cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating the BMP-2 peptide in genetically-engineered biomaterials accelerates osteogenic differentiation

Protein-based biomaterials have emerged as powerful tools for tissue engineering applications. Recombinant DNA techniques can be used to precisely tune material properties at the molecular level, and multiple peptide modules can be incorporated into a single material. Here, we genetically engineered biomaterials that incorporate a peptide derived from bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and investigated whether the BMP-2 peptide, within the context of these materials, can promote stem cells to produce bone matrix and synergize with a cell-binding sequence (RGD). Our study is the first to demonstrate that when the BMP-2 peptide is incorporated within the backbone of protein-based biomaterials, it is active and accelerates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, cells seeded on proteins containing the BMP-2 peptide had increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, calcium deposition, and expression of bone-related genes. However, the BMP-2 peptide did not synergize with the RGD cell-binding domain within the context of these protein-based materials. Overall, these results suggest that incorporation of the BMP-2 peptide within the context of modular proteins is a successful strategy for engineering biomaterials for applications in bone tissue engineering.
Effects of incompressibility on the elimination of parasitic currents in the lattice Boltzmann equation method for binary fluids

Discretization errors in the computation of the intermolecular force in the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method cause parasitic currents. A slight imbalance in the interfacial stresses due to truncation errors initiates the parasitic currents. It was shown that these currents could be eliminated to round-off if the potential form of the intermolecular force for non-ideal gases was used with compact isotropic discretization. In the present work, a formulation of the intermolecular forces for binary fluids and the role of incompressibility on parasitic currents are examined. A two-distribution function LBE method is proposed in which the incompressibility is enforced by the pressure evolution equation. As long as the intermolecular force is expressed in the potential form, the incompressible LBE method for binary fluids is able to eliminate parasitic currents.
A Study of Reduced-Sensitivity RDX

Five lots of RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5,-triazinane) were believed to have different shock sensitivities based on large-scale gap test (LSGT) results. Laboratory investigations included direct-insertion mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, powder X-ray diffraction, polarized light with hot-stage microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC proved useful at distinguishing differences between lots. The RDX lots studied included three made in the United States by BAE Ordinance Systems (Holston), one from Eurenco (formally SNPE), and one from Dyno Nobel. Of Holston RDX, two lots had been reprocessed by Eurenco to reduce sensitivity. Increased sensitivity appeared to correlate with increased HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) content. Aging and heating of RDX with HMX content appeared to contribute to the formation of an RDX/HMX eutectic, which could explain the enhanced sensitivity observed in some samples.
Ag-specific type 1 CD8 effector cells enhance methotrexate-mediated antitumor responses by modulating differentiated T cell localization, activation and chemokine production in established breast cancer

The chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Although its mechanism-of-action has been defined, less is known about its interaction with T cell-mediated antitumor responses. Type 1 CD8 T cell-mediated immune responses (Tc1) are cytolytic, produce IFN-gamma and are associated with effective antitumor responses. Using a murine transgenic TCR tumor model, we show that single-dose treatment with methotrexate enhanced CD8-mediated type 1 antitumor responses when administered 3 days prior to Tc1 effector cell transfer. Co-treatment with methotrexate not only enhanced donor Tc1 cell accumulation and persistence at sites of primary tumor growth, but also promoted elevated levels of activated donor TIL cells. This markedly enhanced the appearance of endogenous differentiated (CD44(High)) CD8 tumor-infiltrating cells when compared to that of corresponding groups receiving either MTX or Tc1 cell transfer alone. Such cells were acutely activated as defined by co-expression of surface markers associated with TCR engagement (CD69) and T cell activation (CD25) at both early (days 1-8) and late (days 12-20) stages following treatment. Conversely, such animals showed an early decrease in CD4(+)/CD44(High)/CD25(+)/CD69(+) T cells that correlated with delays in tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, cellular response kinetics appeared to further correlate with the up-regulation of endogenous T cells producing the chemokine IP-10 in vivo. This suggested that Tc1 cell transfer, in combination with chemotherapy, can enhance antitumor responses by modulating immunoregulatory T cells involved in homeostasis and immune tolerance within the tumor environment. These studies offer insight into mechanisms that enhance T cell-based immunotherapy in cancer.
The reaction cross section for low-energy pion-nucleus scattering

Abstract It is shown that for low pion energies it is possible to calculate the pion absorption part of the pion-nucleus reaction cross section from a detailed knowledge of the imaginary part of the pion-nucleus optical potential. Such calculations provide tests of various theories of low-energy pion-nucleus dynamics.
κ-Opioid modulation of human microglial cell superoxide anion generation

