cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing collagen alterations in enzymatic degradation models of osteoarthritis via second harmonic generation microscopy.

Summary Introduction Structural changes in the collagen II architecture of osteoarthritis (OA) are poorly understood, which is a large shortcoming in the early diagnosis of this disease. Though degradation can be simulated by enzymes including trypsin and bacterial collagenase, the specific structural features of each digestion and their relationship to naturally occurring OA remain unclear. Experimental design We used collagen sensitive/specific Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy in conjunction with optical scattering measurements to probe the resulting architecture changes in bovine knee cartilage upon trypsin and collagenase degradation. Image features extracted from SHG images were used to train a linear discriminant (LD) model capable of classifying enzymatic degradation, which was then applied to human cartilage with varied modified Mankin histological scores. Results The treatment of cartilage with these enzymes resulted in more disorganized collagen structure, where this effect was greatest with collagenase treatment. Using the LD model, we classified the control and degraded tissues in the three zones with >92% accuracy, showing that these enzymes have distinct activity on the collagen assembly. Application of the LD model to human cartilage indicated that collagenase effects were more representative of in vivo degeneration and were also consistent with damage beginning at the articular surface and progressing into deeper zones. Conclusions SHG and optical scattering measurements successfully delineate trypsin and collagenase degradation and suggest that collagen alterations in human OA are better simulated by the latter mechanism. These results lay the groundwork for using high-resolution SHG and optical scattering as an earlier diagnostic tool than is currently available.
Team Training Essentials: A Research-Based Guide

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Pillar 1. Ensure the Need for Teamwork Behaviors and Training Chapter 3: Pillar 2. Create a Positive Team Training Climate for Learning and the Learner Chapter 4: Pillar 3. Design Team Training for Maximum Accessibility, Usability, and Learnability Chapter 5: Pillar 4. Evaluate the Team Training Program Chapter 6: Pillar 5. Create a System for Enduring and Sustaining Teamwork Behaviors in Organizations Appendix 1: Example Questions to ask During Subject Matter Expert Interviews
Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a 13.1-percent-thick, high-lift airfoil

Low speed sectional characteristics of a high lift airfoil are studied and a comparison is made of those characteristics with the predictions of the theoretical methods used in the airfoil's design. The 13.1 percent-thick, UI-1720 airfoil was found to achieve the predicted maximum lift coefficient of nearly 2.0. No upper-surface, flow separation was found below the stall angle of attack of 16 degrees; it appeared that stall was due to an abrupt leading edge flow separation.
The effects of stem girdling on biogeochemical cycles within a mixed deciduous forest in eastern Tennessee

Nitrogen mineralization and net nitrification rates were 3–7 times greater in soil incubations from a girdled Liriodendron tulipifera (L.) stand than in a control stand. Neither litter nor root extracts had an inhibitory effect on nitrogen mineralization or nitrification rate. A lack of nitrification inhibitors also was demonstrated by the fact that ammonium added to the control stand was completely converted to nitrate upon incubation. Additions of sucrose increased CO2 evolution and decreased nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates in the girdled plot soil, suggesting that nitrification could be effectively controlled by competition for NH 4 + supplies by heterotrophic soil organisms. CO2 evolution rates during incubation showed that heterotrophic as well as nitrifier activities were greater in the girdled plot soil than in the ungirdled plot soil, but the ratio of C to N mineralized was lower in the girdled plot soil. These results collectively indicate that nitrification is regulated by the availability of NH 4 + in these stands, and that the latter is strongly regulated by heterotrophic demand for N.
Differential associations between obesity and behavioral measures of impulsivity

A growing literature indicates that impulsivity is a fundamental behavioral process that underlies obesity. However, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct, which comprises independent patterns of decision-making that could be uniquely associated with obesity. No research to date has clarified whether obesity is differentially associated with specific behavioral aspects of impulsivity. This study examined whether obesity was differentially associated with patterns of decision-making associated with impulsivity-delay discounting, probability discounting, and response inhibition. Young adults (n = 296; 44.3% male) age 18-30 were recruited from the community with media advertisements. Participants completed a series of standard self-report measures of health outcomes and behavioral measures of delay discounting, probability discounting, and response inhibition individually in a laboratory. Associations between body mass index (BMI) and behavioral outcomes in the whole sample indicated that BMI was associated with age, delay discounting, and probability discounting, but not response inhibition. A logistic regression that included age, sex, and substance use as covariates found that delay discounting, but neither probability discounting nor response inhibition, was associated with obesity status. Sensitivity to delay, rather than response inhibition and sensitivity to uncertainty, may be the best correlate of obesity status in adults. These findings are relevant to our understanding of the fundamental behavioral processes associated with obesity.
Evaluating the use of two different models of collaborative tests in an online introductory statistics course

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. August 2012. Major: Educational Psychology. Advisors: Joan Garfield, Michelle Everson. 1 computer file (PDF); xiii, 237 pages, appendices A-C.
Hydrothermal Systems as Environments for the Emergence of Life

