cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant Production of Volatile Semiochemicals in Response to Insect‐Derived Elicitors

An increase in the release of volatile compounds by plants in response to insect feeding is triggered by interaction of elicitors in the oral secretions of insect herbivores with damaged plant tissues. This herbivore damage triggers de novo biosynthesis of volatile plant metabolites derived from several different biochemical pathways. Natural enemies of herbivores use these volatile semiochemicals to locate their hosts. Although some volatile compounds are released from storage in plants immediately whenever damage to cells or glands occurs, the induced compounds are only synthesized and released during the light period. This often results in a delay between feeding damage and release of volatiles. Plants release the induced compounds from undamaged as well as damaged leaves. Thus, damage to only a few leaves results in a systemic response and release of volatiles by the entire plant. We propose that plants respond differently to individual herbivore species at least in part due to the composition of insect elicitors that come in contact with the plant. Specialist parasitoids can differentiate the volatile blends released due to damage by hosts from those resulting from non-host damage as well as from mechanical damage, thereby facilitating host location for the parasitoid. Elicitors in the oral secretions of beet armyworm caterpillars have been identified and synthesized.
The new paradigm: retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells

Compared with neural crest-derived melanocytes, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the back of the eye are pigment cells of a different kind. They are a part of the brain, form an epithelial monolayer, respond to distinct extracellular signals, and provide functions that far exceed those of a light-absorbing screen. For instance, they control nutrient and metabolite flow to and from the retina, replenish 11-cis-retinal by re-isomerizing all-trans-retinal generated during photoconversion, phagocytose daily a portion of the photoreceptors’ outer segments, and secrete cytokines that locally control the innate and adaptive immune systems. Not surprisingly, RPE cell damage is a major cause of human blindness worldwide, with age-related macular degeneration a prevalent example. RPE replacement therapies using RPE cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells provide a novel approach to a rational treatment of such forms of blindness. In fact, RPE-like cells can be obtained relatively easily when stem cells are subjected to a two-step induction protocol, a first step that leads to a neuroectodermal fate and a second to RPE differentiation. Here, we discuss the characteristics of such cells, propose criteria they should fulfill in order to be considered authentic RPE cells, and point out the challenges one faces when using such cells in attempts to restore vision.
Cutting Edge: Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Macrophages Induces Ligands for the NKG2D Receptor

Macrophages recognize the presence of infection by using the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family of proteins that detect ligands on bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. We show that murine macrophages stimulated with pathogen products known to signal through TLRs express ligands for the NKG2D receptor, found on NK cells, activated CD8+ T cells and activated macrophages. TLR signaling, through the MyD88 adaptor, up-regulates transcription of the retinoic acid early inducible-1 (RAE-1) family of NKG2D ligands, but not H-60 or murine UL16-binding protein-like transcript-1. RAE-1 proteins are found on the surface of activated, but not resting, macrophages and can be detected by NKG2D on NK cells resulting in down-regulation of this receptor both in vitro and in vivo. RAE-1-NKG2D interactions provide a mechanism by which NK cells and infected macrophages communicate directly during an innate immune response to infection.
New efficient numerical procedures for solving stochastic variational problems with a priori maximum pointwise error estimates

Abstract In a previous paper we gave a new formulation and derived the Euler equations and other necessary conditions to solve strong, pathwise, stochastic variational problems with trajectories driven by Brownian motion. Thus, unlike current methods which minimize the control over deterministic functionals (the expected value), we find the control which gives the critical point solution of random functionals of a Brownian path and then, if we choose, find the expected value. This increase in information is balanced by the fact that our methods are anticipative while current methods are not. However, our methods are more directly connected to the theory and meaningful examples of deterministic variational theory and provide better means of solution for free and constrained problems. In addition, examples indicate that there are methods to obtain nonanticipative solutions from our equations although the anticipative optimal cost function has smaller expected value. In this paper we give new, efficient numerical methods to find the solution of these problems in the quadratic case. Of interest is that our numerical solution has a maximal, a priori, pointwise error of O ( h 3 / 2 ) where h is the node size. We believe our results are unique for any theory of stochastic control and that our methods of proof involve new and sophisticated ideas for strong solutions which extend previous deterministic results by the first author where the error was O ( h 2 ) . We note that, although our solutions are given in terms of stochastic differential equations, we are not using the now standard numerical methods for stochastic differential equations. Instead we find an approximation to the critical point solution of the variational problem using relations derived from setting to zero the directional derivative of the cost functional in the direction of simple test functions. Our results are even more significant than they first appear because we can reformulate stochastic control problems or constrained calculus of variations problems in the unconstrained, stochastic calculus of variations formulation of this paper. This will allow us to find efficient and accurate numerical solutions for general constrained, stochastic optimization problems. This is not yet being done, even in the deterministic case, except by the first author.
Higher soluble P-selectin is associated with chronic venous insufficiency: the San Diego Population Study

