cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Virulence Analyses Using a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the leading cause of pharyngeal diphtheria, a respiratory disease characterized by formation of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection. Although outbreaks of C. diphtheriae infections are rare nowadays, the emergence of multidrug-resistant C. diphtheriae strains is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide. Although C. diphtheriae has been studied for more than a century and diphtheria toxin and pili have been identified as major virulence factors, little is known about factors involved in bacterial colonization and development of disease. Here, we describe the utilization of Caenorhabditis elegans as a cost-effective, versatile model of infection to evaluate C. diphtheriae virulence. We provide detailed protocols for nematode synchronization and for evaluation of nematode survival and formation of a deformed anal region induced by C. diphtheriae infection. These protocols will permit future high-throughput screenings of virulence factors in C. diphtheriae and advance our knowledge of C. diphtheriae pathogenesis. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Synchronization of nematodes Basic Protocol 2: Assay for nematode survival following C. diphtheriae infection Basic Protocol 3: Assays for bacterial colonization and formation of deformed anal region.
Limited English proficiency among adults with HIV in the United States – Medical Monitoring Project, 2015–2018

Research suggests that language barriers in health care settings may adversely affect clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. We describe the characteristics of adults with limited English prof...
Acute Obstructive Hydrocephalus and Ischemic Stroke as the Complications of Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia: A Case Report (2674)

Objective: To describe a case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) complicated with acute obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemic stroke Background: VBD is a rare anatomical variation characterized by elongation and tortuosity of vertebrobasilar artery. Rarely, it can be complicated with ischemic stroke and obstructive hydrocephalus. Design/Methods: Case report Results: A 64-year-old man with hypertension presented with progressive confusion for 1 day. Initial neurological examination showed lethargic with no overt focal deficit. Labs showed no leukocytosis or significant metabolic derangement. Urine drug screen was negative. Initial Non-contrast CT and CT angiogram of the head showed dilation of all ventricle and calcified dolichoectatic basilar artery. MRI brain demonstrated acute infarction in the posterior body and splenium of the corpus callosum. Electroencephalogram showed generalized delta activity without epileptiform discharge. Patient’s neurological status declined rapidly after admission and required intubation. Follow up CT head at 24 hours after hospitalization showed progressive enlargement of ventricles. The progression of the enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles were out of proportion the fourth ventricle. Therefore, obstructive hydrocephalus was diagnosed and urgent external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed. Open pressure was 50 cm H2O. After EVD placement, the patient was significantly improved. Repeated CT head after EVD confirmed improvement of effacement of the cerebral sulci and hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed prior to discharge. Telemetry did not capture any cardiac arrhythmia. Transthoracic echocardiogram was normal. The patient was started on aspirin and atorvastatin for secondary stroke prevention Conclusions: Acute obstructive hydrocephalus and ischemic stroke are the rare complications of VBD. The diagnosis is clinically urgent and easily overlooked. Our case demonstrated a favorable outcome after urgent EVD and VP shunt in obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to VBD. There is no consensus for the management of stroke caused by basilar dolichoestasia. Disclosure: Dr. Pan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thakolwiboon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karukote has nothing to disclose.
Raloxifene is a Female-specific Proteostasis Therapeutic in the Spinal Cord

Several neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by proteasome dysfunctions leading to protein aggregations and pathogenesis. Since we showed that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) activates the proteasome, drugs able to stimulate ERα in the central nervous system (CNS) could hold potential for therapeutic intervention. However, the transcriptional effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, can be tissue specific. A direct comparison of the effects of different SERMs on gene transcription in the CNS has never been performed. Here, we report an RNA-seq analysis of the spinal cord treated with estrogen, tamoxifen, or raloxifene. We find stark SERM and sex-specific differences in gene expression profiles in the spinal cord. Notably, raloxifene, but not estrogen or tamoxifen, modulates numerous deubiquitinating enzymes, proteasome subunits and assembly factors, and these effects translate into decreased protein aggregates. In the SOD1-G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we found that even a low dose of raloxifene causes a significant decrease in mutant SOD1 aggregates in the spinal cord, accompanied by a delay in the decline of muscle strength in females, but not in males. These results strongly indicate SERM-selective as well as sex-specific effects, and emphasize the importance of sex as a biological variable to be considered for the careful selection of specific SERM for use in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases.
Future Regional Air Mobility Analysis Using Conventional, Electric, and Autonomous Vehicles

Recent activities in electric propulsion and autonomy provide opportunity to improve both regional and urban air mobility. The inclusion of electric propulsion and the promise of autonomy to simpli...
R[x, y] is Brown-McCoy Radical if R[x] is Jacobson Radical

Let R be a ring such that the polynomial ring R[x] over R in one indeterminate x is Jacobson radical. We show that the polynomial ring R[x, y] over R in two commuting indeterminates x, y is Brown-McCoy radical.
Economics at the Pump

