cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Movement duration, fitts's law, and an infinite-horizon optimal feedback control model for biological motor systems

Optimization models explain many aspects of biological goal-directed movements. However, most such models use a finite-horizon formulation, which requires a prefixed movement duration to define a cost function and solve the optimization problem. To predict movement duration, these models have to be run multiple times with different prefixed durations until an appropriate duration is found by trial and error. The constrained minimum time model directly predicts movement duration; however, it does not consider sensory feedback and is thus applicable only to open-loop movements. To address these problems, we analyzed and simulated an infinite-horizon optimal feedback control model, with linear plants, that contains both control-dependent and control-independent noise and optimizes steady-state accuracy and energetic costs per unit time. The model applies the steady-state estimator and controller continuously to guide an effector to, and keep it at, target position. As such, it integrates movement control and posture maintenance without artificially dividing them with a precise, prefixed time boundary. Movement pace is determined by the model parameters, and the duration is an emergent property with trial-to-trial variability. By considering the mean duration, we derived both the log and power forms of Fitts's law as different approximations of the model. Moreover, the model reproduces typically observed velocity profiles and occasional transient overshoots. For unbiased sensory feedback, the effector reaches the target without bias, in contrast to finite-horizon models that systematically undershoot target when energetic cost is considered. Finally, the model does not involve backward and forward sweeps in time, its stability is easily checked, and the same solution applies to movements of different initial conditions and distances. We argue that biological systems could use steady-state solutions as default control mechanisms and might seek additional optimization of transient costs when justified or demanded by task or context.
The Relationship Between Drug Use and Sexual Aggression in Men Across Time

The relationship between drug use and sexual aggression in a sample of men was examined at five time points from adolescence through the 4th year of college. Hierarchical linear modeling explored the relationship between proximal drug use and severity of sexual aggression after controlling for proximal alcohol use at each time period. Results revealed that proximal drug use was associated with sexual aggression severity: Increased drug use predicted increased severity of sexual aggression across time. A second set of analyses explored the relationship between distal marijuana use and severity of sexual aggression after controlling for distal alcohol use. Results indicated that increased marijuana use predicted increased severity of sexual aggression across time. A third set of analyses explored the relationship between distal use of other illicit drugs and severity of sexual aggression after controlling for distal alcohol use. Results mirrored those of the second set of analyses and are discussed in terms of drug use as a component of deviant lifestyles that may include sexually aggressive behavior, including implications for applied settings.
B7.2-/- mature dendritic cells generate T-helper 2 and regulatory T donor cells in fetal mice after in utero allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Abstract In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IUT) results in limited chimerism and tolerance to alloantigens. We studied the relative role of B7.1 and B7.2 expression by dendritic cells (DCs) in engraftment and in generating donor-specific tolerance in fetal mice. Mature dendritic cells (mDCs) from B7.1−/− or B7.2−/− donors and wild-type (WT) lineage-depleted (lin−) C57BL/6 (B6) bone marrow (BM) were injected into BALB/c fetuses. Six weeks after IUT, B7.1−/− recipients had multilineage engraftment (4.7% ± 0.8% T cells and 5.7% ± 1.1% granulocytes) associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and decreased survival, but by 12 weeks only donor CD3+ cells (2.1% ± 1.3%) were present. Recipients of B7.2−/− mDCs and lin− WT B6 BM had exclusively CD3+CD4+ T cells (11.8% ± 8.5% at 6 weeks and 6.5% ± 2.5% at 12 weeks). Most of the cells were T-helper 2, although 10.4% ± 1.4% were of the T-regulatory (Treg) phenotype, ie, CD4+CD25+. Donor Treg cells were detected both in the thymus and spleen, thus suggesting an effect on both central and peripheral immunity. The animals with Treg cells had better survival (82.3% versus 47.4%; P
Water Dimer Radical Cation: Structures, Vibrational Frequencies, and Energetics

Fourteen stationary points for the water dimer radical cation on its doublet electronic state potential energy surface have been characterized using coupled cluster theory with single and double excitations (CCSD) and CCSD with perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. This is done in conjunction with Dunning’s correlation consistent polarized valence basis sets (cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ, X = D, T, Q). Two stationary points are found to be local minima, isomer 1 (C1 symmetry) with H3O+···OH character (hydrogen-bonded system), and isomer 7 (C2 symmetry) with [H2O···H2O]+ character (hemibonded system). Among the other stationary points, seven are transition states, and the remaining five are higher order saddle points. The fourteen water dimer radical cation structures lie within 45 kcal mol−1 of isomer 1. Structure 1, transition states 2 (Cs symmetry) and 3 (Cs symmetry) are related through torsion of the OH group; these three stationary points fall within one kcal mol−1, demonstrating the low energy barri...
Dahu: commodity switches for direct connect data center networks