Introduction P-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule shown to play a role in venous thromboembolism. We evaluated whether higher P-selectin is associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Antihypertensive Antagonists of L-Type Calcium Channel Exert Enhancement of Alzheimer's Aβ Peptides Effect on Cells

The Alzheimer's Aβ peptides are shown to increase the cytosolic calcium concentrations of cells in culture. Such an alteration may cause a variety of secondary effects, leading to cell degeneration and reduced cell culture growth. Cytosolic calcium concentration can be increased by the formation of cation-selective ion channels by the Aβ peptides. This property is well documented and has been extensively studied both in artificial membrane systems as well as in living cells. Here we show that L-type calcium channel antagonists, commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and ischemic heart disease, intensify the capacity of Aβ peptides to increase cytosolic calcium concentrations and consequently enhance the cytotoxicity of the Aβ peptides. Calcium imaging experiments were conducted with the fluorescent indicator Fura-2 to measure at different periods of times the levels of cytosolic calcium during exposure to Aβ peptides and to the L-type calcium channel antagonists. Two different 1,4-dihydropyridines (nifedipine, and nitrendipine), and Diltiazem, a structurally unrelated Ca2+-channel antagonist belonging to the phenylalkylamine class were used and found to exert significant excitatory effects on the toxicity of Aβ. The reduced toxicity observed in solutions of combinations of Aβ40 and Aβ42 is also reversed by L-type calcium channel antagonists. The toxicity of Aβ peptides was weighed by quantifying the growth of cultures of PC12 cells using the colorimetric assay XTT and by measuring the release of LDH to the media. The enhancement of the Aβ peptides toxicity by L-type calcium channel antagonists can be constrained by specific Aβ ion channel blockers suggesting the mediation of the ion channel property of Aβ peptides. The relevance of our finding derives from the widespread clinical use of L-type calcium channel antagonists in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.
Learning as a function of territory-related behavior patterns in the blue gourami (Trichopterus trichop terus)

Five groups of 20 adult male Three-Spot Gouramis (Trichopterus trichopterus) were used to test the hypothesis that territorial familiarity and preference for a particular territory served to enhance the learning of an avoidance response. The five group conditions were occupation of one-half of a shuttlebox for a period of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, which established the operational definition of territorial familiarity. Crossed variables for the group conditions were the presence or absence of food and a sterile or enriched environment in the familiar half of the shuttlebox. The data indicated that the interaction of territorial familiarity with food significantly improved learning. Additionally, preference for a particular territory appeared to be related to availability of food but not to quality of environment.
Inhibition of PIK3 Signaling Pathway Members by the Ovotoxicant 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide in Rats

4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), an occupational chemical that specifically destroys primordial and small primary follicles in the ovaries of rats and mice, is thought to target an oocyte-expressed tyrosine kinase receptor, Kit. This study compared the temporal effect of VCD on protein distribution of KIT and its downstream PIK3-activated proteins, AKT and FOXO3. Postnatal Day 4 Fischer 344 rat ovaries were cultured in control media ± VCD (30 μM) for 2-8 days (d2-d8). KIT, AKT, phosphorylated AKT, FOXO3, and pFOXO3 protein levels were assessed by Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence staining with confocal microscopy. Phosphorylated AKT was decreased (P < 0.05) in oocyte nuclei in primordial (39% decrease) and small primary (37% decrease) follicles within 2 days of VCD exposure. After d4, VCD reduced (P < 0.05) oocyte staining for KIT (primordial, 44% decrease; small primary, 39% decrease) and FOXO3 (primordial, 40% decrease; small primary, 36% decrease) protein. Total AKT and pFOXO3 were not affected by VCD at any time. Akt1 mRNA, as measured by quantitative RT-PCR, was reduced (P < 0.05) by 23% on d4 of VCD exposure, but returned to control levels on d6 and d8. VCD exposure reduced Foxo3a mRNA by 26% on d6 (P < 0.05) and by 23% on d8 (P < 0.1). These results demonstrate that the earliest observed effect of VCD is an inhibition of phosphorylation and nuclear localization of AKT in the oocyte of primordial and small primary follicles. This event is followed by reductions in KIT and FOXO3 protein subcellular distribution prior to changes in mRNA. Thus, these findings further support that VCD induces ovotoxicity by directly targeting the oocyte through posttranslational inhibition of KIT-mediated signaling components.
Ionic-like Behavior of Oppositely Charged Nanoparticles

