cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brassica juncea seed meal particle size influences chemistry but not soil biology-based suppression of individual agents inciting apple replant disease

Apple replant disease is incited by a pathogen complex composed of multiple fungal, oomycete and nematode species. Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 can be a significant component of this complex and is effectively suppressed via multiple functional mechanisms in response to Brassica juncea seed meal (SM) amendment. These mechanisms include those of both a biological and chemical nature. The effect of seed meal particle size on the operation of these mechanisms and the resulting capacity of B. juncea SM to suppress R. solani and other components of the pathogen complex that incites replant disease of apple was examined in this study. Emission of ally isothiocyanate (AITC) from B. juncea SM-amended soil was initiated earlier and reached higher maximal concentrations in soils amended with fine particle (<1 mm dia) than coarse particle (2-4 mm dia) size SM. This corresponded with the level of disease suppression obtained when R. solani AG-5 and SM at a rate of 0.3% (wt/wt) were introduced concurrently into soils and planted to apple; fine particle size but not coarse particle size B. juncea SM suppressed apple root infection. At the same rate, Pratylenchus penetrans and Pythium spp. were effectively controlled by B. juncea SM applications irrespective of SM particle size. AITC emission from B. juncea SM-amended soils was completed within 72 h post amendment, even at an application rate as high as 1.0% (wt/wt). In both fine and coarse particle size B. juncea SM-amended soils, populations of resident Streptomyces spp. were elevated approximately five to ten-fold at 8 weeks post-application relative to the non-treated control soil. When soil was infested with R. solani AG-5 subsequent to this 8 week incubation period and planted to apple, B. juncea SM amendments effectively suppressed Rhizoctonia root rot irrespective of SM particle size. Relative R. solani AG-5 apple root infection as determined by culture-based methods and a qPCR method developed in these studies was consistently similar across experiments. These findings demonstrate that particle size will affect the efficacy of B. juncea SM soil amendment for the control of R. solani AG-5, but will do so only through effects on chemistry-and not biologically-based mechanisms of pathogen suppression.
Targeting actin remodeling profiles for the detection and management of urothelial cancers--a perspective for bladder cancer research.

Abstract The actin cytoskeleton and numerous proteins associated with its regulation and function constitute over 25% of total proteins in the cell. Growing evidence from this laboratory and others shows that alterations of actin polymerization, or actin remodeling, plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphologic and phenotypic events of a malignant cell. The actin remodeling is the result of activation of oncogenic actin signaling pathways (e.g., Ras and Src), or inactivation of several important actin-binding proteins that have tumor suppressive functions (e.g., Gelsolin, E-Cadherin, etc.). Recently distinctive protein expression patterns of some of these genes in bladder cancer carcinogenic and progressive processes have been observed. Specific actin-pathway antagonists that have growth inhibitory effect on transformed cells, but not normal cells, have been developed. Our overall hypothesis is that actin alterations are progressive and that distinctive actin remodeling profiles are associated with different stages of cancer development and progression. These patterns can be used as markers for cancer early detection and prognostic indication. On the other hand, detection of specific types of actin-signaling pathway alterations also enables a targeted preventive or therapeutic intervention with specific actin signaling pathway blockers, thereby providing an actin-based paradigm for individualized monitoring and intervention of human bladder cancer.
Spun-cast micromolding for etchless micropatterning of electrically functional PDMS structures

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in bioMEMS applications; however, patterning of this material to form complex structures is often challenging. Chemical etches are typically ineffective due to the inertness of the material. Plasma processing of bulk material can be time intensive and presents concerns regarding the mechanical properties of the post-etched polymer due to etch-induced cross-linking of surrounding material. Presented in this paper, the etchless process of spun-cast micromolding (SCμM) is used to create an array of patterned, PDMS, electrical microcables. The microcables are arranged in a net-like array and incorporate electrical functionality. The geometries fabricated with these techniques include straight and sinusoidal microcables. In addition to the cables themselves, specific regions of the cables' top insulating layer can also be patterned using a hierarchical application of the SCμM process, creating exposed electrical access sites useful as electrical access points for electrophysiological applications. The SCμM process is a simple, relatively rapid technique that can be used to make highly compliant electronic structures with patternable geometries.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Y-FE COMPOUNDS

A low concentration of rare earths $(R)$ plays an important role in magnetic materials because of their large anisotropy. However, the Curie temperature ${(T}_{C})$ has a decreasing trend with increasing Fe concentration in $R$-Fe compounds. In order to understand the variation of ${T}_{C}$ as a function of iron concentration we carry out self-consistent spin-polarized electronic structure calculations for the sequence ${\mathrm{YFe}}_{2}{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{YFe}}_{3}{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{17}{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{YFe}}_{12}$ where yttrium is a prototype $R$ element. The exchange interaction parameters are derived using the infinitesimal angle approach. The Monte Carlo simulations based on the Heisenberg Hamiltonian are carried out to derive ${T}_{C}$ of Y-Fe compounds and results are in very good agreement with experimental data. The changes in the magnetic properties with Fe concentration are analyzed in terms of the local environment and magnetovolume effects.
SciReader enables reading of medical content with instantaneous definitions

