cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A review on ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is deemed as the most promising way to convert biomass to transportation fuels or value added chemicals. Most works in literature so far have focused on the in situ CFP where the catalysts are packed or co-fed with the feedstock in the pyrolysis reactor. However, the ex situ CFP with catalysts separated from the pyrolyzer has attracted more and more attentions due to its unique advantages of individually optimizing the pyrolysis conditions and catalyst performances. This review compares the differences between the in situ and ex situ CFP operation, and summarizes the development and progress of ex situ CFP applications, including the rationale and performances of different catalysts, and the choices of suitable ex situ reactor systems. Due to the complex composition of bio-oil, no single approach was believed to be able to solve the problems completely among all those existing technologies. With the increased understanding of catalyst performances and reaction process, the recent trend toward an integration of biomass or bio-oil fractionation with subsequent thermo/biochemical conversion routes is also discussed.
Correlations between the electrical and material properties of silicon oxides grown in chlorine-containing ambients

Abstract Various properties associated with silicon oxides thermally grown in chlorine-containing ambients have been discussed. These include both electrical properties such as the passivation of mobile charge in the oxide, and material properties such as the development of additional phases at the oxide-silicon interface. Correlations between the many properties are cited throughout the paper. The correlations form the basis for a proposed model which explains the manner in which the chlorine is responsible for the various observed properties.
Glutamine synthetase activity of the endosperm, embryo and pedicel-placento-chalazal regions of developing maize (Zea mays) kernels

Glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) activity in homogenates of the maize (Zea mays L. hybrid A619 X W64A) kernel pedicel-placento-chalazal (PPCh), endosperm regions was characterized in order to optimize assay (hydroxylamine-dependent γ-glutamyl hydroxymate formation) conditions for quantitating maize kernel GS in crude extracts. The GS activities of all three tissue extracts exhibited optima at pH 7.0 with ATP:Mg2+ of 1:1.6. Assays of kernel tissue GS activity required relatively high concentrations of substrates to achieve saturation compared to GS from other plant tissue sources, a point which has not been considered in previous reports of maize kernel GS activity. When measured under optimal assay conditions. PPCh-GS increased to a peak of 51 nmol γ-glutamyl hydroxymate kernel−1 min−1 at 25 days after pollination and then declined throughout the remainder of kernel development. Embryo GS activity increased steadily throughout development to a maximum of 24 nmol γ-glutamyl hydroxymate embryo−1 min−1 by 50 days after pollination. In contrast, endosperm GS activity, which was 25 nmol γ-glutamyl hydroxymate endosperm−1 min−1 at 25 days after pollination, exhibited no discernable pattern of change during kernel development. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible roles PPCh, endosperm and embryo GS play in kernel development.
Influence of CO2 on the effects of SO2 and NO2 on alfalfa

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the effects of CO 2 concentrations on leaf injury and inhibition of the apparent photosynthetic rate of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L. ‘Ranger’) caused by fumigations with SO 2 or SO 2 and NO 2 . Alfalfa plants were exposed to high concentrations of SO 2 under two CO 2 concentrations for 3 h and percentage of leaf injury was measured. The higher CO 2 concentration reduced the amount of injury caused by SO 2 . Approximately two-and-a-half times as much injury developed on plants fumigated under ambient CO 2 (315 ppm) than under high CO 2 (645 ppm) concentrations. The latter CO 2 concentration was calculated to occur downwind from a coal-fired power plant using Western coal when the SO 2 concentration was 1 ppm. Alfalfa plants were also fumigated with a 3:1 mixture of SO 2 and NO 2 under two CO 2 concentrations for 2 h. CO 2 uptake rates were calculated during exposures. The inhibition of the apparent photosynthetic rate caused by treatment with combined SO 2 and NO 2 was less than half at high CO 2 pressure than that observed under ambient concentration. The depression of CO 2 uptake rate was slow under high CO 2 concentration in comparison with the immediate response obtained at ambient levels. Fumigation with combined SO 2 and NO 2 reduced the photosynthetic rate of alfalfa. However, the admixing of CO 2 in a high enough concentration immediately increased the photosynthetic rate. Thus, high CO 2 concentration could both increase CO 2 uptake by the plant and protect it from the adverse effects of SO 2 and NO 2 mixtures.
Differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetric determination of nanomolar levels of dissolved sulfide applicable to field analysis of groundwater

