cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light-Induced Biocidal Action of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes Supported on Colloids

A series of water soluble, cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with backbones based on a poly(phenylene ethynylene) repeat unit structure and tetraakylammonium side groups exhibit a profound light-induced biocidal effect. The present study examines the biocidal activity of the CPEs, correlating this activity with the photophysical properties of the polymers. The photophysical properties of the CPEs are studied in solution, and the results demonstrate that direct excitation produces a triplet excited-state in moderate yield, and the triplet is shown to be effective at sensitizing the production of singlet oxygen. Using the polymers in a format where they are physisorbed or covalently grafted to the surface of colloidal silica particles (5 and 30 microm diameter), we demonstrate that they exhibit light-activated biocidal activity, effectively killing Cobetia marina and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The light-induced biocidal activity is also correlated with a requirement for oxygen suggesting that interfacial generation of singlet oxygen is the crucial step in the light-induced biocidal activity.
Factors influencing sunless tanning with dihydroxyacetone.

Summary Background Sunless tanning preparations have been used for more than 50 years and are still very popular because they provide temporary pigmentation resembling an ultraviolet-induced tan. The pigment is the product of reactions between dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and amino acids in the stratum corneum. Objectives To understand the factors that influence the reactions of DHA with amino acids in the stratum corneum with the ultimate goal of producing pigmentation with greater photoprotection. Methods The influence of hydration and/or oxygen on the development of DHA-induced pigment was assessed in vivo using an occlusive dressing and ex vitro on human epidermal preparations. Two spectroscopic techniques, diffuse reflectance and fluorescence emission, were used to monitor the extent of pigment development. The optimal relative humidity for DHA-induced pigmentation was assessed on the epidermal preparations. The formation of products from reactions between DHA and nine amino acids was studied in solutions buffered at pH 5 and 7. Results Development of DHA-induced pigmentation was inhibited by a 24-h occlusive dressing but appeared after its removal, indicating that DHA was still present. High hydration but not the absence of oxygen inhibited coloration of occluded skin. The extent of pigmentation did not vary in a simple manner with hydration, as pigment formation was positively correlated with humidity from 0 to 75% but negatively correlated from 75 to 100%. Lysine, glycine and histidine reacted most rapidly with DHA, with reaction rates greater at pH 7 than at pH 5. The products absorbed with maxima at wavelengths up to 340 nm. Conclusions These results indicate that extent of hydration, pH and availability of certain amino acids influence the development of DHA-induced pigmentation in the stratum corneum and suggest that manipulation of these factors might produce pigmentation with greater photoprotection.
Robust observers and regulation for systems with parameters

In many cases linear multivariable models describing physical systems contain structured uncertainties expressed in terms of parameters. In this paper we suggest conditions that guarantee the existence of a parameter free observer for the system. Conditions are also given under which this robust observer can be subsequently used in a parameter free controller configuration for regulation.
Performance characterization of active fiber-composite actuators for helicopter rotor blade applications

The primary objective of this work was to characterize the performance of the Active Fiber Composite (AFC) actuator material system for the Boeing Active Material Rotor (AMR) blade application. The AFCs were a new structural actuator system consisting of piezoceramic fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix and sandwiched between interdigitated electrodes to orient the driving electric field in the fiber direction to use the primary piezoelectric effect. These actuators were integrated directly into the blade spar laminate as active plies within the composite structure to perform structural actuation for vibration control in helicopters. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct extensive electromechanical material characterization to evaluate AFCs both as actuators and as structural components of the rotor blade. The characterization tests designed to extract important electromechanical properties under simulated blade operating conditions included stress-strain tests, free strain tests and actuation under tensile load tests. This paper presents the test results as well as the comprehensive testing process developed to evaluate the relevant AFC material properties. The results from this comprehensive performance characterization of the AFC material system supported the design and operation of the Boeing AMR blade scheduled for hover and forward flight wind tunnel tests.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lipophilic, Mono-ionizable, Calix[4]arene-bis(benzocrown-6) Compounds for Solvent Extraction of Cesium from Nuclear Wastes: Synthesis and Evaluation

As potential radiocesium extractants from nuclear waste solutions, a series of lipophilic, proton-ionizable calix[4]arene-bis(benzocrown-6) compounds with their calixarene units locked in the 1,3-alternate conformation was prepared. In these ligands, the acidic side arm is positioned over one crown ether cavity to enhance metal ion extraction. Upon ionization of the acidic group, the ligand provides the requisite anion for electroneutral extraction complex formation. To enhance the lipophilicity of the extractants, a 2-ethylhexyl group was attached to the benzo group of each crown ether fragment. Using radiotracer techniques and ICAP spectrometry, the ligands were evaluated in terms of the efficiency and selectivity with which they extract Cs+ from aqueous solutions into chloroform.
Probabilistic human action prediction and wait-sensitive planning for responsive human-robot collaboration

