cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of binding of lanthanide ions on the bacteriorhodopsin hexagonal structure: An x-ray study

The effect of the binding of trivalent lanthanide metal cations (Eu3+, Ho3+, and Dy3+) on the hexagonal structure of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is investigated at different pH using x-Ray diffraction to examine films made by slow evaporation of the corresponding regenerated bR. It is observed that the lanthanide-regenerated bR (at a ratio of 2:1 metal ion to bR) does not form a 2D structure isomorphous to that of native bR or Ca2+-regenerated samples at low sample pH. The native bR hexagonal structure is recovered by titration of the sample with sodium hydroxide. The pH at which the hexagonal structure is recovered depends on the charge density of the lanthanide ion used for the regeneration. The higher the charge density of the ion, the higher the pH at which an isomorphous lattice is formed. A model is proposed in which at normal or low pH a complex bidentate and monodentate type binding (which disrupts the lattice hexagonal structure) exists between a lanthanide ion, the O- of PO2- groups, and/or the amino...
Characterization of the imidization of the aromatic polyimide LARC‐160

The polyimide resin LARC-160 was prepared from diethyl-3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylate (BTDE), ethyl-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylate (NE), and Jeffamine AP-22. The imidization reactions of NE and BTDE were studied by HPLC, 13C-NMR, and IR. NE imidizes slowly at 12°C; BTDE imidizes when the resin is heated above 100°C. Both imidization reactions proceed directly to the imide. Neither amic acid is present in significant quantities at any stage of the imidization reactions. The monomer mixture has been stored at 12°C for periods up to 14 months. The effects of resin aging at this temperature on the chemical composition of the resin monomer mixture and the imidized polymer formed on curing were investigated. Aging the resin monomer mixture has the effect of partially advancing the imidization reaction. Aging also results in the formation of slightly higher-molecular-weight polyimide chains after curing of the resin at 140 and 180°C. Bisnadimide (BNI) is observed as a major reaction product, regardless of resin age.
Role of the Protein C Pathway in the Extraintestinal Thrombosis Associated With Murine Colitis

Background & Aims: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with an increased risk for thromboembolism. Although thrombosis is known to contribute to the morbidity and mortality of patients with IBD, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the genesis of a hypercoagulable state during intestinal inflammation remain poorly defined. The objective of this study was to determine whether the protein C pathway contributes to the enhanced extraintestinal thrombosis that is associated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods: Microvascular thrombosis was induced in cremaster muscle microvessels of normal and colitic mice using a light/dye injury model. DSS colitis enhanced thrombus formation in cremaster arterioles of wild-type mice. Results: The DSS-induced thrombosis response was greatly attenuated in transgenic mice over expressing the endothelial protein C receptor. Activated protein C (APC), administered to colitic WT mice immediately prior to photoactivation, also afforded protection against thrombosis, and an anti-APC antibody enhanced thrombus formation. Conclusions: These findings indicate that elevated APC levels, derived from either endogenous or exogenous sources, confer protection against the extraintestinal thrombosis that accompanies colonic inflammation.
Finite Heisenberg groups and Seiberg dualities in quiver gauge theories

Abstract A large class of quiver gauge theories admits the action of finite Heisenberg groups of the form Heis ( Z q × Z q ) . This Heisenberg group is generated by a manifest Z q shift symmetry acting on the quiver along with a second Z q rephasing (clock) generator acting on the links of the quiver. Under Seiberg duality, however, the action of the shift generator is no longer manifest, as the dualized node has a different structure from before. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that the Z q shift generator acts naturally on the space of all Seiberg dual phases of a given quiver. We then prove that the space of Seiberg dual theories inherits the action of the original finite Heisenberg group, where now the shift generator Z q is a map among fields belonging to different Seiberg phases. As examples, we explicitly consider the action of the Heisenberg group on Seiberg phases for C 3 / Z 3 , Y 4 , 2 and Y 6 , 3 quivers.
Survey of Raccoons on Key Largo, Florida, USA, for Baylisascaris procyonis

Numbers of the endangered Key Largo woodrat (KLWR; Neotoma floridana smalli) have been declining for at least 25 yr. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, has been found to have an adverse effect on the survival of Alleghany woodrats (N. magister). High densities of raccoons can exacerbate this problem by increasing the amount of feces containing viable eggs of B. procyonis available to woodrats. In 2002, 64 fecal samples were collected and examined for eggs of B. procyonis from >32 raccoons within the KLWR's known range on Key Largo, Florida, USA. All samples were negative for eggs of B. procyonis. Raccoon density in this area was approximately 0.62 raccoons/ha. Despite this high density of raccoons, B. procyonis does not appear to be a threat to the KLWR population.
Vanilloid receptor activation by 2- and 10-μm particles induces responses leading to apoptosis in human airway epithelial cells

Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. It has been previously shown that PMs and synthetic particles (PC10 and PC2) that have similar characteristics to PMs induced depolarizing currents and increases in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in capsaicin- and acid-sensitive sensory neurons and in TRPV1-expressing HEK 293 cells. To determine whether such mechanisms also underlie PM-induced toxicity in epithelial cells lining the human airways, we tested the responses of PCs on BEAS-2B (immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells), NHBE (normal human bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells), and SAEC (normal human small airway epithelial cells from the distal airways). RT-PCR revealed that all these cell types expressed TRPV1 (VR1), ASIC1a, and ASIC3 subunits of proton-gated ion channels. Calcium imaging studies revealed that in all three cell types approximately 30% were activated by both capsaicin and acid. In these cells, PCs induced an increase in [Ca2+]i that was inhibited by capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist, and/or by amiloride, an ASIC antagonist. The capsazepine-sensitive contribution to PC-induced increases in [Ca2+]i was approximately 70%. Measurements of apoptosis revealed that exposure to PCs induced a time-dependent increase in the number of apoptotic cells. After incubation for 24 (PC10) or 48 h (PC2) approximately 60% of these cells were apoptotic. Pretreatment with capsazepine as well as removal of external calcium completely (approximately 100%) prevented PC-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of calcium-permeable vanilloid receptors could be used to prevent some of the pathological actions of PMs.
Blowup Printing and the Filmmaker

Over the seven years from 1966 to 1972, thirteen films produced in 16mm by University of Southern California students have been blown up to 35mm by laboratory models of the optical printer, and now — assuming as near perfect an original as can be made — the 35mm print results show quality and detail which are not apparent in the best 16mm prints. Artistic and technical factors determining whether a film is suitable for blowup begin with composition: 16mm has a 1:1.33 format while most 35mm formats are 1:1.85, and if TV is a possibility then TV safe field areas must be observed. Inferior filters and lenses that are improperly mounted must be avoided. Clear Mylar tape must not be used for splicing because the liquid used in liquid gating is a solvent for the tape's adhesive. Notwithstanding necessary compromises between quality and speed, strict attention to detail does pay off.
Why mentally retarded adults lose their jobs: social competence as a factor in work adjustment.

Abstract Based on interviews with former employers and others, an attempt was made to determine the primary reason for the involuntary termination from competitive employment of 30 mildly and moderately mentally retarded individuals. Three “social” reasons (deficits in temperament, character, and social awareness) and three “nonsocial” reasons (production inefficiency, health problems, and economic layoff) were used to code the data. Support was obtained for two hypotheses: (1) that social incompetence plays at least as important a role in explaining competitative job failures of mentally retarded workers as do nonsocial reasons; (2) that interpersonally inept behavior (low social awareness), rather than emotionally disturbed or antisocial behavior, appears to be the most frequent factor operating for those mentally retarded workers who are determined because of social incompetence. Vocational rehabilitation implications of these findings for the assessment, training, and placement of mentally retarded clients are discussed.
Adaptive model predictive current control for DSSRM drives

This paper presents a new current control method for Double-Stator Switched Reluctance Motor (DSSRM) Drives. The proposed current controller is based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy. Moreover, an adaptive estimator is incorporated to follow the inductance variations in a DSSRM. After the introduction of the control method, the proposed controller is validated using simulations. Experimental results will be provided to evaluate the performance improvement.
Site-Specific Cross-Linking of Human and Bovine Hemoglobins Differentially Alters Oxygen Binding and Redox Side Reactions Producing Rhombic Heme and Heme Degradation†

Chemically modified human or bovine hemoglobins (Hb) have been developed as oxygen-carrying therapeutics and are currently under clinical evaluation. Oxidative processes, which are in many cases enhanced when modifications are introduced that lower the oxygen affinity, can limit the safety of these proteins. We have carried out a systematic evaluation of two modified human Hbs (O-R-polyHbA0 and DBBF−Hb) and one bovine Hb (polyHbBv). We have both measured the oxidative products present in the Hb preparations and followed the oxidative reactions during 37 °C incubations. Autoxidation, the primary oxidative reaction which initiates the oxidative cascade, is highly correlated with P50 (R = 0.987; p < 0.002). However, when the results for the other oxidative processes are compared, two different classes of oxidative reactions are identified. The formation of oxyferrylHb, like the rate of autoxidation, increases for all modified Hbs. However, the subsequent reactions, which lead to heme damage and eventually he...
Imperfect nesting and density of states in charge and spin density waves

Abstract In actual three dimensional charge density wave (CDW) and spin density wave (SDW), imperfect nesting plays a crucial role unlike in the one demensional system. We review here a variety of physical properties associated with imperfect nesting. Perhaps imperfect nesting is most directly accessible through the study of electron tunneling.
Degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediment receiving produced water discharge

