cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A laccase-wiring redox hydrogel for efficient catalysis of O2 electroreduction.

Laccase was earlier wired to yield an O2 electroreduction catalyst greatly outperforming platinum and its alloys. Here we describe the design, synthesis optimization of the composition, and characterization of the +0.55 V (AgAgCl) laccase-wiring redox hydrogel, with an apparent electron diffusion coefficient (Dapp) of 7.6 × 10-7 cm2 s-1. The high Dapp results in the tethering of redox centers to the polymer backbone through eight-atom-long spacer arms, which facilitate collisional electron transfer between proximal redox centers. The O2 flux-limited, true-area-based current density was increased from the earlier reported 560 to 860 μA cm-2. When the O2 diffusion to the 7-μm-diameter carbon fiber cathode was cylindrical, half of the O2 flux-limited current was reached already at 0.62 V and 90% at 0.56 V vs Ag/AgCl, merely −0.08 and −0.14 V versus the 0.7 V (Ag/AgCl) reversible O2/H2O half-cell potential at pH 5.
THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ERRORS OF SAMPLING AND MEASUREMENT IN CERAMIC RESEARCH1

The common use of average values based on measurements of a small sample of specimens in ceramic research is pointed out. The principal errors to which such averages are subject are described and the need for a method for proportioning sampling errors and errors of measurement shown. An equation giving the relation between sampling errors and errors of measurement is derived by expression of factors involved in statistical terms and combination of well-known statistical equations. This equation is used for constructing a chart by means of which questions involving sampling errors and errors of measurement can be readily solved. This chart also enables one to visualize the roles played by sampling errors and errors of measurement in determining the accuracy of an average. The general applicability of the method is pointed out and its theoretical limitations are discussed.
Is patient assessment of asthma care delivery associated with publicly reported performance measures

AbstractObjective: To determine the association between patient assessment of healthcare delivery and publicly reported asthma performance measures. Methods: We identified individuals 5–50 years old who had asthma quality measures reported to the Minnesota Community Measurement© (MCM©) by their clinic and sent them a postal survey which included within it the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness care (PACIC), a validated measure of patient perception of the quality of healthcare delivery. We performed a multivariable analysis to examine the association between PACIC scores and achievement of asthma care quality measures. Results: The response rate for the ACS was 102/367 (28%); a non-response bias analysis revealed no differences between responders and non-responders for age, gender and asthma control. Most responders (73%) reported taking asthma medications daily and most (71%) had poorly controlled asthma. The PACIC score was not associated with any of the asthma quality measures based on the data repo...
Distribution of free amino acids and related substances in organs of the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution pattern of free amino acids and related substances (taurine, glutathione and glutamine), has been determined by means of two-dimensional paper chromatography in eight organs of the rat. 2. 2. A major portion of the amino nitrogen was found distributed among few substances, in a manner characteristic for each organ. Several unidentified substances have been detected in some of the tissues examined.
D -Cycloserine Augmentation of Exposure Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Viewing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a disorder of emotional learning, this study used a cognitive enhancer synergistically with virtual reality exposure (VRE) therapy for the treatment of PTSD. The main objective was to determine if a novel pharmacotherapy, D-cycloserine (DCS), enhanced the efficacy of the psychotherapy. Pre-clinical studies suggest that when fear extinction occurs during DCS administration, neuroplasticity may be enhanced. VRE therapy is a particularly promising format to test the hypothesis that DCS enhances extinction learning, as sensory fear cues are standardized across patients. In a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 mg of DCS or placebo was administered 90 min before each weekly VRE session, to ensure peak plasma concentrations during the sessions in 25 patients with chronic PTSD. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Secondary outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. Assessments occurred at pre-treatment, following sessions 3, 6, 10, post-treatment, and at 6 months. The difference in CAPS between the VRE-DCS (n=13) and VRE-placebo (n=12) groups increased over time beginning at 6 weeks, with medium to large between-group effect sizes immediately post-treatment and 6 months later (d=0.68 and d=1.13, respectively). A similar pattern was observed for depression, anger expression, and sleep. PTSD remission rates were significantly greater for the VRE-DCS group (46% vs 8% at post-treatment; 69% vs 17% at 6 months). Patients in the VRE-DCS group showed earlier and greater improvement in PTSD symptoms compared with the VRE-placebo group. These results suggest a promising new treatment for PTSD.
Opiate target site N-demethylase enzymes: Differences from the liver N-demethylase

Abstract Mixtures of morphine-63H and morphine-N-14CH3 were incubated with rat brain subcellular fractions. Isotope ratio measurements served as the marker for identification, purification and quantitation of N-nor products which were shown to consist almost solely of N-normorphine. The microsomal, synaptosomal and mitochondrial, but not the supernatant brain preparations yielded N-normorphine. The microsomal incubations were then repeated in the presence of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors which suppressed the liver reaction but did not affect the brain biotransformation. The brain N-dealkylase is therefore different from the one in the liver and is not a cytochrome P-450 linked enzyme.
THE NEW ERA AND THE NEW WOMAN