Mixtures of oppositely charged nanoparticles of various sizes and charge ratios precipitate only at the point of electroneutrality. This phenomenonspecific to the nanoscale and reminiscent of threshold precipitation of ionsis a consequence of the formation of core-and-shell nanoparticle aggregates, in which the shells are composed of like-charged particles and are stabilized by efficient electrostatic screening.
Epitaxial growth of InP on Si by OMVPE — defect reduction in epitaxial InP using InAsxP1−xInP superlattices

Abstract The heteroepitaxy of InP on Si substrates was investigated using OMVPE. A new epitaxial structure with a GaAs intermediate layer, 100 nm thick, was used to alleviate the 8.4% lattice mismatch between InP and Si. Four-inch size InP single crystal with a specular surface and good thickness uniformity ( Δd d =±8% ) was reproducibly obtained. It was found that the GaAs intermediate layer effectively reduced the residual stress in the InP epilayer and 8.4×10 8 dyn/cm 2 was obtained. The EPD of the as-grown epilayer, etched by HBr+H 3 PO 4 solution, was on the order of 10 8 cm −2 and it decreased to (2−4)×10 7 cm −2 by post growth annealing in PH 3 +PH 2 ambient. To further reduce crystalline defects, a buffer layer consisting of ten periods of InAs x P 1− x (2.5 nm)InP(2.5 nm) was formed between the InP epilayers grown on both as-grown and annealed InP/GaAs/Si substrates ( x =0.3). This superlattice buffer layer reduced the EPD of these epilayers to 30–50%. Using a stacked structure with superlattice buffer layer and annealed InP/GaAs/Si substrate, an InP epitaxial layer with EPD of 1×10 7 cm −2 was obtained.
Experimental Methodology in Journalism and Mass Communication Research

Experiments are a powerful method for understanding causal relationships in journalism and mass communication research. In this essay, the authors examine seven aspects of experimental quality that...
Multiple stressors and complex life cycles: Insights from a population-level assessment of breeding site contamination and terrestrial habitat loss in an amphibian

Understanding the effects of chemical contaminants on natural populations is challenging, as multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors may individually and interactively influence responses. Population models can be used to evaluate the impacts of multiple stressors and to provide insight into population-level effects and/or data gaps. For amphibians with complex life cycles, population models may be useful in understanding impacts of stressors that are unique to the habitat type (aquatic, terrestrial) and that operate at different times in the life cycle. We investigated the population-level effects of aquatic contaminants (coal combustion residues, CCR) and terrestrial habitat loss on the eastern narrowmouth toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis, using existing empirical data that demonstrated negative reproductive and developmental effects of CCR and a series of population models that incorporated density dependence and environmental stochasticity. Results of deterministic models indicated that when terrestrial habitat was abundant, CCR-exposed toads had a larger population size compared to the reference population as a result of reduced density-dependent effects on larval survival. However, when stochasticity in the form of catastrophic reproductive failure was included, CCR-exposed toads were more susceptible to decline and extinction compared to toads from the reference populations. The results highlight the complexities involved in assessing the effects of anthropogenic factors on natural populations, especially for species that are exposed to multiple biotic and abiotic stressors during different periods in the life cycle.
The assembly line of greatness: Celebrity in twentieth‐century America

This paper traces the history of two intertwining stories in American celebrity texts and their relationship to the development and organization of publicity apparatuses. In one storyline, dominant in the first part of the century, the deserving rise naturally to the top. In the other storyline, stronger in later decades, celebrities are artificially manufactured. As institutional control weakened and publicity mechanisms grew more sophisticated, image‐manufacture and celebrity‐production became more visible in texts. In each period a balance was struck between the competing explanations of fame through the entry of new narrative elements, most notably through an increase in the power attributed to audiences.
Exposure to p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) induces fasting hyperglycemia without insulin resistance in male C57BL/6H mice.

Abstract Approximately 8.3% of the United States (U.S.) population have either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Out of all the cases of diabetes mellitus, approximately 90–95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Although the exact cause of T2D remains elusive, predisposing factors include age, weight, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Until recently the association between exposure to environmental contaminants and the occurrence of diabetes had been unexplored. However, recent epidemiological studies have revealed that elevated serum concentrations of certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs), especially organochlorine pesticides, are positively associated with increased prevalence of T2D and insulin resistance. The current study seeks to investigate if this association is causative or coincidental. Male C57BL/6H mice were exposed to DDE (2.0 mg/kg or 0.4 mg/kg) or vehicle (corn oil; 1 mL/kg) for 5 days via oral gavage; fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and insulin challenge tests were performed following a 7 day resting period. Exposure to DDE caused significant hyperglycemia compared to vehicle and this hyperglycemic effect persisted for up to 21 days following cessation of DDE administration. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and phosphorylation of Akt in the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue following insulin challenge were comparable between vehicle and DDE treated animals. To determine the direct effect of exposure to DDE on glucose uptake, in vitro glucose uptake assays following DDE exposure were performed in L6 myotubules and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In summary, subacute exposure to DDE does produce fasting hyperglycemia, but this fasting hyperglycemia does not appear to be mediated by insulin resistance. Thus, the current study reveals that subacute exposure to DDE does alter systemic glucose homeostasis and may be a contributing factor to the development of hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.
UVRR Spectroscopy and Vibrational Analysis of Mercury Thiolate Compounds Resembling d10 Metal Binding Sites in Proteins