Background: A major problem patients encounter when reading about health related issues is document interpretation, which limits reading comprehension and therefore negatively impacts health care. Currently, searching for medical definitions from an external source is time consuming, distracting, and negatively impacts reading comprehension and memory of the material. Methods: SciReader was built as a Java application with a Flex-based front-end client. The dictionary used by SciReader was built by consolidating data from several sources and generating new definitions with a standardized syntax. The application was evaluated by measuring the percentage of words defined in different documents. A survey was used to test the perceived effect of SciReader on reading time and comprehension. Results: We present SciReader, a web-application that simplifies document interpretation by allowing users to instantaneously view medical, English, and scientific definitions as they read any document. This tool reveals the definitions of any selected word in a small frame at the top of the application. SciReader relies on a dictionary of ~750,000 unique Biomedical and English word definitions. Evaluation of the application shows that it maps ~98% of words in several different types of documents and that most users tested in a survey indicate that the application decreases reading time and increases comprehension. Conclusions: SciReader is a web application useful for reading medical and scientific documents. The program makes jargon-laden content more accessible to patients, educators, health care professionals, and the general public.
Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Detection of Cashew Nut in Foods

The presence of undeclared cashew can pose a health risk to cashew-allergic consumers. The food industry has the responsibility to declare the presence of cashews on packaged foods even when trace residues are or might be present. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of cashew residues. Raw and roasted cashews were defatted and used separately to immunize sheep, goats, and rabbits. The cashew ELISA was developed using sheep and rabbit polyclonal anti-roasted cashew sera as capture and detector reagents, respectively, with visualization through an alkaline phosphatase-mediated substrate reaction. The cashew ELISA was shown to have a limit of quantification of 1 ppm (1 μg cashew/g). The ELISA was highly specific except that substantial cross-reactivity was noted with pistachio and a lesser degree of cross-reactivity was noted with hazelnut. The performance of the ELISA was assessed by manufacturing cookies, ice cream, and milk chocolate with added known amounts (0 to 1000 ppm) of cashew. The mean percent recoveries for ice cream, cookies, and milk chocolate were 118%± 2.9%, 84.3%± 4.0%, and 104%± 3.0%, respectively. In a limited retail survey, 4/5 retail samples with cashew declared on ingredient labels tested positive for cashew compared to 5/36 samples of foods with precautionary labels indicating the possible presence of one or more tree nuts and 0/18 samples without cashew declared on the label in any manner. The cashew ELISA can be used to detect undeclared cashew residue in foods and as a potential tool for the food industry to assess the effectiveness of allergen control strategies and to guarantee compliance with food labeling regulatory requirements.
Regulation of de novo and salvage pathways in chemotherapy

An overview was presented of our approach of inhibition of de novo and salvage pathways in pyrimidine and purine metabolism. 1. Combination of acivicin, an inhibitor of de novo biosynthesis, and dipyridamole, a transport inhibitor, provided synergistic cytotoxicity in hepatoma and colon carcinoma cells. 2. AZT, a competitive inhibitor of the salvage enzyme, thymidine kinase, and 5-FU or MTX provided synergistic cytotoxicity in hepatoma 3924A. In human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells AZT and methotrexate yielded synergistic cytotoxicity and thymidine and hypoxanthine together provided protection from the action of these drugs. 3. These observations are significant because in rat hepatoma 3924A and in human cell lines HT-29, HL-60 and K562 thymidine kinase activity was 16- to 67-fold higher than that of dTMP synthase. Therefore, inhibition of dTMP synthase activity alone may provide poor responses because the salvage pathways can circumvent this block. 4. In leukemic patients treated with tiazofurin, an inhibitor of IMP dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme of GTP biosynthesis, and with allopurinol, which inhibits GPRT activity through raising plasma hypoxanthine levels, synergistic therapeutic results were obtained. The responses in sensitive patients entailed a decrease in IMP dehydrogenase activity and GTP concentration in leukemic cells and down-regulation of the ras and myc oncogenes. The down-regulation of the ras oncogene by tiazofurin through the decrease of GTP concentration has now been shown in K562, HL-60 and hepatoma cells and in patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia in blast crisis. Tiazofurin may be useful in studies on selective depression of the expression of the ras oncogene. 5. In 27 consecutive patients 50% responded positively to tiazofurin treatment. From this group, 10 out of 12 patients (83%) with chronic granulocytic leukemia in blast crisis responded to tiazofurin treatment.
Responses of mice to murine coronavirus immunization

