cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel combinations of experimental and computational analysis tested on the binding of metalloprotoporphyrins to albumin.

Abstract The evidence that Human Serum Albumin (HSA) binds metal ions and organometallic compounds has generated interest in its physiological role as a metalloprotein and as a vehicle for synthetic biology applications (e.g., synthetic blood and solar energy conversion). HSA has been shown to bind metallo-porphyrins, however, the structural details of such interactions are available only for the HSA:heme complex. A typical challenge for studying the interaction of proteins with metalloporphyrins is the poor solubility of the ligands that affect the characterization the complexes. The manuscript shows that a combination of dialysis and centrifugation yields aqueous solutions that contain >90% HSA:porphyrin complexes and virtually eliminate aggregated ligands. The removal of aggregates increases the quality of the optical spectroscopy data which, in turn, yield more accurate binding constants (~0.1 and 2.1 × 106 M−1) and reveal FRET between Trp214 and the porphyrins. The Trp-porphyrin distance was estimated to be within the 28–34 A range and was used to guide the search of binding sites through a novel feedback approach with docking simulations. Results suggest while some protoporphyrins (metal-free, Fe(III)PPIX and Mg(II)PPIX) bind HSA at the heme site, others (Zn(II)PPIX, Mn(III)PPIX and Sn(IV)PPIX) are more likely to bind the Cys34.
Percutaneous permanent procedures

Abstract Percutaneous permanent spinal cord stimulation procedures now represent the majority of procedures used in patients who necessitate this therapy. Guidelines and newer programming technologies have enhanced success and reduced complications associated with the percutaneous approach. There are considerations to keep in mind where a paddle lead may still be necessary to assure long-term success of spinal cord stimulation therapy.
Point-of-Care Teleultrasound: A Systematic Review.

Background: Telemedicine and point-of-care ultrasound have merged to create a field known as teleultrasound (TUS). Real-time TUS involves the transmission of bedside ultrasound (US) images with direct feedback from an US expert. In this review, we summarize the current uses of real-time TUS and discuss its potential future uses. Methods: We performed a literature search (PubMed and EMBase) to assess articles related to real-time TUS. Data were extracted using a standardized collection form, and relevant articles were separated into feasibility or clinical studies. Results: Our search yielded 45 articles, with most of the reports taking place in resource-constrained settings. A large portion of the studies discussed the use of the focused assessment with sonography in trauma exam. Others included musculoskeletal, vascular, and echocardiography. Conclusion: Real-time TUS allows for rapid access to diagnostic imaging in various clinical settings. This technology is poised to expand with many uses on the horizon.
Multi-Media Learning and Experimental Economics Instructions

This paper examines the influence of pre-experiment tasks on subject understanding. It used a 2x2 design varying the type of instructions and whether or not the pre-experiment quiz was incentivized. The Standard instructions were written closely replicate instructions used in prior economics experiments. The other was written using techniques from the Multi-Media Learning literature, which aims to find ways to maximize subject understanding from instruction. After the pre-experiment procedures, subjects participated in ten modified Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) selling markets with induced valuations. Neither Multi-Media Learning Instructions nor an Incentivized pre-experiment quiz were found to increase subject understanding of the BDM mechanism.
Nonprofit Revenue Diversification: Understanding Nonprofits’ Response to Economic Recessions

This study examined whether nonprofit organizations diversified their revenue portfolios after the Great Recession and whether nonprofit sectors impact the ability to diversify revenues at the organization level. When governments and private firms do not provide a public good, nonprofits step in to fill the gap (Weisbrod, 1988). Nonprofit organizations turn to several sources of financial support, including grants, government contracts, contributions, fees for services, and investment income. Recent research has questioned the long-standing prescription for nonprofit organizations to remain “lean” and keep administrative and fundraising expenses as low as possible. The IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) data files from 2008-2013 were analyzed using multiple regression. The results show that as GDP increased after the recession, nonprofit revenues became more diversified. More importantly, nonprofit activities have an even greater impact on revenue diversification. Future research can expand on this study by including more nonprofits in the study and analyzing additional tax years.
A numerical approach for simulating fluid structure interaction of flexible thin shells undergoing arbitrarily large deformations in complex domains