Conventional batch mode analysis of dissolved sulfide by cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) is known to suffer from loss of sulfide in the cell to the waste mercury pool, compromising quantification of sulfide. Here we report a simple alternative approach to batch-mode differential pulse CSV (DPCSV). A fresh aliquot of sample is used for each voltammetric scan to minimize loss of sulfide through reaction with the mercury by limiting the time for sulfide–mercury contact, which is found to be more important in suppressing the sulfide signal than the amount of free mercury in the cell. Our improved batch-mode method exhibited a limit of detection of 1.3 nM, a relative standard deviation of 2.5% in NaOH supporting electrolyte and a linear response to as high a concentration as 1600 nM in a supporting electrolyte composed of Na2CO3/NaHCO3 (pH 8.3) mixed with an equal volume of oxic groundwater. A relative standard deviation of 4.5% was obtained for a groundwater sample in Na2CO3/NaHCO3 (pH 8.3) supporting electrolyte. These values are comparable to previously published results. Compared to other sensitive sulfide analytical techniques such as gas chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), DPCSV is preferred for sulfide analysis in the field due to its simple and portable instrumentation, lack of complex sample preparation, and short analysis time. The method was applied on site to analyze Fe-rich, reducing groundwater samples collected at a landfill site in Winthrop, Maine. Sulfide concentrations ranged from undetectable ( <4 nM) to 7340 nM, generally increasing as the oxidation/reduction potential (ORP) of the water became more negative. We also demonstrate, for the first time, that the onset of sulfate reduction as indicated by the presence of small amounts of sulfide (tens to hundreds of nM) occurs in groundwater systems when the ORP value reaches −130 mV. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of Gas Atmosphere, Storage Temperature and Storage Time on the Shelflife and Sensory Attributes of Vacuum Packaged Ground Beef Patties

The effects of modified atmosphere packaging systems on the shelflife and palatability attributes of ground beef patties were determined. Packaging systems evaluated were 100% nitrogen backflush, 100% carbon dioxide backflush and no gas backflush (no oxygen). Vacuum-packaged samples were stored at 0, 4, and 8 degrees for 7, 14, and 21 days. Percent purge increased as storage temperature increased and as time in storage increased (up to 14 days of storage). Nitrogen backflush produced the lowest purge values; vacuum packaged controls had the highest levels. Kramer shear values and microbial counts increased with time in storage. Sensory traits indicated that the carbon dioxide treatment yielded higher taste panel scores. Sensory panel scores. Sensory panel values decreased with time in storage.
Measurements of excess brightness from solar faculae and the implication for solar oblateness.

Quantitative data on solar facalae that are a known time-varying excess brightness are presented. It is shown that facalae can produce a sufficient flux excess at the extreme solar limb so as to give a large apparent solar oblateness that can fluctuate from day to day. 13 references. (BJG)
Technology and the Creation of Wilderness: The Making of Quabbin Reservoir

Large dams in the United States have frequently been the targets of attacks by environmentalists who believe that the dams and the reservoirs they create are violations of wilderness. There are currently numerous proposals to dismantle some dams in order to restore river ecosystems to their pre-dam conditions, including Hetch Hetchy Reservoir's O' Shaunnessy Dam. Less attention has been paid to those dams and reservoirs that have arguably created protected areas that otherwise may have been subject to degradation from development. The Quabbin Reservoir, the primary water source for metropolitan Boston, serves as a prime example. Viewed as an engineering success in the 1930s, the Quabbin project consisted of two large earthen dams and a 25 mile-long tunnel to supply Boston with high-quality, unfiltered water from a submerged valley in central Massachusetts. Although building the reservoir required the taking of four towns by eminent domain, the reservoir and surrounding lands are now viewed favorably by the public as a "watershed wilderness. " This paper explores the ramifications of how technology - in this case, the construction of a large water supply system - serves as a creator of wilderness, as opposed to destroyer.
The neuroendocrine-immune interface gone awry in aldosteronism.

See article by Lal et al. (pages 437-447) in this issue. Congestive heart failure (CHF), a clinical syndrome with characteristic signs and symptoms, is a salt-avid state whose origins are rooted in neurohormonal activation, including the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). A systemic illness accompanies CHF and contributes to a progressive downhill clinical course and poor prognosis. Features include: (a) oxi/nitrosative stress in such diverse tissues as skin, skeletal muscle, heart, lymphocytes and monocytes; (b) a proinflammatory phenotype involving multiple tissues and blood and expressed as elevated levels of chemokines and such cytokines as IL-6 and TNF-α; and (c) a catabolic state with loss of lean tissue, fat and bone that eventuates in a wasting syndrome termed cardiac cachexia. The pathophysiology of CHF includes a neuroendocrine-immune interface gone awry. This brief commentary, prepared in response to the study from the Leenen laboratory in Ottawa [1], focuses on this interface in aldosteronism. Apologies are extended for the limited discussion and literature citations dictated by space constraints. The body's trillions of cells are organized into specialized tissues (e.g., epi- and endothelium, lymphoid cells of respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosae) and organs. Together, they serve as functional units integral to preserving homeostasis, such as the regulation of respiratory gas exchange, the composition and osmotic balance of the internal environment, or extracellular fluid, and the immune system. The neuroendocrine and immune systems are linked together because they share ligands and receptors. This common “chemical language” promotes their bidirectional communication and integrative physiology [2]. Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and … *Tel.: +1 901 448 5750; fax: +1 901 448 8084. Email address: KTWeber{at}utmem.edu
Local tracking and stability for degenerate viscous shock waves

