cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retrotransposition of the Ll.LtrB group II intron proceeds predominantly via reverse splicing into DNA targets

Catalytic group II introns are mobile retroelements that invade cognate intronless genes via retrohoming, where the introns reverse splice into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) targets. They can also retrotranspose to ectopic sites at low frequencies. Whereas our previous studies with a bacterial intron, Ll.LtrB, supported frequent use of RNA targets during retrotransposition, recent experiments with a retrotransposition indicator gene indicate that DNA, rather than RNA, is a prominent target, with both dsDNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as possibilities. Thus retrotransposition occurs in both transcriptional sense and antisense orientations of target genes, and is largely independent of homologous DNA recombination and of the endonuclease function of the intron-encoded protein, LtrA. Models based on both dsDNA and ssDNA targeting are presented. Interestingly, retrotransposition is biased toward the template for lagging-strand DNA synthesis, which suggests the possibility of the replication folk as a source of ssDNA. Consistent with some use of ssDNA targets, many retrotransposition sites lack nucleotides critical for the unwinding of target duplex DNA. Moreover, in vitro the intron reverse spliced into ssDNA more efficiently than dsDNA substrates for some of the retrotransposition sites. Furthermore, many bacterial group II introns reside on the lagging-strand template, hinting at a role for DNA replication in intron dispersal in nature.
Studies on Cytochrome Oxidase V. FACTORS AFFECTING THE OPTICAL ROTATORY DISPERSION OF HEMATIN a

Abstract The optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) of the oxidized, reduced, and CO-reduced hematin a were affected by sodium chloride, pH of the medium, Emasol-1130, organic solvents, and pyridine in aqueous phosphate buffer. Increased concentration of NaCl transformed the ORD of hematin a from type I to type II; this effect paralleled the induced aggregation observed for NaCl. The ORD profile as a function of pH likewise indicated formation of larger aggregates as the pH was lowered. At pH 5.9, the ORD of all the three forms resembled that of type II. In the pH range of 8.5 to 11.5, the ORD of hematin a showed three isorotatory points: 431, 358, and 312 mµ; the dispersion curves for all the three forms did not vary significantly in this pH region. Organic solvents abolished the optical activity of hematin a. However, in the presence of a small amount of pyridine (0.01 to 0.75 m), heme a in aqueous medium not only showed a distinct hemochrome type spectrum with absorption maxima at 589 mµ and 442 mµ, but also exhibited anomalous optical rotations in both of the absorption regions. The Soret-Cotton effect exhibited a peak at 447.5 mµ and troughs at 425 and 480 mµ, respectively. The amplitude was 290,000 ± 30,000°. The corresponding circular dichroic spectrum showed a positive peak at 437.5 mµ and negative peaks at 410 and 460 mµ, respectively. The optical rotation under these conditions was still somewhat dependent on concentration; extrapolation to zero concentration gave a molar rotation of about 280,000°. Ultracentrifuge experiments did not detect any sedimenting species; i.e. the sedimentation coefficient was less than 0.8 S. Therefore, heme a existed in a much smaller aggregated form approaching the monomeric state. It is suggested that, under these conditions, the observed ORD in the presence of a limited amount of pyridine is a reflection of the stereochemistry and conformation of the molecule with heme-iron as the center of dissymmetry.
Using CAD/CAM to improve productivity - The IPAD approach

Progress in designing and implementing CAD/CAM systems as a result of the NASA Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design is discussed. Essential software packages have been identified as executive, data management, general user, and geometry and graphics software. Data communication, as a means to integrate data over a network of computers of different vendors, provides data management with the capability of meeting design and manufacturing requirements of the vendors. Geometry software is dependent on developmental success with solid geometry software, which is necessary for continual measurements of, for example, a block of metal while it is being machined. Applications in the aerospace industry, such as for design, analysis, tooling, testing, quality control, etc., are outlined.
The effect of intrinsic capacitance degradation on circuit performance

The effects of intrinsic capacitance degradation in deep submicron CMOS technology are investigated. This investigation shows that: the measured C/sub gd/ decreases while C/sub gs/ increases during the accelerated hot-carrier stress with V/sub ds//spl Gt/V/sub gs/>V/sub th/; the simulated degraded circuit performance is improved by inclusion of C/sub gd/ degradation over just including I/sub dsat/ degradation; the inclusion of intrinsic capacitance degradation into performance analysis may be critical to the derivation of realistic hot-carrier reliability evaluation.
ASSESSING BEGINNING SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELING STUDENTS' ACCEPTANCE OF LESBIANS AND GAY MEN

This study investigated the acceptance of lesbians and gay men among master’s-level social work and counseling students at the onset of their academic programs. Findings show that a small minority (6.5%, n = 184) of the 2,837 respondents expressed intolerant attitudes and that predictors of acceptance included religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, and academic degree sought by the student. Attitudes for which at least 15% of the sample expressed negativity are identified and used to suggest teaching strategies that not only help students accept gay and lesbian clients, but also provide further education for practice with this population.
Improvability properties of closed transfer lines