We present a new numerical methodology for simulating fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems involving thin flexible bodies in an incompressible fluid. The FSI algorithm uses the Dirichlet-Neumann partitioning technique. The curvilinear immersed boundary method (CURVIB) is coupled with a rotation-free finite element (FE) model for thin shells enabling the efficient simulation of FSI problems with arbitrarily large deformation. Turbulent flow problems are handled using large-eddy simulation with the dynamic Smagorinsky model in conjunction with a wall model to reconstruct boundary conditions near immersed boundaries. The CURVIB and FE solvers are coupled together on the flexible solid-fluid interfaces where the structural nodal positions, displacements, velocities and loads are calculated and exchanged between the two solvers. Loose and strong coupling FSI schemes are employed enhanced by the Aitken acceleration technique to ensure robust coupling and fast convergence especially for low mass ratio problems. The coupled CURVIB-FE-FSI method is validated by applying it to simulate two FSI problems involving thin flexible structures: 1) vortex-induced vibrations of a cantilever mounted in the wake of a square cylinder at different mass ratios and at low Reynolds number; and 2) the more challenging high Reynolds number problem involving the oscillation of an inverted elastic flag. For both cases the computed results are in excellent agreement with previous numerical simulations and/or experiential measurements. Grid convergence tests/studies are carried out for both the cantilever and inverted flag problems, which show that the CURVIB-FE-FSI method provides their convergence. Finally, the capability of the new methodology in simulations of complex cardiovascular flows is demonstrated by applying it to simulate the FSI of a tri-leaflet, prosthetic heart valve in an anatomic aorta and under physiologic pulsatile conditions.
Evolving Workflows: Knowing when to Hold'em, Knowing when to Fold'em

Electronic resource management (ERM) workflows in academic libraries are characterized by their complex and constantly shifting nature. This article describes four phases of effective workflow management including careful planning, development of workflow strategies, staffing and identification of resources, and integration of ERM and communication tools. The importance of supporting effective communication strategies is emphasized throughout the article. Information obtained from informal interviews with eight academic librarians provides discussion points on workflows given up and workflows maintained as libraries transition to larger electronic resource collections.
An evaluation of selected solid-state transformer topologies for electric distribution systems

Multiple topologies of solid-state transformers (SST) were proposed for locomotive traction systems, and more recently, for electric power distribution systems because of advantages such as reduced volume and weight, and functionalities not always possible with traditional fundamental-frequency transformers. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate selected SST topologies based on dual-active bridge (DAB) converters as well as a new SST topology based on boost converters in order to establish their suitability for emerging applications in electric power distribution systems. The evaluation is based on the number of power semiconductor devices, requirements imposed upon the high-frequency (HF) transformers, system losses, and a simplified cost comparison. The new boost-based SST topology has the highest system efficiency among the evaluated topologies, but requires twice the number of power semiconductor devices when using the same high-voltage device in all topologies.
Angina pectoris: III. Demonstration of a chemical origin of ST deviation in classic angina pectoris, its variant form, early myocardial infarction, and some noncardiac conditions∗

Abstract The experimental data here reported indicate that ST deviation is related largely to a change in the balance between intra- and extracellular electrolytes. This change in intra- and extracellular electrolyte balance occurs in ischemic heart disease as well as in a wide variety of noncardiac conditions.
Hybridization process for back-illuminated silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays

We present a unique hybridization process that permits high-performance back-illuminated silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs) to be bonded to custom CMOS readout integrated circuits (ROICs) - a hybridization approach that enables independent optimization of the GM-APD arrays and the ROICs. The process includes oxide bonding of silicon GM-APD arrays to a transparent support substrate followed by indium bump bonding of this layer to a signal-processing ROIC. This hybrid detector approach can be used to fabricate imagers with high-fill-factor pixels and enhanced quantum efficiency in the near infrared as well as large-pixel-count, small-pixel-pitch arrays with pixel-level signal processing. In addition, the oxide bonding is compatible with high-temperature processing steps that can be used to lower dark current and improve optical response in the ultraviolet.
Relative importance and chemical effects of diffuse and focused recharge in an eogenetic karst aquifer: an example from the unconfined upper Floridan aquifer, USA

Karst aquifer studies often focus on allogenic water inputs and large conduit flow. However, diffuse recharge can be significant, particularly in unconfined eogenetic karst aquifers that retain high matrix permeability. This study examines an unconfined region of the upper Floridan aquifer (USA) that hosts a sinking stream, its resurgence, and a large conduit system. Daily diffuse recharge was approximated using a water-budget method and ranged from 17% of precipitation during a low precipitation year to >53% during the highest precipitation year, illustrating the highly variable nature of diffuse recharge in this region. The total allogenic input via the sinking stream over the 5 years of the study was significantly larger than the volume of diffuse recharge. However, only about 2% of the allogenic recharge flows from the conduit into the surrounding aquifer. That flow is restricted to storm events when hydraulic heads in the conduits exceed those in the surrounding aquifer. The estimated volume of dissolution is similar for allogenic recharge and diffuse recharge to the unconfined region surrounding the conduits, but dissolution from the diffuse recharge is distributed over a larger area than dissolution from allogenic recharge. These results exemplify how recharge type impacts flow and water–rock interactions in eogenetic karst aquifers.
Metabolism correlates with variation in post‐natal growth rate among songbirds at three latitudes