Abstract We study the pointwise behavior of perturbed degenerate (sonic) shock waves for scalar conservation laws with nonconstant diffusion. Building on the pointwise Green's function approach of Zumbrun and Howard (Indiana U. Math. J. 47(3) (1998) 741) we extend the linear analysis to an equation with nonintegrable coefficients. In lieu of working with the integrated equation, we employ a tracking mechanism that we expect will allow degenerate waves to be incorporated into the general framework for nondegenerate systems (Indiana U. Math. J. 47(3) (1998) 741).
Measuring boundary convexity at multiple spatial scales using a linear “moving window” analysis: an application to coastal river otter habitat selection

Landscape metrics have been used to quantify ecological patterns and to evaluate relationships between animal presence/abundance and habitat at multiple spatial scales. However, many ecological flows occur in linear systems such as streams, or across patch/landscape boundaries (ecotones). Some organisms and flows may depend on the boundary shape, but metrics for defining linear boundary characteristics are scarce. While sinuosity and fractal dimension address some elements of shape, they fail to specify the dominate shape direction (convexity/concavity). We propose a method for measuring boundary convexity and assess its utility, along with sinuosity and fractal dimension, for predicting site selection by coastal river otters. First, we evaluate the characteristics of boundary convexity using a hypothetical boundary. Second, to compare convexity with other linear metrics boundary convexity, sinuosity and fractal dimension were calculated for the coastline of a set of islands in Prince William Sound, AK. Finally, we use logistic regression in an information-theoretic framework to assess site selection of river otters as a function of these linear metrics. Boundary convexity, fractal dimension and sinuosity are relatively uncorrelated at all scales. Otter latrine sites occurred at significantly more convex locations on the coastline than random sites. Using logistic regression and convexity values at the 100 m window-size, 69.5% of the latrine sites were correctly classified. Coastal terrestrial convexity appears to be a promising landscape-scale metric for predicting otter latrine sites. We suggest that boundary convexity may be an important landscape metric for describing species use or ecological flows at ecotones.
Use of tyrosinase for enzymatic elimination of acetaminophen interference in amperometric sensing

Abstract An effective enzymatic strategy for eliminating the common acetaminophen interference in amperometric sensing is described. The method relies on the in situ biocatalytic removal of acetaminophen by the surface-bound tyrosinase. Mushroom-containing carbon paste electrodes (rich with tyrosinase) are particularly useful for eliminating contributions from acetaminophen. Various factors affecting the efficiency of the tyrosinase-based elimination capability are explored. Selective biosensing of glucose is accomplished by the coimmobilization of glucose oxidase.
Simulation techniques for modeling static or kinestatic energy conversion systems

Kinestatic refers to those energy conversion systems employing kinetic as well as static components. A comparative analysis of presently available techniques for modeling such systems is presented. These techniques include the digital computer, the analog computer, the breadboard, and specialized hybrid computers producing a topologically invariant transformation of the system to be studied. The emphasis is on illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of each and identifying the contexts in which each is best employed.
Ethnic differences in beliefs regarding Alzheimer disease among dementia family caregivers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in female dementia family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Baseline data were collected from 215 female caregivers before their participation in various psychoeducational intervention programs. Caregivers were questioned about the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of AD. Logistic regressions and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to assess ethnic differences. Results: Hispanic and Chinese caregivers were more likely to believe that AD is a normal part of aging and that AD can be diagnosed by a blood test than the white group. These beliefs about AD may delay help-seeking activities for these patients and their family caregivers. Conclusion: Increased public education about AD is needed in these communities. Results are discussed in terms of barriers to accessing information about AD and ways to improve public informational outreach activities, so that the intended audiences are reached more effectively.
Effect of Casting Velocity on Microstructures of Almg0.9Si0.7 Alloy by Low-Superheat DC Casting

The billets of AlMg0.9Si0.7 alloy, which were cast through the direct chill (DC) casting process of low superheat, were analyzed to study the effect of casting velocity on the surface quality and the morphology of primary α grains. The results show that the nucleating quantity of primary α grains in the melt is increased obviously due to the low pouring temperature during DC casting of low superheat. The suitable temperature gradient in front of the solid-liquid interface is obtained by changing the casting velocity, and the dendritic growth of the primary α grains is inhibited effectively. The billet of AlMg0.9Si0.7 alloy with smooth surface and homogeneous, fine rosette-shaped grains is obtained at the velocity of 130mm/min.
Distant metastases from laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

A retrospective tumor registry analysis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx and hypopharynx who were treated with curative intent in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head an
Non-linear progressive failure analysis of laminated composite plates