Solving “Big Data” problems requires bridging massive quantities of compute, memory, and storage, which requires a very high bandwidth network. Recently proposed direct connect networks like HyperX [1] and Flattened Butterfly [20] offer large capacity through paths of varying lengths between servers, and are highly cost effective for common data center workloads. However data center deployments are constrained to multi-rooted tree topologies like Fat-tree [2] and VL2 [16] due to shortest path routing and the limitations of commodity data center switch silicon. In this work we present Dahu1, simple enhancements to commodity Ethernet switches to support direct connect networks in data centers. Dahu avoids congestion hot-spots by dynamically spreading traffic uniformly across links, and forwarding traffic over non-minimal paths where possible. By performing load balancing primarily using local information, Dahu can act more quickly than centralized approaches, and responds to failure gracefully. Our evaluation shows that Dahu delivers up to 500% improvement in throughput over ECMP in large scale HyperX networks with over 130,000 servers, and up to 50% higher throughput in an 8,192 server Fat-tree network.
Nano-scale column partition chromatography

Abstract Column chromatography was adapted to natural product isolates in which the components were present in concentrations of the order of 10−9 g. Use for this technique has been found in purification of nanogram quantities of gas Chromatographic effluents, and in resolution and concentration build-up of compounds which may otherwise be difficult to identify by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Classical impulse approximation for the electron loss from H(1s) or H- projectiles passing through various gas targets

This paper presents calculations of electron-loss cross sections for fast H(1s) projectiles incident on different atomic targets (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, H, N, or O) for a broad kinetic-energy range (90 keV/amu to 1.4 GeV/amu), and compares the calculations with experimental measurements where possible. The calculations are based on the semiclassical free-collision model. Theoretical differential cross sections for elastic electron scattering, and theoretical or semiempirical differential cross sections for inelastic electron scattering, are used in making the calculations. The results are in good agreement with experimental data. We apply a simple model based on the H(1s) results to obtain single- and double-electron-loss cross sections for ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ projectiles incident on the same atomic targets. Again the results are in good agreement with experiment. Further calculations have yielded results for electron loss of H(1s) incident on molecular ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ targets.
Artificial neural networks for short-term energy forecasting: Accuracy and economic value

Abstract Sixteen electric utilities surveyed state that use of ANNs significantly reduced errors in daily electric load forecasts, while only three found otherwise. Data for five gas utilities reinforces this result: the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for ANN daily gas demand forecasts was 6.4%, a 1.9% improvement over previous methods. Yet ANNs were not always best, implying opportunities for further improvement. The economic value of error reduction for electric utilities was assessed by examining operating decisions. For 19 utilities surveyed, an average of $800 000/year per utility is estimated to be saved from use of ANN-based forecasts. Most benefits resulted from improved generating unit scheduling; the utilities estimated such benefits to be up to $143 annually per peak MW of demand for each 1% improvement in MAPE. This estimated worth of accuracy improvement (roughly 0.1% of annual generation O&M costs) is confirmed by solving generation scheduling and dispatch models under various levels of forecast accuracy.
Arginase activity. I. Partial purification and characterization of a stimulatory agent.

Abstract Crude chicken heart homogenate was shown to stimulate the activity of partially purified bovine liver arginase. Evidence is presented that the stimulatory agent interacts with the active enzyme to increase its catalytic activity and does not result in an increase in the number of catalytically active sites. Stimulatory agent does not replace the metal-ion requirement of arginase. The agent in heart responsible for stimulation has been purified several hundred fold and shown to be protein in nature. Paper electrophoresis of the purified material has revealed the presence of three components and stimulatory activity was concentrated in one fraction. In conjunction with a previous report (1), it is concluded that tissue homogenates contain at least two high molecular weight substances which are capable of modifying the activity of arginase, i.e., stimulatory agent and inhibitor(s). It is suggested that the arginase activity of living cells could be regulated by the interactions of these macromolecules with the enzyme.
Intrinsic dynamics and synaptic inputs control the activity patterns of subthalamic nucleus neurons in health and in Parkinson's disease

Neurons in the subthalamic nucleus occupy a pivotal position in the circuitry of the basal ganglia. They receive direct excitatory input from the cerebral cortex and the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus, and directly excite the inhibitory basal ganglia output neurons in the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra. They are also engaged in a reciprocal synaptic arrangement with inhibitory neurons in the external segment of the globus pallidus. Although once viewed as a simple relay of extrinsic input to the basal ganglia, physiological studies of subthalamic neurons have revealed that activity in these neurons does not directly reflect their pattern of extrinsic excitation. Subthalamic neurons are autonomously active at rates comparable to those observed in vivo, and they generate complex patterns of intrinsic activity arising from the interactions between voltage sensitive ion channels on the somatodendritic and axonal membranes. Extrinsic synaptic excitation does not create the firing pattern of the subthalamic neuron, but rather controls the timing of action potentials generated intrinsically. The dopaminergic innervation of the subthalamic nucleus, although moderate, can directly influence firing patterns by acting both on synaptic transmission and voltage-sensitive ion channels responsible for intrinsic properties. Furthermore, chronic dopamine depletion in Parkinson's disease may modify both synaptic transmission and integration in the subthalamic nucleus, in addition to its effects on other regions of the basal ganglia.
Further Attempts to Induce Heritable Changes in the Fowl by Inter-Species Blood Transfer

