cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CARBOHYDRATE CONTENT OF TOMATO FRUIT

The carbohydrate content of mature tomato fruit has received considerable attention since Atwater and Bryant (1) indicated the total sugar content to be about 3.39 per cent, and the starch less than 0.1 per cent, on the fresh basis. In a later publication of the same series containing revised data, Chatfield and Adams (6) gave the average reducing sugar content as 3.37 per cent. Myers and Croll (11) reported the reducing sugar content of two samples of tomatoes to be 3.39 and 2.91 per cent, and the total sugar content 3.47 and 3.25 per cent. Bell, Long, and Hill (2) determined the available carbohydrate content of two samples to be 2.6 and 3.0 per cent., respectively. Lawrence and McCance (9) have placed it at 2.4 per cent. Rosa (13, 14) has presented a study of the composition of tomatoes at different stages of maturity. For the mature fruit, the reducing sugar content of five samples varied from 2.63 to 3.80 per cent. For two of these the sucrose content, by invertase inversion, was 0.04 and 0.11 per cent. The starch content, by diastase inversion, varied from 0.012 to 0.52 per cent, for the five samples. For the same two samples upon which sucrose determinations were made the values for acid-hydrolyzable material, by hydrolysis with 5 per cent, hydrochloric acid, were 0.180 and 0.212 per cent, respectively. Benoy and "Webster (3) have reported that the total and reducing sugar concentrations were equal. They reported values of 2.43 per cent, for each, and 0.069 per cent, of starch on the fresh basis. Bigelow and Stevenson (5) and Bigelow and Fitzgerald (4) have studied the chemical composition of commercial tomato products prepared in the eastern tomato-growing sections of the United States. Their values for reducing sugar content of filtrates from pulps averaged about 4.20 per cent. Cruess, Saywell, and Hark (8) have given preliminary data on the composition of California tomatoes. The present investigation was undertaken in order to secure a more complete knowledge of the carbohydrate composition of California tomatoes. The plan has been to study the composition of composite samples of both the entire fruit and the several more or less distinct botanical regions of the fruit. Determinations have been made of the reducing sugars, sucrose, starch, and acid-hydrolyzable material and the dextrose-levulose ratios.
A nitrogen dioxide delivery system for biological media

Nitrogen dioxide is formed endogenously via the oxidation of NO by O(2) or O(2)(-) and from NO(2)(-) via peroxidases, among other pathways. This radical has many potential biological targets and its concentration, like that of NO and other reactive nitrogen species, is thought to be elevated at sites of inflammation. To investigate the specific cytotoxic or mutagenic effects of NO(2), it is desirable to be able to maintain its concentration at constant, predictable, and physiological levels in cell cultures, in the absence of NO. To do this, a delivery system was constructed in which NO(2)-containing gas mixtures contact a liquid within a small (110 ml) stirred reactor. In such gas mixtures NO(2) is present in equilibrium with its dimer, N(2)O(4). The uptake of NO(2) and N(2)O(4) was characterized by measuring the accumulation rates of NO(2)(-) and NO(3)(-), the stable products of N(2)O(4) hydrolysis, in buffered aqueous solutions. In some experiments NO(2)-reactive 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) was included and formation of the stable ABTS radical was measured. A reaction-diffusion model was developed that predicts the accumulation rates of all three products to within 15% for gas-phase concentrations of NO(2) spanning 3 orders of magnitude. The model also provides estimates for the NO(2) concentration in the liquid. This system should be useful for exposing cells to NO(2) concentrations similar to those in vivo.
Hepatic first-pass metabolism in liver disease.

Many drugs are known or suspected of having substantial first-pass hepatic metabolism in humans, and have low oral bioavailability on this basis. Hepatic disease might alter (increase) bioavailability by either or both of 2 mechanisms: decreased hepatic extraction due to impaired hepatic drug metabolising activity, or portosystemic shunting. Few studies have examined the effect of liver diseases on bioavailability, and even fewer have attempted to directly measure hepatic extraction of drugs in liver disease. Data are conflicting, with some evidence to suggest that hepalocyte function is preserved in moderate cirrhosis, while other evidence suggests a decrease in hepatic metabolic function. Several studies show relative preservation of systemic clearance in the face of substantial increases in bioavailability, suggesting that the hepatic arterial blood supply of the liver is an important determinant of systemic clearance in cirrhotic patients.
Retrieval of iatrogenic intravascular foreign bodies

Malposition, embolization, fracture, and migration of endovascular devices are unfortunate consequences of endovascular intervention and will be encountered at some point by nearly every practitioner. The existing literature on foreign body retrieval consists of large single-institution series and case reports. We provide an overview of this recent literature, clarifying what devices are being lost, what symptoms occur as a result, and how retrieval is being performed. We have identified all case series and case reports since the year 2000, summarized the results, and made some general observations and recommendations that may be useful to the practitioner faced with the prospect of retrieving a fractured medical device, malpositioned coil, or migrated inferior vena cava filter.
Differentiating experimental animal doses from human exposures to chlorpyrifos.

