cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of estrogen and progesterone on the incorporation of 35S methionine by blastocysts in ovariectomized mice.

Incorporation of 35S methionine by mouse blastocysts in vivo, as detected by radioautography, provides a presumptive measure of the blastocysts' protein synthesizing activity. Normally, there is a marked increase in 35S methionine incorporation between 95 and 99 hours post coitum. To determine whether or not ovarian hormones influence 35S methionine incorporation by the blastocysts, mice were ovariectomized on day 4 of pregnancy and injected with progesterone and/or estradiol 17-β and given a single injection of 35S methionine. The results demonstrate that 35S methionine is incorporated in mouse blastocysts in vivo only after combined progesterone and estrogen treatment; 12 to 14 hours are required for the maximum response. Further, blastocysts were transferred (101–103 hours post coitum) from intact donors to ovariectomized, pseudopregnant recipients that were untreated or treated with progesterone or estradiol. The blastocysts incorporated 35S methionine, thus suggesting that hormonally induced changes in the blastocysts are responsible for initiating protein synthesis. These findings provide a tentative explanation for the mechanism involved in initiating normal implantation and for terminating the embryonic diapause in the delayed implantation of lactation.
Control of Flow Pattern and Solidification Interface Shape in an Induction Heated Czochralski Crystal Growth System

Optical crystals grown by Czochralski technique from a solute-rich melt usually suffer defects of melt inclusion or bubble core defects, which severely affect the optical, thermal and mechanical properties of the material. It is well known that the formation of melt inclusion or bubble core is highly related to species distribution in the growth system especially at the solidification interface and the shape of the growth interface. This paper has examined the flow pattern and solidification interface changes by changing the forced convection, e.g., crystal rotation and by changing the natural convection, e.g., inserting a horizontal disk plate. The relative effect of fluid-flow convection modes in the melt associated with crystal rotation rate is represented by a dimensionless parameter, Gr/Re2 . Increasing the rotation rate will cause the solid-liquid interface change from the convex shape to concave. When the crystal rotation rate is relatively low and natural convection is strong, Gr/Re2 is large. In this case, the concentration of species pertinent to melt inclusion moves down along the axis of rotation. When the crystal rotation rate is increased, the value of Gr/Re2 decreases. The precipitated composition spreads over the growing interface may then be swiped away from the growth interface by increased crystal rotation. Melt inclusion-free crystals can thus be obtained. The relationship between Gr/Re2 and growth interface shape change is achieved by numerical simulations. The stagnant point location as a function of crystal rotation is also presented, which shows that the stagnant point moves outward by increasing Reynolds number and/or reducing Grashof number. From such understanding, the interface shape and melt inclusion position can then be controlled through control of Gr/Re2 in the growth system. Many times, it is, however, not practical in the experiments to use a high rotation rate for optical crystal growth since high rotation rate will introduce the striation defects. A new design to reduce natural convection is then proposed to improve the effect of crystal rotation and to control the solidification interface shape. Numerical simulations have been performed to demonstrate the possibility of the new design. Results show that such design is very effective and practical to control the melt inclusion and the solidification interface shape.
ECONOMIC THEORY AND POLICY ANALYSIS: CONCEPTUAL GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC POLICY‐MAKERS

: Traditionally public policy analysis has been able to employ the conceptual framework offered by the theory of market failure in order to evaluate the efficiency of market outcomes. However, until fairly recently, no corresponding analytical structure existed which could facilitate the examination of the efficiency and equity characteristics of government or non-market outcomes. Quite apart from public choice theory, an embryonic normative theory of government failure has now been developed which can act as a conceptual analogue to the market failure paradigm. At present, three theories of government failure coexist in the literature: Wolf's theory of non-market failure; Le Grand's theory of government failure; and Vining and Weimer's theory of govern- ment production failure. These models form the basis for a more universal theory of government failure. Nevertheless, in its current state of development this seminal literature can still assist in rational public policy design subject to certain caveats. Foremost amongst these is the need for policy analysts to augment the efficiency and equity criteria with some additional broader normative measures, and the necessity for care to be taken in the use of allocative efficiency as a benchmark in non-market circumstances.
Body composition of beef heifers at puberty.