Policymakers are often tempted to implement various new laws and regulations intended to prevent gasoline price gouging. We recently carried out economic experiments to test such anti-gouging measures as mandated divorcement and uniform pricing, and we found that those regulations actually harm consumers rather than help them. The reason is simple: The well-meaning interventions are designed to manipulate market allocations, but they backfire because they cannot account for the complex incentives in an intricate industry. Changing the rules alters the behavior of refiners and station owners, which is why the legislation does not have its intended effect on market outcomes.
An Interactive Shape Modification Method for B-spline Surfaces

Abstract The interactive modification of free-form surfaces is a primary concern of CAD systems for the shape design of manufactured products. In this article, we present an interactive shape modification method for B-spline surfaces which maintains the continuity of surfaces and satisfies the boundary conditions with neighboring surfaces. Our method consists of two processes: a static modification, and an interactive modification. In the static modification process, a surface is modified so as to satisfy the slope continuity conditions at specified neighboring surfaces. Using the Oslo algorithm, we show that new control points can be calculated by a matrix multiplication when knots are inserted in a B-spline surface. In the interactive modification process, we introduce the concept of an operation surface which make it possible to perform the modification interactively.
Mapping glutamate in subcortical brain structures using high-resolution GluCEST MRI

In vivo measurement of glutamate (Glu) in brain subcortex can elucidate the role these structures play in cognition and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, accurate quantification of Glu in subcortical regions is challenging. Recently, a novel MRI method based on the Glu chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) effect has been developed for detecting brain Glu in millimolar concentrations. Here, we use GluCEST to map Glu distributions in subcortical structures of the human brain (e.g. amygdala, hippocampus). Overall, GluCEST was ~40% higher in gray matter than in white matter. Within the subcortical gray matters, amygdala showed the highest GluCEST contrast. Utilizing MR spectroscopic data, in vivo GluCEST detection sensitivity (~0.8% mM(-1) ) in subcortical gray matter was evaluated and was consistent with the previously reported values. In general, the GluCEST map approximates the Glu receptor distribution reported in previous positron emission tomography (PET) studies. These findings suggest that high-resolution GluCEST MRI of subcortical brain structures may prove to be a useful tool in diagnosis of brain disorders or treatment responses.
Sleep and chronic pain

Objective: The α-EEG sleep anomaly has been associated with chronic benign pain syndromes. Although controversial, the anomaly is believed by some to be an important biologic correlate of certain otherwise poorly explained painful conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome). To shed further light on this phenomenon, this study compared the sleep and psychological characteristics of chronic pain patients who exhibited the α-EEG sleep anomaly with pain-free psychiatric and medical patients who also were found to exhibit the α-EEG anomaly. Methods: The α-EEG sleep was identified in the polysomnographic records of 5% of over 1000 consecutive sleep patients. Objective sleep parameters, daytime sleepiness and psychological characteristics (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory [MMPI] scores) of patients exhibiting this anomaly were examined. Results: The α-EEG anomaly was identified in only 5% of the total patient sample. Patients with the α-EEG anomaly could be further classified into three diagnostic subgroups: chronic pain, psychiatric and other medical/sleep disorders, The subgroups were compared on sleep parameters and psychological characteristics. Less than 40% of the patients exhibiting the α-EEG anomaly experienced chronic pain. Chronic pain patients evidenced disturbed sleep patterns and psychological characteristics that were for the most part similar to those observed in some pain-free medical and psychiatric patients. Only the medical subgroup exhibited objective daytime sleepiness. The α-EEG sleep disturbance was not accounted for by psychological characteristics. Conclusions: These findings challenge the notion that α-EEG sleep is of direct etiological significance in producing the pain complaint among patients with chronic pain since the α-EEG sleep was not a sufficient condition for pain.
Masochizmy. Mitologizacja jako estetyka kryzysu w twórczości Brunona Schulza

The study Masochisms. Mythologizing as an Aesthetics of Crisis in the Work of Bruno Schulz, parts of which have been translated below, presents the thesis that in the work of B. Schulz the phenomenon of mythologizing is connected with masochism – a concept conceived of as a historical, cultural and aesthetic interpretative category. The combination of the two phenomena makes it possible to notice some relationships between Schulz’s literary and graphic works which have not been recognized yet. The author discusses some psychoanalytical, sociological, historical and philosophical notions of masochism applicable to a literary text. She tries to describe the “masochistic aesthetics” appearing in Schulz’s short stories (on the narrative level: lack of motion, suspense, tension) and in his graphics (theatricalization, lack of eye contact between the figures) and shows how this aesthetics integrates the prose of Schulz, his Idolatrous Book and his illustrations for the short story The Book.
THE EXPERT’S OPINION

