cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parametric analysis of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance using design of experiments

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance depends on different fuel cell operating temperatures, humidification temperatures, operating pressures, flow rates, and various combinations of these parameters. This study employed the method of the design of experiments (DOE) to obtain the optimal combination of the six primary operating parameters (fuel cell operating temperatures, operating pressures, anode and cathode humidification temperatures, anode and cathode stoichiometric flow ratios). In the first stage, this study adopted a 2k−2 fractional factorial design of the DOE to determine whether these factors have significant effects on a response and the interactions between various parameters. Second, the L27(313) orthogonal array of the Taguchi method is utilized to determine the optimal combination of factors for a fuel cell. Based on this study, the operating pressure, the operating temperature, and the interactions between operating temperature and operating pressure have a significant effect on the fuel cell performance. Among them, the operating pressure is the most important contributor. When the operating pressure increases, it should simultaneously lower the effects of other factors. While both the operating temperature and pressure increase simultaneously with that, the other factors are at appropriate conditions, it is possible to improve the fuel cell performance.
Individuals with chronic ankle instability exhibit altered landing knee kinematics: potential link with the mechanism of loading for the anterior cruciate ligament.

Abstract Background Alterations in sagittal plane landing biomechanics in the lower extremity have been observed within the chronic ankle instability (CAI) population. Interestingly, a potential link between the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ankle sprain history has been proposed. However, it is not known if the observed biomechanical changes associated with CAI could mimic factors related to the mechanism of ACL injury. We investigated the influence of CAI on anterior tibial shear force (ATSF), lower extremity sagittal plane kinematics, and posterior ground reaction force (GRF) in a jump landing task. Methods Nineteen participants with CAI and 19 healthy control participants performed a vertical stop jump. Peak ATSF was calculated during the first landing of the stop jump, with sagittal-plane kinematics and posterior GRF measured at peak ATSF. Independent t-tests, multiple linear regression, and Pearson bivariate correlation were used for statistical analysis. Findings Participants with CAI demonstrated less knee flexion at peak ATSF compared to the controls (P = .026). No group-differences were found for peak ATSF or the other biomechanical variables. Knee flexion was moderately correlated with peak ATSF (r = −0.544, P = .008); however, the contributing factor that most explained the variance in ATSF was posterior GRF (R2 = 0.449; P = .002) in the CAI group. Interpretation Our findings indicate that the CAI group may be exhibiting altered knee function during functional movement. Screening knee movement patterns in individuals with CAI may help develop preventative measures for future joint injury throughout the kinetic chain.
Field studies on chemically mediated behavior in land hermit crabs: Volatile and nonvolatile odors

Land hermit crabs,Coenobita rugosis, were tested in the field in Costa Rica for behavioral responses to odors. Volatile odors associated with horse feces, fruit, and honey attracted crabs within minutes. Odors from dead gastropod flesh were not immediately attractive, but after aging, odors from a variety of flesh sources attracted crabs. Crabs fed actively upon the materials that attracted them. Feeding behavior was stimulated by components of fruit juice and fresh gastropod flesh juices of less than 10,000 daltons, honey, a 0.5 M sucrose solution, and a saturated solution of tyrosine. Twenty additional amino acid solutions tested at 0.1 M concentration were weak feeding stimulants at best. Chemical cues controlled feeding behavior, but not shell acquisition;C. rugosis were not differentially attracted to flesh odors or to living gastropods whose shells they occupied.
Conflict, Fusion, or Coexistence? The Complexity of Contemporary American Conservatism

This paper draws on an original survey and on the 2004 NES to explore the complexity of contemporary American conservatism. In both datasets, we find evidence that economic and cultural conservatism stand as distinct strands of conservative attitudes. The original survey also allows us to further explore the role of beliefs about the market in economic conservatism. In the end, we find little support for either liberal hopes of fundamental ideological conflict among conservatives or conservative hopes of ideological fusion. Instead, our data suggests that a particular type of ideological coexistence among economic and cultural conservatives is the norm.
Studies of the Mechanism by which Androgens Enhance Mitogenesis and Differentiation in Bone Cells

Recently, we reported a direct effect of androgens on murine and human bone cells to stimulate bone cell proliferation and differentiation. To test whether this effect of androgenic steroids might be mediated by growth factors, we measured relative concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and -II (IGF-I and IGF-II) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) in the conditioned medium from androgen-treated murine calvarial cell cultures. Only the concentration of TGF beta was increased. Consistent with the increased secretion of TGF beta in the mouse calvarial cell system, we observed an increased expression of TGF beta mRNA in a normal human osteoblastic cell system. We also determined whether androgens alter the response to growth factors. We found that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment enhanced the mitogenic effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and IGF-II but not those of IGF-I. The enhanced effect of FGF and IGF-II after DHT pretreatment was not affected by addition of TGF beta-blocking antibodies or by changing the culture medium. This indicated that in addition to increased release of TGF beta, another mechanism might be involved in the action of DHT on human and murine bone cells. Thus, we investigated the binding of human IGF-II to human osteoblastic cells and observed an increase in IGF-II binding after DHT treatment. Our results are consistent with a mechanism of action of androgens on bone cells that involves the induction of TGF beta and, in addition, may sensitize the cells to show an enhanced response to FGF and IGF-II, possibly by changing the receptor binding of mitogenic growth factors.
Endoscopic video capsules: radiologic findings of spontaneous entrapment in small intestinal diverticula.

2Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition (M/C 716), University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612. ireless capsule endoscopy is a relatively new diagnostic technique for the detection of small intestinal disease. This minimally invasive procedure generally poses few risks to the patient, and reported complications typically are related to capsule retention [1–4]. To our knowledge, only one case of video capsule entrapment within a small-bowel diverticulum has been reported [1]. In that instance, capsule retention was due in part to a nearby stricture, and the diagnosis was made surgically. We report the first known case of prolonged spontaneous video capsule entrapment in small intestinal diverticula in which the diagnosis was made radiologically.
A Frequency Band Analysis of Two-Year-Olds’ Memory Processes

Research on the functional meaning of EEG frequency bands during memory processing has only examined two developmental periods: infancy and from late childhood to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in EEG power for three toddler EEG frequency bands (3-5Hz, 6-9Hz, 10-12Hz) during a verbal recall task. To this end, we asked three questions: (a) Which frequency band(s) discriminate baseline from memory processing?; (b) Which frequency band(s) differentiate between memory encoding and retrieval processes?; (c) Which frequency band(s) distinguish toddlers with high and low verbal recall performance? Analysis of 2-year-olds' (n=79) power values revealed that all three frequency bands differentiated the retrieval and encoding phases from the baseline phase; however, the particular regions that exhibited this dissociation varied. Retrieval-related increases in 3-5Hz (theta) power were widespread. Only the 3-5Hz and 6-9Hz bands distinguished encoding and retrieval processes; retrieval power values were higher than encoding power values. High and low verbal recall performers were discriminated by all frequency bands; high performers had greater power values than low performers. Thus, the 3-5Hz (theta) and 6-9Hz (alpha) bands were most informative about 2-year-olds' memory processes. Theta and alpha rhythms are critical to memory processes during late childhood and adulthood, and our findings provide initial evidence that these rhythms are also intricately linked to memory processing during toddlerhood. These findings are discussed in relation to behavioral changes in memory processes.
Light-Induced Translocation of RGS9-1 and Gβ5L in Mouse Rod Photoreceptors

The transducin GTPase-accelerating protein complex, which determines the photoresponse duration of photoreceptors, is composed of RGS9-1, Gβ5L and R9AP. Here we report that RGS9-1 and Gβ5L change their distribution in rods during light/dark adaptation. Upon prolonged dark adaptation, RGS9-1 and Gβ5L are primarily located in rod inner segments. But very dim-light exposure quickly translocates them to the outer segments. In contrast, their anchor protein R9AP remains in the outer segment at all times. In the dark, Gβ5L's interaction with R9AP decreases significantly and RGS9-1 is phosphorylated at S475 to a significant degree. Dim light exposure leads to quick de-phosphorylation of RGS9-1. Furthermore, after prolonged dark adaptation, RGS9-1 and transducin Gα are located in different cellular compartments. These results suggest a previously unappreciated mechanism by which prolonged dark adaptation leads to increased light sensitivity in rods by dissociating RGS9-1 from R9AP and redistributing it to rod inner segments.
Effects of high levels of dietary silicon on bone development of growing rats and turkeys fed semi-purified diets.

Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design to study the effects of high levels of silicon (Si) supplementation on bone development, structure, and strength in growing rats and turkeys. Rats were supplemented at two dietary Si levels: 0 and 500 ppm; and the turkeys were supplemented at four dietary Si levels: 0, 135, 270, and 540 ppm in semi-purified diets of dextrose-albumin for rats and dextrose-casein for turkeys. The experiments lasted 8 and 4 weeks for the rats and turkeys, respectively. Physical, mechanical, and chemical parameters of bones were measured. All the physical and mechanical measures of bone size and strength were not different (P > 0.05) between treatments in rats and turkeys except the moment of inertia, which was lower (P 0.05) by Si supplementation, plasma magnesium (P = 0.08) in rats and plasma calcium (P < 0.05) in turkeys were reduced by high levels of Si supplementation. The antagonistic relations of high Si levels with calcium and magnesium were deemed to be the mechanisms through which high Si imposes its deleterious effects on bone size and strength.
Numerical Simulation of Stall and Stall Control in Axial and Radial Compressors