Abstract Three trials were conducted to study age, weight, percent body fat and protein content of 131 crossbred and purebred beef heifers at puberty, to investigate relationships among various pubertal measurements and to determine if body fat and protein values could be used in combination with age, weight and shoulder height to predict the onset of puberty. Trials 1 and 2 compared heifers on treatments of high (H), medium (M) and low (L) levels of energy. The rations were formulated at 120, 100 and 80 percent of the National Research Council (NRC) recommendation for energy. The protein level was 100 percent of the NRC recommendation for all three treatments. Each animal was examined every two weeks per rectum for the presence of follicles and corpora lutea. The presence of a mature corpus luteum indicated the attainment of puberty. Trial 3 heifers were fed the same level of nutrition but ovulation data were based on weekly rectal palpations and on the presence of greater than 2.0 ng/ml blood plasma progesterone. Percentage of fat and protein were quantified in all trials using a whole body counter. In Trial 1 there was a significant difference (P In all trials, high R 2 values for multiple stepwise regression analyses indicated that body composition estimates were useful in predicting weight at puberty in beef heifers. The results of this study do not support a critical body weight or body composition hypothesis in the beef heifer. It was concluded that these data indicate environmental factors may have more effect than nutrition on the onset of puberty.
Inflammation in the Intestinal Tract: Pathogenesis and Treatment

Over the past decade a major hypothesis has emerged for the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This hypothesis proposes that IBD represents a dysregulated mucosal immune response to antigens derived from the commensal microbiota in a genetically susceptible host that initially derives from innate immune abnormalities leading to an excessive proinflammatory cytokine derived from CD4+ T cells (T-helper 1, T-helper 2, and T-helper 17 cytokines) over and above the response that is normally associated with tolerance and immunoregulation derived from T-regulatory cells. Given that the genetic predisposition has increasingly been recognized to affect the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, intestinal epithelial cell physiologic barrier function and the potential inappropriate access of antigens to the mucosal immune system through this dysfunctional barrier function, a key point in understanding IBD pathophysiology is to understand the immunoregulatory pathways associated with the intestinal immune system as they apply to IBD. Therefore, immunogenetic pathways associated with innate and adaptive immunity, the cytokines secreted by innate and adaptive immune cells, the epithelial factors and leukocyte factors that are associated with inflammation and structures on the endothelium that regulate the recruitment of leukocytes define potential pathways that may be amenable to therapeutic manipulation in IBD.
Induction and Stability of Phenotypic Variation in Sugarcane as Affected by Propagation Procedure

Sugarcane (Saccharum L. spp. hybrids) propagated in vitro from shoot tips is generally assumed to be less phenotypically variable than from callus culture. The objectives of this research were to study stalk, milling, and morphological variant characteristics of plants of «CP 74-383» from callus culture, direct regeneration, shoot tip culture, and conventional bud propagation, and to assess the phenotypic stability after vegetative propagation. Plants were evaluated in plant-cane and first-ratoon crops (Experiment 1). Plants with normal or off-type phenotypes selected from Exp. 1 were similarly evaluated in two successive plant-cane crops (Experiment 2). The frequency of variants was high for all tissue culture (TC) treatments. The frequency of normal TC plants was 10 and 22% in plant-cane and first-ratoon crops, respectively, showing that some variation was transitory. However, phenotypes of normal or off-type selections were stable with vegetative propagation. The TC plants had low mean plant height, stalk diameter, and stalk weight. Normal TC plants and controls (from bud propagation) were similar for stalk number and plant height, but normal selections had thinner, lighter stalks. Treatments did not differ in milling characteristics in either experiment, indicating that morphology was independent of cane composition. The results demonstrated that shoot tip culture of this cultivar induced considerable phenotypic variability. Little useful in-vitro induced variability occurred for important phenotypic characteristics
Holistically evaluating agent-based social systems models: a case study

The philosophical perspectives on model evaluation can be broadly classified into reductionist/logical positivist and relativist/holistic. In this paper, we outline some of our past efforts in, and challenges faced during, evaluating models of social systems with cognitively detailed agents. Owing to richness in the model, we argue that the holistic approach and consequent continuous improvement are essential to evaluating complex social system models such as these. A social system built primarily of cognitively detailed agents can provide multiple levels of correspondence, both at observable and abstract aggregated levels. Such a system can also pose several challenges, including large feature spaces, issues in information elicitation with database, experts and news feeds, counterfactuals, fragmented theoretical base, and limited funding for validation. We subscribe to the view that no model can faithfully represent reality, but detailed, descriptive models are useful in learning about the system and bringing about a qualitative jump in understanding of the system it attempts to model - provided they are properly validated. Our own approach to model evaluation is to consider the entire life cycle and assess the validity under two broad dimensions of (1) internally focused validity/quality achieved through structural, methodological, and ontological evaluations; and (2) external validity consisting of micro validity, macro validity, and qualitative, causal and narrative validity. In this paper, we also elaborate on selected validation techniques that we have employed in the past. We recommend a triangulation of multiple validation techniques, including methodological soundness, qualitative validation techniques, such as face validation by experts and narrative validation, and formal validation tests, including correspondence testing.
Mutational inactivation of the p53 gene in the human erythroid leukemic K562 cell line

