybeans to produce new feed and food proteins can be leveraged to produce other industrial proteins, where there is an increasing need for large-scale low-cost production for end uses such as enzymes for biofuel and food/feed processing. Producing proteins in soybean has the further advantage that soy oil is a global commodity coproduct with sufficient value to subsidize the costs of protein production. While the production of proteins in soybean is based on standard biotechnology approaches that have been developed for other plant species, soybean possesses some possibly unique intrinsic advantages that separate it from other plant protein bioreactor platforms, enhancing the capacity of soybean to stably accumulate foreign proteins. This chapter reviews the current state of engineering soybeans for protein production and outlines both the technical and biological aspects of protein production, and emerging opportunities to meet the product needs of the future.
Über den Befall von Tier– und Menschenhaaren durch Dermatophyten in vitro

Zusammenfassung 14 Dermatophyten–Arten wurden auf Haar von 7 verschiedenen Haustieren und dem des Menschen in Losungen mit unterschiedlichem Nahrstoffgehalt kultiviert und die Form des Haarbefalls nach 20 bzw. 30tagiger Versuchszeit beobachtet. In einem nahrstoffreichen Medium wurden die Haare seltener von Pilzen angegrif–fen als in einem nahrstoffarmen. Auf Schafwolle, Kaninchen– und Meerschwei–chenhaar traten in Folge des Pilzbefalls Lockerung und Zerstorung der Kortex–struktur sowie oberflachliche Erosionen des Haarschaftes, nur selten jedoch Per–forationen der Haarrinde auf. In Kulturen mit Schweineborsten, Pferde– und Menschenhaar fanden sich haUufig Perforationsorgane der Pilze in den Haar–partikeln. Die Neigung zur Ausbildung von Perforationsorganen ist bei den einzelnen Dermatophyten–Arten unterschiedlich groβ. Die moglichen Ursachen fur das Auftreten der verschiedenen Befallsformen und ihre Beeinfluβbarkeit durch Umweltbedingungen werden diskutiert.
Leaf respiratory acclimation to climate: comparisons among boreal and temperate tree species along a latitudinal transect

In common gardens along an ∼900 km latitudinal transect through Wisconsin and Illinois, U.S.A., tree species typical of boreal and temperate forests were compared with respect to the nature and magnitude of leaf respiratory acclimation to contrasting climates. The boreal representatives were trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), while the temperate species were eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr ex. Marsh var. deltoides) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.). Assessments were conducted on seedlings grown from seed sources collected near southern and northern range boundaries, respectively. Nighttime rates of leaf dark respiration (R(d)) at common temperatures, as well as R(d)'s short-term temperature sensitivity (energy of activation, E(o)), were assessed for all species and gardens twice during a growing season. Little evidence of R(d) thermal acclimation was observed, despite a 12 °C range in average air temperature across gardens. Instead, R(d) variation at warm temperatures was linked most closely with prior leaf photosynthetic performance, while R(d) variation at cooler temperatures was most strongly related to leaf nitrogen concentration. Moreover, E(o) differences across species and gardens appeared to stem from the somewhat independent limitations on warm versus cool R(d). Based on this construct, an empirical model relying on R(d) estimates from leaf photosynthesis and nitrogen concentration explained 55% of the observed E(o) variation.
Fiscal Problems and Education Finance

The authors look at how the 2001-2002 recession affected state and local government spending on public schools.
An explanation subsystem to support decision problem structuring