A novel representation for the human component of multi-step, human-robot collaborative activity is presented. The goal of the system is to predict in a probabilistic manner when the human will perform different subtasks that may require robot assistance. The representation is a graphical model where the start and end of each subtask is explicitly represented as a probabilistic variable conditioned upon prior intervals. This formulation allows the inclusion of uncertain perceptual detections as evidence to drive the predictions. Next, given a cost function that describes the penalty for different wait times, we develop a planning algorithm which selects robot-actions that minimize the expected cost based upon the distribution over predicted human-action timings. We demonstrate the approach in assembly tasks where the robot must provide the right part at the right time depending upon the choices made by the human operator during the assembly.
Studies on antibody-producing cells. I. Ultrastructure of 19S and 7S antibody-producing cells.

Antibody-bearing cells of spleen and lymph node of the mouse and rabbit detected by rosette formation with the antigenic red blood cells were collected by micropipet and studied by electron microscopy. More than 300 such cells were examined. In the lymph nodes, rosette-forming cells were all in the lymphocytic and plasmacytic categories. In cells of the mouse spleen, macrophages were also found among the RFC, especially in the later days after immunization. The great majority of the RFC, 70–100%, were of the lymphocytic category. These included small, medium, and large lymphocytes with fine gradations of differentiation, and blast forms with little heterochromatin. The endoplasmic reticulum of these cells occurred in short, very narrow pieces, usually in contact with a mitochondrion. The cells of the plasmacytic category also showed fine gradations from plasmablasts to typical mature plasma cells. Plaque-forming cells of mouse and rabbit were also collected by micropipet. Of 162 such cells, fine gradations were also found throughout the lymphocytic and plasmacytic categories, but in this case the great majority were in the plasmacytic group, and more plasma cells showed amorphous nuclear chromatin. Among antibody-forming cells detected by both reactions, some of the more highly differentiated large lymphocytes contained ER which differed from that in the other large lymphocytes in that the channels were slightly and variably distended, with deposition of some precipitate, and with some tendency to a more nearly parallel orientation of the few channels seen. These were considered transitional cells. Of 10 RFC found in mitosis, all were in the lymphocytic category, in various stages of differentiation, the most advanced of which (in 2 of the 10 cells) was that of the transitional lymphocyte described here. Cells producing plaques facilitated by antisera vs. IgG of the mouse or rabbit (7S) showed the same distribution between cell categories and the same fine gradations as the direct (19S) PFC. Cells producing rosettes which were resistant to lysis in the presence of complement, and were thus presumably producing 7S antibody, showed a distribution similar to that found generally with rosette-forming cells, approximately 80–90% in the lymphocytic category.
The Moroccan educational context: Evolving multilingualism

Abstract This article begins an investigation of the educational system of Morocco and its context of language diversity. It examines the Moroccan cultural environment and the ways the multilingualism and education of its people has been and continues to be influenced by geography, colonization periods, religion, and history. The effects of the Educational Charter are presented as the linguistic panorama that delimits biliteracy development in Morocco and serves to highlight issues faced by nations such as the United States and the Netherlands. The development of an educational model that acknowledges and validates linguistic complexity and local goals and circumstances is recommended.
Premillennialists at the Millennium: Some Reflections on the Christian Right in the Twenty-first Century

Bien que la Droite fondamentaliste des annees 1980 se soit debattue sur le particularisme religieux, la Coalition chretienne a cherche a etablir un pont entre catholiques, Afro-Americains et les autres. Les organisations au niveau de l'Etat ont recrute des candidats politiquement extremes pour fonctionnaires locaux pendant que l'organisation nationale a soutenu des republicains moderes voire moderement feministes. L'organisation semble faire face a un important dilemme entre d'une part poursuivre la politique republicaine moderee et rester une faction du parti republicain, et d'autre part essayer de construire des coalitions avec les Americains moralement conservateurs qui penchent vers le parti democrate
Effect of chronic exposure to simazine on oxidative stress and antioxidant response in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

We investigated the chronic effect of simazine, an s-triazine herbicide commonly present in aquatic environments, on the antioxidant system and oxidative stress indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 0.06 μg l−1 (environmental concentration in Czech rivers), 2 mg l−1, and 4 mg l−1 for 14, 28 and 60 days. Indices of oxidative stress [reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], and antioxidant parameters [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH)] in fish brain, gill, muscle, liver, and intestine were measured. Chronic exposure to simazine showed the impact of the increased production of ROS leading to oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and inhibition of antioxidant capacity. Activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH in groups with high concentrations (2 mg l−1, 4 mg l−1) increased at 14 and 28 days, but decreased after 60 days exposure (p < 0.01) as compared with the control group. Changes in enzyme activity were mainly in the liver, but also in gills and brain. Prolonged exposure to simazine resulted in excess ROS formation finally resulting in oxidative damage to cell lipids and proteins and also inhibited antioxidant capacities in common carp tissue.
Resolving the Pu Electronic Structure Enigma: Past Lessons and Future Directions