Analysis of the chemical disequilibrium provided by the mixing of hydrothermal fluids and seawater in present-day systems indicates that organic synthesis from CO2 or carbonic acid is thermodynamically favoured in the conditions in which hyperthermophilic microorganisms are known to live. These organisms lower the Gibbs free energy of the chemical mixture by synthesizing many of the components of their cells. Primary productivity is enormous in hydrothermal systems because it depends only on catalysis of thermodynamically favourable, exergonic reactions. It follows that hydrothermal systems may be the most favourable environments for life on Earth. This fact makes hydrothermal systems logical candidates for the location of the emergence of life, a speculation that is supported by genetic evidence that modern hyperthermophilic organisms are closer to a common ancestor than any other forms of life. The presence of hydrothermal systems on the early Earth would correspond to the presence of liquid water. Evidence that hydrothermal systems existed early in the history of Mars raises the possibility that life may have emerged on Mars as well. Redox reactions between water and rock establish the potential for organic synthesis in and around hydrothermal systems. Therefore, the single most important parameter for modelling the geochemical emergence of life on the early Earth or Mars is the composition of the rock which hosts the hydrothermal system.
Sensitivity of scalp 10-20 EEG and magnetoencephalography.

Although previous studies have investigated the sensi- tivity of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect spikes by comparing simultaneous recordings, there are no published reports that focus on the relationship between spike dipole orientation or sensitivity of scalp EEG/MEG and the "gold standard" of intracranial recording (stereotactic EEG). We evaluated two patients with focal epilepsy; one with lateral temporal focus and the other with insu- lar focus. Two MEG recordings were performed for both patients, each recorded simultaneously with initially scalp EEG, based on international 10-20 electrode placement with additional electrodes for anterior tempo- ral regions, and subsequently stereotactic EEG. Localisation of MEG spike dipoles from both studies was concordant and all MEG spikes were detected by stereotactic EEG. For the patient with lateral temporal epilepsy, spike sen- sitivity of MEG and scalp EEG (relative to stereotactic EEG) was 55 and 0%, respectively. Of note, in this case, MEG spike dipoles were oriented tan- gentially to scalp surface in a tight cluster; the angle of the spike dipole to the vertical line was 3.6 degrees. For the patient with insular epilepsy, spike sensitivity of MEG and scalp EEG (relative to stereotactic EEG) was 83 and 44%, respectively; the angle of the spike dipole to the vertical line was 45.3 degrees. For the patient with lateral temporal epilepsy, tangential spikes from the lateral temporal cortex were difficult to detect based on scalp 10-20 EEG and for the patient with insular epilepsy, it was possible to eval- uate operculum insular sources using MEG. We believe that these findings may be important for the interpretation of clinical EEG and MEG.
A ribbon type of polarization grating for the 4/6 GHz frequency bands

This paper reports the results of polarization isolation measurements on a polarization grating at 6 GHz. The grating was designed for a four-foot diameter circular reflector antenna. Between 5.9 and 6.4 GHz the grating alone exhibited a worst case cross-polarization isolation of 29.4 dB within the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna. In combination with the inherent isolation of the antenna this isolation was increased to better than 45 dB.
Tigers of the Snow and Other Virtual Sherpas: An Ethnography of Himalayan Encounters

Tigers of the Snow and Other Virtual Sherpas: An Ethnography of Himalayan Encounters. Vincanne Adams. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1996. xvi + 304 pp., iilustrations, glossary, appendixes, notes, bibllography, Index.
Synthesis and characterization of an aggrecan mimic

Aggrecan (AGG) is a large, aggregating proteoglycan present throughout the body, but predominantly found in articular cartilage. The principle features of AGG, its hyaluronan (HA) binding domain and its abundance of covalently attached glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), make it an essential component of the functional ability of articular cartilage. Current tissue engineering constructs have attempted to stimulate AGG production, but have been unable to produce adequate amounts of mature AGG, and hence have suffered a mismatch in mechanical properties. To address these deficiencies, an AGG mimic was synthesized to match AGG functional properties and provide greater control within tissue engineering constructs. Chondroitin sulfate was functionalized with HA-specific binding peptides to replicate both the GAG presence and HA-binding ability of AGG, respectively. Upon characterization and testing, the mimic was able to effectively bind to HA, increase the compressive strength of cartilage extracellular matrix-based constructs, and protect the other extracellular matrix (ECM) components from degradation, replicating the important functions of AGG. In particular, the mimic produced a 78% increase in compressive strength of the ECM-based constructs, and was able to significantly reduce the degradation of both HA and collagen. The initial characterization of the newly synthesized AGG mimic demonstrates its potential in tissue engineering constructs, and provides an essential basis for more explorative studies of the AGG mimic's abilities as an AGG substitute and beyond.
Cytomorphology of gastrointestinal stromal tumor: diagnostic role of aspiration cytology, core biopsy, and immunochemistry.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract previously referred to as leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, or schwannomas. GISTs derive from the interstitial cell of Cajal and, in addition to variable expression of smooth muscle and neural markers, they characteristically express CD34 and CD117. To our knowledge, the cytologic appearance of gastric neoplasms designated as GISTs has never been reported. We illustrate the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology findings of a gastric stromal tumor having spindle cells with delicate cytoplasm and prominent nuclear palisading. Consistent core biopsy and immunochemistry findings further supported the diagnosis of GIST. Pathologic evaluation of the resected tumor confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. In the appropriate clinical and radiologic setting, a confident diagnosis of GIST can be established by FNA cytology and core biopsy. The roles of immunochemical stains and other ancillary techniques in reaching the correct diagnosis are addressed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000; 23:156–160. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement of Adhesion Force between a Human Neutrophil and a Candida albicans Hyphae Using a Micromanipulation Technique