I am writing in response to the recent evaluation from the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health titled “Brain anomalies in children exposed prenatally to a common organophosphate pesticide” (1). In discussing some animal experimental studies, Rauh et al. (ref. 1, p. 7874) cited that “The exposures at which these mechanisms become manifest in animal models are comparable to exposure levels in our own population.” If the authors were relying on reference citations 18, 19, and 30 from ref. 1 as support for this statement, current estimates of human exposure are well below those doses used experimentally in animals and therefore this statement is incorrect. Specifically, in ref. 1’s citations 18 and 19 (2, 3), which presumably are the studies upon which this statement was based (note reference citation 30 in ref. 1 is a review article), the experimental dose to newborn rats was 5 mg/kg body weight (5,000 μg⋅kg−1⋅d−1). Eaton et al. (4) estimated the dose of chlorpyrifos in the Columbia cohort study to be 0.027 μg⋅kg−1⋅d−1 and daily exposure rates in the general population to be less than 0.01 μg⋅kg−1⋅d−1. This estimate represents a difference, at a minimum, of more than 185,000 (i.e., animal doses were this much higher than human exposures). It is hoped that this clarification will provide readers of the Rauh et al. (1) publication with a more accurate representation of experimental animal doses vs. ambient human exposure.
Streptomycin treatment of Salmonella enteritis in infants.

Summary 1. Five infants infected with S. typhimurium , were treated with streptomycin;four of them by oral administration only, one with combined oral and parenteral therapy. 2. The clinical course of the infection was rather mild in the treated and untreated infants. The effect on the symptoms of the disease could not be appraised. 3. Doses from 25 to 100 mg. orally given at intervals of three hours succeeded in suppressing the growth of the normal fecal bacteria as well as the pathogenic organism. 4. Discontinuance of treatment resulted in quick reappearance of S. typhimurium and the normal fecal flora. 5. Salmonella organisms isolated after the end of treatment showed noincreased streptomycin resistance. 6. Almost identical results were obtained in animal experiments. 7. The possible therapeutic value of the limited bacteriostatic effect ofstreptomycin in salmonellosis is discussed.
Oxidative coupling of methane in porous Vycor membrane reactors

Abstract Porous Vycor membrane tubes were used in shell-and-tube type membrane reactors to study the effect on the oxidative coupling of methane of metering the oxygen into the catalyst bed. Experimental studies showed that under conditions of complete oxygen conversion, Vycor membrane reactors packed with Sm 2 O 3 catalyst exhibited enhanced hydrocarbon (C 2 ) selectivity. C 2 yields were comparable to those of the conventional co-feed packed bed reactors operated under the same conditions. The higher C 2 selectivity in the membrane reactors indicated that, for methane coupling, regulating the supply of oxygen along the length of the packed bed may be beneficial to C 2 formation.
Baffle Aperture Design Model for Electron Bombardment Thrusters

A simple theoretical model that can be used as an aid in the design of the baffle aperture region of a hollow cathode-equipped electron bombardment thruster is developed. The electron diffusion process through the baffle aperture is modeled according to the Bohm diffusion theory. The model is shown to agree consistently with experimental data for a multipole thruster geometry over substantial changes in thruster operating conditions. However, on a radial field thruster geometry the model yields values that are consistently smaller than the experimental results by a factor of two. The design usefulness of the model is limited by this factor-of-two variation observed over different thruster geometries and by the accuracy to which the plasma parameters required as inputs to the model can be specified.
Relationship Between Caffeine Intake and Plasma Sex Hormone Concentrations in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND: Circulating estrogens and androgens are important factors in the development of various female cancers. Caffeine intake may decrease risk of breast and ovarian cancer, although the data are not entirely consistent. Whether or not caffeine affects cancer risk by altering sex hormone levels is currently unknown. METHODS: We examined the relationship of caffeine, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea with plasma concentrations of estrogens, androgens, progesterone, prolactin, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) in 524 premenopausal and 713 postmenopausal women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. RESULTS: In premenopausal women, caffeine intake was inversely associated with luteal total and free estradiol, and positively associated with luteal progesterone levels (P-trend = .02, .01, .03, respectively). Coffee intake was significantly associated with lower luteal total and free estradiol levels, but not luteal progesterone levels (P-trend = .007, .004, .20, respectively). Among the postmenopausal women, there was a positive association between caffeine and coffee intake and SHBG levels (P-trend = .03 and .06, respectively). No significant associations were detected with the other hormones. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this cross-sectional study suggest that caffeine may alter circulating levels of luteal estrogens and SHBG, representing possible mechanisms by which coffee or caffeine may be associated with pre- and postmenopausal malignancies, respectively. Future studies evaluating how caffeine-mediated alterations in sex hormones and binding protein levels affect the risk of female cancers are warranted. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
A Functional Transsulfuration Pathway in the Brain Links to Glutathione Homeostasis