This paper develops the principles underlying the development of an explanation subsystem, a component of a knowledge-based exploratory analysis system (KEAS). A KEAS is a decision support system (DSS) which supports decision problem structuring (DPS) through an interactive process of consultation between a single decision maker (DM) and the DSS. By DPS, we refer to a DM's cognitive process (1) of identifying decision elements (e.g. objectives, alternatives, and evaluation criteria) and their interrelationships, which characterize a decision situation and (2) of specifying the DM's expectations in dealing with that situation. Based on these expectations and an initial specification, however incomplete, of the decision problem structure, a DSS can assist the DM in conducting exploratory analyses. Exploratory analysis begins with the specification of a decision problem structure based largely on decision analysis concepts. As a result of exploratory analysis, a decision problem structure may be modified using a mechanism based on concepts of knowledge-based systems. Hence, a KEAS exploits the natural synergy between the concepts of decision analysis and the incremental modifiability of knowledge structures. This paper develops the principles underlying the explanation subsystem component of a KEAS.
Agglomeration Dynamics In Thermo-Sensitive Polymers Across The Lower Critical Solution Temperature: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), a classic thermo-sensitive polymer, has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at ∼32°C. In this work we have used molecular dynamics simulations to understand the origin of the LCST and agglomeration of PNIPAM chains of 5 and 30 monomer units (5-mer and 30-mer). Experimentally, when the concentration of PNIPAM is >1 ppm, polymer chains after undergoing coil-to-globule transition above the LCST aggregates to yield a stable colloidal dispersion.In our study two PNIPAM chains, consisting of 30 monomer units each, were placed in a cubic simulation cell and were subsequently solvated. Simulations were carried out below and above the LCST, namely at 278 and 310K for 10ns. Simulated trajectories were analyzed for structural and dynamical properties of both PNIPAM and water. We observe coil-to-globule transition in PNIPAM above the LCST. We also find that the PNIPAM chains agglomerate above the LCST. We also observe entanglement in PNIPAM chains below the LCST. We also study agglomeration of 5 PNIPAM chains each consisting of 5 monomer units. There was no significant difference in polymer agglomeration behavior across the LCST for these short chain oligomers. The agglomeration behavior is thus strongly correlated to the size of the polymer chains. These results provide fundamental insight into the atomistic scale mechanism of PNIPAM agglomeration across the LCST.
Closed-form solutions for physically based shape modeling and recognition

The authors present a closed-form, physically based solution for recovering a three-dimensional (3-D) solid model from collections of 3-D surface measurements. Given a sufficient number of independent measurements, the solution is overconstrained and unique except for rotational symmetries. The proposed approach is based on the finite element method (FEM) and parametric solid modeling using implicit functions. This approach provides both the convenience of parametric modeling and the expressiveness of the physically based mesh formulation and, in addition, can provide great accuracy at physical simulation. A physically based object-recognition method that allows simple, closed-form comparisons of recovered 3-D solid models is presented. The performance of these methods is evaluated using both synthetic range data with various signal-to-noise ratios and using laser rangefinder data. >
Mutagenesis of Region 4 of Sigma 28 from Chlamydia trachomatis Defines Determinants for Protein-Protein and Protein-DNA Interactions

Transcription factor sigma(28) in Chlamydia trachomatis (sigma(28)(Ct)) plays a role in the regulation of genes that are important for late-stage morphological differentiation. In vitro mutational and genetic screening in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was performed in order to identify mutants with mutations in region 4 of sigma(28)(Ct) that were defective in sigma(28)-specific transcription. Specially, the previously undefined but important interactions between sigma(28)(Ct) region 4 and the flap domain of the RNA polymerase beta subunit (beta-flap) or the -35 element of the chlamydial hctB promoter were examined. Our results indicate that amino acid residues E206, Y214, and E222 of sigma(28)(Ct) contribute to an interaction with the beta-flap when sigma(28)(Ct) associates with the core RNA polymerase. These residues function in contacts with the beta-flap similarly to their counterpart residues in Escherichia coli sigma(70). Conversely, residue Q236 of sigma(28)(Ct) directly binds the chlamydial hctB -35 element. The conserved counterpart residue in E. coli sigma(70) has not been reported to interact with the -35 element of the sigma(70) promoter. Observed functional disparity between sigma(28)(Ct) and sigma(70) region 4 is consistent with their divergent properties in promoter recognition. This work provides new insight into understanding the molecular basis of gene regulation controlled by sigma(28)(Ct) in C. trachomatis.
A 5 GHz CMOS low power down-conversion mixer for wireless LAN applications

This paper describes a 1.5-V 5 GHz I/Q down conversion mixer in a 0.18-µm CMOS process. The mixer achieves a conversion gain of 12.7 dB within 1-dB compression point (iCP1dB) of -15.83 dBm. It also achieves a double side band (DSB) NF of 13.5 dB. The mixer's IIP3 is -5.94 dBm. The mixer consumes only 5.72 mA of current from a 1.5-V power supply.
Integrating Security Modeling into Embedded System Design

There is an ever increasing concern about security threats as embedded systems are moving towards networked applications. Model based approaches have proven to be effective techniques for embedded systems design. However, existing modeling tools were not designed to meet the current and future security challenges of networked embedded systems. In this paper, we propose a framework to incorporate security modeling into embedded system design. We've developed a security analysis tool that can easily integrate with existing tool chains to create co-design environments that addresses security, functionality and system architecture aspects of embedded systems concurrently
Debonding- and Fatigue-Related Strain Limits for Externally Bonded FRP