In many practical applications, serial production lines are closed with respect to the fixed number of pallets on which the workpieces are transported from one operation to another. Such closed lines are found, for instance, in automotive assembly operations. Unlike the open lines, where the first and last machines are never starved and blocked, respectively, the closed lines may have the first machine starved and the last machine blocked due to the lack or the excess of empty pallets. The question arises, how should the number of pallets be chosen so that the production rate is maximized? It is shown in this paper that a closed transfer line is unimprovable with respect to the number of pallets if the difference between the probabilities of the first machine starvation and the last machine blockage is minimized. Being easily observable on the factory floor, this improvability indicator could be used as a guide for continuous improvement processes. >
Geographic Proximity and Racial Disparities in Cancer Clinical Trial Participation

This study assessed the effects of race and place of residence on clinical trial participation by patients seen at a designated NCI comprehensive cancer center. Clinical trial accrual to cancer case ratios were evaluated using a database of residents at the continental United States seen at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins from 2005 to 2007. Place of residence was categorized into 3 nonoverlapping geographic areas: Baltimore City, non-Baltimore City catchment area, and non-catchment area. Controlling for age, sex, county poverty level, and cancer site, significant race and place of residence differences were seen in therapeutic or nontherapeutic clinical trials participation. White non-Baltimore City catchment area residents, the designated reference group, achieved the highest participation rate. Although the test of interaction (control group compared with all others) was not significant, some race-geographic area group differences were detected. In therapeutic trials, most race-place of residence group levels were statistically lower and different from reference; in nontherapeutic trials, race-specific Baltimore City groups participated at levels similar to reference. Baltimore City residents had lower participation rates only in therapeutic trials, irrespective of race. County poverty level was not significant but was retained as a confounder. Place of residence and race were found to be significant predictors of participation in therapeutic and nontherapeutic clinical trials, although patterns differed somewhat between therapeutic and nontherapeutic trials. Clinical trial accruals are not uniform across age, sex, race, place of residence, cancer site, or trial type, underscoring that cancer centers must better understand their source patients to enhance clinical trial participation.
Munchausen's syndrome presenting as severe panniculitis.

Summary Factitious disorders may trouble any physician during his/her career. A considerable number of cases of Munchausen's syndrome (self-induced disorder) are misdiagnosed in clinical practice. A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever and abdominal pain. Physical examination showed signs of inflammation of the abdominal wall, and histological examination revealed severe panniculitis. We investigated various aetiologic factors that could probably be related to fat necrosis, but we found no explanation of the phenomenon until we verified the diagnosis of Munchausen's syndrome. 2 years later, the patient underwent surgery for removal of needles, which she herself had deliberately located under her skin. High index of suspicion and physician's persistence are necessary to make the correct diagnosis in the various protean manifestations of Munchausen's syndrome.
Topographic organization of cortical inputs to the lateral nucleus of the macaque monkey amygdala: a retrograde tracing study.

The objective of this study was to identify cortical areas that project to the lateral nucleus of the macaque monkey amygdaloid complex. Discrete injections of the fluorescent retrograde tracers Fast blue and Diamidino yellow were placed into different locations within the lateral nucleus. Retrogradely labeled cells were mapped using a computer-aided digitizing system. In the frontal cortex, low numbers of retrogradely labeled cells were observed in medial and orbitofrontal regions (areas 10, 11, 12, 13, 13a, and 14). In the anterior cingulate cortex, low to moderate numbers of retrogradely labeled cells were located in areas 25, 24, and 32. In the insula, there were moderate to high numbers of retrogradely labeled cells in agranular and dysgranular regions. The parainsula cortex also demonstrated a moderate to high number of retrogradely labeled cells. In the temporal lobe, retrogradely labeled cells were most numerous in the rostral (polar) portion of the perirhinal cortex. Large numbers of labeled cells were also located throughout more caudal portions of the perirhinal regions as well as in the entorhinal cortex, area TE, and the superior temporal gyrus. Fewer retrogradely labeled cells were observed in the cortex along the dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus, in the parahippocampal cortex, and in area TEO. Although retrograde tracers can provide only limited evidence for topography, we nonetheless noted that the density of retrogradely labeled cells in a cortical area reliably depended on the location of the tracer injection in the lateral nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:52–79, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The class C acid phosphatase of Helicobacter pylori is a 5′ nucleotidase