Abstract Opioids have been postulated to play an immunomodulatory role in the CNS. Recently, we found that priming microglia with interferon (IFN)-γ or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α resulted in an enhanced production of superoxide anion, a reactive oxygen intermediate that may be pathogenic during brain inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of trans -3,4-dichloro- N -methyl- N [2-(1-pyrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneaceamide methanesulfonate (U50,488), a selective κ-opioid ligand, on microglial cell superoxide production when cells were primed with cytokines or stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate. While treatment of microglial cells with U50,488 had little effect on nonstimulated or stimulated superoxide production, this opioid inhibited (by >70%) the priming effects of cytokines. Maximal inhibition of microglial cell superoxide generation by U50,488 was observed at 10 nM for the priming effect of interferon-γ and at 1 μM for tumor necrosis factor-α. Pretreatment of microglial cell cultures for 30 min with an equal concentration of the selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) completely blocked the inhibitory effect of U50,488. The results of this study suggest that κ-opioids may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases of the CNS involving reactive oxygen intermediates produced by activated microglia.
The Beslan Hostage Crisis: A Case Study for Emergency Responders

Although school violence has been a topic of substantial research and analysis, the potential of a mass hostage crisis in a school setting is still a relatively rarefied topic in the literature. Recent incidents such as the Virginia Tech shooting have been perpetrated by single shooters. Well-trained, multiple shooters present a range of substantially different problems for responders, which require serious consideration in all emergency planning. This article uses the 2004 school attack in Beslan, which resulted in over 300 deaths, as a case study for emergency responders at all levels. The article provides policy recommendations specific to schools, first responders, and city emergency management planners.
Radiosensitivity of Tribolium destructor Uyttenboogaart (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract The development of adult Tribolium destructor Uyttenboogaart from eggs and larvae was prevented by exposing these immature stages to 5 krad of gamma irradiation. However, some adults did emerge when pupae were exposed to 5–30 krad. Adult longevity was significantly reduced, and sterility of both sexes was effected by doses of 10 krad and above. Control of this species therefore appears feasible with the levels of irradiation currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (20–50 krad) for treatment of stored-grain insects in wheat and wheat flour in the U.S.
Binding characteristics of native cyclofructan 6 and its derivatives with metal ions

The binding ability of native, isopropylated and permethylated cyclofructan 6 (CF6) with various cations was characterised in water and hydro-organic solvents. Association constants (Kass) of 24 cations including alkali metals, transition metals and lanthanides were measured using NMR titrations and a nonlinear least square treatment of the data. Ba2+ and Pb2+ showed the highest binding abilities with native CF6 in both D2O and 40% methanol-d4. Metal ion binding increased with an increasing in methanol content. The weaker binding of cations with CF6 in acetonitrile-d3 compared with those of methanolic solvents was noted and indicated the importance of dehydration of the host and guest to binding affinity. The effect of counteranions such as chloride, nitrate, perchlorate and acetate on binding was examined. Isopropyl-CF6 provided slightly higher binding affinities with cations than native CF6 in D2O and 40% methanol-d4, whereas permethylated CF6 only associated with K+ cation in 80% methanol-d4. There are...
The genetics of pigmentation: from fancy genes to complex traits

Genes that control mammalian pigmentation interact with each other in intricate networks that have been studied for decades using mouse coat color mutations. Molecular isolation of the affected genes and the ability to study their effects in a defined genetic background have led to surprising new insights into the potential interaction between tyrosine kinase and G-protein-coupled signaling pathways. Recent developments show that homologous genes in humans are responsible not only for rare diseases, such as albinism and piebaldism, but also for common phenotypic variations, such as red hair and fair skin.
Tagging and mapping of genes and QTL and molecular marker-assisted selection for traits of economic importance in bean and cowpea

Bean/Cowpea Collaborative Research Support Program (B/C CRSP) scientists have successfully developed integrated consensus maps of the 11 linkage groups (LGs) in both bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp). The bean map is approximately 1200 cM with some 500 markers and an additional 500 markers shared with other bean maps. The cowpea map spans 2670 cM with over 400 markers. In addition to molecular markers, both maps include map locations of defense genes and phenotypic traits for disease and insect resistance, seed size, color and storage proteins, pod color and those traits associated with the domestication syndrome in bean. Since the bean and cowpea maps were developed independently, LGs with the same number probably refer to non-syntenic groups. Map locations of major resistance genes in bean are revealing gene clusters on LGs B1, B4, B7, and B11 for resistance to bean rust, anthracnose, common bacterial blight and white mold. Gene tagging and marker-assisted selection for disease resistance has progressed to a point where the indirect selection for resistance to a number of major diseases is now routine in bean breeding programs both in the US and overseas. # 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Application of sunlight and lamps for plant irradiation in space bases.