Abstract REPORTS of genetic change effected in the domestic fowl as a result of intra- and interspecies blood transfusions or injections have appeared in the scientific literature at various times during the last twenty years. Much of the work completed prior to the most recent five years is reviewed by Lowe et al. (1963). Buschinelli (1962) was unable to effect hereditary modifications in the domestic fowl as a result of repeated inter-breed, inter-species and inter-family blood injections. Stroun et al. (1963) reported that birds of a White Leghorn strain repeatedly injected with blood from the gray guinea-fowl produced progeny with some gray or black-flecked feathers in the second and later generations. Leroy and Benoit (1966) and Leroy et al. (1966) injected whole or fractionated blood of the guinea-fowl into a strain of Rhode Island Red chickens and obtained progeny in the first generation with extensive changes in the quantity and distribution . . .
Urease inhibition by hydroxamic acids.

Ureases from jack beans andRhodototorula pilimanae were observed to be inhibited by primary hydroxamic acids but were not inhibited by acyclic-secondary (N-alkyl) hydroxamic acids.
The algebraic structure of BRST quantization

Abstract It is shown that a system of first-class bosonic constraints obeying a Lie algebra has associated with it a natural superalgebra. BRST quantization arises as a non-linear representation of this superalgebra. Two distinct superalgebras are explicitly constructed and their associated BRST quantizations presented. The first BRST quantization is the canonical one with the BRST charge a grassmannian scalar. The second is new — the BRST charge is a grassmannian spinor transforming in the fundamental representation of the appropriate superalgebra. Generalizations are briefly discussed.
Long-Term Durability and Functional Outcomes Among Patients With Artificial Urinary Sphincters: A 10-Year Retrospective Review From the University of Michigan

Purpose: The artificial urinary sphincter continues to be one of the most effective and commonly used surgical treatments for severe urinary incontinence. The long-term durability and functional outcome remains unclear. This study sought to report the artificial urinary sphincter complication rates, associated risk factors with complications, and long-term quality of life and durability.Materials and Methods: This single institution study reports the outcomes of 124 consecutive index cases of artificial urinary sphincter from 1996 to 2006 for complications (infection, erosion, and mechanical failure). Bivariate statistics and multivariable logistic models were used to identify patient and artificial urinary sphincter characteristics associated with complications. Functional outcomes and long-term durability were assessed using a cross sectional analysis of a validated health related quality of life survey and a product limit estimates, respectively.Results: Among the 124 male patients median followup was ...
TGFβ1, TNFα, and insulin signaling crosstalk in regulation of the rat cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase gene expression

The TGFβ1/Smad pathway plays a critical role in cholestasis and liver fibrosis. Previous studies show that TGFβ1, TNFα, and insulin inhibit cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) gene transcription and bile acid synthesis in human hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated insulin, TGFβ1, and TNFα regulation of rat Cyp7a1 gene transcription. In contrast to inhibition of human CYP7A1 gene transcription, TGFβ1 stimulates rat Cyp7a1 reporter activity. Smad3, FoxO1, and HNF4α synergistically stimulated rat Cyp7a1 gene transcription. Mutations of the Smad3, FoxO1, or HNF4α binding site attenuated the rat Cyp7a1 promoter activity. Furthermore, TNFα and cJun attenuated TGFβ1 stimulation of rat Cyp7a1. Insulin or adenovirus-mediated expression of constitutively active AKT1 inhibited FoxO1 and Smad3 synergy. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, Cyp7a1 mRNA expression levels were induced and insulin attenuated CYP7A1 mRNA levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that FoxO1 binding to Cyp7a1 chromatin was increased in diabetic rat livers and insulin reduced FoxO1 binding. These results suggest a mechanistic basis for induction of Cyp7a1 activity and bile acid synthesis in cholestatic rats and in diabetic rats. The crosstalk of insulin, TGFβ and TNFα signaling pathways may regulate bile acid synthesis and lipid homeostasis in diabetes, fatty liver disease, and liver fibrosis.
National Employment Systems and Job Autonomy: Why Job Autonomy is High in the Nordic Countries and Low in the United States, Canada, and Australia

We present evidence that, across countries, similar jobs carry very different levels of autonomy. Workers in Nordic countries have greater discretion than workers in the United States, Canada, and Australia, all else being equal. This suggests that students of job autonomy, who emphasize task complexity and human capital, should heed the role of the wider institutional environment. We examine three explanations of the link between national location and autonomy. The Taylorism/de-skilling thesis suggests that work control is a zero-sum game between workers and managers, such that in countries where managers exercise great control, workers will exercise little. The collective bargaining thesis suggests that union bargaining strategy is the key: unionists will have high autonomy in `co-determination' countries and low autonomy in `job control' countries. We argue more broadly that national management, training, bargaining, and unemployment systems operate according to different logics. Where they are oriente...
A quadrature detection scheme for pulsed ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy

Abstract A simple scheme is presented for quadrature detection of the transient signal in ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy. Application of the method of electronic orthogonalization allows all amplification to be performed in a single, narrow band-pass, low noise, high gain intermediate frequency amplification state; when this is processed by two phase-orthogonal super-heterodyne phase-sensitive detector (PSD) modules, quadrature detection of the transient is possible. By operating the PSDs such that components differing in phase by 90° are detected, the real and imaginary components of the signal may be obtained from a single pair of detector plates. This article describes the architectures necessary for the implementation of quadrature detection, and compares its performance with conventional approaches.
Local Textual Inference: Can it be Defined or Circumscribed?