Oral and/or intranasal inoculation of susceptible mouse genotypes with the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-JHM) consistently results in T cell dysfunction as reflected by in vitro proliferative responses to mitogens or allogeneic cells. One approach to examining the mechanism responsible for the observed functional T cell suppression is to determine whether virus replication is required for its induction. To this end, mice were inoculated oronasally with MHV-JHM that was inactivated with short-wave ultraviolet light, betapropiolactone or psoralen. Mice were also inoculated with live MHV-JHM after recovery from homotypic or heterotypic MHV infection. Spleen cells from BALB mice inoculated oronasally with inactivated MHV-JHM yielded extremely variable in vitro proliferative responses after concanavalin A stimulation. MHV-susceptible mice exposed oronasally or intraperitoneally to virus inactivated by any of the minimum effective treatments failed to seroconvert. Immunization with psoralen-treated virus intraperitoneally in Freund's complete adjuvant or oronasally failed to protect from live virus challenge, but survivors had elevated virus-specific serum IgG antibody titers compared to mock-immunized controls at two weeks post-challenge. Spleen cells from mice that were challenged after recovery from homotypic live virus infection did not exhibit the profound in vitro T cell suppression normally observed during the acute stage of primary infection. In contrast, MHV-JHM challenge of mice vaccinated with heterotypic live MHV-S resulted in significantly depressed in vitro T cell function. The combined data suggest that either virus replication or exposure to more concentrated antigen may be required for induction of the dramatic T cell dysfunction that occurs as a consequence of MHV-JHM infection as well as for a detectable MHV-specific humoral response.
Quantum wavepacket dynamics with trajectories: wavefunction synthesis along quantum paths

Abstract The quantum trajectory method (QTM) for wavepacket dynamics involves integration of the quantum hydrodynamic equations for fluid elements (particles) [C. Lopreore and R.E. Wyatt, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82 (1999) 5190]. In this study, it is shown how the wavefunction modulus and phase (action function) may be computed from information carried by the particles as they move along quantum trajectories. The action function is computed by integrating the quantum Lagrangian along the particle trajectories. For a model collinear reaction, plots are presented for the time evolving probability density, Lagrangian, and action function.
Criticisms of the Dominant Perspective on Organizations

The major criticisms of the dominant comparative structural and structural contingency approaches to organizations were examined and found to possess at least ten major limitations. These structural approaches have resulted in an emphasis on organizational efficiency, goals, consensus, statics, and constraints of the environment, size, and technology which perpetuate the status quo; but the analysis of power, change, conflicts of interest, and individual volition have been obscured. Although structural analysis has resulted in some limited abstract generalizations concerning the form of organizations, these generalizations do little to contribute to understanding organizational processes, strategic choice, and power relationships. These important aspects of organizations could be unmasked by viewing organizations as arenas of micro-individual and group interests as well as arenas through which macrosocietal, class, and multinational interests and conflicts are played out. To minimize these limitations in the analysis of organizations, triangulations of perspectives, levels of analysis, sources of data, and methodologies are suggested.
Circulant approximations of the inverses of Toeplitz matrices and related quantities with applications to stationary random processes

The circulant approximation of vector and quadratic forms involving the inverse of a Toeplitz covariance matrix R is addressed. First, a result is presented which increases the rate of convergence of the average matrix error under certain conditions on \undertilde{r} , the vector which defines R. Concerning vector and quadratic operations using R-1, it is noted that if \undertilde{x} is AR(p), then the p-banded, near-Toeplitz structure of R-1results in an O(1/N)-type mean convergence of associated errors.
Orientational alignment in solids from bidimensional isotropic-anisotropic nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: applications to the analysis of aramide fibers.

The use of two-dimensional isotropic-anisotropic correlation spectroscopy for the analysis of orientational alignment in solids is presented. The theoretical background and advantages of this natural-abundance 13C NMR method of measurement are discussed, and demonstrated with a series of powder and single-crystal variable-angle correlation spectroscopy (VACSY) experiments on model systems. The technique is subsequently employed to analyze the orientational distributions of three polymer fibers: Kevlar® 29, Kevlar® 49 and Kevlar® 149. Using complementary two-dimensional NMR data recorded on synthetic samples of poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide), the precursor of Kevlar®, it was found that these commercial fibers possess molecules distributed over a very narrow orientational range with respect to the macroscopic director. The widths measured for these director distribution arrangements were (12 ± 1.5) ° for Kevlar® 29, (15 ± 1.5) ° for Kevlar® 49, and (8 ± 1.5) ° for Kevlar® 149. These figures compare well with previous results obtained for non-commercial fiber samples derived from the same polymer.
Synthesis and analysis of a macrocyclic triproline-derived template containing a local conformational constraint

Abstract A convergent synthesis of 3 is reported. By 1H NMR COSY and ROESY techniques 3 in solution is assigned the ctt d ecl conformation shown in 3b.
Equilibria of the Systems, PrCl3-HCl, NdCl3-HCl and PrCl3-NdCl3-HCl with Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) Phosphoric Acid in Amsco 125-82