The radiation sources used for plant growth on a space base must meet the biological requirements for photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. In addition, the sources must be energy and volume efficient, while maintaining the required irradiance levels, spectral, spatial and temporal distribution. These requirements are not easily met, but as the biological and mission requirements are better defined, then specific facility designs can begin to accommodate both the biological requirements and the physical limitations of a space-based plant growth system.
Coupled Ion Complexation and Exchange between Aqueous and Ionic Liquid Phases: A Thermodynamic Interpretation

Experimental studies of ion extraction from aqueous to ionic liquid phases have demonstrated that, in many cases, extraction of an ion from the aqueous phase is coupled to counterextraction of similarly charged ions from the ionic phase. These exchanges often involve coordination complexes that are not observed in extractions from aqueous phases to molecular organic liquids. We make a thermodynamic analysis of this coupled ionization/exchange process, and show that it is driven by the relative solubilities of the ionic liquid ion and the complex in the two phases. We apply the analysis to a series of systems for which the phenomenon has been documented, and discuss general principles that can be used to control the process.
Numerical Analysis of Head Disk Interface Response During Operational Shock With Disk-Ramp Contact

In hard disk drives (HDDs), the ramp load/unload (LUL) technology has proved to be a better alternative to the contact start-stop approach due to the advantages of increasing areal density and greater durability. However, the application of the LUL ramps in HDDs introduces the possibility of collisions between the disk and ramps since the ramps must slightly overlap the disk's outer radius. Therefore, it is important to study the ramp effects on the HDDs response during a shock. A reduced model of a deformable ramp is developed and implemented into a multi-body operational shock model. Numerical analyses using three different ramp models (no ramp, rigid ramp, and deformable ramp) are carried out to study the HDDs failure dependence on the different ramp models.
Evolutionary adaptability of biological macromolecules

The degree of gradualism with which tertiary structure and function of protein changes with stepwise changes in primary structure (assumed to be influenced by redundancy of weak bonding) is both a precondition for and consequence of evolution. The resulting selection for degree of gradualism has implications for a number of structural and functional properties of modern proteins as well as for the significance of neutral (so-called non-Darwinian) phenomena in relation to selection.
A two-stage reaction sequence for C3S formation

Abstract Reaction mechanism and kinetics were investigated for the formation of C3S from C2S obtained as a byproduct from the Ames Lime-Soda Sinter Process for the recovery of Al2O3 from the mixed oxides found in power plant fly ash. A change in the rate of reaction was found to occur after about 25 minutes at burning temperatures of 1300 to 1500 C. The change was attributed to a two-stage reaction sequence in which the reaction rate for the first stage is phase boundary controlled and for the second phase diffusion controlled. A modified version of the Ginstling-Brounshtein solid-state reaction rate equation was found to describe the diffusion-controlled portion of the process. Apparent activation energies determined for this part of the process agreed with reported activation energies for Ca diffusion in clinker melt and for the self-diffusion of Ca in CaO.
A Comparison of the Immune Response Between Two Lines of Chickens Selected for Differences in the Weight of the Bursa of Fabricius

Abstract Experiments were designed to compare antibody-mediated immunity in two lines of 5-month-old chickens previously selected for a large or small bursa. After receiving a primary or secondary challenge with sheep-red-blood cells, bovine serum albumin, or dinitrophenyl, birds from the small bursa line (SBL) were significantly more efficient antibody producers than birds from the large bursa line (LBL). However, Immunoglobulin G synthesis by SBL birds was significantly lower than in LBL birds.
Effect of gestational age and hypoxia on activity of ribonucleic acid polymerase in fetal guinea pig brain.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gestational age and hypoxia on the activity of ribonucleic acid polymerase in fetal guinea pig brain. Study Design: Fetal cerebral cortical neuronal nuclei were isolated at 40, 50, and 60 days (term) of gestation to determine the effect of gestational age on the activity of ribonucleic acid polymerase I, II, and III. Pregnant guinea pigs at 60 days’ gestation were randomly assigned to a normoxic or hypoxic group to determine the effect of hypoxia on ribonucleic acid polymerase activity. The fetal neuronal nuclei were pooled from 6 pregnant animals in each group. In the normoxic group the pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to room air before delivery. In the hypoxic group delivery occurred after the pregnant guinea pig had been exposed to 7% oxygen for 60 minutes. The fetuses were delivered by cesarean, and the fetal cerebral cortical neuronal nuclei were isolated immediately. Ribonucleic acid polymerase activity was determined with nuclei suspended in a buffer containing adenosine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, cytidine triphosphate, and tritiated uridine triphosphate. Dactinomycin (actinomycin D) and polydeoxyadenylic-thymidylic acid were used to determine the activity of bound and free ribonucleic acid polymerase. α-Amanitin was used to determine the activity of ribonucleic acid polymerase II. Results: The activity of total (bound and free) ribonucleic acid polymerase I and III increased from 85.4 ± 9.4 fmol of tritiated uridine triphosphate incorporated per milligram of protein per hour at 40 days’ gestation to 233.3 ± 82.1 fmol at 50 days and to 343.4 ± 231.6 fmol at 60 days (P =.02). Total ribonucleic acid polymerase II activity increased from 19.9 ± 6.0 fmol of tritiated uridine triphosphate incorporated per milligram of protein per hour at 40 days to 123.8 ± 53.0 fmol at 50 days and to 200.9 ± 77.8 fmol at 60 days (P
Catalysis of Tyrosyl-Adenylate Formation by the Human Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase

Although the active site residues in the Bacillus stearothermophilus and human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases are largely conserved, several differences exist between the two enzymes. In particular, three amino acids that stabilize the transition state for the activation of tyrosine in B. stearothermophilus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (Cys-35, His-48, and Lys-233) are not present in the human enzyme. This raises the question of whether the activation energy for the tyrosine activation step is higher for the human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase than for the B. stearothermophilus enzyme. In this paper, we demonstrate that intrinsic fluorescence changes can be used to monitor the pre-steady state kinetics of human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. In contrast to the B. stearothermophilus enzyme, catalysis of the tyrosine activation step is potassium-dependent in the human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Specifically, potassium increases the forward rate constant for tyrosine activation 260-fold in the human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Comparison of the forward rate constants for catalysis of tyrosine activation by the human and B. stearothermophilus enzymes indicates that despite differences in their active sites and the potassium requirement of the human enzyme, the activation energies for tyrosine activation are identical for the two enzymes. The results of these investigations suggest that differences exist between the active sites of the bacterial and human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases that could be exploited to design antimicrobials that target the bacterial enzyme.
Apoptotic Signaling in Response to a Single Type of DNA Lesion, O6-Methylguanine

Until now, it has been difficult to establish exactly how a specific DNA lesion signals apoptosis because each DNA damaging agent produces a collection of distinct DNA lesions and produces damage in RNA, protein, and lipids. We have developed a system in human cells that focuses on the response to a single type of DNA lesion, namely O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)MeG). We dissect the signaling pathways involved in O(6)MeG-induced apoptosis, a response dependent on the MutSalpha heterodimer that is normally involved in DNA mismatch repair. O(6)MeG triggers robust activation of caspases associated with both death receptor- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Despite this, O(6)MeG/MutSalpha-triggered apoptosis is only partly dependent on caspase activation; moreover, it is mediated solely by mitochondrial signaling and not at all by death receptor signaling. Finally, while Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L), negative regulators of mitochondrial-regulated apoptosis, could effectively block O(6)MeG/MutSalpha-dependent apoptosis, they were unable to prevent the cells from ultimately dying.
Comparison of data quality for reports and ratings of ambulatory care by African American and White Medicare managed care enrollees.

Objective: Compare missing data and reliability of health care evaluations between African Americans and Whites in Medicare managed care health plans. Method: Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) 3.0 health plan survey data collected from 109,980 Medicare managed care enrollees (101,189 Whites, 8,791 African Americans) in 321 plans. Participants self-administered the survey and four single-item global ratings of care. Results: Missing data rates were significantly higher for African Americans than Whites on all CAHPS items (p < .0001). Internal consistency reliability estimates for the CAHPS scales did not differ significantly between African Americans and Whites, but plan-level reliability estimates for the scales and global rating items were significantly lower for African Americans than Whites. Discussion: Higher missing data rates and lower plan-level reliability estimates for African American Medicare managed care enrollees suggest caution in making race/ethnicity compariso...
The linear Boltzmann equation in slab geometry: Development and verification of a reliable and efficient solution

The linear Boltzmann equation can be cast in a form mathematically identical to the radiation-transport equation. A multigroup procedure is used to reduce the energy (or velocity) dependence of the transport equation to a series of one-speed problems. Each of these one-speed problems is equivalent to the monochromatic radiative-transfer problem, and existing software is used to solve this problem in slab geometry. The numerical code conserves particles in elastic collisions. Generic examples are provided to illustrate the applicability of this approach. Although this formalism can, in principle, be applied to a variety of test particle or linearized gas dynamics problems, it is particularly well-suited to study the thermalization of suprathermal particles interacting with a background medium when the thermal motion of the background cannot be ignored. Extensions of the formalism to include external forces and spherical geometry are also feasible.
USC SDR, an easy-to-program, high data rate, real time software radio platform

We present USC SDR, a wireless platform designed for easy-to-program, high data rate, real time wireless experimentation. The design of our platform aims at removing most of the bottlenecks encountered in the design of current software radio architectures, e.g. the requirement to program new schemes in an FPGA, and the difficulty to run real-time experiments for a long time. The architecture combines generic PCI FPGA development boards with radio front-ends built as self-sufficient daughterboards. The daughterboards are connected to the FPGAs, which in turn are plugged into the PCIE slots of a general-purpose server.Interestingly, the connection of the daughterboards to the FPGA cards is implemented through a standard FMC (FPGA Mezzanine Card) interface, such that the same RF front-end can be reused with future FPGA generations. In this way, USC SDR is not limited to a specific FPGA choice and does not require a complete re-design in order to accommodate for future more powerful FPGAs.The hardware is supported by a real-time software architecture where signal processing tasks, PHY and MAC layer algorithms can be programmed as user-level applications. As an example, we will showcase a massive MIMO testbed built using a single server with multiple PCIE slots.
Thermoelectric power of the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconductor.