Abstract : The performance of gas turbine engines is limited by compressor stall, and further exacerbated by combat conditions. Stall control technologies developed at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Vehicle Technology Directorate (VTD) and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have demonstrated the effectiveness of steady tip injection to increase the stable operating range of high-speed axial and centrifugal compressors. A major element lacking in the development of the stall control technology is a tundamental understanding of the fluid mechanic processes of stall inception, and how stall is mitigated by the stall control technology to achieve increased compressor stall range. Such understanding is essential for providing improved design guidance in implementing stall control technology in engines. As such, in parallel with the engine demonstrator tests we are generating time-accurate, full-annulus, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code simulations of single-stage axial and centrifugal compressors for which detailed experimental data are available, both with and without stall control technology. This paper presents results of the TURBO simulations, which show predicted range extension with stall control technology compared to measurements, and characteristics of the compressor flow field with and without stall control technology.
The "reality" of middle-school crime: objective vs. subjective experiences among a sample of Kentucky youth

While actual, "objective" experiences with crime in school are very important, so too are "subjective" experiences with crime--including cognitive perceptions of the likelihood of experiencing school crime and the emotionally-based fear of school crime. Moreover, objective and subjective experiences with crime (and the differences among them) might be quite different depending upon the type of crime in question; patterns of objective versus subjective experiences may not be generalizable but instead might be crime-specific. The present study extends the literature by providing a descriptive comparison of objective versus subjective experiences with school-based crime. More specifically, we compare the prevalence of actual victimization experiences with subjective cognitive-based risk perceptions and emotionally-based, fears of crime for seven different specific offenses and then compare the relationships between these various school-crime experiences and sociodemographic covariates in order to see how objective and subjective experiences are affected similarly or differently by race, class, gender, and place of residence. Finally, we examine the inter-relationships among victimization, risk and.
Materials development of smart thin-film TiNi/PZT Heterostructures

Thin film layers of shape memory alloys and ferroelectric ceramics can produce a family of `smart' heterostructures capable of performing both sensing and actuating functions. Important issues in these synthesis of these active structures are the ability to generate the appropriate crystalline phases of each material, while producing defect-free homogeneous high quality films. The compatibility of sol-gel processed Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) thin films with thin film shape memory effect TiNi substrates were investigated. Thin film TiNi was deposited on quartz substrates by physical sputter deposition utilizing a TiNi target in a ultra-high vacuum chamber, and followed by in-situ vacuum annealing. PZT was deposited on TiNi by sol-gel and spin coating processes. The ferroelectric tetragonal phase of PZT was obtained by a 600 degree(s)C anneal for 5 m in air. The heterostructures were nominally defect-free, unlike those obtained through deposition onto bulk TiNi substrates.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Buckling of ring-stiffened multi-annular plates

Abstract The buckling of multi-annular plates stiffened by rings at the common joints and loaded by in-plane symmetric forces is investigated. The plate considered is simply-supported or clamped at the outer boundary. The various annular sections are homogeneous, monolithically connected through rings, without eccentricity, and differ either in geometry or in material properties, or both. The effect of the ring extensional (in-plane) rigidity is considered, in addition to the effect of the ring flexural and torsional rigidities. These effects are substantiated through parametric studies. The presented numerical examples consist of annular plates with one or two annular sections reinforced by a single ring.
Assignment of hyperfine-shifted resonances in yeast ferricytochrome c isozyme 2 using the proton pre-steady-state nuclear Overhauser effect.

Abstract Yeast cytochrome c isozymes 2 is one of two cytochrome c isozymes which are found in yeast mitochondria. Unlike isozyme 1, which can dimerize in vitro due to a free sulfhydryl group at primary sequence position 102, isozymes 2 (Ala-102) is a monomer. The hyperfine proton NMR resonance pattern of ferric isozyme 2 is somewhat different from the horse and tuna ferricytochromes c . Thus, resonance assignments would help determine how similar the yeast, horse and tuna proteins actually are. In this work, many of the unassigned proton hyperfine resonances of the ferric protein have been assigned using the proton pre-steady-state nuclear Overhauser effect. Assigned resonances include those attributable to the heme 7-propionic acid α-CH2, His-18 α-CH and β-CH2, Met-80 β-CH2, and heme 4-β-CH3 protons. The overall pattern of NOE connectivities is similar to the horse and tuna proteins. Combining shift and NOE patterns leads to the conclusion that the heme environment of yeast ferric isozyme 2 in solution is similar, but not identical, to the heme environment of horse and tuna cytochromes fc .
Comparison of the effects of class 1 and class 2 heparin-binding growth factors on protein synthesis and actin mRNA expression in BALB/c-3T3 cells.