Available guidance for mitigating debonding failure of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites applied to concrete is evaluated based on data obtained from large- and full-scale experimental programs. Current recommendations are inadequate to effectively mitigate intermediate crack-induced debonding in flexural members. An improved, although still simple to apply, equation for determining limiting FRP material properties to mitigate debonding is presented and evaluated. Additionally, the effect of fatigue loading on the debonding behavior of externally bonded FRP is not adequately addressed in practice. In the limited data presented, a degradation of bond behavior is observed even under fatigue loading conditions amounting to an FRP stress range of no more than 4% of the FRP capacity.
Synergistic fault-tolerance for memory chips

The discovery of a principle of synergistic fault tolerance is described, and it is shown analytically why it occurs. The performance of its hardware implementation, in the form of a VLSI memory chip, is reported. An analysis of the error-correction scheme implemented in the hardware is presented, and limitations to the use of error-correcting codes for fault tolerance are explained. Methods for circumventing these limitations with the use of redundant circuits are discussed, analyzing the effect of bitline and wordline redundancy. The result of the analysis shows how the combination of error-correcting codes with redundant circuitry results in a fault-tolerance synergism. >
How to Choose Semiconductor IP: Embedded Software

Embedded software intellectual property (IP) is becoming vital for today's complex system-on-chips. We first define the notion of hardware-dependent software, and then review the multidimensional criteria for choosing ESW IP, including retargetability and portability, flexibility, optimisation, validation and certification.
Cortical Components of the Westheimer Function

Abstract The Westheimer function in human cone vision was measured in normal observers under dichoptic conditions and in observers with naturally acquired amblyopia. Results show interocular transfer of both desensitization and sensitization under either “sustained” or “transient” stimulus conditions if binocular rivalry is eliminated. The spatial sensitization branches of the amblyopic functions are considerably broadened as compared with those of the non-amblyopic function. Our results are consistent with cortical components for the Westheimer function which probably reflect the behavior of cortical spatial filters.
The ““Christianization”” of Israel and Jews in 1950s America

In the 1950s, the United States experienced a domestic religious revival that offered postwar Americans a framework to interpret the world and its unsettling international political problems. Moreover, the religious message of the cold war that saw the God-fearing West against atheistic communists encouraged an unprecedented ecumenism in American history. Jews, formerly objects of indifference if not disdain and hatred in the United States, were swept up in the ecumenical tide of ““Judeo-Christian”” values and identity and, essentially, ““Christianized”” in popular and political culture. Not surprisingly, these cultural trends affected images of the recently formed State of Israel. In the popular and political imagination, Israel was formed by the ““Chosen People”” and populated by prophets, warriors, and simple folk like those in Bible stories. The popular celebration of Israel also romanticized its people at the expense of their Arab (mainly Muslim) neighbors. Battling foes outside of the Judeo-Christian family, Israelis seemed just like Americans. Americans treated the political problems of the Middle East differently than those in other parts of the world because of the religious significance of the ““Holy Land.”” A man such as Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, who combined views of hard-nosed ““realpolitik”” with religious piety, acknowledged the special status of the Middle East by virtue of the religions based there. Judaism, part of the ““Judeo-Christian civilization,”” benefitted from this religious consciousness, while Islam remained a religion and a culture apart. This article examines how the American image of Jews, Israelis, and Middle Eastern politics was re-framed in the early 1950s to reflect popular ideas of religious identity. These images were found in fiction, the press, and the speeches and writings of social critics and policymakers. The article explores the role of the 1950s religious revival in the identification of Americans with Jews and Israelis and discusses the rise of the popular understanding that ““Judeo-Christian”” values shaped American culture and politics.
Technological learning, strategic flexibility, and new product development in the pharmaceutical industry

The objective of this study was to better understand strategic management using the dynamic capabilities approach. The authors have focused on two fundamental constructs of dynamic capabilities, technological learning and strategic flexibility, and discerned their influence on organizational performance. Their main argument has been that a firm's strategic flexibility moderates the relationship between technological learning and technological performance as evidenced by new product development. Their model is based on the synthesis of the traditions of research in strategic and technology management. Technological learning has been defined in two dimensions: internal and external learning. Strategic flexibility has been operationalized in financial, marketing, manufacturing, and technological dimensions. Data from the US ethical pharmaceutical industry for 1977-1991 have been used to test their hypotheses. Although they found support for their basic argument, they have observed that the strategic flexibility factors are related with the variables in a more complex way. Furthermore, internal learning involves a different process than learning from external sources. The robustness of their finding is due to the longitudinal data and objective indicators used in measuring the constructs. Implications for further research and managerial actions are also discussed.
ANISOTROPIC TRAVELTIME TOMOGRAPHY