We report measurements of the thermoelectric power of the high-temperature Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconductor. The data indicate a transition which is centered at 118 +- 3 K, in agreement with magnetic measurements and published resistivity results. The thermoelectric power is positive and, aside from the high transition temperature, is remarkably similar in magnitude and temperature dependence to that of the rare-earth-based oxide superconductors which have been reported previously.
Fragrance material review on α-methylbenzyl propionate.

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of α-methylbenzyl propionate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. α-Methylbenzyl propionate is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohol Simple Acid Esters (AAASAE). The AAASAE fragrance ingredients are prepared by reacting an aryl alkyl alcohol with a simple carboxylic acid (a chain of 1–4 carbons) to generate formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and carbonate esters. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for α-methylbenzyl propionate were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire AAASAE will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all AAASAE in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2012. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of aryl alkyl alcohol simple acid esters when used as fragrance ingredients.
Evaluating Health Information Web Sites for Credibility

This article discusses criteria used for evaluating health information Web sites on the Internet. Credible Web sites recommended by the Medical Library Association are also listed.
Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization of fluorinated phenols in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and ion mobility spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-mass spectrometry (MS) for fluorinated phenols (C6H5-xFxOH Where x = 0-5) in nitrogen with Cl- as the reagent ion yielded product ions of M Cl- through ion associations or (M-H)- through proton abstractions. Proton abstraction was controllable by potentials on the orifice and first lens, suggesting that some proton abstraction occurs through collision induced dissociation (CID) in the interface region. This was proven using CID of adduct ions (M Cl-) with Q2 studies where adduct ions were dissociated to Cl- or proton abstracted to (M-H)-. The extent of proton abstraction depended upon ion energy and structure in order of calculated acidities: pentafluorophenol > tetrafluorophenol > trifluorophenol > difluorophenol. Little or no proton abstraction occurred for fluorophenol, phenol, or benzyl alcohol analogs. Ion mobility spectrometry was used to determine if proton abstraction reactions passed through an adduct intermediate with thermalized ions and mobility spectra for all chemicals were obtained from 25 to 200 degrees C. Proton abstraction from M Cl- was not observed at any temperature for phenol, monofluorophenol, or difluorophenol. Mobility spectra for trifluorophenol revealed the kinetic transformations to (M-H)- either from M Cl- or from M2 Cl- directly. Proton abstraction was the predominant reaction for tetra- and penta-fluorophenols. Consequently, the evidence suggests that proton abstraction occurs from an adduct ion where the reaction barrier is reduced with increasing acidity of the O-H bond in C6H5-xFxOH.
Effect of stress on tissue ingrowth into porous aluminum oxide.

A study of the tissue compatibility of aluminum oxide implants under different stress conditions in rabbits was performed over four- and eight-week implantation periods. The specific objectives were to examine endosteal bone ingrowth into aluminum oxide coneshaped plugs in amputated tibiae, while additional pellet-shaped implants in the tibiae and femora of rabbits with amputated and nonamputated limbs were studied to determine: (1) if the degree of loading placed on the amputated limb was sufficient to promote bone activity, (2) the degree of inertness and/or toxicity of the aluminum oxide implants, and (3) a possible cause of bone spurs. The results of the radiographic, histologic and microradiographic analyses of the in vivo implants demonstrated that there was little mineralized bone ingrowth into the coneshaped aluminum oxide implants in the amputated tibiae. The study also showed that the aluminum oxide pellet implants in the tibiae and femora of the nonamputated limbs demonstrated excellent mineralized bone ingrowth into surface and internal pores. By comparing these results with the incomplete ingrowth into corresponding pellet implants in the tibiae and femora of amputated limbs, it was determined that a lack of weight bearing and damage to the musculature and vascularity following amputation were interfering with the normal bone activity and therefore bone ingrowth. Angiographs and radiographs of the amputated tibiae demonstrated that bone spurs were present and that they originated at the site of the periosteal damage. Their cause was believed to be associated with an increase in the vascularity of the adjacent tissues.
Spectroscopy of the ν5 band of CDF3 by heterodyne measurement of SMMW laser emission frequencies