Lou Henry Hoover, wife of Herbert Hoover, demonstrated the strengths and limitations of the expanded social de�nition of womanhood that had been won by reformers during the Progressive Era and World War I. As a leader of several business and women9s social welfare organizations, she urged young women to follow her example in seeking professional education and careers as well as upholding traditional domestic roles. Protected by wealth and social status from the most burdensome aspects of domesticity, her public position emphasized the opportunities but understated problems faced by the "new women" in the 1920s and later generations.
Charge-transfer screening and the dynamics of electronically stimulated adsorbate dissociation and desorption

We present examples of substrate screening effects on two electronically stimulated surface processes: (1) The dissociation of NO2 on clean Pt(111); and (2) the desorption of NO from clean and O‐covered Pt(111). For each set of experiments, we discuss quantum‐resolved data obtained by time‐of‐flight laser resonance‐ionization on the directly desorbed NO products. Two dominant NO2 dissociation channels have been assigned to 3b−12 and 1a−22 excitations on the basis of threshold measurements and lifetime arguments. Screening occurs through substrate charge transfer into the hybridized antibonding 6a1 molecular level. The 1a−22 channel has more NO vibrational and rotational internal energy than the 3b−12 channel due to the greater 6a1 charge density. However, screening is only partial, thus the internal excitations are a small fraction of those observed in gas phase photodissociation. The specific desorption yield from the 5σ−1 excitation of NO with coadsorbed O (≤0.75 ML) is enormously enhanced (>100×), whil...
Production Performance of Single Comb White Leghorn Chickens Fed Growing Diets Containing Blood Meal and Supplemental Isoleucine

Laying performance of Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) chicks fed diets containing blood meal supplemented with isoleucine from hatch to ten weeks of age (WOA) was evaluated. In 4 replicates, 480 SCWL chicks were fed corn-based diets whose protein sources were 100% soybean meal (control), 100% blood meal (BM), 50% soybean meal+50% blood meal (SMBM), and 50% alfalfa meal+50% blood meal (AMBM). These diets contained 2,900kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kg and 20% crude protein (CP). Blood meal comprised 16.8, 11.0 and 14.3% of the dietary composition in BM, SMBM, and AMBM diets, respectively. At 11-14, 15-18 and 19-46WOA birds in all treatment groups were fed corn-soy based diets containing 3,000, 3,080 and 2,900kcal ME/kg and 17.5, 16.5, and 17% CP, respectively. The birds were provided a 23, 8, and 16 hr light regimen at 0-10, 11-14, and 15-46WOA, respectively. Feed and water were provided at free choice and mortality was recorded as it occurred. At first egg, birds were observed for age, body weight and egg weight. Thereafter hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, egg grade, internal egg quality and egg shell thickness were measured over five 28-day laying periods. Birds fed BM diets had 6.08, 5.24 and 2.63% higher (P<0.05) hen-day egg production than those fed the control, AMBM, and SMBM diets, respectively. Mean egg mass of BM fed birds was 5.65, 5.49 and 2.34% higher than that of the control, AMBM, and SMBM birds, respectively. Therefore, feeding diets containing blood meal and supplemented with isoleucine to SCWL chicks at 0-10WOA significantly improved their subsequent egg production performance, but depressed their internal egg quality and egg shell thickness.
Evidence of a Marketing Periodic Literature within the American Economic Association: 1895-1936:

There is ample evidence that economists participated in the development of marketing thought. There has not, however, been a comprehensive review of the early marketing periodic literature within economic journals. The objective of this article is to verify and extend the historical marketing record. Specifically, the author examines and documents the marketing periodic literature within pre-1936 publications of the American Economic Association. This study finds that marketing articles began appearing in American Economic Association publications in 1894-twenty years before Weld’s noted article on market distribution.
Reactions to unfair events in computer-mediated groups: A test of uncertainty management theory

We use uncertainty management theory (Lind & Van den Bos, 2002) as a framework to examine how the members of computer-mediated groups differ from those of face-to-face groups in their reactions to unfair events. Due to informational uncertainty surrounding interpersonal interactions in computer-mediated groups, fairness from authorities is more salient to the members of computer-mediated groups. Consequently, the members of computer-mediated groups tend to, in general, react more negatively to unfair events than do those of face-to-face groups. Moreover, the difference between the members of computer-mediated groups and face-to-face groups, in reactions to unfair events, increases over time. We present a laboratory study where we found support for these arguments.
Vascular Injury and Lysis of Basement Membrane in vitro by Neutral Protease of Human Leukocytes