Rate of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation was measured in sediment collected from a low energy brackish wetland site which had been exposed for a number of years to produced water discharge. Recalcitrant or higher molecular weight compounds were the primary hydrocarbon fractions found in the sediment. Degradation rates were determined by measuring loss of selected petroleum hydrocarbons components with time in laboratory incubation. South Louisiana Crude oil was added to the sediment to measure degradation rates of soluble hydrocarbons which were too low in concentration in the original sediment. Oxidized sediment conditions resulted in a higher rate of degradation for most hydrocarbons fractions as compared to reduced sediment. Fertilizer or nutrient amendments to contaminated sediments significantly increased rate of hydrocarbon degradation. Fertilizer enhanced the degradation of the lower and more soluble molecular weight fractions as compared to the higher molecular weight fractions.
A mononuclear zinc complex for selective detection of diphosphate via ESIPT fluorescence turn-on

A mononuclear zinc complex has been found to exhibit unexpected selectivity for biologically important diphosphate anions (PPi and ADP). The diphosphate binding could turn-on excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), whose study reveals mechanistic insight to aid the future design of new sensors.
A Test of the Consensus and Distinctiveness Attribution Principles in Victims of Disaster1

The present research was designed to test the hypothesis that perceptions of consensus about the collective experience of psychological problems, as well as the distinctive presence of a community disaster, would affect attributions of externality about such problems. Specifically, it was hypothesized that (1) higher levels of consensus would be associated with greater external attributions of causality, (2) attributions would be more external if the problem began after the disaster (high distinctiveness) than before the disaster, and (3) the occurrence of the disaster would magnify the positive relationship between high consensus and external causality attributions, because of the presence of a distinctive and salient external event. These hypotheses were tested with victims of a flash flood. Results supported the interaction prediction (Hypothesis 3) for the problem of depression, but not for anxiety. In addition, for depression and anxiety, greater consensus was indirectly associated with greater externality, regardless of distinctiveness (Hypothesis 1). However, for somatization, none of the hypotheses were supported. The results are discussed in terms of the applied implications for postdisaster intervention programs to reduce psychopathology.
Application of Carrier to Power Lines

DURING the 20 years or so that have elapsed since power-line carrier was first introduced on a commercial basis, enormous advances have been made in the communication arts. In the somewhat specialized branch of power-line carrier, advances in technique and apparatus design have not been as highly publicized as those in some other branches of the art; nevertheless, they have kept pace with the field, with the result that power-line carrier is today one of the most useful and versatile tools available to the power-utility engineer. There are now over 1,300 terminals of power-line carrier in operation in the United States. These terminals provide channels for telephone circuits, pilot relaying, telemetering, load-control, supervisory, and other remote-control functions over transmission lines of all voltages, totaling over 40,000 channel-miles. The last several years have seen a rapid increase in the number of terminals and in channel-miles, and there is every indication that this rate of growth will continue to increase for some time. With very few exceptions, every new transmission line of any importance is now engineered to include power-line carrier for one or more functions. Many large integrated systems1 have already made such extensive use of carrier circuits that the problem of channel space and frequency assignment is rapidly becoming of major importance.
Using art to assess environmental education outcomes

Construction of developmentally appropriate tools for assessing the environmental attitudes and awareness of young learners has proven to be challenging. Art-based assessments that encourage creativity and accommodate different modes of expression may be a particularly useful complement to conventional tools (e.g. surveys), but their efficacy and feasibility across diverse contexts has not been adequately explored. To examine the potential utility of integrating art into evaluations of environmental education outcomes, we adapted an existing drawing prompt and corresponding grading rubric to assess the environmental attitudes and awareness of children (ages 6–12) at summer camps in Athens, GA, USA (n = 285). We then compared children’s drawings with scores on a more typical survey instrument that measured similar outcomes, the Children Environmental Perception’s Scale. Results showed that a drawing prompt was a practical and unique learner-centered tool for measuring distinct components of environmental a...
Urban mobility and cinematic visuality: the screens of Los Angeles - endless cinema or private telematics:

This essay began as a portion of a book project which explores the trope of the window - both architectural and metaphoric - and its relation to a framed visuality. In the book, I consider screens ...
Esters of bicyclic aminoalcohols as potential antispasmodics. I. The synthesis of 2-hydroxyoctahydroquinolizine and some of its esters.

A convenient synthesis of 2-hydroxyoctahydroquinolizine has been described. A number of improvements and modifications of Clemo’s original synthesis of 2-ketooctahydroquinolizine are described and have materially contributed to a much higher yield. The reduction of the amino ketone to the previously unknown amino alcohol is described in detail together with the properties of the latter. 2-Chloro-octahydroquinolizine was prepared and used in two unsuccessful attempts to esterify xanthene-9-carboxylic acid, employing the free acid and the silver salt of the acid, respectively. Twelve esters, each in the form of the hydrochloride and methobromide salts, were prepared from 2-hydroxyoctahydroquinolizine and the following substituted acetic acids: ( a ) diethylacetic, ( b ) phenylethylacetic, ( c ) phenylacetic, ( d ) cyclohexylacetic, ( e ) benzylacetic, ( f ) hexahydrobenzylacetic, ( g ) diphenylacetic, ( h ) dicyclohexylacetic, ( i ) dibenzylacetic, ( j ) dihexahydrobenzylacetic, ( k ) fluorene-9-carboxylic, and ( l ) xanthene-9-carboxylic acids. Pharmacological testing indicated that the methobromide salts of esters obtained from phenylethylacetic, benzylacetic, and diphenylacetic acids had high ganglionic blocking activity. Diethylacetic, phenylacetic, and xanthene-9-carboxylic acids had a moderate ganglionic blocking action. The only compound with significant atropine-like activity in the series was the methobromide of the ester derived from xanthene-9-carboxylic acid.This compound appears to combine both types of activity in significant amounts.
Novel hybrid monomers bearing cycloaliphatic epoxy and 1-propenyl ether groups