The K562 human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line has attained widespread use as a model for studying hematologic malignancy and erythroid differentiation. Sequencing of the p53 gene in the K562 cell line demonstrated a mutation in exon 5 characterized by a single base insertion (cytosine) between codons 135 and 136. This frameshift mutation leads to an N-terminal truncated protein of 147 amino acids. Only the mutated sequence was present suggesting that the normal allele has been lost. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) detected a p53 transcript but Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining of cells failed to detect p53 protein. The identification of an inactivation mutation of p53 in the K562 cell line further supports the argument that p53 mutations play a role in myeloid blast transformation of CML.
Neural network models of nuclear systematics

Abstract We describe a novel phenomenological approach to many-body systems based on multilayer feedforward neural networks. When subjected to appropriate training schemes, such networks are capable of learning the systematics of atomic masses and nuclear spins and parities with high accuracy while forming an efficient internal representation of the training data. When tested on nuclei outside the training set, these neural-network models demonstrate a predictive power competitive with that of traditional theoretical approaches, provided the test nuclei are not too different from those of the training set. The relative performance on training and test sets may be used as a measure of the homology of nuclei with respect to given observables.
Laryngeal palsy, occipital encephalocele and hydrocephalus.

SUMMARY An unusual case of laryngeal palsy, occipital encephalocele and hydrocephalus is described in a six-weeks-old girl. The laryngeal palsy improved with the ventriculo-cardiac shunt. Only one previous case of laryngeal stridor with an occipital encephalocele has been documented. A brief review of the literature is given. RESUME L'auteur rapporte un cas inhabituel de paralysie laryngee, engagement occipital et hydrocephalie chez une enfant de six semaines. La paralysie laryngee s'est amelioree apres un shunt ventriculo-cardiaque. Un seul cas prealable de stridor larynge avec engagement occipital a ete decrit. Une breve revue de la litterature est effectuee. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es wird uber einen ungewohnlichen Fall mit Kehlkopflahmung, occipitaler Enzephalocele und Hydrocephalus bei einem sechs Wochen alten Madchen berichtet. Die Kehlkopflahmung besserte sich nach Anlegen eines Ventils. Es wurde bisher nur ein fruherer Fall nit Kehlkopf. stridor und occipitaler Enzephalocele beschrieben. Abschliesend wird ein kurzer Litera-turuberblick gegeben. RESUMEN Se describe un caso no corriente de paralisis laringea, encefalocele occipital e hidrocefalo en una nina de 6 semanas de edad. La paralisis laringea mejoro despues de un shunt ventriculo-cardiaco. Solo otro caso de estridor laringeo con un encefalocele occipital ha sido documentado. Se da una breve revision de la literatura.
Update on breast milk hormones: Leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin

Recent evidences suggest that a number of chronic diseases seems to be associated with early prenatal and postnatal nutrition, even though the mechanisms underlying the link between early nutrition, health and well-being later in life have not been well understood. Considering that overweight and obesity derive from a condition of altered energy balance, one of the major interests of nutritional researchers is to provide breakthroughs in the understanding of hormonal patterns involved in energy balance regulation. Epidemiological surveys indicate that breastfeeding is protective against obesity in later life, even if the precise magnitude of this association remains not well defined. A lot of studies have shown the detection of hormones in breast milk, which have a role in energy balance regulation. In this review, we present a synopsis of previous and recent studies focusing on hormones in breast milk. It appears that promoting breastfeeding is an important factor in this process.
A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Pleurothallis, with emphasis on Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae, using nuclear ITS and chloroplast DNA sequencing

Several revisions of the genus Pleurothallis have been proposed. Luer has proposed that Pleurothallis species in subgenus Scopula be segregated into the genera Colombiana and Ancipitia . Szlachetko and Margonska (2001) proposed the genus Zosterophyllanthos for Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae . As an alternative, Luer (2005) proposed the genus Acronia by uniting Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae with subsections Acroniae and Amphygiae . The molecular phylogenetic studies by Pridgeon and Chase (2001), however, suggested that these taxonomic revisions might not be justified. We report here a more detailed phylogenetic analysis of the genus Pleurothallis, with emphasis on subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae, with data primarily from nuclear ITS sequencing, supplemented with preliminary data from plastid DNA (rpoB2, rpoC1, and ycf1) sequencing. Some initial, tentative conclusions can be drawn. In the strict consensus maximum-parsimony tree of ITS data, many of the clades collapse, leaving a polytomy with a single, highly supported node that tentatively could be used to delimit the genus Pleurothallis. Such a tree would argue for an expanded concept of the genus Pleurothallis, in which the groups Ancipitia, Colombiana, and Acronia/Zosterophyllanthos, if shown to be monophyletic, are relegated to subgenera.
Dual-class versus single-class firms: information asymmetry