Raman, ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) and far-IR spectra are reported for the mercury-cysteamine complex, Hg(SCH2CH2NH2)2. Band assignments are made for Hg(SCH2CH2NH2)2, and also for [Hg(SBut)3]- and [Hg(SMe)3]- on the basis of ab initio calculations with the effective core potential approximation and also on the basis of comparison with vibrational data of corresponding thiols. The calculations show that geometry-optimized [Hg(SBut)3]- and [Hg(SMe)3]- have virtually the same Hg−S bond lengths, but very different νs HgS frequencies, 196 and 268 cm-1, in good agreement with the experimental data. The exceptionally low HgS frequency for [Hg(SBut)3]- compared to [Hg(SMe)3]- and to the Hg-MerR protein results from kinematic interactions of the Hg−S stretching and S−C−C bending coordinates when all three substituents at Cα are carbon atoms. For Hg(SCH2CH2NH2)2, the HgS stretching coordinate is distributed over three modes, at 339, 273, and 217 cm-1, all of which exhibit UVRR enhancement. The other contribu...
Microfluorimetric quantitation of cellulose biosynthesis by plant protoplasts using Calcofluor White

A microfluorimetric procedure, using Calcofluor White, has been developed for the measurement of cellulose biosynthesis by cultured protoplasts of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi nc). The procedure was compared to a conventional method for cellulose estimation, that employing the anthrone reagent following exhaustive extraction of the developing cell walls. The results indicate that the amount of fluorescence emitted following Calcofluor White treatment is a specific measurement of cell wall cellulose levels. The procedure possesses the twin advantages of ease of manipulation and of greatly enhanced sensitivity (in the picogram range) as compared to other methods.
Evaluation of intravenous voriconazole in patients with compromised renal function

Incorporation of the solubilizing excipient, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD), in the intravenous (IV) formulation of voriconazole has resulted in the recommendation that this formulation be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearances (Clcr) < 50 mL/min. This study evaluated the safety of IV voriconazole compared with two other IV antifungals not containing SBECD in patients with compromised renal function. A total of 128 patients aged 11–93 years who had a baseline Clcr < 50 mL/min between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010 were identified from a database of a university-affiliated inpatient healthcare system; of these, 55 patients received caspofungin, 54 patients received fluconazole, and 19 patients received voriconazole. Changes in serum creatinine (Scr) and Clcr levels while on therapy were compared with baseline values and between groups. The groups had similar characteristics apart from the larger proportion of females that received fluconazole. Baseline Scr was higher in those receiving caspofungin, but maximal increases of Scr and decreases in Clcr were greatest for the fluconazole group. Acute kidney injury (AKI), assessed by RIFLE criteria, was more frequent in the fluconazole vs. the caspofungin group (p < 0.01); incidence of AKI in the voriconazole group was not significantly different than found in the other two groups. The infecting organism was a predictor of AKI and formulation with SBECD was not. Treatment of fungal infections in patients with compromised renal function with an SBECD-containing antifungal agent was not associated with AKI in clinical practice. Since the infecting organism was associated with AKI, decision on which antifungal to use should be determined by susceptibilities to the organism and not the incorporation of SBECD in the IV formulation.
Nano-graphoepitaxy of semiconductors for 3D integration

The advantages of integrating semiconductor devices at more than one level ('3D integration') are now recognized. Key to achieving monolithic 3DICs is the ability to form single crystal semiconductor islands at the upper level without unduly heating the lower level structures. In prior work a surface relief grating of [email protected] pitch in the substrate was used to mediate single crystal formation while continuous wave (CW) heating a thin film of amorphous silicon; the term 'graphoepitaxy' was coined. CW heating is not possible in our case because it would overheat the lower layers. Moreover the area of the crystallites need only be about 100nm to accommodate today's transistors. Thus we have chosen a substrate grating pitch of 190nm (hence the term 'nano-graphoepitaxy') and a modulated CW laser to reduce the heating time to several @ms. Preliminary results indicate the substrate grating lines can indeed determine the position of the crystallite boundaries when the film thickness is 100nm; the effect is much less pronounced in 500nm thick films.
Quality of life in dementia patients in long-term care