Biological effects of class 1 or class 2 heparin-binding growth factors (HBGFs) were compared in BALB/c-3T3 cells. Changes in protein synthesis, as monitored by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, reveal that while both HBGFs induce the same changes in the synthesis of intracellular proteins, class 2 HBGF selectively increases the synthesis of a 43-kD extracellular protein. Heparin, which potentiates the mitogenic activity of class 1 but not class 2 HBGF, does not potenitate the changes in protein synthesis elicited by HBGF-1. Since each HBGF increases actin synthesis, regulation of actin mRNA expression was examined. Actin mRNA levels increase rapidly and transiently in response to either HBGF, and similar superinduction responses are observed in the presence of HBGF and cycloheximide. Although the maximum increase in actin mRNA stimulated by either HBGF is similar, the levels of mRNA induced by class 2 HBGF remain elevated up to 48 hours compared to the level induced by class 1 HBGF. These results imply that in the same cell type class 1 and class 2 HBGFs may modulate some biological effects differently.
A new SEPIC inverter: Small signal modeling

This paper presents a new inverter technology that is designed based on SEPIC converter. Small signal model and transfer functions of the inverter are obtained. The system demonstrates the existence of a non-minimum phase zero in positive peak and shift of that zero to left half plane to make the negative peak transfer function a minimum phase behavior. Simulations demonstrate that at various circuit parameter values, as the duty cycle increased in boost mode of operation, the transfer function zeros migrated towards the origin. Increasing the inductance values resulted in similar behavior. However, increasing the capacitance values resulted in a reduction in real part of the complex poles and zeros.
Tangible Interfaces for Structural Molecular Biology

The evolving technology of computer autofabrication makes it possible to produce physical models for complex biological molecules and assemblies. Augmented reality has recently developed as a computer interface technology that enables the mixing of real-world objects and computer-generated graphics. We report an application that demonstrates the use of autofabricated tangible models and augmented reality for research and communication in molecular biology. We have extended our molecular modeling environment, PMV, to support the fabrication of a wide variety of physical molecular models, and have adapted an augmented reality system to allow virtual 3D representations to be overlaid onto the tangible molecular models. Users can easily change the overlaid information, switching between different representations of the molecule, displays of molecular properties, or dynamic information. The physical models provide a powerful, intuitive interface for manipulating the computer models, streamlining the interface between human intent, the physical model, and the computational activity.
Correlation between post-thaw motility and acrosomal integrity of bovine sperm.

Abstract The relationship between post-thaw motility and the percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes was evaluated in semen from 26 yearling Hereford or Angus bulls. A total of 409 samples was used, which consisted of 208 pooled first and second ejaculates, split and frozen in ampules and straws. All bulls passed a breeding soundness exam several weeks prior to the experiment. However, bulls were not subjected to any further selection for seminal quality, and all were of unknown fertility. In addition, all ejaculates from each bull were frozen without regard to seminal quality. Motility was assessed immediately after thawing, whereas acrosomal integrity was evaluated after 2 h of post-thaw incubation at 38°C. The simple coefficient of correlation among bulls between motility and percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes was only .33. When variation in seminal quality among bulls was removed statistically, the corresponding coefficient of correlation within bulls was only .23. Under conditions of this experiment, post-thaw motility and acrosomal integrity constituted distinct, separate features of spermatozoal integrity that varied independently of each other.
Relationship between motor skill impairment and severity in children with Asperger syndrome

Abstract This study examined the correlation between severity and motor impairment in children with Asperger syndrome (AS). Children, ages 6–12 with AS (N = 51) and a control group of typical children (N = 56), were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Movement Assessment Battery For Children (MABC). A bivariate correlational design was used to compare the scores (Spearman rank correlational coefficient). Significant differences were seen between typical, mild to moderate and severe categories of SRS scores, based on the Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks (p
THEORY OF ROUGHNESS-INDUCED ANISOTROPY IN FERROMAGNETIC FILMS : THE DIPOLAR MECHANISM

When ferromagnetic films are grown on stepped surfaces, or rough surfaces upon which there is a preferred direction, additional magnetic anisotropy associated with the presence of the roughness is found in experiments. This paper presents the theory of the contribution of one mechanism to this anisotropy, that is associated with the roughness-induced increase in magnetic dipolar energy. When the film surface profiles are modulated, the magnetization of the film fluctuates in direction, thus generating stray dipolar fields. The energy stored in such fields depends on the angle between the mean magnetization, and the preferred axis of the modulated surface profile. We present explicit calculations for various models of films on stepped surfaces.
Biochemical and genetic analysis of epoxide-metabolizing enzymes in susceptible and resistant house flies, Musca domestica L

Abstract Microsomal and cytosolic activities of glutathione S -transferase (GST) and epoxide hydrolase (EH) toward trans - and cis -stilbene oxides (TSO and CSO, respectively) were measured in homogenates of the house fly ( Musca domestica L.) from strains that are either susceptible or metabolically resistant to insecticides. GST activity was detectable with CSO but not with TSO. Thus, the substrate selectivity of house fly GSTs differs from that in mammals and some other insects where the conjugation of both TSO and CSO has been measured previously. High levels of microsomal and cytosolic GST activities were present in the resistant, but not in the susceptible, strain. The genes controlling these high GST activities from both subcellular fractions were mapped to chromosome II. In contrast, no differences in levels, substrate selectivity, or subcellular locale of EH activity were detected between susceptible and metabolically resistant flies. These data suggest that EH activity is not coordinately regulated with GST or other enzymes relating to metabolic resistance in the house fly. If multiple resistance results from the coordinate regulation of detoxifying enzymes, the fact that EH is controlled differently may allow insecticides that contain epoxides and/or are activated by epoxidation to be used against insect populations where multiple resistance has arisen.
BRIEF STIMULI PAIRED WITH FOOD: COMPARISON OF TWO SCHEDULE ARRANGEMENTS~