This paper argues that local textual inferences come in three well-defined varieties (entailments, conventional implicatures/presuppositions, and conversational implicatures) and one less clearly defined one, generally available world knowledge. Based on this taxonomy, it discusses some of the examples in the Pascal text suite and shows that these examples do not fall into any of them. It proposes to enlarge the test suite with examples that are more directly related to the inference patterns discussed.
Terrorism and the New Forms of War

: The March 2003 American preemptive strike on Iraq and related events pose entirely new conceptual questions about the notion of a valid war. A “war on terrorism” goes well beyond any usual version of the “just-war” concept, which is itself notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to apply in current international circumstances. The implications of the emerging forms of war are examined and are found to bear in an unexpected way on justifying war, “just war,” and justice in distributional and related respects.
Recognition memory retention interval and information load.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of retention interval and information load on short-term recognition memory in retarded subjects. The task consisted of an input trial of 1–15 pictures followed by a test trial of one picture, with the subject having to press different levers to indicate whether the probe picture had been present on the input trial. Retention intervals between input trial and test trial were manipulated over a range of 1–24 sec. Both accuracy and latency of response were measured. Results showed that latency increased and accuracy decreased as a function of both retention interval and number of stimuli. In addition, number of stimuli interacted with retention interval such that accuracy was not affected by retention interval when information input was small, but decreased quite dramatically at longer retention intervals when input was larger. The results were discussed in terms of current memory search models for both normal and retarded subjects.
Cytotoxin(s) produced by human lymphocytes: inhibition by anti-inflammatory steroids and anti-malarial drugs.

Abstract Two classes of nonacidic drugs used clinically to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases were found to inhibit lysis of L cells by cytotoxins produced by stimulated human lymphocytes. The inhibition was demonstrated with three different types of assay for cell lysis and was especially pronounced with potent anti-inflammatory steroids such as triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and prednisolone and with the anti-malarial compounds chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The acidic anti-inflammatory compounds salicylate and phenylbutazone gave little or no protection against the cytotoxin.
Suicidal Behaviors and Alcohol Use Among Adolescents: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective

A developmental psychopathology conceptual model was provided to represent the major categories of risk and protective factors, including alcohol use and binge drinking, that predict suicidal behaviors that range from suicidal thoughts to completed suicides. The conceptual model emphasized the importance of identifying age-specific sets of risk and protective factors to facilitate the development of effective interventions. As an empirical illustration, a multivariate mediation path model was specified and evaluated with a sample of teens. Findings indicated that several distal variables (e.g., difficult temperament, coping motives for drinking, lower family support, higher percentage of friends using alcohol) significantly predicted mediators (e.g., depression, stressful events, binge drinking) that, in turn, predicted suicidal behaviors. Binge drinking significantly predicted suicide attempts over and above the influence of depression and stressful events.
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY TAILORED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MICROSCOPIC HEMATURIA

Purpose: We report the results of a multicenter study of arterial, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phase helical computerized tomography (CT) for detecting and characterizing abnormalities causing asymptomatic microscopic hematuria.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 350 consecutive patients, including 216 men and 134 women 23 to 88 years old, with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria of undetermined cause at 4 medical centers. Patients with known urological pathology were excluded from study. We performed 4 helical CT sequences, including pre-enhancement phase imaging from kidney to symphysis pubis, arterial phase imaging of the kidney and lower pelvis, corticomedullary nephrographic phase imaging of the kidney and lower pelvis, and excretory phase imaging from kidney to symphysis pubis with 2 to 5 mm. collimation and 1 to 1.5 pitch.Results: Of 171 proved lesions 158 were correctly diagnosed. There were 10 false-positive and 13 false-negative diagnoses, indicating 0.9239 sensitivity, 0.9441 s...
Estimating the Lyapunov-exponent spectrum from short time series of low precision.

We propose a new method to compute Lyapunov exponents from limited experimental data. The method is tested on a variety of known model systems, and it is found that the algorithm can be used to obtain a reasonable Lyapunov-exponent spectrum from only 5000 data points with a precision of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ or ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ in three- or four-dimensional phase space, or 10 000 data points in five-dimensional phase space. We also apply our algorithm to the daily-averaged data of surface temperature observed at two locations in the United States to quantitatively evaluate atmospheric predictability.
Funding opportunities for rare pancreatic diseases.

