cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A supersonic molecular beam spectroscopic study of platinum monocarbide, PtC

The gaseous products generated in the supersonic coexpansion of laser ablated platinum vapor with methane or acetylene were probed by visible laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. Both platinum monocarbide, PtC, and an unidentified Pt‐containing polyatomic molecule were detected. The intense (0,0)A’ 1Π→X 1Σ+ (T00=13 196.13 cm−1) and (0,0)A 1Π→X 1Σ+ (T00=18 510.71 cm−1) band systems of PtC were recorded at a resolution of ∼0.001 cm−1. The magnetic hyperfine splitting exhibited in the spectral features of the 195PtC isotopomer was analyzed and indicates that the A’ 1Π and A 1Π states arise primarily from a...σ1π1 and a...δ3π1 configurations, respectively.
Reaching for the sensitivity limits of uncooled and minimally cooled thermal and photon infrared detectors (Invited Paper)

Great incentive exists for the development of infrared detectors that can operate without cooling near the limit of photon or thermal fluctuations. Great progress has been made in past 30 years developing uncooled thermal detectors that now provide enough sensitivity for many routine infrared imaging needs, albeit with relatively slow response times. Even now, however, the sensitivity of uncooled thermal detectors is 3-15× less sensitive than the ideal characteristics predict. In this paper we first examine the current status of uncooled thermal detectors to understand the limiting mechanisms which appear to be 1/f noise and system noise. Approaches for developing uncooled or minimally-cooled photon detectors are then reviewed. A modification of one current approach, bias extraction of minority carriers, is suggested involving photo-JFETs rather than photodiodes. It appears that the most promising prospect for uncooled or minimally-cooled photon detectors is in the MWIR spectral region.
Xenopus laevis alpha and beta thyroid hormone receptors.

Abstract The Xenopus laevis genome encodes two genes for the alpha (TR alpha) and two genes for the beta (TR beta) thyroid hormone receptors. The two TR alpha genes closely resemble their rat, human, and chicken counterparts. No alternatively spliced TR alpha cDNA clones were found in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR). In contrast, complex alternative splicing of TR beta mRNA occurs within the 5' UTR as well as possible alternative transcriptional start sites. As many as eight exons encoding mainly the 5' UTR are alternatively spliced, giving rise to at least two amino termini for each of the two TR beta proteins. The 5' UTR of transcripts from both TR alpha and TR beta genes contain multiple AUG sequences with short open reading frames suggesting translational control mechanisms might play a role in expression of TR genes.
Nonparticipation of inorganic phosphate in the enzymic formation of nucleotides by nucleoside phosphotransferases.

Abstract We have failed to obtain evidence that inorganic phosphate participates in the enzymic conversion of nucleosides to nucleotides that is catalyzed by nucleoside phosphotransferases.
Examining a model of vertical accountability: A cross-national study of the influence of information access on the control of corruption

Abstract This cross-national study used a vertical accountability model to examine the extent to which four societal and four political indicators would influence perception of public corruption in 150 countries. The model appeared strong, given the significant inverse correlation of corruption perception with access-to-information legislation, media rights, cellular phone use, internet subscriptions, electoral pluralism, political participation, political culture, and length of time of the political regime. The study found that low news media rights, low internet and cellular phone use, short duration of the polity, and weak political culture were significant explanatory indicators for corruption. However, the presence of access-to-information legislation, or a draft of the law, did not impact corruption.
Delamination at Thick Ply Drops in Carbon and Glass Fiber Laminates Under Fatigue Loading

Delamination at ply drops in composites with thickness tapering has been a concern in applications of carbon fibers. This study explored the resistance to delamination under fatigue loading of carbon and glass fiber prepreg laminates with the same resin system, containing various ply drop geometries, and using thicker plies typical of wind turbine blades. Applied stress and strain levels to produce significant delamination at ply drops have been determined, and the experimental results correlated through finite element and analytical models. Carbon fiber laminates with ply drops, while performing adequately under static loads, delaminated in fatigue at low maximum strain levels except for the thinnest ply drops. The lower elastic modulus of the glass fiber laminates resulted in much higher strains to produce delamination for equivalent ply drop geometries. The results indicate that ply drops for carbon fibers should be much thinner than those commonly used for glass fibers in wind turbine blades.
Cultures of Insecurity: States, Communities, and the Production of Danger

Cultures of Insecurity: States, Communities, and the Production of Danger. Jutta Weldes. Mark Laffey. Hugh Gusterson. and Raymond Duvall. eds. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1999. vii. 432 pp., bibliography, index.
Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on non-native plants: comparison of two important southeastern ornamentals.

