cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of eolian activity in north-central Minnesota 8,000 to 5,000 yr ago

Soil morphology and radiocarbon dates from a sequence of buried soils, exposed by wave action along the shores of Lake Winnibigoshish, north-central Minnesota, provide evidence for a period of vegetation change and landscape instability in that area between about 8,000 and 5,000 yr ago. These data correlate well with interpretations from pollen diagrams of climatic and vegetational changes during the same period. The evidence indicates that a large dune field was active in the area during this time. Conditions that led to that activity could also have been responsible for other dune movement in Minnesota, such as on the Anoka Sand Plain.
ENaC at the Cutting Edge: Regulation of Epithelial Sodium Channels by Proteases

Epithelial Na+ channels facilitate the transport of Na+ across high resistance epithelia. Proteolytic cleavage has an important role in regulating the activity of these channels by increasing their open probability. Specific proteases have been shown to activate epithelial Na+ channels by cleaving channel subunits at defined sites within their extracellular domains. This minireview addresses the mechanisms by which proteases activate this channel and the question of why proteolysis has evolved as a mechanism of channel activation.
Characterisation of watermelon curly mottle virus, a geminivirus distinct from squash leaf curl virus

Summary Purified preparations of watermelon curly mottle virus (WCMoV), a whitefly-transmitted geminivirus, contained dimeric or geminate particles of 20 times 30 nm and the virus was transmissible by mechanical means. Virus yields ranged from 100–150 μg/100 g leaf tissue. Purified preparations exhibited a typical nucleoprotein absorbance profile with a maximum absorbance at 258 nm, and A280 / A260 ratio of 0.61–0.64. Infectivity was associated with two light-scattering, virus-containing bands following sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The viral capsid protein was resolved as a doublet by SDS-PAGE. The estimated mol. wts of the two bands within the doublet were 29 100 (±1550) and 27 733 (±1550), respectively. DNA isolated from virus particles was resolved by gel electrophoresis into two circular single-stranded DNA bands of approximately 2.6 to 2.7 kb. The two bands are believed to represent the individual components of a bipartite genome, characteristic of previously described whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses.
Automated identification of leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Draeculacephala Ball)

An automated system was developed for identifying, without dissection, leafhoppers of the genus Draeculacephala Ball. An online interactive key first is used to place an unknown specimen in a species or species group using discrete external morphological features. A morphometric identification routine then uses linear discriminant models to identify specimens belonging to groups of species that lack discrete differences. Measurements are captured automatically with a video-image processor. This system achieves identifications quickly and with minimal operator training.
Abstract B52: Predictor of distinct genetic alterations in African Americans with colon cancer by genomic analysis

Purpose: Chromosomal instability (CIN), microsatellite instability (MIN), and CpG island methylation phenotype (CIMP) are known processes through which colorectal cancer (CRC) can occur. In a given tumor, one or more of these events might be responsible for tumor development. We previously reported the results of our MSI and CIMP analysis of colorectal tumors in African Americans (AA), a group at high risk. Here, we report our array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) population analysis of AA and Caucasian CRC and its implication for the understanding of CRC development in this population. Experimental design: We used 30 AA and 22 Caucasian CRC patients and applied aCGH (105k chip) to identify copy number aberrations in samples. In addition, we did a population comparative analysis with aCGH data in Caucasians as well as with a widely publicized list of colon cancer candidate genes (CAN genes). Bioinformatics analysis was done to calculate the chromosomal imbalance using Agilent Genomic Workbench 5.0. Results: There was an average of 30 aberrations per patient with all samples displaying some level of chromosomal instability. Analysis of DNA copy number of frequently altered chromosomes revealed that deletions occurred primarily in chromosomes 4, 8 and 18. Chromosomal duplications occurred in more than 50% of cases on chromosomes 7, 8, 13, 20 and X. The CIN profile showed some differences when compared to alterations in Caucasians. Conclusions: Prominent chromosome X amplification in male patients and chromosomes 4, 8 and 18 deletions were the primary targets in AAs. Most CAN genes were altered at high frequencies in AAs with EXOC4, EPHB6, GNAS, MLL3 and TBX22 as the most frequently deleted genes and HAPLN1, ADAM29, SMAD2 and SMAD4 as the most frequently amplified genes. CIN seems to be more prominent in AAs and may play a distinctive role in CRC development in this population. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B52.
Tannins and Human Health: A Review