Extractions of Pr and Nd by 1.0 M di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in Amsco**** 125-82 were carried out from PrCl3-HCl and NdCl3-HCl aqueous solutions with initial concentrations from 0.0 to 1.0 M HCl and 0.10 to 1.0 M PrCl3 or NdCl3. Distribution coefficients of Pr and Nd were obtained as a function of initial concentration of HCl with initial concentrations of Pr and Nd as parameters. Concentrations of Pr and Nd in both organic and aqueous phases for the systems 1.00 M D2EHPA-PrCl3-HCl and 1.00 M D2EHPA-NdCl3-HCl were also obtained using HCl concentrations in the aqueous phase at equilibrium as the parameter. Plots of these data were demonstrated to be useful for estimating final concentrations of Pr and Nd in the organic phase for the extractions of PrCl3-HCl, NdCl3-HCl and PrCl3-NdCl3-HCl solutions when the composition of the aqueous phase in equilibrium was known.
Systematic study of steam-water capillary pressure

Abstract Although steam–water capillary pressure is of central importance in geothermal reservoir engineering, it is nevertheless still poorly understood because of the difficulties involved in making direct measurements. To this end, we have conducted some experimental and theoretical studies. Unique methods have been developed to measure capillary pressures in order to overcome the complications in laboratory procedures associated with mass transfer as temperature and pressure changes. Both steam–water and air–water capillary pressures were measured and compared. Significant differences were found; in the cases studied, the steam–water capillary pressures were smaller. The drainage capillary pressure was greater than the imbibition capillary pressure, as was expected. Using experimental data, an empirical model was derived to calculate steam-water capillary pressure directly. Also developed was a generalized capillary pressure model based on fractal modeling of a porous medium; it encompasses the frequently used Brooks–Corey model (Brooks, R.H., Corey, A.T., 1964. Hydraulic Properties of Porous Media. Colorado State University, Hydro paper No. 3, Fort Collins, CO, USA, 24 pp.) as well as others. Recent studies on the topic are summarized and reviewed.
Familial occurrence of LGL leukaemia.

Summary. The aetiology of LGL leukaemia is now known: however, we recently detected HTLV-II from such a patient. We describe here the occurrence of LGL leukaemia in a mother and her son. Serum from the son reacted to HTLV-I/II gag proteins, but not to recombinant HTLV-I env protein p21e; serum from the mother was negative. PCR analyses in both patients were negative for pX and pol sequences shared by HTLV-I/II and also for specific gag sequences of HTLV-I and HTLV-II. These data show that familial cases of LGL leukaemia are not associated with prototypical HTLV-I or HTLV-II infection.
Fluid Mechanics of Strings

We consider conserved currents in an interacting network of one-dimensional objects (or strings). Singular currents localized on a single string are considered in general, and a formal procedure for coarse graining over many strings is developed. This procedure is applied to strings described by the Nambu-Goto action, such as cosmic strings. In addition to conserved currents corresponding to the energy-momentum tensor, we consider an antisymmetric tensor of conserved currents related to the string tangent vector. Under the assumption of local equilibrium we derive a complete set of hydrodynamic equations for strings.
A capacity planning framework for event brokers in intelligent transportation cyber physical systems

Transportation engineering is a mature discipline of engineering that provides effective and efficient methods and tools for traffic modeling and capacity planning, however, these artifacts incur limitations in the context of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) because they seldom incorporate cyber issues in their design. Conversely, Computer Science provides many sophisticated solutions for resource management in the cyber world but often overlook physical issues inherent in ITS. Consequently, neither discipline prepares designers and planners to implement a fully functional ITS. Capacity planning solutions for ITS require solutions that can holistically integrate physical artifacts, such as traffic modeling, with cyber artifacts, such as solutions for real-time information dissemination over wireless networks. To address these challenges, this paper presents preliminary ideas on the design of a framework based on the principles of surrogate modeling wherein small-scale, micro-simulations of the ITS cyber physical system are used to develop training points, which in turn are used to train a surrogate model. The surrogate model is subsequently used to make planning decisions for ITS.
Playful Fathering: The Burden and Promise of Horace Bushnell’s Christian Nurture

Horace Bushnell’s Christian Nurture yields both oppressive and liberating strands for a contemporary interpretation of fatherhood. The work’s critique of American individualism, its thoroughly relational understanding of human beings, and description of the family as a web of organic connection offer promising lenses for a post-patriarchal understanding of fatherhood. At the same time, Bushnell’s relational anthropology is plagued by an understanding of the mother as protector of hearth and home that eventually proves oppressive to all members of the human family. Embedded within its pages, however, lies a potentially illuminating reflection on the significance of playing with children. This emphasis on play might prove helpful in expanding a view of fathering beyond duty and toward delight, grounded in the God of creation who delights in all God’s children.
Exploring the use of computer-mediated communication: a simulation approach