Understanding how ornamentals will respond to the increasing level of CO2 in the atmosphere will aid future plant selection. In addition, understanding how rising levels of CO2 affect the potential of introduced ornamentals to become invasive weeds will be crucial to future management. This study was conducted to determine the effects of elevated CO2 on growth of two non-native plants commonly used as ornamentals in the southeastern U.S. Lantana (Lantana camara) and vinca (Catharanthus roseus) were grown at either 375 μmol mol−1 (ambient) or 575 μmol mol−1 (elevated) CO2 for four months in open top field chambers. Measurements of plant morphology, biomass, and plant tissue nitrogen were made for both species. Lantana growth was more responsive to elevated CO2 than was vinca. Lantana root and total plant dry weights were increased by 31 and 19%, respectively; in vinca, these values increased by only 9% each. Vinca root length was unaffected by CO2, however, it was increased by 46% in lantana. Elevated CO2 had no effect on flower dry weight for either species. This study suggests that rising atmospheric CO2 will have little impact on vinca as either an ornamental or as a potential invasive weed. Lantana's value as an ornamental may increase due to its abundant growth under elevated CO2. Lantana's greater root growth may also increase its drought tolerance, adding to its ornamental potential. However, the factors which may make it a more desirable ornamental under future higher CO2 conditions could also enhance its potential to become a serious invasive weed in the southeastern U.S.
Effects of somatostatin on the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor axis and seawater adaptation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to contribute to the seawater (SW) adaptability of euryhaline fish both directly and indirectly through insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This study examined the role of somatostatin-14 (SS-14), a potent inhibitor of GH, on the GH–IGF-1 axis and seawater adaptation. Juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were injected intraperitoneally with SS-14 or saline and transferred to 20 ppt seawater. A slight elevation in plasma chloride levels was accompanied by significantly reduced gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity in SS-14-treated fish compared to control fish 12 h after SW transfer. Seawater increased hepatic mRNA levels of GH receptor 1 (GHR 1; 239%), GHR 2 (48%), and IGF-1 (103%) in control fish 12 h after transfer. Levels of GHR 1 (155%), GHR 2 (121%), IGF-1 (200%), IGF-1 receptor A (IGFR1A; 62%), and IGFR1B (157%) increased in the gills of control fish 12 h after transfer. SS-14 abolished or attenuated SW-induced changes in the expression of GHR, IGF-1, and IGFR mRNAs in liver and gill. These results indicate that SS-14 reduces seawater adaptability by inhibiting the GH–IGF-1 axis.
Shedding of gangliosides by human medulloblastoma cells.

Abstract Shedding of immunosuppressive gangliosides is an important characteristic of both experimental and human tumors. Using a medulloblastoma cell line, Daoy, with a very high ganglioside expression (141 ± 13 nmol/108cells) and a well-characterized ganglioside complement, we have now studied ganglioside shedding by human brain tumor cells. Shedding of gangliosides, quantified by metabolic radiolabeling, was significant (169 pmol/108cells/h) and was generalized with respect to the major ganglioside carbohydrate structures (GM2, GM3, and GD1a). For each ganglioside, however, shedding was selective for ceramide structures containing shorter fatty acyl chains. Rapid and ceramide-selective shedding was confirmed in two additional human medulloblastoma cell lines, D341 Med and D283 Med (112 and 59 pmol/108cells/h). Significant ganglioside shedding is therefore a common characteristic of human medulloblastoma cells and may influence the biological behavior of this tumor, in view of immunosuppressive and other biological properties of shed gangliosides.
A comparison of lispro and regular insulin for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in pregnancy