I examine information asymmetry in dual-class firms in general and when they need (do not need) additional external capital. In general the results show that dual-class firms have higher information asymmetry than single-class firms. When dual-class firms need additional external financing, the gap in information asymmetry between dual-class firms and single class firms is narrower. I find that as the need of additional external capital increases, the difference in information asymmetry between dual-class and single-class firms decreases (consistent with increased disclosures). It decreases, up to a point that there is no difference in information asymmetry with single-class firms that also needs additional external capital. When using adverse selection component of bid-ask spread, the paper finds that as the need of external financing gets high, dual-class firms show lower information asymmetry 1 year before they need additional external capital.
A Comparative Method for Both Discrete and Continuous Characters Using the Threshold Model

The threshold model developed by Sewall Wright in 1934 can be used to model the evolution of two-state discrete characters along a phylogeny. The model assumes that there is a quantitative character, called liability, that is unobserved and that determines the discrete character according to whether the liability exceeds a thresh- old value. A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to infer the evolutionary covariances of the liabilities for discrete characters, sampling liability values consistent with the phylogeny and with the observed data. The same approach can also be used for continuous characters by assuming that the tip species have values that have been observed. In this way, one can make a comparative-methods analysis that combines both discrete and continuous characters. Sim- ulations are presented showing that the covariances of the liabilities are successfully estimated, although precision can be achieved only by using a large number of species, and we must always worry whether the covariances and the model apply throughout the group. An advantage of the threshold model is that the model can be straightforwardly extended to accommodate within-species pheno- typic variation and allows an interface with quantitative-genetics models.
A systematic assessment of early African hominids

A large sample of Pliocene fossil hominid remains has been recovered from the African sites of Hadar in Ethiopia and Laetolil in Tanzania. These collections, dating approximately between 2.9 and 3.8 million years ago, constitute the earliest substantial record of the family Hominidae. This article assesses the phylogenetic relationships of the newly discovered fossil hominids and provides a taxonomy consistent with that assessment. A new taxon, Australopithecus afarensis, has been created to accommodate these Pliocene hominid fossils.
The utility of fractal geometry in landscape design

Abstract Natural landscapes possess remarkable regularity in the patterning, sizes, shapes, connectedness, and density of patches. Landscape ecological studies that explore the fractal geometry of nature have found many examples of consistent variation in landscape pattern with scale. Fractal landscape patterns affect the distributions and movements of animals, and therefore may be an important characteristic to include in designed landscapes. A computerized design system enables fractals to be created interactively and automatically overlayed on images or existing maps. The fractal designs are then used in simulations of foraging animals to determine how the new design affects themovements, energetics, and locations of species. The combination of computerized fractal designs and ecological simulation models may enhance both the ecological relevance and aesthetic value of the designed landscape.
On the weight-spectrum of a compact space

The weight-spectrumSp(w, X) of a spaceX is the set of weights of all infinite closed subspaces ofX. We prove that ifκ>ω is regular andX is compactT 2 withω(X)≥κ then some λ withκ≤λ≤2<κ is inSp(ω, X). Under CH this implies that the weight spectrum of a compact space can not omitω 1, and thus solves problem 22 of [M]. Also, it is consistent with 2ω=c being anything it can be that every countable closed setT of cardinals less thanc withω ∈ T satisfiesSp(w, X)=T for some separable compact LOTSX. This shows the independence from ZFC of a conjecture made in [AT].
Mutagen assay with Arabidopsis: A report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox program☆

The small crucifer Arabidopsis is very economical for short-term yet complete assay for chemical mutagens. Thousands of gene loci can be simultaneously monitored for alterations within one culture by screening for segregation among the embryos (M2) developing on the M1 plants. This species is quite sensitive to a wide range of compounds and can activate promutagens to mutagens. There is a very high correlation between mutagenic responses of Arabidopsis and carcinogenicity in animals.
Two new mimosaceous trees from the american tropics

Piptadenia (sect.Pityrocarpa)leucoxylon is described from the lower Orinoco basin in Venezuela, andPithecellobium (sect.Samanea)foederale from Distrito Federal, Brazil. Figures, diagnoses, and discussion of kinship are presented for each.
(NH4)2S, a highly reactive molecular precursor for low temperature anion exchange reactions in nanoparticles.

Ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S) exhibits high reactivity as a sulfide reagent in anion exchange reactions that transform CoO to cobalt sulfide nanoparticles (NPs). The faster diffusion of Co2+ and O2− than the incoming S2− during the anion exchange causes a significant expansion of the NP voids. The low temperature (70 °C) anion exchange reaction produces amorphous cobalt sulfide NPs with Co : S ratio of ca. 3 : 4, which are converted into crystalline NPs with a major phase of cubic Co3S4 by annealing at high temperature in an organic solution.
Ethanol-induced expression of c-Fos differentiates the FAST and SLOW selected lines of mice.