Objective To evaluate variables associated with quality of life (QOL) in dementia residents in a long-term care facility using a recently standardized and validated dementia-specific QOL scale (ADRQL). Method A cross-sectional, case-control design was employed using validated scales to assess dementia-related symptomatology. Thirty-two facility staff members were interviewed to assess the QOL of 120 patients meeting DSM-IV for dementia criteria residing in long-term care. Results ADRQL scores were higher in assisted living residents than in skilled nursing facility residents. In univariate analyses, worse orientation, greater physical dependency, depression, and treatment with anxiolytics were associated with lower ADRQL scores. In multivariate analyses, lower scores were associated with worse orientation, greater physical dependency, depression, and anxiolytic treatment. Conclusions Residents exhibited better QOL than expected. Future longitudinal studies should address if reorientation, activity therapy, treatment of depression, and avoidance of benzodiazepines might improve QOL in this population. Interventions that might improve orientation and physical abilities, such as cholinomimetic therapies, psychosocial interventions, or behavioral strategies, should also be studied in future research on QOL. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbiology of the Great Salt Lake north arm

The Great Salt Lake, Utah, Fig. 6.1, is a fairly shallow (10m) terminal lake consisting of two arms of greatly different salinity separated by a rock fill railroad causeway. Although the causeway was constructed of loose fill with two culverts (Gwynn 1980) to permit exchange of water between the two arms, at present there is very little real water return southward, most of it moves to the north. Salt has migrated to the north arm along with the water reducing the south arm salinity to about one third that of the north arm. Some north arm water has returned to the south forming a dense brine layer about 7 m below the surface. The difference in densities between the two layers (1.076 and 1.164) prevents circulation which excludes oxygen resulting in an anoxic dense brine layer similar to one in the Dead Sea (Nissenbaum 1975) containing hydrogen sulfide (Gwynn 1980). Little is known about the microbiology of this layer. Most of the work reported in this paper has been done in the hypersaline north arm.
Disintegration Processes by Cosmic Rays in Plates impregnated with Samarium

Blau and Wambacher1 have recently described experiments in which it appears that a novel type of disintegration may be provoked by cosmic radiation. ‘Stars’ of tracks due to heavy particles were found in plates which had been exposed for some months at a high altitude. For two years we have been conducting experiments of the same type. We find stars of a similar kind, but there are important differences between our results and those of the Vienna workers, which are indicated below.
Finding homes without smoke detectors: one step in planning burn prevention programs.

Residential fires are the leading cause of burn-related deaths in the United States. Smoke detectors could save many of these lives. A 1993 telephone survey of 661 Kentucky households included questions on residential smoke detectors. Statewide, 16.4% of households did not possess a functioning smoke detector; however, in nonmetropolitan Appalachian counties, 30.5% of households lacked detectors. Characteristics associated with lack of a functioning smoke detector, as determined by multivariate logistic regression, were as follows: living in a nonapartment dwelling (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42 to 12.01); having an annual household income of $20,000 or less (OR = 2.34, CI = 1.49 to 3.68); being unmarried (OR = 1.73, CI = 1.12 to 2.69); living alone (OR = 1.69, CI = 1.02 to 2.80); and living in a nonmetropolitan county (OR = 1.68, CI = 1.05 to 2.69). Knowledge of these population-based characteristics can assist planners of burn prevention programs to target at-risk populations. Language: en
Scaling variables for coincident electron scattering

Abstract The cross section for quasi-free nucleon knockout by inelastic electron scattering (e, e′N) is shown to depend on two scaling variables: y used in inclusive (e, e′) reactions and z = ( p f / M ) sin θ p , the transverse component of the initial and final nucleon velocity. We show that for given y and z the coincidence cross section is determined by a single spectral function of y 2 + z 2 . A sum rule relates the spectral function to the nuclear response measured in inclusive reactions.
Microbiology of recreational and therapeutic whirlpools

Over half of the reported outbreaks of whirlpool-associated dermatitis and folliculitis have been caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, serotype 011. Illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium, Streptococci, and Acanthamoeba have been infrequently reported. The presence of microorganisms in water is not the only factor involved in infection transmission. Other factors in disease may be individual host susceptibility, immersion time, bather load, gender, and use of clothing. A bather's risk for P. aeruginosa dermatitis or folliculitis appears to depend on immersion in water colonized by P. aeruginosa, skin hydration with altered skin flora, and toxic reactions to extracellular enzymes or exotoxins produced by P. aeruginosa. Outbreaks of illness appear to be directly related to inadequate operational and maintenance procedures. Chemical and physical parameters should be routinely monitored. Microbiologic sampling of whirlpool water is not advised except in outbreak investigations.
Modified Price, Production, and Income Impacts of Food Aid under Market Differentiated Distribution