A progressive failure algorithm is developed where the Generalized Layerwise Plate Theory (GLPT) of Reddy is used for the kinematic description and the material is modeled as a stable progressively fracturing solid. The geometric non-linearity is taken into account in the von Karman sense, and the extensibility of transverse normals is included in the finite element formulation. The progressive failure algorithm is used to study the effect of the geometric non-linearity, span-to-depth ratio, lamination sequence and the boundary conditions at the supports on the first-ply and the ultimate failure loads of composite laminates in bending. In addition, a new stiffness reduction scheme is proposed, in which stiffness properties of the failed element is reduced gradually, resulting in partial unloading depending on the amount of damage it accumulates.
Real-time computing in software engineering education

An incredible growth of the computing power, advances in microelectronics, telecommunication, and new software tools and techniques do allow us to have computers controlling, displaying, supporting, even, as some would like to have, thinking for us. In addition to a well established real time applications in military, aerospace, aviation, and medical systems, nowadays the consumer electronics is an area that uses more and more systems with real-time features. For all these systems time criticality and determinism are important, but often safety and reliability are of an equal importance. The software development of such systems requires skills and knowledge exceeding the standards offered by colleges and universities in most computer science and engineering programs. Real-time instruction in majority of electrical and control engineering program focus on hardware and control algorithms.Computer science and software engineering programs tend to focus on issues of software design and theoretical aspects of operating systems schedulability. It is not so often, that the students get proper background to develop the target system application software with full understanding of the hardware and operating system implications. Future software developers must understand the basic concepts distinguishing real-time applications from standard non-real-time applications. The industry needs engineers with knowledge of specialized time-critical reactive systems. Concepts developing software in a host-target environment, software timing, multitasking, inter-task synchronization and communication, resource contention, external devices and interrupt handling need to be taught. Graduates who understand how the application software interacts with the operating system and the environment are in high demand.
Evaluation of two-dimensional cytometric lamellar body counts on the ADVIA® 120 hematology system for estimation of fetal lung maturation

Abstract Background: We sought to determine if the ADVIA® 120 hematology system (Bayer HealthCare LLC, Diagnostics Division, Tarrytown, NY), which employs a unique two-dimensional cytometric analysis approach for platelet (PLT) counting, might also be useful for estimation of LB lamellar body counts in amniotic fluid. Methods: ADVIA® 120 LB counts were performed on 217 amniotic fluid specimens, 88 of which were obtained within 72 h of infant delivery. The ADVIA® 120 LB count (ADVIA LB count) results were compared with results from other FLM tests, including the TDx-FLM II (FLM II) test (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL) and the A650 estimate of lamellar body density using the refractive-index-matched anomalous diffraction (RIMAD) technique. Results: Use of an ADVIA LB count referent value of ≥35,400/μl to indicate maturity, yielded sensitivity, specificity, PVRDS and PVmaturity of 100%, 67.6%, 36.8% and 100%, respectively, in our study population (prevalence of RDS=15.9%). The clinical performance of the ADVIA LB count assay was compared to that of the FLM II and RIMAD assays by predictive value and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Conclusions: These data suggest that the ADVIA® 120-derived LB counts on amniotic fluid can be useful in predicting fetal lung maturity.
Impact of hardware and software faults on ARQ schemes-an experimental study

An understanding of the impact of hardware and software faults (HSFs) on any application is critical to the design of efficient software fault tolerance techniques. This paper considers HSFs and, by using a fault injection experiment, studies their impact on an automatic repeat request (ARQ) scheme in terms of throughput degradation. An ARQ scheme is used for error control in computer networks and is implemented in the data link layer. Our study shows that even in the absence of errors in the communication channel the throughput may be degraded with HSFs. Furthermore, we need to identify certain critical variables as locations for fault injection thereby elevating the fault models to a higher level of abstraction. The variables lie in the active path of the program and help accelerate the failure process. This results in fewer runs being needed in conducting the fault injection experiment. Since the accelerated failure process represents the worst case scenario for the fault models considered, the experiences would enable the fault tolerance engineer in designing/choosing fault tolerance mechanisms.
An approach to pricing, optimal allocation and quality of service provisioning in high-speed packet networks

Proposes a new methodology based on economic models to provide quality of service (QoS) guarantees to competing traffic classes (classes of sessions) in packet networks. The authors consider an economic model of a packet network where resources are priced. Traffic classes compete for network resources and they purchase them to satisfy their QoS needs. The authors provide a new definition for QoS provisioning based on economic models (Pareto efficiency). They obtain the set of optimal resource allocations (Pareto optimal) which provide QoS guarantees to competing traffic classes. They show the impact on equilibrium prices and optimal allocations due to traffic load and variability, and QoS requirements. They propose packet scheduling and admission policies to provide QoS guarantees to traffic classes based on available QoS and prices in the network.
Numerical study of flow and heat transfer in a molten flux layer

