cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On combustion in a closed rectangular channel with initial vorticity

This article examines the detailed combustion process in a theoretical model with applicability to combustion in a wave rotor or wave disc engine. The model comprises a single channel into which an initial loading of methane and air is admitted and ignited after all inlet and exit ports have been closed. Combustion takes place at constant volume. However, the initial gaseous mixture in the channel is not at rest. The initial opening and closing of the ports generates significant vorticity which influences the evolution of the combustion process. Numerical evaluations are provided for the detailed flame shape for simplified (one-step) chemistry and a simulation using the detailed 235-step San Diego scheme. Quantities examined are the evolution of vorticity, pressure fluctuations, mass consumption rate, flame surface area and the influences on combustion of adiabatic and non-adiabatic channel walls. Combustion regimes are identified and compared with simpler model studies (no initial flow). Pointwise quanti...
Single crystal properties of [Cuen3]SO4: magnetic CD, optical intensity, and convenient method of following phase transition

Abstract A single crystal of (±)-[Cuen 3 ]SO 4 was studied by MCD and optically between 184° K and 274 ° K. The unique-axis spectra of this crystalline specimen and subsequent moment analysis show that there is (i) an apparent uniaxial ⇄ biaxial phase transition (ca. 180° K); (ii) C-term (C/D = 0.21 BM) behavior of the 16.0 kK band; (iii) vibronic optical intensity behavior of this band with v≅ = 200 cm −1 ; and (iv) the 8.5 kK band is a genuine electronic transition and not a vibrational overtone. It was also found that [Cuen 3 ] 2+ cannot be understood optically by assuming it to be of static D 3 symmetry; this infers that the effective symmetry for the electronic events is not D 3 . A qualitative perturbation model is suggested which accounts for available electronic structural data of [Cuen 3 ] 2+ in relation to [Cu(NO 2 ) 6 ] 4− and [Cubipy 3 ] 2+ .
Affect and embodied understanding in musical experience

This essay undertakes an autoethnographic excursion into the body to illuminate the power of affect as bodied forth in and as musical experience. My journey is guided by the assumption that to underplay the significance of the body in our efforts to account for the power of music does a great disservice to our knowledge of ourselves. Two questions spur the study. How might music and affect be profitably articulated across mind and body, across time and space? Limited as we are by language, what would it mean to describe the experience of music as an embodied practice? By attending to the embodied, performative practice of ethnography, I suggest openings for deeper and more multiperspectival narrative analyses that, in turn, allow for an articulation of music and bodies across lines of individual and social identity, across boundaries of culture and difference.
The BK channel: a vital link between cellular calcium and electrical signaling.

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels) constitute an key physiological link between cellular Ca2+ signaling and electrical signaling at the plasma membrane. Thus these channels are critical to the control of action potential firing and neurotransmitter release in several types of neurons, as well as the dynamic control of smooth muscle tone in resistance arteries, airway, and bladder. Recent advances in our understanding of K+ channel structure and function have led to new insight toward the molecular mechanisms of opening and closing (gating) of these channels. Here we will focus on mechanisms of BK channel gating by Ca2+, transmembrane voltage, and auxiliary subunit proteins.
A holistic, in-compression approach to video segmentation for independent motion detection

This paper develops a large scale surveillance video data unsupervised segmentation technique regarding whether there is a presence of independent motion. We propose a holistic, in-compression approach to efficient video segmentation. By efficient, we mean that the processing speed is close to or even faster than real-time in "normal" platforms (we do not assume using special hardware or any parallel machines) while still maintaining a good quality segmentation. Theoretical and experimental analyses demonstrate and validate the holistic, in-compression approach to solving for video segmentation problem for independent motion detection.
A new transponder architecture with on-chip ADC for long-range telemetry applications

We present a new architecture for wireless power and data telemetry that recovers power and a system clock from a weak incident RF signal. A high-efficiency RF-DC converter generates a 3-VDC supply for the system from a -12.3-dBm incident RF signal, gathered by a commercial 50-/spl Omega/ antenna. A system clock is extracted from the same incident signal, by an injection-locked LC oscillator. Sub-harmonic injection-locking facilitates the separation of the incident and the transmit signal frequencies, without need for a PLL. The proposed architecture is used in a long-range telemetry device, incorporating an on-chip ADC, and employing active telemetry for data transmission. Data is transmitted through binary phase-shift-keying of a 900-MHz carrier. The prototype, implemented in 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS, occupies less than 1 mm/sup 2/. A wireless operation range of more than 18 meters is indicated by anechoic chamber testing.
Evaluation of Floors and Item Gradients for Reading and Math Tests for Young Children