Estimation of negative production impacts of food aid rests heavily on measurement of resulting price changes. Previous studies have assumed an exogenous shift in supply resulting from distribution of the imported commodities but have ignored the income effect on demand. Distribution of food aid commodities to consumers at concessional prices provides an increase in real income and corresponding shift in demand for food. The shift in demand compensates for part of the exogenous shift in supply, reducing the potential impact on domestic prices. Based on market differentiation, the production impact in India is estimated at one tenth of previous estimates.
The Effect of Packaging Materials and a Tripolyphosphate (Kena) on the Shelf Life of Turkey Steaks

Abstract Interest is increasing in such convenience foods as turkey steaks and turkey roasts, but their refrigerated shelf life has limited their distribution. Conner et al. (1953) reported storage life of turkey steaks in household refrigerators was limited to three days or less. Tripolyphosphate (Kena) has been reported to delay onset of spoilage in poultry meat (Spencer and Smith, 1962). This paper reports combined effects of packaging materials and tripolyphosphates on bacterial counts. PROCEDURE Four Grade A, Bronze, torn turkeys were commercially processed, Cry-o-vac packaged and blast frozen at – 35°F. and stored at 0°F. The birds were thawed for 18 hours in 45°F. running tap water and deboned. One of the pectoralis major muscles from each was placed in a 6% solution of Kena and slush ice for 6 hours. The other four pectoralis major muscles were placed in the same amount of water and slush ice. The 192 steaks processed…
Inducement of non-Fermi-liquid behavior with a magnetic field

Using Ag doping of the nearly magnetic heavy-fermion system ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{6}$ to vary the onset of antiferromagnetism between ${T}_{N}=0$ and 0.8 K, we have found a large region of the phase diagram where magnetic field can reach the quantum critical point ${(T}_{N}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0)$ with sufficiently strong antiferromagnetic correlations remaining to produce non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior. In this field and composition regime, the ${\mathrm{CeCu}}_{6\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ag}}_{x}$ samples exhibit the typical NFL temperature dependencies for the various measured parameters over a broad range of temperature down to 100 mK. Application of higher fields to these samples causes entry into the Fermi-liquid regime. Due to the ease of changing magnetic fields when establishing the phase diagram at low temperatures, the increased efficacy of field suppression of ${T}_{N}$ versus that achieved by pressure, and the fact that magnetic field does not change the volume as do both pressure and doping, magnetic field offers distinct advantages as a method for exploring the crossover between antiferromagnetic, non-Fermi-liquid, and Fermi-liquid behavior in the vicinity of the quantum critical point.
Magnetic strength and corrosion of rare earth magnets.

Introduction: Rare earth magnets have been used in orthodontics, but their corrosion tendency in the oral cavity limits long-term clinical application. The aim of this project was to evaluate several; magnet coatings and their effects on magnetic flux density. Methods: A total of 60 neodymium-iron-boron magnets divided into 6 equal groups—polytetrafluoroethylene-coated (PTFE), parylene-coated, and noncoated—were subjected to 4 weeks of aging in saline solution, ball milling, and corrosion testing. Results: A significant decrease in magnet flux density was recorded after applying a protective layer of parylene, whereas a slight decrease was found after applying a protective layer of PTFE. After 4 weeks of aging, the coated magnets were superior to the noncoated magnets in retaining magnetism. The corrosion-behavior test showed no significant difference between the 2 types of coated magnets, and considerable amounts of iron-leached ions were seen in all groups. Conclusions: Throughout the processes of coating, soaking, ball milling, and corrosion testing, PTFE was a better coating material than parylene for preserving magnet flux density. However, corrosion testing showed significant metal leaching in all groups.
Adaptive control of prosthetic limbs using neural networks

It was suggested by E.A. Wan et al. (1990) that artificial neural networks be used to convert muscle control signals from the nerves of the human (or animal) arm into control signals for a prosthetic mechanical hand that has been attached in place of the original hand. The network would learn to translate the (wet) neural signal issued by the brain into electrical signals that would control the mechanical hand. A simplified architecture, the adaptive inverse prosthetic architecture, is presented for accomplishing the same purpose, along with an architecture for an artificial neural network that would learn to convert sensory input from the prosthetic hand into the appropriate sensory neural enervations in the nerves of the arm. The advantage of this approach is that the patient is an integral part of the training process, thereby reducing the need for specialized external computing and measurement equipment during training. This allows the patient to adapt the system at any time, providing a degree of adaptation that is satisfactory to the patient, compensating for nonidealities and changes in the hand, and allowing the patient to learn skills unanticipated by the hand's designers
Adolescent violent behavior and ego development

The guiding hypothesis of this study was that there is an association between violence and ego development. Exploratory factor analysis was used to generate summed scales used as proxy measures for the major construct components, ego development and violence. The results of this study support the hypothesis.
A high-throughput DNA sequence aligner for microbial ecology studies