Frozen and thawed granules of human, peripheral-blood leukocytes rapidly produce hemorrhage when injected into animal tissues. The effect is blocked by inhibitors of proteolysis. The granule extract can digest vascular basement membrane in vitro at neutral pH. In addition, basement membranes of blood vessels damaged in vivo by the leukocyte fraction are found to be attenuated when examined by electron microscopy. The proteases of human leukocyte granules differ in several important respects from known lysosomal cathepsins and trypsin-like esterases. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are a major source of the neutral proteases present in circulating white cells, and release these enzymes during phagocytosis of immune complexes.
Copulatory behavior of golden hamsters: Effects on pregnancy

Two experiments were conducted to study the role of male copulatory behavior in initiating physiological responses necessary for pregnancy in female hamsters. In Experiment 1, it was found that copulation beyond the first ejaculatory series is critical to attainment of maximal probabilities of pregnancy. Whereas all females became pregnant when mated to a criterion of sexual satiety, only 20 percent were pregnant after one ejaculatory series. The relationship between increased copulatory stimulation and increased probability of pregnancy was further refined in Experiment 2. Females required more than 4 ejaculatory series to maximize the probability of pregnancy. Mounts without intromission had no effect. Neither parturition number of ova shed, nor little size appeared affected by amount of copulatory stimulation. A coadaptation between the copulatory pattern of the males and the response systems of the females of several rodent species appears to have evolved and to aid successful reproduction.
Viscoelastic Properties of Field-Aged Cores

Nowadays, engineers begin to pay more attention on field-aged asphalt concrete cores because they have more reality than the lab-made cores and the results can tell what happened to the pavement. However, it is not accurate to estimate the full asphalt mixture because as usual the pavement engineers can only extract the binder from it, not the mixture. Now there is a newly developed way to analysis the data more accurately using the Direct Tension Test. Because the field aged asphalt mixtures are not aged uniformly with the pavement depth because of various reasons, there is a modulus gradient going through deeply through the asphalt layer and usually the stiffest layer is the surface because normally the surface is more aged. A method has been developed to analysis this behavior. Tests are both taken on field cores which are Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA). During the research, the authors found that it is both applicable for all the field cores. More information about this method and tests are detailed in the following paragraphs.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Induced Signaling Events Relevant to Inflammation and Tumorigenesis in Lung Cells Are Dependent on Molecular Structure

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental and occupational toxicants, which are a major human health concern in the U.S. and abroad. Previous research has focused on the genotoxic events caused by high molecular weight PAHs, but not on non-genotoxic events elicited by low molecular weight PAHs. We used an isomeric pair of low molecular weight PAHs, namely 1-Methylanthracene (1-MeA) and 2-Methylanthracene (2-MeA), in which only 1-MeA possessed a bay-like region, and hypothesized that 1-MeA, but not 2-MeA, would affect non-genotoxic endpoints relevant to tumor promotion in murine C10 lung cells, a non-tumorigenic type II alveolar pneumocyte and progenitor cell type of lung adenocarcinoma. The non-genotoxic endpoints assessed were dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication function and changes in the major pulmonary connexin protein, connexin 43, using fluorescent redistribution and immunoblots, activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) using phosphospecific MAPK antibodies for immunoblots, and induction of inflammatory genes using quantitative RT-PCR. 2-MeA had no effect on any of the endpoints, but 1-MeA dysregulated gap junctional communication in a dose and time dependent manner, reduced connexin 43 protein expression, and altered membrane localization. 1-MeA also activated ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases. Inflammatory genes, such as cyclooxygenase 2, and chemokine ligand 2 (macrophage chemoattractant 2), were also upregulated in response to 1-MeA only. These results indicate a possible structure-activity relationship of these low molecular weight PAHs relevant to non-genotoxic endpoints of the promoting aspects of cancer. Therefore, our novel findings may improve the ability to predict outcomes for future studies with additional toxicants and mixtures, identify novel targets for biomarkers and chemotherapeutics, and have possible implications for future risk assessment for these PAHs.
Revisiting Wall Heating

The results of computing a shock reflection are found to strongly depend on the chosen coordinate system, Lagrangian or Eulerian. This is seen by comparing the amount of “wall heating” associated with the solutions to Noh's shock reflection problem computed in each reference frame. Here, an explanation is offered that places a greater burden on the role of phase error or effective wave speed in producing this effect. The reason for the greater difficulties in the Lagrangian frame are the non- uniformity of the mass coordinates in a converging geometry. This produces a non-steady-state discrete shock profile.
A Convenient Procedure for Carboxylation—Robinson Annulations of Ketones Using Triethylamine Base in the Presence of Magnesium Chloride

Abstract Carboxylation of ketones with carbon dioxide in the presence of magnesium chloride and triethylamine followed by reaction with methyl vinyl ketone gives satisfactory yields of Michael and Robinson annulation products.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Nitrogen Losses from Dairy Farms