Historically, one of the most difficult roadblocks toward obtaining funding for the study of pancreatic diseases is the relatively low incidence of several of them, thereby identifying them as ‘rare diseases’. In fact, many pharmaceutical companies do not want to invest even in our more common pancreatic diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Additional rare diseases which remain ‘funding orphans’ include certain cancers such as acinar carcinoma, autoimmune pancreatitis, and various types of diseases characterized by cysts, both benign and malignant, among others. For these reasons, we provide the following websites that deal with funding sources to hopefully serve as a useful place to request funding for rare pancreatic diseases.
Recovery of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in bacteria after amino acid starvation

Abstract It is well established that, in log phase cultures of bacteria, nucleic acid synthesis will proceed in the presence of chloramphenicol, an antibiotic which blocks protein synthesis ( Gale and Folkes, 1953 ; Wisseman, Smadel, Hahn and Hopps, 1954 ). However, when a culture of Escherichia , coli is starved for a period of time for a required amino acid, a requirement is induced for protein synthesis, so that the addition of chloramphenicol to the culture blocks further deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis ( Gros and Gros, 1958 ; Billen, 1960 ). If the requisite protein synthesis is allowed, however, recovery of the DNA synthetic system occurs and DNA synthesis will again proceed in the presence of chloramphenicol. The present report describes experimental results which suggest that the recovery of cellular capacity for DNA synthesis (involving the synthesis of protein) is not related to the restitution of rate limiting components of the DNA synthetic system but rather reflects the function of an intracellular control mechanism which effectively serves to limit DNA replication.
Lack of Embryotoxicity of Fumonisin B1 in New Zealand White Rabbits

Abstract Fumonisin B1(FB1) is one of a number of mycotoxins produced by fungi, especiallyFusariumsp. As a contaminant of many maize-derived products, this toxin is associated with a variety of animal diseases, including esophageal cancer and possibly neural tube defects in humans. We have investigated the embryotoxic potential of this compound in New Zealand White rabbits. Animals were dosed by gavage daily on GD 3–19 with purified FB1at 0.10, 0.50, or 1.00 mg/kg/day. Maternal lethality occurred at the 0.50 and 1.00 mg/kg/day doses. When examined on GD 29, there were no differences in maternal body weight, maternal weight gain, maternal organ weights, number of nonlive implantations, and number of malformations. Fetal weight was decreased at 0.50 and 1.00 mg/kg/day (13 and 16%, respectively); this was true for male and female pups. Fetal liver and kidney weights were also decreased at these doses. Analysis of embryonic sphinganine to sphingosine ratios demonstrated no differences between control and treated embryos on GD 20, although these ratios were increased in maternal urine, serum, and kidney when compared to control animals. These data suggest that FB1did not cross the placenta and that the observed decreased fetal weight was probably the result of maternal toxicity, rather than any developmental toxicity produced by FB1.
Di- and triphosphoinositide metabolism in swine erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract When membranes isolated from swine erythrocytes were incubated with ATP and Mg2+ there was rapid net synthesis of di- and triphosphoinositides which lasted about an hour. Initial levels in the washed membranes were: diphosphoinositide 0.27 nmole per mg dry weight and triphosphoinositide 2.56 nmoles per mg dry weight. After an hour at 37° in the presence of ATP and Mg2+ (5 mM) the concentrations rose to 1.52 and 3.55 nmoles/mg. Synthesis was nearly completely inhibited by Ca2+ (1 mM) and thiol reagents. After net synthesis was completed turnover of diphosphoinositide and triphosphoinositide could be demonstrated by incubation with [32P]ATP. Prelabeled diphosphoinositide (but not triphosphoinositide) also lost isotope when incubated with nonradioactive ATP. Turnover rates in the steady state were of the order of 1 nmole . mg−1 . h−1 for both compounds. They were some-what higher during the early phase of net synthesis. Neither the phase of net synthesis nor steady state turnover showed a requirement for Na+ or K+. Both were unaffected by ouabain. Rates of synthesis of diphosphoinositide and triphosphoinositide were 2 orders of magnitude slower than hydrolysis of ATP by the Na+ + K+-activated ATPase in the same preparations.
CONTROLLED HEAT PROCESSING OF JEWEL SWEET POTATOES FOR PUREE PRODUCTION

‘Jewel’ sweet-potato slices 0.5 cm thick were precooked at 100, 125 and 150C for varying periods of time, finish-cooked for 15 min at 150C, and pureed. Selected chemical and physical properties of the purees were compared to a puree prepared from conventionally baked sweet potatoes (1.25 h at 195C). Purees from the controlled heat process were also compared to the baked puree by a sensory panel. Of all the treatments, puree from the 100C, 6-min precook treatment was the most silimar to puree from baked sweet potatoes with respect to chemical and physical characteristics. The sensory panel found the two purees to be different, but were equally divided when asked to express a preference. Subsequent analysis showed that the starch of the baked control had been more completely hydrolyzed than the starch of the other treatments. This was reflected by higher maltose, lower starch content and by decreased starch molecular size and viscosity of the control compared with the other treatments.
Activation of polyisoprenyl diphosphate phosphatase 1 remodels cellular presqualene diphosphate.