Numerical simulations are performed to study coupled fluid flow and heat transfer in a thin liquid slag or flux layer. The steady state Navier–Stokes equations are solved using the commercial finite volume code FLUENT. The combined effects of natural convection, bottom shear velocity and strongly temperature dependent viscosity are investigated. It is found that the variation of Nu with Ra for fluxes with strongly temperature dependent viscosities is analogous to correlations for fluids with constant viscosity, but the critical Ra number for the onset of natural convection is larger. For thin layers of realistic fluxes, natural convection is suppressed, and Nu increases linearly with increase of bottom shear velocity. The increase is greater for decreasing average viscosity. The increase of Nu is slight and is only due to end effects for the flat interface shape studied here.
Comments on bases in dependence structures

Dependence structures (in the finite case, matroids) arise when one tries to abstract the properties of linear dependence of vectors in a vector space. With the help of a theorem due to P. Hall and M. Hall, Jr concerning systems of distinct representatives of families of finite sets, it is proved that if B1 and B2 are bases of a dependence structure, then there is an injection σ: B1 → B2 such that (B2 / {σ(e)}) ∩ {e} is a basis for all e in B1. A corollary is the theorem of R. Rado that all bases have the same cardinal number. In particular, it applies to bases of a vector space. Also proved is the fact that if B1 and B2 are bases of a dependence structure then given e in B1 there is an f in B2 such that both (B1 / {e}) ∩ {f} and (B2 / {f}) ∩ {e} are bases. This is a symmetrical kind of replacement theorem.
Metric-driven analysis and feedback systems for enabling empirically guided software development

The authors summarize the goals of metric-driven analysis and feedback systems and describe a prototype system, Amadeus, which defines abstract interfaces and embodies architectural principles for these types of systems. Metric-driven analysis and feedback systems enable developers to define empirically guided processes for software development and maintenance. The authors provide an overview of the Amadeus system operation, including an example of the empirically guided process, a description of the system characteristics, an explanation of the system conceptual operation, and a summary of the users' view of the system. The centerpiece of the system is a pro-active server, which interprets scripts and coordinates event monitoring and agent activation. Amadeus provides an extensible framework for adding new empirically based analysis techniques. >
Virtual microphones and virtual loudspeakers for multichannel audio

Multichannel audio is the fastest growing sector in the home audio market. We present a novel method for synthesizing multiple virtual microphone signals from a single microphone reference signal. Our method uses linear prediction to generate filters that can be used to synthesize microphone signals at various locations within the hall, while preserving the correct acoustical characteristics of the venue. We also present a method for rendering multichannel audio over two loudspeakers. Adaptive algorithms are used to create virtual loudspeakers at various locations around the listener by simulating the characteristics of the human ear.
FPGA global routing architecture optimization using a multicommodity flow approach

Low energy and small switch area usage are two of the important design objectives in FPGA global routing architecture design. This paper presents an improved MCF model based CAD flow that performs aggressive optimizations, such as topology and wire style optimizations, to reduce the energy and switch area of FPGA global routing architectures. The experiments show that when compared to traditional mesh architecture, the optimized FPGA routing architectures achieve up to 10% to 15% energy savings and up to 20% switch area savings in average for a set of seven benchmark circuits.
On the supervision and evaluation of instruction

Abstract The area of responsibility of the supervision and evaluation of instruction in Foreign Language Teaching and ESL Training has received scanty attention in the professional literature of the field. What can be found are either very judgmental or very non-judgmental proposed formats for the evaluation of teaching and learning. This article suggests that both ends of this range appear to be based on presumed roles or philosophies of the evaluator and evaluated. In order to aid those concerned with the design and/or implementation of evaluational systems, the article also discusses the differences which exist between two major approaches to teacher evaluation and supervision. A synopsis of the characteristics considered essential to effective teaching as well as a synthesis of the major assumptions and philosophies underlying the two approaches are presented. Finally, concluding suggestions concerning the realities which impede the instructional and evaluational environment are made.
Purification and functional characterization of phiX174 lysis protein E.

