cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal liquefaction of pinewood (Pinus ponderosa) for H2, biocrude and bio-oil generation

Abstract This study reports hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of pinewood at 200–275 °C for H2, biocrude and bio-oil production in presence of a nitrate salt catalyst: Ni(NO3)2, Ca(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2 and Fe(NO3)3. Among these catalysts, Ni(NO3)2 showed higher selectivity towards H2 and biocrude generation. To generate H2 and biocrude, a slurry of pinewood was prepared with different biomass to solvent (B:S) ratios of 1:10, 1:30, and 1:75 and loaded in the SS316 PARR reactor and heated to different temperatures. While the reaction was in progress, gas samples were withdrawn and analyzed using GC equipped with Chrompack capillary column and thermal conductivity detector. The analysis of product gas revealed the presence of H2, CO2, CO and CH4. The liquid samples collected during the reaction were centrifuged to separate residue and analyzed using TOC analyzer, HPLC and GC–MS. Among different homogeneous catalysts used, Ni(NO3)2 yielded 12.26 mol% H2 at 275 °C and a maximum biocrude of 55 wt% at 250 °C using 200 psi N2 partial pressure. The biocrude was found to contain sugars, C1-C3 carboxylic acids such as lactic, propionic, acetic and formic, HMF/furfural and other oxygenated compounds, which were thoroughly analyzed by GC–MS. Among different C1-C3 acids, lactic acid was observed in the major amount of 83.92 wt% using B:S of 1:75 at 250 °C. The biocrude obtained was further processed to recover light bio-oil (LBO), heavy bio-oil (HBO) and residue which were found to have higher heating value (HHV) as compared with original pinewood.
The Distal Carboxy Tail (DCT) of CaV1.4 Modulates More than Ca2+/CaM-Dependent Inactivation (CDI)

CaV1.4 L-type Ca2+ channels populate retinal ribbon synapses, and mediate tonic neurotransmitter release. Mutations in the CACNA1F gene encoding CaV1.4 are implicated in congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB2). The K1591X CSNB2 mutation yields a premature stop that deletes the DCT of CaV1.4. Interestingly, the DCT contains a module that competes with Ca2+-free calmodulin (apoCaM) for binding at the IQ-domain of CaV1.4, thereby tuning channel affinity for apoCaM (Nature 463:968). Since only channels ‘charged’ with apoCaM exhibit Ca2+/CaM-mediated inactivation (CDI), wildtype CaV1.4 channels exhibit little or no CDI, while deleting the DCT yields a resurgence of CDI. The latter effect in K1591X channels has suggested that pathogenesis involves abnormally diminished Ca2+ influx with resulting impairment of photoreceptor signaling. Here, however, we observe a dramatic and unrecognized effect of DCT deletion. Single-channel recordings indicate that wild-type CaV1.4 feature diminutive open probability Po (A. Top, exemplar single-channel trace during voltage ramp. Bottom, Po-V relation averaged over multiple patches). By contrast, K1591X channels exhibit strikingly enhanced Po (B). Hence, this form of CSNB2 likely involves an unexpected Ca2+ overload phenomenon, raising the possibility of therapeutics involving CaV1.4 channel blockade.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Telomeres act autonomously in maize to organize the meiotic bouquet from a semipolarized chromosome orientation

During meiosis, chromosomes undergo large-scale reorganization to allow pairing between homologues, which is necessary for recombination and segregation. In many organisms, pairing of homologous chromosomes is accompanied, and possibly facilitated, by the bouquet, the clustering of telomeres in a small region of the nuclear periphery. Taking advantage of the cytological accessibility of meiosis in maize, we have characterized the organization of centromeres and telomeres throughout meiotic prophase. Our results demonstrate that meiotic centromeres are polarized prior to the bouquet stage, but that this polarization does not contribute to bouquet formation. By examining telocentric and ring chromosomes, we have tested the cis-acting requirements for participation in the bouquet. We find that: (a) the healed ends of broken chromosomes, which contain telomere repeats, can enter the bouquet; (b) ring chromosomes enter the bouquet, indicating that terminal position on a chromosome is not necessary for telomere sequences to localize to the bouquet; and (c) beginning at zygotene, the behavior of telomeres is dominant over any centromere-mediated chromosome behavior. The results of this study indicate that specific chromosome regions are acted upon to determine the organization of meiotic chromosomes, enabling the bouquet to form despite large-scale changes in chromosome architecture.
Beta-adrenergic modulation of K+ current in human T lymphocytes.