Alfred M. Zeien was elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Gillette Company in 1991. Previously, he had been Vice Chairman, Gillette International/ Diversified Operations. In this position, Mr. Zeien was responsible for the Companyâ€™s blade and razor, personal care and stationery products businesses internationally, outside of North America and Western Europe, and for the Braun AS, Oral-B Laboratories and Jafra Cosmetics International subsidiaries, worldwide. He has held many other positions in Gillette since joining the company in 1968. He graduated from Harvard Business Schoolâ€™s MBA program.
HEART MITOCHONDRIAL PROPERTIES AND AEROBIC CAPACITY ARE SIMILARLY RELATED IN A MAMMAL AND A REPTILE

The heart mitochondrial properties and the aerobic capacity (VO2max) of the rat (Sprague-Dawley breed) and the Cuban iguana (Cyclura nubila) were used to evaluate the relationship between the oxidative capacity of the heart and the maximum oxygen delivery rate. Both species are active at body temperatures of 37-39 degrees C, have similar heart mitochondrial volumes [Vmt; 0.43 +/- 0.02 ml (S.E.M.) in the rat and 0.48 +/- 0.02 ml in the iguana] and differ less than twofold in VO2max (29.2 +/- 1.6 and 16.9 +/- 0.6 ml min-1, respectively). We found that Vmt was closely correlated with VO2max in the rat (r2 = 0.77, P < 0.005) and the iguana (r2 = 0.82; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae) area (Sim) per unit VO2max did not differ between the rat and the iguana (0.60 +/- 0.02 and 0.71 +/- 0.02 m2 min ml-1 O2, respectively). This correspondence of Sim/VO2max indicates that the rat and the iguana have the same cardiac oxidative capacity at the maximum oxygen delivery rate. These results suggest that, despite the differences between the cardiovascular systems of these species, the cardiac cost of delivering oxygen at the aerobic capacity is similar in this mammal and this reptile.
3.86-MeV Level in F 17

Analysis of data on the radiative capture O/sup 16/(p, )F/sup 17/ shows the 3.86-Mev state in F/sup 17/ to have J/sup ceramic materia / = 5/2/sup - / with very small radiation and particle widths. Angular distributions, pulse- height spectra, and differential yields for the reaction were determined by bombarding Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ with a 10 amp proton beam. The lowest f/sub 7/2/ level also now appears to lie at 5.7 Mev in O/sup 17/ and F/sup 17/. (D.C.W.)
Bode plot analysis of linear discrete-time systems

The equivalent continuous-time transfer function H(z)|_{z=e}^{j\omegaT} of a linear discrete-time system may be evaluated using standard Bode plot techniques. The utility of these techniques is extended in this paper through a frequency-scale warping of the Bode plot and a mapping from the z plane to polar coordinates (rather than the more commonly used Cartesian coordinates) in the w plane. These graphical techniques may also be used in the preliminary synthesis of a desired transfer function. Examples are included to illustrate the use of these techniques.
From cuneiform to digital text encodings

Purpose – This column aims to examine the role of text encoding, specifically Unicode, in modern digital library applications. It also seeks to examine the technical aspects of Unicode and how they impact those applications.Design/methodology/approach – This column is simply exploratory, and examines issues regarding Unicode, text encoding in general, and what librarians should be aware of concerning technical aspects of the Unicode standard.Findings – The paper finds that Unicode is the bedrock of all metadata in modern digital library applications. An awareness of how to identify and perform conversions on that data is critical to the support of these applications. Many aspects of functionality in forthcoming information resource tools will rely upon a familiarity with the technical aspects of Unicode.Originality/value – This column explains the salient technical features of Unicode for those who may not be familiar with its inner workings. It also takes into account the impact text encoding has on the ...
Bibliographic coupling between scientific papers

This report describes the results of automatic processing of a large number of scientific papers according to a rigorously defined criterion of coupling. The population of papers under study was ordered into groups that satisfy the stated criterion of interrelation. An examination of the papers that constitute the groups shows a high degree of logical correlation.
Mutant prion protein D202N associated with familial prion disease is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and forms ‘curly’ intracellular aggregates

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of humans and animals that are familial, sporadic, and infectious in nature. Familial disorders of humans include Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease (GSS), familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and fatal familial insomnia, and result from point mutations in the prion protein gene. Although neurotoxicity in familial cases is believed to result from a spontaneous change in conformation of mutant prion protein (PrP) to the pathogenic PrP-scrapie (PrPSc) form, emerging evidence indicates otherwise. We have investigated the processing and metabolism of mutant PrP D202N (PrP202N) in cell models to elucidate possible mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In this report, we demonstrate that PrP202N expressed in human neuroblastoma cells fails to achieve a mature conformation following synthesis and accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum as 'curly' aggregates. In addition, PrP202N cells show increased sensitivity to free radicals, indicating that neuronal susceptibility to oxidative damage may account for the neurotoxicity observed in cases of GSS resulting from PrP D202N mutation.
Electronic structure of hydrogen-based impurity complexes in crystalline germanium

Hydrogen in association with other impurities (C, Si, or O) in pure crystalline germanium forms electrically active, shallow carrier centers. The charge states in the vicinity of these centers are studied in a Bethe-cluster approach with a minimal basis. The important electron-electron repulsion in the neighborhood of the H site is included. The observed charge states, both for acceptors (C and Si) and donors (O) are associated with double occupation of the H-site orbital. Physical mechanisms favoring double occupancy are discussed. Results are compatible with the systematics of the observed results.
Azide-reactive liposome for chemoselective and biocompatible liposomal surface functionalization and glyco-liposomal microarray fabrication.