The results from purification and characterization studies of the hppA gene product of Helicobacter pylori confirm its identification as a class C acid phosphatase. The hppA gene of H. pylori ATCC strain 49503 was amplified and modified by PCR, cloned into pET21b, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was liberated from membranes and purified (16x) to apparent homogeneity with cation exchange and Ni-chelate chromatography resulting in a recovery of 39% of total starting activity. The recombinant acid phosphatase exhibited a denatured molecular mass of 24 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Phosphatase activity in both crude and purified samples could be renatured and detected after SDS-PAGE. The native molecular mass of recombinant enzyme was approximately 72 kDa by gel filtration chromatography on Superdex 75. While phosphate and tartrate had little effect on phosphatase activity, molybdate, vanadate, and EDTA had significant inhibitory effects on enzymatic activity. Phosphomonoesterase activity for hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) as well as other substrates was enhanced in the presence of divalent cations including Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), and Mg(2+). Recombinant HppA had narrow substrate specificity with highest activity for arylphosphates and significant activity for 5' nucleoside monophosphates. The pH optimum for enzyme activity was 4.6 and 5.2 for purine and pyrimidine 5' monophosphates, respectively. The affinity constants for the 5' nucleoside monophosphates were found to be 0.5-1 mM. Results from this study confirm HppA inclusion in the class C acid phosphatases and led to its identification as a 5' nucleotidase.
Suboptimal real-time frequency/incident-angle estimator for multiple radar pulses

A method is presented that provides numerical estimates of properly paired frequency and incident angles for an arbitrary number of sinusoidal radar pulses incident on a linear array. The key element of the method is a two-stage suboptimal technique that estimates the angle of arrival of a pulse by using the output of two antenna elements and a previously calculated value of paired frequency. A method of extending the two-element method to multiple elements, by using a noise protected modification of the Chinese remainder theorem (CRT) is also advanced. Owing to its simplicity, the algorithm is appropriate to real-time processing.
Resonance Raman scattering from the primary electron donor in photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

ABSTRACT The general characteristics of the resonance Raman (RR) scattering fromthe photophysically important, near-infrared absorption band of the primaryelectron donor (P) in photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) are discussedwithin the context of spectra recently reported for RCs from Rhodobactersphaeroides wild-type strain 2.4.1. The observed RR intensity enhancement patterns of the low—frequency modes are compared with those expected for various excited-state displacements. The influence of multimode scatteringand vibrational lifetime effects is also discussed. 1. INTRODUCTION The X—ray crystal structures recently reported for bacterialphotosynthetic RCs '' provide the starting point for establishing a detaileddescription of the electronic factors that mediate the light—inducedelectron—transfer process.4'5 In this regard, a significant amount of workhas been directed toward the characterization of the properties of theprimary electron donor state (p*), which is an excited state of the specialpair dimer of bacteriochiorophyll (BChl) molecules in RCs.42° The absorption
Contextual factors and other correlates of sexual risk of HIV among African-American crack-abusing women

This study examined differences in contextual factors, substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and comorbid histories between African-American, out-of-treatment, crack-abusing women who had either a single sexual partner or multiple partners. Bivariate analysis indicated that women with multiple partners were more likely than women with a single partner to be homeless, financially dependent, and to have histories of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Women with multiple partners reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and more symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In multiple logistic regression analysis, being unemployed, difficult childhood, and number of days of crack use in the previous 30 days, longer crack runs, and more frequent unprotected fellatio were associated with increased odds of having multiple sexual partners. Being married or living as married was associated with decreased odds of having multiple sexual partners. The importance of assessing contextual and historical factors and implications for future research is discussed.
Thin-Layer Chromatographic Separation of Antipyrine and Its Derivatives

Abstract A convenient thin-layer chromatographic procedure that utilizes neutral solvent systems for the separation of antipyrine, aminopyrine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and 4-nitrosoantipyrine on silica gel adsorbent is reported.
14C in fractions of dissolved organic carbon in ground water

Fundamental information is lacking on the natural dissolved organic carbon in ground water, information both necessary to understand pollutant transport and degradation and pertinent to isotope dating of ground water and reconstructions of groundwater history. Here we report, for the first time, carbon isotope ratios of fractions of natural organic compounds in ground waters iso-lated from the Stripa mine (Sweden) and the Milk River aquifer (Alberta, Canada). High-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight fractions of the organic carbon were characterized and these, along with dissolved inorganic carbon, were analysed for δ13C and 14C. The 14C results suggest that the dissolved organic carbon originates from a combination of soil organic matter and kerogen in the aquifer matrix. The high-molecular-weight fractions show a predominant soil origin, whereas the low-molecular-weight fractions are often strongly influenced by kerogen. In both systems studied, groundwater dating by traditional 14C analyses of the dissolved inorganic carbon is difficult1–3. The 14C activities of the high-molecular-weight fractions, which were identified as fulvic acids, follow trends consistent with 14C dissolved-inorganic-carbon analyses and, in some cases, provide additional information on groundwater age.
Surface Chemistry of Boron-Doped SiO2 CVD: Enhanced Uptake of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate by Hydroxyl Groups Bonded to Boron