The effect of ethanol on the number of Fos-like immunoreactive (Fos-li) neurons was previously studied in the C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) inbred mouse strains (Hitzemann and Hitzemann, 1997). Data obtained suggested that the locomotor activation response to ethanol found in the D2 but not the B6 strain was associated with an increase in the number of Fos-li neurons (a putative measure of synaptic activity) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), but not in other brain regions, including the basal ganglia. Supporting results were obtained in B6D2 F 2 intercross animals (Demarest et al., 1998) those animals exhibiting a marked locomotor activation response to ethanol also showed a significant increase in the number of Fos-li neurons in the CeA. The current study extends this line of investigation to the FAST and SLOW selected lines of mice (Shen et al., 1995). Twenty-eight SLOW and FAST mice (taken evenly from both replicate lines) were randomly assigned to receive either saline or ethanol (1.5 g/kg). One hour later, the animals were sacrificed, and the number of Fos-li neurons were determined using standard immunocytochemical techniques. Both the FAST and SLOW lines showed a marked increase (>300%) in the number of Fos-li neurons in the lateral aspect of the CeA; however, in the capsular division, only the FAST line showed an increase (>500%). In several brain regions, the basal (saline) response was markedly higher in the SLOW line; these regions included the subthalamic nucleus, the entopeduncular nucleus, the substantia nigra compacta, and the ventral tegmental area. Furthermore, it was found that ethanol decreased the number of Fos-li neurons in the ventral tegmental area of the SLOW but not FAST mice. These data suggest a substantial involvement of the basal ganglia in the segregation of the FAST and SLOW lines.
Fourier transform mass spectrometry using random-noise excitation

Abstract Previous Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) measurements have commonly utilized frequency swept excitation. This communication describes the first demonstration of random-noise excitation for FTMS employing a simple noise excitation source. Characteristics of the source are discussed and a random excitation spectrum is compared with the corresponding frequency sweep excitation spectrum.
Can’t Any Body Count?: Counting as an Epistemic Theme in the History of Human Chromosomes

This paper examines the well-known ‘error’ in the history of human chromosome counting. In the early 1920s, T.S. Painter, supported by a number of independent investigators, placed the count at 48,...
Morphological characterization of dithering masks

We present some novel tools for the analysis of blue- noise binary patterns. Unlike most of the existing methods that evaluate the frequency content of a given mask or its lower order statistics, our new metrics characterize the morphological content of a mask that is quantified using simple one-pass filtering. An analyti- cal filter expression is given. As a result, one can balance the struc- tural content of the mask—diagonal, vertical, and horizontal inter- connections of the majority (or minority) pixels—at the same level. In addition, it is possible to improve the overall mask quality by pre- scribing the occurrence of morphological shapes of connected pix- els. Examples of morphological analysis are given to demonstrate the different qualities of blue-noise and white-noise patterns. © 2003 SPIE and IS&T. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1556766)
The actin genes of Onchocerca volvulus.

Abstract The genome of Onchocerca volvulus was found to contain 2 actin gene classes (called 1 and 2) of 2 genes each. The 4 genes are located in 2 clusters (called A and B), each containing a gene class member. Five short introns of 122–207 bp occur within each gene. The sequences of the fourth intron and the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of all the 2 gene classes are completely different even though their coding regions share 95% identity. Mature transcripts from the actin genes have the nematode spliced leader (SL) at their 5′ ends. One actin cDNA was found to be derived from an actin pre-mRNA which locks both the 5 introns and the 5′ SL, suggesting that in at least some transcripts cis -splicing is completed before trans -splicing occurs.
Complete solution of the chiral Schwinger model Hilbert space, constraints and Wess-Zumino terms

Abstract The chiral Schwinger model is completely solved by bosonization. The Hilbert space is constructed and it is found to be of indefinite metric. The quantum constraints that define the physical subspace are determined and the physical operators (those that commute with the constraints) are found. We compute their correlation functions and find that there is non-trivial fermion wave function renormalization constant ( Z 2 ) and vertex renormalization constant ( Z 1 − ) and that Z 2 = Z 1 although the theory has lost its gauge invariance because of the chiral anomaly. The addition of a Wess-Zumino (WZ) term is studied and the modifications of the constraints introduced by this term is analyzed. The physical gauge invariant correlation functions in the theory with the WZ term are found to be the same as the physical correlation functions of the theory without the WZ terms.
Treatment of the Stiff Arthritic Elbow

Elbow contractures from both extrinsic and intrinsic factors result in functional disability and are challenging to treat. Several surgical approaches have been suggested for treatment, although the optimal method is still debated. Nonsurgical management is generally considered for up to 6 months after the onset of the contracture. Surgical treatment is guided by the etiology and severity of the contracture, patient age, and functional demands. Arthroscopic or open release is generally recommended for young and active patients. In cases with primary osteoarthritis, which are often associated with pain at extremes of motion and relative preservation of articular cartilage, arthroscopic osteocapsular debridement and open ulnohumeral arthroplasty are viable management options. Total elbow arthroplasty is considered for low-demand and older patients with pain throughout the range of motion.
Multi-Scale Enveloping Spectrogram for Bearing Defect Detection

