cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Oxidative Decompositions of Methyl Esters: Methyl Butanoate and Methyl Pentanoate as Model Compounds for Biodiesel

Abstract Biodiesel mechanism development poses interrelated challenges. Kinetic parameters of interest for the numerous steps with implications for low-temperature biodiesel combustion can be determined largely via computational means, but the computational approaches that best balance expense and accuracy in generating these parameters have not been systematically determined. A CO2 production pathway recently proposed in the literature to occur in the methyl esters commonly used as surrogates for complex biofuel chemistry provides an opportunity to explore both these areas. We quantified this previously-proposed CO2 production pathway using composite (G3B3) calculations and identified areas for potential side reactions, in both methyl butanoate and methyl pentanoate. Alternative isomerizations were also examined and suggest that side reactions may play an increasingly larger role in the chemistry of long-chain methyl esters, compared to methyl butanoate. In methodological terms, G3MP2B3 calculations matched quantitatively and qualitatively well with benchmark G3B3 data, while density functional theory (DFT) approaches generally failed to achieve the accuracy or precision desirable in determining reaction barriers. Potential energy surfaces generated via G3MP2B3 calculations were used to explore kinetic parameters for reactions implicated in early CO2 production and competing pathways for methyl esters; these parameters were compared to extant mechanistic data.
Characterization of Al2O3 Supported Nickel Catalysts Derived from RF Non-thermal Plasma Technology

Catalysts derived from non-thermal plasma techniques have previously shown unusual and highly advantageous catalytic properties including room temperature reduction, unusual metal particle structure and metal-support interactions, and enhanced selectivity and stability. This study focuses on the characterization of Al2O3 supported Ni catalysts derived from the RF non-thermal plasma technique with in-situ XRD, TPR-MS and STEM and on relating the results to the enhanced activity and stability of benzene hydrogenation. The results suggest that catalysts with plasma treatments before impregnation are relatively easier to be reduced and result in better activities under mild reduction conditions. These plasma treatments stabilize the nickel particle sizes of air(B) and H2(B) catalysts at 600 °C by slowing down the sintering process. Plasma treatments after the impregnation of precursors, on the other hand, tend to delay the growth of nickel particles below 600 °C, forming smaller Ni particles, but with a sudden increase in particle size near 600 °C. It suggests that the structure of Ni nitrate and the metal-support interaction have been altered by the plasma treatments. The reduction patterns of plasma treated catalysts are, therefore, changed. The catalyst with a combination plasma treatment demonstrates that the effect of a combination plasma treatment is larger than either the plasma treatment before or after the impregnation alone. Both plasma treatments before and after the impregnation of metal precursor play important roles in modifying supported metal catalysts.
Insertion of the SfMNPV polyhedrin gene into an AcMNPV polyhedrin deletion mutant during viral infection.

The Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) polyhedrin deletion mutant, d10A, was cotransfected with the recombinant plasmid SfMNPV.HindIII-L, which contains the Spodoptera frugiperda nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SfMNPV) polyhedrin gene. An occlusion-positive hybrid virus was obtained which contained a DNA insertion at approximately 13 map units on the AcMNPV.d10A genome. A fine structure restriction map of cloned viral DNA fragments from this region revealed that most of the 1.7-kb AcMNPV.PstI-O fragment (13.4-14.7 map units) had been replaced with a 3.7-kb fragment, containing the SfMNPV polyhedrin gene with flanking sequences and the entire pUC8 plasmid. Subclones of this region were sequenced and the exact site of insertion was determined. Flanking the insert were 43 and 60 bp of unknown origin at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively. Transcription was examined in the region of the insertion in both wild-type AcMNPV and the AcMNPV/SfMNPV (Ac/Sf) hybrid. In the AcMNPV, a nested set of seven overlapping transcripts ranging from 2.2 to 5.3 kb was found, each with coterminal 3' ends. Only the 2.2-kb transcript was found to be expressed early and throughout infection. The SfMNPV insertion interrupted this transcriptional unit and produced a more complex pattern of transcription. Alterations included a nested set of three overlapping transcripts with coterminal 5' ends, including the SfMNPV polyhedrin mRNA, transcripts originating in AcMNPV and terminating in either SfMNPV or pUC8 sequences, and other minor transcripts. The SfMNPV polyhedrin gene was sequenced and the locations of the 5' and 3' ends of polyhedrin mRNA were mapped. An analysis of SfMNPV polyhedrin protein expression showed that the SfMNPV polyhedrin gene in the hybrid virus was expressed at approximately one-fourth the level of the wild-type AcMNPV polyhedrin gene. Expression of a beta-galactosidase gene under the control of the SfMNPV polyhedrin promoter in the AcMNPV.d10A mutant was also investigated.
Beitrag zum Problem der Konsistenz‐Beurteilung von Hartfetten in der Süßwaren‐Industrie