Objective. To describe perinatal outcomes of women with pregestational diabetes treated with short-acting, regular insulin and the short-acting insulin analogue, lispro.Study design. This was a prospective observational study of women with pregestational diabetes maintained on short-acting insulin regimens over a 3-year period. Clinical characteristics, aspects of diabetic therapy, and perinatal/neonatal outcomes were collected.Results. Of 107 women, 49 were maintained on regular insulin and 58 utilized the insulin analogue, lispro. Frequency of type 1 diabetes, maternal age, overweight/obese pregravid body mass index (≥25 kg/m2), preexisting hypertension, and presence of vascular disease were similar between groups. Women treated with lispro had a longer duration of diabetes (11.4 vs. 8.3 years, p = 0.04). Glycemic control was improved in women managed with lispro compared to regular insulin (HgbA1c 5.9 vs. 6.7, p = 0.009). Total insulin requirements were lower in the lispro group in the first (0.58 vs. ...
Abstract 2112: The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell death induced by thymidylate synthase inhibitors.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) catalyzes the reductive transfer of a methyl group from N 5 ,N 10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH 2 H 4 PteGlu) to dUMP, forming dTMP and dihydrofolate (H2PteGlu). It is generally accepted that inhibition of the enzyme leads to a deficiency of dTMP, followed by genome damage and programmed cell death. As such, TS has long been viewed as an important target of anti-neoplastic agents, such as 5-fluorouracil (FUra) and ratitrexed (RTX), which function as inhibitors of the enzyme. Oxidative stress is well-recognized as having a central role in cellular response to a number of DNA damaging agents, and may be a proximate cause of therapy-induced cell death. Despite such recognition, little detail exists on the origin and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during TS-directed chemotherapy. We have undertaken a detailed examination of the origin, nature, and role of ROS in cell death mediated by TS inhibitors. In colon tumor cell line HCT116, fluorescence detection of H 2 O 2 and O 2 • − (using H 2 DCFDA and DHE, respectively) showed that profound increases in ROS levels occur during drug exposure. These increases are attenuated by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), by addition of thymidine to the medium and by TS overproduction, indicating that it is indeed TS inhibition and the resulting dTMP deficiency that is responsible. Oxidative damage to DNA, as indicated by 8-oxo-guanine formation, is elevated in drug-treated cells. Apoptotic indices, as measured by TUNEL assays, parallel changes in ROS levels, i.e., they are induced in response to drug, and are inhibited by NAC, thymidine, and TS overproduction. We have identified NADPH oxidase (NOX) as the primary source of increased ROS following exposure to TS-directed agents, as indicated by observing decreased ROS production apoptotic indices in cells treated with NOX inhibitors. We have found that in response to TS inhibitors, NOX enzyme activity increases in association with induction of the transcript for p67 phox , which specifically regulates the NOX2 isoform. These effects were reduced by thymidine and by TS overproduction. Based on these results, we conclude that augmentation of NOX2 activity via induction of p67 phox mRNA expression is the proximate cause of programmed cell death elicited by dTMP deficiency. Citation Format: Ufuk Ozer, Karen W. Barbour, Franklin G. Berger. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell death induced by thymidylate synthase inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2112. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2112
EFFECT OF CURRENT FERTILIZATION PRACTICES ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF DOUBLE-CROPPED TOMATO AND CUCUMBER PRODUCED WITH PLASTICULTURE

When vegetables are double-cropped on polyethylene mulch, fertilizer recommendations for each crop may need to be adjusted because liming and preplant applications are done prior to laying plastic. When current fertilizer recommendations for single crops were used for cucumber following tomato, the cucumber plants looked like green, indicating a nitrogen (N) and/or potassium (K) deficiency was developing, suggesting that nutrient availability for the second crop was not adequate for producing the highest yields. Therefore, the nutritional status of both crops was diagnosed using sufficiency range data and DRIS norms to determine which nutrient(s) was limiting crop nutrition. Regardless of N source used as a sidedress injection material (at a rate of 7 kg N ha−1wk−1 as ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate) or liming material used to adjust soil pH to 6.5 (carbonate- or oxide-based calcitic or dolomitic lime), foliar levels of N and K, and possibly phosphorus (P) were found to be limiting factors according t...
The origin and morphogenesis of pioneer neurons in the grasshopper metathoracic leg

The origin and morphogenesis of pioneer neurons were examined in the developing metathoracic leg of cultured grasshopper embryos. The first two pioneer neurons to differentiate in the limb-bud were studied using continuous observation, time-lapse microphotography, and intracellular dye-fills. A single mother cell located within the ectodermal epithelium at the limb-bud tip divided symmetrically to yield the first pair of sister pioneer neurons. These neurons migrated out of the ectoderm in a morphologically undifferentiated state and initiated axonogenesis at a characteristic location between the ectoderm and the inner mesodermal epithelium of the limb-bud. Following a period of initially undirected filopodial sprouting, the axon pair grew proximally along a highly sterotyped path between the limb-bud ectoderm and mesoderm. The path taken by the pioneer axons did not follow any gross anatomical features of the adjacent limb-bud epithelia. The pioneer neurons described in this paper ultimately extend from the proximal end of the tibia into the metathoracic ganglion, and they probably give rise to nerve branch 5bl of the metathoracic leg.
Cell Wall Regeneration around Protoplasts Isolated from Convolvulus Tissue Culture.

Protoplasts of Convolvulus arvensis L. tissue culture regenerated a wall-like structure within 3 days in culture. Although unusually electron dense and atypically amorphous in the electron microscope, this structure could be digested with Myrothecium cellulase but was resistant to protease, a Rohm and Haas pectinase, and a β-1, 3-exoglucanase just like the original wall. A cytochemical test for callose was negative. Wall regeneration required a readily metabolized external carbon source and was not inhibited by a high concentration of cycloheximide, puromycin, or actinomycin D. Protoplast budding was correlated with the wall regeneration, and the latter was related quantitatively to the sucrose concentration in the medium. Although a concentration of 1 μm 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid is used normally for both general culture of the tissue and for wall regeneration, concentrations of 0 and 0.1 mm, which are highly deleterious to growth, have no appreciable effect on the incidence of the wall-like structure regenerated around protoplasts. The ability of protoplasts to undergo cell wall regeneration was decreased when they were cultured in the presence of proteolytic enzymes.
Fatiguing isometric contraction of hind-limb muscles results in the release of immunoreactive neurokinins from sites in the rostral medulla in the anesthetized cat.