The nature and limitations of the photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) of Pu is discussed, particularly the absence of detailed fine structure. A novel experiment, Fano Spectroscopy, is suggested as a means to obtain additional fine structure, with which to bench-mark and differentiate theoretical models.
X-ray isotope shifts and nuclear radii in Sm

Abstract The isotope shifts have been measured for the K α1 X rays of six Sm isotopes. From the observations the following variations of the mean square nuclear charge radii, δ〈r2〉, are obtained in units fm2, 147–148Sm: 0.171 ± 0.010, 148–149Sm: 0.080 ± 0.008; 148–150Sm: 0.303 ± 0.010; 150–152Sm : 0.411 ± 0.012, 152–154Sm: 0.221 ± 0.013. A comparison with optical measurements is presented.
Multipath propagation for helicopter-to-ground MIMO links

Air-to-ground communication for aeronautical telemetry is often impaired by multipath propagation, particularly when the aircraft is near the flight-line. This paper experimentally studies such a channel using measurements from multiple antennas on a helicopter to multiple receiving antennas on the ground as the helicopter maneuvers on a taxiway near hangars and other buildings at Cairns Army Airfield, Ft. Rucker, AL. Analysis of the results reveals delay spreads of the multipath channels between 15 ns and 150 ns, with the longer delay spreads resulting when using a receive antenna with a wider beamwidth such that it that observes richer multipath propagation. The data also shows that on average, diversity signaling from three aircraft-mounted antennas can lead to gains in signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 13 dB, with the gain dependent on the multipath characteristics observed by the ground antenna.
An analytical model for predicting LNAPL distribution and recovery from multi-layered soils.

Abstract An analytical model was developed for estimating the distribution and recovery of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) in heterogeneous aquifers. Various scenarios of LNAPL recovery may be simulated using LDRM for LNAPL recovery systems such as skimmer wells, water-enhanced wells, air-enhanced wells, and trenches from heterogeneous aquifers. LDRM uses multiple horizontal soil layers to model a heterogeneous aquifer. Up to three soil layers may be configured with unique soil properties for each layer. Simulation results suggest that LNAPL distribution and its recovery volume are highly affected by soil properties. In sandy soils LNAPL can be highly mobile and the recovery efficiency can be high. In contrast, even at high LNAPL saturations, LNAPL mobility is typically low in fine-grained soils. This characteristic of LNAPL with respect to soil texture has to be carefully accounted for in the model to better predict the recovery of LNAPL from heterogeneous soils. The impact of vertical hydraulic gradient in fine grain zone was assessed. A sensitivity analysis suggests that the formation LNAPL volume can be significantly affected by a downward vertical hydraulic gradient if the magnitude is near a critical amount (= ρ r − 1). Sensitivity of input parameters with respect to LNAPL formation in soils and LNAPL recovery volume were identified through a sensitivity analysis. The performance of LDRM on predicting the distribution and recovery of LNAP was reasonably accurate for a short-term analysis as demonstrated in a case study. However, further validation is needed to ascertain the model's performance in long-term simulations.
Can ‘refundable’ state Earned Income Tax Credits explain child poverty in the American states?

This study estimates the effect of ‘refundable’ state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) on child poverty from 1994 through 2003. Research results indicate that a refundable state EITC is associated with reductions in child poverty, holding all other variables constant. For example, states with refundable state EITCs have observed a 40% greater reduction in child poverty rates compared to states without refundable state EITCs. This study also discusses policy implications for implementing the ‘refundable’ state EITC.
Henoglobin S-O ARAB-α-Thalassenia Globin Biosynmesis and Clinical Picture

A 22 year old American negro with mil.d anemia was found to be triply heterozygous for henoglobin S. hemoglobin 0 Arab and alpha thalasseaia. Hemoglobin A was not detected in the subject's hemolysate. The alpha thalasseaia gene was expressed by an α/non-α synthesis ratio of 0.71a0.07 and was equally unbalanced in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow. The total radioactivity of the abnormal chains was equal, indicating equal rates of transcription and translation of the abnormal structural genes. Since the rate of synthesis of BS and B0 was equal to the proportions of these abnormal chains in the peripheral blood, the abnormal gene products were equally stable. The mildness of the anemia, compared to that of the other reported S-O Arab double heterozygotes, may be due to the moderating influence of the alpha thal gene.
Current Fluctuations in the Acoustoelectric Steady State