Vf. diskutiert die Konsistenz von Hartfetten im Hinblick auf die Belange der Suswaren-Industrie und beschreibt eine einfache Methode zur Demonstration des Festigkeits-Temperatur-Status von Fetten bzw. fetthaltigen Zubereitungen. Die Unterschiede im Festigkeits-Verhalten einiger Fette bei gleichzeitiger Beachtung ihrer Schmelzpunkte werden aufgezeigt und Vorschlage zur Nutzanwendung in der Praxis gemacht. Contribution to the Problem for Judging the Consistency of Solid Fats in Confectionery Industry The authors discusses the consistency of solid fats with respect to the importance of confectionery industry and describes a simple method demonstrating the solidity-temperature-status of fats or fat containing preparations. The differences in the solidity relation of some fats during simultaneous observation of their melting points are shown and propositions for the practical application are made.
Effect of Winter High Temperatures on Reproduction and Circannual Rhythms in Hibernating Ground Squirrels

We tested whether prevention of hibernation in ground squirrels by midwinter exposure to high ambient temperatures influenced timing of the spring phase of reproductive maturation and the phase and period of subsequent circannual rhythms of reproduction and body mass. Exposing hibernating adult male Spermophilus lateralis to 30 degrees C for 6 weeks beginning December 4 advanced the timing of testicular recrudescence by 4-5 weeks, compared to controls left at 4 degrees C. Males exposed to 30 degrees C for 6 weeks beginning at the average time of spontaneous end of hibernation (January 15) reached reproductive maturation at a time intermediate to those of controls and of the December 4 experimental group. However, neither the date of the subsequent fall's body mass peak, the date of the next year's reproductive maturation, nor the periods of circannual rhythms of body mass and reproduction differed among groups. Premature interruption of hibernation appears to allow early expression of reproduction, but does not affect the underlying timing mechanism.
Science, technology, and politics

Abstract After some general remarks, this paper presents a brief overview of the relationships among science technology and politics. This is followed by an examination of the seven most important technological revolutions of the past five centuries, laying a foundation for consideration of recent trends in US Research and Development and our investments within them. The paper concludes with an examination of the impact of President George W. Bush’s proposed budget for science and technology in the 2002 fiscal year. This paper is based on the Sheffield Lecture delivered by Dr. Bromley at Yale University, March 22, 2001.
Cerebral oxygenation monitoring using near infrared spectroscopy during one-lung ventilation in adults

Background :Changes in oxygenation occur during one-lung ventilation (OLV) due to intrapulmonary shunt. Although arterial oxygenation is generally adequate, there are no studies evaluating the effect of these changes on cerebral oxygenation. Materials and Methods :Cerebral oxygenation (rSO 2 ), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) were prospectively monitored during OLV in adults. Cerebral oxygenation was monitored using near infrared spectroscopy. No clinical decisions were made based on the rSO2 value. BP and HR were the inspired oxygen concentration was adjusted as needed to maintain the SaO 2 ≥ 95%. Results :The study cohort included 40 adult patients. 18,562 rSO 2 values were collected during OLV. The rSO 2 was ≥ baseline at 3,593 of the 18,562 data points (19%). The rSO2 was 0-9 ≤ baseline in 7,053 (38%) of the readings, 10-19 ≤ baseline in 4,084 (22%) of the readings, and 20-29 ≤ baseline in 3,898 (21%) of the readings. 2,599 (14%) of the rSO 2 values were less than 75% of the baseline value. Thirteen patients (32.5%) had at least one rSO2 value that was less than 75% of the baseline. Eight patients (20%) had rSO 2 values less than 75% of baseline for ≥ 25% of the duration of OLV. These patients were older (63.7 ± 10.2 vs 54.6 ± 9.8 years, P <0.025), weighed more (95.8 ± 17.4 vs 82.6 ± 14.6 kgs, P =0.038), and were more likely to be ASA III vs II (7 of 8 versus 25 of 32, relative risk 1.75) than the remainder of the cohort. Conclusions :Significant changes in rSO2 occur during OLV for thoracic surgical procedures. Future studies are needed to determine the impact of such changes on the postoperative course of these patients.
On the role of frictional sliding in the compressive fracture of ice and granite: Terminal vs. post-terminal failure

Abstract Biaxial compressive experiments of terminal and post-terminal failure have been performed at −3 and −10 °C on columnar-grained, S2 freshwater ice proportionally loaded across the columns under moderate confinement where Coulombic faulting limits the terminal strength. The results show that the internal friction coefficient that governs terminal failure is closely similar to the coefficient of static friction across the fault. An examination of the literature reveals that granite exhibits the same relationship. When the internal friction coefficients measured here are used to evaluate the recently developed comb-crack mechanism for brittle compressive failure under low confinement, the agreement between theory and experiment is better than first found.
COVARIANT HELICITY-COUPLING AMPLITUDES: PRINCIPLES AND EXAMPLES