Abstract This article discusses methodologies that allow in-depth exploration of usage patterns and preferences in screen-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). After discussing the growth trends and special characteristics of CMC in comparison to other electronic communication technologies, research challenges posed by CMC are contrasted with conventional mass communication research. This article also describes the online, simulation-based research methodology developed and employed by the authors to measure actual user behavior and identify topic preferences and usage paths. Advantages and limitations of simulation-based experiments as a technique for researching CMC are discussed.
Hepatic imaging: An Overview

For optimal detection and characterization of focal or diffuse liver disease, it is essential to obtain the most appropriate imaging test in the correct clinical setting. Access to clinical information and medical history is, therefore, essential. Moreover, familiarity with currently available modalities for imaging the liver [figure: see text] allows the optimal use of the technical advances in ultrasound imaging, CT scanning, MR imaging, and nuclear scintigraphy technology and contributes to improved diagnostic accuracy.
Tricuspid Annular Motion as a Predictor of Severe Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background Right ventricular (RV) failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine pre-operative right heart echocardiographic predictors of post-LVAD severe RV failure. Methods RV failure, defined as the need for inotropic support or pulmonary vasodilators for ≥14 days post-operatively, was evaluated in 33 patients (age 54 ± 13 years) with LVADs. Preoperative RV systolic and diastolic echocardiographic parameters, including RV fractional area change, tricuspid annular motion, right atrial volume index, RV index of myocardial performance, hepatic vein Doppler velocities, tricuspid regurgitation severity, and RV systolic pressures (RVSPs) in patients with and without RV failure were compared. Results Of the 33 patients evaluated, 11 (33%) had post-LVAD RV failure (2 needed RVAD support). Patients with post-LVAD RV failure had significantly lower pre-operative tricuspid annular motion (8 ± 4 vs 15 ± 6 mm, p p = 0.02). In 13 patients (39%) with moderate tricuspid regurgitation, pre-operative tricuspid annular motion remained significantly reduced (6.0 ± 0.5 vs 13.5 ± 5.0 mm, p = 0.045). Other echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between patients. Tricuspid annular motion of Conclusion Tricuspid annular motion is a predictor of post-LVAD RV failure. Using tricuspid annular motion in addition to conventional criteria may aid in early identification of patients with prolonged inotropic support or severe RV failure and allow for better pre-operative planning.
Comparison of tumor regression grade systems for locally advanced rectal cancer after multimodality treatment.

Background Tumor regression grade (TRG) is a measure of histopathological response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation and is associated with outcomes. Several TRG systems are used: Mandard (5,3-tier), Dowrak/Rodel (5,3-tier), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging. A single measure of rectal cancer response would assist in comparing results across institutions, and in designing future rectal cancer studies. In this study, the predictive accuracies of the various published classification schemes are compared.
A New Species of Afrotropical Ants in the Genus Bothroponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)

We describe a new species of Afrotropical Bothroponera from Whittlesea City, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This species is unique among the African Bothroponera as it is the only species with a horizontal propodeal spiracle. It is also the largest species of African Bothroponera (total length 14.80–15.65). The clypeus lacks a medial longitudinal carina, the head is subquadrate, the sculpture is mostly foveolate, and the second gastral segment nearly lacks sculpturing. We compare the new species to the similar B. cavernosa and B. cavernosa var. montivaga. We also compare the new species to all of the other 10 taxa that belong to the cavernosa complex. A key to the cavernosa complex species of the Afrotropical Bothroponera is provided along with diagnosis, comparison, distribution, habitat, biology, and etymology for the new species.
Practical and effective networking.

For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of participating in a unique workshop that is held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and offered each fall to assist postdoctoral women aspiring to careers in academe in the fields of science and engineering. Each time I have spoken about the power of networking in building and sustaining a vibrant professional career. I am always struck by how little the students seem to know about this vital subject and yet how enthusiastically and quickly they embrace it. Each year I seem to receive more positive feedback on this speech than I do on any other. Consequently, I thought perhaps it is time to put pen to paper and share this information a bit more broadly. I know that some folks in academe believe that the term “networking” is a dirty word. What I hope to convey in my column this time is that networking is not a swear word—it is a powerful technique that has the capacity to transform the quality of your professional life.
Position estimation and error correction in a 2D position-sensitive NaI(Tl) detector