Ignoring the adequacy of floors and item gradients for tests used with young children can have serious consequences. Thus, because of the importance of early intervention for reading and math problems, we used the criteria suggested by Bracken for adequate floors and item gradients, and reviewed 15 reading tests and 12 math tests for ages 4-0 through 7-11. Results indicate that few of these tests have adequate floors at the age at which their norms begin. Although most of the reading tests have adequate item gradients, only 4 of the 12 math tests did not have item gradient problems. If test floors and item gradients are not considered, examiners risk misdiagnosing young children and drawing invalid conclusions for research and program evaluation, especially for low-performing children.
An approach for in situ studies of deep-sea amphipods and their microbial gut flora☆

Abstract A technique has been developed and field-tested for the trapping, feeding, and timed incubation of amphipods on the deep-sea floor. Data obtained from experiments using radiolabeled foodstuffs indicate that shifts within the labeled fractions of the major biological polymers make it possible to distinguish between the metabolism of the amphipods and that of their intestinal microflora.
Rapid clonal growth measurements at the single-cell level : gel microdroplets and flow cytometry

We describe a new, general method for rapidly measuring clonal growth of large numbers of individual members of a cell population. This method is based on microculture of individual colony-forming units in gel microdrops (GMDs; here aga-rose; 20 to 90μ in diameter), which are sufficiently robust to be handled much like cells, and diffusionally transparent for molecules of interest. Flow cytometry provides rapid measurements of GMD-entrapped microcolonies, and permits sub-population analysis. Here the method is demonstrated with mammalian, fungal and bacterial species. Additional results illustrate rapid determination of a drug-resistant subpopulation in a mixed species sample, and nutrient sensitivity for a murine hybridoma.
Diuretic and antifeedant actions byManduca sexta diuretic hormone in lepidopteran larvae

Neuroendocrine disruption of water balance in insect larvae was evaluated as the basis for a new approach to pest insect control. Effects on water balance and food consumption were measured for larvae ofHeliothis virescens (cotton budworm) treated with syntheticManduca sexta diuretic neurohormone (MasDH). Synthetic MasDH (50–250 nM) caused dose-dependent increases in fluid secretion by larval Malpighian tubules in vitro; higher concentrations resulted in lower fluid secretion. Last instar larvae injected with 20–100 pmol MasDH exhibited increasing weight loss. Larvae injected with 500 pmol MasDH dramatically reduced both water excretion and food consumption by 70%. These latter results indicate that high titers of diuretic hormone can suppress feeding damage by larval insects by depressing water excretion and food consumption.
Religious Thought as Manifested in the Musical Content of George Harrison's Brainwashed

In an article published in this journal in 2004, Michael Gilmour studied George Harrison’s Brainwashed but left the album’s music unexplored. This article builds on Gilmour’s work by focusing on three of the album’s tracks and analyzing their harmonic and melodic structures. This examination reveals musical parallels to the religious themes of the album, strengthening Gilmour’s conclusion that Harrison was inspired by the Bhagavad Gita . In addition, the analysis illuminates aspects of Harrison’s personal spiritual beliefs. Throughout, the article advocates an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for understanding the entirety of the album’s musical and religious content.
Generalized probabilistic approximations

Generalized probabilistic approximations, defined using both rough set theory and probability theory, are studied using an approximation space (U, R), where R is an arbitrary binary relation. Generalized probabilistic approximations are applicable in mining inconsistent data (data with conflicting cases) and data with missing attribute values.
The Impact of Medicare Funding on the Use of Mammography among Older Women: Implications for Improving Access to Screening

Abstract Background. In 1991, a policy change extended finan cial coverage for biennial mammography to holders of Medicare part B. The impact of this decision on mammography use was examined by comparing mammography use among Medicare-eligible and ineligible women in the years before (1990) and after (1993) the policy change, using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data, controlling for socioeconomic indicators and for having a usual source of medical care. Methods. The Medicare-eligible group consists of 2,419 women ages 65–69 years and women ages 60–64 years who are Medicare-eligible. The Medicare-ineligible group consists of 1,872 women ages 60–64 years. The analysis used logistic regressions and compared women who had undergone mammography in the prior 2 years and controlled for race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, insurance status, and usual source of care. Results. Medicare reimbursement of mammography appears to have increased the number of Medicare-eligible women who had had a mammogram in the 2 years prior to the survey. However, the analyses suggested that disparities in mammography use due to access to primary care and socioeconomic status persisted after the change in Medicare coverage. Analyses indicated that having additional insurance was the only significant predictor of having a usual source of care among the Medicare population. Conclusions. This analysis suggests that simply removing financial barriers to mammography for older women (such as the 1998 elimination of a deductible payment for mammograms provided under Medicare) may have limited effectiveness. The strong relationship between having a usual source of care and mammography suggests that disparities in mammography use may reflect inequalities in access to health care in general.
Increased sulfate uptake by E. coli overexpressing the SLC26-related SulP protein Rv1739c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Growth and virulence of mycobacteria requires sulfur uptake. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome contains, in addition to the ABC sulfate permease cysTWA, three SLC26-related SulP genes of unknown function. We report that induction of Rv1739c expression in E. coli increased bacterial uptake of sulfate, but not Cl−, formate, or oxalate. Uptake was time-dependent, maximal at pH 6.0, and exhibited a K1/2 for sulfate of 4.0 μM. Na+-independent sulfate uptake was not reduced by bicarbonate, nitrate, or phosphate, but was inhibited by sulfite, selenate, thiosulfate, N-ethylmaleimide and carbonyl cyanide 3-chloro-phenylhydrazone. Sulfate uptake was also increased by overexpression of the Rv1739c transmembrane domain, but not of the cytoplasmic C-terminal STAS domain. Mutation to serine of the three cysteine residues of Rv1739c did not affect magnitude, pH-dependence, or pharmacology of sulfate uptake. Expression of Rv1739c in a M. bovis BCG strain lacking the ABC sulfate permease subunit CysA could not complement sulfate auxotrophy. Moreover, inducible expression of Rv1739c in an E. coli strain lacking CysA did not increase sulfate uptake by intact cells. Our data show that facilitation of bacterial sulfate uptake by Rv1739c requires CysA and its associated sulfate permease activity, and suggest that Rv1739c may be a CysTWA-dependent sulfate transporter.
Two distinct classes of keratin genes and their evolutionary significance