Abstract Antibody-coated microprobes were used to determine whether immunoreactive neurokinins (irNK) were released from sites in the brainstem during fatiguing isometric contractions of the triceps surae muscles in cats anesthetized with α-chloralose. Contractions were generated by stimulating the tibial nerve using a microprocessor-controlled stimulator. Microprobes were inserted into the periaqueductal grey (P 0.5–1.0 mm) or the medullary brainstem (either 3.0 or 3.5 mm rostral to the obex) prior to, during and following fatiguing contractions. No release of irNK was detected from the periaqueductal grey as a result of fatiguing isometric contractions. When probes were inserted 3.0 mm rostal to the obex, a basal release of irNK was detected from the medulla but this was inhibited during isometric contractions from sites corresponding to the lateral tegmental field. When probes were inserted into the more rostal site in the medulla (3.5 mm rostral to the obex), irNK were released in response to contractions from sites corresponding to lateral reticular nucleus, ventral regions of the nucleus tractus solitarius and the medial vestibular nucleus. No irNK were released from this site (3.5 mm rostral to obex) either during passive leg flexing, during nerve stimulation following gallamine injection and muscle paralysis or during stimulation of the central end of the cut tibial nerve. These results demonstrate that neurokinins are released from discrete sites in the medulla in response to fatiguing muscle contractions and suggest that tachykinin neurons may be a component of the pathways regulating blood pressure during ergoreceptor activation.
Effect of protein malnutrition on development of mouse cortical barrels.

Undernutrition has been shown to have a profound effect on the central nervous system of maturing experimental animals, not only on gross brain weight and chemical constitution but also on cell structure and function. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of protein malnutrition on the cortical barrels of mouse. Animals were conceived in and suckled by mothers maintained on an 8% casein diet or on a stock diet. After weaning, mouselings were maintained on their respective diets ad libitum. Four experiments were performed on these mouselings: (1) study of the development of the barrels by the Nissl method; (2) study of the effect of vibrissal damage at different postnatal ages; (3) study of the size of the barrel area and the number of neurons at different postnatal ages; and (4) study of the selectivity of the Golgi-Cox method. The findings from comparison of malnourished mice with mice on a normal diet were: (1) a two-day delay in the development of the barrels; (2) a two-day lengthening of the period of vulnerability of barrel field neurons to neonatal vibrissal damage; (3) the barrel field area and the relative number of neurons were reduced, with the percentage of reduction decreasing with age; and (4) there was no significant difference in the average percentage of Golgi-stained neurons at different ages. These results suggest that poor nutrition has a profound effect on the development and final form of a well-defined neocortical region. The data presented here provide a useful base line against which various therapeutic regimens to reverse the effects of malnutrition on brain structure may be tested. They also suggest that inducing malnutrition may be an important way in which to manipulate the development of the nervous system in order to study the mechanisms responsible for its final form and function.
Investigation of higher-mass even- G states from 15-GeV/ c π + d collisions

From a study of 15-GeV/c ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$-deuterium interactions obtained in an 890 000-picture exposure in the SLAC 82-inch bubble chamber, evidence is presented for at least two broad dipion states beyond the $g(1680)$ region. These states appear in the spectrum representing highly peripheral interactions, and in the spectra obtained by eliminating those interactions for which the transverse momentum of each pion is less than a specified minimum value. Further, examination of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{MM}$ (missing mass) spectrum from the reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}(\mathrm{MM})$ indicates that agreement with the previously obtained branching ratios is possible only if higher-mass dipion states are present. Evidence is also presented which suggests a finite decay probability of the $g$ (or a state of similar mass) into ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\eta}$ and/or ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$.
Electroosmotically Induced Hydraulic Pumping with Integrated Electrodes on Microfluidic Devices

Electroosmotic manipulation of fluids was demonstrated using thin metal electrodes integrated within microfluidic channels at the substrate and cover plate interface. Devices were fabricated by photolithographically patterning electrodes on glass cover plates that were then bonded to polymeric substrates into which the channels were cast. Polymeric substrates were used to provide a permeable membrane for the transport and removal of gaseous electrolysis products generated at the electrodes. Electroosmotic flow between interdigitated electrodes was demonstrated and provided electric field-free pumping of fluids in sections of the channel outside of the electrode pairs. The resultant pumping velocities were shown to be dependent on the applied voltage, not on the applied field strength, and independent of the length of the electroosmotically pumped region.
Ultrasonic slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: analytical considerations for analysis of a high density glass material

A high density borosilicate glass reference material was distributed to collaborators participating in a collaborative study to evaluate the state-of-the-art of solid sampling. Several collaborators reported low values for Cr in the reference glass material, U.S. Geological Survey GSD, as compared with the reference concentration of 46.5 ± 9.2 μg g−1. On average, results were 20% low as compared with the mean reference concentration, but some labs reported results which were nearly 50% low. In consequence, the glass sample was evaluated and its physical properties were characterized, including particle size distribution and density. Also, a systematic evaluation of analysis parameters was conducted, including: slurry preparation, analysis volume, pipetting accuracy, and sampling depth. The data suggest that the low analytical values are most likely the result of sedimentation errors with this high density (2.6 g cm−3) material. Studies suggest that an optimum sampling depth for this high density material is approximately 10 mm below the surface. The feasibility of reducing particle size by grinding the glass material to < 38 μm to allow sampling at a range of depths is also demonstrated.
Shp-2 heterozygous hematopoietic stem cells have deficient repopulating ability due to diminished self-renewal.