This paper presents a new signal processing technique for bearing defect detection, called Multi-Scale Enveloping Spectrogram (MUSENS). The technique decomposes vibration signals measured on rolling bearings into different scales by means of a continuous wavelet transform (CWT). The envelope signal in each scale is then calculated from the modulus of the wavelet coefficients. Subsequently, Fourier transform is performed repetitively on the envelope of the signal at each scale, resulting in an “envelop spectrum” of the original signal at the various scales. The final output is a three-dimensional scale-frequency map that indicates the intensity and location of the defect-related frequency lines.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
FREE‐SPACE MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT of LOW MOISTURE CONTENT IN POWDERED FOODS

A free-space microwave transmission technique has been developed and tested for rapid inline noninvasive measurement of the moisture content of various types of food powders. the basis of this technique is the relation between the attenuation of X-band microwave radiation through a sample of the food powder to its moisture content by weight. Since food powders generally lose their utility and desirable properties, such as flowability and resistance to spoilage, at lower levels of moisture content, typically 3–7%, special techniques must be developed in order to accurately characterize the moisture content at these low levels. One such technique is to use frequency averaging to enhance the accuracy of the measurements to avoid multiple reflection effects prevalent in low-loss low-moisture attenuation measurements. This technique was implemented in the moisture content estimation. Overall accuracies in moisture content estimation are generally less than 1%, although in some cases, accuracies are in the vicinity of 5%.
Stability and neutralization capacity of a novel mosaic HIV-1 gp140 trimer in a guinea pig model

Background The generation of globally relevant HIV-1 immunogens mimicking native, trimeric Envelope (Env) structure, remains a major challenge for HIV-1 vaccine development. We identified a mosaic Env sequence, originally designed to optimize cellular immunologic coverage of global HIV-1 sequence diversity, which was capable of forming biochemically stable trimers. We assessed this mosaic Env gp140 trimer in guinea pig immunogenicity studies compared to our previously reported biochemically stable C97ZA012 (clade C) trimer. Methods
No NO means yes to sickle red cell adhesion.

In this issue of Blood , Gutsaeva and colleagues demonstrate the role of nitric oxide (NO) to suppress and hypoxia to promote adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to blood vessels in the bone marrow of mice, visualized by intravital microscopy.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Sickle erythrocytes become
Teaching Basic Lab Skills using Diverse Microbial Communities in a Biologically Relevant Context

We present a laboratory-based exercise that is used to teach basic lab skills (e.g., aseptic technique and enumeration) using naturally occurring microbial communities in a real biological context. Students examine the colonization by microbial communities of leaves that fall into streams. Leaf decomposition reflects enzymatic activity by microorganisms such as aquatic fungi and bacteria and maceration by invertebrate shredders. The microorganisms help facilitate the cycling of nutrients and energy in the stream's ecosystem. This exercise effectively teaches students to use lab skills to quantify microorganisms found in nature, investigates groups of microorganisms involved in leaf degradation in streams, and stimulates interest in both microbiology and ecology.
Multiple primary melanomas: Implications for screening and follow-up programs for melanoma

Background: Once individuals are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, they are at an increased risk of developing another melanoma when compared with the normal population.
1106 THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF CATECHOLAMINES IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF SHOCK IN ACUTE MAGNESIUM (Mg) DEFICIENCY IN YOUNG RATS

The sudden potentially fatal episode occurring in the young Mg deficient rat appears to be a form of shock with neurological components; the pathogenesis is unknown. Pathologic changes include acute pulmonary edema, which may be hemorrhagic (Ped. Res. 12:1157,1978); this suggested the possible role of massive catecholamine release in this syndrome (Cheng, Cardiovasc. Res. 9:105-11, 1975). Male weanling 35 g rats were fed purified diets with 40% casein and sufficient (S) Mg (150.8±1.1 mg/100 g(3)) or deficient (D) (6.0±0.1 mg/100 g) (3). Group D rats became hyperirritable; of 10, three died spontaneously between days 10 and 12. On days 12 to 13, urine was collected in 7 rats per group and analyzed for 24 hr catecholamines. Bone Mg was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. US Bureau Stds. liver was reference. Reduced growth and bone Mg values in group D rats confirmed Mg deficiency. We conclude that there is an abnormality in catecholamine metabolism which may contribute to the pathogenesis of shock in acute Mg deficiency in young rats. Support: Life Seekers and Cardinal Glennon Hosp. Res Funds.
Quantitative molecular orbital energies within a G0W0 approximation