Insight into how dopants can enhance deposition rates has been obtained by comparing the reactivities of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS, Si(OCH2CH3)4) with silanol and boranol groups on SiO2. This comparison has direct relevance for boron-doped SiO2 film growth from TEOS and trimethyl borate (TMB, B(OCH3)3) sources since boranols and silanols are expected to be present on the surface during the thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. A silica substrate having coadsorbed deuterated silanols (SiOD) and boranols (BOD) was reacted with TEOS in a cold-wall reactor in the mTorr pressure regime at 1000K. The reactions were followed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The use of deuterated hydroxyls allowed the consumption of hydroxyls by TEOS chemisorption to be distinguished from the concurrent formation of SiOH and BOH that results from TEOS decomposition at this temperature. It was found that TEOS reacts with BOD at twice the rate observed for SiOD, given equivalent concentrations of BOD and SiOD. This demonstrates that hydroxyl groups bonded to boron increase the rate of TEOS chemisorption. In contrast, additional results show that surface ethoxy groups produced by the chemisorption of TEOS decompose at a slower rate in the presence of TMB decomposition products. Possible dependencies on reactor geometries and other deposition conditions may determine which of these two competing effects will control deposition rates. This has significant implications for microelectronics fabrication since the specific dependencies would be expected to affect process reliability. In addition, this may explain (in part) why the rate enhancement effect is not always observed in boron-doped SiO2 CVD processes.
Effect of wall temperature on a supersonic turbulent boundary layer

Measurement of mean flow profiles in a fully developed Mach 3 turbulent boundary layer with negligible pressure gradient is reported. Data were acquired at several streamwise locations for wall-to-total temperature ratios of 0.94, 0.71, and 0.54. The results demonstrate that the velocity defect formulation of the law-of-the-wake, which successfully correlates compressible, adiabatic boundary layers, is also valid for nonadiabatic flows. It is also shown that for adiabatic walls, the linear Crocco relation between total temperature and velocity does not provide a valid test of the nature of the boundary-layer flow for practical cases where the Prandtl number departs from unity. Finally, the turbulent shear stress, mixing length, and eddy viscosity were extracted from the 'time-averaged' conservation equations using the measured mean flow profiles and found to be insensitive to wall temperature. In particular, the latter properties are in good agreement with earlier compressible, adiabatic correlations of turbulent transport properties.
Bulk and Surface Thermoelastic Dissipation in Micro-Hemispherical Shell Resonators

Thermoelastic dissipation (TED) is a fundamental energy loss process, which bears concern in all microelectromechanical resonators. High aspect ratio ( $\boldsymbol {R}/\boldsymbol {h}$ ) 3-D micro-hemispherical shell resonators ( $\mu $ HSRs) have exceptionally low stiffness and are sensitive to dissipation forces both internally and at their surfaces. TED in $\mu $ HSRs originating in the bulk of the shell and near its surfaces due to asperities (roughness) is investigated. Rayleigh’s inextensional solutions for the lowest frequency vibration modes of $\mu $ HSRs in the isothermal quasi-static limit result in zero contributions to energy loss from bulk TED since no volumetric strain is generated in this approximation. After relaxing Rayleigh’s inextensional assumption, perturbational undulations of the shell’s neutral surface are found to cause non-zero bulk TED. The resulting quasi-inextensional vibration modes force the shell into an approximately anti-biaxial strain state, which stretch surface asperities along one axis and compress them along the other, generating thermal flux around the base of each asperity. Closed-form approximate analytical models are developed from the geometrical and material dependencies to predict the quality factor associated with bulk and surface TED, enabling examination of these effects across scale. Fully-coupled thermoelastic finite element models verify the above results. Finally, experimental results from fabricated $\mu $ HSRs are compared with the developed models. [2013-0229]
HST-COS observations of the transiting extrasolar planetary system HD 209458b

We summarize results from deep spectroscopic observations of the HD 209458 planetary system, carried out with the Hubble Space Telescope—Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Orbitally resolved observations are used to show that hot gas emission lines, arising only in the stellar atmosphere, are not variable, while lower ionizations species found in the upper atmosphere of the hot Jupiter HD 209458b absorb stellar photons during transit. For both C II and Si III, we find mean transit attenuation of ∼8%. The firm detection of silicon is in direct conflict with previous low-resolution studies, which we attribute to long-term variability in the system. We also use these observations to search for auroral emission from the planet, detecting a statistically significant emission feature at 1582 A that is consistent with H2 photoexcited by stellar O I photons.
Spatio-temporal errors in land–cover change analysis: implications for accuracy assessment