Chemically selective liposomal surface functionalization and liposomal microarray fabrication using azide-reactive liposomes are described. First, liposome carrying PEG-triphenylphosphine was prepa...
Tomographic imaging with ultra-wideband noise radar using time-domain data

This paper investigates the feasibility of using a noise waveform in an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar system for two-dimensional tomographic imaging of a stationary object with a multistatic tomographic geometry. Multiple UWB transmitters and receivers are positioned along each side of the imaging area. We perform several numerical simulations in time-domain, and the successful imaging of the target is achieved by visual inspection of the formed images.
The Functions of Symbolic Racism

Symbolic racism (SR) has attracted critique and controversy. One controversy that has remained unresolved is the function of SR. SR theorists suggest that SR originates from Black individualism and represents a new form of racism. Others suggest that SR originates in opposition to equality and serves to legitimize these socially inappropriate attitudes. The current paper argues that SR can arise from both Black individualism and anti-equality attitudes, thus serving both as a new expression of racism but also as a legitimizing ideology. A preliminary test of this hybrid model was examined with survey data from a community and university sample. Results suggest that a hybrid model of the underpinnings of SR explains more variance in SR than either the Black individualism or legitimizing ideology models. Furthermore, SR mediated the relationships between both anti-equality attitudes and Black individualism on opposition to affirmative action policy and diversity in work and education settings.
Context specification for text recognition in forms

The use of contextual information has been shown to improve the accuracy of text recognition. Methods for describing the graphical and textual contexts inherent in forms are presented. Graphical context derived from an empty form is used for improved segmentation. Since fields on forms often have a very limited number of acceptable responses (ie. sex marital status etc. ) context is also used to limit the scope of the classifier based on field type location or content. Fields on forms also exhibit known spatial interrelationships as well as contextual inter-dependencies which provide a natural set of mutual constraints for field-specific classifiers.
Enhancing Criminal Justice and Criminology Programs: The Precarious Balance of Pedagogy and Content Knowledge

A 1991 article in The Criminologist raises questions about what the needs may be in graduate criminal Justice and criminology education. The article, however, failed to discuss teaching skills and faculty diversity among instructors in existing programs. Since the publication of that article, there has remained a dearth of consideration of these timely areas. criminal Justice and criminology as cognate emerging disciplines have begun to develop solid stands deeply rooted in multiple parent disciplines. The current article considers whether or not people educated in these diverse disciplines, who possess different levels of practical experience, offer similar kinds of content knowledge to their students. Also considered are different pedagogical approaches used in criminal Justice and Criminological programs. As well, this paper examines how administrations might encourage faculty to upgrade both their content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
On roulette when the holes are of various sizes

For the usual goal problems, even if the holes on a roulette table are of various sizes and give different odds, there is no advantage in placing a positive stake on more than one hole on any particular spin.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients with Hickman catheters.

Abstract purpose: Determination of outcome and prognostic variables associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients with Hickman catheters. patients and methods: At the University of Washington Medical Center, 37 patients with Hickman catheters and S. aureus bacteremia were studied by retrospective chart review. Clinical features associated with each episode of infection were determined, and the relationships among clinical features, therapy, and outcomes were explored. results: Only 18% of all Hickman catheter-associated S. aureus bacteremias and only 10% of those cases with exit site infections were cured without catheter removal. In seven of41 episodes (17%), death or bacteremic relapse occurred. The best prognosis was found in infections with a low blood culture colony count (less than 1 colony/mL). conclusion: Hickman catheter-associated bacteremia due to S. aureus has a worse prognosis than other Hickman catheter-associated bacteremias. Early catheter removal should be considered except in cases with a remote, noncatheter focus of infection or in infections with no catheter-related physical signs and blood culture colony counts of less than 1/mL.
Relationship between missed care and urinary tract infections in nursing homes

The aim of this study was to describe the frequencies and types of missed nursing care in nursing homes, and to determine the relationship between missed care and the incidence of UTI among nursing home residents. A secondary data analysis was conducted including New Jersey nurse survey data and data from Nursing Home Compare. The data included responses from 340 direct-care RNs from 63 nursing homes. Nearly one half of nurses reported missing at least one necessary care activity during their last shift. Of the 12 categories or types of reported missed care activities, seven categories of missed care were significantly correlated with UTI. Regression analysis indicated that failure to administer medications on time and failure to provide adequate patient surveillance explained 40% of the variance in the percent of residents with UTI in this sample.
Component Analysis of Simple Span vs. Complex Span Adaptive Working Memory Exercises: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