International attention has focused on agricultural production systems as non-point sources of pollution affecting the quality of streams, estuaries and ground water resources. The objective of the current study was to develop a model of nitrogen management on the dairy farm, and to perform sensitivity analyses in order to determine the relative importance of manipulating herd nutrition, manure management and crop selection in reducing nitrogen (N) losses from the farm. The importance of the method of N input to the farm (purchased feed, legume fixation, inorganic fertilizer, imported manure) was investigated, and the potential to reduce N losses from dairy farms was evaluated. Nitrogen balance equations were derived, and related efficiency coefficients were set to reference values representing common management practices. Total farm N efficiency (animal product N per N input), and N losses per product N were determined for different situations by solving the set of simultaneous equations. Improvements in animal diet and management that increase the conversion of feed N to animal product by 50% would increase total farm N efficiency by 48% and reduce N losses per product by 36 to 40%. In contrast, reducing losses from manure collection, storage and application to improve the percentage of manure N that becomes available in soil by 100% would only improve total farm N efficiency by 13% and reduce total N losses by 14%. Selecting crops and management that can use soil nutrients 50% more efficiently would improve total farm efficiency by up to 59% and reduce N losses by up to 41% depending on the predominant nitrogen sources to the farm. Legume production would reduce N losses per product compared with non-legumes. There was more than a five fold difference in N losses per animal product N between the most extreme scenarios suggesting considerable opportunity to reduce N losses from dairy farms.
Transurethral resection of prostate immediately after renal transplantation.

Abstract The subject of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURF) after renal transplantation has not been evaluated in the urologic literature. We retrospectively compared the outcome of renal transplantation in 8 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate within ten days of renal transplantation with 8 patients who did not undergo prostate surgery. Patients were computer-matched for seven parameters. There was no statistically significant difference in patient survival (6 vs 7) and graft survival (56% vs 88%) between the two groups. However, there was a 25 percent incidence of major perioperative complications (including one mortality) in the TURP group directly attributable to the procedure. Transurethral resection of the prostate can be safely performed immediately after renal transplantation only if urine is sterile, antibiotics and steroids are carefully administered perioperatively, low-gravity irrigation is used, and hemostasis is meticulous.
Research versus development: Differences and similarities

Results of a field study designed to assess structural and communication differences between research units and development units indicated that development units were characterized as having more routine jobs, having more interunit dependence and coordination, having more communication outside the work unit but less within the larger organization, and were less tightly structured than research units. These results are somewhat contrary to commonly accepted notions of structuring and controlling research and development units. Results are integrated with traditional notions about managing research and development in the context of more recent requirements of research units to be more accountable and effective than previously appreciated.
Effects of sodium dichloroacetate dose. Brain metabolites associated with cerebral ischemia

Excessive brain lactate, as may develop in cerebral ischemia, has been implicated as a major cause of irreversible cell damage. With an experimental model that produces cerebral ischemia by bilateral carotid ligation combined with systemic hypotension, previous studies have shown that treatment with 25 mg/kg sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is effective in reducing brain lactate more quickly than no treatment at all. Because higher doses of DCA may be more effective, the main objective of our study was to examine the dose-response of brain tissue lactate to DCA. In addition, other metabolites that may be indirectly affected by this response (eg, glucose, glycogen, ATP, and phosphocreatine) also were measured. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to experimental and treatment groups, and real or sham ischemia was induced as described in our previous article. After 30 minutes of reperfusion, rats were euthanized by in situ freezing of the brain. Cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum were analyzed bilaterally. There was no effect of DCA dose on glucose or glycogen. When compared with hippocampus, lactate was higher in the cerebral cortex after ischemia, and DCA was more effective in reducing those levels. This is evidence of a lower metabolic rate in hippocampus than in cortex. Cerebellum did not exhibit an increase in lactate; therefore, it can serve as an in situ tissue control for that metabolite. Significantly different levels of metabolites in one hemisphere of some DCA-treated ischemic rats appeared to reflect a dose effect of DCA on lactate and a significant change in ATP and phosphocreatine at the higher doses. Although 25 mg/kg DCA reduces high levels of brain lactate to nonlethal levels, the potential for a greater effect on lactate, ATP, and phosphocreatine at higher doses was revealed by our study.
Principles of tumor imaging

Tumors involving the upper extremity are not uncommon. Although there is a wide variety of lesions that may occur in the hand and wrist, there are certain lesions which have a predilection for this location. This chapter will highlight the spectrum of imaging modalities available for the evaluation of upper extremity tumors, providing imaging guidelines for optimum selection of radiological examinations. It presents an overview of imaging of the hand and wrist, emphasizing the fundamental principles inherent to tumor imaging. Modalities reviewed include nuclear scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, sonography, computed tomography, arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography.
Zinc supplementation enhances hepatic regeneration by preserving hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α in mice subjected to long-term ethanol administration