Tannins (commonly referred to as tannic acid) are water-soluble polyphenols that are present in many plant foods. They have been reported to be responsible for decreases in feed intake, growth rate, feed efficiency, net metabolizable energy, and protein digestibility in experimental animals. Therefore, foods rich in tannins are considered to be of low nutritional value. However, recent findings indicate that the major effect of tannins was not due to their inhibition on food consumption or digestion but rather the decreased efficiency in converting the absorbed nutrients to new body substances. Incidences of certain cancers, such as esophageal cancer, have been reported to be related to consumption of tannins-rich foods such as betel nuts and herbal teas, suggesting that tannins might be carcinogenic. However, other reports indicated that the carcinogenic activity of tannins might be related to components associated with tannins rather than tannins themselves. Interestingly, many reports indicated negative association between tea consumption and incidences of cancers. Tea polyphenols and many tannin components were suggested to be anticarcinogenic. Many tannin molecules have also been shown to reduce the mutagenic activity of a number of mutagens. Many carcinogens and/or mutagens produce oxygen-free radicals for interaction with cellular macromolecules. The anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potentials of tannins may be related to their antioxidative property, which is important in protecting cellular oxidative damage, including lipid peroxidation. The generation of superoxide radicals was reported to be inhibited by tannins and related compounds. The antimicrobial activities of tannins are well documented. The growth of many fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and viruses was inhibited by tannins. We have also found that tannic acid and propyl gallate, but not gallic acid, were inhibitory to foodborne bacteria, aquatic bacteria, and off-flavor-producing microorganisms. Their antimicrobial properties seemed to be associated with the hydrolysis of ester linkage between gallic acid and polyols hydrolyzed after ripening of many edible fruits. Tannins in these fruits thus serve as a natural defense mechanism against microbial infections. The antimicrobial property of tannic acid can also be used in food processing to increase the shelf-life of certain foods, such as catfish fillets. Tannins have also been reported to exert other physiological effects, such as to accelerate blood clotting, reduce blood pressure, decrease the serum lipid level, produce liver necrosis, and modulate immunoresponses. The dosage and kind of tannins are critical to these effects. The aim of this review is to summarize and analyze the vast and sometimes conflicting literature on tannins and to provide as accurately as possible the needed information for assessment of the overall effects of tannins on human health.
Differences in bilateral alpha activity as a function of experimental task, with a note on lateral eye movements and hypnotizability

Abstract EEG alpha activity was recorded bilaterally in a sample of 10 high- and 10 low-hypnotizable subjects, under task conditions designed to activate first the left and then the right hemispheres. While more alpha was recorded from the right hemisphere than from the left in both conditions, there was significantly less in the right hemisphere when that hemisphere was engaged in a task. A predicted relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and direction of reflective lateral eye movements was apparent in the data, but reached statistical significance only when data from 7 pilot subjects were added to these data. Suggestions for further research with improved instrumentation were given.
Parathyroid hormone induces RGS-2 expression by a cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-mediated pathway in primary neonatal murine osteoblasts.

Abstract Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a promising anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, PTH is also potently catabolic. To help delineate the molecular mediators of PTH’s opposing effects on skeletal metabolism, we have examined PTH-induced regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS-2) expression and function in murine osteoblasts. RGS proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that regulate GTP-binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by enhancing the intrinsic GTPase activity of Gα subunits. We found that 10 nmol/L PTH maximally induced RGS-2 mRNA in murine MC3T3-E1 cells, rat Py1a and ROS-17/2.8 cells, primary mouse osteoblasts (MOB cells), and mouse calvariae organ culture at 1–2 h posttreatment. PTH signaling through its receptor, PTHR1, is coupled to cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and calcium signaling pathways. We examined the effect of selective signaling agonists and antagonists on RGS-2 expression in MOB cells to determine which pathway(s) mediates PTH-induced RGS-2 expression. Although selective activation of all three pathways led to RGS-2 expression, cAMP-PKA activation with 10 nmol/L PTH and 10 μmol/L forskolin elicited the strongest induction. Similarly, RGS-2 mRNA expression was most strongly inhibited by the PKA inhibitor, H89 (10–30 μmol/L). The phorbol ester, PMA (1 μmol/L), which activates the PKC pathway, and ionomycin (1 μmol/L), which activates the calcium pathway, produced small but detectable elevations in RGS-2 mRNA levels. Overnight treatment with 1 μmol/L PMA to deplete PKC did not affect subsequent RGS-2 induction by PTH, but significantly inhibited PMA-induced RGS-2 expression. Treatment with 1–100 nmol/L PTH(3-34), which does not activate cAMP-PKA signaling, did not induce RGS-2 expression. MOB cells pretreated with 3 μg/mL cycloheximide produced sustained RGS-2 mRNA levels 2 h after 10 nmol/L PTH treatment. Actinomycin D (5 μg/mL) completely blocked 10 nmol/L PTH-induced RGS-2 expression. Finally, we tested the effect of RGS-2 overexpression on PTH- and fluprostenol-induced interleukin (IL)-6 promoter activity in MOB cells. PTH induces IL-6 through PKA activation, whereas fluprostenol induces IL-6 through PKC activation. We found that RGS-2 overexpression significantly inhibited IL-6 promoter activity following fluprostenol treatment, but not following PTH treatment. We conclude that RGS-2 is a PTH-induced primary response gene in murine osteoblasts that is induced mainly through the cAMP-PKA pathway and specifically inhibits Gαq-coupled receptors.
Distribution center and retail conditions affect the sensory and compositional quality of bulk and packaged slicing cucumbers