Summary Variation in post-natal growth rates is substantial among organisms and especially strong among latitudes because tropical and south temperate species typically have slower growth than north temperate relatives. Metabolic rate is thought to be a critical mechanism underlying growth rates after accounting for allometric effects of body mass. However, comparative tests on a large spatial scale are lacking, and the importance of metabolism for growth rates remains unclear both within and particularly across latitudes. Songbirds exhibit strong interspecific variation in growth rates across geographic space, although within latitudes an association between metabolic rate and growth rate has not always been observed. Moreover, the hypothesis that differences in growth rates across latitudes reflect underlying differences in metabolism is untested. Here, we investigate these possibilities across north temperate, south temperate and tropical study sites. Phylogenetic analyses showed that, for a given body mass, metabolic rates of north temperate nestlings were higher than tropical and south temperate species. Metabolic rates controlled for body mass correlated with post-natal growth rates both within and among latitudes. Offspring body mass explained substantial residual variation in growth rates as expected under classic allometric theory. Our results suggest that variation in metabolic rates has an important influence on broad patterns of avian growth rates at a global scale. We suggest further studies that address the ecological and physiological costs and consequences of variation in metabolism and growth rates.
Gestión del paisaje para la producción sustentable de materia prima para bioenergía y mejora de la calidad del suelo

La agricultura puede abordar simultaneamente los desafios de produccion global de alimentos, forrajes, fibra y energia,siempre que los recursos suelo, agua y aire no se comprometan al hacerlo. Nuestro objetivo es presentar un concepto degestion del paisaje como un enfoque para integrar multiples fuentes de materia prima para bioenergia a los sistemas actualesde produccion de cultivos. Esto se hace para mostrar como multiples demandas globales pueden ser atendidas y resueltasde manera sostenible. Discutimos como la investigacion colaborativa entre el servicio de investigacion agricola del USDA(ARS), el Laboratorio Nacional de Idaho del Departamento de Energia (DOE) de Estados Unidos (INL) (DOE), y variossocios de investigacion y extension de la Universidad, junto con representantes de la industria [conocidos como el equipo deproyecto de evaluacion de energia renovable (REAP)] condujo al desarrollo de lineamientos informaticos para guiar la tomade decisiones en la produccion sostenible de materia prima para generacion de bioenergia. El producto conocido inicialmentecomo «herramienta de rastrojo de maiz» y mas recientemente como «Landscape Environmental Assessment Framework(LEAF) esta disenado para reconocer la importancia de la diversidad de la naturaleza y por lo tanto, puede utilizarse paraguiar la produccion sostenible de materia prima, sin impactos negativos en los servicios de los ecosistemas criticos. Usandoun predio agricola de 57 hectareas en Iowa central, USA, mostramos como las decisiones del productor sobre la cosecha de rastrojo de maiz (Zea mays L.), en el cinturon maicero de Estados Unidos, pueden hacerse en forma mas sostenible. Esteejemplo tambien respalda las conclusiones del equipo REAP en cuanto a que no debe ser cosechado el rastrojo si losrendimientos medios de grano son menores de 11 Mg ha-1 a menos que se implementen practicas mas equilibradas demanejo del paisaje. La herramienta tambien ilustra la importancia de la gestion del subsuelo y de estrategias de cosecha delrastrojo especificas para cada lugar.
Malignant Neoplasia of the Paranasal Sinuses Associated with Mucocele

Paranasal sinus mucoceles are histologically benign and typically cause ophthalmic morbidity only after significant orbital extension. The authors describe seven patients who had both a mucocele and a malignant tumor in the same paranasal sinus and in whom the neoplasm was discovered incidentally during operation for mucocele. Although malignancy coexistent with paranasal sinus mucocele is uncommon, the association should be considered and appropriate biopsy specimens obtained if operation for mucocele is required.
Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Discovery of Coherent Millisecond Pulsations during an X-Ray Burst from KS 1731–260

A highly coherent 523.92 ± 0.05 Hz periodic X-ray signal has been observed during a type I X-ray burst from the low-mass X-ray binary system KS 1731-260 with the Proportional Counter Array on Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer. The spectral evolution of the burst indicates photospheric-radius expansion and contraction. The 524 Hz signal occurred at the end of the contraction phase, lasted for ~2 s, was highly coherent (Q 900), and had a pulse fraction (ratio of sinusoidal amplitude to mean count rate) of 6.2% ± 0.6%. KS 1731-260 is one of only three systems that have exhibited high-coherence millisecond oscillations during X-ray bursts and the first reported in which the pulsations are associated with photospheric contraction. These coherent signals may be interpreted as a direct indication of the neutron star spin.
Mycoplasma contamination alters 2'-deoxyadenosine metabolism in deoxycoformycin-treated mouse leukemia cells.