Bacterial plasmids containing cDNA sequences specific for keratins were constructed from mRNA of cultured human epidermal cells. Two separate classes of cloned cDNAs were identified by positive hybrid selection: one class removed from total human epidermal mRNA a fraction that was translated into 56 and 58 kilodalton (kd) keratins, and the other class selected mRNAs that translated into a mixture of 50 kd and 46 kd keratins. When probes specific for these two keratin classes were hybridized with human DNA digested with a restriction endonuclease that does not cleave within the probe, two distinct patterns of about ten fragments each were observed. Most of the hybridizing genomic fragments corresponded to complete cDNA sequences, and it is estimated that each of the two classes is encoded by about 10 genes. When the probes were hybridized with DNA from different species, all vertebrates were found to contain discrete sequences homologous to both human keratin probes. Within each vertebrate species, the two probes always hybridized with approximately equal intensities to nonoverlapping sets of genomic sequences, suggesting a coordinate evolution between the two subfamilies of keratin genes. This finding has important functional implications for keratin filament assembly.
Matrix-isolation spectra of 18O-substituted trifluoroacetic acid monomers and vibrational assignments for related CF3-containing molecules

Abstract Infrared spectra have been obtained for 18 O and D isotopically enriched trifluoroacetic acid monomers isolated in argon matrices. The 18 O isotope effect is particularly clear for the nominal COH angle bending vibration. The new data are combined with literature results on several related CF 3 -containing molecules to present a self-consistent compilation of vibrational assignments for the entire group. The basic molecules are CF 3 COOH, (CF 3 CO) 2 O, CF 3 CHO, CF 3 CFO, CF 3 CClO and CF 3 COSH.
Thermal sensitivity and resistance of insulin-receptor binding

Abstract Membrane proteins may be key targets in thermal cell killing. In the present study, insulin binding to cellular receptors has been used as a probe for membrane protein behavior after heat shock (42–45°C). Heating and binding studies were carried out on monolayers of HA-1 Chinese hamster ovary cells. Binding was unaffected by temperatures below 43°C, but above this temperature (43–45°C) it was inhibited in a time-temperature dependent manner. The kinetics of inhibition of insulin binding were similar to those for cell inactivation. Scatchard analysis indicated a decrease in receptor number rather than affinity for insulin in heated cells. In cells made resistant to further heat treatment (thermotolerant cells) by a mild pretreatment dose of hyperthermia (45°C/10 min) insulin binding was also made heat resistant. Heating appeared to act directly on the insulin receptor rather than indirectly on subsequent energy dependent processes such as internalization. The data thus indicate that the fate of at least one membrane protein is closely tied up with the ultimate destiny of the cell per se after heating.
Community structure of mussel beds at deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Definition of biogeographic provinces, patterns of species distributions on local and regional scales, species richness, and relative abundances are all basic ecological measures, yet they are largely unknown for deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Without an appreciation of biogeographic and biodiversity patterns, it is difficult to understand the evolutionary and ecological processes that underlie species distributions. To begin to address these issues, species composition, species richness, diversity, abundance, and recruitment patterns were studied within mussel beds at 3 remote hydrothermal fields on the southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR). Two closely spaced fields (within 1 km) were hydrothermally active and shared the most abundant taxa. The mussel bed com- munities at these fields could be differentiated primarily by the relative abundances of species rather than by species composition. A third field was in a waning stage of hydrothermal activity. Productiv- ity, biomass, and abundance of invertebrates associated with mussel beds at this third field were low, and the species list was a small subset of that found at the active fields, subsidized by several non- vent deep-sea taxa. Based on abundances of smallest size classes, recruitment of mussels and of sev- eral other dominant invertebrate species was high at the active sites. At the waning vent field, no recruitment was observed, except within the population of ophiuroids. Most of the species found within the SEPR mussel beds belong to species previously described from vent sites north of the equator, indicating that there is a single hydrothermal biogeographic province extending along the East Pacific Rise for more than 30 degrees of latitude. There were no shared species between SEPR mussel beds and a Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) vent mussel bed and species richness was more than twice as high at the active SEPR mussel beds than at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge mussel beds. As biogeographic provinces are defined and robust measures of species diversity accumulate for vent habitats on the East Pacific Rise and Mid-Atlantic Ridge, vent ecologists will be able to place the biogeography and biodiversity of vent faunas within the context of the regional and global bio- geographic and diversity patterns observed in terrestrial and other marine ecosystems.
Perturbation of doubly periodic solution branches with applications to the Cahn-Hilliard equation