A general formulation has been given for constructing covariant helicity-coupling amplitudes involving two-body decays with arbitrary integer spins. In order to illustrate the principles, the case of a spin-1 object decaying into spin-2 and spin-1 particles is treated in some detail. Also given are the helicity-coupling amplitudes for a spin-2 object decaying into a spin-2 and a spin-0 particle.
Recognizing the enemy within: licensing RNA-guided genome defense

How do cells distinguish normal genes from transposons? Although much has been learned about RNAi-related RNA silencing pathways responsible for genome defense, this fundamental question remains. The literature points to several classes of mechanisms. In some cases, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures produced by transposon inverted repeats or antisense integration trigger endogenous small interfering RNA (siRNA) biogenesis. In other instances, DNA features associated with transposons – such as their unusual copy number, chromosomal arrangement, and/or chromatin environment – license RNA silencing. Finally, recent studies have identified improper transcript processing events, such as stalled pre-mRNA splicing, as signals for siRNA production. Thus, the suboptimal gene expression properties of selfish elements can enable their identification by RNA silencing pathways.
Engineering a customizable intermediate representation

The Ovm framework is a set of tools and components for building language runtimes. We present the intermediate representation and software design patterns used throughout the framework. One of the main themes in this work has been to support experimentation with new linguistic constructs and implementation techniques. To this end, framework components were designed to be parametric with respect to the instruction set on which they operate. We argue that our approach eases the task of writing new components without sacrificing efficiency.
Flavonoids: Diet and Health Relationships

Summary Flavonoids and/or phenolic acids are the major components responsible for antioxidant capacity in fruits and vegetables. Recent research has shown that flavonoids are absorbed in humans, although the bioavailablity of these dietary components is not completely clear. Some epidemiological evidence demonstrates a reduced risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases in subjects with a high fruit and vegetable (flavonoid) intake. Investigations performed in vitro or in vivo in experimental animals suggest that some of the flavonoids have chemopreventive effects against certain forms of cancers. Flavonoids are potentially beneficial to cardio- and cerebrovascular systems due to their antioxidant activity against low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and protection against capillary fragility. Flavonoids showed anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antiallergic activities in vitro, and, thus, may have potential applications in preventing and treating other diseases.
Identification and characterization of the major Drosophila melanogaster mating plug protein.

In many insects, semen coagulates into a mating plug at the distal part of the female's genital tract. Mating plugs have been proposed to facilitate sperm movement or to prevent subsequent matings or sperm loss. The molecular constituents of insect mating plugs have not previously been characterized. Here we report that an abundant autofluorescent protein made by the Drosophila melanogaster male's ejaculatory bulb is a major constituent of the posterior region of the mating plug. Identities in size, chromosomal location and expression pattern indicate that the autofluorescent protein is PEB-me, an abundant ejaculatory bulb protein reported by Ludwig et al. [Biochem. Genet. 29 (1991) 215]. We cloned and sequenced the RNA encoding this protein. The transcript, which is male-specific and expressed only in the ejaculatory bulb, encodes a 377 a.a. predicted secreted protein with PGG repeats similar to those in homopolymer-forming proteins found in spider silk.
Immobilized metal complexes in porous organic hosts: development of a material for the selective and reversible binding of nitric oxide.

Delivery of NO to specific targets is important in fundamental studies and therapeutic applications. Various methods have been reported for delivery of NO in vivo and in vitro; however, there are few examples of systems that reversibly bind NO. Reported herein is the development of a new polymer (P-1[CoII]) that reversibly binds NO. P-1[CoII] has a significantly higher affinity for NO compared to O2, CO2, and CO. The polymer is synthesized by template copolymerization methods and consists of a porous methacrylate network, containing immobilized four-coordinate CoII sites. Binding of NO causes an immediate color change, indicating coordination of NO to the site-isolated CoII centers. The formation of P-1[Co(NO)] has been confirmed by EPR, electronic absorbance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. Electronic and X-ray absorbance results for P-1[CoII] and P-1[Co(NO)] show that the coordination geometry of the immobilized cobalt complexes are similar to those of their monomeric analogues and that NO binds di...
Hox10 and Hox11 Genes Are Required to Globally Pattern the Mammalian Skeleton

Mice in which all members of the Hox10 or Hox11 paralogous group are disrupted provide evidence that these Hox genes are involved in global patterning of the axial and appendicular skeleton. In the absence of Hox10 function, no lumbar vertebrae are formed. Instead, ribs project from all posterior vertebrae, extending caudally from the last thoracic vertebrae to beyond the sacral region. In the absence of Hox11 function, sacral vertebrae are not formed and instead these vertebrae assume a lumbar identity. The redundancy among these paralogous family members is so great that this global aspect of Hox patterning is not apparent in mice that are mutant for five of the six paralogous alleles.
Using Raman Spectroscopy to Elucidate the Aggregation State of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Raman spectroscopy can be used to probe the aggregation state of single-walled carbon nanotubes in solution or as solids with a range of varying morphologies. Carbon nanotubes experience an orthogonal electronic dispersion when in electrical contact that broadens (from 40 meV to roughly 80 meV) and shifts the interband transition to lower energy (by 60 meV). We show that the magnitude of this shift is dependent on the extent of bundle organization and the inter-nanotube contact area. In the Raman spectrum, aggregation shifts the effective excitation profile and causes peaks to increase or decrease, depending on where the transition lies, relative to the excitation wavelength. The results are modeled using a simplified δ-function representation of nanotube electronic structure. The findings are particularly relevant for evaluating nanotube separation processes, where relative peak changes in the Raman spectrum can be confused for selective enrichment.
Convenient Divergent Synthesis of a Library of Trehalosamine Analogues