Abstract During distribution and retail display, fruits and vegetables are often exposed to undesirable temperature and humidity conditions which often result in increased waste due to weight loss and objectionable appearance. Unwaxed fresh-market slicing cucumbers (cv. Calypso) were harvested from a commercial operation and shipped to a distribution center (DC) in Florida. At the DC, 2 d after harvest, cucumbers were sorted and either commercially machine packaged in expanded polystyrene trays covered with a polyvinylchloride film or remained unpackaged for bulk retail display. Cucumbers were transported the next day by truck to a retail store in Gainesville, collected from the store, and stored under optimum (10 °C and 90% RH) or simulated retail display conditions (4 °C or 14 °C and 90–92% RH). Sensory (visual and instrumental color, firmness, shriveling, chilling injury and decay) and compositional quality (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids and chlorophyll contents) were evaluated initially at the DC and after a 4-d simulated retail display period. Overall, bulk cucumbers were softer, appeared more shriveled, and were more affected by pitting and decay than packaged cucumbers. Bulk cucumbers also appeared lighter green and more yellowish than packaged fruit. Hue angle was less in bulk than in packaged cucumbers, but no consistent differences were observed in the L*, chroma, and hue values between the different temperatures. Small variations in the L*, hue, and chroma values compared to significant losses in chlorophyll content suggest that insufficient chlorophyll degradation occurred to cause major visual color changes. The greater weight loss in bulk cucumbers compared to packaged fruit was associated with accelerated chlorophyll degradation, lower acidity, and lower soluble solids content. Although packaged cucumbers had better visual quality than bulk cucumbers, there was higher RH inside the packages and greater development of decay on packaged fruit. Overall, after the 4-d simulated retail display, the appearance of the cucumbers used in this study was considered to be objectionable due to either yellowing, loss of firmness, shriveling or decay, regardless of the treatment. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of using an appropriate protective package in addition to maintaining the optimum temperature during distribution and retail display. Moreover, initial quality evaluation should be performed upon reception at the DC, and before cucumbers are displayed at the retail store, in order to estimate the remaining shelf life before this product becomes unacceptable for sale.
Conceptual Models for Infrastructure Leadership

AbstractIn policy and aspirational documents both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering have called for engineers of the 21st century to take a leading role in infrastructure discussions about and decisions. These discussions and decisions routinely involve stakeholders, constituencies, and organizations that are unfamiliar with traditional engineering modeling and analysis techniques; removing communication barriers is essential, but many find our engineering tools, methods, and explanations difficult to comprehend. Assuming a leadership role in these conversations requires engineers to adopt new conceptual models that enhance communication between people with dissimilar backgrounds and promote shared understanding. The West Point infrastructure models introduced in this paper provide engineers, decision makers, and members of society with a universal framework for understanding, visualizing, assessing, and describing complex infrastructure systems in a manner th...
Existence of best approximations by exponential sums in several independent variables

Abstract In this paper we establish the existence of a best Lp approximation, 1 ⩽ p ⩽ ∞, to a given function f∈Lp( D , where D ⊂ Rm is a bounded domain, from the family Vn(S) of all nth order exponential sums in m independent variables for which the corresponding exponential parameters lie in the closed set S ⊆ C. In so doing we extend the previously known existence theorem which corresponds to the special case where m = 1 and D is a finite interval.
What ring tone should be used for patient safety? Early results with a Blackberry-based telementoring safety solution.

Abstract Objective Technology currently exists for the application of remote guidance in the laparoscopic operating suite. However, these solutions are costly and require extensive preparation and reconfiguration of current hardware. We propose a solution from existing technology, to send video of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to the Blackberry Pearl device (RIM Waterloo, ON, Canada) for remote guidance purposes. This technology is time- and cost-efficient, as well as reliable. Methods After identification of the critical maneuver during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the division of the cystic duct, we captured a segment of video before it's transection. Video was captured using the laparoscopic camera input sent via DVI2USB Solo Frame Grabber (Epiphan Ottawa, Canada) to a video recording application on a laptop. Seven- to 40-second video clips were recorded. The video clip was then converted to an .mp4 file and was uploaded to our server and a link was then sent to the consultant via e-mail. The consultant accessed the file via Blackberry for viewing. After reviewing the video, the consultant was able to confidently comment on the operation. Results Approximately 7 to 40 seconds of 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were recorded and transferred to the consultant using our method. All 10 video clips were reviewed and deemed adequate for decision making. Conclusion Remote guidance for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with existing technology can be accomplished with relatively low cost and minimal setup. Additional evaluation of our methods will aim to identify reliability, validity, and accuracy. Using our method, other forms of remote guidance may be feasible, such as other laparoscopic procedures, diagnostic ultrasonography, and remote intensive care unit monitoring. In addition, this method of remote guidance may be extended to centers with smaller budgets, allowing ubiquitous use of neighboring consultants and improved safety for our patients.
e-Health Models Leading to Business-to-Employee Commerce in the Human Resources Function