There has been growing interest in using adaptive training interventions such as Cogmed-RM to increase the capacity of working memory (WM), but this intervention may not be optimally designed. For instance, Cogmed-RM can target the primary memory (PM) component of WM capacity, but not the secondary memory (SM) component. The present study hypothesized that Cogmed-RM does not target SM capacity because the simple span exercises it uses may not cause a sufficient amount of information to be lost from PM during training. To investigate, we randomly assigned participants to either a standard (simple span; N = 31) or a modified (complex span; N = 30) training condition. The main findings showed that SM capacity did not improve, even in the modified training condition. Hence, the potency of span-based WM interventions cannot be increased simply by converting simple span exercises into complex span exercises.
MDM2 binding protein, a novel metastasis suppressor

MDM2 binding protein (MTBP) is a protein that interacts with oncoprotein murine double minute (MDM2), a major inhibitor of the tumor suppressor p53. Overexpression of MTBP leads to p53-independent cell proliferation arrest, which is in turn blocked by simultaneous overexpression of MDM2. Importantly, reduced expression of MTBP in mice increases tumor metastasis and enhances migratory potential of mouse embryonic fibroblasts regardless of the presence of p53. Clinically, loss of MTBP expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with reduced patient survival, and is shown to serve as an independent prognostic factor when p53 is mutated in tumors. These results indicate the involvement of MTBP in suppressing tumor progression. Our recent findings demonstrate that overexpression of MTBP in human osteosarcoma cells lacking wild-type p53 inhibits metastasis, but not primary tumor growth, when cells are transplanted in femurs of immunocompromised mice. These data indicate that MTBP functions as a metastasis suppressor independent of p53 status. Furthermore, overexpression of MTBP suppresses cell migration and filopodia formation, in part, by inhibiting function of an actin crosslinking protein α-actinin-4. Thus, increasing evidence indicates the significance of MTBP in tumor progression. We summarize published results related to MTBP function and discuss caveats and future directions in this review article.
Tailored Carbon Nanotubes for Tissue Engineering Applications

A decade of aggressive researches on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has paved way for extending these unique nanomaterials into a wide range of applications. In the relatively new arena of nanobiotechnology, a vast majority of applications are based on CNTs, ranging from miniaturized biosensors to organ regeneration. Nevertheless, the complexity of biological systems poses a significant challenge in developing CNT-based tissue engineering applications. This review focuses on the recent developments of CNT-based tissue engineering, where the interaction between living cells/tissues and the nanotubes have been transformed into a variety of novel techniques. This integration has already resulted in a revaluation of tissue engineering and organ regeneration techniques. Some of the new treatments that were not possible previously become reachable now. Because of the advent of surface chemistry, the CNT’s biocompatibility has been significantly improved, making it possible to serve as tissue scaffolding materials to enhance the organ regeneration. The superior mechanic strength and chemical inert also makes it ideal for blood compatible applications, especially for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The applications of CNTs in these cardiovascular surgeries led to a remarkable improvement in mechanical strength of implanted catheters and reduced thrombogenecity after surgery. Moreover, the functionalized CNTs have been extensively explored for in vivo targeted drug or gene delivery, which could potentially improve the efficiency of many cancer treatments. However, just like other nanomaterials, the cytotoxicity of CNTs has not been well established. Hence, more extensive cytotoxic studies are warranted while converting the hydrophobic CNTs into biocompatible nanomaterials.
Analysis of handover failures in HetNets with layer-3 filtering

Handover is one of the most critical functions in a cellular network and it supports the mobility of user equipments (UEs) across multiple cells. It is usually based on signal measurements from candidate base stations and filtering the signal measurements becomes necessary due to channel imperfections. In LTE, handover measurements are filtered using layer 3 (L3) filters in the UE, whereby the UE checks for the handover entry condition at discrete sampling instants of the L3 filter. The selection of sampling period becomes crucial in improving the handover performance of the network. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the trade-offs related to the sampling period of an L3 filter. The goal of this paper is to derive the handover failure (HF) expression as a function of L3 sampling periods in LTE. A geometric handover model is used for derivations and all analytical expressions are verified through simulations.
Application of fluorescence spectroscopy for monitoring changes in nonfat dry milk during storage.