[reaction: see text] A library of seven trehalosamine analogues with various natural and non-natural binding motifs was synthesized through an expedient divergent synthetic approach. The final products were prepared in sufficient quantities and purities for different types of assay against various pathogens. Several stereo- and regioselective reactions on the trehalose scaffold were developed for rapid synthesis of all of the designed compounds.
Segment-based genetic programming

Genetic Programming (GP) is one of the successful evolutionary computation techniques applied to solve classification problems, by searching for the best classification model applying the fitness evaluation. The fitness evaluation process greatly impacts the overall execution time of GP and is therefore the focus of this research study. This paper proposes a segment-based GP (SegGP) technique that reduces the execution time of GP by partitioning the dataset into segments, and using the segments in the fitness evaluation process. Experiments were done using four datasets and the results show that SegGP can obtain higher or similar accuracy results in shorter execution time compared to standard GP.
Two Kinds of Completeness and the Uses (and Abuses) of Exclusion Principles

I argue that the completeness of physics is composed of two distinct claims. The first is the commonly made claim that, roughly, every physical event is completely causally determined by physical events. The second has rarely, if ever, been explicitly stated in the literature and is the claim that microphysics provides a complete inventory of the fundamental categories that constitute both the causal features and intrinsic nature of all the events that causally affect the physical universe. After showing that these claims are distinct, I argue that they can be used to solve a difficulty with existing responses to the exclusion problem-namely, that these existing responses also undermine the powerful causal argument for physicalism. Recognizing that there are two kinds of completeness opens up room for the nonreductive physicalist to solve the exclusion problem while also endorsing a modified, cogent causal argument for a kind of physicalism compatible with her position.
Gas čerenkov detector for low energy gamma ray astronomy

Abstract The gas-Cerenkov balloon-borne cosmic gamma ray detector described here has a variable energy threshold and is sensitive down to 15 MeV with a half-angle resolution of 5° to 7°. Gamma rays are detected by a coincidence between light pulses from a scintillator plate, where the gamma rays convert and Compton-scatter, and a mirror that collects the Cerenkov radiation emitted as the gamma ray-produced electrons move through a 2 m gas column between the scintillator plate and the mirror. The detector's efficiency and angular response were calculated by a Monte Carlo program and used to predict minimum detectable source intensities.
Limits to food intake and fiber utilization in the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster: effects of food quality and energy need

We fed prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) rat chow diluted with variable amounts of α-cellulose to determine 1) how much fiber the voles could tolerate in their diet; 2) changes in food intake and digestibility of dry matter and of fiber; 3) the extent to which voles utilized fiber as an energy source; and 4) whether any of these variables differed between groups of animals maintained at 5 or 22°C. Fiber content of the diets ranged from 20 to 84%. Animals held at 5°C maintained body mass through a diet containing 69% fiber, while animals held at 22°C maintained body mass through the 84% fiber diet. Dry matter intake increased with fiber level from 9.3 to 15.0 g·day-1 for animals at 5°C and from 5.6 to 14.0 g·day-1 for animals at 22°C; intake on the highest fiber diet eaten by either group was not different. Dry matter digestibility decreased significantly as the fiber in the diets increased, but was not affected by temperature treatments. Digestible dry matter intake for each group remained constant regardless of diet quality, but on each diet digestible dry matter intake for animals at 5°C was significantly higher than that of the animals held at 22°C. Digestibility of the fiber portion of the experimental diets remained constant as food quality decreased, so the percent of daily energy need met by fiber utilization increased with higher food intake. On the lowest quality diet each group tolerated, fiber digestion provided approximately 42 and 68% of the energy needs of voles at 5 and 22°C, respectively.
Role of balloon dilation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Transurethral balloon dilation of the prostate (TUDP) is a nonsurgical procedure for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This procedure was used to treat 62 men with moderate to severe BPH who were candidates for TURP. Following a paraprostatic block to anesthetize the prostate, the prostatic urethra and bladder neck were dilated to 90 French for 10 minutes at 4 atm. The dilating balloon was properly positioned using fluoroscopy, endoscopy, or digital palpation to avoid dilating the external urethral sphincter. TUDP resulted in significant symptomatic improvement in 70% of patients at 6 months and in 58% of patients at 1 year follow-up. Thirteen patients who did not improve had median lobe enlargement, suggesting that TUDP may not be effective in these patients. There were no serious complications or changes in sexual function. This preliminary data suggests that TUDP is a simple, safe, and effective procedure; however, further study is needed to assess long-term efficacy of TUDP.
Low Health Literacy, Limited English Proficiency, and Health Status in Asians, Latinos, and Other Racial/Ethnic Groups in California