Deoxycoformycin-treated P388 and L1210 mouse leukemia cells salvage 2′-deoxyadenosine from the medium only inefficiently, because deoxyadenosine deamination is blocked and its phosphorylation is limited by feedback controls. Mycoplasma contamination at a level that had no significant effect on the growth of the cells increased the salvage of deoxyadenosine >10 fold over a 90 min period of incubation at 37°C, but in this case deoxyadenosine was mainly incorporated into ribonucleotides and RNA via adenine formed from deoxyadenosine by mycoplasma adenosine phosphorylase. Deoxyadenosine was an efficient substrate for this enzyme, in contrast to 2′, 3′-dideoxyadenosine which was not phosphorolyzed. Mycoplasma infection was confirmed by the presence of uracil phosphoribosyltransferase activity and by culture isolation. The contaminant has been identified as Mycoplasma orale. Mycoplasma infection had no effect on the deamination and phosphorylation of deoxyadenosine and adenosine, on the salvage of hypoxanthine and adenine, or on the degradation of dAMP and dATP by the cells or on their acid and alkaline phosphatase activities.
Speedup via quantum sampling

The Markov-chain Monte Carlo method is at the heart of efficient approximation schemes for a wide range of problems in combinatorial enumeration and statistical physics. It is therefore very natural and important to determine whether quantum computers can speed up classical mixing processes based on Markov chains. To this end, we present a quantum algorithm, making it possible to prepare a quantum sample---i.e., a coherent version of the stationary distribution of a reversible Markov chain. Our algorithm has a significantly better running time than that of a previous algorithm based on adiabatic-state generation. We also show that our methods provide a greater speedup over a recently proposed method for obtaining the ground states of (classical) Hamiltonians.
The US27 gene product of human cytomegalovirus enhances signaling of host chemokine receptor CXCR4

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that manipulates host immune responses and establishes life-long latent infection, in part through mimicry of cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine receptors. The HCMV US27 gene product is a putative chemokine receptor with no known ligands. We generated a stable US27 cell line to screen for chemokine ligands but unexpectedly found that US27 potentiated the activity of an endogenous human chemokine receptor, CXCR4. Cells expressing both US27 and CXCR4 exhibited greater calcium mobilization and enhanced chemotaxis in response to CXCL12/SDF-1α than controls. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed a significant increase in CXCR4 expression when US27 was present, and elevated CXCR4 receptor levels were detected via flow cytometry, western blot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Potentiation of CXCR4 signaling by US27 could represent a novel strategy by which HCMV targets virus-infected cells to the bone marrow in order to expand the reservoir of latently infected cells.
Accidental hypothermia: endocrine function during recovery.

Plasma thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free T4, triiodothyronine (T3), growth hormone (GH), insulin (IRI), cortisol, glucose and osmolality were serially determined in a group of twelve patients admitted to a city hospital for accidental cold exposure with rectal temperature below 90 F. Plasma TSH and free T4 were constant. There was a significant decrease in plasma T4 and T3 which paralleled but was greater than the decrease in osmolality. Plasma cortisol increased over the first 7 hr of rewarming and then showed individual variation. Plasma GH and IRI concentrations were erratic and were independent of glucose concentration. Two of the three patients given 100 μg of synthetic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) demonstrated a prompt rise in plasma TSH and T3. It is concluded that during hypothermia: 1) the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis is intact, 2) hypothermia is not a stimulus for TSH release in man, 3) neither GH or IRI nor their response to plasma glucose show a consistent change, 4) plasma...
Weak localization in back-gated Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 quantum-well wires fabricated by reactive ion etching.

The electronic properties of Si/${\mathrm{Si}}_{0.7}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{0.3}$ quantum-well wires fabricated by reactive ion etching are investigated. The width of the nonconducting layer produced by the dry-etch damage and surface depletion is determined by plotting the conductance vs wire width for wires with lithographic widths ranging from 0.10 to 1.0 \ensuremath{\mu}m. The combined width of the so-called ``dead layers'' on each edge of the wire is determined to be as small as 0.13\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 \ensuremath{\mu}m. Quantum interference effects are studied in wires with lithographic widths of W=0.23 \ensuremath{\mu}m. One-dimensional (1D) weak localization is evident in these wires at T=1.3 K in the form of a pronounced negative magnetoresistance for |B|\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.3 T. A back-gate contact is used to study the electron-transport properties in the wires, as a function of the electron sheet concentration, ${\mathit{n}}_{\mathit{s}}$. The data have been fitted to the 1D theory of weak localization, and indicate that the inelastic mean free path ${\mathit{L}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}$ increases from 0.2 to 1.2 \ensuremath{\mu}m as ${\mathit{n}}_{\mathit{s}}$ is increased from 4.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ to 5.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ at T=1.3 K. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The NO Vibrational Fundamental Band: O2-Broadening Coefficients

Rovibrational spectra of the vibrational fundamental of nitric oxide at 1875 cm-1 have been recorded under O2-broadening conditions at 296 K and 0.0056 cm-1 resolution using the Solar Nemeth FTS at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. The use of a flow system, which maintains the NO2 at trace levels, has enabled the first measurement of these broadening coefficients. The broadening of the trace contaminant, N2O, allowed checks of the measured pressures. The least-squares analysis of the spectra includes the nuclear hyperfine structure in addition to (lambda) doubling. We observed differential broadening between the e and f (lambda) components of 2II 1/2 transitions as well as larger differences in broadening observed between 2II3/2 transitions.
Quantitative analysis of T cell receptor diversity in clinical samples of human peripheral blood