Abstract In this paper we prove the existence of doubly periodic solutions of certain nonlinear elliptic problems on R 2 and study the geometry of their nodal domains. In particular, we will show that if we perturb a nonlinear elliptic equation exhibiting a small amplitude doubly periodic solution whose nodal domains form a checkerboard pattern, then the perturbed equation will have a unique nearby solution which is still doubly periodic, but for which the nodal line structure breaks up. Moreover, we indicate what can happen if we start with a large amplitude doubly periodic solution whose nodal domains form a checkerboard pattern, and we relate these solutions to the Cahn-Hilliard equation and spinodal decomposition.
Morphogenesis of median facial clefts in mice treated with diazo‐oxo‐norleucine (DON)

The morphogenesis of median facial clefts induced in mice by treatment with diazo-oxo-norleucine (DON) was studied. Following maternal treatment with 0.4 mg/kg DON on the 11th gestational day, 23.1% of fetuses recovered at the 18th day exhibited median facial clefts, which were characterized by a separation in the midline of normal midfacial components, i.e., the premaxilla, nasal bones, and nasal capsule. Malformed embryos could first be identified grossly 24 hr after DON administration by the presence of an abnormally wide separation between the two narrowed medial nasal processes. Evidence of cellular degeneration was observed in the mesenchyme of the nasal processes of DON-treated embryos 8 and 12 hr after treatment, but little or no pyknotic debris remained at 24 hr post-injection. Loss of cells due to cell death was reflected in decreased cell density observed in all areas of facial mesenchyme examined 24 hr after DON administration. It is suggested that DON-induced median facial clefts may be caused by a reduction in tissue volume, particularly in the midline, or by an interference with normal facial growth resulting in increased facial width and consequent failure of merging of the medial nasal processes.
Six-DOF vibrations of partial contact sliders in hard disk drives

A six-degree-of-freedom slider dynamic simulator is developed to analyze the slider’s motion in the vertical, pitch, roll, yaw, length and width directions. The modified time-dependent Reynolds equation is used to model the air bearing and a new second order slip model is used for a bounded contact air bearing pressure. The simulator considers the air bearing shear acting on the air bearing surface and the slider–disk contact and adhesion. Simulation results are analyzed for the effects of the disk surface micro-waviness and roughness, skew angle, slider–disk friction and micro-trailing pad width on the vertical bouncing, down-track and off-track vibrations of a micro-trailing pad partial contact slider.
Trajectory design for a Mars Rover/Sample Return mission

This paper discusses two of the orbit design problems faced in the design of a Mars Rover/Sample Return mission, which is currently being studied at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The first is the problem of interplanetary transfer - what is the best trajectory for getting equipment to Mars and a sample back. Several kinds of trajectories are examined before the conclusion is made that straightforward direct transfers are best. The second orbit design problem is what kind of orbit around Mars is best for making high-resolution maps of sites where the rover could land and gather samples, and how can the same orbiter be used as a relay between a rover on Mars and ground stations on Earth. This question is examined in the context of alternate mission options being considered, and the answer depends on the requirements of the particular mission option.
The dynamic behavior of soft gamma repeaters

Abstract Soft gamma repeaters (SGRs) undergo changes in their pulse properties and persistent emission during episodes of intense burst activity. Both SGR 1900+14 and SGR 1806-20 have shown significant changes in their spin-down rates during the last several years, yet the bulk of this variability is not correlated with burst activity. SGR 1900+14 has undergone large changes in flux and a dramatic pulse profile change following burst activity in 1998. The flux level of SGR 1627-41 has been decreasing since its only recorded burst activity. Here, we review the global properties of SGRs as well as the observed dynamics of the pulsed and persistent emission properties of SGR 1900+14, SGR 1806-20 and SGR 1627-41 during and following burst active episodes and discuss what implications these results have for the burst emission mechanism, the magnetic field dynamics of magnetars, the nature of the torque variability, and SGRs in general.
The 5Åresolution structure of an abortive ternary complex of lactate dehydrogenase and its comparison with the apo-enzyme