This study estimated health status by low health literacy and limited English proficiency alone and in combination for Latino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and White respondents in a population-based sample: 48,427 adults from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, including 3,715 with limited English proficiency. Multivariate logistic models examined self-reported health by health literacy and English proficiency in the full sample and in racial/ethnic subgroups. Overall, 44.9% with limited English proficiency reported low health literacy, versus 13.8% of English speakers. Among the limited English proficient, Chinese respondents had the highest prevalence of low health literacy (68.3%), followed by Latinos (45.3%), Koreans (35.6%), Vietnamese (29.7%), and Whites (18.8%). In the full sample, respondents with both limited English proficiency/low health literacy reported the highest prevalence of poor health (45.1%), followed by limited English proficiency–only (41.1%), low health literacy–only (22.2...
Amflutizole, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, inhibits free radical generation in the ischemic/reperfused rat cerebral cortex

Abstract Free radical generation and release from the cerebral hemispheres of rats subjected to four-vessel occlusion elicited cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was monitored using a cortical cup technique with the spin-trapping agent α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)- N -tert-butylnitrone (POBN). Electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to detect the presence of free radical adducts of POBN in the cortical superfusates. Thirty min of ischemia plus reperfusion resulted in the release of · OH radical adducts during ischemia and especially in the initial stages of reperfusion. Pretreatment with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, amflutizole (30 mg/kg) virtually abolished free radical formation and release. These results are consistent with earlier evidence that xanthine oxidase activity contributes to free radical formation in the ischemic/reperfused rat brain.
First experimental studies of the resonant optothermoacoustic detection technique

A novel technique for detecting optical absorption in gases is demonstrated. The technique called resonant optothermoacoustic detection (ROTADE) is based on energy transfer from the optical beam area to a mechanical oscillator via molecular diffusion.
Synaptic pathology, altered gene expression, and degeneration in photoreceptors impacted by drusen.

Purpose Drusen are risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and have been shown to negatively impact cells of the RPE and retina. In this study, the effects of drusen on the synaptic machinery of retinal photoreceptors are investigated. Methods Human donor eye tissue containing retina, RPE, and choroid was processed for confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, laser capture microdissection, and light and electron microscopy. Tissue sections were immunostained with a panel of antibodies to synapse-associated proteins. Populations of photoreceptors over drusen and normal populations of photoreceptors were microdissected from fresh frozen tissue, RNA was purified, and quantitative PCR was performed to compare relative levels of gene expression. Results The number of photoreceptor synaptic terminals is reduced in regions of the outer plexiform layer over drusen, synaptic proteins are mislocalized in photoreceptor cells, and synaptic terminals are often observed within the outer nuclear layer. Photoreceptors over drusen also increase expression of the stress response proteins apolipoprotein E and alphaB-crystallin. Abnormal immunolabeling patterns are not restricted to photoreceptors directly over drusen but are also observed in cells flanking drusen. Gene expression analysis confirms reductions in the expression of genes coding for synapse-associated proteins and signal transduction proteins and increases in the expression of apolipoprotein E and alphaB-crystallingene transcripts. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptor synaptic terminals over drusen reveals significant abnormalities, and cell counts show a reduction in photoreceptor density directly over, and lateral to, drusen of all sizes. Conclusions Photoreceptors overlying and flanking drusen exhibit morphologic and biochemical signs of degeneration. The expression of synapse-associated proteins decreases in photoreceptor synaptic terminals, whereas the expression of stress-response proteins increases. Reductions in photoreceptor cell densities over, and flanking, drusen suggest that these degenerative effects eventually result in the death of photoreceptors.
Homeodomain-DNA interactions of the Pho2 protein are promoter-dependent

The homeodomain (HD) is a conserved sequence-specific DNA-binding motif found in many eukaryotic transcriptional regulatory proteins. Despite the wealth of in vitro data on the mechanism HD proteins use to bind DNA, comparatively little is known about the roles of individual residues in these domains in vivo . The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pho2 protein contains a HD that shares significant sequence identity with the Drosophila Engrailed protein. We have used the co-crystal structure of Engrailed as a model to predict how Pho2 might contact DNA and have examined how individual residues of the Pho2 HD contribute to transcriptional activation in vivo and to DNA binding in vitro. Our results demonstrate that Pho2 and Engrailed share many similar DNA-binding characteristics. However, our results also show that some highly conserved residues, which contact the DNA in many HD structures, make relatively small contributions to the DNA-binding affinity and in vivo activity of the Pho2 protein. We also show that the N-terminal arm of the Pho2 HD is a critical component in determining the DNA-binding specificity of the protein and that the requirements for residues in the N-terminal arm are promoter-dependent for Pho2 transcriptional activation and DNA binding.
Registration of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MR images of the prostate: comparison between manual and landmark-based methods