Two classes of bacteriophages, the single-stranded DNA Microviridae and the single-stranded RNA Alloleviviridae, accomplish lysis by expressing "protein antibiotics", or polypeptides that inhibit cell wall biosynthesis. Previously, we have provided genetic and physiological evidence that E, a 91-amino acid membrane protein encoded by the prototype microvirus, φX174, is a specific inhibitor of the translocase MraY, an essential membrane-embedded enzyme that catalyzes the formation of the murein precursor, Lipid I, from UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid-pentapeptide and the lipid carrier, undecaprenol phosphate. Here we report the first purification of E, which has been refractory to overexpression because of its lethality to Escherichia coli. Moreover, using a fluorescently labeled analogue of the sugar-nucleotide substrate, we demonstrate that E acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of detergent-solubilized MraY, with respect to both soluble and lipid substrates. In addition, we show that the E sensitivity of five MraY mutant proteins, produced from alleles selected for resistance to E, can be correlated to the apparent affinities determined by in vivo multicopy suppression experiments. These results are inconsistent with previous reports that E inhibited membrane-embedded MraY but not the detergent-solubilized enzyme, which led to a model in which E functions by binding MraY and blocking the formation of an essential heteromultimeric complex involving MraY and other murein biosynthesis enzymes. We discuss a new model in which E binds to MraY at a site composed of the two transmembrane domains within which the E resistance mutations map and the fact that the result of this binding is a conformational change that inactivates the enzyme.
Structural and Functional Studies of γ-Carboxyglutamic Acid Domains of Factor VIIa and Activated Protein C: Role of Magnesium at Physiological Calcium

Abstract Crystal structures of factor (F) VIIa/soluble tissue factor (TF), obtained under high Mg2 + (50 mM Mg2 +/5 mM Ca2 +), have three of seven Ca2 + sites in the γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain replaced by Mg2 + at positions 1, 4, and 7. We now report structures under low Mg2 + (2.5 mM Mg2 +/5 mM Ca2 +) as well as under high Ca2 + (5 mM Mg2 +/45 mM Ca2 +). Under low Mg2 +, four Ca2 + and three Mg2 + occupy the same positions as in high-Mg2 + structures. Conversely, under low Mg2 +, reexamination of the structure of Gla domain of activated Protein C (APC) complexed with soluble endothelial Protein C receptor (sEPCR) has position 4 occupied by Ca2 + and positions 1 and 7 by Mg2 +. Nonetheless, in direct binding experiments, Mg2 + replaced three Ca2 + sites in the unliganded Protein C or APC. Further, the high-Ca2 + condition was necessary to replace Mg4 in the FVIIa/soluble TF structure. In biological studies, Mg2 + enhanced phospholipid binding to FVIIa and APC at physiological Ca2 +. Additionally, Mg2 + potentiated phospholipid-dependent activations of FIX and FX by FVIIa/TF and inactivation of activated factor V by APC. Since APC and FVIIa bind to sEPCR involving similar interactions, we conclude that under the low-Mg2 + condition, sEPCR binding to APC-Gla (or FVIIa-Gla) replaces Mg4 by Ca4 with an attendant conformational change in the Gla domain ω-loop. Moreover, since phospholipid and sEPCR bind to FVIIa or APC via the ω-loop, we predict that phospholipid binding also induces the functional Ca4 conformation in this loop. Cumulatively, the data illustrate that Mg2 + and Ca2 + act in concert to promote coagulation and anticoagulation.
Outage Probability of LDPC-Coded Systems

Outage probability is an important performance measure of wireless communication systems operating in a fading environment. In this paper, we study the outage probability of low-density parity-check (LDPC) coded systems for slow fading channels (nonergodic channels) under the assumption that the transmitter knows only the channel statistics while the receiver has perfect or imperfect channel side information (CSI). The fading coefficient is assumed to be random but stays constant over a LDPC codeword. We define the outage event as the set of channel realizations which disables successful decoding. Based on a density evolution algorithm and stability condition, closed- form outage probabilities are derived for both Rayleigh and Rician fading channels. The effect of channel estimation error on the outage probability is also investigated assuming Gaussian estimation error.
Quantitative Areal Modal Analysis of Granitic Complexes

The difficulty of obtaining an adequate quantitative estimate of the composition and van-ability of a granitic complex is discussed. Sampling problems are considered in relation to the sampled and target populations. Trend-surface analysis is an efficient method of studying selected areas of the Donegal “older granite.” Different levels of sampling are compared. The trend components for several mineralogical variables and the results of regression analysis suggest that one specimen per quarter square mile gives a reasonable approximation of the trend components of the granite; when averaged these data yield comparable trend components more economically than the modes for individual data points. Use of only one specimen per square mile gives spurious results, although with this level of sampling some variates give better results than others (e.g., color index gives better results than total feldspar percentage). The most efficient sampling plan for effective quantitative estimates to be made varies according to the objective of the study. Although averages yield good trend surfaces, they mask important features in the deviation maps. Closely spaced individual data points appear to allow better correlation between systematic deviations and the underlying geologic causes of such local departures (deviations) from the regional trend.
Genotypic characterization of ureaplasma serovars from clinical isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Genetic relationships within ureaplasma serovars were investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). One hundred thirteen Ureaplasma parvum isolates and 78 Ureaplasma urealyticum isolates were different from their ATCC serovar type strains and different within the same serovars. The organisms were geographically widespread. No unique patterns were associated with invasive disease.
The impact of delay spread on multilevel FM systems in a Rayleigh fading, CCI and AWGN environment