Abstract A low resolution (5.0A) three-dimensional electron density map of the abortive ternary complex of dogfish muscle (M4) lactate dehydrogenase, NAD and pyruvate has been calculated. The tetramer of the abortive ternary complex, like that of the apo-enzyme, has 222 symmetry. The two crystal structures, however, show totally different packing of tetramers. The major sites of heavy atom substitution correspond with some of the apo-enzyme sites. The main-chain conformation of lactate dehydrogenase in the abortive ternary complex is very similar to that of the apo-enzyme except for one part of the chain close to the coenzyme binding site. This piece of chain, which stands out in the form of a closed loop in the apo-enzyme, folds down over the active site cavity in the ternary complex. The residues at the very top of this loop move by as much as 12Atowards the active center cavity. The coenzyme molecule in the ternary complex is observed in the same position as it was found by diffusion of NAD into apo-enzyme crystals.
Superiority of incremental trauma approach in experimental burst fracture studies.

Abstract Objective . To compare the incremental and single trauma approaches in experimental spinal trauma production. Design . An in vitro study to produce experimental burst fractures in human spine specimens. Background . Experimental burst fractures have been produced by researchers for various purposes using two approaches: single and incremental traumas. Both the experimental trauma approaches use drop weight technique. There have been no studies to compare these two markedly different methods. Showing clear advantages of one approach over the other may significantly affect the design of future experimental trauma studies, not only of the spine. Methods . Using human spine specimens and drop weight technique, burst fractures of varying degrees of severity (defined by canal encroachment) were produced. Impact energies needed for the initial burst fracture and for the progression of the injury, i.e. increased canal encroachment, were studied using regression analyses. Results . Poor correlation was found between the impact energy and the canal encroachment of the initial burst fracture ( R 2 =0.27). A much higher correlation was found when the initial burst fracture points (energy-encroachment) were initialized to zero values and only the progression of the injury was studied ( R 2 =0.84, p Conclusions . Incremental trauma approach was found to be superior to the single trauma approach, in producing a burst fracture with the desired canal encroachment in the human spine specimens, in spite of their inherent variability in size and strength of human vertebrae. Relevance The design of experimental traumas studies will benefit from the results of the present comparative evaluation of single and incremental trauma approaches. The quality of the experiment may be significantly improved.
Explaining regional economic policies in China: interest groups, institutions, and identities

Abstract What explains variation in investment climates across China’s provinces and urban autonomous regions? Three main explanations are considered: variation in the character and size of economic interest groups, in central government policies, and in pre-communist provincial identities and traditions. There is statistical and anecdotal support for the interest group and provincial identity factors. On the other hand, there is little evidence that variation in central government policy has had much effect. Future work should refine statistical tests and case studies to better understand the joint influence of interest group pressures and provincial identities.
The identity of Aspidophora Montagne (delesseriaceae, rhodophyta)

The original collection of Aspidophora gaudichaudii Montagne was located in the Herbarium of the Laboratoire de Cryptogamie, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (PC), and examined. An earlier report that the peltate, shield-like structures scattered over the lower surface of the blade surface were merely multicellular peglike rhizoidal attachments and not cystocarps was confirmed. The even earlier described Aglaophyllum peltatum Montagne has been found to be the same as Aspidophora gaudichaudii. Morphological evidence points to the identity of both Aspidophora gaudichaudii and Aglaophyllum peltatum with Cryptopleura corallinarum (Nott) Gardner. Because the name Aglaophyllum peltatum has priority, the binomial Cryptopleura peltata (Montagne) M. J. Wynne comb. nov. is proposed.
Effect of the Washington Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on Pregnancy Outcomes

We determined the effect of the Washington State Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on adverse pregnancy outcomes. We used a record-linkage retrospective cohort design. We matched records of eligible women who enrolled in Washington WIC from 9/1/1999-12/31/2000 to records of their subsequent birth/fetal death from the Washington State Department of Health to determine their pregnancy outcome between 9/1/1999-10/15/2001 (N = 42,495). We selected comparison women from birth/fetal death records who were WIC-eligible but not on WIC (N = 30,751). We used unconditional logistic regression for analysis. WIC was protective for preterm delivery depending on history of abortion and adequacy of prenatal care, being most protective for women with abortion and inadequate prenatal care (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.3–0.5). WIC was protective for low birth weight depending on women’s cervical health, with most protection conferred to those with incompetent cervix (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1–0.6). WIC was protective for fetal death depending on women’s education, being most protective to those with <12 years of education (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1–0.3). WIC is protective for adverse pregnancy outcomes especially for high risk women.
Volatile flavor components of rice cakes.