Quantitative analysis of multi-parametric magnetic resonance (MR) images of the prostate, including T2-weighted (T2w) and diffusion-weighted (DW) images, requires accurate image registration. We compared two registration methods between T2w and DW images. We collected pre-operative MR images of 124 prostate cancer patients (68 patients scanned with a GE scanner and 56 with Philips scanners). A landmark-based rigid registration was done based on six prostate landmarks in both T2w and DW images identified by a radiologist. Independently, a researcher manually registered the same images. A radiologist visually evaluated the registration results by using a 5-point ordinal scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether the radiologist's ratings of the results of the two registration methods were significantly different. Results demonstrated that both methods were accurate: the average ratings were 4.2, 3.3, and 3.8 for GE, Philips, and all images, respectively, for the landmark-based method; and 4.6, 3.7, and 4.2, respectively, for the manual method. The manual registration results were more accurate than the landmark-based registration results (p < 0.0001 for GE, Philips, and all images). Therefore, the manual method produces more accurate registration between T2w and DW images than the landmark-based method.
A Comment on Patterns of Store Choice and Customer Gain/Loss Analysis

We explore patterns of store choice and shopping behavior in the domain of women’s specialty clothing stores. Based on previous research, four exploratory research propositions are examined to note patterns in customer loyalty to their “favorite” stores and the incidence of shopping at competing stores. We conduct a vulnerability analysis to note which stores have customer segments most vulnerable to marketing efforts of competitors. Our findings suggest customers in the women’s specialty clothing market do not exhibit 100 percent loyalty to the favored retailer, and the share of trips to the favored retailer is generally constant among stores. The primary implications to retail managers are that they should be most concerned withincreasing the customer franchise base (those naming the retailer’s store as “favorite”) rather than focusing on increasing thefrequency of shopping trips among those customers that comprise the current franchise base.
Computer simulation of the interaction of Cu(I) with cys residues at the binding site of the yeast metallochaperone Cu(I)-Atx1.

The copper binding site and electronic structure of the metallochaperone protein Atx1 were investigated using the combination of quantum mechanics methods and molecular mechanics methods in the ONIOM(QM:MM) scheme at the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/ 6-31G(d):AMBER level. The residues in the binding site, −Met13−Thr14−Cys15−Cu(I)−Cys18−Gly17−Ser16−, were modeled with QM and the rest of the residues with MM. Our results indicate that the structure for Cu(I)−Atx1 has the copper atom coordinated to two sulfur atoms from Cys15 (2.110 A) and Cys18 (2.141 A) with an angle S−Cu(I) −S of 166°. The potential energy surface of the copper atom is used to estimate its binding energy and the force field for the copper ligands. The potential surface is shallow for the bending mode S−Cu−S, which explains the origin of the disorder observed in crystallographic and nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Using molecular dynamics for Cu(I)−Atx1 in a box of water molecules and in vacuum, with the force field derived in...
Rate of cerebrospinal fluid formation, resistance to reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue water content, and electroencephalogram during desflurane anesthesia in dogs.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) has been shown to increase dramatically during desflurane anesthesia, possibly as a result in part of an increase in the rate of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation (Vf) or a decrease in the rate of CSF reabsorption. To examine this phenomenon, I designed a study to measure Vf, resistance to reabsorption of CSF (Ra), brain tissue water content, and the electroencephalographic activity (EEG) during desflurane anesthesia in dogs. Vf and Ra were determined using ventriculocisternal perfusion of mock CSF labeled with blue dextran. EEG activity was determined using aperiodic analysis. At the end of the study, brain tissue water contents of gray and white matter were determined by dry/wet weight ratios. Eighteen dogs were allocated into three groups. Group 1 (n = 6) was examined at five experimental conditions during normocapnia; group 2 (n = 6) was examined at five experimental conditions during hypocapnia. The experimental conditions for groups 1 and 2 were (a) baseline (halothane 0.5-1.0% inspired plus thiopental 12 mg.kg-1 i.v. given over 15 min followed by i.v. infusion at 12 mg.kg-1 x h-1), (b) 0.5 MAC (3.5 +/- 0.1% expired) and (c) 1.0 MAC (7.0 +/- 0.1% expired) desflurane at normal CSF pressure, and (d) and (e) 0.5 and 1.0 MAC desflurane at increased CSF pressure (> 30 cm H2O). Group 3 (n = 6), the control group, was examined over the same time period as groups 1 and 2. In the control group, desflurane was not administered; instead, the baseline condition (i.e., halothane plus thiopental) was maintained throughout the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Needles in a haystack: Fast spatial search for targets in similar-looking backgrounds