Abstract The analysis of T cell receptor diversity provides a clinically relevant and sensitive marker of repertoire loss, gain, or skewing. Spectratyping is a broadly utilized technique to measure global TCR diversity by the analysis of the lengths of CDR3 fragments in each Vβ family. However the common use of large numbers of T cells to obtain a global view of TCR Vβ CDR3 diversity has restricted spectratyping analyses when limited T-cell numbers are available in clinical setting, such as following transplant regimens. We here demonstrate that one hundred thousand T cells are sufficient to obtain a robust, highly reproducible measure of the global TCR Vβ repertoire diversity among twenty Vβ families in human peripheral blood. We also show that use of lower cell number results not in a dwindling of observed diversity but rather in non-reproducible patterns in replicate spectratypes. Finally, we report here a simple to use but sensitive method to quantify repertoire divergence in patient samples by comparison to a standard repertoire profile we generated from fifteen normal donors. We provide examples using this method to statistically evaluate the changes in the global TCR Vβ repertoire diversity that may take place during T subset immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or after immune modulating therapies.
Finite element modeling of heat and mass transfer in food materials during microwave heating — Model development and validation

Abstract A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was developed to predict temperature and moisture distributions in food materials during microwave heating. The FEM was tested with analytical solutions and commercial software (TWODEPEP, ANSYS) calculated values. The FEM predictions compared favorably with analytical solutions (within 0.066% of maximum temperature) and values calculated from commercial softwares (within 0.14% of maximum temperature). The three-dimensional FEM was also verified using experimental data from microwave oven heated cylinder- and slab-shaped potato specimens. A fluoroptic temperature measurement system and the near infrared (NIR) technique were used to measure temperature and moisture distributions, respectively. The FEM predicted temperature in potato samples agreed with measured results. The absolute maximum difference for slab geometry after 60 s of heating was 8.1 °C (or relative difference of 15.5% from the measured value), whereas, for the cylindrical geometry, it was 8.7 °C (or relative difference of 11.4%). The absolute moisture differences after 60 s of heating between FEM predictions and measured values for potato slab and cylinder were within 1.97% wet basis (or relative difference of 2.4%) and 1.85% wet basis (or relative difference of 2.1%), respectively.
Olfactory Bulb: Odor Signals Put into Context

In this issue, Doucette and colleagues demonstrate that information related to whether an odor is currently linked to reward can be observed uniquely in population activity in the olfactory bulb, changing our understanding both of what is coded by the first olfactory relay in the CNS and of how this coding is instantiated.
The Cartoon Character Garfield and the “Sleep Well. Do Well. Star Sleeper” Campaign

In his “catty” commentary in this issue of Pediatrics ,1 Dr Fox takes issue with using the cartoon cat Garfield as part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute campaign to educate children that they need at least 9 hours of sleep … Address correspondence to Michael J. Twery, PhD, National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Two Rockledge Centre, Room 10181, 6701 Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD 20895-7990. E-mail: twery{at}nih.gov
Implications for Late Pleistocene Mastodon Diet from Opal Phytoliths in Tooth Calculus

Calculus removed from the molar teeth of four American mastodons (Mammut americanum) contained opal phytoliths which reflect major dietary components. Three samples contained abundant grass phytoliths (ca. 86% of total), with long cells and trapezoidal pooid short cells dominant (ca. 25 and 31%, respectively). Dicot phytoliths from hackberry (Celtis sp.) seeds and indeterminate deciduous trees were rare (1–3%), though well preserved, whereas phytoliths from conifer trees were not recognizable in any of the samples. Comparative analysis of calculus from modern and fossil browsers and mixed feeders implies that dicots and conifers are nearly invisible in the phytolith record. This scarcity may result from poor preservation, low silica production in woody taxa, and/or animals' selection of young, silica-poor leaves and shoots. However, abundant grass phytoliths in the mixed feeders suggest that presence versus absence of grass phytoliths may distinguish mixed feeders and grazers from browsers. Mastodons are traditionally considered browsers, but grass phytolith assemblages in three individual mastodons contained similarly high concentrations of pooids, suggesting that these grasses were a significant part of the diet. Abundant pooid phytoliths, in addition to diatoms, indicate that these mastodons grazed in a cool, moist late Pleistocene environment, possibly near water.
Cohort Building through Experiential Learning

Universities are exploring ways to better prepare teachers for the classroom and to keep them there. Building cohorts of pre-service teachers is one of the ways currently under scrutiny. The Univer...
Optimization of protoplast formation, regeneration, and viability in Microsporum gypseum.