Abstract Removal of spatial distortion for a two-dimensional position-sensitive NaI(Tl) detector used in a positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner is investigated. The Anger-type detector has an active area of 45 × 9 cm2 and is 2.5 cm thick and is optically coupled to a 3 × 10 array of 5 cm square photomultiplier tubes. Due to the nature of the scintillation light spread and collection there is a substantial difference between the true and calculated scintillation position as calculated from a biased centroid algorithm. To generate an error-correction lookup table the detector is illuminated with a tightly collimated gamma-ray beam at regular intervals and the measured positions at these locations are compared with the known true positions. Since it is impractical to collect this data for all the possible position channels, a table of 1024 × 200 distortion correction factors is interpolated from a sparse grid of measured points that covers the detector surface. The effects of different sampling distances for the measured points and two different interpolation schemes are compared. We conclude that the optimal combination is a sampling distance of 7.5 mm and a two-dimensional bilinear interpolation algorithm, which results in an average rms error in the corrected position of 0.2 mm. The bilinear interpolation algorithm is modified to work on the distorted rectangular grid that results from the measured locations of the data points.
β-Adrenoceptor stimulation activates large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in smooth muscle cells from basilar artery of guinea pig

We studied the effect of isoproterenol on the Ca2+-activated K+(BK) channel in smooth muscle cells isolated from the basilar artery of the guinea pig. Cells were studied in a whole-cell configuration to allow the clamping of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i. Macroscopic BK channel currents were recorded during depolarizing test pulses from a holding potential (V H) of 0 mV, which was used to inactivate the outward rectifier. The outward macroscopic current available from aV H of 0 mV was highly sensitive to block by external tetraethylammonium·Cl (TEA) and charybdotoxin, and was greatly augmented by increasing [Ca2+]i from 0.01 to 1.0 μM. With [Ca2+]i between 0.1 and 1.0 μM, 0.4 μM isoproterenol increased this current by 58.6±17.1%, whereas with [Ca2+]i at 0.01 μM a sixfold smaller increase was observed. With [Ca2+]i≥0.1 μM, 100 μM dibutyryl-adenosine 3′:5: cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and 1 μM forskolin increased this current by 58.5±24.1% and 59.7±10.3%, respectively. The increase with isoproterenol was blocked by 4.0 μM propranolol extracellularly, and by 10 U/ml protein kinase inhibitor intracellularly. Single-channel openings during depolarizing test pulses from aV H of 0 mV recorded in the whole-cell configuration under the same conditions (outside-outwhole-cell recording) indicated a slope conductance of 260 pS. In conventional outside-out patches, this 260-pS channel was highly sensitive to block by external TEA, and in inside-out patches, its probability of opening was greatly augmented by increasing [Ca2+]i from 0.01 to 1.0 μM. Outside-out-whole-cell recordings with [Ca2+]i≥0.1 μM indicated that 100 μM dibutyryl-cAMP increased the probability of opening of the 260-pS channel by 152±115%. In inside-out patches, the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A increased the probability of opening, and this effect also depended on [Ca2+]i, with a 35-fold larger effect observed with 0.1–0.5 μM Ca2+ compared to 0.01 μM Ca2+. We conclude that the BK channel in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells can be activated byβ-adrenoceptor stimulation, that the effect depends strongly on [Ca2+]i, and that the effect is mediated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A with no important contribution from a direct G-protein or phosphorylation-independent mechanism. Our data indicate that the BK channel may participate inβ-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of cerebral vessels, although the importance of this pathway in obtaining vasorelaxation remains to be determined.
Ethnic and Racial Identity and Adolescent Well-Being

Identity is a major developmental task for adolescents, and the development of ethnic identity is a unique and significant developmental task for many adolescents. This article reviews theoretical and empirical literature that informs our understanding of the development of a positive ethnic identity, and the consequences for adolescent mental health. The review includes research on both psychological and behavioral outcomes for adolescents; the relationships among ethnic identity, discrimination, and mental health; and the role of racial socialization in ethnic identity development and mental health. The authors also pay particular attention to ethnic identity and academic achievement. Overall, this review supported the conclusion that a strong, positive ethnic identity benefits adolescent mental health and academic success. The authors conclude with a discussion of strategies for parents, teachers, and schools to support the development of a positive ethnic identity in adolescents of color.
Selective reaction of amino acid sulfoximines with nitrous acid; facile stereospecific conversion to amino acid sulfoxides

Abstract N-Unsubstituted sulfoximines of amino acids can he readily converted to the corresponding amino acid sulfoxides in high yields by treatment with stoichiometric quantities of nitrous acid. Under the conditions employed, reaction with L-methionine-S (or R)-sulfoximine is specific for the sulfoximine nitrogen atom, and no reaction occurs at the α-amino group. Conversion to the sulfoxide proceeds with complete retention of configuration at the sulfur atom.
Toxicity of copper to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic activities of methanogens and sulfate reducers in anaerobic sludge