The whole-cell voltage-clamp technique was employed to study the β-adrenergic modulation of voltage-gated K+ currents in CD8+ human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The β-receptor agonist, isoproterenol, decreased the peak current amplitude and increased the rate of inactivation of the delayed rectifier K+ current. In addition, isoproterenol decreased the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve to the left. Isoproterenol, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the steady-state parameters of current activation. The isoproterenol-induced decrease in peak current amplitude was inhibited by the β-blocker propranolol. Bath application of dibutyryl cAMP (1mm) mimicked the effects of isoproterenol on both K+ current amplitude and time course of inactivation. Furthermore, the reduction in the peak current amplitude in response to isoproterenol was attenuated when PKI5–24 (2–5 μm), a synthetic peptide inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, was present in the pipette solution. The increase in the rate of inactivation of the K+ currents in response to isoproterenol was mimicked by the internal application of GTP-γ-S (300 μm) and by exposure of the cell to cholera toxin (1 μg/ml), suggesting the involvement of a G protein. These results demonstrate that the voltage-dependent K+ conductance in T lymphocytes can be modulated by β-adrenergic stimulation. The effects of β-agonists, i.e., isoproterenol, appear to be receptor mediated and could involve cAMP-dependent protein kinase as well as G proteins. Since inhibition of the delayed rectifier K+ current has been found to decrease the proliferative response in T lymphocytes, the β-adrenergic modulation of K+ current may well serve as a feedback control mechanism limiting the extent of cellular proliferation.
More on the Difference Equation y n + 1 = ( p + y n −1 )/( qy n + y n −1 )

From previous studies of the equation in the title with positive parameters p and q and positive initial conditions we know that if q h 4 p + 1 then the equilibrium is a global attractor. We also know that if q > 4 p + 1 then every solution eventually enters and remains in the interval [ p / q , 1]. In this strip there exists a "unique" prime period two solution that is locally asymptotically stable. In this paper, we provide more insight as to the behavior of solutions of the equation in the title in the strip [ p / q , 1], where a one-dimensional stable manifold lives.
Photoionization cross sections for reaction intermediates in hydrocarbon combustion

Abstract Previously unmeasured absolute photoionization cross sections are presented for eight common reaction intermediates found in the combustion of many simple hydrocarbons. Total photoionization cross sections recorded for 11 additional hydrocarbons are in good agreement with previous studies. The measurements are performed with photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS), using VUV synchrotron radiation. Absolute cross sections for molecular and dissociative photoionization are determined by comparison of the photoionization efficiencies for each intermediate with that of propene, used as a calibration standard, for photon energies from 9.7 to 11.75 eV, recorded with a photon energy resolution of 50 meV(fwhm).
Identification of DVA Interneuron Regulatory Sequences in Caenorhabditis elegans

Background: The identity of each neuron is determined by the expression of a distinct group of genes comprising its terminal gene battery. The regulatory sequences that control the expression of such terminal gene batteries in individual neurons is largely unknown. The existence of a complete genome sequence for C. elegans and draft genomes of other nematodes let us use comparative genomics to identify regulatory sequences directing expression in the DVA interneuron. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using phylogenetic comparisons of multiple Caenorhabditis species, we identified conserved non-coding sequences in 3 of 10 genes (fax-1, nmr-1, and twk-16) that direct expression of reporter transgenes in DVA and other neurons. The conserved region and flanking sequences in an 85-bp intronic region of the twk-16 gene directs highly restricted expression in DVA. Mutagenesis of this 85 bp region shows that it has at least four regions. The central 53 bp region contains a 29 bp region that represses expression and a 24 bp region that drives broad neuronal expression. Two short flanking regions restrict expression of the twk-16 gene to DVA. A shared GA-rich motif was identified in three of these genes but had opposite effects on expression when mutated in the nmr-1 and twk-16 DVA regulatory elements. Conclusions/Significance: We identified by multi-species conservation regulatory regions within three genes that direct expression in the DVA neuron. We identified four contiguous regions of sequence of the twk-16 gene enhancer with positive and negative effects on expression, which combined to restrict expression to the DVA neuron. For this neuron a single binding site may thus not achieve sufficient specificity for cell specific expression. One of the positive elements, an 8-bp sequence required for expression was identified in silico by sequence comparisons of seven nematode species, demonstrating the potential resolution of expanded multi-species phylogenetic comparisons.
Origin of Stem Cells in Organogenesis

The development of individual organs in animal embryos involves the formation of tissue-specific stem cells that sustain cell renewal of their own tissue for the lifetime of the organism. Although details of their origin are not always known, tissue-specific stem cells usually share the expression of key transcription factors with cells of the embryonic rudiment from which they arise, and are probably in a similar developmental state. On the other hand, the isolation of pluripotent stem cells from the postnatal organism has encouraged the formulation of models of embryonic and postnatal development that are at variance with the conventional ones. Possible explanations for the existence of such cells, and the issue of whether they also exist in vivo, are discussed.
On the nonlinearity effects on malicious data attack on power system