Factors affecting high yields, regeneration frequencies, and viability of protoplasts from clonal cultures of Microsporum gypseum were investigated. Maximum yields of protoplasts were obtained after 6 hrs digestion of 2–4 days old mycelium with Novozyme 234 using CaCl2 (0.4 M) as an osmotic stabilizer and glycine + HCl (pH 4.5) as the buffer system. Mercaptoethanol + dithiothreitol (0.01 M) proved to be the best pretreatment of mycelium prior to digestion with enzyme. A regeneration frequency of 94.4% was obtained using the top agar method with complete medium (pH 6.5) containing 0.5% agar and 0.4 M CaCl2 as an osmoticum. Colonies from regenerated protoplasts on medium containing CaCl2 were pigmented and completely powdery with high sporulation. Protoplast viability was studied in osmotic stabilizer supplemented with glucose or glutamine. After 24 hrs, glucose (2%) and glutamine (2%) enhanced protoplast viability by 22% and 23%, respectively. Protein synthesis, as measured by 3H-lysine uptake, matched the viability profile determined by fluorescence microscopy.
A student advising system for undergraduate engineering curricular scheduling

Abstract An advising system has been developed to aid an undergraduate engineering student and advisor in developing a long-term curricular schedule. The system is unique from other advising systems in two ways: (1) it aids the student in developing a custom long-term schedule for all future semesters that will ensure the student meets all course requirements for graduation; (2) it is flexible in that it allows the user to perform ad hoc queries to develop alternative schedules and assess their impact on graduation. These features make the advisor a useful system for those students with atypical scheduling constraints such as involvement in a cooperative education program or transfer into a department.
Reliability-based robust design optimization of vehicle components, Part II: Case studies

The reliability-based optimization, the reliability- based sensitivity analysis and robust design method are employed to propose an effective approach for reliability-based robust design optimization of vehicle components in Part I. Applications of the method are further discussed for reliability-based robust optimization of vehicle components in this paper. Examples of axles, torsion bar, coil and composite springs are illustrated for numerical investigations. Results have shown the proposed method is an efficient method for reliability-based robust design optimization of vehicle components.
Case report: limitation of local anesthetic spread during ultrasound-guided interscalene block. Description of an anatomic variant with clinical correlation.

Objective The use of ultrasound (US) for localization of neural structures allows real-time visualization of anatomy; however, variability in the arrangement of structures has been observed. The impact of these variations on the performance and outcome of regional anesthetic techniques remains unclear. We discuss possible anatomic explanations and correlation with clinical observations. Case Report We report limited spread of local anesthetic observed during the performance of a US-guided interscalene block. This was associated with an anomalous vessel arising from the subclavian artery, which effectively divided the brachial plexus into 2 compartments. Spread of local anesthetic was restricted to the upper compartment around the C5 through C7 nerve roots. There was no anesthetic fluid visualized in the lower compartment. This produced a block that provided surgical anesthesia for shoulder arthroscopy as well as excellent postoperative analgesia, although the medial and distal aspects of the arm remained unaffected. Conclusions This case illustrates the ability of US to identify anatomic variations and their relevance to the performance of regional anesthetic techniques.
Intermolecular Dynamics of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids: Femtosecond Optical Kerr Effect Measurements on 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imides†

Using optically heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (OHD-RIKES) with 40 fs laser pulses, the transient birefringence in the room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imides, [Cnmim]NTf2 with n = 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 (C2, C4, C5, C6, C8, C10), has been studied at room temperature and ambient pressure. Near zero delay, the OHD-RIKES response is dominated by the instantaneous electronic response. The nuclear response appears as a shoulder on the electronic response. Between 0 and 1 ps, the nuclear response is dominated by the intermolecular vibrational (nondiffusive) response. For C4, C5, C6, and C8, the 1/e time of the pseudo-exponential tail of the intermolecular response decreases with viscosity, in accord with the hydrodynamic model for vibrational dephasing. Superimposed on the OHD-RIKES response for C4, C5, and C6 is a coherent oscillation with a frequency of ∼140 cm-1. The intermolecular vibrational spectra for these RTILs obt...
The Mineral River—A Unique Tributary Chloride Load to Lake Superior☆

Abstract The Mineral River contributes a significant amount of chloride to Lake Superior, more than one-third of the total U. S. tributary input. This unique discharge is attributed largely to the mine dewatering process of the White Pine Copper Company. Chloride concentrations as high as 2,000 mg/L have been recorded at the mouth of the Mineral River. The impact of this discharge on Lake Superior is not known; however, it is postulated that increased chloride concentrations may enhance the introduction and adaptation of marine organisms into the Great Lakes.
The future of the red metal—scenario analysis