Abstract Heavy metals could potentially negatively impact microorganisms in anaerobic sulfate reducing bioreactors. The objective of this is study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of copper to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic activities of methanogens and sulfate reducers in sludge obtained from a full-scale sulfate reducing bioreactor. The 50% inhibiting concentration (50%IC) of Cu2+ to acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens was 20.7 and 8.9 mg l−1, respectively. The 50%IC of Cu2+ to acetoclastic sulfate reduction was 32.3 mg l−1. The hydrogenotrophic sulfate reducers were only inhibited by 27% at the highest concentration of Cu2+ tested, 200 mg l−1, indicating a high level of tolerance. The soluble Cu2+ was observed to decrease rapidly in both the methanogenic and sulfate reducing assays. The highest level of decrease was observed in the hydrogenotrophic sulfate reducing assay which was over 99% in 5 h. The results of this study indicate that sulfate reducing biotechnologies would be robust at relatively high inlet concentrations of Cu2+.
The Power of Publication: A Journey Into Authorship by One Child With Learning Disabilities

This article describes the journey of Daniel, a child with learning difficulties, into authorship through one-to-one tutoring. It discusses the powerful and positive influence the introduction of book making and publication had on Daniel's enthusiasm for writing and writing fluency. All this is set within a discussion of recent work on writing process teaching.
A randomized controlled trial of a peer support intervention targeting antiretroviral medication adherence and depressive symptomatology in HIV-positive men and women.

Objective To determine the efficacy of a peer-led social support intervention involving support groups and telephone contacts compared with standard clinical care to enhance antiretroviral medication adherence. Design Randomized controlled trial with follow-up. Participants were 136 HIV-positive indigent mainly African American and Puerto Rican men and women recruited from an outpatient clinic in the Bronx, New York. The 3-month intervention was delivered by other HIV-positive clinic patients trained in addressing barriers to adherence and sensitively providing appraisal, spiritual, emotional, and informational adherence-related social support. Main outcome measures Medical chart-abstracted HIV-1 RNA viral load, antiretroviral adherence according to electronic drug monitoring and participant self-report, and social support and depressive symptomatology. All assessments conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Intent-to-treat and as-treated analyses indicated no between-conditions intervention effects on the primary outcome of HIV-1 RNA viral load or any of the secondary outcomes at immediate postintervention or follow-up. Post hoc analyses within the intervention condition indicated greater intervention exposure was associated with higher self-reported adherence, higher social support, and lower depressive symptomatology at follow-up, even after controlling for baseline adherence. Conclusion Null findings, consistent with the limited literature on efficacious highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence interventions, may be due to insufficient exposure to the intervention, its low intensity, or the nature of the sample-a heterogeneous HAART-experienced group of patients with high levels of substance use and multiple other competing stressors. Overall, findings highlight the need for more comprehensive and intensive efforts to battle nonadherence.
Glass Transition Studies of Baked Tortilla Chips Using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis

The objectives were to determine the glass transition temperature (T g ) of baked tortilla chips and find a statistical model that represents the change in T g with respect to baking conditions. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used to determine the glass transition temperature of samples. The T g of samples was in the range of 59 to 76 °C with respect to baking temperature and time. The results indicated that the glass transition temperature increased with increasing baking temperature and at longer baking times. The T g of samples with longer baking periods increased up to 1.2 times those at smaller baking periods. Statistical analysis showed a linear relationship for T g vs. baking time and temperature. A statistical model was obtained using a linear regression to describe the change in T g in terms of baking temperature and time (R 2 =0.74). Les polymeres amorphes et semi-cristallins montrent une transition de second ordre appelee transition vitreuse. Les objectifs de cette etude sont de determiner le changement dans la temperature de transition vitreuse (T g ) en fonction des conditions de cuisson de chips de tortilla et de trouver un modele statistique qui decrit au mieux ce changement. Les resultats indiquent que la T g augmente avec la temperature et le temps de cuisson. Le modele est etabli pour predire la T g en fonction des conditions de cuisson, le temps et la temperature de cuisson etant des variables.
Photonics—Advances in Fundamental Sciences and Engineering Technologies of Light

Photonics is a field of sciences that focuses on the pursuit of the understanding basic properties of light, the interaction of light with materials, the fundamental concepts and technologies for generating and controlling the properties of light, the concept and technologies for transmitting and signal processing of light, the engineering of these technologies for manipulating light applicable for systems implementation. The optical light covers the electromagnetic radiation from X-ray, deep ultraviolet, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and terahertz spectral regimes. Optical sciences is one of the earliest and most important areas of study in physical sciences. The successful understanding of wave optics within the Maxwell’s electromagnetism theory has resulted in the development of physical optics [1,2], and its impact has penetrated areas in other disciplines in cluding chemical and biological sciences, engineering and technology, and medical sciences. The birth of quantum theory emanated from the understanding of the discrete energy of light by Planck and Einstein, and understanding of discrete energy levels in atoms was also attributed to understanding the interaction of light and matter. Quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics formed the basis of the advanced theo ry of light-matter intera ction. Today, fundamental concepts from photonics and optics have been widely implemented in technologies addressing substantial challenges in such fields as communications, medical and health sciences, energy efficiency and renewable energy, homeland security and defense, environmental and sustainable living, among others. Advances in photonics and optics encompass both experimental and theoretical findings in basic sciences, technology, and engineering of light. The advances in both disruptive and progressive technologies in photonics and optics have enabled the development of new technologies which have transformed our life and addressed significan t challenges in society. The journal
Effect of multicomponent, multiphase equilibria in gas injection processes