Using many-body perturbation theory within a G0W0 approximation, with a plane wave basis set and using a starting point based on density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation, we explore routes for computing the ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (EA), and fundamental gap of three gas-phase molecules — benzene, thiophene, and (1,4) diamino-benzene — and compare with experiments. We examine the dependence of the IP and fundamental gap on the number of unoccupied states used to represent the dielectric function and the self energy, as well as the dielectric function plane-wave cutoff. We find that with an effective completion strategy for approximating the unoccupied subspace, and a well converged dielectric function kinetic energy cutoff, the computed IPs and EAs are in excellent quantitative agreement with available experiment (within 0.2 eV), indicating that a one-shot G0W0 approach can be very accurate for calculating addition/removal energies of small organic molecules.
Extinction and backscatter cross sections of biological materials

Aerosol backscatter and extinction cross-sections are required to model and evaluate the performance of both active and passive detection systems. A method has been developed by which begins with laboratory measurements of thin films and suspensions of biological material to obtain the complex index refraction of the film from the UV to the LWIR. Using that result with particle size distribution and shape information as inputs to T-matrix calculations yields the extinction cross-section and backscatter cross section as a function of wavelength. These are important inputs to the lidar equation. In a continuing effort to provide validated optical cross-sections, measurements have been made on a number of high purity biological species in the laboratory as well as measurements of material released at recent field tests. The resulting observed differences aid in distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic effects, which can affect the characteristic signatures of important biological aerosols. A variety of biological aerosols are examined.
A review and design study of blade testing systems for utility-scale wind turbines

Abstract Since the blades are one of the most critical components of a wind turbine, representative samples must be experimentally tested in order to ensure that the actual performance of the blades is consistent with their specifications. In particular, it must be demonstrated that the blade can withstand both the ultimate loads and the fatigue loads to which the blade is expected to be subjected during its design service life. In general, there are basically two types of blade testing: static testing and fatigue (or dynamic) testing. This paper includes a summary review of different utility-scale wind turbine blade testing methods and the initial design study of a novel concept for tri-axial testing of large wind turbine blades. This new design is based on a blade testing method that excites the blade in flap-wise and edgewise direction simultaneously. The flap motion of the blade is caused by a dual-axis blade resonance excitation system (BREX). Edgewise motion is delivered by the use of two inclined hydraulic actuators and linear guide rail system is used to move the inclined actuators in the flap-wise direction along the blade motion. The hydraulic system and linear guide rail requirements are analyzed and an initial cost estimate of the proposed system is presented. Recommendations for future work on this proposed system are given in the final section of this work.
Sense, necessity and belief

Presentation de la conception de Graeme Forbes (Languages of Possibility) sur la semantique de la necessite et des attitudes propositionnelles. L'A. eleve des objections.
CRT-161 Utility of Clinical Risk Scoring Systems in Predicting Long Term Outcome After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) patients undergoing after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) have multiple co-morbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. The NCDR Risk score is a clinical risk score to predict the risk of in-patient mortality after PCI. The ACEF is a simpler clinical
Metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of compound semiconductors

Abstract The explosive growth of compound semiconductors into the fields of electronic and optical devices has been due to the development of advances epitaxial growth techniques. These epitaxial techniques have proved capable of producing high purity materials in ultra-thin multi-layer structures. The metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) technique is emerging as the technique of choice in many applications to produce such exacting structures. The growth of epitaxial materials in the MOVPE technique is typically accomplished by the co-reaction of reactive metal alkyls with a hydride of the non-metal component. A diversity of chemical growth precursors and growth system designs has allowed for the successful growth of a large number of materials and structures, despite the complex nature of the growth process. This review will explore the recent advances in the understanding of the interactions within the growth environment; the coupled thermal, fluid, and chemical environments. These interactions determine the growth and physical properties of the deposited materials. In particular, the nature of the chemical reactions taking place on or near the growth surface can dominate the material's electrical and chemical properties. Alterations in the growth chemistry have been shown to be an effective means of influencing both the material's purity, through the incorporation of unintentional impurities, and utility, by the controlled incorporation of electrically active impurities or dopants. Some of the practical aspects in the growth of materials and the effective design of growth systems will also be presented.
Inconsistent condom use among HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems.

Abstract Background: Unsafe sexual behavior is common among persons with negative or unknown HIV status and it is augmented by alcohol use in some populations. We examined the association between alcohol consumption level (abstinent, moderate, at-risk) and inconsistent condom use in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals with a history of alcohol problems. Methods: Subjects ( n =345) had up to seven structured interviews over 36 months. Identical questions on alcohol consumption and inconsistent condom use were asked at each interview. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) multivariate logistic regression for repeated measurements analysis. We adjusted for potential confounding factors and explored possible interactions. Results: At baseline, 132 (38%) participants reported inconsistent condom use. We detected a significant ( P =0.0002) interaction between alcohol consumption and injection drug use (IDU) variables. Among active injection drug users, at-risk drinking was associated with inconsistent condom use, adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval) 4.3 (1.5, 12.2). Among those who did not inject drugs, at-risk drinking and inconsistent condom use were not associated, 0.7 (0.4, 1.3). Inconsistent condom use was more common among women, those believing condoms to be ‘a hassle’, and persons living with a partner. Conclusion: In HIV-infected drug-injecting individuals, excessive use of alcohol is associated with unsafe sexual practices.
Agricultural Changes in Haiti: Patterns of Resistance and Acceptance