Abstract A regional copper scenario model has been developed from the perspective of the generic Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change framework for greenhouse gas emissions scenarios for the four world regions: OECD90, ASIA, REF, and ALM. A set of three scenarios: Tech World, Green World, and Trend World, each representing the significant driving forces influencing population and economic growth, technological change and environmental consciousness, is presented. Intensities of copper use converge in the long-term in the Tech and Green World as GDP per capita level approaches $100,000. Global copper use, currently 15 Tg Cu/yr, is expected to rise to 30–130 Tg Cu/yr by the year 2100. The rate of copper use in the ASIA and ALM regions exceeds the copper use in the OECD90 and REF regions beyond 2020. A Green World corresponds to per capita global copper use of 4 kg Cu/(capita-yr) as compared to the contemporary global level of 2.6 and 10 kg Cu/(capita-yr) in developed regions, symbolizing the sustainability theme. For the OECD90 region, the results are more sensitive to the copper intensity of use variable whereas for ASIA and ALM regions, variations in GDP per capita can influence copper use.
Floating-loop replica-plating device.

1 The main feature of this device is its ‘floating loops’, which are thin wires formed into loops at one end and mounted in a frame such that the wires are free to move up and down. This feature was incorporated into the ‘applicator’devised by Tarr (1958) for phage-typing, but has not been as widely used as it merits. The present device was developed independently, without knowledge of Tarr's applicator, and is described here partly to emphasize the advantages of floating loops, and partly to offer an alternative to Tarr's device, both in design and in usage. 2 Floating loops confer two main advantages over other types of device that pick up droplets of organism suspensions on the ends of rigidly mounted metal rods: (a) a more uniform volume of suspension is delivered, and (b) the loops do not cut into the soft agar in the acceptor Petri dish, since they are very light and ‘float’on the agar. 3 The device applies 56 standard spots of phage to the surface of seeded agar plates; it has performed satisfactorily in thousands of tests over several years.
Reducing Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Sandy Soils with Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is being suggested as a new technology to reduce seepage losses in unlined canals. The goals of this research were to quantify the interactions of PAM and suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) that reduced the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K sat ) of three sandy-textured soils to the greatest degree, and to better understand the mechanisms contributing to reductions in K sat . Testing was conducted using a constant-head method in soil columns. Suspended sediment was continuously added to a constant-head water reservoir, into which PAM was added and mixed with an agitator. An unbalanced multifactorial design was used with soil type (fine [no. 70 mesh] sand, coarse [ASTM C33] sand, and loamy sand), PAM treatment level (0, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4, and 44.8 kg ha -1 ), and SSC (0, 150, and 300 mg L -1 ). Results showed that PAM treatment reduced K sat 40 to 98% in the sands but reductions were much less in the loamy sand (0-56%). Combining suspended sediment and PAM in a 0.005 mol L -1 CaSO 4 test solution reduced K sat from 8 to 11 times more than adding PAM without suspended sediment. Mechanisms that reduced K sat included higher viscosity from dissolved PAM and the plugging of larger soil pores near the soil surface. The latter mechanism dominated when the PAM treatment exceeded 5.6 kg ha -1 and when SSC was 150 mg L -1 or higher. Significant K sat reductions were observed when tests were run on filter material (i.e., column experiments without soil), indicating that the creation of a thin soil seal, composed of PAM flocculates, could partially explain the observed K sat reduction in soil.
A discussion of the question: for what use are tests of hypotheses and tests of significance

The author believes that tests provide a poor model of most real problems, usually so poor that their objectivity is tangential and often too poor to be useful.
Comparative reactivity study of forsterite and antigorite in wet supercritical CO2 by in situ infrared spectroscopy

Abstract The carbonation reactions of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and antigorite [Mg3Si2O5(OH)4], representatives of olivine and serpentine minerals, in dry and wet supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) at conditions relevant to geologic carbon sequestration (35 °C and 100 bar) were studied by in situ Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Our results confirm that water plays a critical role in the reactions between metal silicate minerals and scCO2. For neat scCO2, no reaction was observed in 24 hr for either mineral. When water was added to the scCO2, a thin water film formed on the minerals’ surfaces, and the reaction rates and extents increased as the water saturation level was raised from 54% to 116% (excess water). For the first time, the presence of bicarbonate, a key reaction intermediate for metal silicate reactions with scCO2, was observed in a heterogeneous system where mineral solids, an adsorbed water film, and bulk scCO2 co-exist. In excess-water experiments, approximately 4% of forsterite and less than 2% of antigorite transformed into hydrated Mg-carbonates. A precipitate similar to nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O) was observed for forsterite within 6 hr of reaction time, but no such precipitate was formed from antigorite until after water was removed from the scCO2 following a 24-hr reaction period. The reduced reactivity and carbonate-precipitation behavior of antigorite was attributed to slower, incongruent dissolution of the mineral and lower concentrations of Mg2+ and HCO3− in the water film. The in situ measurements employed in this work make it possible to quantify metal carbonate precipitates and key reaction intermediates such as bicarbonate for the investigation of carbonation reaction mechanisms relevant to geologic carbon sequestration.
Using self-assembled monolayers to inhibit passivation at the lithium electrode/polymer electrolyte interface