There has been a growing literature on the malicious data attack (or data injection attack) on power systems. Most existing work focuses on the DC (linear) model with linear state estimators. This paper examines the effects of nonlinearity in the power systems on the effectiveness of malicious data attack on state estimation and real-time market. It is demonstrated that attack algorithms designed for the DC model may not be effective when they are applied to nonlinear system with nonlinear state estimators. Discussion and experiments results about nonlinearity are provided.
Isolation and characterization of SpTRK, a gene from schizosaccharomyces pombe predicted to encode a K+ transporter protein

Abstract A novel gene, SpTRK, has been isolated from DNA of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sp) by hybridization to an oligodeoxyribonucleotide (oligo) probe designed from a sequence fully conserved between the potassium transporter genes TRKI and TRK2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). SpTRK is a single-copy gene located on Sp chromosome I. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned gene identified an open reading frame (ORF) with coding capacity for a protein of 833 amino acids (aa). The predicted SpTRK aa sequence showed a high level of conservation relative to the potassium transporters of Sc and Saccharomyces uvarum (Su), particularly within their transmembrane (TM) domains and in aa required for their ion transport functions. A single SpTRK transcript of about 2.7 kb is expressed at high levels in exponentially growing Sp cells, but it is downregulated in cells from stationary cultures.
Crystal structure of the conserved herpesvirus fusion regulator complex gH-gL

Herpesviruses, which cause many incurable diseases, infect cells by fusing viral and cellular membranes. Whereas most other enveloped viruses use a single viral catalyst called a fusogen, herpesviruses, inexplicably, require two conserved fusion-machinery components, gB and the heterodimer gH-gL, plus other nonconserved components. gB is a class III viral fusogen, but unlike other members of its class, it does not function alone. We determined the crystal structure of the gH ectodomain bound to gL from herpes simplex virus 2. gH-gL is an unusually tight complex with a unique architecture that, unexpectedly, does not resemble any known viral fusogen. Instead, we propose that gH-gL activates gB for fusion, possibly through direct binding. Formation of a gB-gH-gL complex is critical for fusion and is inhibited by a neutralizing antibody, making the gB-gH-gL interface a promising antiviral target.
The development of a user-oriented plasma spectroscopy application

Abstract This note provides a short historical perspective on our paper “SPECTRA—a model for K-shell spectroscopy” [1] (JQSRT 1984;32:91–101).
Higher Education Science Student Perspectives on Classroom Instructional Methods: A Pilot Study

Abstract: Constructivist-based inquiry instruction has been popularized for several decades in primary- and secondary-science education, with overwhelmingly positive results across all sciences. Importantly, higher education faculties have begun to embrace inquiry instruction in many subject areas. In fact, a growing body of literature illustrates the positive impact of inquiry instructional methods on science student achievement, such as in Food Science. While it has long been shown that student's instructional preference has a positive impact upon achievement, very little work has been done to assess college student's instructional preferences, especially in lecture-based classes. A recent study was conducted at the Univ. of Idaho to identify student preferences of generic instructional models. Students from 4 majors (Food Science, Geological Sciences, Secondary Education, and Elementary Education) participated in the study. A 35-question survey was developed to gather data on student's instructional strategy preferences. The data were analyzed to determine (a) instructional preferences inclusive of all majors, (b) instructional preference within each of the 4 majors, (c) a comparison of preferences of each major to other majors, and (d) gender issues within and across majors. The results suggest that there is perceived value of particular instructional methods over others, both within and across majors. In addition a gender relationship with methodology exists, particularly within certain subject areas.
Variations in the Earth's oblateness during the past 28 years

[1] Analysis of satellite laser ranging (SLR) data indicates that the Earth's dynamic oblateness (J2) has undergone significant variations during the past 28 years. The dominant signatures in the observed variations in J2 are (1) a secular decrease with a rate of approximately −2.75 × 10−11 yr−1, (2) seasonal annual variations with a mean amplitude of 2.9 × 10−10, (3) significant interannual variations with timescales of 4–6 years, and (4) a variation with period of ∼21 years and an amplitude of ∼1.4 × 10−10 with minimum in December 1988. Two large interannual variations are related to the strong El Nino-Southern Oscillation events during the periods of 1986–1991 and 1996–2002, and it appears that another interannual cycle may have started in late 2002. The superposition of the decadal variation on the interannual signal makes the J2 fluctuation appear to be anomalously large during the 1996–2002 period. Contemporary models of the mass redistributions in the atmosphere, ocean, and surface water can explain a major part of the 4- to 6-year fluctuations. However, the cause of the decadal variation remains unknown.
Obesity-Associated Asthma in Children: A Distinct Entity