Oxidative stress and diminished glutathione pools play critical roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. Synthesis of glutathione, the most abundant mammalian antioxidant, is regulated at the substrate level by cysteine, which is synthesized from homocysteine via the transsulfuration pathway. Elevated homocysteine and diminished glutathione levels, seen in Alzheimer and Parkinson disease patients suggest impairments in the transsulfuration pathway that connects these metabolites. However, the very existence of this metabolic pathway in the brain is a subject of controversy. The product of the first of two enzymes in this pathway, cystathionine, is present at higher levels in brain as compared with other organs. This, together with the reported absence of the second enzyme, gamma-cystathionase, has led to the suggestion that the transsulfuration pathway is incomplete in the brain. In this study, we incubated mouse and human neurons and astrocytes and murine brain slices in medium with [35S]methionine and detected radiolabel incorporation into glutathione. This label transfer was sensitive to inhibition of gamma-cystathionase. In adult brain slices, approximately 40% of the glutathione was depleted within 10 h following gamma-cystathionase inhibition. In cultured human astrocytes, flux through the transsulfuration pathway increased under oxidative stress conditions, and blockade of this pathway led to reduced cell viability under oxidizing conditions. This study establishes the presence of an intact transsulfuration pathway and demonstrates its contribution to glutathione-dependent redox-buffering capacity under ex vivo conditions in brain cells and slices.
Validity of the Point Source Assumption of a Rotor for Farfield Acoustic Measurements with Shielding

Many theoretical models of shielding by hard surfaces assume the source to be a point monopole source. If one is interested in shielding the noise of a rotor system by interposing a hard surface between the rotor and the observer, can the rotor system really be considered to be a monopole? If rotating noise sources are under consideration what is the effect of configuration and de- sign parameters? Exploring the validity of point source assumption alluded to above for a rotor for far field acoustic measurements with and without shielding forms the backbone of the present work. This paper will investigate the validity of acoustic shielding models that are developed under the assumption that the source is a monopole, compared with the shielding of real rotor noise sources. To the author's knowledge, the present research is the first ever work that seeks to answer the question of whether rotor noise from a propeller or a fan can really be approximated by a point source (monopole) as is done in theoretical ca...
Quality and outcomes of care for older women with chronic disease.

This is the fourth in a series of six papers that will be published from the 1999 lecture series on “Quality Assessment in Women’s Health Care” held at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The lectures are presented by leaders in women’s health research, and they explore key issues in the definition, measurement, and improvement of quality in women’s health services. The series is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc. and is presented by the Interdepartmental Concentration in Reproductive and Women’s Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health; the University of Michigan National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health; and the Michigan Initiative for Women’s Health. The series coordinator is Carol S. Weisman, PhD, and Catherine L. Maroney prepared the summary of the discussants’ comments.
Reaction of pyridine N-oxides with triflic anhydride: formation of N-sulfonyloxy and dipyridinium ether salts

Abstract Pyridine and picoline-N-oxides react with (CF3SO2)2O to give N-sulfonyloxy and dipyridinium ether triflate salts.
Trace‐element concentrations in single circumstellar silicon carbide grains from the Murchison meteorite

— Concentrations of the trace elements Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Fe, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba and Ce were determined by ion microprobe mass spectrometry in 60 individual silicon carbide (SiC) grains (in addition, Nb and Nd were determined in 20 of them), from separate KJH (size range 3.4–5.9 μm) of the Murchison carbonaceous meteorite, whose C-, N- and Si-isotopic compositions have been measured before (Hoppe et al., 1994) and provide evidence that these grains are of stellar origin. The selected SiC grains represent all previously recognized subgroups: mainstream (20 < 12C/13C < 120; 200 < 14N/15N; Si isotopes on slope 1.34 line), grains A (12C/13C < 3.5), grains B (3.5 < 12C/13C < 10), grains X (15N excesses, large 28Si excesses) and grains Y (150 < 12C/13C < 260; Si isotopes on slope 0.35 line). Data on these grains are compared with measurements on fine-grained SiC fractions. Trace-element patterns reflect both the condensation behavior of individual elements and the source composition of the stellar atmospheres. A detailed discussion of the condensation of trace elements in SiC from C-rich stellar atmospheres is given in a companion paper by Lodders and Fegley (1995). Elements such as Mg, Al, Ca, Fe and Sr are depleted because their compounds are more volatile than SiC. Elements whose compounds are believed to be more refractory than SiC can also be depleted due to condensation and removal prior to SiC condensation. Among the refractory elements, however, the heavy elements from Y to Ce (and Nd) are systematically enriched relative to Ti and V, indicating enrichments by up to a factor of 14 of the s-process elements relative to elements lighter than Fe. Such enrichments are expected if N-type carbon stars (thermally pulsing AGB stars) are the main source of circumstellar SiC grains. Large grains are less enriched than small grains, possibly because they are from different AGB stars. The trace-element patterns of subgroups such as groups A and B and grains X can at least qualitatively be understood if grains A and B come from J-type carbon stars (known to be lacking in s-process enhancements shown by N-type carbon stars) or carbon stars that had not experienced much dredge-up of He-shell material and if grains X come from supernovae. However, a remaining puzzle is how stars become carbon stars without much accompanying dredge-up of s-process elements.
Mechanisms involved in the homologous down-regulation of transcription of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene in Sertoli cells.