A theoretical study of current fluctuations about the nonequilibrium acoustoelectric steady state of a piezoelectric semiconductor is presented. The two salient features of the observed noise are its large magnitude (typically \ensuremath{\sim}60 dB) above Nyquist noise and its spectral distribution (Lorentzian, with a low-frequency cutoff \ensuremath{\sim}20 Mc/sec). The former feature arises, in the present formulation, from the large fluctuations in the excess phonon concentration about its steady-state value. The low-frequency cutoff is given essentially by the temporal-gain constant for phonon growth. Physically, it represents the characteristic time for a fluctuation in drift velocity to produce a change in phonon concentration to which the drift velocity responds adiabatically. The final result for the spectral distribution bears a strong resemblance to that derived by Moore on the basis of a bunching theory.
Developmental neuron death in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion: cell counts and ultrastructure

Counts of neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) were made at two days before birth and at several postnatal ages. There is a significant decline in the number of apparently normal neurons over the first postnatal week, with the number falling from 39 500 at 3 days to 26 500 at 7 days. Cell numbers then remained constant up to day 60 when the number of neurons was 27 500. The incidence of degenerating neurons, identified by light and electron microscopy, was correlated temporally with the loss of normal neurons. The early manifestations of the neuron degeneration were chromatin clumping and the presence of free monoribosomes. Later stages were characterized by increased chromatin clumping, dense aggregations of monoribosomes, numerous intracytoplasmic vacuoles, and only short segments of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The ultrastructure of the majority of these dying neurons is similar to the ‘nuclear’ types of degeneration described by Pilar & Landmesser (1976) and Chu-Wang & Oppenheim (1978). Based on the presence of degenerating neurons coincident with the reduction in neuron numbers, we conclude that neuron death is an important aspect of early postnatal development in the rat SCG.
Burning of suspended coal-water slurry droplet with oil as combustion additive

Coal-water slurries have been regarded as a potential substitute for heavy fuel oil. Various demonstrations of coal-water slurry combustion have been performed; however, a fundamental understanding of how the combustion process of a slurry fuel is enhanced is still not adequate. The combustion of coal-water mixture droplets suspended on microthermocouples has been investigated. It was found that droplets of lignite coal (which is a noncaking coal) burn effectively; however, droplets of bituminous coal (which is a caking coal) are relatively difficult to burn. During the heat-up of bituminous coal-water slurry droplets may turn to ''popcorn'' and show significant agglomeration. The incomplete combustion of coal-water slurry droplets in furnaces has been reported, and this is a drawback of this process. The objective of the present study is to explore the possibility of enhancing the combustion of coal-water slurry droplets with the use of a combustible emulsified oil.
New mandible of Paranthropus robustus from Member 1, Swartkrans Formation, South Africa

Abstract A new mandible of Paranthropus robustus from the Member 1 "Hanging Remnant" breccia of Swartkrans is described. The specimen (SKW 5) possesses a nearly complete postcanine dentition; both corpora and much of the left ramus are well-preserved. It is one of the most complete, undistorted P. robustus mandibles known. Its dentition is morphologically comparable to other P. robustus specimens, although the SKW 5 teeth tend to be smaller than average. It is similar to other P. robustus mandibles in overall length, but its corpus is comparatively broad and shallow in relation to other P. robustus homologues. Biomechanically, however, the SKW 5 corpus is similar to other P. robustus specimens in its ability to resist torsional and bending stresses.
Description of a nursing intervention program after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Abstract Background Although implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy has been found to be effective in preventing and treating life-threatening arrhythmias, adjusting to the ICD and resuming a normal lifestyle are often difficult. There are few intervention trials reported in the literature to aid in adjustment after receiving a primary ICD. Objective This article describes the content and structure of a nursing intervention program designed to improve physical functioning and psychologic adjustment after ICD implantation. The nursing intervention program was based on social cognitive theory and the data from a previous investigation covering 7 areas of concern after ICD implantation. Conclusion Hospital-based education programs begin the process of recovery after ICD implantation, but they must be supplemented with further interventions to return the patient to baseline physical and psychologic functioning. This is a beginning effort in deriving and testing evidence-based intervention programs for patients with an ICD.
A Psychometric Examination of Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI) Scores

The factor structure of the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI) was assessed in a sample of 272 African American college students using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. The fit indices from the confirmatory analyses did not support the seven-factor first-order model or two alternative higher-order models suggested by the developers, but yielded numerous recommendations for modifications. A post hoc exploratory factor analysis indicated that MIBI items were best represented by a five-factor structure.
Undead Blond Hair in the Victorian Imagination: The Hungarian Roots of Bram Stoker’s "The Secret of the Growing Gold"