Yeast infection (candidiasis) is a common and persistent threat to human health. Normally harmless, the fungus Candida albicans is present in 40-80% of normal human beings, but in immune-compromised individuals, it can proliferate and cause a variety of health problems including pneumonia, septicemia, or endo[[Unsupported Character - Codename ­]]carditis. The fundamental mechanism towards the control of candidiasis and other fungal infections involves understanding how human neutrophils interact with β-Glucan, a polysaccharide present in fungal cell walls, at the single cellu[[Unsupported Character - Codename ­]]lar level. We hypothesize that the complement receptor 3 (CR3), a member of the integrin family, can recog[[Unsupported Character - Codename ­]]nize the β-Glucan on the C. albicans hyphae, initiating neutrophil adhesion and caus[[Unsupported Character - Codename ­]]ing a respiratory burst. We test this hypothesis using a two-pipette micromanipulation technique to measure the adhesion force between a single neutrophil and a C. albicans hyphae. A micromanipulator attached to a suction pipette is used to trap a single C. albicans hyphae that is attached by a single neutrophil to a second, flexible pipette. The micromanipulator slowly pulls up on the hyphae, exerting an increasing force and causing the flexible pipette to bend until the hyphae detaches from the neutrophil. By measuring the deflection of the flexible pipette at the instant the hyphae detaches, Hooke's law can be used to calculate the adhesion force between the hyphae and the neutrophil. By measuring the average adhesion force of neutrophils from knock-out mice missing CR3 and compare with that from the wild type animals expressing CR3, we can determine the mechanical role the receptor plays in neutrophil adhesion.
Novel Bioactive Cubé Insecticide Constituents: Isolation and Preparation of 13-homo-13-Oxa-6a,12a-dehydrorotenoids.

Two novel rotenoid-like compounds isolated from cube resin, used as an insecticide and piscicide, have an unprecedented skeleton consisting of a 1,5-benzodioxepin (A and B rings) and a chromone (C and D rings). Their structures are assigned as (−)-13-homo-13-oxa-6a,12a-dehydrorotenone (5) and 13-homo-13-oxa-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin (6) based on 1H and 13C NMR, MS, UV, and optical rotation. X-ray structure determination confirmed the assignment of 5 and revealed that the 1-methylethenyl group is disordered into two sets of atoms. Compound 5 from cube resin was identical with a product previously reported as being formed by reaction of rotenone (1) with acetyl chloride and DMF and misassigned as “6a,12a-epoxyrotenone” (7). A modified procedure was developed for preparation of the new oxarotenoid component of the commercial insecticide. The cube resin from which 5 and 6 were isolated in equal amounts contains 1 and deguelin (2) in a >10:1 ratio; this large difference in ratio indicates that 5 and 6 are not art...
Decoupled Range and Orientation Sensing in Long-Range Magnetoquasistatic Positioning

A technique using magnetoquasistatic fields has been shown to enable accurate ranging in non-line-of-sight environments. Due to the nonlinear field coupling equations, the technique suffers when extended to 2-D and 3-D due to the coupling of range and orientation errors combined with the nonlinear convergence of the solution. Using a 2-axis transmit–receive concept, a theory is presented to decouple range and orientation. The results are linear orientation-invariant ranging and linear range-invariant orientation sensing. Measurements inverted using the decoupled equations demonstrate peak orientation-invariant range errors of 0.2–0.4 m for a range of up to over 40 m, and peak range-invariant orientation errors of $1^{\circ}{\hbox{–}}7^{\circ} $ .
Uridine Phosphorylase Association with Vimentin INTRACELLULAR DISTRIBUTION AND LOCALIZATION

Abstract Uridine phosphorylase (UPase), a key enzyme in the pyrimidine salvage pathway, is associated with the intermediate filament protein vimentin, in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and colon 26 cells. Affinity chromatography was utilized to purify UPase from colon 26 and NIH 3T3 cells using the uridine phosphorylase inhibitor 5′-amino benzylacyclouridine linked to an agarose matrix. Vimentin copurification with UPase was confirmed using both Western blot analysis and MALDI-MS methods. Separation of cytosolic proteins using gel filtration chromatography yields a high molecular weight complex containing UPase and vimentin. Purified recombinant UPase and recombinant vimentin were shown to bind in vitro with an affinity of 120 pm and a stoichiometry of 1:2. Immunofluorescence techniques confirm that UPase is associated with vimentin in both NIH 3T3 and colon 26 cells and that depolymerization of the microtubule system using nocodazole results in UPase remaining associated with the collapsed intermediate filament, vimentin. Our data demonstrate that UPase is associated with both the soluble and insoluble pools of vimentin. Approximately 60–70% of the total UPase exists in the cytosol as a soluble protein. Sequential extraction of NIH 3T3 or colon 26 cells liberates an additional 30–40% UPase activity associated with a detergent extractable fraction. All pools of UPase have been shown to possess enzymatic activity. We demonstrate for the first time that UPase is associated with vimentin and the existence of an enzymatically active cytoskeleton-associated UPase.
A survey of the small RNA population during far-red light-induced apical hook opening.