Velocity estimation technique using seismic data is often based on time/distance equations which are independent of direction, but useful results have been obtained over the years from these isotropic estimates. Nevertheless, if velocities are significantly direction-dependent, then the isotropic assumption may lead to serious structural interpretation errors. Additionally, information on angle-dependence may lead to a better understanding of the lithology of the rocks under measurement. VSP and cross-well data may each lack the necessary aperture to estimate more than two velocity parameters for each wave type, and if the data straddle a symmetry axis, then these may be usefully chosen to be the direct velocities (from time-and-distance measurements along the axis) and NMO velocities (from differential time-offset measurements). These sets of two parameters define ellipses, and provide intermediate models for the variation of velocity with angle which can later be assembled and translated into estimates of the elastic moduli of the rocks under scrutiny. The inversion proposed in this paper is a simple extension of well-known isotropic schemes and it is conceptually identical for all wave types. Examples are shown to illustrate the application of the technique to cross-well synthetic and field P-wave data. The examples demonstrate three important points:more » (a) when velocity anisotropy is estimated by iterative techniques such as conjugate gradients, early termination of the iterations may produce artificial anisotropy; (b) different components of the velocity are subject to different type of artifacts because of differences in ray coverage; (c) even though most rocks do not have elliptical dispersion relations, these elliptical schemes represent a useful intermediate step in the full characterization of the elastic properties.« less
Transonic Flow Losses of Two Steam Turbine Blades at Large Incidences

A linear cascade experiment has been conducted to investigate transonic flow losses of two nozzle blade profiles for high-pressure steam turbines. Experimental incidences were changed from −34° to 35°, while exit Mach numbers were varied from 0.60 to 1.15. Reynolds numbers were tested between 7.4×105 and 1.6×106 . Flow visualization techniques, such as shadowgraph, Schlieren, and surface color oil were used to document the flow. Measurements were made using downstream traverses with Pitot probe, upstream total pressure probe, and sidewall static pressure taps. Losses were found to be rather constant at subsonic flows. At transonic and low supersonic flows, the loss increased steeply, as high as 700% more when compared with the loss level at subsonic flows. For all the tested Mach numbers, the maximum relative increase of loss level was only about 100% due to the very large variation of incidences. Thus the effect of Mach numbers on losses is much greater than that of the very large incidences for the transonic and low supersonic flows. A frequently used shock wave loss correlation was found not suitable to predict the losses of the tested blades. Using the current experimental data, a modified loss correlation to account for the shock wave effects has been proposed for the transonic and low supersonic flows. Comparison was made between the modified loss correlation and the data of three other turbine cascades in the literature. Large improvement was obtained with the modified loss correlation as compared with the existing correlation.© 2002 ASME
How To Achieve Faculty Diversity In Public Higher Education: Minority Faculty Preferences And Their Alternatives