As the scope of microbial surveys expands with the parallel growth in sequencing capacity, a significant bottleneck in data analysis is the ability to generate a biologically meaningful multiple sequence alignment. The most commonly used aligners have varying alignment quality and speed, tend to depend on a specific reference alignment, or lack a complete description of the underlying algorithm. The purpose of this study was to create and validate an aligner with the goal of quickly generating a high quality alignment and having the flexibility to use any reference alignment. Using the simple nearest alignment space termination algorithm, the resulting aligner operates in linear time, requires a small memory footprint, and generates a high quality alignment. In addition, the alignments generated for variable regions were of as high a quality as the alignment of full-length sequences. As implemented, the method was able to align 18 full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences and 58 V2 region sequences per second to the 50,000-column SILVA reference alignment. Most importantly, the resulting alignments were of a quality equal to SILVA-generated alignments. The aligner described in this study will enable scientists to rapidly generate robust multiple sequences alignments that are implicitly based upon the predicted secondary structure of the 16S rRNA molecule. Furthermore, because the implementation is not connected to a specific database it is easy to generalize the method to reference alignments for any DNA sequence.
Causes and consequences of kidney loss in patients with nephrolithiasis

Causes and consequences of kidney loss in patients with nephrolithiasis. Background It is unknown whether stone formers may safely donate a kidney. Nephrectomy could accelerate stone formation, or loss of filtration with age. We contrast, here, the course of stone patients with two versus one kidney. Methods One hundred fifteen patients with a single functioning kidney were compared with 3151 patients with two kidneys. Cause of kidney loss was determined, along with stone types, rates of stone formation, urine stone risk factors, and creatinine clearance. Results Women were 49.6% of the patients with kidney loss, compared to 33.6% of ordinary stone formers. Obstruction, stone burden, and infection were the most common reasons for kidney loss. We found an increased number of struvite and calcium phosphate stones among single kidney patients. Before and during treatment, single kidney patients had fewer stones than ordinary stone formers. Creatinine clearance was lower in the single kidney patients; rate of loss of kidney function with age was higher among single kidney males versus two kidney males if all patients are considered. Among males >age 45years, the difference disappears. Females with one and two kidneys lost function with age at equivalent rates. Compared with nonstone formers, male stone formers lose kidney function with age at an accelerated rate. Conclusion Nephrectomy does not worsen stone disease. It may increase loss of renal function among younger males. The pattern of renal function loss with age differs between stone formers and nonstone formers.
Conservation Biology and Four Types of Advocacy

The advocacy debate in ecology and conservation goes back a long way. In the early part of the twentieth century some ecologists were actively pursuing nature conservation, but others eschewed this kind of activism. When the Ecological Society of America (ESA) formed in 1915, a divide already existed regarding the mission of the society and the role of advocacy for preservation of natural areas (Nature Conservancy 2006). This conflict eventually resulted in a faction from within the ESA forming The Nature Conservancy in 1951. The discussion of advocacy in conservation biology is much the same, centering on whether or not scientists should use the results of their research to try to influence policy or management actions (Kirchhoff et al. 1995; Noss 1999; Mills & Clark 2001; Steel et al. 2004). We call this professional advocacy. Professional advocacy is important, but advocacy in the broad sense also includes other matters that are equally or more important; these are advocating for science, for ecosystem services, and for the natural world.
The relative contribution of domestic violence to assault and injury of police officers

The contribution of domestic violence calls to the danger of police work has been a matter of major concern to police, policy makers, and researchers for decades. Building on prior research, the authors examine three years of data on police calls for service, assault, and injury to determine the danger of domestic violence in relation to other types of calls. Of the 10 categories of police activity examined, domestic disturbance ranked fourth in the ratio of assaults to calls for service and fifth in the ratio of injuries to calls for service. No significant differences were observed in the background characteristics of victims and offenders in domestic disturbance and other incidents. Consequently it was recommended that policies to enhance officers' safety be directed mainly at handling incidents in general rather than being geared specifically to responding to domestic disturbances.
A polymerase chain reaction mediated by a single primer : cloning of genomic sequences adjacent to a serotonin receptor protein coding region

Under appropriate conditions, specific double-stranded DNA product was generated after amplification of genomic DNA sequences in a polymerase chain-like reaction that contained only a single primer. This type of amplification reaction was performed with a variety of primers and substrate DNAs. In addition to nonspecific heterogeneous products, 5 of 11 primers reproducibly directed synthesis of double-stranded DNA that corresponded to the region of the template that contained the authentic primer annealing site. Three of these amplified products were cloned and their ends were sequenced. All three contained a copy of the primer at both 5' ends, and the position of one of the primers represented the authentic primer binding site. In each case, the location of the second copy of the primer indicated that it had initially hybridized to a partially homologous sequence in the template DNA. This single primer reaction makes it possible to amplify and clone a DNA region of unknown sequence that is adjacent to a known DNA sequence. One of the single primer reaction products described here included sequence to the 5' side of the coding region of a serotonin receptor gene that contained a functional promoter.
Downwelling and upwelling regimes: Connections between surface fronts and abyssal circulation