Photomorphogenesis is a mechanism employed by plants to regulate their architecture and developmental program in response to light conditions. As they emerge into light for the first time, dark-grown seedlings employ a rapid and finely-controlled photomorphogenic signaling network. Small RNAs have increasingly been revealed to play an important role in regulating multiple aspects of plant development, by modulating the stability of mRNAs. The rapid alteration of the mRNA transcriptome is a known hallmark of the de-etiolation response, thus we investigated the small RNA transcriptome during this process in specific seedling tissues. Here we describe a survey of the small RNA expression profile in four tissues of etiolated soybean seedlings, the cotyledons, hypocotyl and the convex and concave sides of the apical hook. We also investigate how this profile responds to a one-hour far-red light treatment. Our data suggests that miRNAs show a different global profile between these tissues and treatments, suggesting a possible role for tissue- and treatment-specific expression in the differential morphology of the seedling on de-etiolation. Further evidence for the role of miRNA in light-regulated development is given by the de-etiolation responses of a hypomorphic ago1 mutant, which displays reduced and delayed photomorphogenic responses in apical hook and cotyledon angle to far-red light.
The effects of intermedin on the ultrastructure of amphibian iridophores.

The ultrastructure and pigment composition of untreated and intermedin-treated integumental iridophores of three species of amphibians, Hyla cinerea, H. arenicolor, and Agalychnis dachnicolor, were examined by electron microscopy and by purine analysis. Iridophores contain many stacks of empty spaces representing the former presence of reflecting platelets. Depending upon the species, their orientaiton is highly variable. Reflecting platelets were found to be surrounded by a double membrane system which is composed of an outer limiting membrane and an inner second membrane. Administration of intermedin affects the double membrane system of H. cinerea and H. arenicolor and causes and apparent dissolution of the contents of reflecting platelets of H. cinerea and A. dachnicolor. The alteration in appearance of reflecting platelets of H. cinerea is paralleled by a reduction in the purine content of the skin. Also in this species, mitochondria appear to react to intermedin both by migrating from the periphery of the cell to the center and by changing in shape. Because quantitative effects in pigment content are not accompanying movements of pigmentary organelles, it is proposed that iridophores of these species undergo a morphological color response without an accompanied physiological color response. Reflecting platelets from hypophysioprivic Rana pipiens larvac were isolated for electron microscopy and for chemical analysis which disclosed the presence of guanine, adenine, and hypoxanthine. It is proposed that these purines are the sole or major components of reflecting platelet material.
Comparison of two analog-based downscaling methods for regional reference evapotranspiration forecasts

Summary The objective of this study was to compare the performance of natural analog (NA) and constructed analog (CA) methods to produce both probabilistic and deterministic downscaled daily reference evapotranspiration (ET o ) forecasts in the southeastern United States. The 1–15 day, 15-member ET o forecasts were produced from 1979 to 2009 using the Penman–Monteith equation and a forecast analog approach with a combination of the Global Forecast System (GFS) reforecasts and NCEP-DOE Reanalysis 2 climatology, and were downscaled using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). The Pearson correlation coefficient (R), mean squared error skill score (MSESS), and Bias were used to evaluate the skill of downscaled deterministic forecasts. The Linear Error in Probability Space (LEPS) skill score, Brier Skill Score (BSS), relative operating characteristic, and reliability diagrams were used to evaluate the skill of downscaled probabilistic forecasts. Overall, CA showed slightly higher skill than NA in terms of the metrics for deterministic forecasts, while for probabilistic forecasts NA showed higher skill than CA regarding the BSS in five categories (terciles, and 10th and 90th percentiles) and lower skill than CA regarding the LEPS skill score. Both CA and NA produced skillful deterministic results in the first 3 lead days, while the skill was higher for CA than for NA. Probabilistic NA forecasts exhibited higher resolution and reliability than CA, likely due to a larger ensemble size. Forecasts by both methods showed the lowest skill in the Florida peninsula and in mountainous areas, likely due to the fact that these features were not well-resolved in the model forecast.
Purification and molecular and enzymic properties of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase.