Most educators in American public higher education vigorously embrace the goal of diversity for both faculty and students. One approach frequently utilized is preferential programs for targeted minorities for both faculty employment and student admissions. The Supreme Court has recently recognized that achieving a diverse student body in a public college or university is a sufficiently important interest to constitutionally justify implementation of a preferential admissions plan for minority students. The unanswered issue explored in this article is whether diversity may similarly serve as a sufficient justification for preferential hiring of minority faculty candidates. Also discussed are alternatives that institutions of higher learning may pursue in order to achieve faculty diversity without utilizing race- or ethnic-conscious faculty preferential hiring programs.
Detection of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae with MR imaging and contrast-enhanced MR angiography: sensitivity, specificity, and prediction of vertebral level.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging and contrast-enhanced MR angiography have been used to detect evidence of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVF); however, the sensitivity and specificity of these techniques have not been shown. The purpose of this study was to establish the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR imaging alone compared with MR imaging plus MR angiography in determining whether dural AVF are present and to establish the accuracy of MR angiography in predicting fistula level. METHODS: Twenty patients with surgically proven dural AVF (diagnosed with radiographic digital subtraction angiography) and 11 control patients who had normal digital subtraction angiography findings underwent routine MR imaging plus 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the spine. Images were reviewed in two stages (stage I, MR images only; stage II, MR images plus MR angiograms) by three neuroradiologists who were blinded to the final diagnoses. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the three reviewers in detecting the presence of fistulae ranged from 85% to 90%, from 82% to 100%, and from 87% to 90%, respectively, for stage I, compared with values of 80% to 100%, 82%, and 81% to 94%, respectively, for stage II. For each reviewer, there was no significant difference between the values for stages I and II; however, among the reviewers, one of the more experienced neuroradiologists had significantly greater sensitivity than a less experienced neuroradiologist for stage II. On average, the percentage of true positive results for which the correct fistula level was predicted increased from 15% for stage I to 50% for stage II, and the correct level ± one level was predicted in 73% for stage II. MR evidence of increased intradural vascularity was significantly greater in patients with dural AVF. CONCLUSION: The addition of MR angiography to standard MR imaging of the spine may improve sensitivity in the detection of spinal dural fistulae. The principal benefit of MR angiography is in the improved localization of the vertebral level of the fistula, which potentially expedites the subsequent digital subtraction angiography study.
Surgical Technique for Replacement of Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device Through a Left Thoracotomy

A centrifugal left ventricular assist device can be replaced through a left anterior minithoracotomy with retention of the old outflow graft and apical sewing ring. Technical considerations encountered during five successful replacements are described.
Strain-induced red-green-blue wavelength tuning in InGaN quantum wells

Monolithically integrating multi-color pixels from a standard InGaN quantum well active region was demonstrated with a wavelength tuning range of 178 nm. Nanopillar structures were fabricated to enable the wavelength tuning. Strain induced wavelength shift was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. A simple one-dimensional strain relaxation model was shown to accurately predict the wavelength shift as a function of the nanopillar diameter. The strain relaxation was found to depend on the indium composition in the quantum well. No noticeable increase of the defect density was observed after the strain relaxation process.
Efficient Multichannel Communications in Wireless Sensor Networks

This article demonstrates how to use multiple channels to improve communication performance in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). We first investigate multichannel realities in WSNs through intensive empirical experiments with Micaz motes. Our study shows that current multichannel protocols are not suitable for WSNs because of the small number of available channels and unavoidable time errors found in real networks. With these observations, we propose a novel tree-based, multichannel scheme for data collection applications, which allocates channels to disjoint trees and exploits parallel transmissions among trees. In order to minimize interference within trees, we define a new channel assignment problem that is proven NP-complete. Then, we propose a greedy channel allocation algorithm that outperforms other schemes in dense networks with a small number of channels. We implement our protocol, called the Tree-based, Multichannel Protocol (TMCP), in a real testbed. To adjust to networks with link quality heterogeneity, an extension of TMCP is also proposed. Through both simulation and real experiments, we show that TMCP can significantly improve network throughput and reduce packet losses. More important, evaluation results show that TMCP better accommodates multichannel realities found in WSNs than other multichannel protocols.
Vitrectomy in the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

The vitreous has been shown to be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of tractional and non-tractional diabetic macular edema (DME). Modern techniques in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) allow the safe removal of the vitreous with the posterior hyaloid which relieves vitreomacular traction and removes inflammatory factors believed to play a role in DME. Additional techniques such as endolaser, peeling of epiretinal membranes and the internal limiting membrane can also be performed at the time of PPV. Satisfactory visual and anatomic outcomes have been achieved in DME cases refractory to non-surgical therapies. The purpose of this article is to review the relevant literature related to the use of vitrectomy in the treatment of DME and provide an update of current practices.
Problem Solving in Design of Machine Elements in Mechanical Engineering