Volatiles were obtained from commercially prepared and laboratory-prepared rice cakes using high-flow dynamic headspace isolation with Tenax trapping. Analysis was carried out by capillary GC/MS. More than 60 compounds were identified. Major volatiles included 1-hydroxy-2-propanone, furfuryl alcohol, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-methylpyrazine, pyrazine, hexanal, furfural, pentanol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin), and ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine. Although not ideally applicable to a dry product, concentration/threshold ratios indicated that the compounds with a high probability of contributing to the aroma and flavor included 3-methylbutanal, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 4-vinylguaiacol, hexanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-methylbutanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, 1-octen-3-ol, and 1-octen-3-one. Keywords: Rice cakes; volatiles; flavor; aroma; identification; concentrations; concentration/threshold ratios
Nanomechanical Characterization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Nanomechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) reinforced epoxy composites with varying weight percentage (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) of nanotubes were measured by nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques. Hardness and elastic modulus were measured using a nanoindenter. Scratch resistance and scratch damage were studied using the AFM tip sliding against the SWNT reinforced sample surfaces. Nanoindentation/nanoscratch deformation and fracture behaviour was studied by in situ imaging of the indentation impressions/scratch tracks. Viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposites were measured using nanoindentation dynamic mechanical analysis tests. The reinforcing mechanisms are discussed with reference to the nanotube dispersion, interfacial bonding, and load transfer in the SWNT reinforced polymer composites.
Modeling the effect of mulch optical properties and mulch-soil contact resistance on soil heating under plastic mulch culture

Abstract A numerical model was developed to simulate the effect of plastic mulches on the field energy balance and soil temperature regime. Newton-Raphson methods were used to solve the energy balances of the soil and mulch simultaneously. The resultant temperature of the soil surface was used as a boundary condition for an implicit finite difference model of soil heat flow. The model contained a detailed radiation section to account for mulch optical properties in shortwave and longwave bands. Heat transfer between the mulch and soil surface was modeled using a thermal contact resistance, and transport in the boundary layer was quantified using flux profile theory. The effect of evaporation and condensation on the underside of the mulch was not considered. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing simulated soil temperatures with field data collected under five commercially available mulches. Simulated average daily temperatures were within ±1.3°C of the observed values and root mean square errors were less than 2.5°C in all cases. The model showed that mulch optical properties strongly influenced the way energy was partitioned at the surface. Complete characterization of the mulches in the longwave spectrum was required for realistic simulation. Changing longwave reflectance by only 0.3, for example, caused maximum soil temperature to change by 5°C under some mulches. Thermal contact resistance between the mulch and soil affected temperatures by up to 20°C beneath mulches that strongly transmitted or absorbed radiation. However, contact resistance was not an important factor for mulches that had nearly equal shortwave transmittance and absorptance. Results demonstrate that a complex relationship exists between mulch optical properties and thermal contact resistance. Modification of mulch longwave properties during manufacturing and control of thermal contact resistance during mulch installation appear to be two promising areas for research. An alternative numerical scheme was evaluated that utilized linear forms of the energy balance equations. The linearized model produced results almost identical to the original model, but required less computing time and could be adapted easily to simulate multiple mulch layers.
The effect of cold work on surface segregation of sulfur on oxygen-free high conductivity copper

Abstract An investigation of thermally enhanced sulfur segregation along wear tracks made on annealed oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper and on the surfaces of differently polished unannealed OFHC copper specimens was carried out. Sulfur diffusivity in the cold-worked regions of the specimens was 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than the rate of diffusion in annealed, undeformed regions. Sulfur surface segregation was rapid at low annealing temperatures because of high densities of dislocations in the plastically deformed regions. Dips in the enhanced diffusivities at several annealing temperatures were observed for almost all specimens. These dips were interpreted as being associated with various annealing stages of the cold worked samples. They were centered at approximately 330, 350 and 390 °C. The observed declines in diffusivity were attributed to the rearrangement of dislocations to lower diffusivity configurations and the reduction in dislocation density and grain boundary length as the specimens were annealed at progressively higher temperatures. Evidence of grain growth was obtained by transmission electron microscopy analysis of the polished specimens. X-ray diffraction traces indicated that annealing of samples with polished surfaces also resulted in a strong (100) preferred orientation.
Site-specific dephosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by protein phosphatase 2A: evidence for crosstalk between phosphorylation sites.

The endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of nitric oxide, a key mediator of vascular homeostasis. eNOS undergoes a variety of posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation on at least three residues: serines 116 and 1179 and threonine 497. Although the agonist-modulated protein kinase pathways that lead to eNOS phosphorylation have been studied in detail, the signaling pathways governing eNOS dephosphorylation remain less well characterized. The present study identifies protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a key determinant of eNOS dephosphorylation and enzyme activity. We transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) with epitope-tagged cDNAs encoding wild-type eNOS or a series of phosphorylation-deficient eNOS mutants, immunoprecipitated [32Pi] biosynthetically labeled recombinant proteins using antibodies directed against the epitope tag and treated the [32Pi]-phosphorylated eNOS with protein phosphatase...
Metallothionein synthesis and its induction mechanism: Correlation with metal ion electronic configurations and softness parameters

Abstract An examination of metallothionein induction by toxic metal ions reveals that induction is especially prominent by ions with the electronic configurations (n − 1)d8, (n − 1)d9, (n − 1)d10, and ns2(n − 1)d10. These electronic configurations are also those of both the ‘softest’ and many of the most toxic of the metal ions. The induction process for this protein appears to be one capable of sensing the electronic configurations of these species through the formation of a trans acting induction complex. The relative ability of toxic heavy metals to induce metallothionein is found to be correlated inversely with their softness parameters, σp. Examination of the acceptor properties of these inducing ions suggests that an SH or SeH group (soft base) is the critical reactant site for these ions, as these two species form stable bonds with ions that have such electronic configurations. The involvement of SH or SeH in the initial step of the induction process, i.e. as a component of the trans acting element, in a reaction with ions of such electronic configurations would provide the cell with an appropriate response to the presence of species capable of depleting its supply of glutathione, cysteine t-RNA, selenocysteine t-RNA and similar essential species containing SH or SeH. The enchancement of metal ion toxicity in states of selenium deficiency suggests that an SeH containing molecule participates in this step. Two general mechanisms, based on the reaction of inducing metals with selenocysteine t-RNA, are suggested for the initial step in the induction process. The problem of species which are expected on the basis of their electronic configurations to induced MT, but which have not yet been shown to do so is apparently connected with the attempt to use non-labile complexes or extensively hydrolyzed or insoluble compounds as the inducing species.
Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography Analysis of B-Scan Mode Geometry

A fluorescence diffuse optical tomography system capable of producing B-scan-type images of localized fluorescence regions is presented. The B-Scan mode is analogous to ultrasound where the excitation and remission signals are delivered from the tissue surface.
Learning Transferable Skills in Large Lecture Halls: Implementing a POGIL Approach in Biochemistry.

As research-based, active learning approaches become more common in biochemistry classrooms, the large lecture course remains the most challenging to transform. Here, we provide a case study demonstrating how process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) can be implemented in a large class taught in a traditional lecture hall. Course structure and multiple strategies to support student learning and encourage engagement are described in detail. Therefore, this case study could act as a model for others wishing to transform their own courses from lecture to a more student-centered format. Student feedback about the course format was overwhelmingly positive and preliminary assessment data demonstrated student learning gains in several important areas. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, 2012
Simulation of the variation and sensitivity of GaAs MESFET large signal figures-of-merit due to process, material, parasitic, and bias parameters

A simulator for calculating MESFET large-signal figures of merit and their sensitivities with respect to various device design, material and operational parameters has been developed. A study of an ion-implanted device with a 0.42- mu m gate length and 1.0-mm gate width is presented. The effects on maximum power-added efficiency, output power at the maximum power-added efficiency, and output power at 1-dB gain compression due to variation in implant peak doping density, implant range, implant straggle, gate length, gate width, and gate-drain breakdown voltage are presented. The data indicate that the device performance is most sensitive to changes in V/sub gdbd/ for values of V/sub gdbd/ less than 20 V. However, performance sensitivity goes to zero for V/sub gdbd/ greater than 20 V. RF performance is also sensitive to changes in the channel implant parameters. However, the simulated sensitivities are less than those for V/sub gdbd/. Over fairly broad ranges, device performance is less sensitive to changes in L/sub g/ and W/sub g/ but degrades rapidly at the extrema. >
Mobility of Pesticides and Their Hydrolysis Metabolites in Soil

The soil thin layer chromatography technique was employed to assess the mobility of 21 chemicals (6 insecticides, 4 herbicides, and 11 of their hydrolysis metabolites) in 6 different soils. The hydrolysis products of the four studied organophosphorus insecticides were significantly more mobile than their parent compounds, but the metabolites of carbamates, s triazines and phenoxy alkanoic acids were less mobile than their parent compounds. For the chemicals for which significant effects of soil variables were observed, greater levels of organic matter, clay, cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity (at one-third bar) lowered the mobility Soil pH significantly affected mobility of many of the chemicals studied, with increased mobility in soils with higher pH values. Both water solubility and octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) significantly correlated with the mobility of the chemicals studied, however, Kow was found to be the better predictor of mobility No direct relationship existed between the pKa of the chemicals and their mobility
Subcellular localization of a sporulation membrane protein is achieved through a network of interactions along and across the septum