Abstract The action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in spermatogenesis is regulated at a fundamental level by controlling the number of competent receptors present at the surface of Sertoli cells. By controlling the number of receptors, the cell is able to modulate the timing and magnitude of subsequent signal transduction in response to FSH. One mechanism of control is the down-regulation of the steady state levels of the FSH receptor gene after exposure to FSH or agents that stimulate or prolong the cAMP signal transduction cascade (homologous down-regulation) in Sertoli cells. The goals of this study were to examine possible mechanisms involved in the down-regulation of mRNA levels of this gene. Analysis of transcription and processing by a PCR-based assay showed that treatment of Sertoli cells with FSH caused at least a 50% reduction of hnRNA for the FSH receptor gene. Reporter genes controlled by 5′ flanking sequences of the FSH receptor gene that were transiently transfected into Sertoli cells were not down-regulated. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), cAMP-inducible nuclear protein complex containing c-Fos formed on the activator protein-1/cAMP responsive element-like site located at −216 to −210 in the promoter of the rat FSH receptor gene. We concluded from this study that there was no evidence for the putative role of ICER in the down-regulation of the FSH receptor promoter. In addition, the FSH-induced down-regulation of the transcription of the FSH receptor gene in Sertoli cells was prevented by the treatment of Sertoli cells with trichostatin A prior to the addition of FSH. This experiment coupled with other observations suggested that the down-regulation may be mediated by changes in chromatin structure.
Mississippi-Grown Cannabis sativa L.: Preliminary Observation on Chemical Definition of Phenotype and Variations in Tetrahydrocannabinol Content versus Age, Sex, and Plant Part

Nine strains of Cannabis sativa L. (marijuana) were grown for research by the University of Mississippi. The seeds for these strains were obtained from Iowa, Minnesota, Mexico, Turkey, Italy, France, and Sweden. The cannabinoid content was determined using GLC, and the material was divided into two chemical phenotypes according to cannabinoid content. These phenotype categories are used to differentiate between drug-type and fiber-type Cannabis sativa. In addition, the (—)-Δ9−trans-tetrahydrocannabinol content was determined for both male and female plants, various plant parts, and a Turkish variety during various stages in its growth.
Chronic venous ulcer: minimally invasive treatment of superficial axial and perforator vein reflux speeds healing and reduces recurrence.

Background Chronic venous ulcer (CVU) is common and is responsible for significant health care expenditures worldwide. Compression is the mainstay of treatment, but long-term compliance with this therapy is often inconsistent, particularly in the elderly and infirm. Surgical ablation of axial and perforator reflux has been used as an adjunct to compression to reduce recurrence rates and assist healing. These surgical techniques are being replaced by minimally invasive procedures, such as thermal ablation and foam sclerotherapy, in the treatment of uncomplicated venous disease. The role for these techniques in the treatment of CVU is just beginning to be defined. Methods Eighty-six patients with CVU with 95 active ulcers (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, Physiology-CEAP clinical class 6) presenting to a multispecialty wound clinic were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed by leg. All patients underwent duplex scanning for venous insufficiency. Ulcer dimensions at each visit were recorded and used to calculate healing rates. Presence or absence of ulcer recurrence at 1-year follow-up was recorded. Ulcers treated with compression alone (“compression group”) were compared with those treated with compression and minimally invasive interventions, such as thermal ablation of superficial axial reflux and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of incompetent perforating veins and varicosities (“intervention group”). Results The average age in the intervention and compression groups was 67 and 71 years, respectively (P = not significant [NS]). Body mass index was 32.4 ± 9.5 and 33.6 ± 11.8 kg/m2, in the compression and intervention groups, respectively (P = not significant [NS]). Ulcers were recurrent in 42% of the intervention group and 26% of the compression group (P = NS). In the intervention group, 33% had radiofrequency ablation of axial reflux, 31% had UGFS of perforators, and 29% had both treatments. The only complication of intervention was a single case of cellulitis requiring hospitalization. Compared with the compression group, the ulcers in the intervention group healed faster (9.7% vs. 4.2% per week; P = 0.001) and showed fewer recurrences at 1-year follow-up (27.1% vs. 48.9 %; P Conclusions Minimally invasive ablation of superficial axial and perforator vein reflux in patients with active CVU is safe and leads to faster healing and decreased ulcer recurrence when combined with compression alone in the treatment of CVU.
Guidelines and Methodological Standards for Smoking Cessation Intervention Research among Pregnant Women: Improving the Science and Art