Pecks by pigeons produced food according to a fixed-interval schedule. Pecks also produced a brief blackout according to a small fixed-ratio schedule. Each food delivery was immediately preceded by a brief blackout, but not all blackouts were followed by food. The schedule of food and the schedule of blackouts were combined two ways. On one, a second-order schedule, each fixed-ratio completed during the fixed-interval produced the blackout. The first fixed-ratio completed after the fixed-interval elapsed produced the blackout-food compound. The second, a conjoint schedule, was identical except that the first peck after the fixed-interval elapsed produced the blackout-food compound regardless of the number of responses since the last blackout. Although the blackout was paired with food and was produced on a small fixed-ratio schedule under both arrangements, there was evidence of fixed-ratio-like response patterns only on the second-order schedule.
Limited smoothelin expression within the muscularis mucosae: validation in bladder diverticula

Smoothelin, a marker of differentiated smooth muscle, is diffusely expressed by bladder muscularis propria and is negative to only weakly and focally expressed in muscularis mucosae. We used bladder diverticula, which lack muscularis propria and frequently demonstrate hyperplastic muscularis mucosae, to evaluate the use of smoothelin immunoreactivity in diagnostic pathology. Diverticula from 40 patients (21 with benign features, 19 with neoplastic features) were studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed using smoothelin antibody (clone R4A, 1:150 dilution; Abcam, Cambridge, MA); and tissue was scored as 0 (no expression), 1+ (moderate expression b10% of cells), 2+ expression (moderate expression N10% of cells), and 3+ (robust diffuse expression). All diverticula contained muscularis mucosae of varying caliber; staining in diverticular muscularis mucosae was compared with historic results in the muscularis mucosae of cystectomy specimens. Hyperplastic muscularis mucosae occurred in 31 (78%) of 40 cases. Smoothelin immunoreactivity in the diverticular muscularis mucosae included 0 (16/40, or 40%); 1+ (11/40, or 27.5%); 2+ (13/40, or 32.5%); and 3+ (0/40, or 0%), with a slightly higher 2+ expression level in hyperplastic versus nonhyperplastic muscularis mucosae (35% versus 22%). Adjacent normal muscularis propria, present in 12 specimens, demonstrated 3+ muscularis propria immunoreactivity. Comparison between diverticula with benign and neoplastic features showed no significant difference in smoothelin immunoreactivity. No correlation was evident with smoothelin immunohistochemistry and muscle caliber. Smoothelin immunoreactivity in bladder diverticula confirms the limited nature of smoothelin expression in the muscularis mucosae and represents a useful ancillary technique in the proper histopathologic evaluation of diverticular and nondiverticular bladder carcinomas. A strong and robust staining of smooth, rounded muscle with smoothelin remains a useful diagnostic adjunct in the reliable recognition of muscularis propria.
Distinction among isomeric unsaturated fatty acids as lithiated adducts by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using low energy collisionally activated dissociation on a triple stage quadrupole instrument.

Features of tandem mass spectra of dilithiated adduct ions of unsaturated fatty acids obtained by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with low-energy collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) on a triple stage quadrupole instrument are described. These spectra distinguish among isomeric unsaturated fatty acids and permit assignment of double-bond location. Informative fragment ions reflect cleavage of bonds remote from the charge site on the dilithiated carboxylate moiety. The spectra contain radical cations reflecting cleavage of bonds between the first and second and between the second and third carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. These ions are followed by a closed-shell ion series with members separated by 14 m/z units that reflect cleavage of bonds between the third and fourth and then between subsequent adjacent pairs of carbon atoms. This ion series terminates at the member reflecting cleavage of the carbon-carbon single bond vinylic to the first carbon-carbon double bond. Ions reflecting cleavages of bonds distal to the double bond are rarely observed for monounsaturated fatty acids and are not abundant when they occur. For polyunsaturated fatty acids that contain double bonds separated by a single methylene group, ions reflecting cleavage of carbon-carbon single bonds between double bonds are abundant, but ions reflecting cleavages distal to the final double bond are not. Cleavages between double bonds observed in these spectra can be rationalized by a scheme involving a six-membered transition state and subsequent rearrangement of a bis-allylic hydrogen atom to yield a terminally unsaturated charge-carrying fragment and elimination of a neutral alkene. The location of the β-hydroxy-alkene moiety in ricinoleic acid can be demonstrated by similar methods. These observations offer the opportunity for laboratories that have tandem quadrupole instruments but do not have instruments with high energy CAD capabilities to assign double bond location in unsaturated free fatty acids by mass spectrometric methods without derivatization.
ESCA characterization of the oxide tunneling barriers in niobium based superconductive tunnel junctions