Abstract This work investigates the use of surface chemistry to modify the lithium electrode/polymer electrolyte interface by placing a molecular layer, most likely in the form of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), of H–(CH 2 ) 32 –(CH 2 –CH 2 –O) 10 –H onto the surface of PEO, poly(ethylene oxide), electrolyte films. It is proposed that the PEO-like “head” of the molecule above preferentially orients itself to absorb onto the PEO electrolyte, leaving the hydrocarbon CH 2 “tail” to self-assemble. SAM placement was confirmed using attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy and wetting studies, and AC impedance measurements were used to investigate the passivating layer development. Extended time period studies of untreated polymer films in contact with lithium exhibited the rapid rise of an interfacial passivating layer whose resistance overtook that of the bulk electrolyte. Similar studies demonstrated that samples with SAMs actually had a small increase in ion conductivity and developed interfacial passivation much slower, supporting the assertion that SAMs could be used to deter the formation of a barrier to Li + transport during cycling of lithium polymer batteries.
Measuring cation exchange capacity and total exchangeable bases in batch and flow experiments

Abstract Cation exchange capacity (CEC) recoveries from a leaching procedure utilizing intact soil columns were compared to extracts from disturbed soil samples to determine the influence of macropores and preferential flow on ion exchange. Eleven soils representing eight soil series with a variety of morphological and physicochemical characteristics were used in the study. Leachate was introduced into duplicate undisturbed soil columns following the 1 M NH 4 OAc, pH 7.0 procedure at a weight to volume ratio equivalent to that used for the disturbed soil samples. Effluents from disturbed and undisturbed samples were collected and analyzed for CEC and total extractable bases. Average CEC values for the intact columns were 49.1% lower than those measured by routine analysis. Regressional analysis indicated a significant difference between the two methods ( p
Regulation of protein synthesis during egg development of the parasitic wasp, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Braconidae)

Regulation of protein synthesis was studied in Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) during oogenesis and after oviposition in its host, Heliothis zea (Boddie). Oocytes were dissected from ovaries of M croceipes during various stages of development and from second instar host larvae at various times after egg oviposition. Uridine incorporation into RNA was highest in oocytes in the ovarian egg tube, then declined in oocytes present in the egg reservoir and calyx of the ovary. During blastoderm formation, 4–6 hr after the egg was oviposited into the host, uridine was still incorporated at low levels. At 18–24 hr after oviposition (14–18 hr after blastoderm formation), uridine incorporate returned to the level observed in eggs in the ovarian reservoir. Protein synthesis, measured by [3H]leucine and [35S]methionine incorporation was continuous at all stages of development and was most rapid 14–20 hr after blastoderm formation when RNA synthesis was highest. Patterns of polypeptide synthesis as analyzed by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE changed quantitatively but this method did not reveal any new polypeptides in oocytes in various stages of development or during early and late embryogenesis. However, when polypeptide patterns of eggs were compared on two-dimensional gels during embryogenesis, synthesis of new polypeptides was evident after cellularization of the blastoderm (4–6 hr after oviposition). These changes in synthesis after blastoderm formation may be the result of transcription and subsequent translation of embryonic mRNA.
Probing membrane protein structure using water polarization transfer solid-state NMR

Abstract Water plays an essential role in the structure and function of proteins, lipid membranes and other biological macromolecules. Solid-state NMR heteronuclear-detected 1H polarization transfer from water to biomolecules is a versatile approach for studying water–protein, water–membrane, and water–carbohydrate interactions in biology. We review radiofrequency pulse sequences for measuring water polarization transfer to biomolecules, the mechanisms of polarization transfer, and the application of this method to various biological systems. Three polarization transfer mechanisms, chemical exchange, spin diffusion and NOE, manifest themselves at different temperatures, magic-angle-spinning frequencies, and pulse irradiations. Chemical exchange is ubiquitous in all systems examined so far, and spin diffusion plays the key role in polarization transfer within the macromolecule. Tightly bound water molecules with long residence times are rare in proteins at ambient temperature. The water polarization-transfer technique has been used to study the hydration of microcrystalline proteins, lipid membranes, and plant cell wall polysaccharides, and to derive atomic-resolution details of the kinetics and mechanism of ion conduction in channels and pumps. Using this approach, we have measured the water polarization transfer to the transmembrane domain of the influenza M2 protein to obtain information on the structure of this tetrameric proton channel. At short mixing times, the polarization transfer rates are site-specific and depend on the pH, labile protons, sidechain conformation, as well as the radial position of the residues in this four-helix bundle. Despite the multiple dependences, the initial transfer rates reflect the periodic nature of the residue positions from the water-filled pore, thus this technique provides a way of gleaning secondary structure information, helix tilt angle, and the oligomeric structure of membrane proteins.