Abstract Submillimeter wave laser action has been previously reported in deuterated fluoroform (CDF3) which is optically pumped by a CO2 laser. In this paper, accurate frequency measurements are reported for 23 laser emissions. Of these lines, 21 can be assigned to the ν5 degenerate vibrational state. The data were fitted with a theoretical expression for the transitions containing terms up to sixth order in J and K and also containing all important doubling effects. The quality of the fit was very good, yielding accurate values for many of the molecular constants of the ν5 state.
In-Situ Tem Crystallization of Anorthite-Glass Films On α-Al2O3

Anorthite-glass films have been grown by pulsed-laser deposition on single-crystal α-Al 2 O 3 substrates which were pre-thinned to electron transparency. The glass films were crystallized in the transmission electron Microscope (TEM), which allowed direct observation and video-recording of the crystallization process. Crystallization of these films in the TEM resulted in the formation of hexagonal and orthorhombic anorthite. The orthorhombic phase was the predominant product of glass films grown at elevated substrate temperatures and displayed strong epitaxy with the underlying substrate. In contrast, the hexagonal phase was the major constituent of films grown at ambient substrate temperature and displayed no clear epitaxy with the substrate. The differences in degree of epitaxy and phase structure may be evidence of ordering at the original glass/oxide interface.
Synthesis and bonding of trans -dichlorobis(1,3-diaminopropane)ruthenium(III) chloride to a self assembled monolayer and its effect on conducting polymer sheet conductivity

Abstract We report the synthesis of trans -dichlorobis(1,3-diaminopropane)ruthenium(III) chloride. The molecular structure consists of a ruthenium metal complex and a chloride counterion. Electronic spectra of the solid complexes indicate an octahedral geometry around the ruthenium(III) metal center. We observe a UV-broadened band at 350 nm, a common absorption band in trans -ruthenium(III) amine and haloamine complexes. We also report, the single-crystal X-ray structures of the titled complex. The complex was shown to form a self assembled monolayer on quartz, which is a suitable substrate for deposition of conducting polymer PANI, PEDOT and PPy. We discuss key parameters which can be adjusted to tune both the physical properties of the Ru(III) surfaces and the sheet conductivity of the deposited conducting polymers thin films.
Fractionation and characterization of protein C-terminal prenyl-cysteine methylesterase activities from rabbit brain.

Abstract Reversible carboxyl methylation of the C-terminal geranylgeranylcysteine of G25K may regulate its activity and cellular localization. Brain homogenates were examined for enzyme activities which hydrolyze the methyl ester of [3H]methyl-G25K to produce [3H]methanol. Methylesterase activity was detected in both soluble and membrane fractions. The soluble activity was fractionated into at least two distinct activities. One soluble activity appears to be due to the lysosomal protease, cathepsin B, based on sensitivity to certain protease inhibitors, acidic pH optimum, size, and ability to cleave the peptide substrate Nα-CBZ-Arg-Arg-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin. A second soluble activity, associated with a protein of approximately 25 kDa, exhibits a neutral pH optimum, insensitivity to protease inhibitors, and inhibition by the esterase inhibitor, ebelactone B. The membrane fraction contains larger amounts of a similar methylesterase that may represent the physiologically relevant form of the enzyme.
Congenital and metabolic disorders leading to fracture

While fractures in children are usually due to trauma only, there are a number of congenital and metabolic conditions which will predispose a child to fractures and lower the threshold of a bone to breaking. These conditions can also influence the pattern of the fracture and the process of bone healing.There are a number of conditions which lead to specific pathological and clinical changes and also several relatively common conditions which must be considered when assessing any child with recurrent fractures.We present a review of congenital and metabolic causes of fractures, focusing largely on the details of osteogenesis imperfecta and congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia.
Nuclear reprogramming with a non-integrating human RNA virus

Advances in the field of stem cells have led to novel avenues for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from differentiated somatic cells. iPSCs are typically obtained by the introduction of four factors—OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC—via integrating vectors. Here, we report the feasibility of a novel reprogramming process based on vectors derived from the non-integrating vaccine strain of measles virus (MV). We produced a one-cycle MV vector by substituting the viral attachment protein gene with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. This vector was further engineered to encode for OCT4 in an additional transcription unit. After verification of OCT4 expression, we assessed the ability of iPSC reprogramming. The reprogramming vector cocktail with the OCT4-expressing MV vector and SOX2-, KLF4-, and cMYC-expressing lentiviral vectors efficiently transduced human skin fibroblasts and formed iPSC colonies. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining confirmed induction of endogenous pluripotency-associated marker genes, such as SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and Nanog. Pluripotency of derived clones was confirmed by spontaneous differentiation into three germ layers, teratoma formation, and guided differentiation into beating cardiomyocytes. MV vectors can induce efficient nuclear reprogramming. Given the excellent safety record of MV vaccines and the translational capabilities recently developed to produce MV-based vectors now used for cancer clinical trials, our MV vector system provides an RNA-based, non-integrating gene transfer platform for nuclear reprogramming that is amenable for immediate clinical translation.
Conditional use of a request for assistance.