Alcoholic liver disease is associated with sustained liver damage and impaired regeneration, as well as significant zinc deficiency. This study was undertaken to examine whether dietary zinc supplementation could improve liver regeneration by increasing the expression of genes involved in hepatic cellular proliferation in a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease. Adult 129S6 mice fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 6 months developed alcoholic liver disease as measured by serum alanine transferase activity and histopathological changes. Zinc supplementation to ethanol-exposed mice enhanced liver regeneration as indicated by increased numbers of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled hepatocytes. Zinc-enhanced liver regeneration was associated with an increase in hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α), a liver-enriched, zinc-finger transcription factor. Studies using cultured HepG2 cells showed that zinc deficiency suppressed cell proliferation and cell proliferation-related proteins, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), metallothionein (MT), and cyclin D1, as well as HNF-4α. HNF-4α gene silencing inhibited cell proliferation in association with decreased protein levels of IGF-I, IGFBP1, MT, and cyclin D1. The present study provides evidence that zinc supplementation enhances liver regeneration at least in part by HNF-4α through the up-regulation of cell proliferation-related proteins, suggesting that dietary zinc supplementation may have beneficial effects in alcoholic liver disease.
A Climatology of Transition Season Colorado Cyclones: 1961-1990.

Abstract Frequency, track, and intensity characteristics of transition season Colorado cyclones are investigated for the period 1961–90. Monthly cyclone totals are examined for evidence of seasonal frequency variations during the study period. Cyclone track maps for the months of April, May, October, and November are produced and analyzed for variations in azimuth and movement rates. In addition, the monthly distributions of minimum central pressure values are discussed. Transition season Colorado cyclone annual frequencies declined significantly during the period 1961–90, although the decline occurred primarily during the spring months. April has the most Colorado cyclone occurrences of the months examined. Spring and fall Colorado cyclone tracks are shown to be similar in trajectory and 48 h azimuth, though slightly variant in movement rates. Cyclones developing in months closer to the strong Northern Hemisphere winter circulation (April and November) regime tend to be more vigorous in terms of central ...
Absence of Nitric-oxide Synthase in Sequentially Purified Rat Liver Mitochondria

Data, both for and against the presence of a mitochondrial nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) isoform, is in the refereed literature. However, irrefutable evidence has not been forthcoming. In light of this controversy, we designed studies to investigate the existence of the putative mitochondrial NOS. Using repeated differential centrifugation followed by Percoll gradient fractionation, ultrapure, never frozen rat liver mitochondria and submitochondrial particles were obtained. Following trypsin digestion and desalting, the mitochondrial samples were analyzed by nano-HPLC-coupled linear ion trap-mass spectrometry. Linear ion trap-mass spectrometry analyses of rat liver mitochondria as well as submitochondrial particles were negative for any peptide from any NOS isoform. However, recombinant neuronal NOS-derived peptides from spiked mitochondrial samples were easily detected, down to 50 fmol on column. The protein calmodulin (CaM), absolutely required for NOS activity, was absent, whereas peptides from CaM-spiked samples were detected. Also, l-[14C]arginine to l-[14C]citrulline conversion assays were negative for NOS activity. Finally, Western blot analyses of rat liver mitochondria, using NOS (neuronal or endothelial) and CaM antibodies, were negative for any NOS isoform or CaM. In conclusion, and in light of our present limits of detection, data from carefully conducted, properly controlled experiments for NOS detection, utilizing three independent yet complementary methodologies, independently as well as collectively, refute the claim that a NOS isoform exists within rat liver mitochondria.
Effects of prior aging at 288°C in air and in argon environments on creep response of PMR-15 neat resin†‡

The creep behavior of PMR-15 neat resin, a polyimide thermoset polymer, aged in air and in argon environments at 288°C for up to 1000 h was evaluated. Creep tests were performed at 288°C at creep stress levels of 10 and 20 MPa. Creep periods of at least 25-h in duration were followed by 50-h periods of recovery at zero stress. Prior isothermal aging increased the elastic modulus and significantly decreased the polymer's capacity to accumulate creep strain. The aging environment had little influence on creep and recovery behaviors. However, aging in air dramatically degraded the tensile strength of the material. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increase in the glass transition temperature from ∼330°C to ∼336°C after 1000 h in argon or in air at 288°C. The rise in the glass transition temperature with aging time is attributed to an increase in the crosslink density of the PMR-15 polyimide. Increase in the crosslink density due to aging in both air and argon environments is likely behind the changes in the elastic modulus and the decreased capacity for inelastic straining. A visibly damaged surface layer of ∼0.16 mm thickness was observed in specimens aged in air for 1000 h. Results indicate that the unoxidized core material governs the overall mechanical response, whereas the oxidized surface layer causes a decrease in tensile strength by acting as a crack initiation site and promoting early failures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
PHYTOSTEROL BIOSYNTHESIS IN RIPENING TOMATOES