Polyisoprenyl diphosphates play diverse and vital roles in cell function in health and disease. The counter-regulatory lipid signaling molecule, presqualene diphosphate (PSDP), is rapidly converted to its monophosphate form (PSMP) upon cell activation (Levy, B. D., Petasis, N. A., and Serhan, C. N. (1997) Nature 389, 985–990). The first PSDP phosphatase was recently identified and named polyisoprenyl diphosphate phosphatase 1 (PDP1) (Fukunaga, K., et al (2006) JBC 281, 9490-9497). Here, we present evidence that PDP1 displays properties of lipid phosphate phosphatase/phosphotransferase with distinct substrate preference for PSDP. Cell activation with PMA increased PSDP phosphatase activity in a concentration dependent manner and western analysis suggest that PDP1 is directly phosphorylated by protein kinase C. Cellular PSDP phosphatase activity was also induced by the receptor-mediated agonists insulin and TNF-α. To address PDP1's contribution to cellular PSDP phosphatase activity, HEK293 cells were established that stably expressed PDP1 siRNA, leading to a 60% decrease in PDP1 RNA, and concomitant decreases in PDP1 protein and PMA-initiated PSDP phosphatase activity. HEK293 cells harboring PDP1 siRNA construct also displayed a marked decrease in PMA-initiated conversion of cellular PSDP to PSMP. Together, these findings are the first to indicate that PDP1 is activated during cell responses to soluble stimuli to convert PSDP to PSMP. Moreover, they provide evidence that PDP1 can serve as a new checkpoint for polyisoprenyl phosphate remodeling during cell activation.
Low Temperature Processing of TiN Epitaxial and Polycrystalline Films by Laser Physical Vapor Deposition

We have investigated the formation of polycrystalline TiN films on (100) Si substrates and epitaxial (100)-oriented TiN films on (100) MgO substrates by laser physical vapor deposition. The films were deposited by excimer laser (wavelength 308 nm, pulse duration 45 nanosecond, and energy density 4-6 J cm-2 ) ablation of a TiN target pellet in high vacuum (~ 3.0 x 10-7 torn) with the substrate temperature ranging from 25 to 750°C. The epitaxial films on Mg° were obtained at relatively low substrate temperatures ( 450°C ) and polycrystalline films on Si were obtained at substrate temperatures ranging from 25 to 550°C. The deposited films were analyzed using cross-section and plan-view transmission electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering / channeling patterns, Auger electron spectroscopy, and electron channeling patterns. Results for epitaxial film growth indicate TiN parallel to MgO with the minimum channeling yield( xmin ) < 10% and room temperature resistivity of 501.112-cm. Typical resistivity values of the polycrystalline films were 150 I. -cm and microhardness values were found to be as high as 17 GPa. The polycrystalline films are very dense with an average grain size of 100 A which remained approximately constant with substrate temperature up to 550°C. The polycrystalline films were of equiaxed nature with no preferred growth orientation. These microstructural features couple with low temperature deposition and dense nature make these films suitable for many advanced applications.
Gain and linewidth enhancement factor in InAs-quantum-dot and InAs-quantum-dash laser heterostructures

Optical characteristics are investigated and compared of nanostructure semiconductor lasers with quantum dots and quantum dashes. Spectra of optical gain and of linewidth enhancement factor are obtained. Optical anisotropy in quantum dash structures is investigated.
Self and society: between God and brain

Because of space restrictions, I have primarily sampled the discussion that attended the presentations by the neuroscientists; much lively debate also attended the other papers. No consensus emerged, and there was little indication that an understanding of neuroscience would affect views on divine action. Nonetheless, the discussion helped philosophers and theologians understand that the unity of self is an intricate construct that can be fractured in surprising ways by neurological damage; thus talk of `mental causation' as a level whose laws form a closed system was subjected to renewed critique.The challenges for a `science of the person' proved manifold—questions about feelings, moral choice, social constructions, experiences of ultimacy, mechanisms that relate self and others, etc.—with no consensus as to whether neuroscience could indeed contribute to all these questions. Michael Heller (Tarnow, Poland), our host in Paserbiec, noted that theology works within an image of the world that is changing quickly because of the sciences. The problem of the person is central to this image, and he concluded that the neurosciences will play an increasing role in shaping this image. While most of neuroscience will focus on very restricted sub-problems for which hypothesis and experiment can reach closure, I conclude that cognitive science and neuroscience will nonetheless be enriched immensely if, from time to time, we can look up from the workbench or computer screen to ponder paths that can relate the focused sub-domains of our research to the issues that challenged the participants in the Paserbiec workshop.
Regional localization of human phosphoglucomutase-2 locus on chromosome 4☆