The objective of this study was to determine if fluorescence spectroscopy could be used to characterize the biochemical characteristics of nonfat dry milk (NDM) caused by manufacturing and storage conditions. Nine low-heat NDM samples were collected from 3 manufacturers and stored at 4 temperatures (4, 22, 35, and 50°C) for 8 wk. The spectra of Maillard products, tryptophan, and riboflavin were recorded and analyzed with principal components analysis. Colorimetric indices L*, a*, and b* were also determined. The before-storage NDM samples collected from each manufacturer had different fluorescent characteristics. Inconsistency was observed for the NDM samples collected from 1 manufacturer, whereas the samples from the other 2 manufacturers displayed consistent fluorescence characteristics. Biochemical reactions, such as Maillard reaction, modification of the tryptophan environment, and degradation of riboflavin occurred during the manufacturing process. For each of the data collections, discrimination of the NDM samples stored at 50°C from the samples stored at 4, 22, and 35°C was observed in the similarity maps. The factor loadings of the first 2 principal components for the fluorescence spectra of the samples before storage were similar to the principal components analysis results of the samples during storage. It appears that similar factors are responsible for the variation in the samples before storage and their changes during storage. Additionally, storage of the samples at 50°C accelerated these reactions. The results demonstrate that front-face fluorescence spectroscopy, coupled with multivariate statistical methods, can be utilized as an analytical technique to monitor variation in NDM samples from different manufacturers and changes during storage.
Positive messaging promotes walking in older adults.

Walking is among the most cost-effective and accessible means of exercise. Mounting evidence suggests that walking may help to maintain physical and cognitive independence in old age by preventing a variety of health problems. However, older Americans fall far short of meeting the daily recommendations for walking. In 2 studies, we examined whether considering older adults' preferential attention to positive information may effectively enhance interventions aimed at promoting walking. In Study 1, we compared the effectiveness of positive, negative, and neutral messages to encourage walking (as measured with pedometers). Older adults who were informed about the benefits of walking walked more than those who were informed about the negative consequences of failing to walk, whereas younger adults were unaffected by framing valence. In Study 2, we examined within-person change in walking in older adults in response to positively- or negatively-framed messages over a 28-day period. Once again, positively-framed messages more effectively promoted walking than negatively-framed messages, and the effect was sustained across the intervention period. Together, these studies suggest that consideration of age-related changes in preferences for positive and negative information may inform the design of effective interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. Future research is needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the greater effectiveness of positively- as opposed to negatively-framed messages and the generalizability of findings to other intervention targets and other subpopulations of older adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Nature of Interactions between PEO-PPO-PEO Triblock Copolymers and Lipid Membranes: (I) Effect of Polymer Hydrophobicity on Its Ability to Protect Liposomes from Peroxidation

PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers have opposing effects on lipid membrane integrity: they can behave either as membrane sealants or as membrane permeabilizers. To gain insights into their biomembrane activities, the fundamental interactions between a series of PEO-based polymers and phospholipid vesicles were investigated. Specifically, the effect of copolymer hydrophobicity on its ability to prevent liposomes from peroxidation was evaluated, and partitioning free energy and coefficient involved in the interactions were derived. Our results show that the high degree of hydrophilicity is a key feature of the copolymers that can effectively protect liposomes from peroxidation and the protective effect of the copolymers stems from their adsorption at the membrane surface without penetrating into the bilayer core. The origin of this protective effect induced by polymer absorption is attributed to the retardation of membrane hydration dynamics, which is further illustrated in the accompanying study on dynamic nu...
From Innocence to Inquiry: A Social Reproduction Framework

Prospects for reform in teacher educa tion are limited by prevailing views of the function of schooling. The authors argue that the concept of education as social reproduction illuminates prac tice...
First Report of Powdery Mildew of Mahonia aquifolium Caused by Microsphaera berberidis (Erysiphe berberidis) in North America

Mahonia aquifolium is a widely-grown plant in the coastal Pacific Northwest. This report documents for the first time a powdery mildew on M. aquifolium in North America caused by a fungus fitting t...
Atmospheric turbulence effects on 3rd generation FLIR performance

Previous analysis of ground-to-ground 3rd Generation FLIR performance (Driggers, et al1) showed two main performance characteristics of the 3rd Gen sensor's MWIR and LWIR bands: first, that no major differences in detection range were observed between the two bands, and second, that a significant ID range advantage for the MWIR band over the LWIR band resulted from the smaller diffraction spot of the shorter wavelength MWIR. That analysis predicted performance for a variety of atmospheric transmittances but only at a single, relatively low value of atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, analysis of the effect of varying turbulence shows that increased turbulence decreases the ID range performance of the MWIR relative to the LWIR, and that at high turbulence values the two bands have roughly equivalent performance. Further, the LWIR band actually surpasses the ID range performance of MWIR at high turbulence for some systems. Frequency of occurrence data collected in multiple environments shows a predominance of moderate to high turbulence conditions in the real world. The superior ID range performance of the MWIR is thus achievable only under limited real-world conditions, and the LWIR can surpass the performance of the MWIR in significant scenarios (desert, day). For maximum performance under a variety of conditions the dual band capability of 3rd Gen FLIR systems is thus required.
Sensitivity of drosophila melanogaster to low concentrations of gaseous mutagens: III. Dose‐rate effects