While the evidence confirming the risks of smoking during pregnancy is unequivocal, smoking rates for U.S. women remain high. From 1965 to 1975 the proportion of women smokers, aged 18 to 35, rose from 34% to 36%. Rates of heavy smoking increased from 51% to 61%. Significant increases were noted in the United States, especially for teenaged girls, with 1979 data showing higher smoking rates among girls aged 17 to 18 (26%), than among the same-aged boys (19%). Moreover, adolescents have one-fifth of all U.S. births. Exact rates of smoking during pregnancy are unknown but several reports suggest 20-40% of pregnant U.S. women smoke at the onset of pregnancy. A national survey showed 35% of young women smokers able to quit smoking during pregnancy, with another 32% cutting down. Although 62% believed that smoking could harm the fetus, the majority were unable to stop smoking during their pregnancy. Most women who succeed in quitting or cutting down revert to their usual smoking habits late in pregnancy or after delivery. Since almost all data are based on self-reports, some degree of inaccuracy and underreporting can be assumed.
SU‐FF‐T‐432: Time‐Delay Measurement of a Varian Real‐Time Position Management System

Purpose: Respiratory gating systems have been developed to reduce treatmentuncertainty caused by organ motions related to respiration. The time‐delay between when the gating signal is triggered and when the beam is turned on may affect the actual radiationdose delivered. In this study, we investigated the time delay for a Varian real‐time position management (RPM) respiratory gating system. Method and Materials: A motion phantom with infrared markers was used to simulate a respiration signal. A small metal target ball was also attached to the phantom. An infrared camera was used to observe the motion of the phantom and to plot out a true motion curve. A narrow 2% phase gating window was set at various phases of 0%, 10%, 20%… and 90%. Electronic Portal Vision images were taken with a Varian Linear Accelerator at various phases of the simulated breathing cycle, and the location of the target ball was then plotted verses time to give a measured motion curve. The shift in time between the RPM gating signal and motion curve from portal imager was then measured to determine the time delay in the gating system. Results: The time‐delay in Varian's gating system was found to be 0.0173 seconds. Conclusion: This work shows that there was a short time delay between the gating signal and the time when the radiation beam is turned on. The effect of time‐delay on patient dosimetry needs to be further investigated. Partially supported by Varian research grant.
Relationship of Temporal Lobe Volumes to Neuropsychological Test Performance in Healthy Children

Ecological validity of neuropsychological assessment includes the ability of tests to predict real-world functioning and/or covary with brain structures. Studies have examined the relationship between adaptive skills and test performance, with less focus on the association between regional brain volumes and neurobehavioral function in healthy children. The present study examined the relationship between temporal lobe gray matter volumes and performance on two neuropsychological tests hypothesized to measure temporal lobe functioning (visual perception-VP; peabody picture vocabulary test, third edition-PPVT-III) in 48 healthy children ages 5-18 years. After controlling for age and gender, left and right temporal and left occipital volumes were significant predictors of VP. Left and right frontal and temporal volumes were significant predictors of PPVT-III. Temporal volume emerged as the strongest lobar correlate with both tests. These results provide convergent and discriminant validity supporting VP as a measure of the "what" system; but suggest the PPVT-III as a complex measure of receptive vocabulary, potentially involving executive function demands.
Culture and science education in the 21st century: Extending and making the cultural box more inclusive

We are pleased to introduce the Special Issue, Culture and Science Education in the 21st Century. In the past 20 years, the concept of culture has become more prominent and relevant in science education. The culture of science, culture of school science, culture of science classrooms, and cultures of individual actors in the science educative process are among the many ways in which culture has been cast and examined in the science education literature. Many studies described culture and examined its role in the participation in and the teaching and learning of science but fewer studies comprehensively entertained culture as a structure and mechanism that can inform research and policies developed to address the numerous challenges in science education.
The effect of food deprivation and expectancy on heart rate

Ss fasted for 24 hr. after being on a controlled diet. Group A expected to fast for 24 hr. and had HR measured with food cues present. Group B expected to fast for 36 hr. and were tested without food cues. At the 24 hr. mark, Group A showed significantly higher heart rate. It was concluded that significant HR arousal occurs in deprived human beings anticipating immediate satiation.
Phase Field Modeling of Directional Fracture in Anisotropic Polycrystals