The Hungarian folktale “Woman with Hair of Gold” is a part of what Nina Auerbach calls feminine mythos in Woman and the Demon. It is a story about the murder and revenge of a “very strange but beautiful woman with golden hair as fine as spun gold.” This paper explores how Bram Stoker’s short story “The Secret of the Growing Gold” reworks this folktale, stripping away its uniquely feminine voice, to create a story expressing British Victorian racial anxieties. The message of Teutonic superiority, which Stoker links with Hungarian folklore, is this author’s most dangerous and nefarious fiction.
The β5‘ Loop of the Pancreatic Lipase C2-like Domain Plays a Critical Role in the Lipase−Lipid Interactions†

The structural similarities between the C-terminal domain of human pancreatic lipase (C-HPL) and C2 domains suggested a similar function, the interaction with lipids. The catalytic N-terminal domai...
Unusual transoral penetrating injury of the foramen magnum: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Penetrating injuries of the cranium and spine are frequent to the civilian neurosurgical practice. Although a variety of unusual objects have been reported, to our knowledge, there has neuts been a canicoceribral or spinal injury caused by a fish. An unusual case of fransnral pertetration of the foranen magnum by a hilled fish is described. The history, radiographic studies, and treatment are presented. CLINICAL PRESENTION: A fisherman struck by a jumping fish initially presented with severe neck palo and stiffness, bleeding from the mouth, and a laceration in the right posterior pharynx. A computed tumographic scan of the cervical spine revealed a wedge-shaped, hyperdense object extending from the posterion pharynx into the spinal canal between the atlas and the occiput. Because of the time factor involved, the fisherman was brought directly to surgery for transoral removal of the object. INTERVENTION: The patient was placed under general anesthesia, and with a tonsillar retractor, a kipner, and hand-held retractors, the object was visualized and identiffed as a fish bill. Further dissection above the anterior aspect of the atlas permitted removal of the object by means of a grahber from an arthroscoplt set. No expression of cerebrospinal fluid was noted, and a Penrose drain was placed. CONCLUSION: The patient was loeated under the assumption that penetrating frureign objects in continuity with the cerebrospinal floid space and the outside environment should be rernoved as soon as possible. The patient was provided appfopriate antibiotics to treat potential infection of normal pharyngeal flora and organisms unique to the marine environment. The patient recovered and did not experience any residual neurological deficit.
Discovery of anomalous spatio-temporal windows using discretized spatio-temporal scan statistics

In this paper, we address the discovery of anomalous spatio-temporal windows using discretized spatio-temporal scan (DSTS) Statistics. Anomalous spatio-temporal window discovery is required in several key applications such as disease outbreaks in a region over a period of time, monitoring drinking water quality over time, identifying health risks to the population in a polluted region and urbanization patterns in a city, to name a few. In this paper, we address the issues arising out of the simultaneous effects of the properties of space and time in the discovery of anomalous windows. In such a framework, we identify (i) at what point in time the window changes, (ii) the spatial patterns of change over time, and (iii) a spatial extent in time which is completely or partially deviant with respect to the rest of the anomalous spatio-temporal windows. None of the current approaches address all these issues in combination. We identify this knowledge keeping in mind the spatial and temporal autocorrelation, morphing shape of the window, and possible spatial or temporal discontinuities of the window. Subsequently, we perform experiments on several real-world datasets, to validate our approach, while comparing with the established approaches. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electron energy distributions from multiple ionization in 20-120-keV H++Ar collisions.

Energy-analyzed secondary electrons from H{sup +}+Ar collisions at eight proton energies from 20 to 120 keV were detected in coincidence with recoil ions of charge states 1{endash}3. The charge states were distinguished by time-of-flight measurements and the electron energies were analyzed by a newly designed electrostatic analyzer of the low-pass high-pass filter type which has a large ({approximately}1.45{pi} steradian) solid angle acceptance. For each of nine electron energies from 10 to 160 eV, the ionizing events associated with each residual ion charge state were counted. The electron energy dependence of the charge-state ratios and the average charge determined from the experimental data were in satisfactory agreement with calculations made with a simple statistical model based on the assumption of independent interactions between the projectile and the ejected electrons. In this model the single-electron ionization probability is assumed to be given by {ital P}({ital b})={ital P}(0)exp({minus}{ital b}/{ital r}{sub 0}) where {ital r}{sub 0} is a characteristic length and {ital b} the impact parameter. Values of {ital r}{sub 0} amd {ital P}(0) were determined by fitting the experimental data with this model. The charge-state ratios averaged over ejected electron energies agree with the data of DuBois {ital et} {ital al}. [Phys. Rev.more » A {bold 29}, 70 (1984)]. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}« less
Aromatic catabolic pathway selection for optimal production of pyruvate and lactate from lignin