Abstract Results of an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of niobium oxide tunneling barriers produced by an rf glow discharge oxidation process are presented. The photoelectron spectra obtained from known samples of Nb, NbO, NbO 2 and Nb 2 O 5 were used for comparison. Suboxides of Nb were clearly detected in some of the films. We have also studied Nb-Nb oxide-Pb superconductive tunnel junctions fabricated by using oxidation procedures identical to those used for preparing the ESCA specimens. Our study demonstrates that large excess currents in niobium based junctions are associated with the presence of large amounts of niobium suboxides in the junction barrier.
Cloning the full-length cDNA for rat connective tissue growth factor: implications for skeletal development.

The mammalian osteopetroses represent a pathogenetically diverse group of skeletal disorders characterized by excess bone mass resulting from reduced osteoclastic bone resorption. Abnormalities involving osteoblast function and skeletal development have also been reported in many forms of the disease. In this study, we used the rat mutation, osteopetrosis (op), to examine differences in skeletal gene expression between op mutants and their normal littermates. RNA isolated from calvaria and long bones was used as a template for mRNA-differential display. Sequence information for one of the many cDNA that were selectively expressed in either normal or mutant bone suggested that it is the rat homologue of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) previously cloned in the human, mouse, and other species. A consensus sequence was assembled from overlapping 5'-RACE clones and used to confirm the rat CTGF cDNA protein coding region. Northern blot analysis confirmed that this message was highly (8- to 10-fold) over-expressed in op versus normal bone; it was also upregulated in op kidney but none of the other tissues (brain, liver, spleen, thymus) examined. In primary rat osteoblast cultures, the CTGF message exhibits a temporal pattern of expression dependent on their state of differentiation. Furthermore, CTGF expression is regulated by prostaglandin E(2), a factor known to modulate osteoblast differentiation. Since members of the CTGF family regulate the expression of specific genes, such as collagen and fibronectin, we propose that CTGF may play a previously unreported role in normal skeletal modeling/remodeling. Its dramatic over-expression in the op mutant skeleton may be secondary to the uncoupling of bone resorption and bone formation resulting in dysregulation of osteoblast gene expression and function.
Possible relationship between antigenic properties and isolation history of HSV-1 strains

Abstract 29 monoclonal anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-l antibodies were produced and characterized with regard to virus neutralizing activity, intracellular or cell-surface location of viral antigens and, where possible, molecular weight of the viral protein recognized. 13 antibodies recognized viral antigens expressed on the surface of infected cells and 16 were directed to intracellular viral components. Only two antibodies exhibited virus neutralizing activity. Application of these antibodies to an antigenic comparison of standard laboratory HSV-1 strains F, HFEM, mP, Glasgow-17 and MAC revealed unique antigenic differences among these strains. The antibodies were further used in an antigenic comparison of 45 human HSV-1 isolates with defined isolation history. Except for two paired isolates from left and right trigeminal ganglia of two human cadavers, the antibody panel revealed antigenic differences among all isolates, including paired isolates from three additional cadavers. Overall, isolates from different human donors showed greater antigenic dissimilarity from each other in cell-surface associated than in intracellular antigens. The data suggest the possibility of a correlation between antigenic and biologic properties of HSV-1.
Topical sulfamylon reduces engraftment of cultured skin substitutes on athymic mice.

Sulfamylon (mafenide acetate) remains extremely valuable for the control of the bacterial contamination of burn wounds, but it is cytotoxic to cultured keratinocytes used for wound closure. Because composite skin substitutes develop a partial epidermal barrier in vitro, they may hypothetically tolerate the use of topical Sulfamylon. To test this hypothesis, cultured skin substitutes were prepared from cultured human fibroblasts; keratinocytes were attached to these collagen-based substrates, which were grafted to full-thickness wounds in athymic mice (n = 8 per group). Wounds were irrigated twice daily with 5% (wt/vol) Sulfamylon solution or with a formulation of noncytotoxic antimicrobials (0% Sulfamylon). On day 9 after grafting, the wounds were treated with dry dressings and assessed at 4 weeks for expression of human leukocyte antigens-A, B, C and at 2, 3, and 4 weeks for percentage of original wound area and surface electrical capacitance in picofarads (pF). Data were analyzed for statistical significance (P < .05) by Fisher's exact test, Student's t test, and repeated measures analysis of variance: [table: see text] The data demonstrate that irrigation of cultured skin substitutes with a solution of 5% Sulfamylon results in smaller wound area, fewer wounds that contain human cells, and greater surface hydration (higher surface electrical capacitance) than irrigation with noncytotoxic antimicrobial agents. These results support the conclusion that cultured skin substitutes of this type do not tolerate the chemical toxicity of Sulfamylon as well as skin autografts. Further improvements in the properties of the epidermal barrier of cultured skin substitutes may facilitate the use of Sulfamylon or other potent antimicrobial agents for the management of microbial contamination during engraftment of transplanted skin cells.
"She can do it in English too": Acts of intimacy and boundary-making in language revitalization