Background Obesity-associated asthma has been proposed to be a distinct entity, differing in immune pathogenesis from atopic asthma. Both obesity-mediated inflammation and increase in adiposity are potential mechanistic factors that are poorly defined among children. We hypothesized that pediatric obesity-associated asthma would be characterized by T helper (Th) 1, rather than the Th2 polarization associated with atopic asthma. Moreover, we speculated that Th1 biomarkers and anthropometric measures would correlate with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in obese asthmatic children. Methods We recruited 120 children, with 30 in each of the four study groups: obese asthmatic children, nonobese asthmatic children, obese nonasthmatic children, and nonobese nonasthmatic children. All children underwent pulmonary function testing. Blood was collected for measurement of serum cytokines. T-cell responses to mitogen, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), or antigens tetanus toxoid or Dermatophagoides farinae were obtained by flow cytometric analysis of intracellular cytokine staining for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (Th1) or IL-4 (Th2) within the CD4 population. Results Obese asthmatic children had significantly higher Th1 responses to PMA (P Conclusions We found that pediatric obesity-associated asthma differed from atopic asthma and was characterized by Th1 polarization. The altered immune environment inversely correlated with PFTs in obese asthmatic children.
A contrast in kinetics of gravity controlled wetting

Abstract The macroscopic state of wetting of a solid substrate by a binary liquid is presumably due to the formation of mesoscopic wetting layers, yet the observed contact angle can apparently equilibrate well in advance of the wetting layers themselves. This effect sets limits on the underlying distance scales that are important for macroscopic wetting behavior.
Abstract 4911: HPV-independent methylation of specific TGF-B pathway-relevant genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas associated with prior radiation therapy and exposure to alcohol and tobacco

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with more than half a million people being diagnosed with the disease annually. Therefore, it is critical to identify early detection markers, such as DNA methylation, for more timely diagnosis. In a recent study, we identified five tumor suppressive genes (IRX1, EBF3, SLC5A8, SEPT9, and FUSSEL18) as frequently methylated in HNSCC biopsies using a global methylation analysis via restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS). Interestingly, we found these candidates are all potentially involved in the TGF-B signaling pathway, which is often disrupted in HNSCC. Therefore, we sought to determine coordinated epigenetic silencing of these candidate genes in HNSCC as potential key disruptors of TGF-B signaling, which could ultimately result in HNSCC progression. Through immunoprecipitation studies, all five of the investigated candidate genes were found to interact with components of the TGF-B pathway. Also, overexpression of SLC5A8, EBF3, and IRX1 resulted in decreased mitotic activity and increased apoptosis. These findings are significant because they reveal a set of genes that interact with components of the TGF-B pathway, and their silencing via methylation in HNSCC results in coordinated decrease in apoptosis, increased proliferation, and decreased differentiation. We went on to define the methylation of these genes in relationship to HPV16-positivity, radiation therapy, and alcohol and tobacco exposure. By utilizing the available clinical information linked to the patient specimens, we found a strong association between promoter methylation of FUSSEL18, IRX1, and EBF3 and prior radiation therapy (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4911.
Oral medications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using a small diameter endoscope

We carried out a double-blinded, randomized prospective study to compare patient tolerance of small diameter endoscopes using limited potency oral premedication to complement topical anesthesia. Patients randomly received either oral placebo, diphenhydramine (100mg), acetaminophen (1000mg), or both drugs 30 to 60min prior to endoscopy. All patients received topical Cetacaine® and underwent upper endoscopy with the Olympus XP10 7.9-mm fiberscope. The combination of acetaminophen (1000mg) and diphenhydramine (100mg) significantly improved tolerance over topical anesthetic alone. Obvious sedation from the medications was infrequent. Gag response after a topical anesthesia was a significant predictor of patient tolerance. We conclude that small diameter endoscopes are well tolerated for diagnostic upper endoscopy. Oral premedications additionally improve tolerance slightly.
Morality, Prudence, and Nuclear Weapons

Preface and acknowledgements 1. The difference nuclear weapons make 2. The moral problem 3. The logic of deterrence 4. The prudential problem 5. Moral counterforce 6. Prudential counterforce 7. Madvocacy 8. Conflict resolution Notes Index.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence. Effect of a magnetic field on the delayed fluorescence and ECL of several systems involving excimers or exciplexes

The use of magnetic field effects in delayed fluorescence (DF) and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) studies to obtain information about the involvement of triplet state species in reactions leading to the production of monomeric and dimeric (excimer or exciplex) excited states is described. In the room temperature DF of pyrene and 1,2-benzanthracene, identical field effects are observed for monomer and excimer emission, in agreement with a mechanism involving a common intermediate produced on triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA), and different than previous DF results for 1,2-benzanthracene solutions at low temperatures. The ECL of the pyrene/N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) system also shows monomer and excimer emissions identically affected by magnetic field and in agreement with an ECL mechanism involving TTA. In the ECL of the S-methylanthracene (MA)/tri-p-tolylamine (TPTA) system, a field effect is observed for both the 1MA* and longer wavelength emission. In this case, however, a smaller effect is observed for the longer wavelength emission. A mechanism based on TTA to form 1MA* and some direct formation of exciplex on electron transfer is proposed.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome is now a well-recognized condition affecting 6%-25% of reproductive-aged women, depending on the definition. Over the past 3 decades, research has launched it from relative medical obscurity to a condition increasingly recognized as common in internal medicine practices. It affects multiple systems, and requires a comprehensive perspective on health care for effective treatment. Metabolic derangements and associated complications include insulin resistance and diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome, and sleep apnea. Reproductive complications include oligo-/amenorrhea, sub-fertility, endometrial hyperplasia, and cancer. Associated psychosocial concerns include depression and disordered eating. Additionally, cosmetic issues include hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, and acne. This review organizes this multi-system approach around the mnemonic "MY PCOS" and discusses evaluation and treatment options for the reproductive, cosmetic, and metabolic complications of this condition.
Sexual back talk with evolutionary implications: stimulation of the Drosophila sex-determination gene sex-lethal by its target transformer.