Purpose: To establish the conditional use of requests for assistance as an alternative to escape maintained challenging behaviour. Method: The study involved a 12-year-old boy with a behaviour disorder. Experiment 1 involved the implementation of a reversal design comparing the learner's performance during 'easy' and 'difficult' addition problems. Experiment 2 involved the implementation of a quasi-experimental design to establish the conditional use of requests for assistance. Results: Conditional use of requests for assistance successfully competed with escape maintained challenging behaviour. Conclusions: Our results suggest that for a newly acquired response to be displayed conditionally, two events must occur. First, the individual must learn the skill that has been associated with requests for assistance. Secondly, the contingencies must be such that reinforcement value is greater for an independent response than for a response that involves a request for assistance.
Testing The Li-strahler Four-component Canopy Reflec Rance Model In The Hapex-sahel Shrub Savanna Sites Using Ground Reflectance Data

The rate at which a light field decays in water is characterized by the diffuse attenuation coefficient k. The Li-Strahler discrete-object canopy reflectance model was tested in two sites, a shrub grass savanna and a degraded shrub savanna on bare soil, in the proposed HAPEX (Hydrologic Atmospheric Pilot Experiment) II/Sahel study area in Niger, West Africa. Average site reflectance was predicted for each site from the reflectances and cover proportions of four components: shrub canopy, background (soil or grass and soil), shaded canopy, and shaded background. Component reflectances were sampled in the SPOT wavebands using a hand-held radiometer. Predicted reflectance was compared to average site reflectance measured using the same radiometer mounted on a backpack with measurements recorded every 5 m along two 1-km transects, also in the SPOT (Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre) bands. Measurements and predictions were made for each of the three days during the summer growing season, approximately two weeks apart. Red, near infrared reflectance, and the NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) were all predicted with a high degree of accuracy for the shrub/grass site and with reasonable accuracy for the degraded shrub site.
A 300 mV 494GOPS/W Reconfigurable Dual-Supply 4-Way SIMD Vector Processing Accelerator in 45 nm CMOS

High-throughput parallel SIMD vector computations are the most performance and power-critical operations in multimedia, graphics and signal processing workloads. An array of SIMD vector processing engines delivers high-throughput short bit-width arithmetic operations on large data sets with orders of magnitude higher energy efficiencies vs. general-purpose cores [1, 2]. A reconfigurable 4-way SIMD engine targeted for on-die acceleration of vector processing in power-constrained mobile microprocessors is fabricated in 45nm High-K/Metal-gate CMOS [3]. The accelerator is reconfigured to perform 4-way 16b×16b multiplies, 32b×32b multiply, 4-way 16b additions, 2-way 32b additions and 72b addition with single-cycle throughput and wide dynamic supply voltage range of operation (1.3V to 230mV). A reconfigurable 2×2 tile of signed 2's complement 16b multipliers, with conditional carry gating in the 72b sparse tree adder, dual-supplies for voltage hopping, and fine-grained power-gating enables peak energy efficiency of 494GOPS/W (measured at 300mV, 50°C) with a dense layout occupying 0.081mm2 (Fig. 14.6.7) while achieving: (i) scalable performance up to 2.8GHz, 278mW measured at 1.3V, (ii) fast single-cycle switching between any operating/idle mode, (iii) configuration-dependent power consumption with 41% total power reduction and 6.5× active leakage power savings, (iv) 10× standby leakage reduction during sleep mode, (v) deep subthreshold operation measured at 230mV, 8.8MHz, 87µW, and (vi) compensation for up to 3× performance variation in ultra-low voltage mode.
Thermal and mechanical analysis of recycled glass filled PET for printer part