Abstract A phase field theory for modeling deformation and fracture of single crystals, polycrystals, and grain boundaries is developed. Anisotropies of elastic coefficients and fracture surface energy are addressed, the latter enabling favorable cleavage on intrinsically weak planes in crystals. An order parameter increases in value as damage accumulates in an element of material. The shear elastic coefficients deteriorate with cumulative damage regardless of local strain state, while the effective bulk modulus degrades only under tensile volumetric deformation. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using variational methods. An incremental energy minimization approach is used to predict equilibrium crack morphologies in finite element simulations of deforming polycrystals. Thin layers of material, representative of glassy second phases near grain boundaries, are assigned possibly different properties than surrounding crystals. Results of simulations of polycrystals subjected to tensile loading are reported, with base properties representative of silicon carbide or zinc. Key findings include (i) a tendency for intergranular over transgranular fracture as the grain boundary surface energy is reduced or as cleavage anisotropy is increased and (ii) an increase in overall ductility and strength, the latter similar to Hall–Petch scaling, as the absolute size of the polycrystal is reduced while holding the ratio of phase field regularization length to grain size fixed.
Equivalence of Stochastic Averaging and Stochastic Normal Forms

It is shown that both methods lead to reduced systems with the same Markovian approximation. Examples showing applications to systems undergoing divergence and flutter instability are provided. Furthermore, it is shown that stochastic normal forms can be used in the analysis of nilpotent systems to eliminate the stable modes
Effects of Variable-Priority Training on Automation-Related Complacency: Performance and Eye Movements

The effectiveness of variable-priority training in reducing automation-related complacency was examined. Participants were trained under one of three attention allocation strategies, whole task (WT...
Optical-Pulse Propagation in a Turbulent Medium

Based on the theory of the structure of atmospheric turbulence, the propagation of the optical pulses from a point source in the atmosphere, where the refractive index varies randomly, is studied by use of the Rytov method. The mean-square amplitude and phase fluctuations are evaluated for pulse lengths short compared with the time in which the refractive index varies significantly. The results are identical to Tatar-ski results for the continuous-spherical-wave (csw) case. Available data from continuous-wave (cw) and pulsed-laser experiments confirm this conclusion.
Heterogeneous firm response to organized crime: Evidence from FDI in Mexico

Abstract We thank Editor Massaki Kotabe and two anonymous reviewers for their comments and suggestions. In addition, we appreciate helpful feedback on earlier versions of this paper from Myles Shaver, Jennifer Oetzel, Adam Fremeth, anonymous reviewers for the 2011 31st Strategic Management Society Annual International Conference and conference participants. Jorge Delgado and Avilia Bueno provided valuable assistance with data collection. This paper examines the impact of organized crime on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) considering the role of foreign investor home-country experience. Extant research shows a negative impact of organized crime on FDI. We expect investor home-country experience with organized crime to ameliorate this deterrent effect. We do not find support for this prediction analyzing FDI net flows into Mexican states from 2001 to 2010. Our analysis does, however, reveal a heterogeneous investor response to organized crime. Our results suggest, surprisingly, that crime in host locations is actually positively associated with investment from high-crime countries. This research makes several contributions. Our evidence suggests that firms seek to leverage home experience with high levels of local organized crime, involving seemingly localized routines and practices, as they expand abroad. In addition, our work draws attention to the effect of institutional variation within host countries in foreign entry. It also expands the literature by focusing on organized crime, a largely unexplored source of country risk in international management research. Finally, it brings attention to the role of powerful international criminal organizations, drug cartels, in shaping cross-border business activity.
Assessing the impact of international trade on chambered nautilus

Abstract Shells of chambered nautilus ( Nautilus spp. Linnaeus and Allonautilus spp. Ward and Saunders) are well-known collectibles, traded across the globe from their Indo-Pacific origins. Live animals and a variety of products made from shells are also traded internationally. In preparation for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries’ Service (NMFS) were asked to propose listing the chambered nautilus in CITES Appendix-II. To evaluate such a listing, nautilus life history traits, conservation status, primary threats, and legal protections were examined in conjunction with known legal and illegal international trade in these taxa. Indications are that certain intrinsic life history traits (such as slow growth and delayed maturation) in combination with extrinsic pressures (such as habitat destruction and unregulated wild harvest) render chambered nautiluses vulnerable, at least locally, to overharvest and may increase their risk of extinction. However, biological and status information as well as trade, fishery, and industry data are insufficient to fully assess the impact of trade on these taxa. The special session on extant nautilus conservation, convened during the 8th International Symposium: Cephalopods - Present and Past (8ISCPP), provided an opportunity to work directly with many of the peer-acknowledged world nautilid experts to address existing knowledge gaps. Activities are underway to continue the assessment of this living fossil.
Targeting epigenetic abnormalities with histone deacetylase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND. Alterations in chromosome structure play critical roles in the control of gene transcription. These “epigenetic” alterations include modification of histones and other proteins by acetylation and/or phosphorylation. Normally, these modifications are balanced finely and are highly reversible in normal tissues, but they may be imbalanced and heritable in tumor cells. Histone deacetylase inhibitors increase histone acetylation, thereby modulating the expression of a subset of genes in a coordinated fashion. Several tumor suppressor genes associated with the malignant phenotype are repressed by epigenetic mechanisms in sporadic cancers. Thus, therapy with histone deacetylase inhibitors may alter tumor phenotype to inhibit growth in such tumors. METHODS. The authors reviewed the rationale for histone deacetylase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents and reviewed some preclinical and early clinical trial data with various classes of histone deacetylase inhibitors. RESULTS. Preclinical and clinical antitumor activity has been observed. Toxicities include fatigue, myelosuppression, and cardiac abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have shown promising activity in some solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Cancer 2006. Published 2006 by the American Cancer Society.
Increased in-vitro incubation time of endothelial cells on fibronectin-treated ePTFE increases cell retention in blood flow