This research examined the spatial and temporal patterns of error in time-series classified maps as a first step to creating a model to propagate error in post-classification change analysis. Two Landsat images were acquired for Pittsfield Township, MI, USA, classified, and overlaid to produce a map of change. Error variables were created for the classified maps. Hypotheses were proposed describing the spatial and temporal structures of error in the classified maps, and evaluated using geostatistics and point pattern analysis. Results showed that the spatial error structure for all three classified maps was composed of both a small-scale, local error interactions, and a large-scale trend. Errors in the individual land-cover LC maps interacted as a result of temporal dependence, which increased the expected accuracy of the map of change. These findings have important implications on change accuracy assessment, particularly affecting how sampling schemes are defined and how accuracy information is reported.
Control of Fall Armyworms and Corn Earworms on Sweet Corn Ears in Central and South Florida

Control of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), on fresh market sweet corn in central and south Florida was investigated during 1967–68. Highest percentage of injury free ears occurred in plots treated with Gardona® (2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), parathion + methyl parathion, parathion + DDT, Lannate® (S-methyl N -[ (methylcarbamoyl) oxy] thioacetimidate), carbofuran, Dursban® ( O, O -diethyl 0-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate), diazinon + DDT, and GC-6506 (dimethyl p -methylthio) phenyl phosphate). Other materials tested were less effective.
Expression of Binding Energy on an Antibody Reaction Coordinate

In this paper, we report the investigation of how the catalytic antibody 17E8 uses remote binding energy along the catalyzed hydrolytic reaction coordinate. With the use of alternative substrate analogues, we find that 17E8 can use free energy from binding interactions between the substrate side chain and antibody recognition pocket to equally stabilize the transition state and the Michaelis complex. In these cases, the interactions are not used to increase kcat. We have also identified substrates for which the interactions are used to preferentially stabilize the transition state over the Michaelis complex. In these cases, the interactions are used to increase kcat. Mechanistic studies support the idea that the differences in the substrates' kinetic activities results from differences in the expression of side-chain−pocket binding energy along the reaction coordinates. These results suggest that generating catalytic antibodies to transition-state analogues may be limited because the selective use of remo...
Novel applications of near-field scanning optical microscopy: Microluminescence from local junction breakdown in solar cells

The presence of local junction breakdown in silicon solar cells can be examined by electroluminescence (EL) imaging under reverse bias. This luminescence—extending from the near infrared into the visible spectrum—is primarily consistent with bremsstrahlung radiation resulting from the acceleration of both electrons and holes across the breakdown site. In this contribution, we introduce the application of near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) to resolve the physics of the local junction breakdown in solar cells at the micro- and nano-scale. The superior resolution of NSOM reveals aspects of the local junction breakdown not seen before, providing a better description of the processes involved in the junction breakdown. Assuming that this luminescence is primarily bremsstrahlung, the photon energy distribution of the emission spectrum can be used as a local measurement of the local field at breakdown. Thus, not only does NSOM provide the precise location where the breakdown initiates, but the distribution of the field at breakdown is also accessible within the micron scale. Because of the practical significance of junction breakdown at low reverse bias in upgraded metallurgical (UMG) multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells, this contribution is dedicated to the application of NSOM spectrum imaging to different breakdown mechanisms found in these solar cells.
Residential Building Permits in Urban Counties: 1990-1997

Abstract This paper presents simple empirical models of residential building permits for urban counties in the United States for the period 1990–1997. Building permits, as a percentage of the housing stock, are greater the larger are population growth, the proportion of units that are old (built before 1940), and the proportion of units that are new. A higher initial vacancy rate reduces building permits.
Cyst-based measurements for assessing lymphangioleiomyomatosis in computed tomography.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of a new family of measurements made on individual pulmonary cysts extracted from computed tomography (CT) for assessing the severity of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Methods: CT images were analyzed using thresholding to identify a cystic region of interest from chest CT of LAM patients. Individual cysts were then extracted from the cystic region by the watershed algorithm, which separates individual cysts based on subtle edges within the cystic regions. A family of measurements were then computed, which quantify the amount, distribution, and boundary appearance of the cysts. Sequential floating feature selection was used to select a small subset of features for quantification of the severity of LAM. Adjusted R 2 from multiple linear regression and R 2 from linear regression against measurements from spirometry were used to compare the performance of our proposed measurements with currently used density based CT measurements in the literature, namely, the relative area measure and the D measure. Results: Volumetric CT data, performed at total lung capacity and residual volume, from a total of 49 subjects enrolled in the MILES trial were used in our study. Our proposed measures had adjusted R 2 ranging from 0.42 to 0.59 when regressing against the spirometry measures, with p < 0.05. For previously used density based CT measurements in the literature, the best R 2 was 0.46 (for only one instance), with the majority being lower than 0.3 or p > 0.05. Conclusions: The proposed family of CT-based cyst measurements have better correlation with spirometric measures than previously used density based CT measurements. They show potential as a sensitive tool for quantitatively assessing the severity of LAM.
Physical and Chemical Characterization of Fuel Ethanol Coproducts Relevant to Value-Added Uses