Abstract This article argues that, for endangered languages, intimate modes of interaction become bounded in ways that both promote and endanger a threatened language. This contradiction becomes apparent when conceptions of “community” and “language” in relation to boundary-making practices are unpacked across different realms of discourse. Evidence from fieldwork conducted in the Yukon Territory, Canada, shows that on the one hand, the bureaucratic regimentation of endangered aboriginal languages forecasts an inclusive community; on the other, it delineates categories of “stakeholders.” Similarly, within an aboriginal language community, participation and responsibility become demarcated along various social lines such that the actual work of language revitalization creates opportunities for contestation, revealing how even the “intimate grammar” of interlocutors adumbrates differences in boundary-making and crossing.
Characterization of cytochrome P-450SCC-containing liposomes

Abstract Purified cytochrome P 450 SCC from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria was incorporated into liposomes by the cholate-dilution method utilizing either dialysis or Sephadex gel filtration. Among synthetic phospholipids tested, dioleoylglycerophosphocholine showed the best stability during the incorporation of P 450 SCC into liposomes. A maximum amount of heme was incorporated into liposomes at a molar ratio of phospholipid to the cytochrome of approx. 200. When P 450 SCC was incorporated into the dioleoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes by the cholate-filtration method, the P 450 SCC - containing liposomes showed two major populations on the elution pattern of the Sepharose 4B gel filtration, and were seen at a diameter of 200–600 A and its aggregated forms. When the cytochrome was incorporated into dioleoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes or cholesterol-free adrenocortical mitochondrial liposomes, P 450 SCC was less stable than P 450 SCC in aqueous solution. Cholesterol or adrenodoxin markedly stabilized the liposomal P 450 SCC . Liposomal P 450 SCC required cholesterol for its optimum reduction with adrenodoxin, adrenodoxin reductase, and NADPH in the presence of CO. About 70% of the total heme in the dioleoylglycerophosphocholine liposomes was reduced by the enzymatic reduction in the presence of cholesterol, indicating that 70% of the total molecules are exposed to the surface of the outer monolayer. In order to see the location of the heme in membrane, the dioleoylglycerophosphocholine-liposomal P 450 SCC was subjected to p- chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid treatment. This reagent destroyed the liposomal P 450 SCC . These results suggest that the heme is located in the proximity of the p- chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid reacting sites which are exposed to the surface, or located on the vincinity of polar heads of the membrane.
Apple II/FIRST-Corvus networks

Our Apple II/FIRST hardware-software configuration is a cost-effective, powerful, and efficient system for experimental control, data collection, and signal analysis of research in conditioning, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, and psychophysiology. The present report describes the enhancement of our data-processing capabilities by the addition of peripheral hardware configured to form Corvus multiplexer networks. These networks have transformed our array of Apple II/FIRST systems into multiprocessor facilities possessing the data-processing power and flexibility of far larger and more costly mainframe systems while retaining the benefits of the markedly reduced cost, great flexibility, and high processing speed of microprocessor-based systems.
Transmission of radiation-induced acentric chromosomal fragments to micronuclei in normal human fibroblasts.

A simplifying assumption made when calculating the probability of a chromosomal aberration resulting in a micronucleus is that virtually all radiation-induced micronuclei result from acentric fragments. In the present study we used antibodies to chromosomal centromeres (kinetochores) to determine the frequency of centric versus acentric micronuclei in normal human fibroblasts exposed to 6 Gy of60 Co γ rays while they were in density-inhibited growth. Up to 14% of the micronuclei induced by this exposure contained one or more kinetochores; i.e., they were not composed of acentric chromatin. By deleting kinetochore-positive micronuclei from the analysis, and by reconstructing micronucleus frequencies based on the fraction of cells that had divided following radiation exposure, a direct comparison between micronuclei and acentric chromosome fragments was made. On that basis, the probability of an acentric fragment becoming a visible micronucleus in either daughter cell of a dividing pair was estimated to be ...
Preservation of nucleus basalis neurons containing choline acetyltransferase and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.