Abstract Recent observations in the Sea of Japan show evidence of convection to a depth of roughly 1000 m in the winter of 2000, situated along the polar front. Numerical simulations have shown that this deep mixing is associated with both ageostrophic frontal circulations and pre-existing larger-scale downwelling regimes. The downwelling regimes appear to be a result of interactions between frontal meandering and deep circulation in this basin over bottom topography anomalies. The coupling between the frontal dynamics and the deep circulation are explored by analogy to atmospheric frontal circulations through the semigeostrophic Sawyer–Eliassen equation, solved numerically for the case of the Sea of Japan. As in the atmospheric case, a vertical coupling between the upper and lower circulations can produce a localized region of downwelling that can be conducive to deeper mixing than that forced solely from surface fluxes.
Creating an educationally minded schedule: one approach to minimize the impact of duty hour standards on intern continuity clinic experience.

To determine if implementing an educationally minded schedule utilizing consecutive night shifts can moderate the impact of the 2011 duty hour standards on education and patient continuity of care in longitudinal primary care experience (continuity clinic). A 14-month pre–post study was performed in continuity clinic with one supervising physician group and two intern groups. Surveys to assess attitudes and education were distributed to the supervising physicians and interns before and after the changes in duty hour standards. Intern groups’ schedules were reviewed for the number of regular and alternative day clinic (i.e. primary care experience on a different weekday) sessions and patient continuity of care. Fifteen supervising physicians and 51 interns participated (25 in 2011, 26 in 2012). Intern groups’ comfort when discussing patient issues, educational needs and teamwork perception did not differ. Supervising physicians’ understanding of learning needs and provision of feedback did not differ between groups. Supervising physicians indicated a greater ability to provide feedback and understand learning needs during regular continuity clinic sessions compared with alternative day clinics (all p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between intern groups in the number of regularly scheduled continuity clinics, alternative day clinics or patient continuity of care. The 2011 duty hour standards required significant alterations to intern schedules, but educationally minded scheduling limited impact on education and patient continuity in care.
Dynamics of Histone Acetylation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract The dynamic character of core histone post-translational acetylation in the unicellular green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii was studied by tritiated acetate incorporation. Histone H3 is the major target of acetylation, steady state, and in pulse and pulse-chase analyses. Acetylation turnover rates were measured by tracer labeling under steady-state conditions. Half-lives of 1.5–3 min were found for penta- to mono-acetylation of H3, dynamically acetylated to the 30% level. Twenty percent of H3 was multi-acetylated, on average with 3.2 acetyl-lysines, all with rapid turnover. Deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) caused doubling of average acetylation levels, primarily as penta-acetylated H3, but half of H3 was not acetylated at all. The level of histone H4 acetylation was only half that of H3 and a major fraction of mono- and di-acetylated forms appeared static. The dynamic fraction had an average half-life of 3.5 min with higher turnover rates for more highly acetylated H4 forms. TSA, inhibiting less effectively deacetylases active on H4, strongly increased multi-acetylated H4 levels and doubled average acetylation. As for H3, half of histone H4 remained unacetylated. Acetylation of histone H2B was low and of H2A was barely measurable. Despite turnover with half-lives of approximately 2 min, no increase beyond di-acetylation was seen upon TSA treatment.
Autoradiographic investigation of calvarial growth in the rat

Results of autoradiographic investigations utilizing tritiated proline reveal an intricate mechanism of rat calvarial growth and reshaping from age two days through 75 days. Generalized intramembranous bone growth dominates the growth process from two through eight days; however, this simple bony enlargement is terminated early. At eight days a differential apposition-resorption process begins dorsally in the calvarium and progresses rostrally within a ten day period. This process includes differential apposition on the ectocranial and endocranial periosteal surfaces accompanied by a differential apposition-resorption pattern on the endosteal surfaces. The wave-like process begins in the occipital bone and progresses ventrally to the frontal bone resulting in a flattening of the bony components. At 35 days bone accretion is again generalized on most calvarial surfacse. However, at 40 days another change in the growth process evolves on the occipital and frontal bones. These bones are now seemingly displaced in a superior direction as bone apposition continues on their superior surfaces, namely, the ectocranial periosteal and endocranial endosteal surfaces and resorption progresses on the two inferior surfaces. The magnitude and duration of the process described in this paper is sufficient to account for calvarial flattening in the absence of bony spatial reorientation due to bending at sutures. The findings described here when compared to proposed in vitro studies can help put the importance of the so-called “functional matrix” related to bone growth into its proper perspective.