We describe a surprising new regulatory relationship between two key genes of the Drosophila sex-determination gene hierarchy, Sex-lethal (Sxl) and transformer (tra). A positive autoregulatory feedback loop for Sxl was known to maintain somatic cell female identity by producing SXL-F protein to continually instruct the target gene transformer (tra) to make its feminizing product, TRA-F. We discovered the reciprocal regulatory effect by studying genetically sensitized females: TRA-F from either maternal or zygotic tra expression stimulates Sxl-positive autoregulation. We found female-specific tra mRNA in eggs as predicted by this tra maternal effect, but not predicted by the prevailing view that tra has no germline function. TRA-F stimulation of Sxl seems to be direct at some point, since Sxl harbors highly conserved predicted TRA-F binding sites. Nevertheless, TRA-F stimulation of Sxl autoregulation in the gonadal soma also appears to have a cell-nonautonomous aspect, unprecedented for somatic Sxl regulation. This tra–Sxl retrograde regulatory circuit has evolutionary implications. In some Diptera, tra occupies Sxl's position as the gene that epigenetically maintains female identity through direct positive feedback on pre-mRNA splicing. The tra-mediated Sxl feedback in Drosophila may be a vestige of regulatory redundancy that facilitated the evolutionary transition from tra to Sxl as the master sex switch.
U.S. JGOFS research

The U.S. Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (U.S. JGOFS) is moving toward a fully operational phase in the early 1990s and has recommended 1990 research priorities. U.S. JGOFS is a program within the Global Geosciences Initiative of the National Science Foundation and is the U.S. component of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS), a standing committee of the Scientific Committee for Ocean Research (SCOR), and a core project of the International Geosphere Biosphere Program. The broad objective of U.S. JGOFS, to improve our understanding of the processes controlling the cycling of carbon and related biogenic elements in the oceans, has been articulated in detail in a series of reports. These reports are the product of several years of intense planning and are available through the U.S. JGOFS Planning and Coordination Office, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543; tel. 508-548-1400, ext. 2834.
Estimating the density of a possibly missing response variable in nonlinear regression

Abstract This paper considers linear and nonlinear regression with a response variable that is allowed to be “missing at random”. The only structural assumptions on the distribution of the variables are that the errors have mean zero and are independent of the covariates. The independence assumption is important. It enables us to construct an estimator for the response density that uses all the observed data, in contrast to the usual local smoothing techniques, and which therefore permits a faster rate of convergence. The idea is to write the response density as a convolution integral which can be estimated by an empirical version, with a weighted residual-based kernel estimator plugged in for the error density. For an appropriate class of regression functions, and a suitably chosen bandwidth, this estimator is consistent and converges with the optimal parametric rate n 1 / 2 . Moreover, the estimator is proved to be efficient (in the sense of Hajek and Le Cam) if an efficient estimator is used for the regression parameter.
Hypertension Following Kidney Transplantation

The majority of patients become hypertensive following kidney transplantation. Its occurrence is associated not only with increased fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events but also with decreased allograft survival. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and management of post-transplant hypertension.
Physical characterization of fine particulate matter inside the public transit buses fueled by biodiesel in Toledo, Ohio

This study presents the physical characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM) collected inside the urban-public transit buses in Toledo, OH. These buses run on 20% biodiesel blended with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) (B20). For risk analysis, it is crucial to know the modality of the size distribution and the shape factor of PM collected inside the bus. The number-size distribution, microstructure, and aspect ratio of fine PM filter samples collected in the urban-public transit buses were measured for three years (2007–2009), using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). Only the reproducible results from repeated experiments on ESEM and size distribution obtained by the GRIMM dust monitor were used in this study. The size distribution was found bi-modal in the winter and fall months and was primarily uni-modal during spring and summer. The aspect ratio for different filter samples collected inside the bus range from 2.4 to 3.6 in average value, with standard deviation ranging from 0.9 to 7.4. The square-shaped and oblong-shaped particles represent the single inhalable particle's morphology characteristics in the air of the Toledo transit buses.
Digital breast tomosynthesis of gynecomastia and associated findings—a pictorial review