Sex-linked recessive lethal mutations were induced in D melanogaster males by chronic as well as acute treatments of gaseous 1,2-dibromoethane ranging from 2.3 to 31 ppm.hr. Acute treatments corresponding to each chronic treatment were made by increasing chemical concentration approximately 30 times with a concomittant decrease in exposure period. Germ cell stages sampled, in order of decreasing sensitivity, were spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The most significant finding is that no consistent pattern of difference is observed between acute and chronic exposure for three of the four exposure levels. Only at the highest exposure level (30-31 ppm.hr) was any consistent difference observed between chronic and acute exposure levels. At the higher exposure level in all three germ cell stages the acute exposure showed a significant increase in mutation frequency over the chronic exposure. The greater acute vs chronic mutation frequency for spermatozoa, a metabolically inactive cell stage, leads to the conclusion that the exposure rate effect at high exposure levels is due to systemic factors such as metabolic deactivation or elimination rather than repair of premutational damage in the target cells. The significance of these observations in risk assessment for environmental pollutants is discussed.
Kinetic and stereochemical studies on novel inactivators of C-terminal amidation.

C-terminal amidation, a required post-translational modification for the bioactivation of many neuropeptides, entails sequential enzymic action by peptidylglycine alpha-mono-oxygenase (PAM, EC 1.14.17.3) and peptidylamidoglycolate lyase (PGL, EC 4.3.2.5). Here we introduce novel compounds in which an olefinic functionality is incorporated into peptide analogues as the most potent turnover-dependent inactivators of PAM. Kinetic parameters for PAM inactivation by 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-phenyl-hex-2-enoic acid and 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid were obtained by using both the conventional dilution assay method and the more complex progress curve method. The results obtained from the progress curve method establish that these compounds exhibit the kinetic characteristics of pure competitive inactivators (i.e. no ESI complex forms during inactivation). On the basis of k(inact)/K(i) values, 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid is almost two orders of magnitude more potent than benzoylacrylate, a chemically analogous olefinic inactivator that lacks the peptide moiety. Stereochemical studies established that PAM inactivation by 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid is stereospecific with respect to the moiety at the P(2) position, which is consistent with previous results with substrates and reversible inhibitors. In contrast, 2, 4-dioxo-5-acetamido-6-phenylhexanoic acid, which is a competitive inhibitor with respect to ascorbate, exhibits a low degree of stereospecificity in binding to the ascorbate sites of both PAM and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase.
Development of thermoplastic–photoconductor tape for optical recording

We report in this paper the continuous coating of the thermoplastic–photoconductor medium on a transparent polyester tape base for holographic optical data recording. The tape performance is evaluated in a moving transport at speeds up to 15 ips (38.1 cm/sec). Uniform diffraction efficiencies for both 2-D and 1-D holograms have been demonstrated. Furthermore, we have recorded complex 1-D holograms on the moving tape with high quality readout, and we have also made complex spatial filters on the tape which produce good correlation results in a coherent optical data processor. Numerous material factors affecting the performance of the tape in a moving tape system have been defined and investigated. Factors such as coating uniformity, electrode reflectivity, photoconductor reciprocity, the pressure endurance of the surface relief, and the tape noise are singled out for discussion in this paper.
A model of initial flaw sizes in aluminum alloys

It has been shown in a previous study that cracked constituent particles constitute the majority of the observed fatigue crack nucleation sites in several aircraft aluminum alloys. Distributions of these particle sizes may be modeled as initial crack sizes and used to predict fatigue life. Lognormal distributions have been fit to the measured lengths and widths of the constituent particles for 2024-T3, 2524-T3, and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys. Choleski decomposition was used to generate pairs of crack width and depth, resulting in a theoretical initial semi-elliptical crack size. The resulting distribution can be used to predict fatigue life distributions.
TH‐E‐211‐11: Conceptus Doses in Abdominal/pelvic CT at An Academic Medical Center

Purpose:To quantify conceptus doses to patients identified as being pregnant and subsequently undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT examinations at an Academic Medical Center. Method:Data in our Radiology Information Service (Image Cast) were reviewed to select all patients in 2010 who had been identified by the referring clinician as being pregnant, and who also underwent a single abdominal/pelvic CT scan.Images on each patient were reviewed on our PACS system to obtain information on the radiation used to perform the scan (CTDIvol and DLP), patient size (AP dimension), as well as the scanned anatomical region and scan length. Conceptus doses were obtained taking into account the amount of radiation used to perform the exam (CTDIvol), the scan length relative to the uterus, and patient size (AP dimension). Results: A total of 37 patients were identified who had a mean age of 28 ± 9 and a mean AP dimension of 27 ± 5 cm. The CTDIvol used to perform these scans increased with increasing patient size (r,2, = 0.26), from an average of 16 mGy in patients with an AP of 21 cm to 29 mGy in patients with an AP of 34 cm. The average scan length was 44 ± 8 cm, and compared to an infinitely long scan resulted in an average uterus/conceptus dose reduction of 4%. The median conceptus dose was 22 mGy, with a 10th percentile value of 11 mGy and a 90th percentile value of 32 mGy. There was negligible correlation (r,2,= 0.02) of conceptus dose with patient AP dimension, showing that the increased CTDIvol used with larger patients was balanced by a corresponding dose reduction in larger patients. Conclusions: The average conceptus dose to identified pregnant patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT scans was 22 ± 9 mGy.
A high-order method for heat transfer in a fluid between concentric rotating spheres