Objective Improved understanding of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation, proliferation, and self-renewal is sought to develop improved stem cell–based therapies as well as to define novel therapies for stem cell–based diseases such as leukemia. Shp-2 is a widely expressed nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase that participates early in hematopoietic development. The following study was performed to examine the role of Shp-2 in HSC function. Methods Bone marrow low-density mononuclear cells were isolated from WT and Shp-2 +/− littermate controls and utilized in competitive repopulation studies, homing analysis, cell-cycle analysis, and serial transplantation studies. Results Haploinsufficiency of Shp-2 causes a threefold reduction in HSC repopulating units following transplantation into lethally irradiated recipients. Homing of Shp-2 +/− and WT cells to the bone marrow and spleen compartments was equal. Cell-cycle analysis studies revealed that the Shp-2 +/− lin − Sca-1 + c-kit + cells are less quiescent than WT cells, providing a potential etiology for the observed reduced engraftment of the Shp-2 +/− cells. Consistently, in serial transplantation studies, we observed a significant reduction of Shp-2 +/− self-renewal compared to that of WT cells. Conclusion These data demonstrate that Shp-2 is required for the physiologic homeostasis of the HSC compartment and potentially provide insight into how oncogenic Shp-2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative disorders and leukemias.
Cofactor-Induced Conformational Rearrangements Establish a Catalytically Competent Active Site and a Proton Relay Conduit in FabG

Abstract β-Ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabG) is a key component in the type II fatty acid synthase system. The structures of Escherichia coli FabG and the FabG[Y151F] mutant in binary complexes with NADP(H) reveal that mechanistically important conformational changes accompany cofactor binding. The active site Ser-Tyr-Lys triad is repositioned into a catalytically competent constellation, and a hydrogen bonded network consisting of ribose hydroxyls, the Ser-Tyr-Lys triad, and four water molecules creates a proton wire to replenish the tyrosine proton donated during catalysis. Also, a disordered loop in FabG forms a substructure in the complex that shapes the entrance to the active site. A key observation is that the nicotinamide portion of the cofactor is disordered in the FabG[Y151F]·NADP(H) complex, and Tyr151 appears to be necessary for high-affinity cofactor binding. Biochemical data confirm that FabG[Y151F] is defective in NADPH binding. Finally, structural changes consistent with the observed negative cooperativity of FabG are described.
The learning of 90° continuous relative phase with and without Lissajous feedback: external and internally generated bimanual coordination.

Abstract Results from recent experiments (e.g., Kovacs, Buchanan, & Shea, 2009a–b, 2010a,b) suggest that when salient visual information is presented using Lissajous plots bimanual coordination patterns typically thought to be very difficult to perform without extensive practice can be performed with remarkably low relative phase error and variability with 5 min or less of practice. However, when this feedback is removed, performance deteriorates. The purpose of the present experiment was to determine if reducing the frequency of feedback presentation will decrease the participant's reliance on the feedback and will facilitate the development of an internal representation capable of sustaining performance when the Lissajous feedback is withdrawn. The results demonstrated that reduced frequency Lissajous feedback results in very effective bimanual coordination performance on tests with Lissajous feedback available and when feedback is withdrawn. Taken together the present experiments add to the growing literature that supports the notion that salient perceptual information can override some aspects of the system's intrinsic dynamics typically linked to motor output control. Additionally, the present results suggest that the learning of both externally and internally driven bimanual coordination is facilitated by providing reduced frequency Lissajous feedback.
Mapping biofuel field: A bibliometric evaluation of research output

Abstract Among sustainable and renewable energies, biofuels appear to be the most promising and attractive, and related research has been expanding along with an exceptional growth of scientific knowledge. Based on the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science, a bibliometric evaluation of research output was carried out to map research activities and tendencies of the global biofuel field. The results indicate that annual output of scientific articles rocketed during the past decade (2003–2012). The United States of America (USA) is leading biofuels research and collaborated mainly with other productive countries (China, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and South Korea). In general, international collaborative publications resulted in more citations than single country publications. Institutional collaborations became increasingly prevalent over time and the 15 most productive institutions of USA tended to collaborate more with each other. Most research publications on biofuels appeared in the journals Biomass and Bioenergy and Bioresource Technology . Furthermore, biofuels research was based on combinations of multi-subject categories including “Energy and fuels”, “Biotechnology and applied microbiology”, “Chemical engineering”, “Environmental sciences” and “Agricultural engineering”. The keyword analysis confirmed the production of biodiesel from microalgae as the mainstream of recent biofuels research. Biorefinery was the most common technology for conversions of biological feedstock and life cycle assessment was the most popular tool of decision support to evaluate the sustainability of biofuel development.
Mechanism for Selective Perivenular Hepatotoxicity of Ethanol