Evidence of new forms of information tools via the World Wide Web increasingly indicate that business-to-consumers e-commerce models require real-time data that enable users to make informative decisions. Although the Web has provided a variety of e-health sites, these sites have offered little in the way of enabling the human resources (HR) function. This article examines health care consumers' views of an existing health maintenance selection process. Data are gathered from employees of a southeastern university that offers a myriad of health maintenance organization (HMO) services. The findings suggest that HR-enabled health care Web portals must include consumer-defined features such as rank-ordered preferences by employees, privacy/security functions, and electronic enrollment during the HMO selection process. Despite these results, participants in the survey did not advocate the elimination of human interaction in this effort, instead supporting the concept of business-to-employee commerce.
Long-term follow-up of strictureplasty in Crohn's disease

Because Crohn's disease of the small bowel is often diffuse, strictureplasty has been advocated as an alternative or adjunct to resection(s) of strictured segments. We reviewed 116 patients with obstructive Crohn's disease undergoing 452 primary strictureplasties (Heineke-Mikulicz, 405; Finney, 47). The median age was 34 years (range, 13–72 years); the male-to-female ratio 1.4∶1; and the median follow-up was three years (range, six months to seven years). Seventy-six patients (66 percent) had at least one previous small bowel resection. Perforative disease was present in 18 patients (15 percent), and synchronous resections were performed in 71 patients (61 percent). The median number of strictureplasties was three (range, 1–15). There was no mortality. Septic complications (intra-abdominal abscess/fistula) occurred in seven patients (6 percent), and reoperation for sepsis was needed in two patients. Relief of obstructive symptoms was achieved in 99 percent of the patients. After surgery, the median weight gain was 4 kg, and two-thirds of the patients were weaned off steroids. Symptomatic recurrence occurred in 28 patients (24 percent), and 17 patients (15 percent) needed reoperation. Rates of restricture and new stricture/perforative disease were 2.8 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
Gas phase composition effects on suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata.

The effect of different concentrations and combinations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene on cell growth and taxol production in suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata was investigated using several factorial design experiments. Low head space oxygen concentration (10% v/v) promoted early production of taxol. High carbon dioxide concentration (10% v/v) inhibited taxol production.The most effective gas mixture composition in terms of taxol production was 10% (v/v) oxygen, 0.5% (v/v) carbon dioxide, and 5 ppm ethylene. Cultures grown under ambient concentration of oxygen had a delayed uptake of glucose and fructose compared to cultures grown under 10% (v/v) oxygen. Average calcium uptake rates into the cultured cells decreased and average phosphate uptake rates increased as ethylene was increased from 0 to 10 ppm. These results may indicate that gas composition alters partitioning of nutrients, which in turn affects secondary metabolite production.
Senescence in oat leaves: Changes in translatable mRNAs

Changes in translatable mRNA populations during the senescence of oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Victory) leaves were examined by analyzing the in vitro translation products of isolated RNA. Total RNA was isolated from oat leaves of 7-day-old seedlings, and also after these leaves were aged for different lengths of time under various conditions. Polypeptides from in vitro translations were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to estimate any changes in translatable mRNA populations associated with senescence. Corresponding leaf samples were monitored for loss of chlorophyll as a measure of the extent of senescence. The aging of excised leaves in the light for 4 days resulted in the disappearance or substantial quantitative decrease of a number of mRNA species, while only five new translatable mRNA species were produced. Three of these mRNAs were unique to aging of leaves under light. Two of these mRNA species were also produced during the early stages of senescence in attached leaves of seedlings grown under light. The translatable mRNA populations of leaves aged for 4 days either on intact seedlings or detached and kept in the light in the presence of kinetin were very similar. Aging of excised leaves in the dark on water for 24 h resulted in very extensive changes in translatable mRNA populations. Over thirty polypeptides disappeared or were substantially reduced in quantity, while about an equal number appeared de novo or were substantially increased in quantity. Aging of these leaves for an additional 24 or 48 h resulted in only a few additional changes in translatable mRNAs. The presence of kinetin during aging of excised leaves in the dark inhibited few of the numerous changes in mRNAs that occured during the first 24 h, but did inhibit most of the changes that occured after 48 or 72 h of aging in the dark. When leaves were first aged in the dark and then returned to light, most of the initial changes in translatable mRNAs expression were reversed. Such changes in mRNAs thus appear to be light-regulated and not necessarily associated with senescence.
Seepage from Oilfield Brine Disposal Ponds in Utah