Abstract Analysis of somatic cell hybrids derived from fusion of human lymphocytes with a karyotype of 46,XX,t(3;4) (q27;q25) to a pseudo-tetraploid HPRT deficient Chinese hamster line, CH 1103, has permitted assignment of the human phosphoglucomutase-2 locus (PGM 2 ) to the pter→q25 region of chromosome 4. This is the first confirmation of the assignment of this locus to chromosome 4 and, combined with earlier mapping studies of MeAlpine et al., permits localization of the PGM 2 to the 4p14→q25 region.
Essential tremor Occupational exposures to manganese and organic solvents

Occupational exposures to manganese and organic solvents cause parkinsonism as well as prominent action tremor, resembling essential tremor (ET), yet their association with ET has not been studied. These chemicals cause cerebellar pathology. Cerebellar changes have been linked with ET. Using lifetime occupational histories, the authors demonstrated that occupational exposures were similar in cases and controls, which does not support an etiologic link between occupational exposures to these chemicals and ET.
Ovarian Cancer Cell Invasiveness Correlates With Increased Cell Deformability

Cancer cells undergo a variety of biochemical and biophysical transformations when compared to identical cells displaying a healthy phenotypic state, cancer cells show a drastic reduction of stiffness upon malignancy[1, 2] and change of stiffness of single cells can indicate the presence of disease [3–6]. Besides, metastatic cancer has a higher deformability than their benign counterparts[7, 8]. Using atomic force microscopy, we demonstrated that cancerous ovarian cells (OVCAR3, OVCAR4, HEY and HEYA8) are substantially softer than the healthy immortalized ovarian surface epithelium (IOSE) cells. In addition, within the different types of cancerous ovarian cells, increased invasiveness and migration are directly correlated with increased cell deformability. These results indicate that stiffness of individual cells can distinguish not only ovarian cancer cells from healthy cells types, but also invasive cancer types from less invasive types. Stiffness may provide an alternative and convenient biomarker to grade the metastasis potential of cancer cells.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Maintenance of sleeping beauty transposon-mediated expression of human alpha-L-Iduronidase in mice

treatment. Onset of neurological symptoms at age 8 and in adolescence. Pair 4: L.M. died at age 5 months due to liver failure. P.M. (7 years): earlyinfantile form, despite treatment start at age 2 progressive neurological deterioration. Pair 5: R.K.: late-infantile form, untreated, died at age 9 due to progressive neurological involvement. M.K.: late infantileform, start of treatment at age 5, died at age 13 due to epileptic encephalopathy. These cases reveal that disease onset and progression in siblings with NPC vary, and that miglustat can slow disease progression.
Celiac disease presenting as entero-enteral intussusception

Cramping abdominal pain with intermittent intestinal obstruction finally prompted investigation in a 4½-year-old boy with severe failure to thrive (FTT). An entero-enteric intussusception was corrected, and celiac disease was identified as the cause of his inanition. Concomitant FTT and cramping abdominal pain should prompt investigation for celiac disease and small-bowel intussusception.
Problems In Coherent-Light Microscopy

Hologram microscopy at the present time is not only faced with serious problems, but also with unique and exciting prospects for the future. Its principal area of difficulty, well recognized by researchers in the field, consists in the diffraction noise generated by edges, out of focus details in the specimen, lens imperfections, dust particles in the system, and "speckle noise", in the granularity associated with stationary interference patterns in space whenever coherent light is trans-mitted or reflected in diffuse fashion.
Peptide transport and metabolism across the placenta.

Advances made in the field of DNA and recombinant technology have led to the emergence of peptides and proteins as an important class of therapeutic compounds. While a significant amount of information exists regarding the transport and metabolism of peptides across different barriers (e.g. gastro-intestinal, nasal, and blood-brain barrier), limited attention has been paid towards their transport and metabolism across the placental barrier. The mechanism of placental transport of peptides is of importance in assessing the exposure of these drugs to the fetus, particularly when the drugs potentially may have adverse effects on the developing fetus.The absence of a well accepted, simple and convenient animal model may be a reason for the limited information available on the placental transport and metabolism of peptides. Although several in vivo models have been utilized to study the transport and metabolism of drugs across the placenta, species differences in the placental physiology and anatomy of the animal models with regard to the human placenta have prevented their widespread use. The in vitro human placental cell culture models are morphologically similar to the trophoblasts and often express the enzymes and carrier systems found in the human placenta. They can provide an easy and rapid method to determine the mechanisms of transport and metabolism of drugs across the placental barrier. These in vitro models have been utilized in the determination of transport mechanisms of drugs of abuse across the placenta.This article overviews the available literature on the placental transport of peptides and describes the application of an in vitro cell culture model (BeWo) to determine the mechanisms of transport of opioid peptides and their analogues across the placenta.
Studies on Sodium Loss.