Chronic alcohol administration to baboons results in perivenular lesions in the liver. To study possible mechanisms, the effect of ethanol on splanchnic oxygen consumption was measured. Acute ethanol administration increased splanchnic oxygen consumption in the control baboons, but the consequences of this effect on oxygenation of the perivenular zones were offset by a concomitant rise in blood flow, resulting in unchanged hepatic venous oxygen tensions. In alcohol-fed baboons, splanchnic oxygen consumption was not increased, either in the withdrawal state or after ethanol infusion. To study the magnitude of the shift in redox state induced by ethanol in the perivenular zones, we compared the effects of ethanol on the lactate/pyruvate ratio in hepatic venous blood (an approximation of that in perivenular hepatocytes) with the ratio in total liver. Prior to ethanol infusion, the lactate and pyruvate were the same in liver and in hepatic venous blood. By contrast, in all baboons, ethanol produced a much greater rise in the lactate/pyruvate ratio and decreased pyruvate more in hepatic venous blood than in total liver. Moreover, in isolated rat hepatocytes, the ethanol-induced redox shift was markedly exaggerated by oxygen tensions similar to those found in centrolobular zones. This suggests that the normally low oxygen tensions existing in perivenular zones exaggerate the ethanol-induced redox shift, a change which may contribute to the exacerbation of the damage in the perivenular area of the hepatic lobule.
The appropriate specification of constant elasticity demand functions

Constant elasticity demand functions for individuals must be of unitary elasticity if the integrability conditions arising from the Slutsky matrix are to be preserved. This result imposes constraints on the estimation of demand systems for individuals for whom constant elasticity specifications are assumed. In particular, this result has implications for the use of constant elasticity specifications in the median voter approach to estimating the demand for local public services.
WE-D-BRD-01: Innovation in Radiation Therapy Delivery: Advanced Digital Linac Features

Last few years has witnessed significant advances in linac technology and therapeutic dose delivery method. Digital linacs equipped with high dose rate FFF beams have been clinically implemented in a number of hospitals. Gated VMAT is becoming increasingly popular in treating tumors affected by respiratory motion. This session is devoted to update the audience with these technical advances and to present our experience in clinically implementing the new linacs and dose delivery methods. Topics to be covered include, technical features of new generation of linacs from different vendors, dosimetric characteristics and clinical need for FFF-beam based IMRT and VMAT, respiration-gated VMAT, the concept and implementation of station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT), beam level imaging and onboard image guidance tools. Emphasis will be on providing fundamental understanding of the new treatment delivery and image guidance strategies, control systems, and the associated dosimetric characteristics. Commissioning and acceptance experience on these new treatment delivery technologies will be reported. Clinical experience and challenges encountered during the process of implementation of the new treatment techniques and future applications of the systems will also be highlighted. Learning Objectives: 1. Present background knowledge of emerging digital linacs and summarize their key geometric and dosimetric features. 2. SPORT as an emerging radiation therapy modality specifically designed to take advantage of digital linacs. 3. Discuss issues related to the acceptance and commissioning of the digital linacs and FFF beams. 4. Describe clinical utility of the new generation of digital linacs and their future applications.
Tribes, States, and the Management of Lake Resources: Lakes Coeur d'Alene and Flathead

Divisiveness and conflict have often characterized the relationship between native tribes and state governments. The two orders of government, however, increasingly share resources and confront common problems. Consequently, there is acknowledgment that there are mutual advantages to closer cooperation in some cases. One area of special significance is the management of shared natural resources—specifically, lake watersheds. This article examines state-tribal management of Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene and Montana's Flathead Lake. It surveys the three principal issues (hunting and fishing, development, and water quality) for state and tribal policymakers, explores how state and tribal governments are responding to shared jurisdictional and management challenges, and suggests that these responses could be a basis for a more flexible and balanced tribal-state relationship. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
Cathodoluminescence and transmission electron microscopy of an abrupt lateral junction in algaas grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We present evidence for a novel type of junction, lateral to the growth direction, in AlGaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Cathodoluminescence data show an abrupt change in the bandgap of AlGaAs grown in grooves on a GaAs substrate at the boundary between adjacent facets. Transmission electron microscopy of a cross section of the groove reveals an unexpected quasiperiodic compositional modulation on the (111) facets of the grooves. The transition in the bandgap occurs as a result of abrupt termination of the compositional modulation at the facet boundaries.
Biochemistry and Genetics of Actinomycete Cellulases