Significant amounts of brine produced in conjunction with oil well operations in the Greater Altamont-Bluebell field have been disposed of to surface impoundments. Mass balance calculations indicate that about 93% of this brine, a total of 4,430 acre-feet (5·45 × 106 m3) over the ten-year period studied, is lost through seepage, introducing a total salt load of 200 million pounds (90 × 106 kg) into the shallow aquifer system. Estimates of salt-water plume movement indicate that potential adverse economic impacts on irrigators and other water users in the Duchesne River Valley could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lining of disposal ponds and increased use of injection wells will reduce future contamination. A monitoring program should be set up to determine actual levels of contamination of domestic and agricultural water supplies.
Responsive microcapsule reactors based on hydrogen-bonded tannic acid layer-by-layer assemblies

We explore responsive properties of hollow multilayer shells of tannic acid assembled with a range of neutral polymers, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON), poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). We found that properties of the nanoscale shells fabricated through hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly can be tuned changing the interaction strength of a neutral polymer with tannic acid, and by a change in counterpart hydrophobicity. Unlike most hydrogen-bonded LbL films with two polymer components, the produced tannic acid-based multilayer shells are extremely stable in the wide pH range from 2 to 10. We demonstrate that gold nanoparticles can be grown within tannic acid-containing shell walls under mild environmental conditions paving the way for further modification of the capsule walls through thiol-based surface chemistry. Moreover, these shells show reversible pH-triggered changes in surface charge and permeability towards FITC-labeled polysaccharide molecules. The permeability of these LbL containers can be controlled by changing pH providing an opportunity for loading and release of a functional cargo under mild conditions.
SPAR: stochastic programming with adversarial recourse

We consider a general adversarial stochastic optimization model. Our model involves the design of a system that an adversary may subsequently attempt to destroy or degrade. We introduce SPAR, which utilizes mixed-integer programming for the design decision and a Markov decision process (MDP) for the modeling of our adversarial phase.
Endoanal Advancement Flaps in the Management of Complex Anorectal Fistulas

Complex perianal fistulas are a significant cause of morbidity with detrimental effects on patient's quality of life. Affected individuals often require repeated anorectal surgeries with the potential for fecal incontinence and the need for a permanent stoma. Endoanal advancement flaps which use the basic premise of covering the fistulous opening with healthy tissue are an important surgical option. The rectal advancement flap is the most commonly used. The sleeve advancement flap is reserved for patients with severe fistulous disease in particular perianal Crohn's. If an abdominal approach is required, then one may consider a Turnbull-Cutait. Other options include the use of anocutaneous flaps and their variants. For a rectovaginal fistula with a thin perineum and coexisting sphincter injury a transperineal approach or episioproctotomy may be more suitable. Eradication of underlying sepsis and a compliant rectum are critical to achieving success. Patients with perianal Crohn's disease, preceding anterior sphincter damage, and previous failed fistula repairs do poorly. Endoanal advancement flaps should be considered in patients with complex perianal fistulas but both patients and surgeons must be aware of their relatively high failure rate and potential to cause major incontinence, albeit low.
The perfect learner

As a “base line” of memorization performance, the behavior of a “perfect learner” is considered. He is characterized by a perfect memory and by the ability to choose the best search procedure in problems where the correct response from a given repertoire is to be found to each of several stimuli under the condition of “right” and “wroing” promptings by the experimenter.
ENKEPHALIN INACTIVATION BY N-TERMINAL TYROSINE CLEAVAGE: PURIFICATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A HIGHLY SPECIFIC ENZYME FROM HUMAN BRAIN

Abstract A soluble enzyme which rapidly degrades both Met and Leu-enkephalin by cleavage of the Tyr-Gly bond has been identified in homogenates of corpora striata from human brain. A marked preference for Met-enkephalin as substrate over Leu-enkephalin was observed. Tyr was not cleaved from other closely related peptides: these include Tyr-Gly-Gly, Tyr-Gly, γ-endorphin, and (d-Ala 2 )-Met-enkephalin. Tyr cleavage is catalyzed by a labile, neutral, freeze-sensitive metalloenzyme that is nearly completely inhibited by zinc, bacitracin, puromycin, o-phenanthroline and γ-endorphin. 2-Mercaptoethanol was found to stabilize activity during purification and characterization. This enzyme was purified to homogeneity by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and Biogel A 1.5m, and determined to have an apparent molecular weight of 61,500 daltons by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Comparisons of the dimensionality and features of simulated Landsat-4 MSS and TM data

The spectral characteristics of the Landsat-4 MSS and TM are compared using signal counts simulated from field-measured reflectance spectra. The Dave atmospheric model and prelaunch sensor characteristics are also used in the simulation. Comparison is made based on individual bands and Tasseled Cap transformed data. TM bands 2, 3, and 4 are shown to contain virtually all the information contained in the four MSS bands. Tasseled Cap transformed data from the six reflective bands of the TM are shown to contain at least one and possibly two additional dimensions of information beyond the two dimensions in MSS data, while still providing a direct association with the MSS Tasseled Cap features.
Direct incorporation of unprotected ketone groups into peptides during solid-phase synthesis: Application to the one-step modification of peptides with two different biophysical probes for FRET