Summary and ConclusionThe effects of sodium deprivation were observed in 5 dogs over periods varying from 4 to 7 days. Sodium loss produces a condition similar to that of adrenal insufficiency, namely, increased concentration of the blood and a retention of blood urea, loss of serum chlorides and a creatinuria.
A new approach to currency depreciation

Currency depreciation has been studied conventionally in terms of three hypotheses—the elasticities approach, the monetary approach and the absorption approach. In this paper we offer another hypothesis called the price approach, wherein the balance of payment disequilibrium results from an inappropriate price level. Specifically, a country has a trade surplus if the equilibrium price level is below that compatible with balanced trade; by contrast, it has a trade deficit if the price level is above that compatible with balanced trade. We illustrate the price approach with the experience of currency devaluations that have occurred in emerging markets since 1997.
Coagulopathy After Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Although potentially treatable, coagulopathy is often included among the predictors of a poor outcome after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). The purpose of this review was to define the incidence of coagulopathy among patients presenting with rAAA and to identify the factors contributing to its development. The medical records of 89 consecutive patients presenting with rAAA were retrospectively reviewed. Laboratory results (international normalized ratio [INR], partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], platelet count, fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products [D-dimer]) measured on admission and perioperatively were recorded and related to features of the patients' prehospital and hospital course. At least one admission coagulation study was obtained in 70 of 89 patients. All measured coagulation values were within the normal range in only 10 (14%) patients, whereas at least one value was in the coagulopathic bleeding range in 17 patients (24%). Profound abnormalities of the INR (≥ 2.0) were present in 24%, of the aPTT (≥60 sec) in 12%, and of the platelet count (≤50) in 7% of patients. In a multivariate model, hematocrit was the only significant predictor of an INR ≥2.0, while hematocrit and degree and duration of hypotension predicted an aPTT ≥60 sec. Fluid volume prior to admission did not independently predict either the INR or aPTT, although it was the only significant predictor of a platelet count ≤50. Admission D-dimer levels were elevated in 79% of patients and were not significantly associated with either the degree of hemorrhage or volume resuscitation. All coagulation studies showed deterioration following admission, with profound abnormalities observed in 90% and 52% of patients intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Mortality was 74% among those undergoing operation and was significantly associated with advanced age and lowest systolic blood pressure, but not with admission INR or aPTT. The majority of rAAA patients present with disordered coagulation, profound abnormalities being more related to the degree of hemorrhage than to the volume of fluid resuscitation. Evidence of intravascular fibrinolysis is even more common and may be more closely related to the aneurysm itself than to acute hemorrhage.
The Number Theory Revival

After the work of Diophantus, number theory in Europe languished for about 1000 years. In Asia there was significant progress, as we saw in Chapter 5, on topics such as Pell’s equation. The first signs of reawakening in Europe came in the 14th century, when Levi ben Gershon found formulas for the numbers of permutations and combinations, using rudimentary induction proofs. Interest in number theory gathered pace with the rediscovery of Diophantus by Bombelli, and the publication of a new edition by Bachet de M´eziriac (1621). It was this book that inspired Fermat and launched number theory as a modern mathematical discipline. Fermat mastered and extended the techniques of Diophantus, such as the chord and tangent method for finding rational points on cubic curves. He also shifted the emphasis from rational solutions to integer solutions. He proved “Fermat’s little theorem” that \(n^p - n\) is divisible by p for any prime p, and claimed “Fermat’s last theorem” that \(x^n + y^n = z^n\) has no positive integer solutions when n> 2. We know that Fermat had a proof of his “last theorem” for n = 4, but he seems to have been mistaken in thinking that he could prove it for arbitrary n. The proof now known uses highly sophisticated ideas, not conceivable in the 17th century. Nevertheless, it is strangely appropriate that the modern proof reduces Fermat’s last theorem to a problem about cubic curves.
Vegetation Structure of Field Margins and Adjacent Forests in Agricultural Landscapes of the North Carolina Piedmont

Irregularly disturbed forests surrounding crop fields in agricultural landscapes often serve as ecological buffers that separate undesirable agricultural elements such as agrichemicals and weedy species from adjacent ecosystems. However, the nature of this interface between fields and forests remains little studied, particularly within the context of how species composition changes with field distance and how far exotic species penetrate into forest interiors. In three agricultural landscapes in the North Carolina Piedmont, we surveyed plant communities in multi-scale, nested quadrats arrayed along transects perpendicular to field boundaries and penetrating .200 m into adjacent forests. Rates of species turnover, patterns of species richness, and the distribution of exotic species were assessed for 18 transects. Plant communities exhibited high rates of compositional turnover within 50 m of field boundaries, but species turnover was considerably reduced beyond this threshold. Vegetation composition within borders immediately adjacent to cornfields was dominated by a relatively predictable set of weedy forb and graminoid species, of which a substantial proportion was exotic. Composition of surrounding forest communities more reflected local environmental conditions and contained few exotic species overall. Species richness was not influenced by field proximity. We suggest that agricultural influences on landscape-scale vegetation patterns are most apparent in plant communities located very close (,50 m) to continuous agricultural operations. Although weed communities associated with agricultural management are represented by a large pool of exotic species, relatively few of these species are able to penetrate forest boundaries.