Endothelial cell (EC) seeding is postulated as a mechanism of improving patency of small calibre vascular grafts. However, the majority of seeded cells are lost within hours following restoration of blood flow. We postulated that incubating EC in-vitro on a graft will improve adherence and resistance to the sheer stresses of pulsatile blood flow. Fibronectin-treated ePTFE (5cm × 4mm ID) seeded with Indium-111-labelled autologous canine EC (1.5 × 10 5 cells/cm 2 ) were incubated for four different time periods; 90 min, 24 h, 72 h and 6 days. Incubated grafts were subjected to blood flow of 75 ml/min for 6 h, in a canine ex-vivo arteriovenous shunt circuit. EC retention during perfusion was studied by measuring gamma activity emitted by the grafts. Cell morphology of non-perfused control groups and perfused groups was compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM of control grafts showed progressive EC spreading on the ePTFE surface for up to 72 h incubation. Gamma activity was significantly higher at 6 h perfusion in grafts incubated for 72 h (82 ± 4%) and 24 h (63 ± 6%) vs. 90 min (34 ± 13%, p p in-vitro after seeding improves cell retention during blood flow.
Stages of change and self-efficacy for controlling drinking and driving: a psychometric analysis

Indicators of self-efficacy and motivation to change (stage of change) with regard to drinking and to drinking and driving were examined in a sample of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders in a court-mandated intervention program. Self-administered questionnaires that contained pertinent measures were completed by 210 consenting offenders (34 of whom were female) during the intervention program. A factor analysis of efficacy and stages of change items showed distinct factors for the respective constructs; however, drinking and drinking-and-driving items of the same type (e.g., efficacy or stages of change) tended to codefine common factors, and the factor pattern suggested that motivations and efficacy for changing drinking behavior are critical for avoiding the drinking-and-driving sequence. Most participants were classified into the action stage in both drinking and drinking-and-driving domains. In regression analysis, contemplation of action and self-efficacy measures pertaining to drinking and driving predicted prior crashes and arrests; however, after accounting for recent alcohol problems, action items pertaining to drinking and driving were the best predictors of recent drinking-and-driving incidents.
Essential Role of CCR6 in Directing Activated T Cells to the Skin during Contact Hypersensitivity

CCR6 is expressed in a number of dermatological inflammatory diseases. Here, we report that mice sensitized with the hapten oxazolone had increased numbers of CCR6+ T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Using CCR6−/− mice, we assessed the role of CCR6 on the development of contact hypersensitivity. After hapten sensitization and re-challenge, ear swelling in CCR6−/− animals was reduced 80% as compared with wild-type (WT) control mice. This decreased level of inflammation was not related to an inhibition in T-cell activation, because CCR6−/− lymph node cells from sensitized mice produced threefold higher levels of IFN-γ in culture than cells from sensitized WT mice and, when these cells were directly injected into the site of hapten challenge, induced a robust inflammatory response. However, intravenous injection of CCR6−/− lymph node cells from sensitized mice were unable to prime naive mice to re-challenge whereas cells from primed WT mice were able to sensitize animals. These results suggest that CCR6 plays an important role in directing the trafficking of activated T cells into the skin and suggests that a CCR6 antagonist could be useful to treat skin-mediated inflammatory reactions.
Absolute instability in finite length electron cyclotron maser systems

The temporal growth rate of the absolute instability in finite length electron cyclotron maser systems has been theoretically calculated and confirmed by particle simulations. The non-linear saturation mechanism is due to that in the unstable system, the non-linear electron phase shift induced by the wave field gives rise to a virtual end plane which tends to shorten the effective interaction length and brings the system into the marginal stable state. In the system far above threshold, the virtual plane first oscillates and eventually approaches a steady state location. This early oscillating behaviour strongly correlates to the initial pronounced spiky temporal structure in the output power.
Experimental methods for determining fracture process zone and fracture parameters