Continuous and rapid technological advancement has dramatically improved the way we live. It also means that electronic products are being discarded faster than ever before. The increasing amount of electronic trash is definitely a growing pollution problem as more electronics join the league of waste stream in coming years. With every printing products sold, many more ink cartridges are produced. Ink cartridges are one of Hewlett Packard's key products. Because its large scale volume the impact that the product has on the environment requires attention. Product take back of used cartridges is necessary to provide our customers with an environmentally responsible end-of-life solution and also enables us to reduce our plastic waste. This paper presents the results on recycled glass reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) usage in printer part. The recycled glass filled PET is compounded by Lavergne Group, Montreal, Canada. The stream of recycled PET feedstock is from 75% purified water bottle flake grade and 25% purified used ink cartridges from Hewlett Packard. Both are reprocessed to use on HP's printer model. Experimental studies were carried out to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of the recycled glass-filled material. The experimental data obtained is then measured against comparable industrial data available on glass-filled PET product. Printer parts were subsequently molded and undergone product functional qualifications. Thermal analysis technique was applied to understand the findings from the qualification. The obtained thermograms from Differential Scanning Calorimetry provided quantitative and qualitative information about the physical and phase changes that involve endothermic or exothermic processes. These data will be extensively discussed in this paper. This study is a concerted industrial effort from several parties working on waste reduction opportunities. Not only will produce certain cost savings, it will also reflect our environmental pursuit towards the successful marriage of waste reduction without compromising quality and functionality.
Meal frequency differentially alters postprandial triacylglycerol and insulin concentrations in obese women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and insulinemia between a three and six isocaloric high-carbohydrate meal frequency pattern in obese women. Design and Methods: In a counterbalanced order, eight obese women completed two, 12-h conditions in which they consumed 1,500 calories (14% protein, 21% fat, and 65% carbohydrate) either as three 500 calorie liquid meals every 4-h or six 250 calorie liquid meals every 2-h. Blood samples were taken every 30 min and analyzed for triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase-1 activity, and insulin. Results: The TAG incremental area under the curve (iAUC) during the three meal condition (321 ± 129 mg/dl·12 h) was significantly lower (P = 0.04) compared with the six meal condition (481 ± 155 mg/dl·12 h). The insulin iAUC during the three meal condition (5,549 ± 1,007 pmol/l.12 h) was significantly higher (P = 0.05) compared with the six meal condition (4,230 ± 757 pmol/l.12 h). Meal frequency had no influence on the other biochemical variables. Conclusions: Collectively, a three and six isocaloric high-carbohydrate meal frequency pattern differentially alters postprandial TAG and insulin concentrations but has no effect on postprandial cholesterol, oxidative stress, or antioxidant activity in obese women.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Enhances Oocyte/Follicle Apoptosis in the Neonatal Rat Ovary

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a multifunctional cytokine present in oocytes and macrophages in the neonatal rat ovary. The presence of both TNFalpha and its receptors in the neonatal rat ovary suggests a potential role for it in follicle assembly or oocyte atresia. Previous studies have provided support for effects of TNFalpha on isolated granulosa and theca cells and intact follicles; however, to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of TNFalpha on the earliest stages of follicular development. Effects of TNFalpha on oocyte/follicle number and apoptosis were investigated using an ovarian organ-culture system that supported assembly of primordial follicles in vitro. Ovaries were collected on the day of birth and treated with TNFalpha (0, 0.1, 1.0, 10, or 50 ng/ml), a function-blocking TNFalpha antibody (5 microg/ml), or control immunoglobulin (Ig) G. At 1 ng/ml, TNFalpha decreased follicle and oocyte numbers during 3 days of culture, whereas higher (10 and 50 ng/ml) or lower (0.1 ng/ml) doses had no effect. Treatment with TNFalpha antibodies increased the number of oocytes and follicles compared to nonspecific IgG control. To determine whether the decreased oocyte/follicle numbers were due to an apoptotic effect of TNFalpha, apoptosis was examined by DNA laddering. At 1 ng/ml, TNFalpha increased apoptotic DNA laddering twofold, with no significant effect from lower or higher doses. The cells undergoing apoptosis, as determined by in situ end-labeling, were oocytes, interstitial cells, and granulosa cells. These findings suggest that TNFalpha may be involved in oocyte atresia that normally occurs during the perinatal period.
Interpreting food processing through dietary mechanical properties: A Lemur catta case study

Knowledge of dietary mechanical properties can be informative about physical consequen- ces to consumers during ingestion and mastication. In this article, we examine how Tamarindus indica fruits can affect dental morphology in a population of ring- tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Beza Mahafaly special reserve in southwestern Madagascar. Ring-tailed lemurs in tamarind dominated gallery forests exhibit extreme wear and tooth loss on their postcanine dentition that has been related to processing T. indica fruits. We meas- ured and compared mechanical properties of individual food parts in the diet of ring-tailed lemurs in different seasons in 1999-2000, 2008, and 2010. Fracture tough- ness, hardness, and modulus of foods were measured with a portable mechanical tester. The ripe fruits of T. indica are indeed the toughest and hardest foods ingested by the lemurs. In addition, they are among the largest foods consumed, require high numbers of ingestive bites to process, and are the most frequently eaten by volume. During controlled cutting tests of the ripe fruit shell, multiple runaway side cracks form alongside the cut. Similarly, the lemurs repeatedly bite the ripe shell during feeding and thereby introduce mul- tiple cracks that eventually fragment the shell. Studies of enamel microstructure (e.g., Lucas et al.: BioEssays 30 (2008) 374-385; Campbell et al., 2011) advance the idea that the thin enamel of ring-tailed lemur teeth is susceptible to substantial micro-cracking that rapidly erodes the teeth. We conclude that micro-cracking from repeated loads, in combination with the mechanical and physical properties of the fruit, is primarily responsible for the observed dental damage. Am J Phys Anthropol