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present an improved approximation technique to obtain the numerical solution of a class of Navier-Stokes equations. The particular problem under study is that of the flow of a viscous incompressible fluid, with heat transfer, between concentric rotating spheres. This involves the solution of four PDEs. The application of a new technique to the rotating spheres problem is appropriate for several reasons. First, researchers in numerical analysis and fluid dynamics are always interested in numerical techniques that are accurate and stable for a wide range of parameters. Secondly, fluid motion inside rotating containers has a wide variety of applications in engineering, such as the study of gyroscopes and centrifuges. Applications also arise in geophysics, where atmospheric and oceanic circulations are studied. The spherical geometry approach was chosen because of its applications and because the Navier-Stokes equations, written in spherical co-ordinates, are a particularly difficult set of PDEs to solve, and represent a good benchmark for numerical techniques. Many papers have been written on the numerical solution of steady, viscious, incompressible flow between two rotating spheres. However, these papers have either been based only on first-order methods or have produced results only for small Re. In this paper we will present a second-order method which converges for both large and small Re and Pr. This technique allows us to generate more accurate solutions with larger Re than has been possible with other methods. This problem, with heat transfer, has been studied in only one other paper, and only for very small Re. We present results for Re up to 2500, and Pr from 0.01 to 100.0.
Evidence for group A-related M protein genes in human but not animal-associated group G streptococcal pathogens.

Abstract Group G streptococci have on their surface antiphagocytic M protein-like antigens. To determine if these organisms have genes similar to the M protein genes of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A), DNA from independent group G isolates of human and animal origin were tested for homology to probes representing sequences encoding the carboxy-terminus and leader peptide of the type 12 M protein (M12) of group A streptococci. All eight humanassociated group G strains tested had DNA homologous to the carboxy-terminal probe. Six of these strains also had DNA that hybridized with the leader peptide probe. Using probes representing the group A M12 gene ( emm 12) and adjacent 5′ sequences, we found that one of these strains, known to produce an M12 antigen, had a nearly complete duplication of the group A emm 12 gene, differing only in 0.26 kb of sequence at the 5′ end. The other human-associated strains did not hybridize with emm12 -specific sequences. None of the group G strains had homology to 5′ proximal sequences thought to be associated with group A emm 12 regulation, but all the human-associated strains had DNA homology to a 1.5 kb DNA segment which mapped 2.5 kb upstream of the emm 12 gene in group A streptococci. None of the twelve animal-associated strains tested hybridized with any of the probes used in this study. These results suggest that human but not animal-associated group G isolates have group A-related M protein genes. We propose that expression of these genes are critical for infection of the human host and that group A and G shared upstream sequences could encode additional virulence factors.
HOMOGENEOUS METAGALACTIC ORIGIN OF COSMIC RAYS.

Starting with the hypothesis that cosmic rays are evenly distributed in the metagalaxy, it is shown that the flux of the electron-positron component, which is produced through π-μ-e decays, following the nuclear collisions of the cosmic ray beam with the intergalactic medium, takes <-4×1016 sec to reach steady state. The corresponding value of the flux of thepositron component and its implications regarding the homogeneous model of the metagalactic origin of cosmic rays are discussed.
Derivatives of [3H]serotonin in organ cultures of hamster pineal gland

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of the hamster pineal gland in organ culture and to test the effect of norepinephrine (NE) on [3H]serotonin derivatives. In this study, elevated levels of melatonin (7-fold, p<.05), 5-hydroxytrytophol (5-fold, p<.001), 5-methoxytryptophol (1.78-fold, p<.05), and depressed levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (3.8-fold, p<.02) and methoxyindoleacetic acid (1.78-fold, p<.05) were detected in the glands following the addition of NE to the medium. In a separate experiment, melatonin concentration in the media was also periodically measured by radioimmunoassay to determine the viability of the organ culture over a four-day period. The melatonin level on day 2 (2321 ± 106 pg/gland) was significantly higher (p<0.01) than on day 3 (1542 ± 86 pg/gland) or day 4 (805 ± 39 pg/gland). The results of these experiments verify the viability of the hamster pineal organ culture and show that the gland responds to NE in vitro.