The synthesis of a novel series of hybrid monomers containing cationically polymerizable cycloaliphatic epoxide and 1-propenyl ether functional groups in the same molecule has been conducted. Detailed structure−reactivity studies of the diaryliodonium salt-induced cationic photopolymerizations of these monomers indicate that the rate of epoxide ring-opening polymerization is markedly enhanced by the presence of the 1-propenyl ether group. At the same time, the polymerization of the 1-propenyl ether groups in such hybrid monomers is retarded. A mechanism involving the free-radical-induced decomposition of the photoinitiator has been proposed which serves to amplify the rate of the photoinitiated cationic epoxide ring-opening polymerization.
On the variety of imprecise probabilities

Presents an overview of currently recognized theories of imprecise probabilities and their possible extensions. It is shown how the theories are ordered by their levels of generality. A summary of current results regarding measures of uncertainty and uncertainty‐based information is also presented.
The madame butterfly procedure: Management of the unhappy postblepharoplasty patient with lower-eyelid retraction, round eye, and scleral show

The unhappy postblepharoplasty patient with lateral canthal dystopia, round eye, and scleral show presents perhaps the single greatest challenge to the aesthetic reconstructive surgeon. The problem may be as simple as a lax eyelid that is inferiorly displaced by gravity, or as complex as an eyelid that has full-thickness vertical inadequacy in each of the three eyelid lamellae. The Madame Butterfly procedure with hard palate graft reliably addresses full-thickness lower-eyelid vertical tissue inadequacy by totally reconstructing the lower eyelid with the use of the classic three-individual-layer reconstructive technique. Vertical and horizontal adequacy or inadequacy for each of the three eyelid layers are determined and then individually addressed in the total eyelid reconstruction. The Madame Butterfly procedure has the potential to fully reconstruct and reposition the lower eyelid and lateral canthus so that the final position, function, and appearance are as good or better than they were before they were changed by time, gravity, and previous surgery.
Spectral attenuation of the mouse, rat, pig and human lenses from wavelengths 360 nm to 1020 nm

The transmission spectrum of the lens is essential to calculate irradiance at the surface of the retina. Although the mouse is a common model for ophthalmic research, there is little information on the transmission of the mouse lens. Attenuation by the lens is partly dependent on lens thickness; however, the attenuation coefficient is independent of lens thickness. In this study, we measured the attenuation coefficients of the albino and pigmented mouse lens as well as those of the rat, pig, and human lenses, and provide a composite equation that describes the attenuation coefficients in the ultraviolet and visible bandwidths (360-700 nm). In the near infrared region (700-1020 nm), water absorption must be included to explain the measurements.
Early language and the development of children's reading skills

Abstract There is considerable agreement that vocabulary plays a central role in reading acquisition, but there is less agreement about whether this association is direct or indirect through phonological and print-related knowledge. Longitudinal data from 77 African-American children were analyzed to examine the relationship between language skills, phonological knowledge and print processing skills at pre-kindergarten and kindergarten with reading at pre-kindergarten through second grade. Analyses indicated that home and child care experiences were related to reading indirectly through language and that language and phonological knowledge were both directly related to acquisition of reading skill. This study of African-American children and previous studies of lower- and middle-income children indicate both language and phonological skills play an important role in children becoming successful readers, and that experiences at home and in child care during in early childhood play a role in the acquisition of reading through their enhancement of early language and phonological skills.
Urogynaecological complications in pregnancy: an overview

Abstract The urinary tract, as with all other organ systems, undergoes numerous physiological adaptions in response to pregnancy. These normal adaptions can increase the risk of complications, such as acute infection and urinary retention, which in turn increase the risk of poor outcomes for the pregnancy. Other urogynaecological complications, for example urological injury at caesarean section, can significantly increase long term morbidity. Therefore it is important that Obstetricians are aware of the potential complications that can occur. This article aims to give a general overview of urogynaecological complications that can arise in pregnancy and how to manage them.
A phase II study of modified deGramont 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of a modified deGramont regimen of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who have progressed on at least one but not more than two prior chemotherapy regimens. Patients and Methods: Patients with stage 4 colorectal cancer were treated with oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 by a 2-hour intravenous infusion, followed by leucovorin 500 mg/m2 by a 2-hour intravenous infusion, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 by bolus injection, followed by 5-FU 2.4 g/m2 administered by a 46-hour continuous infusion. Cycles were administered every 2 weeks. Results: Seventy patients were treated and 68 patients had previously received irinotecan. Eleven percent of patients had a partial response, 33% of CEA-evaluable patients had a ≥50% drop in their CEA level. The median time to progression was 6.2 months, and the median overall survival was 8.7 months. Toxicity was mild to moderate, as 14% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and ...
Institutional Bases of Identity Construction and Reproduction: The Case of Underground Coal Mining