Immunocytochemistry for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was used to examine the expression of these linked cholinergic markers in human basal forebrain, including cases with early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous neurochemical studies have measured decreased ChAT activity in terminal fields, but little change or even increased levels of VAChT. To determine total cholinergic neuron numbers in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM), stereologic methods were applied to tissue derived from three groups of individuals with varying levels of cognition: no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both markers were expressed robustly in nucleus basalis neurons and across all three groups. On average, there was no significant difference between the number of ChAT- (210,000) and VAChT- (174,000) immunopositive neurons in the nbM per hemisphere in NCI cases for which the biological variation was calculated to be 17%. There was approximately a 15% nonsignificant reduction in the number of cholinergic neurons in the nbM in the AD cases with no decline in MCI cases. The number of ChAT- and VAChT-immunopositive neurons was shown to correlate significantly with the severity of dementia determined by scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, but showed no relationship to apolipoprotein E allele status, age, gender, education, or postmortem interval when all clinical groups were combined or evaluated separately. These data suggest that cholinergic neurons, and the coexpression of ChAT and VAChT, are relatively preserved in early stages of AD. J. Comp. Neurol. 411:693–704, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sailing Toward Understanding Surface Currents

In the activities presented in this article, students mimic real scientists while constructing predictions and scientific explanations about surface currents. The activities are inspired by and couched within true scientific inquiries regarding the ocean and the North American Great Lakes. Students engage in a classroom inquiry and use map-reading skills in a relevant and interesting context. A fictional narrative geared toward upper-elementary students increases student engagement and can serve to integrate literacy. Surface currents also connect key elementary ideas from physical science, environmental science, Earth science, technology, and the nature of science. Students have fun while mastering ocean literacy fundamental concept 1c: "Throughout the ocean there is one interconnected circulation system powered by wind" (National Geographic et al. 2006).
Peroneal motor nerve crush injury and hyperbaric oxygen effect

The potential therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) after rat peroneal nerve crush was evaluated. Animals were given 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmosphere absolute for 90 minutes twice daily for 1 week and then once daily for 1 week. Edema increased in crushed nerves compared with control nerves, but no effect was associated with the administration of HBO. Gait analysis demonstrated injury at 1, 7, and 14 days after nerve crush, but no difference was found at 22 and 28 days after injury (analysis of variance : P<.001, 10 animals per group). Eight weeks after injury, nerve stimulation and muscle force measurements were 114 g for the injured group and 146 g for the control group (P<.001). There were no HBO-associated changes in gait parameter or nerve/muscle force measurements. This study demonstrated that rat peroneal nerve crush injury causes acute intraneural edema and temporary decrement of gait parameters. Elicited nerve stimulation demonstrated persistent loss of force 4 weeks after normalization of gait, but no HBO effect.
Interpretation of chemical shifts and coupling constants in macromolecules.

Abstract Recent developments in NMR spectroscopy, along with advances in computational techniques, have produced new approaches to the interpretation of chemical shifts and spin–spin coupling constants in biomolecules. Quantum chemical studies of useful accuracy are now becoming more routine and are increasingly being used in conjunction with experimental studies to map out expected structural patterns for peptides and oligonucleotides. Topics of recent special interest include spin couplings across hydrogen bonds and patterns of chemical shift anisotropies, in both diamagnetic and paramagnetic proteins.
Economic, Environmental and Energy Use Implications of Short-Season Cotton Production: Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley *

Quantities of insecticides used per acre by cotton producers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas are among the nation's highest. This is due to the presence of many different insect pests and especially to their increasing tolerance to insecticides. As insects become resistant to insecticides, farmers tend to increase the number of insecticide applications, further compounding the problem. Even using large amounts of insecticides, control of damaging insects has been unsatisfactory. Typically, a long-season cotton variety, requiring a 160 to 180 day season, is grown. Because the probability of rainfall is much greater in August than in July [4], most harvesting can be expected in August.
Isolation and characterization of lignin-degrading bacteria from rainforest soils.

The deconstruction of lignin to enhance the release of fermentable sugars from plant cell walls presents a challenge for biofuels production from lignocellulosic biomass. The discovery of novel lignin-degrading enzymes from bacteria could provide advantages over fungal enzymes in terms of their production and relative ease of protein engineering. In this study, 140 bacterial strains isolated from soils of a biodiversity-rich rainforest in Peru were screened based on their oxidative activity on ABTS, a laccase substrate. Strain C6 (Bacillus pumilus) and strain B7 (Bacillus atrophaeus) were selected for their high laccase activity and identified by 16S rDNA analysis. Strains B7 and C6 degraded fragments of Kraft lignin and the lignin model dimer guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether, the most abundant linkage in lignin. Finally, LC–MS analysis of incubations of strains B7 and C6 with poplar biomass in rich and minimal media revealed that a higher number of compounds were released in the minimal medium than in the rich one. These findings provide important evidence that bacterial enzymes can degrade and/or modify lignin and contribute to the release of fermentable sugars from lignocellulose. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1616–1626. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Emotions of Courage

A travers l'exemple du courage physique du soldat chez Aristote et du courage psychologique de l'alcoolique pour surmonter sa dependance, l'A. mesure le role de la peur et de la confiance dans le courage et la couardise. Examinant les multiples possibilites face a la perception du danger, de la valeur d'une cause, et de ses propres capacites, l'A. montre que le courage releve de l'interface entre la limite de notre confiance et la realite de la situation.