Phytosterols from mature green tomatoes ripened under red light treatment or in the dark were extracted and quantitated by GLC at 3-day intervals. Tomatoes ripened under light showed 8 phytosterols while those ripened in the dark showed 5 phytosterols. The 4 phytosterols identified and quantitated were cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. This is the first time cholesterol was identified in tomato pericarp tissues. Red light treatment advanced and slightly enhanced the biosynthesis of tomato phytosterols in comparison with tomatoes ripened in the dark. Approximately a 10% increase in total phytosterols was noted and the increase was attributed mostly to campesterol and stigmasterol. In mature green tomatoes, the phytosterol content was 37 mg/100g dry wt of which two-thirds was β-sitosterol. As the fruit matured, stigmasterol became the dominant phytosterol with β-sitosterol closely behind. Peak phytosterol content was 106 mg/100g dry tissue at the ripe stage of maturation and the content declined as tomatoes became senescent. The results support the fact that the effect of red light on terpenoids biosynthesis was a general one and was not specific to carotenoids biosynthesis in ripening tomatoes.
Regulation of arthritis by p53 : Critical role of adaptive immunity

Objective The p53 tumor-suppressor protein is expressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovium, and loss of p53 function through somatic mutation can occur in longstanding disease. Previous studies demonstrated that p53 is protective in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). To determine if adaptive immune responses or synovial effector functions are responsible for this effect, passive models of arthritis were studied in p53 wild-type and knockout mice. Methods Models of passive CIA, passive K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, and active CIA were induced in DBA/1 p53−/− or p53+ mice. Hind paws were evaluated for histologic evidence of inflammation and joint destruction. Synovial interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 13 gene expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate T cell function in p53−/− mice, draining lymph node (LN) cells from mice immunized with type II collagen (CII) were evaluated in vitro. Results Increased disease severity in p53−/− mice was confirmed in the standard CIA model. However, clinical arthritis, joint destruction, and synovial gene expression in the passive CIA and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis models were similar in p53−/− and p53+ mice. To determine if the p53 effect was related to T cell function, LN cells from CII-immunized mice were isolated and stimulated with antigen in vitro. CII-stimulated T cell proliferation and interferon-γ production were significantly higher in p53−/− mice. An independent assessment of Th1 function using the cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity model confirmed that p53−/− mice have enhanced T cell responses in vivo. Conclusion Adaptive immune responses, rather than antibody-mediated responses, in p53−/− mice account for increased disease severity in the active CIA model.
Facilitation of interfacial dynamics in entangled polymer films

In this article, we use cooling-rate dependent Tg measurements (CR-Tg) to indirectly probe the relaxation dynamics of supported polystyrene thin films of various molecular weights, all chosen to be above the entanglement molecular weight. We show that the dynamics in these films deviate from bulk dynamics below a temperature T* = Tg + 6 K = 380 K ± 1 K. We show that T* for films of all thicknesses and molecular weights is the same as the temperature at which the free surface dynamics deviate from the bulk dynamics. The apparent activation barrier of the glass transition in thin films decreases towards that of the free surface as the film thickness decreases. This provides strong evidence that thin film dynamics are facilitated by the enhanced mobility at the free surface. The observation of T* can help resolve some seemingly contradictory data by suggesting that studies performed at higher temperatures (T > T*), or which probe shorter relaxation times (τ < τ* ∼ 1 s) would not observe properties that dev...
Automatic recording apparatus for measurements of streaming potentials

Abstract An automatic recording apparatus for measurements of streaming potentials is described here. The device permits the tracing of a whole streaming potential curve to be obtained in a matter of seconds as compared to 50 minutes taken by the conventional recording apparatuses.
The RGS14 GoLoco Domain Discriminates among Gαi Isoforms

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) modulate G protein activity by functioning as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for alpha-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. RGS14 regulates G protein nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis by acting as a GAP through its RGS domain and as a guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) through its GoLoco motif. RGS14 exerts GDI activity on Galphai1, but not Galphao. Selective interactions are mediated by contacts between the alphaA and alphaB helices of the Galphai1 helical domain and the GoLoco C terminus (Kimple, R. J., Kimple, M. E., Betts, L., Sondek, J., and Siderovski, D. P. (2002) Nature 416, 878-881). Three isoforms of Galphai exist in mammalian cells. In this study, we tested whether all three isoforms were subject to RGS14 GDI activity. We found that RGS14 inhibits guanine nucleotide exchange on Galphai1 and Galphai3 could, but not Galphai2. Galphai2 be rendered sensitive to RGS14 GDI activity by replacement of residues within the alpha-helical domain. In addition to the contact residues in the alphaA and alphaB helices previously identified, we found that the alphaA/alphaB and alphaB/alphaC loops are important determinants of Galphai selectivity. The striking selectivity observed for RGS14 GDI activity in vitro points to Galphai1 and Galphai3 as the likely targets of RGS14-GoLoco regulation in vivo.
PLA logic minimization by simulated annealing