In this article I use institutional theory to illustrate the process of identity formation and reproduction in the context of a male-dominated work environment. Based on a case study of an underground colliery in Nova Scotia, Canada, I will illustrate the functioning of powerful institutions in two distinct senses. First, social obligations rooted in a ‘logic of appropriateness’ (March and Olsen, 1989) dictated appropriate behaviours for miners in their roles as underground miners and patriarchs. Second, internalized understandings of reality rooted in a ‘logic of orthodoxy’ (Scott, 1995) formed a set of constitutive rules to which miners adhered because it was inconceivable to do otherwise. I use a microinstitutional perspective (Zucker, 1991) that highlights the constraints embedded in many work contexts that serve to tacitly yet powerfully regularize behaviours in problematic ways. Social and historical conditions are therefore incorporated into this analysis as constitutive forces that are a product of human action. This manner of theorizing gender is consistent with Connell’s (1987) ‘theory of practice’ that seeks to understand social structure by focusing on what people actually do, the way human agency shapes history, and how practice itself is necessary for institutions to maintain their hegemony and resist change.
On the question of host races in the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea

An analysis of genetic variation at eight enzyme-encoding loci indicates that reproductive isolation between sympatric “races” of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is complete. Because this isolation cannot be accounted for solely on the basis of differences in host preference, the two forms are distinct species, not host races. Subsets of the red-headed form collected from black cherry and black walnut trees were nearly identical genetically. Hence, host-race formation, with its potential for sympatric speciation, does not appear to be occurring in the population of H. cunea studied. RESUME SUR LE PROBLEME DES RACES D'HYPHANTRIA CUNEA SPECIALISES SUR LES HOTES DIFFERENTS Une analyse de la variation genetique de huit loci codant des enzymes revele un isolement reproductif complet entre des “races” sympatriques d‘Hyphantria cunea. Comme cet isolement ne peut s'expliquer seulement a partir de differences dans le choix de l'hote, les deux formes sont des especes differentes et non des “races ecologiques”. Les sous-ensembles de type a tete rouge recoltes sur Prunus serotina et Juglans nigra sont genetiquement presque identiques. Ainsi, la formation de races en fonction de l'hote consomme avec ses potentialites pour la speciation sympatrique, ne parait pas se produire dans la population etudiee d'Hyphantria cunea.
Postpartum Depression in Women with the FMR1 Premutation.

Background: Psychiatric disorders in women with the FMR1 premutation are common and include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. This pilot study explored the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) in women with the premutation. Methods: We conducted a chart review of 50 women premutation carriers with major depressive disorder who had children. Of these, 7 women had a history of major depressive episodes in the postpartum period. The PPD and non-PPD groups were characterized descriptively based on women’s age at the time of the psychiatric evaluation, race, ethnicity, education level, IQ, CGG repeat size, comorbid psychiatric conditions, parity, and number of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Exact logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the number of children with FXS and the risk of PPD. Results: The PPD and non-PPD groups were similar on all variables examined, with the exception of the number of affected children. Each of the 7 women with PPD had at least one child with FXS, whereas a third of the women without PPD had no affected children. For each additional affected child, the risk of PPD increased by 158% (exact odds ratio 2.58, 95% CI 0.99-7.59). Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to better characterize PPD in female premutation carriers.
Pride and prejudice: learning how chronically ill people think about food

In this paper, we describe a formative study to learn how one chronically ill population thinks about food, mentally organizes food, and interprets consumption-level icons. We found that many participants let their pride influence their choices, resulting in preferred interfaces that they could not accurately interpret. The results indicate that participants organized food in similar ways, had difficulty reading from their preferred consumption-level icons, and wanted to combine multiple interface designs when searching for food.
Analysis of zone and pump configurations in simulated moving bed purification of insulin

The effects of pump failures in nine zone and pump configurations for the size-exclusion simulated moving bed purification of insulin are analyzed. Simulations based on verified intrinsic parameters are used to understand the dynamic wave phenomena. This understanding helps determine the best zone and pump configuration, determine the time window to recover from the degraded state, and formulate contingency responses to failures. The results show that the open-loop three-zone simulated moving bed is the best. It is more reliable, and has higher productivity and reduced residence time of the high molecular weight impurities. A disadvantage of the three-zone is the higher solvent consumption. In the recommended configuration: desorbent pump failure is critical and dual redundant pumps are recommended; feed pump failure is marginal and results in diluted product; and zone II pump failure is critical—the time window for corrective action is half a step-time. Zone pumps are recommended instead of outlet pumps because they do not result in stationary phase collapse from high pressure drop and allow higher productivity in pressure-limited systems. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Possible Role for Cellular Karyopherins in Regulating Polyomavirus and Papillomavirus Capsid Assembly