ABSTRACT One of the fastest growing industries in the United States is the fuel ethanol industry. In terms of ethanol production capability, the industry has grown by more than 600% since the year 2000. The major coproducts from corn-based ethanol include distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and carbon dioxide. DDGS is used as a livestock feed because it contains high quantities of protein, fiber, amino acids, and other nutrients. The goal of this study was to quantify various chemical and physical properties of DDGS, distillers wet grains (DWG), and distillers dried grain (DDG) from several plants in South Dakota. Chemical properties of the DDGS included crude ash (5.0–21.93%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (26.32–43.50%), acid detergent fiber (ADF) (10.82–20.05%), crude fiber (CF) (8.14–12.82%), crude protein (27.4–31.7%), crude fat (7.4–11.6%), and total starch (9.19–14.04%). Physical properties of the DDGS included moisture content (3.54–8.21%), Aw (0.42–0.53), bulk density (467.7–509.38 kg/m3...
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN TELEVISION PERCEPTION

ABSTRACT The content of television, as perceived by researchers and other adults, is widely regarded as a major determiner of the effects of television on children. Yet the field of communications research has long since documented that it is not content per se but rather the audience perceptions of that content that functions as a major determiner of effects. A shift in research and analytic emphasis from adult‐defined content to audience perceptions of content becomes crucial when the audience consists of children. The literature of child development clearly indicated that children perceive their environment differently than do adults. In this article, Piaget's theory of cognitive stage is shown to be a predictor of children's perceptions of television.
Fractionation of transgenic corn seed by dry and wet milling to recover recombinant collagen‐related proteins

Corn continues to be considered an attractive transgenic host for producing recombinant therapeutic and industrial proteins because of its potential for producing recombinant proteins at large volume and low cost as coproducts of corn seed-based biorefining. Efforts to reduce production costs have been primarily devoted to increasing accumulation level, optimizing protein extraction conditions, and simplifying the purification. In the present work, we evaluated two grain fractionation methods, dry milling and wet milling, to enrich two recombinant collagen-related proteins; thereby, reducing the amount and type of corn-derived impurities in subsequent protein extraction and purification steps. The two proteins were a full-length human recombinant collagen type I alpha 1(rCIalpha1) chain with telopeptides and peptide foldon to effect triple helix formation and a 44-kDa rCIalpha1 fragment. For each, approximately 60% of the rCIalpha1s in the seed was recovered in the dry-milled germ-rich fractions making up ca. 25% of the total kernel mass. For wet milling, approximately 60% of each was recovered in three fractions accounting for 20-25% of the total kernel mass. The rCIalpha1s in the dry-milled germ-rich fractions were enriched three to six times compared with the whole corn kernel, whereas the rCIalpha1s were enriched 4-10 times in selected wet-milled fractions. The recovered starch from wet milling was almost free of rCIalpha1. Therefore, it was possible to generate rCIalpha1-enriched fractions by both dry and wet milling along with rCIalpha1-free starch using wet milling. Because of its simplicity, the dry milling procedure could be accomplished on-farm thus minimizing the risk of inadvertent release of viable transgenic seeds.
Cellular basis for dimethipin-induced loss of leaf turgor and desiccation

Dimethipin-induced increase in transpiration from kidney bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Black Valentine) was not correlated with stomatal aperture. From analysis of the kinetics of water loss from excised kidney bean leaves, it was concluded that the increase in transpiration was due almost entirely to an increase in the cuticular component. Both light and scanning electron microscopic analysis of dimethipin-treated leaves indicated that the first cells to be affected by dimethipin were the epidermal cells. These results suggest that dimethipin causes a loss of leaf turgor and desiccation by disrupting epidermal cells, thereby removing a major barrier for water loss from the leaf.
Piezoelectric control of lasing in polymeric chiral-sculptured thin films

We propose a piezoelectric control mechanism to tune laser made of polymeric chiral sculptured thin films. The negative piezoelectric effect in a piezoelectric layer deposited on a polymeric chiral STF laser will shift the Bragg regime.
Transformation and radiosensitivity of human diploid skin fibroblasts transfected with activated ras oncogene and SV40 T-antigen.

Three normal human diploid cell strains were transfected with an activated Ha-ras oncogene (EJ ras) or SV40 T-antigen. Multiple clones were examined for morphological alterations, growth requirements, ability to grow under anchorage independent conditions, immortality and tumorigenicity in nude mice. Clones expressing SV40 T-antigen alone or in combination with ras protein p21 were significantly radioresistant as compared with their parent cells or clones transfected with the neo gene only. This radioresistant phenotype persisted in post-crisis, immortalized cell lines. Cells transfected with EJ ras alone showed no morphological alterations nor significant changes in radiosensitivity. Cell clones expressing ras and/or SV40 T-antigen showed a reduced requirement for serum supplements, an increase in aneuploidy and chromosomal aberrations, and enhanced growth in soft agar as an early cellular response to SV40 T-antigen expression. The sequential order of transfection with SV40 T-antigen and ras influenced r...
MOS characterization of thermally oxided 6H silicon carbide