Abstract For quasi-brittle materials like concrete, rock and ceramic it is not possible to determine fracture toughness using laboratory-sized specimens and linear elastic fracture mechanics. This inapplicability of the conventional fracture mechanics is due to fracture process zone, R- curve type of behavior and precritical stable crack growth. In this keynote paper, a two-parameter fracture model developed at Northwestern University is described. The model is based on observations of fracture processes using laser holography as well as acoustic emission measurements.
Practical Considerations for Building GROMOS-Compatible Small-Molecule Topologies

Molecular dynamics simulations are being applied to increasingly complex systems, including those involving small endogenous compounds and drug molecules. In order to obtain meaningful and accurate data from these simulations, high-quality topologies for small molecules must be generated in a manner that is consistent with the derivation of the force field applied to the system. Often, force fields are designed for use with macromolecules such as proteins, making their transferability to other species challenging. Investigators are increasingly attracted to automated topology generation programs, although the quality of the resulting topologies remains unknown. Here we assess the applicability of the popular PRODRG server that generates small-molecule topologies for use with the GROMOS family of force fields. We find that PRODRG does not reproduce topologies for even the most well-characterized species in the force field due to inconsistent charges and charge groups. We assessed the effects of PRODRG-derived charges on several systems: pure liquids, amino acids at a hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface, and an enzyme-cofactor complex. We found that partial atomic charges generated by PRODRG are largely incompatible with GROMOS force fields, and the behavior of these systems deviates substantially from that of simulations using GROMOS parameters. We conclude by proposing several points as "best practices" for parametrization of small molecules under the GROMOS force fields.
Design and sensitivity analysis of dynamical systems subjected to stochastic loading

The paper presents an efficient procedure which allows to carry out reliability-based optimization of linear systems subjected to stochastic loading. The optimization problem is replaced by a sequence of approximate explicit sub-optimization problems that are solved in an efficient manner. Approximation concepts are used to construct high quality approximations of dynamic responses during the optimization process. The approximations are combined with efficient simulation methods to generate explicit approximations of reliability measures in terms of the design variables. The number of dynamic analyses required for the convergence of the design process is reduced dramatically. An efficient sensitivity analysis with respect to the optimization variables and general system parameters becomes possible with the proposed formulation. The sensitivity is evaluated by considering the behavior of the design when the parameters vary within a bounded region. The analysis can identify the degree of robustness of the final design with respect to variations of selected system parameters. A numerical example in terms of a 26-story reinforced concrete building under stochastic earthquake excitation exemplifies the proposed methodology.
The effect of turbulence on atmospheric gradient parameters estimated from ground‐based radiometric and space geodetic measurements

A straightforward expression for the covariance of a general vector of atmospheric parameters is employed to calculate the effects of estimates of spatial gradients for a frozen Kolmogorov turbulence field moving over a site at constant velocities. Numerical calculations are performed to investigate the implications for three techniques: ground-based microwave radiometry, geodesy with the Global Positioning System, and VLBI. It is found that a prevailing wind with no true static gradients may give rise to apparent azimuthal asymmetries when gradient parameters are estimated. The standard deviation of the estimated north gradient parameter as a function of wind direction, for various wind speeds, is illustrated.
The carotenoids of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina.

Abstract 1. 1. The carotenoid pigments of the Branchiopod crustacean, Artemia salina were studied. They consisted exclusively of the keto-carotenoids, canthaxanthin and echinenone, in a ratio of 19:1. 2. 2. These findings were discussed with relation to the carotenoid pigments in the other sub-classes of crustacea.
Saccharomyces boulardii Inhibits EGF Receptor Signaling and Intestinal Tumor Growth in Apcmin Mice

Background & Aims Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) is a probiotic yeast with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities and has been used for decades in the prevention and treatment of a variety of human gastrointestinal disorders. We reported previously that Sb modulates host inflammatory responses through down-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activities both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to identify upstream mediators responsible for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 inactivation and to examine the effects of Sb on tumor development in Apc Min mice. Methods Signaling studies of colon cancer cells were done by western blot. Cell proliferation was measured by MTS and BrdU assay. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry, tunel assay and caspase assay. Apc Min mice were orally given Sb for 9 weeks before sacrifice for tumor analysis. Results We found that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was deactivated upon exposure to Sb , leading to inactivation of both the EGFR-Erk and EGFR-Akt pathways. In human colonic cancer cells, Sb prevented EGF-induced proliferation, reduced cell colony formation, and promoted apoptosis. HER-2, HER-3, and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor were also found to be inactivated by Sb . Oral intake of Sb reduced intestinal tumor growth and dysplasia in C57BL/6J Min/+ ( Apc Min ) mice. Conclusions Thus, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Sb inhibits EGFR and other receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and thereby may also serve a novel therapeutic or prophylactic role in intestinal neoplasia.