Abstract An amino acid bearing an unprotected ketone group, (2 S )-aminolevulinic acid, was incorporated into a synthetic peptide using standard Fmoc-based solid-phase methods. The ketone group remained unharmed during the synthesis and provided a uniquely reactive functional group for covalent modification of the peptide. The ketone and the sulfhydryl group of a cysteine residue elsewhere in the peptide were reacted simultaneously with two different biophysical probes, enabling the site-specific installation of a donor and acceptor pair for FRET in one step without the need for differential side chain protection.
Assessment of violence potential among school children: Beyond profiling

The increasing level of public attention to violence in American schools makes the issue a top priority among educators. School psychologists could play an important role in identifying at-risk youth, and planning appropriate individual, school, and community interventions related to school violence. However, there is limited literature examining different assessment approaches that could be used to evaluate student risk for violence. This article reviews (a) characteristics of students “at risk” for violence, (b) informal checklists and matching student characteristics to profiles of typical violent students and (c) threat assessment based on Borum et al.'s (1999) model. Ethical and legal considerations are covered as well. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Abrupt changes in antibiotic resistance.

Abstract Sudden increases in prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria are seen in both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. Examples include precipitate change in amikacin susceptibility in a hospital after years of low resistance, the abrupt increase in prevalence of β-lactamase-producing strains among gonococci isolated in one community, and rapid increase in resistance to ciprofloxacin among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at a hospital shortly after the drug was introduced. Most dramatic are cases where organisms have abruptly become resistant to drugs that have worked clinically for decades (e.g. resistance to ampicillin in Haemophilus influenzae ). Four types of mechanisms (other than laboratory artefact) for development of resistance can be postulated: introduction of resistant organisms into a previously susceptible population; acquisition of resistance by previously susceptible strains through genetic mutation or transfer of genetic material from another species or genus; emergence of a dormant resistance mechanism already present in the population; selection of resistant subpopulations of organisms. When any of these resistance mechanisms develop in a large proportion of the organisms, or in a few resistant organisms which are widely disseminated within the population, resistance can increase abruptly. It is likely that organisms will continue to use the mechanisms described here, and to develop additional ingenious ways to counter our antimicrobial weapons. Infection control personnel must rapidly uncover which mechanisms are involved so that appropriate measures (alternate drug regimens, isolation precautions, cohorting, etc.) can be instituted. Newer methods for typing of organisms can help identify which resistance mechanisms are involved in a given situation. Further study is also needed of the factors eliciting these dramatic changes; antimicrobial use is one but not the only contributor.
Neuronal recorder implementation with envelope detector for fidelity and linearity

Neuronal recorders of high-performance and low-power are needed for many embedded biomedical devices and the next-generation cyber-physical systems to capture the low-voltage, low-frequency brain signals. In this paper, an envelope detector implementation is reported that outperforms the conventional 2nd order band-pass filter (BPF). Simulation of the envelope detector outperformed the BPF by 2 dB for fidelity and 2.25 dB for linearity, but performed 0.4% worse for THD+N. Implementation of the envelope detector provided satisfactory performance with 2.8 dB fidelity and 3.7 dB linearity attenuation. As envelope detector requires lesser area and power, it promises to be a viable alternative for miniature implementation of neuronal recorders.
Ground beef characteristics after browning or oil extraction preparation

Ground beef with 26.3% fat was cooked by browning/draining (BD), browning/rinsing (BR), and an oil-extraction method with (OA) or without (ON) meat broth added back. BR caused the most reduction of total fat and cholesterol, whereas ON and OA yielded less cooked meat than BD and BR. ON and OA cooked samples, compared to BD and BR samples, contained more polyunsaturated fatty acids and nonheme iron and had higher TBA values unon extended storage at 4°C. Trained sensory panelists rated BD or BR cooked ground beef more intense in positive flavor note (“cooked beef/brothy”) than ON or OA meat. Likewise, consumers tended to prefer meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, and chili prepared with BD or BR cooked ground beef to those prepared with ON or OA cooked meat.
Fluorinated imidazoles as 19F probes for biomimetic studies of heme a3 — Cub site in cytochrome c oxidase

Abstract A series of 4,5-imidazole carboxylic acids bearing fluorinated substituents is synthesized from simple commercially available fluorinated substrates utilizing several different approaches to modify the imidazole core. These imidazole derivatives are specifically designed to be sensitive probes for physicochemical studies of processes in the coordination environments of metals employing 19F-NMR techniques, particularly in the context of our ongoing biomimetic work on imidazole-derivatized porphyrins.
Image Registration: An Essential Part of Radiation Therapy Treatment Planning