Polyomavirus and papillomavirus (papovavirus) capsids are composed of 72 capsomeres of their major capsid proteins, VP1 and L1, respectively. After translation in the cytoplasm, L1 and VP1 pentamerize into capsomeres and are then imported into the nucleus using the cellular alpha and beta karyopherins. Virion assembly only occurs in the nucleus, and cellular mechanisms exist to prevent premature capsid assembly in the cytosol. We have identified the karyopherin family of nuclear import factors as possible "chaperones" in preventing the cytoplasmic assembly of papovavirus capsomeres. Recombinant murine polyomavirus (mPy) VP1 and human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV11) L1 capsomeres bound the karyopherin heterodimer alpha2beta1 in vitro in a nuclear localization signal (NLS)-dependent manner. Because the amino acid sequence comprising the NLS of VP1 and L1 overlaps the previously identified DNA binding domain, we examined the relationship between karyopherin and DNA binding of both mPy VP1 and HPV11 L1. Capsomeres of L1, but not VP1, bound by karyopherin alpha2beta1 or beta1 alone were unable to bind DNA. VP1 and L1 capsomeres could bind both karyopherin alpha2 and DNA simultaneously. Both VP1 and L1 capsomeres bound by karyopherin alpha2beta1 were unable to assemble into capsids, as shown by in vitro assembly reactions. These results support a role for karyopherins as chaperones in the in vivo regulation of viral capsid assembly.
Diagnosis in modem design to volume the tip of the iceberg

The pain of debug, from 1 silicon to volume ramp Debug, especially in custom chip design (i.e.: microprocessors), many times seems to be more of a reactionary “fly by the seat of your pants” art than a “well thought out” tools-based procedure to solution. In fact, it is quite difficult to define tools to do 1 silicon debug since it seems each new problem is somehow specifically associated to some particular design facet or interaction of that facet with the particular silicon process you’re operating in.
Thrips Parasitic Nematode Thripinema nicklewoodi (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae) Reduces Feeding, Reproductive Fitness, and Tospovirus Transmission by Its Host, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract The parasitic nematode Thripinema nicklewoodi is a potential inoculative biological control agent of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Laboratory studies were undertaken to assess the effect of T. nicklewoodi infection on: 1) host feeding, 2) host fecundity, and 3) viral competency of F. occidentalis coinfected with a tospovirus. Individual thrips infected with nematodes as larvae and maintained on leaf discs in microcentrifuge vials showed a reduced feeding throughout the adult life span. This per capita reduction in feeding by parasitized individuals contributed to a total reduction in feeding of 87% on chrysanthemum petals and 91% on bean foliage relative to uninfected thrips. Parasitism also reduced the longevity of adult thrips by 3–5 d, although the preadult developmental time was unaffected. In a separate study, thrips infected with nematodes as larvae became reproductively sterile and appeared to have a reduced vector competency for tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). T...
Control of Enzyme IIscr and Sucrose-6-Phosphate Hydrolase Activities in Streptococcus mutans by Transcriptional Repressor ScrR Binding to the cis-Active Determinants of the scr Regulon

In Streptococcus mutans, enzyme II(scr) and sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase are two important enzymes in the transport and metabolism of dietary sucrose. The scr regulon of S. mutans is composed of three genes, scrA and scrB, which code for enzyme II(scr) and sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase, respectively, and scrR, which codes for a GalR-LacI-type transcription regulator. It was previously shown that expression of both scrA and scrB is similarly induced by sucrose. Mutation in the scrR gene resulted in increased expression of scrB relative to that in the wild-type strain. In this study, we employed DNA mobility shift and DNase I protection assays with a purified ScrR-histidine tag fusion protein to examine the DNA binding properties of ScrR to the promoter regions of the scrA and scrB genes. The results showed that ScrR bound specifically to the promoter regions of both scrA and scrB. Two regions with high affinity for ScrR in the promoter sequences of the scrA and scrB genes were identified by DNase I protection assays. One, O(C), which includes a 20-bp imperfect inverted-repeat sequence, is located between the two promoters, and the other, O(B), is located within the scrB promoter region containing a 37-bp imperfect direct-repeat sequence. Mutations of O(B) and O(C) resulted in constitutive transcription and expression of both the scrA and scrB genes. Our results indicated that S. mutans coordinates the activities of enzyme II(scr) and sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase by transcriptional repressor ScrR binding to the promoter regions of the scr regulon.
Genetic identification and characterization of a novel virus related to human hepatitis E virus from chickens with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in the United States.