During a few weeks in the spring of 1952, the author had the opportunity to participate on a planning board of Haitian and American specialists who had been convened in Port-au-Prince at the request of the Haitian Government (in collaboration with the Institute of Inter-American Affairs), to outline a program of agricultural development for the Artibonite Valley. In order to make some estimate of the types of resistance and acceptance the proposed changes might encounter among the illiterate farmers of the Valley, the anthropologist made a brief study of existing documentary materials on recent agricultural aid programs in Haiti; followed by a 15-day tour of a representative sample of active and completed projects. Without mentioning the agencies involved, nor the specific recommendations made by the anthropologist for the Artibonite Valley project, this paper will concern itself with a brief description of the patterns of resistance and acceptance demonstrated by the Haitian farmers toward attempts to al...
Ryanodine and contractile phenomena in the mitotic spindle

Abstract Spontaneous contraction of mouse heart muscle in tissue culture is stopped by ryanodine at 1–2 mg/ml. These concentrations also block mitosis. In the dividing Echinarachnius egg, anaphase movement of chromosomes is retarded and incomplete in ryanodine at 6–8 mg/ml, although some of the eggs complete 2 or 3 cleavages. Increasing the length of exposure prior to cleavage does not alter the character of response and only slightly increases the severity. These phenomena are consistent with an inhibition of traction fiber contraction by ryanodine, but are insufficient to demonstrate the existence of such a contractile phenomenon.
Does Access to Expert Knowledge Allow Students to Better Assess Risk

The Risk in Early Design (RED) tool is a knowledge base containing numerous engineering failure modes associated with the functionality of failed components along with measures of their occurrence and severity. This knowledge base is queried by function (represented using the functional basis lexicon) and historical risk information is presented to the user. To investigate the effectiveness of such a knowledge base in a classroom setting, a formal experiment was constructed and implemented within a large freshman engineering design course involving the identification of a failure mode of a power drill. The control group used a traditional failure analysis technique utilizing a failure mode effects and criticality assessment (FMECA) template. The experimental group utilized a similar technique but was given access to the RED tool. The results of the experiment were blocked by lab section. The experiment showed that RED provided a statistically significant improvement in teams’ ability to identify an exact failure (a 15.6% improvement with a p-value of 0.047). Other observations and measures studied that did not have statistically significant outcomes are reported as well.© 2012 ASME
Community-acquired pneumonia in children.

Pneumonia remains a common and potentially serious infection in children. This review summarizes the problems involved in making the diagnosis and establishing a cause and offers a practical guide to treatment. Decisions should be based first on the age of the child, then on clinical and epidemiologic considerations, and finally, on the findings on chest radiography.
Information-optimized extended depth-of-field imaging systems

Classical optical design techniques are oriented toward optimizing imaging system response at a single image plane. Recently, researchers have proposed to greatly extend the imaging system depth of field, by introducing large deformations of the optical wavefront, coupled with subsequent post-detection image restoration. In one case, a spatially separable cubic phase plate is placed at the pupil plane of an imaging system to create an extremely large effective depth of field. The price for this extended performance is noise amplification in the restored imagery relative to a perfectly focused image. In this paper we perform a series of numerical design studies based on information theoretic analyses to determine when a cubic phase system is preferable to a standard optical imaging system. The amount of optical path difference (OPD) associated with the cubic phase plate is directly related to the amount of achievable depth of field. A large OPD allows greater depth of field at the expense of greater noise in the restored image. The information theory approach allows the designer to study the effect of the cubic phase OPD for a given depth of field requirement.
Young children’s release from proactive interference: The effects of category typicality

Young children’s encoding was studied with the release from proactive interference (PI) paradigm. Second-graders’ recall decreased over three trials on which stimulus triads were drawn from a given conceptual category. Recall improvement was observed when, on a fourth trial, the stimulus materials were instances of a different conceptual category. However, this release from PI occurred only when the stimulus items were category-typical exemplars of the categories, and not when atypical instances were employed. The results suggest that not only is the dimension of the stimulus materials important in affecting release from PI, but so also is the typicality of the items selected to illustrate that dimension.
AN IMPROVED SYNTHESIS OF (4S)-4,5-O-ISOPROPYLIDENEPENT- (2Z)-ENOATE

ABSTRACT (4S)-4,5-O-Isopropylidenepent-(2Z)-enoate (1) has been prepared on a multigram scale from 1,2 : 5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-mannitol (4) in a one pot, two step sequence with improved selectivity (16 : 1 Z : E) and yield (71% Z) over previous literature procedures.