Abstract Purpose: We believe that a three-dimensional (3D) registration of nonplanning (diagnostic) imaging data with the planning computed tomography (CT) offers a substantial improvement in tumor target identification for many radiation therapy patients. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss our experience to date. Methods and Materials: We reviewed the charts and treatment planning records of all patients that underwent 3D radiation treatment planning in our department from June 1994 to December 1995, to learn which patients had image registration performed and why it was thought they would benefit from this approach. We also measured how much error would have been introduced into the target definition if the nonplanning imaging data had not been available and only the planning CT had been used. Results: Between June 1994 and December 1995, 106 of 246 (43%) of patients undergoing 3D treatment planning had image registration. Four reasons for performing registration were identified. First, some tumor volumes have better definition on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) than on CT. Second, a properly contrasted diagnostic CT sometimes can show the tumor target better than can the planning CT. Third, the diagnostic CT or MR may have been preoperative, with the postoperative planning CT no longer showing the tumor. Fourth, the patient may have undergone cytoreductive chemotherapy so that the postchemotherapy planning CT no longer showed the original tumor volume. In patients in whom the planning CT did not show the tumor volume well an analysis was done to determine how the treatment plan was changed with the addition of a better tumor-defining nonplanning CT or MR. We have found that the use of this additional imaging modality changed the tumor location in the treatment plan at least 1.5 cm for half of the patients, and up to 3.0 cm for 14 of the patients. Conclusions: Multimodality and/or sequential imaging can substantially aid in better tumor definition in many patients undergoing 3D treatment planning. In some patients the appropriate nonplanning imaging source can change the perceived tumor location by several centimeters and is thus essential for proper treatment planning.
The Worker-to-Job "Fit" Hypothesis. Some Further Evidence.

A worker-to-job congruence model of a classic motivation theory was tested with weights applied to intrinsic and extrinsic work place factors reflecting the importance they held for individual resp...
Repulsive Coulomb Barriers in Compact Stable and Metastable Multiply Charged Anions

We demonstrate that a simple Coulomb-energy model can be used to predict the vertical electron detachment energy of an anion of charge (−n) given the detachment energy of the corresponding anion having one less charge (−n + 1). This model was applied earlier by other workers to dianions in which the two charged sites are quite distant. In this paper we show that it can also be applied to more spatially compact species as long as the two orbitals from which the electrons are removed are sufficiently noninteracting. We first demonstrate how to use this model by applying it to a series of electronically stable dianions (MgF42-, BeF42-, TeF82-, SeF82-, and TeCl82-) for which the (−2) to (−1) and (−1) to (neutral) electron detachment energies have been evaluated using conventional ab initio methods. These test calculations allow us to assess the predictive accuracy of the Coulomb model. We then extend the model's use to predict the energies of dianions and trianions that are not electronically stable (SO42-, C...
Research Methods: How They Shape Views of Sexual Violence

This article distinguishes among the various research strategies available to the sexual aggression researcher and notes the limited domains of explanation inherent in each approach. Runkel and McGrath's (1972) circumplex typology is adapted as an organizing framework to clarify the relationships among the various research approaches. Examples of each type of research are given from the sexual aggression literature. Specific research strategies are examined in light of their ability to illuminate the possible and probable importance of a relationship between variables. Also discussed is the influential effect that a researcher's assumptions about the nature of sexual assault has on the choice of a research question and a research methodology to investigate that question. A multiple-strategies approach is recommended for the study of sexual assault.
Why do venture capitalists use such high discount rates

Purpose – Venture capitalists typically use discount rates in the range of 30-70 percent. During the startup stage of venture-capital financing, discount rates between 50 and 70 percent are common. The discount rate decreases from the first through fourth stage: from 60 to 30 percent. These rates of return are high compared to historical returns on common stocks or small stocks (12.1 and 17.8 percent, respectively). Such high discount rates cannot also be explained in the context of any existing asset pricing theory; that is, any reasonable risk-adjusted discount rates are not consistent with discount rates in the order of 30-60 percent. The paper provides a rational economic explanation why venture capitalists (VC) use such high discount rates. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Let the discount rate of a venture project be 15 percent; this discount rate depends on the systematic risk of the cash flows from the project given that the project is successful. Using the pro...
Acetaminophen-induced cytotoxicity in cultured mouse hepatocytes: correlation of nuclear Ca2+ accumulation and early DNA fragmentation with cell death.