Abstract Mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase has been purified to homogeneity by resolution of Complex I from beef heart mitochondria with the chaotrope NaClO4 and precipitation of the enzyme with ammonium sulfate. The enzyme is water-soluble, has a molecular weight of 69,000 ± 1000 as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and agarose 1.5 M. It is an iron-sulfur flavoprotein, with the ratio of flavin (FMN) to nonheme iron to labile sulfide being 1:5–6:5–6. The FMN content suggests a minimum molecular weight of 74,000 ± 3000 for the enzyme. NADH dehydrogenase is composed of three subunits with apparent Mr values, as determined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis as well as by gel filtration on agarose 5 M both in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, of about 51,000, 24,000, and 9–10,000. Coomassie blue stain intensities of the subunits on acrylamide gels suggest that they are present in NADH dehydrogenase in equimolar amounts. However, summation of the apparent Mr values of the dodecyl sulfate-treated subunits appears to overestimate the molecular weight of the native enzyme. The amino acid compositions of NADH dehydrogenase and of each of the isolated and purified subunits have been determined. NADH dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of NADH and NADPH by quinones, ferric compounds, and NAD (3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide was used). All the activities of NADH dehydrogenase are greatly stimulated by addition of guanidine (up to 150 m m ), alkylguanidines, arginine, and arginine methyl ester to the assay medium. Phosphoarginine had no effect. These results pointed to the importance of the positively charged guanido group, which appears to interact with and neutralize the negative charges on NAD(P)H and thereby allow for better enzyme-substrate interaction. In the absence of guanidine, NADPH is essentially unoxidized by the enzyme at pH values above 6.0. However, both NADPH dehydrogenase and NADPH → NAD transhydrogenase activities increase dramatically as the assay pH is lowered below pH = 6. Since the pK of the 2′-phosphate of NADPH is 6.1, it appears that the above pH effect is related to protonation of the 2′-phosphate, thus rendering NADPH a closer electronic analog of NADH, which is the primary substrate of the enzyme.
A method for improving the accuracy of stereotaxic procedures in monkeys using implanted fiducial markers in CT scans that also serve as anchor points in a stereotaxic frame

We developed a relatively inexpensive method for stereotaxic placement of electrodes or needles in the brains of monkeys. Steel balls were affixed to the skulls of monkeys. These balls served as fiducial markers and were also used as points at which the monkey's skull was held in a modified stereotaxic apparatus. Computed tomography (CT) was used to establish the location of an injection target with respect to the fiducial markers. A computer program related the CT coordinates to stereotaxic coordinates. These were used to direct an electrode marker toward a target in the hypothalamus. With the marker left in place, the monkey was removed from the stereotaxic frame and a second CT scan was performed. Corrections for errors in marker placement were made and retrograde tracers were injected. This procedure was found to be more accurate and reliable than conventional stereotaxic procedures. The accuracy and repeatability of the technique were also established using a phantom model of a monkey's skull. Two important advantages of this method are that animals can be repeatedly placed into the stereotaxic frame in precisely the same position and that there are many opportunities during the procedure to check for and correct errors.
Physicochemical parameters influencing coaggregation between the freshwater bacteria Sphingomonas natatoria 2.1 and Micrococcus luteus 2.13

The aim of this study was to explore the physicochemical parameters that influence coaggregation between the freshwater bacteria Sphingomonas natatoria 2.1 and Micrococcus luteus 2.13. Using visual coaggregation assays, the effect of different buffers, solutions of differing ionic strength, pH, temperature, and viscosity on the degree of coaggregation was assessed. Coaggregation occurred maximally in distilled water but was inhibited when coaggregates were suspended in a commonly-used oral bacterial coaggregation buffer, saline solutions, and Tris-Cl buffers. Coaggregation was weakly expressed in standard laboratory buffers. The ionic strength of inorganic salt solutions required to inhibit coaggregation depended upon the inorganic salt being tested. Coaggregation occurred at a pH of 3-10, between 5 and 80°C and was inhibited in solutions with a viscosity of 22.5 centipoises at 20°C. Inhibition of coaggregation with NaCl impaired biofilm development. When developing buffers to test for coaggregation, the natural liquid environment should be considered. Coaggregation between S. natatoria 2.1 and M. luteus 2.13 is only affected by physicochemical conditions beyond those typically found in natural freshwater ecosystems. Such a robust ability to coaggregate may enhance the ability of S. natatoria 2.1 and M. luteus 2.13 to develop a niche in freshwater biofilms.
Frequency Offset Effects on Maximin Algorithm with a Step-Length Estimation Technique

The Maximin algorithm, proposed by Torrieri and Bakhru, adaptively updates the weights of an antenna array to provide simultaneous interference suppression and beamforming in a frequency hopping (FH) communication system. The Maximin algorithm is named such because the desired signal is enhanced and the interference is suppressed simultaneously. And the Maximin shows good performance under a broadband tone interference environment, but poor performance under frequency offset and friendly interference, i.e., a data-modulated interference environment. This paper analytically derives how the frequency offset affects on the Maximin algorithm and verifies the analytical results with simulation results. In addition, this paper proposes to use the recently published MOSTLE algorithm because the MOSTLE is robust against frequency offset and friendly interference.
Dietary patterns among the Metro Atlanta Cohort: implications for population-based longitudinal dietary pesticide exposure and risk assessment.