Hepatitis–splenomegaly (HS) syndrome is an emerging disease in chickens in North America; the cause of this disease is unknown. In this study, the genetic identification and characterization of a novel virus related to human hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolated from bile samples of chickens with HS syndrome is reported. Based upon the similar genomic organization and significant sequence identity of this virus with HEV, the virus has been tentatively named avian HEV in order to distinguish it from human and swine HEV. Electron microscopy revealed that avian HEV is a non-enveloped virus particle of 30–35 nm in diameter. The sequence of the 3′ half of the viral genome (∼4 kb) was determined. Sequence analyses revealed that this genomic region contains the complete 3′ non-coding region, the complete genes from open reading frames (ORFs) 2 and 3, the complete RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene and a partial helicase gene from ORF 1. The helicase gene is the most conserved gene between avian HEV and other HEV strains, displaying 58–61% aa and 57–60% nt sequence identities. The RdRp gene of avian HEV shares 47–50% aa and 52–53% nt sequence identities and the putative capsid gene (ORF 2) of avian HEV shares 48–49% aa and 48–51% nt sequence identities with the corresponding regions of other known HEV strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that avian HEV is genetically related to, but distinct from, other known HEV strains. This discovery has important implications for HEV animal models, nomenclature and natural history.
Discrete Lyapunov exponents and Hausdorff dimension

We study certain metrics on subshifts of finite type for which we define the discrete analogs of Lyapunov exponents. We prove Young's formula for -Hausdorff dimension. We give sufficient conditions on the above metrics for which the Hausdorff dimension is given by thermodynamic formalism. We apply these results to the Hausdorff dimension of the limit sets of geometrically finite, purely loxodromic, Kleinian groups.
A DSP course based on lecture/lab integration

An approach developed at Northeastern University for undergraduate DSP education that bridges the gap between theory and practice is described. It combines a traditional lecture component of DSP theory with a hardware-based laboratory component containing experiments and projects. The course organization and the laboratory are examined, and an illustrative project, a single-sideband modulator, is described. >
Properties of Alaska Pollock Skin Gelatin: A Comparison with Tilapia and Pork Skin Gelatins

The objective of this work was to compare the physiochemical and rheological properties of Alaska pollock skin gelatin (AG) to those obtained for tilapia and pork skin gelatins. Results were also obtained for some mixed gels containing AG and pork skin gelatin, or AG and tilapia gelatin. AG contained about 7% hydroxyproline (Hyp), which was lower than that of tilapia (∼11%) or pork skin gelatin (∼13%). Most of the protein fractions in AG were α chain, β chain, and other oligomers. The gel strength of AG was 98 gram-force at 10 °C, and increased at a greater rate than other gelatins with decreasing temperature. The gel melting point of AG was the lowest with the oil-drop method, while the viscosity of AG was the highest of the samples studied. The rheological properties of gelatins were determined using small amplitude oscillatory shear testing. G′ was nearly independent of frequency for most of the gelatin gels, but AG gels showed a slight dependence on G′ and a minimum in G″. G′ was found to be a power law function of concentration for all gelatins used: G′= k × Cn. In rheological measurements, AG also showed the lowest gel melting temperature and sharpest melting region. Increasing gelatin concentration resulted in a higher melting temperature and a broader melting region for all gelatin gels. For both the AG-pork and AG-tilapia mixed gels, the gel melting temperatures decreased and melting regions narrowed as the AG fraction was increased.
“Weaning off of Email”: Encouraging Students to Use Office Hours over Email to Contact Professors

“Email is dead for today's student” a recent headline reads (Philipson 2014). Despite the increasing use of alternative social media, this hardly seems true. The 2011 ECAR National Study of Undergr...
Pediatric Emergency Departments are More Likely Than General Emergency Departments to Treat Asthma Exacerbation With Systemic Corticosteroids

Objective. To determine whether systemic corticosteroids are under-prescribed (as measured by current NIH treatment guidelines) for children in the United States seen in the emergency department (ED) for acute asthma, and to identify factors associated with prescribing systemic corticosteroids. Methods. We used data from the 2001–2007 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The study population was children ≤18 years old in the ED with a primary diagnosis of asthma (ICD-9-CM code 493.xx) who received bronchodilator(s). The primary outcome was receipt of a systemic corticosteroid in the ED. Independent variables included patient-level (e.g., demographics, insurance, fever, admission), physician-level (provider type, ancillary medications and tests ordered), and system-level factors (e.g., ED type, geographic location, time of day, season, year). We used multivariable logistic regression techniques to identify factors associated with systemic corticosteroid treatment. Results. Systemic corticoster...
Brain activation during human finger extension and flexion movements