Abstract This paper develops an efficient and robust algorithm that simultaneously detects and locates image anomalies and intrusions. Anomalies refer to image regions that do not belong to expected classes. In situations where most of the image is of one or more types of known background classes while a few isolated regions may belong to unknown classes, the algorithm detects and locates potential intrusions by blanking regions it classifies as members of the known classes. We used a combination of Fourier filtering, a fast linear way to scan the content of the whole scene in parallel, with Margin-Setting, a powerful nonlinear discriminant trained to distinguish members of known classes from everything else. That combination retains the power of Margin-Setting and the simplicity, speed, and locating ability of Fourier filtering. Examples show the ability of this method to remove essentially all background material while leaving the similar looking intrusions intact. The classifier is trained using a few small square patches extracted from images or image regions representing the background classes of interest. Processed images related to four different problems as well as cumulative numerical results of many tests performed on one of those problems are presented. Excellent performance is observed for the examples considered here.
Coffee filters as shake-flask closures

Coffee filters are suitable for use as inexpensive and convenient shake-flask closures for propaqating bacteria under aerobic conditions. Gaseous exchange rates are excellent. Sterility is maintained when two layers of filter are used.
Sustained release nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles: Characterization of a novel delivery platform based on nitrite containing hydrogel/glass composites ☆

A new platform using biocompatible materials is presented for generating powders comprised of nanoparticles that release therapeutic levels of nitric oxide (NO) in a controlled and sustained manner. The capacity of these particles to retain and gradually release NO arises from their having combined features of both glassy matrices and hydrogels. This feature allows both for the generation of NO through the thermal reduction of added nitrite by glucose and for the retention of the generated NO within the dry particles. Exposure of these robust biocompatible nanoparticles to moisture initiates the sustained release of the trapped NO over extended time periods as determined both fluorimetrically and amperometrically. The slow sustained release is in contrast to the much faster release pattern associated with the hydration-initialed NO release in powders derived from glassy matrices. These glasses are prepared using trehalose and sucrose doped with either glucose or tagatose as the source of thermal electrons needed to convert nitrite to gNO. Significantly, the release profiles for the NO in the hydrogel/glass composite materials are found to be an easily tuned parameter that is modulated through the specific additives used in preparing the hydrogel/glass composites. The presented data raise the prospect that these new NO releasing nanoparticles can be easily formulated for use under a wide range of therapeutic circumstances.
Detection of circulating antibodies to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts in ethanol-fed rats

Abstract Background & Aims: Malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde react together with proteins and form hybrid protein conjugates designated as MAA adducts, which have been detected in livers of ethanol-fed rats. The aim of this study was to examine the immune response to MAA adducts and other aldehyde adducts during long-term ethanol exposure. Methods: Rats were pair-fed for 7 months with a liquid diet containing either ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrate. Circulating antibody titers against MAA adducts and acetaldehyde adducts were measured and characterized in these animals. Results: A significant increase in antibody titers against MAA-adducted proteins was observed in the ethanol-fed animals. Competitive inhibitions of antibody binding indicated that the circulating antibodies against MAA-modified proteins in the ethanol-fed rats recognized mainly a specific, chemically defined MAA epitope. Antibody titers to reduced and nonreduced acetaldehyde adducts were very low, and no significant differences were observed between ethanol-fed and control animals. Significant plasma immunoreactivity to not only MAA-adducted but also unmodified rat liver proteins (cytosol, microsomes, and especially plasma membrane) were also observed in the ethanol-fed rats. Conclusions: Long-term ethanol feeding generates circulating antibodies not only against MAA epitopes but possibly also against unmodified, native (self) protein epitopes, suggesting that MAA adducts could trigger harmful autoimmune responses. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:686-692
A comparison of locoregional depot and systemic preparations of 9-aminocamptothecin for treatment of liver metastases in a rat tumor model: Superior antitumor activity of sustained-release preparation

Background: Locoregional therapy of hepatic-metastatic disease may overcome the limitations of systemic therapy by allowing tumor drug dose intensification without increasing systemic toxicity. This may result in improved efficacy. We have demonstrated that the novel topoisomerase I inhibitor 9-Aminocamptothecin (9-AC) when dissolved in Ethiodol acts as a sustained release preparation, with good antitumor activity. Its benefit as a depot hepatic intraarterial (IA) therapy for hepatic metastases was compared to systemic therapy with an aqueous colloidal dispersion (CD) preparation of 9-AC in a rat model, since a lack of demonstrable benefit of the locoregional therapy, would argue against further clinical evaluation. Methods: Fisher rats underwent direct intraportal injection of 2 × 105 MADB106 adenocarcinoma cells and were treated 6 to 7 days later with: (a) bolus IA 9-AC (60 µg) in 60 µl of Ethiodol; (b) bolus IA CD/9-AC (60 µg) in 200 µl water; (c) bolus IA Ethiodol only (60 µl), or (d) CD/9-AC (60 µg) in 200 µl water, via a mini-osmotic pump pumping at 1 µl/hr for 7 days intraperitoneally (IP). Livers were harvested 10 to 12 days later, and the number of metastases on the surface were counted blindly. Results: Bolus hepatic IA 9-AC/Ethiodol was found to be significantly superior in reducing the number of hepatic metastases, when compared to the aqueous CD preparation administered in the same manner, or by continuos infusion via mini-osmotic pump IP (p<0.01). Systemic therapy was also associated with substantial toxicity. Conclusions: These results suggest that locoregional therapy of hepatic neoplasms with 9-AC/Ethiodol would be associated with clinical efficacy far exceeding that associated with its systemic administration.
Fatty acids in thirteen Wisconsin sport fish species