Characterizing dietary consumption patterns is critical to dietary pesticide exposure assessment. We compared consumption patterns between adults (age 18–60) in the Metro Atlanta Cohort (MAC), a longitudinal study of pesticide exposure among Atlanta residents, and US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) adults. We focused on foods commonly eaten by US adults and foods likely to contain certain pesticide residues. MAC participants provided consumption data for 6 days per month for 1 year using a web-based data collection tool. We defined “percent eaters” as the percent of participants who reported eating a particular food in 24 h. We computed the NHANES weighted percent eaters and 95% confidence limits (CLs) using the 24-h dietary recall data. We calculated the MAC percent eaters for each sampling day and the percent of days this number fell below, within, or above the NHANES 95% CLs. We also re-sampled the MAC percent eaters across sampling days to find whether the resulting distribution resembled the NHANES estimate, and used the Kruskal–Wallis test to evaluate whether season affected the number of MAC eaters of a particular food on a given sampling day. In general, across all sampling days, a greater proportion of MAC participants reported eating banana, broccoli, cream, grapes, lettuce, onion, peach, pear, peas, strawberries, string beans, and tomatoes than the national estimate, whereas the proportion of apple, spinach, catsup and white bread/roll eaters was similar, and the proportion of milk drinkers was lower. Season predicted the number of MAC peach and strawberry eaters but not other foods. The data show how a higher proportion of Atlanta adults may eat certain foods (e.g., peaches in summer or strawberries in spring) than the national average depending on season or other factors. An exposure assessment that ignored this difference could underestimate dietary pesticide intakes.
Carcinoma of the larynx in childhood

The unusual case of a 12-year-old boy with well differentiated, in situ, and focally invasive squamous carcinoma of the larynx is reported, together with a review of the medical literature. In addition to this one, 54 cases of laryngeal carcinoma in children 15 years of age or younger have been reported since 1868. All were squamous except for one adenocarcinoma of a laryngeal minor salivary gland. Carcinoma of the larynx in children parallels that of adults in terms of squamous histology, predominantly vocal cord involvement, pattern of local spread, and response to treatment. However, the incidence of female patients is higher in childhood (40% of childhood cases vs. less than 10% of adult cases), and risk factors, except previous irradiation of papillomas, are rare. Although unusual, carcinoma of the larynx in children is probably more common than thought and the diagnosis should be considered in any case of a child with persistent hoarseness or cough.
Can minimally trained observers provide valid global ratings

From a cost-benefit perspective, the validity of minimally trained (MT) coders' ratings was examined individually and relative to ratings by coders who had undergone "gold standard" (GS) training in the rating of maternal overreactive discipline. The ratings of MT and GS coders were strongly associated (r = .72). MT ratings were also correlated with maternal self-reported overreactive discipline (r = .39), laxness (r = .46), depressive symptoms (r = .32), and observed child misbehavior (r = .40). These correlations were of similar magnitude to correlations based on GS ratings. MT ratings were more strongly associated with GS ratings than with child misbehavior. Thus, their ratings demonstrated convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
A Linear Goal Programming Model for Planning the Exports of Emerging Countries

A linear goal programming model for planning the exports of emerging countries is formulated in this paper. The model includes some economic factors which may affect the exports, e.g. industrial structure, labour force, value added in exports, capital efficiency, imports of raw material used for manufacturing goods designated for exports, investment plan, etc. An illustrative example is presented. A sensitivity analysis was performed in order to examine the effect of various changes made in the model on the results. It is felt that the model presented in this study would be useful to economic planners in emerging countries.
Factors Underlying Consumer Difficulties with the Homebuying Process

Data from a study identifying consumer difficulties with the homebuying process were analyzed. The instrument listing 66 potential difficulties was mailed to a random sample of 250 homebuyers to indicate those encountered during search, purchase, and first year of occupancy. They were also asked to identify the two problems considered most important and their perceived causes. The response rate was 80.4 percent. Of the 201 households who responded, 153 were eligible buyers. The mean total number of difficulties reported by the sample was 7.16. Problems most frequently reported were higher utility costs, foregone activities, mechani cal system problems, necessary repairs or adjustments, delayed closings, and overlapping payments. Frequency distribution comparisons between sample subgroups showed sim ilarities on the most frequent difficulties, but variation in both content and rank order for the most important problems. Mean comparison tests revealed significant differences in total number of difficulties on the variables purchaser experience, income level, and age of struc ture. The 30 items reported most frequently by respondents were factor analyzed to identify underlying constructs. Upon extraction and rotation, 27 variables loaded upon four factors which were named: surprise difficulties, new-construction problems, financiallpersonal con sequences, and chain transaction constraints. Implications for further research and consumer education are drawn from the findings.
Intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Robinia pseudoacacia foliage fed to growing goat wethers