Lignin represents an untapped feedstock for the production of fuels and chemicals, but its intrinsic heterogeneity makes lignin valorization a significant challenge. In nature, many aerobic organisms degrade lignin-derived aromatic molecules through conserved central intermediates including catechol and protocatechuate. Harnessing this microbial approach offers potential for lignin upgrading in modern biorefineries, but significant technical development is needed to achieve this end. Catechol and protocatechuate are subjected to aromatic ring cleavage by dioxygenase enzymes that, depending on the position, ortho or meta relative to adjacent hydroxyl groups, result in different products that are metabolized through parallel pathways for entry into the TCA cycle. These degradation pathways differ in the combination of succinate, acetyl-CoA, and pyruvate produced, the reducing equivalents regenerated, and the amount of carbon emitted as CO2-factors that will ultimately impact the yield of the targeted product. As shown here, the ring-cleavage pathways can be interchanged with one another, and such substitutions have a predictable and substantial impact on product yield. We demonstrate that replacement of the catechol ortho degradation pathway endogenous to Pseudomonas putida KT2440 with an exogenous meta-cleavage pathway from P. putida mt-2 increases yields of pyruvate produced from aromatic molecules in engineered strains. Even more dramatically, replacing the endogenous protocatechuate ortho pathway with a meta-cleavage pathway from Sphingobium sp. SYK-6 results in a nearly five-fold increase in pyruvate production. We further demonstrate the aerobic conversion of pyruvate to l-lactate with a yield of 41.1 ± 2.6% (wt/wt). Overall, this study illustrates how aromatic degradation pathways can be tuned to optimize the yield of a desired product in biological lignin upgrading.
Cover Crop Root Composition and Density in a Long-Term Vegetable Cropping System Trial

The contribution of cover crop roots to soil dynamics is poorly understood, in part because little information is available on the distribution, depth, chemical compositional changes over time, and nutrient mineralization rates of typical cover crop roots. A study was conducted to investigate the role of cover crop roots in a long-term trial on the effects of cover crop species and seasonal placement on soil properties in a vegetable rotation. Root length density (RLD), chemical composition, and nitrogen mineralization during incubation were measured in roots of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) of varying ages. Nearly 50% of the fine root RLD was measured in the top 5 cm for all roots, with no significant differences between species and ages. Lignin concentration in red clover roots increased nearly four-fold as they aged from 4 to 24 months, while N concentration were 22% lower in the older roots. N concentration decreased by 50% in rye roots from 0 to 9 months, leadi...
Synovial Chondromatosis in an Elite Cyclist: A Case Report

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare disorder that can present as chronic hip and groin pain. It is characterized by formation of osteocartilaginous nodules arising from the synovium. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of an Olympic-caliber cyclist, in her mid thirties, with primary synovial chondromatosis of the left hip. Clinical examination showed decreased internal rotation, external rotation, forward flexion, and abduction of the left hip. A radiograph of the left hip showed slight hip-joint narrowing centrally. A magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram showed a small anterior labral tear and innumerable small intermediate-intensity filling defects situated diffusely within the joint fluid. Fluoroscopically guided injection of the left hip with local anesthetic and cortisone produced temporary pain relief. Conservative treatment was marginally helpful. Results of a rheumatology workup were unremarkable. Arthroscopic removal of loose bodies and synovectomy were performed. The diagnosis of primary synovial chondromatosis was confirmed by histologic examination. At the 17-month follow-up, our patient was essentially pain free and had returned to her previous athletic activities.
MTF measurements with high-resolution a-Si: H imaging arrays

Recent advances in a-Si:H fabrication technology have opened the way for the application of flat panel imaging arrays in a number of areas in medical imaging. Their large area (up to approximately 26 X 26 cm), thin profile (< 1 mm) and real time readout capability make them strong candidates for the replacement of more traditional x-ray imaging technologies such as film and image intensifier systems. As a first step towards a device suitable for clinical use we have created a 24.4 X 19.4 cm array with 127 micrometers pitch pixels. This device serves as a testbed for investigating the effects of design changes on array imaging performance. This paper reports on initial measurements of the spatial resolution of this device used in conjunction with an overlaying Lanex Regular screen and 90 kVp x rays. The measured pre-sampled modulation transfer function (p.s. MTF) is found to fall below the predicted value by up to approximately 8%. At least part of this reduction seems to be due to scattering of light photons between the array and the surface of the phosphor screen contacting the array.
The Selectivity of Motion‐Driven Visual Attention in Infants

The onset of motion was used to study stimulus-driven visual attention in 14-week-olds. The movement of an object did not capture attention reflexively at 14 weeks of age. The attention-getting properties of a moving stimulus depended significantly on its color in combination with the colors of other objects in the visual field. Specifically, detection of a green moving target was masked in the presence of mixed red and green static objects. No such masking was observed when the moving target was red or when the green target moved in a visual field that was populated only with green objects. The same effect was observed to a lesser extent when the green bars were replaced with gray bars. The number of distractors in the visual field exerted an effect on the accuracy of detection only when their appearance in the visual field was coincident with the onset of target motion. Attention to motion at this age is not independent of the structure of the visual field; chromatic preferences play a role in how readily infants attend to a moving object. These effects may be mediated by a difficulty in disengaging attention (from distractors) or in suppressing attention to competing objects once attention is engaged on a target.
Uracil-directed ligand tethering: an efficient strategy for uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) inhibitor development.

Uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) is an important DNA repair enzyme that recognizes and excises uracil bases in DNA using an extrahelical recognition mechanism. It is emerging as a desirable target for small-molecule inhibitors given its key role in a wide range of biological processes including the generation of antibody diversity, DNA replication in a number of viruses, and the formation of DNA strand breaks during anticancer drug therapy. To accelerate the discovery of inhibitors of UNG we have developed a uracil-directed ligand tethering strategy. In this efficient approach, a uracil aldehyde ligand is tethered via alkyloxyamine linker chemistry to a diverse array of aldehyde binding elements. Thus, the mechanism of extrahelical recognition of the uracil ligand is exploited to target the UNG active site, and alkyloxyamine linker tethering is used to randomly explore peripheral binding pockets. Since no compound purification is required, this approach rapidly identified the first small-molecule inhibitors o...
Vitamin D and calcium receptors: links to hypercalciuria.

Purpose of reviewIn idiopathic hypercalciuria, patients have increased intestinal Ca absorption and decreased renal Ca reabsorption, with either elevated or normal serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. As 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D exerts its biologic effects through interactions with the vitamin D
Creating a Culture of Empowerment Fosters the Flexibility to Change

Agility—being able to rapidly adapt to disruptive forces and competitive challenges—is the goal of many enterprises. Traditional organizational cultures that cling to hierarchical norms and beliefs, however, can impede adaptation to change. By building a culture of empowerment in which workers at all levels can evaluate methods and operations in light of customer needs, functional deficiencies, and market forces—and propose solutions to the problems they identify—organizational leaders can foster the flexibility that is essential to respond to and even anticipate the ever-fluctuating demands of the marketplace. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and Morbidity Associated with Muscle Cramps in Patients with Cirrhosis

Abstract Purpose Patients with cirrhosis often experience muscle cramps with varying severity. We investigated the factors associated with the prevalence and morbidity associated with muscle cramps. Methods A total of 150 adult patients with cirrhosis were enrolled consecutively. Cramp questionnaire with visual analogue scale for pain, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and blood for measurement of 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were obtained after informed consent. Results A total of 101 patients (67%) reported muscle cramps in the preceding 3 months. Patients with cramps had significantly lower serum albumin (3.1±0.6 g/dL vs 3.3±0.7 g/dL, P =.04) and CLDQ scores (107±37 vs 137±34, P 12). Muscle cramps ( P P=. 009) were associated independently with decreased CLDQ scores. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 66% of the study cohort, but the serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were not significantly different between patients with and without cramps (18.0±8.9 ng/mL vs 19.6±9.5 ng/mL, P=. 49). Conclusions Muscle cramps are associated with significantly diminished quality of life in patients with cirrhosis. More research is needed to better understand their mechanism to develop effective treatment.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Thermal Transport at Nanometer Size Point Contacts on a Planar Silicon Substrate

A Non Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD) simulation has been used to calculate the temperature distribution in the substrate side of a nanometer scale point contact on a planar silicon substrate with different doping concentrations and contact radii. The size of the non-uniform temperature zone was found to approach the average nearest-neighbor distance of impurity dopants when the contact radius was reduced below this distance. At a contact radius of 0.5 nm, the calculated spreading thermal resistance at the nano-point contact agrees with those obtained using two phonon transport models. At a contact radius between 1 nm and 6 nm, however, the spreading resistance from the NEMD is much larger than those from the two models that assume small deviation from the equilibrium distribution.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Examination of the molecular mechanism of SH reagent-induced inhibition of the intestinal brush-border membrane Na+/phosphate cotransporter.