Abstract Fish are an easily-obtainable source of low-fat protein and fatty acids (FAs), particularly beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). While data concerning FAs in marine and/or farmed fish are readily available, data regarding spatial variation in FA concentrations in wild, freshwater sport fish species are lacking. To begin addressing this data gap and to provide the general public with more comprehensive consumption advice, we analyzed 13 sport fish species from several of Wisconsin's inland and Great Lakes waters for 16 FA analytes. FA concentrations were compared between species, trophic levels, and with research previously published on freshwater species in our study. We found that fish length was positively correlated with total FA content (r = 0.617, P
Epilogue Latinos at the Portal of the 21st Century

As we move into the 21 st century, Latinos have become the largest minority group in American society. Consequently, we are shifting from a majority White/minority Black paradigm to a paradigm that will consider a broader spectrum of ethnic and racial diversity wherein Latinos will provide guidance in promoting inclusiveness as we address social change in the 21st century. The focus of this article is on the education of Latinos and on the efforts to address segregation while pursuing educational opportunities. It is concluded that maintaining any paradigm that promotes continued segregation of Latinos is inconsistent with the spirit if not the letter of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
3D scalar microwave image reconstruction algorithm

We have recently implemented a microwave imaging algorithm which incorporates scalar 3D wave propagation while reconstructing a 2D dielectric property profile. This is a preliminary step in reaching a full 3D image reconstruction approach but allows us to investigate important issues associated with speed of reconstruction and problem size. Key concepts developed during our 2D system evaluations have also proved to be translatable to the 3D approach and have accelerated the overall implementation.
Seedless, Surfactantless Wet Chemical Synthesis of Silver Nanowires

We report a method to make crystalline silver nanowires in water, in the absence of a surfactant or polymer to direct nanoparticle growth, and without externally added seed crystallites. The reaction is one in which silver salt is reduced to silver metal, at 100 °C, by sodium citrate, in the presence of NaOH. Hydroxide ion concentration is key to producing nanowires, which are up to 12 microns long, instead of nanospheres.
Nonverbal representation of time and number in adults.

Abstract A wealth of human and animal research supports common neural processing of numerical and temporal information. Here we test whether adult humans spontaneously encode number and time in a paradigm similar to those previously used to test the mode-control model in animals. Subjects were trained to classify visual stimuli that varied in both number and duration as few/short or many/long. Subsequently subjects were tested with novel stimuli that varied time and held number constant (eight flashes in 0.8–3.2 s) or varied number and held time constant (4–16 flashes in 1.6 s). Adult humans classified novel stimuli as many/long as monotonic functions of both number and duration, consistent with simultaneous, nonverbal, analog encoding. Numerical sensitivity, however, was finer than temporal sensitivity, suggesting differential salience of time and number. These results support the notion that adults simultaneously represent the number and duration of stimuli but suggest a possible asymmetry in their representations.
Feasibility of Rotational Destratification of Space-Stored Liquid Cryogens.

A method is presented for determining the onset of a thermally induced, convective mixing motion in a model of a cylindrical space-storage tank subjected to a constant heat flux at its outer boundary. The model simulates a completely filled, liquid cryogen tank with shearfree ends rotating in a low-gravity environment. The governing disturbance equations reduce to a self-adjoint eigenvalue problem for the critical Rayleigh number (the stability criterion). Using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique of approximating eigenvalues with an equivalent variational principle, the critical Rayleigh number is calculated as a function of the Taylor number (the ratio of Coriolis forces to viscous forces) and the aspect ratio (lengthto-diameter ratio) of the cylindrical tank. The results indicate that the critical Rayleigh number is a monotonically increasing function of Taylor number and a monotonically decreasing function of aspect ratio.
FNAB cytology of extra-cranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme may resemble a lung primary: a diagnostic pitfall.

As extra-cranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is rare, it may create a diagnostic dilemma especially during interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology.
‘Rights-based approaches’ to health policies and programs: Articulations, ambiguities, and assessment

Rights-based approaches (RBAs) to health encompass an exciting range of ways that the United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations incorporate human rights into public health efforts. By reviewing the academic literature and discrepant articulations of human rights and RBAs by key institutions, the authors identify common rights principles relevant to health and discuss a framework to improve implementation and guide assessment of the contributions of RBAs to health.