Black locust (BL; Robinia pseudoacacia L.), a native tree of southeastern USA known to contain substantial levels of condensed tannins (CT), was fed to 32, 4 month old (20.4 kg BW) Boer cross wether goats in two randomized complete block design trials. The objectives were to examine the effects of feeding hay diets containing several levels of fresh BL foliage on intake, digestibility, and N metabolism. First year (1999) diets were HE (100% Eastern gamagrass [EGH; Tripsacum dactyloides L.] hay), HEG (70% EGH and a 30% mixture of 59% ground corn [GC; Zea mays L.], 36% soybean meal [SBM; Glycine max L.], and 5% minerals), 25BL99 (75% EGH and 25% BL leaves), and 50BL99 (50% EGH and 50% BL leaves). Second year (2000) diets were HO (100% orchardgrass [OGH; Dactylis glomerata L.] hay), HOG (70% OGH and a 30% mixture of 63% GC, 37% SBM, and 5% minerals), 50BL00 (50% OGH and 50% BL leaves), and 75BL00 (25% OGH and 75% BL leaves). In 1999, apparent digestibilities of the diets in the order listed above were 62.4, 68.2, 58.0, and 60.6% (P = 0.001) for DM and 62.8, 72.5, 56.0, and 59.1% (P = 0.001) for crude protein (CP). Acid detergent lignin digestibilities were negative for diets 25BL99 (−56.7%) and 50BL99 (−49.3%), apparently due to the formation of insoluble tannin and lignin complexes during passage through the digestive tract. Intakes of DM were similar across diets. In 2000, apparent digestibilities of diet DM (64.4, 71.7, 64.8 and 65.4%) and CP (70.0, 76.0, 66.6, and 66.5%) did not differ. Lignin digestibilities were positive for diets 50BL00 (9.4%) and 75BL00 (29.6%) unlike those for year 1999. Overall, BL contained 10% CT and 18–34% hydrolyzable tannins. In 1999, N intake, urinary N (UN) excretion and N retained were higher for diet HE G( P = 0.01) than diet HE whereas fecal N excretion (FN) was similar for diets HEG, 25BL99 and 50BL99. In 1999, FN excretion as a percentage of N intake was higher (P < 0.02) in the BL diets, although UN as a percentage of N intake did not differ among diets. In 2000, N intake and FN output were higher for BL diets compared to diets HO (P = 0.01) and HO G( P = 0.02). Fecal N as a percentage of N intake was lower (P = 0.01) for diet HOG (24.0%) than for diets 50BL00 (33.4%) and 75BL00 (33.5%). Conversely, urinary N as a percentage of N intake was higher for diets HO and HOG compared to the BL diets (P = 0.02). Increased levels of dietary BL increased FN, suggesting that tannins formed insoluble protein complexes thus hindering digestibility.
The engineering presentation — Some ideas on how to approach and present it

Achieving a successful presentation begins with the consideration of three things: what to say, how to say it, and how to conduct the presentation to convince an audience that you mean it. Determining what materials, topics, and details to use must be based on an analysis of the potential audience, their sentiments, interests, technical disciplines, and possible responses to what would be presented. Presentation material must be put into a unified, professional, and easily understandable format and thoroughly rehearsed so that it can be delivered in a manner that instills confidence that the subject has been well-researched. The author presents some strategy, guidelines, and pitfalls, based on experience, for consideration toward these ends.
Instrumental and Consumer Evaluation of Beef Patties Extended with Extrusion-Textured Whey Proteins

ABSTRACT: : We extruded a dry mix of 2 parts whey protein concentrate (80% protein) and 1 part cornstarch using water, 0.1 N HCl, or 0.2 M NaOH as the liquid, or adding calcium (1.69% w/w) to the dry mix with water as the liquid. The functionality and acceptability of textured whey protein (TWP) extrudates was determined. Ground beef patties containing up to 40% (w/w) of hydrated TWP extrudates made with base (TWPbase) were as acceptable to a consumer panel as all beef patties. Additionally, patties containing 40% (w/w) TWPbase incurred less cook loss and less diameter reduction after cooking, but were less cohesive than all beef patties.
A Benzo[a]pyrene-induced Cell Cycle Checkpoint Resulting in p53-independent G1 Arrest in 3T3 Fibroblasts *

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix family. Although physiological ligands for the AhR have not been identified, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) are high affinity AhR ligands that induce nuclear translocation and sequence-specific DNA binding of the AhR. AhR-regulated genes include members of the cytochrome P-450 family that are known to oxidize B[a]P to form genotoxic (DNA-damaging) metabolites. Murine Swiss 3T3 cells express high levels of AhR. Treatment of Swiss 3T3 cells with B[a]P during the G1 phase of the cell cycle resulted in growth arrest, as shown by inhibition of growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis. By contrast, other murine 3T3 fibroblasts not expressing detectable levels of AhR did not undergo growth arrest in response to B[a]P. The AhR antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone prevented B[a]P-induced growth arrest, further demonstrating that cessation of cell growth was mediated by the activated AhR. A nongenotoxic AhR ligand (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) did not elicit growth arrest, showing that ligand activation of the AhR alone was insufficient to block cell cycle progression. However, genomic DNA from B[a]P-treated Swiss 3T3 cells contained covalent adducts, whereas that from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-treated cells did not, showing that G1 arrest correlated with DNA damage resulting from genotoxic B[a]P metabolites. B[a]P-induced DNA damage and growth arrest was coincident with elevated levels of nuclear p53 protein and induction of the p53-regulated mdm-2 proto-oncogene. However, Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts expressing "dominant negative" mutant p53, as well as primary fibroblasts from p53-/- "knockout" mice, also underwent growth arrest in response to B[a]P. Therefore, B[a]P-induced growth arrest occurs via p53-independent mechanisms.
Sub-200 Oe giant magnetoresistance in manganite tunnel junctions