Abstract SH residues on the rabbit intestinal brush-border membrane Na + /phosphate cotransporter were examined using a variety of SH specific reagents, proteolytic digestion and HPLC separation of SH-labeled cotransporter, and partial reaction assays. Of the seven SH-containing peptide fragments on the non-denatured non-reduced cotransporter six peptides were labeled: five SH-containing peptides were labeled with acrylodan or IAF (iodoacetamidofluorescein) and three peptides were labeled with IAEDANS. One SH-containing peptide was labeled with IAEDANS or fluorescein maleimide only. Selective SH labeling conditions employing acrylodan and IAEDANS were used to identify the environments of these SH-containing peptides in the native cotransporter. The nature of SH reagent-induced inhibition of Na + -dependent phosphate uptake was examined using substrate-induced conformational changes, and substrate-induced changes in IAEDANS and acrylodan fluorescence of the SH-labeled Na + /phosphate cotransporter. The results indicate that five of the SH-labeled peptides sense the Na + -induced conformational change, three peptides sense the Na + + difluorophosphate-induced conformational change, and one peptide senses only the Na + + monofluorophosphate-induced conformational change. Five of the SH-labeled peptides are passive participants in the substrate-induced conformational changes with only SH 51 involved in cotransporter function. Alkylation of SH 51 resulted in a cotransporter conformation which differed from the substrate-mediated conformations and was characterized by increased monofluorophosphate sensitivity.
Deletion of oligodendrocyte Cx32 and astrocyte Cx43 causes white matter vacuolation, astrocyte loss and early mortality

CNS glia exhibit a variety of gap junctional interactions: between neighboring astrocytes, between neighboring oligodendrocytes, between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and as ‘reflexive’ structures between layers of myelin in oligodendrocytes. Together, these junctions are thought to form a network facilitating absorption and removal of extracellular K+ released during neuronal activity. In mice, loss of the two major oligodendrocyte connexins causes severe demyelination and early mortality, while loss of the two major astrocyte connexins causes mild dysmyelination and sensorimotor impairment, suggesting that reflexive and/or oligo-oligo coupling may be more important for the maintenance of myelin than other forms. To further explore the functional relationships between glial connexins, we generated double knockout mice lacking one oligodendrocyte and one astrocyte connexin. Cx32-Cx43 dKO animals develop white matter vacuolation without obvious ultrastructural abnormalities in myelin. Progressive loss of astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes or microglia accompanies sensorimotor impairment, seizure activity and early mortality at around 16 weeks of age. Our data reveal an unexpected role for connexins in the survival of white matter astrocytes, requiring the expression of particular isoforms in both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.
Lead is unusually effective in sequence-specific folding of DNA.

DNA quadruplex structures based on the guanine quartet are typically stabilized by monovalent cations such as K(+), Na(+), or NH(+)(3). Certain divalent cations can also induce quadruplex formation, such as Sr(2+). Here we show that Pb(2+) binds with unusually high affinity to the thrombin binding aptamer, d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG), inducing a unimolecular folded structure. At micromolar concentrations the binding is stoichiometric, and a single lead cation suffices to fold the aptamer. The lead-induced changes in UV and CD spectra are characteristic of folded quadruplexes, although the long wavelength CD maximum occurs at 312 nm rather than the typical value of 293 nm. The one-dimensional exchangeable proton NMR spectrum shows resonances expected for imino protons involved in guanine quartet base-pairing. Furthermore, two-dimensional NMR experiments reveal NOE contacts typically seen in folded structures formed by guanine quartets, such as the K(+) form of the thrombin aptamer. Only sequences capable of forming guanine quartets appear to bind Pb(+2) tightly and change conformation. This sequence-specific, tight DNA binding may be relevant to possible genotoxic effects of lead in the environment.
A Plausible Model for the Sulfidation of a Calcium-Based Core-in-Shell Sorbent

A promising reusable sorbent for desulfurizing hot coal gas is being developed in the form of core-in-shell pellets which consist of a highly reactive CaO core encased in a porous protective shell made largely of an inert material. The spherical pellets are made by pelletizing plaster of Paris and then applying a coating of alumina (80%) and limestone (20%) particles. Subsequent high temperature treatment converts the cores to CaO and sinters the coating material to form the porous shells. The pellets absorb and react with H2S at high temperatures (e.g., 800−900 °C) to form CaS and are regenerated by applying a cyclic oxidation/reduction method. The rate of sulfidation does not appear to be controlled by chemical reaction but, instead, seems to be controlled by one or more of the following diffusion resistances: external gas film, porous shell, micropores between CaO grains in the core, and product layer surrounding CaO within each grain. After considering various models, a brief review of which is inclu...
Electronic transitions in semiconductor quantum wells and epilayers under pressure

Abstract We review the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the confined transitions in quantum well heterostructures, using lattice matched GaAs/AlxGa1-x As, strained layer narrow band gap GaSb/AlSb and InXGa1-xAs/GaAs, and strained layer wide gap Zn1-xCdxSe/ZnSe as examples. We address the problem of shear in lattice mismatched structures by examining a pseudomorphic epilayer, ZnSe/GaAs, where we tune the lattice mismatch with pressure in a configuration where the effects of quantum confinement are absent.