Summary form only given. An MOS evaluation of the SIO/sub 2//SiC interface as a function of oxidation conditions and substrate doping is reported. 6H SiC (Si face) epitaxial wafers were thermally oxidized in both wet and dry ambients. MOS capacitors were formed by thermally evaporating circular aluminium field plates. Capacitance transient (C-t) measurements have been performed at elevated temperatures (260-370 degrees C). Approximate values for intrinsic carrier concentration n/sub i/ as a function of temperature in the range 270-360 degrees C have been obtained directly from the measured C-V curve. These n/sub i/ values are more than two orders of magnitude larger than would be calculated by extrapolating the accepted room temperature value. Based on these n/sub i/ values, bulk generation lifetime tau /sub G/ and surface generation velocity S/sub 0/ are calculated for an n-type sample using a modified Zerbst technique. Both tau /sub G/ and S/sub 0/ are within about a factor of 20 of the best reported silicon values. >
Fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 interacts with the T-cell receptor signalling pathway

Fibroblast growth factor receptors are expressed by some T cells, and provide costimulation for these cells. Such receptors allow T cells to respond to fibroblast growth factors expressed in response to injury and inflammation and may provide a mechanism for 'context-dependent' responses to antigens within the local microenvironment. The mechanisms by which fibroblast growth factor receptors might interact with the TCR signalling pathway are not defined. Here we show that the TCR and fibroblast growth factor receptors co-localize during combined stimulation. Signalling via fibroblast growth factor receptors alone results in phosphorylation of Lck and induces nuclear translocation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. Combined stimulation via fibroblast growth factor receptors and the TCR synergistically enhances the activation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. The results suggest that peptide growth factors produced at sites of injury and inflammation can contribute to the outcome of T-cell encounters with antigen.
Chromosome aberration testing in genetic toxicology—past, present and future

In vitro metaphase tests for chromosomal aberrations (CA) have undergone considerable evolutionary changes over the last 20 yr. Treatment and sampling times have been a particular focus of attention as we have tried to develop protocols that detect weak genotoxins. Different approaches evolved in different parts of the world and led to a need to harmonise. At the same time, we have increasingly challenged the conditions in which clastogens produce positive responses, and several situations have been described in which clastogenic responses would be considered not to be biologically relevant. Now there is a strong case to replace the conventional metaphase analysis test with an in vitro micronucleus test. The time is therefore right to carefully consider whether the type of damage scored in CA tests is relevant for human health.
Effects of venesection on pulmonary and cardiac function in patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema and secondary polycythemia

Abstract The effect of venesection on pulmonary and cardiac function was studied in eleven male patients with chronic pulmonary emphysema and secondary polycythemia. While no uniform changes occurred when tests of dynamic pulmonary function were repeated after a series of venesections, it was shown that arterial oxygen saturation rose rapidly in four subjects in whom cardiac output fell and that pulmonary artery pressure fell in two of three subjects tested. It is concluded that while venesection may reduce intrathoracic blood volume, this effect does not usually result in improved ventilatory performance, increased alveolar ventilation or sustained improvement in ventilation-perfusion relationships. Venesection, however, does have appreciable effects on the pulmonary circulation as described. It is not clear whether or not these effects are sustained and the value of the procedure is not established by this study.
Abstinence self-efficacy in people with severe mental illness.

Abstract To validate the Brief Situational Confidence Questionniare (BSCQ) with people diagnosed with severe mental illness ( N =129), we examined the associations between abstinence self-efficacy (BSCQ) and alcohol consumption level (within the previous 6months), drug use, and problems related to substance use while controlling for key symptoms of major mental illness and motives for alcohol use (Drinking Motives Questionnaire). Regression models revealed that abstinence self-efficacy was a significant predictor of all three substance use measures suggesting that, even when controlling for psychiatric symptoms and substance use motives, abstinence self-efficacy accounts for unique variance in alcohol use, drug use, and related problems. This study is limited by the cross sectional design and lack of structured diagnostic interviewing.
A New Zygethopolys from Kentucky and a Key to the Members of the Genus. (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha: Lithobiidae: Ethopolyinae)

Almost all of the members of the subfamily Ethopolyinae occur in western North America, a few Pacific islands, the Orient and Europe, but only one established species had been known from North America east of the Rocky Mountains. This widespread and very common form, Bothropolys multidentatus (Newport), ranges throughout the East as far west as Missouri. The present new species is therefore of special interest in that it is the second endemic member of the subfamily to he recorded from east of the Rockies. The only other members of Zygethopolys, a genus closely allied to Bothropolys, are known only from Alaska, British Columbia, and thk state of Washington.
Soft Real-Time on Multiprocessors: Are Analysis-Based Schedulers Really Worth It?