Abstract Hepatotoxic doses of acetaminophen cause widespread alkylation of liver and early loss of cytosolic Ca 2+ regulation. Although the precise location and target of lethal alkylation are not known, Ca 2+ accumulation is viewed as a possible link between cell alkylation and cell death. We have recently shown that Ca 2+ accumulates in the nucleus and that DNA fragments in vivo before the development of acetaminophen-induced necrosis in mice. The present study examined cultured hepatocytes for nuclear damage and its association with cell death in vitro . Positive results would argue for two key points. (1) Nonparenchymal cell damage does not explain DNA fragmentation induced by acetaminophen in vivo . (2) A chemical that causes necrosis can produce DNA damage considered characteristic of apoptosis. Hepatocytes from NIH Swiss mice were isolated by collagenase perfusion, cultured in Williams' E medium for 24 hr, and exposed to acetaminophen. Cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and release of [ 3 H]adenine from a prelabeled nucleotide pool. Genomic DNA fragmentation was assessed quantitatively by colorimetric analysis and qualitatively by agarose gel electrophoresis. Acetaminophen caused DNA damage from 1–4 hr onward and produced significant release of lactate dehydrogenase and [ 3 H]adenine nucleotides at later times. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed a “ladder” of DNA fragments characteristic of Ca 2+ -mediated endonuclease activation. Cytotoxicity correlated with nuclear Ca 2+ accumulation ( r > 0.895, p r > 0.835, p in vitro generally reproduced those observed in vivo . Collectively, these findings demonstrate that nuclear Ca 2+ accumulation and DNA fragmentation appear as early events that correlate directly with later cytotoxicity. These changes may contribute to acetaminophen-induced injury leading to cell death in vitro and necrosis in vivo .
Computation of heteroazeotropes

Abstract The a priori determination of all heteroazeotropes present in a multicomponent system isna necessary task when analyzing and designing heterogeneous distillation processes. Although there are currently several approaches for determining homogenous azeotropes, no systematic approach exists for the determination of heteroazeotropes. This paper addresses this deficiency by describing an approach for computing heteroazeotropes. Our work is an extension of the approach developed by Fidkowski et al. for computing homogeneous azeotropes. The algorithm consists of three phases: 1) obtaining homogeneous azeotropes and spurious homogeneous azeotropes corresponding to actual heteroazeotropes using a homogeneous homotopy map , 2) retrace branches corresponding to actual spurious homogeneous azeotropes and search for points of intersection of the homogeneous curves and a projection of the heterogeneous curves, defined by a heterogeneous homotopy map, using a root exclusion test , and 3) at these points of intersection, track the heterogeneous curves using a heterogeneous map to the heteroazeotropes. This approach is independent of the particular model of phase equilibrium and can be readily extended to systems containing more than two liquid phases in equilibrium.
Life in crisis: The ethical journey of doctors without borders

Life in Crisis is Redfield's second ethnographic book and is a well-accomplished piece of contemporary ethnography. An enjoyable read, the book follows the path of the organisation Doctors Without ...
The application of Fresnel zone plate based projection in optofluidic microscopy.

Optofluidic microscopy (OFM) is a novel technique for low-cost, high-resolution on-chip microscopy imaging. In this paper we report the use of the Fresnel zone plate (FZP) based projection in OFM as a cost-effective and compact means for projecting the transmission through an OFM's aperture array onto a sensor grid. We demonstrate this approach by employing a FZP (diameter = 255 µm, focal length = 800 µm) that has been patterned onto a glass slide to project the transmission from an array of apertures (diameter = 1 µm, separation = 10 µm) onto a CMOS sensor. We are able to resolve the contributions from 44 apertures on the sensor under the illumination from a HeNe laser (wavelength = 633 nm). The imaging quality of the FZP determines the effective field-of-view (related to the number of resolvable transmissions from apertures) but not the image resolution of such an OFM system -- a key distinction from conventional microscope systems. We demonstrate the capability of the integrated system by flowing the protist Euglena gracilis across the aperture array microfluidically and performing OFM imaging of the samples.
Volatile Compounds of Bovine Milk as Related to the Stage of the Estrous Cycle

Previous reports on behavioral assays with trained dogs suggested that milk samples from cows at diestrus, proestrus, and estrus had different odors. To identify the odor differences, volatile compounds in milk were isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. About 80 peaks were detected in each chromatogram, of which 59 were present in all samples, and 23 were tentatively identified. The major identified compounds included the following six structurally distinct classes: ester, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, fatty acid, and lactone. Although no unique peaks were found to be specific to samples taken at diestrus, proestrus, or estrus, 36 compounds exhibited significant differences in concentration among the three reproductive stages. These quantitative differences may account for the variation of milk odors during the estrous cycle. In order to investigate the quantitative differences systematically, multivariate discriminant techniques were used to relate the gas chromatographic profiles with the three stages of the estrous cycle. Stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that 15 of the 59 peaks in each chromatogram could best be used to reveal the differences among milk samples taken at diestrus, proestrus, and estrus stages. The discriminant function based on the 15 key peaks could classify all of the samples into their original categories at a total accuracy of 97.9%. Canonical analysis indicated that milk samples from different stages were clearly separated from each other in a two-dimensional space.