AbstractThe order Actinomycetales includes a number of genera that contain species that actively degrade cellulose and these include both mesophilic and facultative thermophilic species. Cellulases produced by strains from two of the genera containing thermophilic organisms have been studied extensively: Microbispora bispora and Thermomonospora fusca. Fractionation of M. bispora cellulases has identified six different enzymes, all of which were purified to near homogeneity and partially characterized. Two of these enzymes appear to be exocellulases and gave synergism with each other and with the endocellulases. The structural genes of five M. bispora cellulases have been cloned and one was sequenced. Fractionation of T. fusca cellulases has identified five different enzymes, all of which were purified to near homogeneity and partially characterized. One of the T. fusca enzymes gives synergism in the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose with several T. fusca endocellulases and with Trichoderma reesei CBHI b...
Whither public health

Abstract This paper examines the future of Schools of Public Health in the United States. The history of Schools of Public Health is developed by tracing the history of the philanthropies which supported scientific medicine and public health in the early decades of the twentieth century. The role of the theory of disease in shifting the focus of public health from the community to the laboratory is explored. This paper argues that Schools of Public Health have lost their legitimacy and no longer have any content area or discipline for which they alone are responsible. The declining public image of public health is explored in light of the recent swine flu and legionnaire disease episodes. The current tendencies of Schools of Public Health as miniature business schools or as departments of medical schools are explored and criticized and a revitalized curriculum for Schools of Public Health is posited.
Reactive oxygen species-mediated therapeutic control of bladder cancer

Urinary bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the US and the most costly cancer to manage because it requires life-long surveillance to monitor for recurrence and advanced progression. Urothelial carcinomas account for more than 90% of urinary bladder cancer cases. Transurethral resection and intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy are effective short-term treatments of urothelial carcinoma, but long-term management has not yet been optimized. Recent therapeutic strategies emphasize the targeted interference with aberrantly-regulated signaling modulators that result from genomic alterations. However, targeted therapeutic agents might not distinguish cancer cells from their normal counterparts, resulting in undesirable adverse effects. Thus, a new approach for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma has been suggested that differentially augments cancer-associated events, leading to selective death of cancer cells but not normal cells. Many aberrantly-regulated signaling modulators are associated with the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and an increasing number of studies report agents with the ability to induce ROS in cancer cells. Accordingly, therapeutic augmentation of ROS to a lethal level in cancer cells only would induce selective death of tumor cells but not normal cells, leading to a highly effective chemotherapy strategy for urothelial carcinoma.
Mixing of shear-thinning fluids with yield stress in stirred tanks

Mixing of shear-thinning fluids with yield stress is investigated in a three-dimensional (3-D) flow both in experiments and in simulations. Experiments are conducted in a stirred tank using tracer visualization and velocity measurements. Bulk flow visualization shows the familiar cavern formation around the impeller with stagnant zones surrounding it. Detailed flow visualization inside caverns reveals the main ingredients of chaotic flow: lobe formation, stretching, folding, and self-similar mixing patterns. For multiple impeller systems, however, we find strong compartmentalization characterized by robust segregation between adjacent caverns, hindering mixing performance. Mixing efficiency is enhanced by moving the shaft off-center, which breaks spatial symmetry. The displacement of the shaft from the tank centerline has a beneficial effect on manifold structure: segregated regions are destroyed, separatrices are eliminated, and axial circulation is improved. Numerical simulations are performed by solving the incompressible Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equation with a Galerkin Least-Squares finite-element formulation and a macroscopic rheological model. Simulations are able to capture the main features of the flow and are used to investigate stretching statistics and scale behavior. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Breaking Down Barriers for 1st-Year Teachers: What Teacher Preparation Programs Can Do.

A developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children is vital for successful learning. However, implementing developmentally appropriate practices can be a challenge for 1st-year teachers because of the pressures of standardized testing. The purpose of this study was to examine the struggles teachers encounter in implementing developmentally appropriate practices in their 1st year and to identify what helped them overcome those obstacles. We conclude with several ideas for teacher preparation programs as well as suggestions for 1st-year teachers.
Open-ended shock tube flows : Influence of pressure ratio and diaphragm position

The influence of the pressure ratio and the diaphragm location on the flow from open-ended shock tubes is investigated. In contrast to previous studies, in which attention was focused on the discharge of the shock wave from the shock tube, we consider also the influence of the contact discontinuity and the expansion fan. It is found that if the pressure ratio is large enough to lead to supersonic flow behind the contact discontinuity, the flow at the open end relaxes from the conditions behind the contact discontinuity to sonic conditions once the tail of the expansion fan arrives at the open end. Theory indicates that the time scale over which the flow relaxes to sonic conditions is nearly independent of the initial Mach number. Also, the time scale is much longer than that required by the acceleration of subsonic conditions behind the contact discontinuity to sonic conditions. The relaxation process is shown to influence the evolution of the Mach-disk shock, the barrel shock, and the reflected shock wave in an underexpanded jet.
A parallel architecture comes of age at lastl hypercube machines reach the market on the promise of executing billions of operations a second to solve difficult simulation problems