Abstract This paper presents a new PLA logic minimization algorithm which is based on the method of simulated annealing. Efficient movement strategies are designed to reduce computation time. Experimental results are reported and compared with the results obtained by ESPRESSO IIC.
Leadership beyond the glass ceiling: does ownership matter?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the transformational leadership style of women business owners and those women in the top position of organizations with women executives who are not in the top leadership position of organizations.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach using a population and business owners and executives from the private sector of the American Management Association.Findings – The findings support the relationship between a woman owning a business or being in the top position and the increased use of transformational leadership behaviors.Research limitations/implications – The paper analyzes data collected in 1997 and the changes to the demographics may in fact be a limitation of the study.Originality/value – The study focuses on the importance of contextual considerations in the study of women and their use of transformational leadership.
Toward identification of key breakers in social cyber-physical networks

Social networks can provide useful information to enhance mobile cyber-physical applications. With advanced sensor and powerful mobile Internet device technologies, future social networking is likely to be cyber-physical, combining social behaviors and human interactions with computational and physical processes. This paper addresses the problem of analyzing and extracting useful properties from a social cyber-physical network. In particular, we present a graph-based approach to automatically identifying essential nodes that hold the network together called key breakers. Knowing key breakers can help us contain spread of diseases, computer viruses, and undesirable communication or security breaches in the network. The paper describes the approach and provides illustrations, empirical evaluation and a comparative study with existing techniques.
Piloting photonics curriculum in staff development

The paper's goal is to inform outreach coordinators and scientists of strategies used to develop a Light Emitting Diode (LED) curriculum module for high school students. Field-testing the weeklong LED curriculum, teachers acquired new instructional strategies to develop students career and global workforce skills in STEM disciplines. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) funded program session will highlight initial findings of the developmental process, review data of the pilot study with middle and high school teachers participating in a teacher workshop and student program offered by The Science House of North Carolina State University.© (2010) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Human uroporphyrinogen-III synthase: genomic organization, alternative promoters, and erythroid-specific expression.

Abstract Uroporphyrinogen-III (URO) synthase is the heme biosynthetic enzyme defective in congenital erythropoietic porphyria. The ∼34-kb human URO-synthase gene (UROS) was isolated, and its organization and tissue-specific expression were determined. The gene had two promoters that generated housekeeping and erythroid-specific transcripts with unique 5′-untranslated sequences (exons 1 and 2A) followed by nine common coding exons (2B to 10). Expression arrays revealed that the housekeeping transcript was present in all tissues, while the erythroid transcript was only in erythropoietic tissues. The housekeeping promoter lacked TATA and SP1 sites, consistent with the observed low level expression in most cells, whereas the erythroid promoter contained GATA1 and NF-E2 sites for erythroid specificity. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the housekeeping promoter was active in both erythroid K562 and HeLa cells, while the erythroid promoter was active only in erythroid cells and its activity was increased during hemin-induced erythroid differentiation. Thus, human URO-synthase expression is regulated during erythropoiesis by an erythroid-specific alternative promoter.
Superconductivity and crystalline electric field effects in the filled skutterudite series Pr ( Os 1 − x Ru x ) 4 Sb 12

X-ray powder-diffraction, magnetic-susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}(T),$ and electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ measurements were made on single crystals of the filled skutterudite series $\mathrm{Pr}({\mathrm{Os}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ru}}_{x}{)}_{4}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{12}.$ One end of the series $(x=0)$ is a heavy fermion superconductor with a superconducting critical temperature ${T}_{c}=1.85\mathrm{K},$ while the other end $(x=1)$ is a conventional superconductor with ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}1\mathrm{K}.$ The lattice constant a decreases approximately linearly with increasing Ru concentration x. As Ru (Os) is substituted for Os (Ru), ${T}_{c}$ decreases nearly linearly with substituent concentration and exhibits a minimum with a value of ${T}_{c}=0.75\mathrm{K}$ at $x=0.6,$ suggesting that the two types of superconductivity compete with one another. Crystalline electric field effects in ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{dc}}(T)$ and $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ due to the splitting of the ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ ninefold degenerate Hund's rule $J=4$ multiplet are observed throughout the series, with the splitting between the ground state and the first excited state increasing monotonically as x increases. The fits to the ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{dc}}(T)$ and $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ data are consistent with a ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{3}$ doublet ground state for all values of x, although reasonable fits can be obtained for a ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1}$ ground state for x values near the end member compounds $(x=0$ or $x=1).$
Lipins, lipinopathies, and the modulation of cellular lipid storage and signaling.