An experimental study of the impact of delay spread on the performance of 4 PAM-FM mobile systems in a Rayleigh fading, cochannel interference (CCI) and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) environment is presented. The increase of the modulation index can improve the BER if the reflected signal power is 10 dB less than the direct signal in the two-ray fading model. A strategy which reduces the impact of delay spread even in the worst case situation is proposed. By increasing the roll-off factor of the lowpass filters and by lowering the modulation index, for a BER of 0.01, the delay spread immunity is increased 300% without the need for adaptive equalization. In the delay spread environment, CCI is not significant if it is less than -20 dB. AWGN interference is noticeable only when it is higher than -13 dB. >
Molecular cloning of the Escherichia coli K-12 entACGBE genes

A 7-kb piece of Escherichia coli DNA that contains five genes (entA, C, G, B and E) required for the biosynthesis of the iron transport molecule enterochelin was isolated. A restriction map was constructed and proteins specified by the E. coli DNA were identified in mini- and maxicell systems. Plasmids containing portions of the entACGBE DNA generated by BAL31 digestion or restriction enzyme treatment were constructed; complementation studies done with these indicated that the five genes constitute an operon. The approximate site of the promoter was determined and the product of entE was tentatively identified as an Mr 63000 polypeptide.
Can Human Subject Pool Participation Benefit Sociology Students

Instructors at nonresearch institutions are less able to expose their students to research firsthand. Utilizing human subject pools (HSPs) in class may be a solution. Given that HSPs tend to be used in introduction to psychology classes at research institutions, we examine a community college HSP to answer three questions: (1) Do community college students positively assess the educational value of HSP experience? (2) Can sociology students perceive HSP experience to be as educationally effective as psychology students? (3) Can online students perceive HSP experience to be as educationally effective as in-person students? Results indicate that not only did community college students hold positive evaluations of their HSP experience, but sociology and online students also felt they benefited as much as psychology or in-person students. HSPs were also considered particularly effective by students taking research methods. HSP participation may be a viable teaching tool for sociology instructors at nonresearch schools.
Coherent imaging nano-patterning with extreme ultraviolet laser illumination

We present a high resolution extreme ultraviolet patterning approach based on Talbot self imaging and holographic projection imaging using for illumination a table top extreme ultraviolet laser.
Mold Slag Entrainment Mechanisms in Continuous Casting Molds

This article presents a comprehensive and critical review of slag entrainment in continuous casting molds. Entrainment is one of the main sources of inclusions in the final product, and so greatly harms clean steel production. By understanding the mechanisms that cause entrainment, the operating condition windows can be chosen to reduce defects. Nine mechanisms have been proposed over the last three decades, including top surface level fluctuations, meniscus freezing, vortexing, shear-layer instability, narrow face spout impingement upon the top surface, argon bubble interactions, slag crawling down the submerged entry nozzle (S E N), instability of the top-surface standing wave, and top surface “balding”. Previous investigations into each of these mechanisms are summarized, including both quantitative and qualitative descriptions of behavior. The quantitative models are combined to suggest best practices for clean steel production, but more work is needed to improve these predictions.
Further Studies on the Survival of Non-proliferating Human Diploid Fibroblasts Irradiated with Ultraviolet Light

SummaryLabelling index data showed that in AG1518 cells, a diploid human fibroblast strain, there was a lag period of at least 14 hours between subculture from the density-inhibited plateau phase of growth and entry into DNA synthesis. Cells irradiated with 254 nm wavelength U.V. light 8 hours after subculture did not exhibit the same degree of resistance as cells irradiated in plateau phase and subcultured immediately. When cells were arrested from proliferation by maintenance in an arginine and glutamine deficient medium for 72 hours, they were nearly as resistant to U.V. light as plateau phase cells although maintenance in this medium for 24 hours after irradiation supported further recovery only after low U.V. doses. One strain of Cockayne syndrome fibroblasts was found to be resistant to U.V. light in plateau phase while another strain was found to have the same survival response whether it was irradiated in the plateau or log phase of growth.
Bone Health in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease have multiple risk factors for impaired bone development, including poor growth, delayed maturation, malnutrition, decreased weight-bearing activity, chronic inflammation, genetic susceptibility, and immunosuppressive therapies, such as glucocorticoids. The impact can be immediate, such as fragility fractures in childhood or adolescence, or delayed, due to suboptimal peak bone mass accrual. Throughout childhood and adolescence, bone mineral accrual results in ethnic-, gender-, maturation-, and site-specific increases in bone dimensions and density. During the critical 2-year interval surrounding the time of peak height velocity, approximately 25% of skeletal mass is laid down and 90% of peak bone mass is established by 18 years of age. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are widely accepted as a quantitative measurement technique for assessing skeletal status, and in children are expressed relative to age or body size as Z-scores. A three-dimensional structural analysis of trabecular architecture and cortical bone dimensions can be obtained by quantitative computed tomography. Children with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease have deficits in bone mineral density, and longitudinal studies have demonstrated increased bone biomarkers and improvements in bone mineral density over time. Currently, the prevention of bone disease is best accomplished by controlling inflammation, providing adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and encouraging physical activity. Prospective trials of therapeutic agents need to be performed to assess efficacy and safety in the developing skeleton.
Reversibility and criticality in amorphous solids.