The architecture of hypercubes is explained, and its advantages over other parallel architectures are examined. The flexibility of the interconnect scheme is discussed. The efficiency of hypercubes and hardware aspects are considered.
Regulation of glucose-6-phosphatase activity in human fetal liver in vitro

G-6-Pase activity in human fetal liver remains constant at 8-28nmoles/min/mg protein from the 8th week of gestation to week 28, this value being appr. 25-35% of that found in the adult. This enzyme activity is well maintained for 2-3 days in organ culture of fetal liver explants. Incubation with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.1mM) and theophylline (0.5mM) increased G-6-Pase activity 4-8-fold within 24h. Theophylline alone was ineffective, but markedly potentiated the effects of dBcAMP. The increase in enzyme activity was completely abolished by simultaneous incubation with cycloheximide or actinomycin D. Insulin significantly decreased G-6-Pase activity to 50% of the control value after 24h incubation. In addition, insulin tended to diminish the elevated G-6-Pase activity which resulted from preincubation with dBcAMP. The smallest fetus obtained (36mm crown-rump length) was capable of elevating liver G-6-Pase activity more than 3-fold in response to dBcAMP, suggesting that the human fetal liver has the competence to respond to hormonal agents at a very early stage.
Direct Measurement of Ammonia in Ambient Air

Abstract A model is proposed which addresses the factors involved in the axial light attenuation of a coated waveguide (collector/sensor) whose polymer coating has been sensitized to ammonia. The experimental results appear to corroborate the model predictions of high sensitivity (ppb) and independence of sample flow on the collector/sensor. Concentration and relative humidity both determine the slopes of the transmission curves, the latter factor of which can be reduced to a second order effect by controlling the relative humidity in the sample holder.
Novel chain structures in group VI elements.

Recent developments in high-pressure methods and advances in X-ray crystallography have led to a new level of understanding of phase diagrams and structures of materials under pressure. Recently discovered phenomena such as complex phases of alkali metals1,2, incommensurate host–guest structures3,4, and incommensurately modulated structures5,6 have rendered obsolete our conventional wisdom about the range of structures possible in the elements7. Using new in situ diffraction techniques, we have resolved the long-standing problem of the phase-transition sequence of sulphur in its non-metallic state. We demonstrate that it is very different from that previously proposed7,8, with only two phases stable between 1.5 GPa and 83 GPa (the pressure of metallization), and temperatures from 300 K to 1,100 K. The phases have a triangular chain and a squared chain structure. The same squared chain structure is found in the heavier group VI element selenium.
Hydropotes inermis (Chinese water deer)

These karyotypes are gifts of Dr. J. L. Hamerton, Winnipeg, Canada, and came from animals in Great Britain. Pairing is arbitrary. Chromosome #1 has minute satellites on long arms.
Catalytic combustion of hydrogen—II. An experimental investigation of fundamental conditions for burner design

Abstract The performance of catalysts in different forms was investigated for the design of a catalytic combustor with hydrogen fuel. The catalysts tested had dimensions of 150 × 150 mm, and consisted of a ceramic honeycomb impregnated with Pt, two Ni metal foams coated with Pd powder which differed from each other in pore size, and a ceramic foam coated with Co-Mn-Ag oxide powder. In the diffusive mode of operation, the Pd-coated Ni foam with larger pores exhibited the highest combustion efficiency. The ceramic foam with the oxide coating also provided smooth hydrogen combustion in the range 0.2–1.0 kcal cm −2 h −1 . Combustion efficiency was improved by increasing the amount of premixed air and totally supplied air. Spot measurements of surface temperature and gas composition were carried out over the catalyst surface and the characteristic features of each catalyst were compared and discussed.
Pollen dispersal and representation on an offshore island.

summary The effects of spatial isolation on pollen representation were examined in a study of seven small kettle ponds on Block Island, a small, unforested island 19 km off the New England Coast (USA). Modern pollen assemblages from the ponds were compared with modern assemblages from similar ponds on the adjacent, partly forested mainland and in extensively forested northern New York. Representation of pollen from local and extralocal sources was amplified on the island owing to spatial isolation. However, variation among pollen assemblages on the island was not clearly related to spatial variation in vegetation composition. Significant transport of pollen from the mainland to the island was observed. There appeared to be little or no decrease in representation of large, poorly dispersed mainland pollen types between the mainland and island. This latter result may indicate differences between the mainland and island in the predominant modes of pollen transport, or alternatively, effects of local pollen source strength on representation of pollen from distant sources. Based on our results, we propose a theory of pollen representation on islands that can be tested and applied on offshore islands and patchy landscapes.