The Design of Machine Elements course is one of the most difficult and complicated courses in the Mechanical Engineering program. It requires inventive concept generation, the knowledge of geometrical design, and basic knowledge of stress and deformation analyses. On those three elements, the machine elements design philosophy is established and further developed. The course material has to be chosen carefully since the time constrains will allow to cover design of only few essential machine elements. The material is covered by lectures, textbook readings, homework problems, and design projects. In addition to the textbook content the course contains five special elements: Idea Generation, Safety Considerations, Design of the Day (DoD), a Designer’s Liability study, and three projects including Final Project – Shaft Design. In the Idea Generation project, students generate an idea of machine or mechanical device. The Safety Consideration project is done by inspection and documentation of unsafe elements on campus. The Shaft Design Project had students design a shaft system under given constrains. In DoD students present existing advanced machines chosen using different sources or their own industrial internship experience. The Liability assignment addresses the designer’s legal responsibility in case of a defective product that caused an injury or accident. The material taught in the course is larger than conventional machine element design course. The elements added that are beyond the structural analysis bring better understanding of engineering problems during the Senior Design course and later during engineering practice. They allow the students to connect the theory with the real world of engineering challenges. This gives students more satisfaction during the learning process and cognitive benefits during engineering practice. The unconventional inventive design approach of the teaching team (course instructor and GTA) to problem solving is based on many years of instructor’s experience in teaching of engineering problem solving and design. The learning pattern in which students work in teams, both in problem solving and in design exercises, also helps to conduct the course. Thanks to all these elements the learning experience of the course is unique and engaging despite the high level of difficulty associated with it.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
THE EFFECTS OF MILLING VARIABLES ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF SEMOLINA AND FLOUR IN THE FIRST BREAK SYSTEM

The effects of corrugation,orientation,speed differential,and wheat moisture content on the physicochemical components of a durum wheat variety( Renville ) in the first break system was investigated.The yields,ash,protein(N×5.7),total starch,and damaged starch contents of both semolina and flour,resulting from the first break system,were examined.The quality differences between semolina and flour and the relationship between the intensity of the amber to other components were analyzed.The increase in the number of corrugations resulted in a significantly higher yield and higher level of damaged starch both in semolina and flour,higher ash and lower starch contents in semolina,and lower ash and higher starch contents in flour.Dull to dull roll orientatin resulted in a significantly higher semolina yield and lower level of damaged starch in semolina and flour.Sharp to sharp resulted in a significantly higher flour yield.Increased speed differential resulted in a significantly higher yields and higher ash and protein contents of both semolina and flour.Higher tempered wheat moisture content resulted in significantly lower yields and lower protein and damaged starch contents of both semolina and flour.All quality parameters between semolina and flour were significantly( P0.001 )different.The intensity of amber in semolina was negatively correlated to tempered wheat moisture content and positively correlated to semolina protein content.The intensity of amber in flour was greater when flour yields or flour particle size increased.
Analysis tissue tropism of classical swine fever virus using SYBR real time PCR

To analyze tissue distribution of classical swine fever virus in acute infection stage,a realtime PCR assay was established.It showed high sensitivity and specificity when compared with the common PCR and nested PCR method.The assay was suitable for sample detection.The samples collected from piglets challenged with Shimen CSFV strain were tested by the methods.High concentration of virus was detected in tonsil,spleen,lymph nodes and ileum.This data provide a primary understand about CSFV distribution in acute infection stage which would be useful in further research on pathogenesis and infection control of the virus.
Clinical Blood Cholinesterase Measurements for Monitoring Pesticide Exposures

Measurement of blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity, especially acetylcholinesterases (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterases (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8), is of worldwide interest and importance. They are one of the few biomarkers that function both as an indicator of exposure and also as evidence of an adverse effect. Determining blood ChEs is required for monitoring farmworkers in the state of California in the United States. In addition, ChE determinations are used in emergency wards to diagnose exposure to anti-ChEs, as part of the submissions to regulatory agencies to set safe levels of pesticides, to monitor wildlife and their exposure to dangerous anti-ChE chemicals, and to provide evidence of the use or escape of nerve gases.
Enantioselective synthesis of β-hydroxy carboxylic acids: direct conversion of β-oxocarboxylic acids to enantiomerically enriched β-hydroxy carboxylic acids via neighboring group control

Abstract β-Oxocarboxylic acids can be reduced to the corresponding β-hydroxy carboxylic acids employing DIP-Cl™ as a reducing agent. The β-carboxylic substituent exerts a remarkable neighboring group effect on the reduction. The reaction presumably proceeds in an intramolecular fashion through a `rigid' bicyclic transition state assembly, which produces enantioselectivities approaching 99%.
Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Delivery to the Enteric Nervous System: A Review