Members of the lipin protein family are phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) enzymes, which catalyze the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid to diacylglycerol, the penultimate step in TAG synthesis. Lipins are unique among the glycerolipid biosynthetic enzymes in that they also promote fatty acid oxidation through their activity as co-regulators of gene expression by DNA-bound transcription factors. Lipin function has been evolutionarily conserved from a single ortholog in yeast to the mammalian family of three lipin proteins—lipin-1, lipin-2, and lipin-3. In mice and humans, the levels of lipin activity are a determinant of TAG storage in diverse cell types, and humans with deficiency in lipin-1 or lipin-2 have severe metabolic diseases. Recent work has highlighted the complex physiological interactions between members of the lipin protein family, which exhibit both overlapping and unique functions in specific tissues. The analysis of “lipinopathies” in mouse models and in humans has revealed an important role for lipin activity in the regulation of lipid intermediates (phosphatidate and diacylglycerol), which influence fundamental cellular processes including adipocyte and nerve cell differentiation, adipocyte lipolysis, and hepatic insulin signaling. The elucidation of lipin molecular and physiological functions could lead to novel approaches to modulate cellular lipid storage and metabolic disease.
Solution Based Casework: Case Planning to Reduce Risk

ABSTRACT Social workers employed as protective service caseworkers frequently encounter clients who repeatedly harm family members. Emerging partnership models for casework have meant better information gained at assessment, however casework practice models have not emphasized collaborative case planning strategies to reduce the risk of recidivism. This paper describes Solution Based Casework, a partnership approach to casework that targets high risk behaviors and organizes case planning around relapse prevention. The paper details assessment considerations, particularly when working with individuals and families with multiple, cyclical problems. Focusing on solutions as a strategy to foster partnerships with historically reluctant clients is discussed. Finally, case examples and a case plan are presented to demonstrate how case planning targets dangerous behaviors, reduces the chance of relapse, and creates measurable and accountable outcomes.
Physiological Approaches to the Control of Oral Biofilms

Evidence that physiological strategies may be potential routes for oral biofilm control has come from (i) observations of the variations in the intra-oral distribution of members of the resident oral microflora, (ii) changes in plaque composition in health and disease, and (iii) data from laboratory model systems. Key physiological factors that were identified as significant in modulating the microflora included the local pH, redox potential (Eh), and nutrient availability. Increases in mutans streptococci and lactobacilli occur at sites with caries; growth of these species is selectively enhanced at low pH. In contrast, periodontal diseases are associated with plaque accumulation, followed by an inflammatory host response. The increases in Gram-negative, proteolytic, and obligately anaerobic bacteria reflect a low redox potential and a change in nutrient status due to the increased flow of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Consequently, physiological strategies for oral biofilm control should focus on red...
Strategies for Unambiguous Detection of Allelic Heterozygosity via Direct DNA Sequencing of PCR Products: Application to the HLA DRB1 Locus.

Background: Many genetic loci exhibit substantial heterogeneity: the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB loci include 139 alleles and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene more than 500 known mutations. Identification of alleles at these loci is cumbersome with typical molecular diagnostic methods such as hybridization assays or restriction enzyme analysis. Direct DNA sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products is a general approach to complex loci that allows detection of any allele within the nucleotide sequence analyzed. However, direct DNA sequence-based unambiguous identification of heterozygous nucleotide positions using PCR templates is a challenging problem. Methods and Results: The ability of direct DNA sequencing methods to accurately identify HLA DRB alleles was assessed. The authors evaluated the performance of modified T7 and Taq DNA polymerases in isothermal and thermal cycle sequencing of PCR products derived from HLA DRB genes in 235 individuals who were potential donors or recipients of bone marrow transplants. The uniformity of peak intensity and ability to identify heterozygous nucleotide positions was similar when either AmpliTaq FS- or Sequenase DNA polymerase-derived electropherograms were prepared. The modified Taq DNA polymerase allowed the use of unpurified, double-stranded PCR templates. Furthermore, this enzyme could be used in less laborious, less costly cycle sequencing assays coupled with automated fluorescent detection methodology. Direct sequencing performed with either enzyme allowed unambiguous identification of DRB1 alleles, resolution of difficult heterozygous combinations, and recognition of new alleles. Conclusions: The direct DNA sequencing methods employed here for HLA allele identification are relatively efficient and semiautomated, and may be reasonably considered as a general approach to other complex molecular diagnostic problems, especially when coupled to simplified sequencing chemistries allowing cycle sequencing. (Mol Diagn 1996 Jun;1(2):89-98)