During the process of spore formation in Bacillus subtilis many membrane proteins localize to the sporulation septum where they play key roles in morphogenesis and cell-cell signalling. However, the mechanism by which these proteins are anchored at this site is not understood. In this report we have defined the localization requirements for the mother-cell membrane protein SpoIVFA, which anchors a signalling complex in the septal membrane on the mother cell side. We have identified five proteins (SpoIID, SpoIIP, SpoIIM, BofA and SpoIIIAH) synthesized in the mother cell under the control of sigma(E) and one protein (SpoIIQ) synthesized in the forespore under the control of sigma(F) that are all required for the proper localization of SpoIVFA. Surprisingly, these proteins appear to have complementary and overlapping anchoring roles suggesting that SpoIVFA is localized in the septal membrane through a web of protein interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate a direct biochemical interaction between the extracellular domains of two of the proteins required to anchor SpoIVFA: the forespore protein SpoIIQ and the mother-cell protein SpoIIIAH. This result supports the idea that the web of interactions that anchors SpoIVFA is itself held in the septal membrane through a zipper-like interaction across the sporulation septum. Importantly, our results suggest that a second mechanism independent of forespore proteins participates in anchoring SpoIVFA. Finally, we show that the dynamic localization of SpoIIQ in the forespore is impaired in the absence of SpoIVFA but not SpoIIIAH. Thus, a complex web of interactions among mother cell and forespore proteins is responsible for static and dynamic protein localization in both compartments of the sporangium. We envision that this proposed network is involved in anchoring other sporulation proteins in the septum and that protein networks with overlapping anchoring capacity is a feature of protein localization in all bacteria.
Carbon density in managed coast redwood stands: implications for forest carbon estimation

Summary Carbon sequestration and wood volume production will be major objectives of future forestry projects. Optimization of these two objectives will require a better understanding of how management regimes affect stand average wood density and carbon fraction. Two contrasting coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) sites were chosen for analysis of volume growth rates and tree stem carbon sequestration rates under two management systems—even-aged and multiaged—each with various treatments. A young plantation showed high volume increment and stem carbon sequestration rates in all treatments with the highest in the control plots. Control plots in the plantation had peak periodic volume increment of 75.6 m 3 ha 21 year 21 and a maximum stem carbon sequestration rate of 16.08 tonnes C ha 21 year 21 . The multiaged stand in contrast had the lowest volume and carbon increment in the control plots at 11.97 m 3 ha 21 year 21 and 2.40 tonnes C ha 21 year 21 , respectively. In both the management systems, significant differences were observed in the carbon fraction (mass carbon per unit mass dry wood) of heartwood (HW) and sapwood (SW) at 0.5385 and 0.5293, respectively, implying that increasing the ratio of HW to SW will result in higher average carbon fractions. Carbon density varied between management regimes with the highest values occurring in the multiaged stand indicating the potential for enhancement of carbon sequestration through silvicultural prescriptions. Utilization of standard carbon accounting practices resulted in a systematic underestimate of stand-level carbon stocks for both systems studied of 26 per cent in the even-aged stand and 27 per cent in the multiaged stand.
Collagen and the proliferation and differentiation of rat ventral prostate epithelial cells.

The purpose of this study was to determine ifa cause-and-effectrelationship exists between androgen-induced changes in collagen and epithelial cell proliferation and/or differentiation in rat ventral prostate. Analyses of the temporal relationship between dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced changes in the synthesis and levels of collagen in the regressed ventral prostates of adult castrates demonstrated that, during the first 7 days of restoration of prostatic growth, androgen increased the synthesis as well as the degradation of collagen. Cis-hydroxyproline (CHP) treatment (2-200 mg/kg) during the first 7 days of androgen-stimulated prostatic growth, combined with maintenance of animals on a proline-free diet, produced a dose-dependent reduction in prostate weight and DNA content to a maximum of 50%. The epitheliwn was characterized by numerous disorganized layers of irregularly shaped and tightly packed cells, many of which had no contact with the basal lamina. There was a lossof epithelial lamina lucida and the development of a ragged lamina densa. Cis-hydroxyproline effects were reversible in that, following cessation of CHP treatment, the perturbed morphology, DNA content, and organ weight returned to the range of DHT-treated controls. Collagenous components seem to be important in supporting the normal androgen-dependent proliferation and differentiation of prostatic epithelial cells.
Energy-Efficient Encoding for High-Performance Buses with Staggered Repeaters

High-performance buses often use staggered repeaters to mitigate the adverse impact on latency of worst-case capacitive crosstalk between adjacent wires by exploiting the data-dependent nature of crosstalk. An undesirable side effect of staggered repeaters is that they may increase the overall energy of a bus carrying highly correlated traffic associated with real-world benchmarks. In this paper, we introduce an energy model for a staggered-repeater bus (SRB)configuration and propose a low-power dynamic encoding scheme that yields average bus energy reductions for an SRB in excess of 28% and 26% for data and instruction traffic, respectively, for SPEC CPU2k benchmarks.