Gene therapy to the gastrointestinal tract has remarkable potential for treating gastrointestinal disorders that currently lack effective treatments. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have been extensively applied to the central nervous system, and have repeatedly demonstrated safety and efficacy in animal models. The enteric nervous system (ENS) represents a vast collection of neurons and glial cells that may also be subject to treatment by AAV, however little work has been conducted on AAV delivery to the ENS. Challenges for gastrointestinal gene therapy include identifying gene targets, optimizing gene delivery, and target cell selection. Researchers are now beginning to tackle the later of the two challenges with AAV, and the same AAV technology can be used to identify novel gene targets in the future. Continued efforts to understand AAV delivery and improve vector design are essential for therapeutic development. This review summarizes the current knowledge about AAV delivery to the ENS.
Enhanced chemo-preventive effect by combining quercetin and green tea in prostate cancer

T chemo-preventive activity of green tea (GT) in prostate cancer has been well demonstrated in preclinical cell culture and animal models. However, results from human studies are inconsistent. The low bioavailability and extensive metabolism of GT polyphenols (GTPs) in vivo limit the anti-cancer activity of GT. We found in human prostate tissues and in mouse xenograft prostate tumor tissues that around 50% of GTPs were in methylated form after GT consumption and the methylation decreased the anticancer activity of GTPs. We were able to demonstrate that the combination of a natural methylation inhibitor quercetin (Q) with GT increased the cellular concentrations of GTPs 4-10 fold in prostate cancer LNCaP and PC-3 cells and decreased the methylation of GTPs. The combination treatment enhanced the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in both cell lines.Then we performed an animal study to confirm the combined effect of GT and Q in vivo. Severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice were implanted with androgen-sensitive LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells and treated with GT, Q, GT+Q or control. After 6-weeks intervention the tumor growth was inhibited by 16% (Q), 21% (GT), and 45% (GT+Q) compared to control. The tissue concentrations of non-methylated GTPs were significantly increased in the combination group. The combination enhanced the inhibition of protein expression of androgen receptor, prostate-specific antigen and vascular endothelial growth factor. This study provides a novel regimen by combining GT and Q to enhance the chemoprevention of prostate cancer in a non-toxic manner.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Nicotine on Proinflammatory Cytokine and Mitochondrial Gene Expression in an Animal Model of HIV-1 Infection (P1.320)

Objective: To examine cigarette smoke (CS) and nicotine (N) effects on expression of genes that regulate proinflammatory responses and mitochondrial integrity in a HIV-1 transgenic (TG) rat model. Background: Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection. Methods: TG and wild-type (WT) rats (3-6 month old) were exposed 5 days/week for an average of 6 weeks to smoke from cigarettes containing either a regular amount (0.7 mg) or a trace amount (0.03 mg) of N and, respectively, 9.5 mg and 9.0 mg tar (two cigarettes/day). Separate groups of rats not exposed to CS were injected with either 0.5 mg/kg/day of N tartrate or with saline. The brains of the animals were then removed and frontal cortex and subcortical white matter were examined by PCR for expression of the genes coding for TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, the mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1 and Mfn1, the mitochondrial fission proteins Fis1 and Drp1 and for SIRT1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). Results: TNF-α gene expression was decreased in WT and increased in TG brains by regular CS. TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 gene expression was increased in TG and WT rat brains by exposure to low N smoke and by N alone, with higher levels noted in TG rat brain. OPA1 and DRP1 expression was similar for TG and WT rats whereas Mfn1, Fis1 and PGC1α expression was low in TG brain. OPA1, Mfn1, Fsl1 and PGC1α expression was not affected by CS or N exposure; however, regular CS decreased DRP1 levels. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to CS and nicotine altered proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in patterns that were specific for TG and WT rats. These changes were associated with reduced expression of activators of mitochondrial biogenesis and a possible compensatory increase in mitochondrial fusion. Disclosure: Dr. Royal has received personal compensation for activities with MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. Dr. Bryant has nothing to disclose. Dr. Can has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Davis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ross has nothing to disclose.
Considerations for the Translation of Vector Biology Research

Abstract The power of basic research lies not only in its contribution to knowledge, but also in its potential for translation, adapting and developing work done in the laboratory to create innovative, novel approaches to prevent and control public health threats. The path for translation of basic research findings is a highly iterative and interdisciplinary approach that is often unfamiliar to those in academic environments. The resources and perspectives required to bring a new idea into the realm of products involve collaborative relationships and learning that are, necessarily, elements of the business world. These include elements of establishing investment priorities, marketing, regulatory requirements, and, of course, sustainability of products.
Urban green spaces as participatory learning laboratories

Built environment education can deepen young people's understanding of everyday environments. It allows them to pursue their interests, to explore the environment, and to practice skills and group ...