The evolution of multicore platforms has led to much recent work on multiprocessor scheduling techniques for soft real-time workloads. However, end users routinely run such workloads atop general-purpose operating systems with seemingly good results, albeit typically on over-provisioned systems. This raises the question: when, if ever, is the use of an analysis-based scheduler actually warranted? In this paper, this question is addressed via a video-decoding case study in which a scheme based on the global earliest-deadline-first (GEDF) algorithm was compared against Linux's CFS scheduler. In this study, the GEDF-based scheme proved to be superior under heavy workloads in terms of several timing metrics, including jitter and deadline tardiness. Prior to discussing these results, an explanation of how existing GEDF-related scheduling theory was applied to provision the studied system is given and various "mismatches" between theoretical assumptions and practice that were faced are discussed.
Non-ideal regenerator performance — the effect of void volume fluid heat capacity

Abstract The performance of thermal regenerators is analysed for a range of parameters of particular interest for low temperature refrigeration. Using a time-dependent one-dimensional, incompressible flow, numerical model we show that the void volume fluid heat capacity can strongly influence regenerator behaviour. Inclusion of the void volume term gives significant improvements in the predicted effectiveness when the void volume and matrix heat capacities are of the same order. For some regimes of low thermal loads increasing the matrix heat capacity may actually reduce the effectiveness.
Survival from the Brain's Perspective

The concern about man's harmful impact on the environment focuses attention on the external environment, i.e., the real world out there, which may not survive in a form to support life. But supporting life of an individual is in the hands of that individual's brain, which is primarily concerned with various needs of the internal environment, also referred to as the self. Confronted with diverse and often competing needs, the brain has evolved a complexity in man, which makes it doubtful that any one collective strategy may be effective in preserving the external environment.
Slight Rate Acceleration in Permanent Rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium Pacemakers: A Possible Marker of Battery Failure

Thirty-seven rechargeable pacemakers were implanted in 33 patients between 1972 and 1976. Average follow-up has been 4.9 years. Six patients have had these pacers for an average of 7.8 years. Slight rate acceleration of 3 to 5 beats per minute was demonstrated in 46% of the units; rate acceleration to greater than 80 beats per minute was present in three pacemakers, two of which failed within three months. Although rechargeable pacemakers have performed well, frequent surveillance or replacement is warranted if the pacing rate increases to greater than 80 beats per minute.
Anti-Inflammatory and Vasoprotective Activity of a Retroviral-Derived Peptide, Homologous to Human Endogenous Retroviruses: Endothelial Cell Effects

Malignant and inflammatory tissues sometimes express endogenous retroviruses or their proteins. A highly-conserved sequence from retroviral transmembrane (TM) proteins, termed the "immunosuppressive domain (ID)", is associated with inhibition of immune and inflammatory functions. An octadecapeptide (MN10021) from the ID of retroviral TM protein p15E inhibits in vitro release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases synthesis of anti-inflammatory IL-10. We sought to determine if MN10021 has significant in vivo effects. MN10021, prepared by solid-phase synthesis, was dimerized through a naturally-occurring, carboxy-terminal cysteine. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined using a murine model of sodium periodate (NaIO(4))-induced peritonitis. In vivo vasoprotective effects were determined using: (1) a carrageenan-induced model of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in mice; (2) a reverse passive Arthus model in guinea pigs; and (3) vasoregulatory effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In vitro studies included: (1) binding/uptake of MN10021 using human monocytes, cultured fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells (VEC); (2) gene expression by RT-PCR of MN10021-treated VEC; and (3) apoptosis of MN10021-treated VEC exposed to staurosporine or TNF-α. One-tenth nmol MN10021 inhibits 50 percent of the inflammatory response in the mouse peritonitis model. Furthermore, 73 nmol MN10021 completely protects mice in a lethal model of carrageenan-induced DIC and inhibits vascular leak in both the mouse DIC model and a guinea pig reverse passive Arthus reaction. MN10021 binds to and is taken up in a specific manner by both human monocytes and VEC but not by cultured human fibroblasts. Surprisingly, orally-administered MN10021 lowers blood pressure in SHR rats by 10-15% within 1 h suggesting a direct or indirect effect on the vascular endothelium. MN10021 and derived octapeptides induce iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) mRNA in VEC and nitrate in VEC cell culture supernatants and protect VEC from induced apoptosis or necrosis. However, pretreatment of VEC with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), while inhibiting the release of nitrate, does not block the anti-apoptotic effect of MN10021 and derived octapeptides suggesting that their potent vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity is not nitric oxide dependent.
Justice and Nontherapeutic Pediatric Research

Ethical analysis of the minimal risk standard in pediatric research needs to address two related questions. First, what level of risk is acceptable in the context of “nontherapeutic” pediatric rese...
Posttraumatic stress disorder, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease: a review of the evidence

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.