Men referred for breast imaging most frequently present with a unilateral palpated breast lump or breast enlargement. In the vast majority of these cases, the cause is benign and the most common etiology is gynecomastia. This pictorial review illustrates the appearance by full field digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis of gynecomastia as well as additional findings in the male breast including sternalis muscle and hypertrophied pectoralis muscle, lipoma, intramammary lymph node, fat necrosis, breast cancer, and atypical ductal hyperplasia.
Synchronization and Tracking with Synchronous Oscillators

A Synchronous Oscillator (SO) is a synchronization and tracking network which synchronizes, tracks, filters, divides and amplifies in a single process. The SO possesses two bandwidths, which function independently from each other. The resolution bandwidth which determines to a high degree the noise rejection properties of a SO is a function of the regeneration or Q-multiplication process of the circuit whereas, the tracking range is a function of the external signal amplitude. In other tracking networks when the noise rejection properties of the loop is identified, the tracking range is fixed, whereas in a SO the resolution bandwidth and the tracking range can be optimized independently. The SO has also very high input signal sensitivity. SOs can track signals with -45 dB signal-to-noise ratio and maintain several hundred KHz tracking range at this input level.
Electrostatic particle collection in vacuum

Lunar grains accumulate charges due to solar-based ionizing radiations, and the repelling action of like-charged particles causes the levitation of lunar dust. The lunar dust deposit on sensitive and costly surfaces of investigative equipment is a serious concern in lunar explorations. Inspired by electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), the Electrostatic Lunar Dust Collector (ELDC) was proposed for collecting already charged lunar dust particles to prevent the lunar dust threat. As the conditions for terrestrial counterparts are not valid in the lunar environment, equations developed for terrestrial devices yield incorrect predictions in lunar application. Hence, a mathematical model was developed for the ELDC operating in vacuum to determine its collection efficiency. The ratios of electrical energy over potential energy, kinetic energy over potential energy and the ratio of ELDC dimensions were identified to be the key dimensionless parameters. Sensitivity analyses of the relevant parameters showed that depending on ELDC orientation, smaller particles would be collected more easily at vertical orientation, whereas larger particles were easier to collect in a horizontal ELDC configuration. In the worst case scenario, the electrostatic field needed to be 10 times stronger in the vertical mode in order to adequately collect larger particles. The collection efficiency was very sensitive to surface potential of lunar dust and it reached the maximum when surface potential was between 30 and 120 V. Except for regions of the lunar day side with surface potential close to zero, providing 1 kV (E =2 0 kV m � 1 ) with the ELDC was more than enough for collecting all the particles in the most critical orientation. The needed field strength was about 4000 times less than that for repelling 1-lm size particles already settled on the surfaces. The analysis shows that the ELDC offers a viable solution for lunar dust control due to its effectiveness, ease of cleaning and low voltage requirements. 2011 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Utilizing the estrogen receptor ligand-binding domain for controlled protein translocation to the insoluble fraction.

Purpose The estrogen receptor forms insoluble aggregates in the insoluble cytoskeletal subcellular fraction when bound to the antagonist fulvestrant. The ligand-binding domain was isolated and fused to signal sequences to target subcellular compartments. Sequestering a pro-apoptotic peptide tested the utility of a protein targeted to the insoluble fraction.
Temperature-sensitive murein synthesis in an Escherichia coli pdx mutant and the role of alanine racemase.

The basis for disruption of morphogenesis by depletion of pyridoxine derivatives was studied using a pdxH null mutant of Escherichia coli K-12. Removal of pyridoxal from growing cultures severely inhibited murein synthesis in vivo, whereas simultaneous supplementation with d-alanine effectively prevented inhibition. Extractable alanine racemase was low following such starvation. Selection of mutants overcoming the glycine- or temperature-sensitivity imposed by pyridoxine limitation yielded a variety of phenotypes. The most effective of these extragenic suppressors conferred an elevated alanine racemase activity which was resistant to the effects of pyridoxal removal.
Evaluation of numerical simulation methods in reactive extrusion

Reactive extrusion is a complex process, and numerical simulation is an important method in optimizing operational parameters. In the current work, two different simulation methods, one-dimensional (1D) model and three-dimensional (3D) model, were introduced to predict the polymerization of e-caprolactone in fully filled screw elements. The predicted results of polymerization progression under different simulation conditions based on these two methods were compared. The simulation results show that the simplifications and assumptions in 1D model make it difficult to capture the complex mixing mechanism, heat generation, and heat loss in reactive extrusion. 1D model is feasible only under particular conditions, such as low screw rotating speed, small heat from reaction, and small screw diameter, whereas 3D model is a more powerful simulation tool for much wider processing conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 24: 183–193, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20041
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS OF MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES

In Part I of this paper, the A. argued that the mystical experiences of Teresa of Avila are well explained by the anthropological theory of I.M. Lewis. In Part II, he discusses how the causal gap between the social circumstances identified by Lewis and individual phenomenology can be filled in. He then shows that Lewis's theory, thus supplemented, is a genuine competitor to the theistic understanding of mystical experience, and that it is much more strongly confirmed by the available evidence than the latter view. If that is right, then Alston and Wainwright, among others, are mistaken in claiming that science cannot offer serious competition to theism in this area
Fault Tolerance in Message Passing Interface Programs

In this paper we examine the topic of writing fault-tolerant Message Passing Interface (MPI) applications. We discuss the meaning of fault tolerance in general and what the MPI Standard has to say about it. We survey several approaches to this problem, namely checkpointing, restructuring a class of standard MPI programs, modifying MPI semantics, and extending the MPI specification. We conclude that, within certain constraints, MPI can provide a useful context for writing application programs that exhibit significant degrees of fault tolerance.
Of Heroes and Polemics: “The Policeman” in Urban Ethnography

Cities have long been characterized as lonely, alienating places in literature and the social sciences. This article tracks the theme of urban alienation through both detective fiction and urban ethnography, demonstrating that these literatures also share a focus on two key figures: the Hero and the Policeman. Within an important variant of the genre, the Policeman performs a crucial role, becoming the mechanism through which alienation is enforced. In this regard the Policeman stands in contrast to the Hero, battling over the very soul of modernity. On the other hand, there is a variant of the genre of police fiction which is known as noir. Within this genre, the ethical stakes are configured somewhat differently. I will argue that this is the location in which we find the potential for reconceptualizing anthropology's ethical stakes vis-a-vis questions of power and violence in the contemporary world.
Versatile Launch Pad for Facile Functionalization of Cavitands

Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions have been utilized for the derivatization of the upper-rim of cavitands, but unfortunately, only a relatively small number of suitable, inexpensive boronic acids are available. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure determination of a tetraboronic pinacolyl ester functionalized cavitand, which has been successfully employed in high-yielding coupling reactions with iodoarenes covering a range of functional groups, thereby demonstrating the versatility and chemoselectivity of this platform.
Is nocturia of prostatism secondary to renal concentrating defect

Abstract An attempt was made to demonstrate a relationship between the nocturia of prostatism and decreased renal tubular concentrating capacity. No such relationship could be substantiated. In the absence of hydronephrosis, nocturia remains best attributed to detrusor instability and a decreased effective vesical capacity.
Epstein-Barr Virus (Infectious Disease and Therapy)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first recognized human tumor virus, but it is not the causative agent for the tumor in which it was discovered, Burkitt lymphoma. Common to all Burkitt lymphomas, endemic or sporadic, are distinctive chromosomal translocations that reactivate expression of the c-myc protooncogene and comprise the primary oncogenic mechanism. EBV is at least a contributory cofactor in endemic Burkitt lymphoma, but the virus is detected in <20% of sporadic cases in the United States. EBV does cause infectious mononucleosis, hairy leukoplakia, and B-lymphoproliferative neoplasms in immunocompromised persons. In addition, the early and utterly consistent presence of monoclonal EBV episomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma worldwide suggests a crucial role for the virus in that neoplasm. While tantalizing, associations with other diseases, well reviewed in this volume, are inconsistent and suggest that the virus may have another role beyond the etiologic, namely, by affecting the phenotype of already existing tumor cells and possibly propelling tumor progression. This book is assembled mostly from a clinical perspective, and useful chapters on several of the EBV diseases bring together information not easily found elsewhere. Well-informed chapters on the virology and epidemiology of EBV infection are also included. One of the editors (whose list of milestones displays the clinical emphasis of the book) has provided a nice historical summary. As is usual with such compilations, the editors leave it to the contributors to speak for themselves, and the quality of the chapters is uneven. Some fall short in citation of primary sources or favor the author's view rather than one that weighs all the evidence. Withal it is a useful book, and having the less often discussed associations such as T-cell lymphomas and leiomyosarcomas assigned a place alongside authoritative chapters on the classic associations, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma, is convenient. The volume ends with a chapter on an EBV vaccine, which remains elusive after many years. In contrast, the penultimate chapter includes a brief summary of some successes with adoptive immunotherapy for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, which is generally refractory to conventional treatment. This volume is worth having for the cross-section of knowledge and developments in the EBV field it presents.
Morphological and physiological characterization of individual olfactory interneurons connecting the brain and eyestalk ganglia of the crayfish