The physical processes governing the onset of yield, where a material changes its shape permanently under external deformation, are not yet understood for amorphous solids that are intrinsically disordered. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations and mean-field theory, we show that at a critical strain amplitude the sizes of clusters of atoms undergoing cooperative rearrangements of displacements (avalanches) diverges. We compare this non-equilibrium critical behaviour to the prevailing concept of a ‘front depinning’ transition that has been used to describe steady-state avalanche behaviour in different materials. We explain why a depinning-like process can result in a transition from periodic to chaotic behaviour and why chaotic motion is not possible in pinned systems. These findings suggest that, at least for highly jammed amorphous systems, the irreversibility transition may be a side effect of depinning that occurs in systems where the disorder is not quenched. The onset of yield, where a material starts to deform irreversibly, remains poorly understood for amorphous materials. Here, the authors use computer simulations that reveal how depinning-like processes in amorphous materials can result in large cooperative displacements of atoms during yield and cause irreversible, chaotic behaviour.
Analysis of monitoring results on food additives in snack foods in Ningbo

Objective:To realize the situation of food additives in snack foods in Ningbo.Methods: Comparison were made among the nine additives in three kinds of snack food during 2009-2010.Results: The qualified rate of candies was the highest(100%),followed by that of puffed foods(92.2%)and then preserved fruits(48.1%).Unqualified causes mainly were due to the use of preservatives and sweeteners.Excessive sulfur dioxide residue was the most important reason.The other food additives exceeded were sodium cyclamate,benzoic acid,saccharin,acesulfame K and carmine.Conclusion: The relevant departments should strengthen supervision and regulation on the excessive use and misuse of food additives in the snack foods.
Effects of prostaglandins A2, E2 and F2 alpha on erythropoietin production.

The erythropoietic effects of the renal prostaglandins were investigated in exhypoxic polycythemic mice and in isolated perfused dog kidneys. Prostaglandins A2 and E2 in a dose range of 100 to 800 mug/kg b.wt. were found to produce a dose-related increase in radioactive iron incorporation in red cells. Prostaglandin F2 alpha was devoid of an erythropoietic effect in polycythemic mice. In that PGE2 is the principal renal prostaglandin, PGE2 (0.5 mug/min) or saline was infused into isolated perfused dog kidneys that had been programmed by prior exposure to hypoxia (0.42 atm) for 4 hours. PGE2-infused kidneys during 5 hours of perfusion with blood from nonhypoxic donor dogs produced significant increases in perfusate titers of erythropoietin when compared with that of saline infusion controls at the same time intervals. These data suggest an involvement of the renal prostaglandin PGE2 in erythropoietin production by the kidney.
Reflections on the culture of the preimplantation embryo

There has been a considerable improvement in the media available for the culture of preimplantation mouse embryos during the 40 years since mouse embryos were first cultured and successfully transferred to uterine foster mothers. Two new media, KSOM and mMTF, are becoming more commonly used. The history of the development of these media, including recent work on KSOM and mMTF, is reviewed. A major artefact in the earlier work was the two-cell block. The causes of the two-cell block and the methods by which it has been overcome are reviewed. It is concluded that even the best available media inevitably cause imbalances in the environment in which the embryos are forced to develop, because they consist of only a small subset of the compounds present in the natural environments. As a result, the embryos must adapt to these abnormal conditions if they are to survive. The implications of these conclusions on the choice of media for specific purposes are discussed.
Low-Power Double-Gate ZnO TFT Active Rectifier

This letter reports a low-power full-wave active rectifier using double-gate ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs). The active rectifier is designed to operate at low voltage and low power to allow integration with mechanical energy harvesters. Double-gate TFTs allow the TFT threshold voltage to be tuned and enable enhancement/depletion-mode circuits with high gain and low power consumption. The active rectifier is designed to work with input voltage as small as 200-mV peak-to-peak and frequencies up to 4 Hz. The active rectifier circuit includes 12 TFTs and operates with a power consumption <150 nW. The low fabrication temperature for the active rectifier circuit allows direct and distributed integration with micro-electromechanical energy harvesters.
Functional MRI and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The Stroop effect, a measure for selective attention, on behavioral and brain activation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children (9 boys, ages 9.8-14.5 years, off or on methylphenidate) and 9 controls was studied using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at the Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, and other centers in China and at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.