Corticospinal projections to the motor neuron pool of upper-limb extensor muscles have been reported to differ from those of the flexor muscles in humans and other primates. The influence of this difference on the central nervous system control for extension and flexion movements is unknown. Cortical activation during thumb extension and flexion movements of eight human volunteers was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which detects signal changes caused by an alteration in the local blood oxygenation level. Although the relative activity of the extensor and flexor muscles of the thumb was similar, the brain volume activated during extension was substantially larger than that during flexion. These fMRI results were confirmed by measurements of EEG-derived movement-related cortical potential. Higher brain activity during thumb extension movement may be a result of differential corticospinal, and possibly other pathway projections to the motoneuron pools of extensor and flexor muscles of upper the extremities.
Cross-Modulation Interference and Mitigation Technique for Ultrawideband PPM Signaling

The detection issues of ultrawideband (UWB) signals depend on the type of modulation scheme that is used during the transmission. Cross-modulation interference (CMI) is a problem that is specific to UWB pulse-position-modulation (PPM) signaling. In this paper, the effects of CMI on the performance of noncoherent UWB receivers are analyzed. The probabilities of error for transmitted-reference (TR) and energy detector (ED) receivers in the presence and absence of CMI are derived. Optimal and suboptimal CMI avoidance algorithms, which are based on novel acquisition techniques, are proposed for Rake receivers. The results show that the performance degradation in both receivers, which is due to the CMI effects, can be significant, depending on the modulation index. TR receivers still can be functional in the presence of CMI, and the target performance level determines the modulation index to be used. It is unlikely that effects of CMI on the performance of ED receivers in the presence of CMI are more severe relative to TR receivers, and the performance level is not acceptable. As a result, PPM signaling is not an appropriate modulation technique for ED receivers that are operating in the CMI region, unless CMI mitigation algorithms can be developed. Furthermore, the proposed optimal and suboptimal algorithms are two promising schemes for avoiding the CMI effects and, consequently, for improving the performance of Rake receivers operating in the CMI region.
Pathobiology of Inflammation to Cell Death

When a cell dies in vivo the innate immune system investigates the scene of the crime. If the death of the cell is physiological, e.g. as part of normal cell turn over, then the corpse is cleared and little else is done. In fact, as part of this process phagocytes that ingest normal apoptotic cells can actively suppress tissue responses by elaborating anti-inflammatory cytokines (1). However, if the cell has died unexpectedly from some pathological process, then the innate immune system expands its investigation.
Effects of CoTi-doping on longitudinal barium ferrite thin film media

It is shown that the coercivity of barium ferrite thin film media can be adjusted over a very wide range from 1000 Oe to 4000 Oe by the proper amount of CoTi-doping. The coercivity decreases dramatically with increasing CoTi concentrations in the film, while the saturation magnetization decreases only slightly. The optimized S/sub q/, S* and SFD values are relatively unaffected by CoTi-doping. The grain size decreases as the amount of CoTi-doping increases. A multilayer structure consisting of alternating pure barium ferrite and CoTi-doped barium ferrite layers has been demonstrated to be useful for controlling the overall film composition through a diffusion process. The direct correspondence between the coercivity and the composition provides a guideline for the practical use of this material. >
Using Annual Panel Data To Examine The Monday Effect

The Monday effect is a well-known anomaly in which Monday stocks returns are significantly different from other days. Recent research suggests that small-cap stocks exhibit negative and significant Monday returns, mid-cap stocks show no Monday effect and large-cap stocks have positive and significant Monday returns. In this short paper we re-examine the Monday effect using a somewhat different approach that the rest of the literature. Specifically, we examine the U.S. mean Monday returns for each market capitalization decile and for each year over the period 1966-2007. We then examine the patterns of these annual Monday returns. Using this method, we find that the Monday effect has dissipated for all sizes of stocks so much that, by the middle 1990s, the Monday returns are generally not significant from zero.
Family Access to a Dentist Study (FADS): A multi-center randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Introduction Many low-income parent/caregivers do not understand the importance of cavity-free primary (baby) teeth and the chronic nature of dental caries (tooth decay). As a consequence, dental preventive and treatment utilization is low even when children are screened in schools and referred for care. This study aims to test a referral letter and Dental Information Guide (DIG) designed using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) framework to improve caregivers' illness perception of dental caries and increase utilization of care by children with restorative dental needs. Methods A multi-site randomized controlled trial with caregivers of Kindergarten to 4th grade children in urban Ohio and rural Washington State will compare five arms: (1) CSM referral letter alone; (2) CSM referral letter + DIG; (3) reduced CSM referral letter alone; (4) reduced CSM referral letter + DIG; and (5) standard (control) referral. At baseline, children will be screened at school to determine restorative dental needs. If in need of treatment, caregivers will be randomized to study arms and an intervention packet will be sent home. The primary outcome will be dental care based on a change in oral health status by clinical examination 7 months post-screening (ICDAS sealant codes 1 and 2; restoration codes 3–8; extraction). Enrollment commenced summer 2015 with results in summer 2016. Conclusion This study uses the CSM framework to develop and test behavioral interventions to increase dental utilization among low-income caregivers. If effective this simple intervention has broad applicability in clinical and community-based settings.