1. In order to understand the functional organization of the crustacean olfactory system, we are using intracellular recording and staining techniques to correlate the structure and function of single, odorant-sensitive interneurons in the brain of the crayfishProcambarus clarkii. We describe here the anatomy and physiology of interneurons that connect the brain with the medullae terminales or other eyestalk ganglia. 2. All of the interneurons in our study (Table 1, Figs. 3–15) are at least third-order olfactory neurons (second-order olfactory interneurons) because they respond to chemostimulation of the olfactory organ (the antennules) but do not branch in the olfactory lobe (the neuropil to which primary olfactory receptor cells of the antennules project). 3. Much of the central nervous system, including the three main divisions of the brain (protocerebrum, deuterocerebrum, tritocerebrum) (Fig. 1) and the medullae terminales (Fig. 2), are involved in integrating olfactory or multimodal (including olfactory) information, since these areas contain neurites of olfactory interneurons. Previous studies have indicated that regions involved in such processing include the olfactory lobes and accessory lobes of the deuterocerebrum, and regions I, II, IV, and VII (in some species) of the medullae terminales. Our results show that also prominent among regions involved in olfactory or multimodal (including olfactory) integration are the anterior and posterior optic neuropils of the protocerebrum (Figs. 3–11, 14, 15), the lateral and medial antennular neuropils of the deuterocerebrum (Figs. 3, 4, 7), the tegumentary neuropils (Figs. 3, 4, 8, 11) and the antennal neuropils (Figs. 3–5) of the tritocerebrum, and neuropils III, VI, XII of the medullae terminales (Figs. 12, 13). 4. These olfactory interneurons were sensitive to chemostimulation (unimodal), chemo- and mechanostimulation (bimodal), or chemo-, mechano-, and photostimulation (trimodal) (Table 1). Responses could be excitatory or inhibitory, even for a given neuron (Table 1). Morphologically complex interneurons (those having bilateral branching) were more likely to have complex response characteristics (trimodal sensitivity) (Figs. 8–12) than were morphologically simpler interneurons (those having unilateral branching) (Figs. 3–7, 14, 15). Olfactory interneurons with a soma in the medulla terminalis showed the most complex response profiles: they were trimodal, and were excited by odorants but were inhibited by touch and/or light (Figs. 12, 13). This finding suggests that these are complex, high order interneurons. 5. Our studies reveal that olfactory and other sensory information is transmitted between the brain and the medullae terminales (and possibly other eyestalk ganglia) by a coactivated, parallel array of structurally and functionally diverse neurons.
The future of serials librarianship revisited

I have been given the opportunity to write an article summarizing the seven papers that have previously appeared in Serials Review in which the future of serials librarianship was discussed, 1 and further, of being asked to add my own thoughts to those previously expressed. By way of establishing some sort of legitimacy for this activity, I will state at the outset that I have worked as a serials acquisitions librarian, as a serials cataloger, as the database manager for the Minnesota Union List of Serials (MULS) where I was an active participant in the development of the CONSER Project, as bibliographic trainer for network (MINITEX) participants, and as a library/information science educator in three different ALA-accredited library schools. In the latter capacity I not only offered basic information science and technical services classes, but I also taught a separate serials course. I even worked in the publishing office of a scientific journal for six months. This array of activities is presented as a way of indicating that I bring a wide variety of experiences to the consideration of a possible future for serials librarianship. Perhaps one of the first points I should make, and certainly based upon the above list of activities it is probably obvious, is that "serials librarianship" can take many forms and is not restricted to a person sitting in the "serials section" of (usually) an academic library. So when we ask "What will be the future of serials librarianship?" we must realize that there is a broad
Clinical Contrast Sensitivity Testing in Patients With Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome Compared With Age-Matched Controls

Purpose To compare contrast sensitivity using a commercially available technique between patients with infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) and controls. Design Prospective, comparative case series. Methods The functional acuity contrast test (FACT) was used binocularly in patients with INS and aged-matched controls with best acuity under normal lighting using a progression of high-quality sine wave grating size changes with increasing spatial frequencies. Results Nine INS patients aged 5 to 11 years and 25 controls were tested. The INS patients' best binocular acuity ranged from 20/125 to 20/30, and that of the controls was 20/25 or better. When compared with age-matched controls, INS patients displayed deficiencies in contrast sensitivity syndrome using the FACT test. Conclusions The FACT or a similar testing system may have potential as a commercially available outcome measure in clinical trials in patients with INS.
Effect of Sacral Cordotomy on the Reproductive Organs of the Male Guinea Pig

Transection of the spinal cord at the lumbosacral articulation in 4 sexually mature guinea pigs resulted in a marked reduction in the weight of the testes and seminal vesicles from 542.8 mg/100 g VW to 291.3 mg/100 g BW (P<0.01) and 570.9 mg/100 g BW to 130.4 mgJlOO g BW (P<0.001), respectively. Plasma concentration of testosterone also fell markedly from control levels of 2.6 ng/ml to 0.8 ng/ml (P<0.001) in animals which had been subjected to cord section 49 days previously. These data indicate that intact sacral cord and nerves are necessary for normal reproductive function.