Abstract Displacement of oil by injected gas can be very efficient if appropriate transfer of components occurs between phases that form during multiphase flow in porous reservoir rocks. Calculations of composition routes of fluid mixtures that form during displacement processes are presented. They illustrate how chromatographic separations occur during multiphase, multicomponent flow in one dimension. Those calculations show that for ternary systems, displacement efficiency can approach 100% when either the oil composition (in vaporizing gas drives) or the injected gas composition (in condensing gas drives) lies outside the region of tie-line extensions, as long as the flow is one-dimensional and effects of dispersive mixing and capillary pressure differences between phases are negligible. Additional physical mechanisms that influence flow in reservoir-scale systems are also discussed.
Analysis of the genome sequence of Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323 reveals the molecular basis of an autochthonous intestinal organism

This study presents the complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323, a neotype strain of human origin and a native species found commonly in the gastrointestinal tracts of neonates and adults. The plasmid-free genome was 1,894,360 bp in size and predicted to encode 1,810 genes. The GC content was 35.3%, similar to the GC content of its closest relatives, L. johnsonii NCC 533 (34%) and L. acidophilus NCFM (34%). Two identical copies of the prophage LgaI (40,086 bp), of the Sfi11-like Siphoviridae phage family, were integrated tandomly in the chromosome. A number of unique features were identified in the genome of L. gasseri that were likely acquired by horizontal gene transfer and may contribute to the survival of this bacterium in its ecological niche. L. gasseri encodes two restriction and modification systems, which may limit bacteriophage infection. L. gasseri also encodes an operon for production of heteropolysaccharides of high complexity. A unique alternative sigma factor was present similar to that of B. caccae ATCC 43185, a bacterial species isolated from human feces. In addition, L. gasseri encoded the highest number of putative mucus-binding proteins (14) among lactobacilli sequenced to date. Selected phenotypic characteristics that were compared between ATCC 33323 and other human L. gasseri strains included carbohydrate fermentation patterns, growth and survival in bile, oxalate degradation, and adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, in vitro. The results from this study indicated high intraspecies variability from a genome encoding traits important for survival and retention in the gastrointestinal tract.
Asymptotic approximations of integral manifolds

Multidegree of freedom nonlinear differential equations can often be transformed by means of the method of averaging into equivalent systems with only high-order terms. Under appropriate small-order perturbation conditions these systems have unique surfaces of solutions called integral manifolds. They generalize the notions of periodic and almost periodic solutions for single degree of freedom systems. In parametric form the integral manifolds satisfy a certain system of partial differential equations. Conversely, an Nth-order asymptotic integral manifold is defined as a formal solution of that system of partial differential equations, up to order N in the perturbation parameter. In the main result a system of integral equations is written for the remainder terms. By a contraction argument the system of integral equations has a fixed point, which, added to the Nth-order asymptotic integral manifold, forms an integral manifold for the normal system. By uniqueness this is the integral manifold sought. This ...
Protection of chicken embryos by viridans streptococci against the lethal effect of Staphylococcus aureus.

Chicken embryos were used to investigate the mechanism by which viridans streptococci inhibit the growth of pathogenic staphylococci. Ten-day-old embryonated eggs were infected allantoically. At a concentration of 1.8 × 102 colony-forming units (CFU) of viridans streptococci, the percentage of fatalities was less than 10%. There was 80% fatality with 8 × 101 CFU of Staphylococcus aureus strain 502A and 100% when a 100-fold increase in concentration was used. An inoculum size of 102 to 103 CFU of viridans streptococci was chosen to protect the embryos against the lethal effect of strain 502A when challenged 24 h later. The survival after challenging at 4 days was 93% in protected eggs and 37% in unprotected eggs. Chicken embryos receiving heat-killed viridans and challenged with strain 502A when examined after 4 days did not demonstrate a protective effect. This protection of embryonated eggs could not be transferred by administration of sterile filtrate of allantoic fluid in which protecting strain was grown. The experimental infection of embryonated eggs has demonstrated that prior allantoic infection with viridans streptococci affords significant protection against subsequent challenge with virulent staphylococci.
Hermetically-sealed evanescent-mode resonators utilizing packaging as cavities

This paper presents a low-cost evanescent-mode high-Q resonator novel in its utilization of commercially-available hermetic packaging as the resonator cavity. The resonators are implemented with both nickel and gold-plated cavities and achieve measured unloaded quality factors of 527 and 658 respectively at their resonances of 17.22 GHz. A comparison between the nickel and gold implementations is discussed accompanied by measured and simulated results. The hermetically sealed nature of this resonator lends itself well to harsh-environment applications that require high-quality RF front-ends.