Metallic manganite oxides, La1-xDxMnO3 (D=Sr, Ca, etc.), display “colossal” magnetoresistance (CMR) near their magnetic phase transition temperatures (Tc) when subject to a Tesla-scale magnetic field. This phenomenal effect is the result of the strong interplay inherent in this class of materials among electronic structure, magnetic ordering, and lattice dynamics. Though fundamentally interesting, the CMR effect achieved only at large fields poses severe technological challenges to potential applications in magnetoelectronic devices, where low field sensitivity is crucial. Among the objectives of our research effort involving manganite materials is to reduce the field scale of MR by designing and fabricating tunnel junctions and other structures rich in magnetic domain walls. The junction electrodes were made of doped manganite epitaxial films, and the insulating barrier of SrTiO3. The interfacial expitaxy has been imaged by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We have used self-aligned lithographic process to pattern the junctions to micron scale in size. Large MR values close to 250% at low fields of a few tens of Oe have been observed. The mechanism of the spin-dependent transport is due to the spin-polarized tunneling between the half-metallic electrodes, in which the spins of the conduction electrons are nearly fully polarized. We will present results of field and temperature dependence of MR in these structures and discuss the electronic structure of the manganite inferred from tunneling measurement. Results of large MR at low fields due to the grain-boundary effect will also be presented.
ACR/NEMA Digital Image Interface Standard (An Illustrated Protocol Overview)

The American College of Radiologists (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have sponsored a joint standards committee mandated to develop a universal interface standard for the transfer of radiology images among a variety of PACS imaging devices .
An experimental study on liquid nitrogen pipe chilldown and heat transfer with pulse flows

Abstract In order to provide the optimized chilldown strategy for a cryogenic transport line, a study on pulse flow chilldown was conducted. A comparison between continuous flow and pulse flow patterns on heat transfer characteristics was presented to reveal the effect of flow oscillation. Liquid nitrogen was used as the working fluid and upward flows with Reynolds numbers ranging from 2500 to 7000 in a round tube were examined. To gain a better understanding of the effect of flow pulsation on the chilldown process, different square wave pulse flow strategies were examined. Analysis of the ability of different flow patterns to chill down transport lines indicated that there is no single best strategy for all boiling regimes and Reynolds numbers. In terms of the efficiency, the continuous flow is optimal for most boiling regimes at low Reynolds numbers. On the other hand, pulse flow is ideal in the film boiling regime at higher Reynolds numbers. In terms of the total efficiency, continuous flows with high Reynolds numbers are generally more efficient at transferring heat than other patterns or those of lower Reynolds numbers. If a short chilldown duration is a priority, the continuous flow consistently offers the quickest chilldown times. A general guideline for chilldown strategy is suggested as a conclusion.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Telemedicine—A Multiple Adopter Perspective

This paper utilizes the diffusion of innovation framework to discuss factors affecting adoption of telemedicine. Empirical and anecdotal findings are organized across five attributes affecting innovation adoption rates for the following four adopter groups: physicians, patients, hospital administrators, and payers. A discussion of the implications is included.
A Re-determination of the Value of the Electron and of Related Constants.

This re-determination of the most fundamental of physical constants was entered upon three years ago for three reasons.
Examination of variables affecting the performance of isoelectric focusing in uncoated capillaries

The effects of different variables on protein separation by isoelectric focusing in uncoated capillaries were investigated. Four model proteins were used to study the effects. The variables included applied electric field, column length, % methyl cellulose, % tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED), and buffer concentration. Methyl cellulose showed a bimodal effect on the separation performance in terms of migration time and peak width. It was determined that the optimal %TEMED and applied field depended strongly on each other. Furthermore, longer column lengths led to better resolution at constant field and % TEMED. Using a grid, the applied electric field and % TEMED were optimized concurrently at a fixed column length.
Physiological Considerations in Applying Laboratory-Determined Buoyant Densities to Predictions of Bacterial and Protozoan Transport in Groundwater: Results of In-Situ and Laboratory Tests

Buoyant densities were determined for groundwater bacteria and microflagellates (protozoa) from a sandy aquifer (Cape Cod, MA) using two methods: (1) density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and (2) Stoke's law approximations using sedimentation rates observed during natural-gradient injection and recovery tests. The dwarf (average cell size, 0.3 μm), unattached bacteria inhabiting a pristine zone just beneath the water table and a majority (∼80%) of the morphologically diverse community of free-living bacteria inhabiting a 5-km-long plume of organically-contaminated groundwater had DGC-determined buoyant densities <1.019 g/cm3 before culturing. In the aquifer, sinking rates for the uncultured 2-μm size class of contaminant plume bacteria were comparable to that of the bromide tracer (1.9 × 10-3 M), also suggesting a low buoyant density. Culturing groundwater bacteria resulted in larger (0.8−1.3 μm), less neutrally-buoyant (1.043−1.081 g/cm3) cells with potential sedimentation rates up to 64-fold higher tha...