cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXTRANEURONAL UPTAKE AND METABOLISM OF 3H-l-NORADRENALINE IN RABBIT AORTA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the extraneuronal uptake and metabolism of 3H-l-noradrenaline in rabbit aorta. The major problem encountered in studying the extraneuronal uptake of noradrenaline is that this process is masked by the more prominent uptake and storage of NA by adrenergic nerve terminals. The effects produced by iproniazid were qualitatively similar to the effects of pargyline. In the method described in the chapter, the tissues were pretreated with 3 × 10−4 M to 1 × 10−2 M iproniazid for 25 min and then washed for pargyline. Iproniazid was 30 to 100 times less potent than pargyline. The highest concentration of iproniazid increased the amount of NM found after incubation of isolated media with 3H-l-NA. This may reflect merely a decrease in the deamination of NM rather than an actual increase in O-methylation of NA. The harmaline was left in contact with the tissue during incubation with 3H-l-NA. The most striking effect of harmaline was the decrease in the formation of all five metabolites of 3H-l-NA. It is found that because harmaline also increased the tissue accumulation of 3H-l-NA these effects probably result from inhibition of both MAO and COMT rather than from inhibition of extraneuronal uptake. Harmaline was a slightly more potent MAO inhibitor than pargyline.
Simulation and stability of ship towing

A non-linear time dependent mathematical model is used to simulate the surge, sway and yaw motions and study the stability of a vessel towed by a non-linear elastic rope. The five Routh-Hurwitz stability criteria for the corresponding linear time invariant system are studied and it is shown that only two can be critical in ship towing. The sensitivity of the stability surfaces generated by the reduced criteria is studied and the parameters which mostly affect the local stability of towing systems are identified. Global stability characteristics of the towed vessel trajectory are also revealed by finding the critical points of the corresponding autonomous non-linear system in the phase space. Numerical examples using a barge, a tanker and a Mariner type ship which have distinctly different behaviour in towing are used to illustrate the simulation and verify the theoretical results. The latter are also used to explain the apparent contradiction between Strandhagen's theoretical results and Benford's and Brix's observations.
The impact of the development of catalyst and reaction system of the methanol synthesis stage on the overall profitability of the entire plant: A techno-economic study

Abstract In this work, a detailed techno-economic assessment is carried out for methanol synthesis process that utilizes Cu/ZnO catalyst. First, a base-case plant is designed using a commercial methanol process. The economic feasibility study was developed to identify the potential performance metrics of the future catalytic systems and the boundaries upon which the catalyst could impact the profitability of the methanol process. In particular, the performance indicators investigated in this work look at the case of higher per-pass conversion (by introduction of higher efficiency catalysts), and the potential of utilizing low pressure reactors that could minimize compression costs. The results of this work indicated that synthesizing a catalyst with higher per-pass conversion has no significant effect on the process profitability. However, reducing the methanol synthesis reaction pressure could lead to a substantial improvement in the profitability of the plant. Insights obtained from this work can be used as the basis for identifying the characteristics of the future catalytic systems that have the potential to significantly decrease the costs associated with the conventional methanol synthesis plants.
Electric Acoustic: Exploring Energy Through Sonic & Vibration Displays

'Energy' is an abstract concept, invisible except through its effects, yet with vast geopolitical and environmental consequences-while driving many everyday practices. It is a curious 'material' to work with for designers, with experiential properties which are underexplored. In Electric Acoustic, we are exploring both sonification and vibration (cymatic displays) as media for experiencing energy, specifically electricity use. These materializations potentially enable deeper engagement with the invisible systems and infrastructures of everyday life. This short paper reports on our preliminary experiments and some of the issues and considerations arising during this initial exploration.
Hyponatremia Is Protective Against the Development of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplant.

Abstract Background Both hyponatremia and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) reflect the severity of liver dysfunction and are independently associated with increased morbidity in cirrhotic patients. In this study, we analyzed effects of hyponatremia on PVT development. Methods Data on adult liver transplants (LTs) in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease era through September 2016 were obtained. Receiver operating curves and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between serum sodium level and PVT. Based on the receiver operating curves, hyponatremia was defined as a sodium level below 125 mEq/L. Results Of the 49,155 recipients included, 16% had hyponatremia (n = 7828) and 9% had PVT (n = 4414) at transplant. Subjects with hyponatremia had lower rates of PVT at the time of LT (4.4% vs 10.1%, P Conclusion Hyponatremia is associated with a lower rate of PVT independent of severity of liver disease and other thrombotic risk factors. This protective effect should be taken into consideration during the perioperative management of hyponatremia in patients undergoing LT.
Prevalence of colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma in patients with acute diverticulitis: implications for follow-up colonoscopy.

Background and Aims Guidelines recommend colonoscopy after an episode of diverticulitis to exclude neoplasia but the effectiveness of testing is uncertain. Patients with complicated diverticulitis may be at higher risk for neoplasia, but most patients have uncomplicated disease. We examined the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenoma (AA) in patients with diverticulitis compared with patients undergoing screening colonoscopy. Methods CT scans from January 1, 2008, to May 1, 2013, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) were reviewed to identify those with confirmed acute diverticulitis. Subsequent surgical, colonoscopy, and pathology reports were abstracted to identify those with a diagnosis of AA and CRC. The incidence of neoplasia was compared with that reported for screening colonoscopy from a meta-analysis (n = 68,324), and from colonoscopy examinations at UPMC between 2013 and 2015 (n = 28,573). Results A total of 5167 abdominal/pelvic CT scan reports identified 978 patients with acute diverticulitis, among which 474 (48.5%) patients had undergone at least 1 colonoscopy or gastrointestinal surgery to April 2015. The CRC rate in patients with diverticulitis (13/474, 2.7%) was significantly higher (P Conclusions CRC after diverticulitis was significantly higher than that observed at screening colonoscopy and was not limited to complicated disease. Colonoscopy is advisable after the diagnosis of diverticulitis.
Managing for competency with innovation change in higher education: Examining the pitfalls and pivots of digital transformation

Abstract Digital transformation recently converged on organizations as a new paradigm—a must-have exemplar—to enable competitive advantage. While the effects of digital transformation and their analytics, along with platform technologies, are becoming pronounced in companies, there is still a need to examine their implications on higher education. In light of the dynamics of digital transformation, how can higher education better manage the shift toward newer competencies and the need for innovation presented by the emergence of digital technologies? In this article, I examine the issues around the need for this balance—often defined in strategy as ambidexterity, or the need to address both competency with innovation—by outlining the historical trajectories that led to this problem in higher education, identifying three common pitfalls that higher education programs and administrators face, and tying these issues to higher education’s absorptive capacity. To resolve these pitfalls, this article builds upon absorptive capacity frameworks for education practitioners and strategies as a prospective change management tool.
Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups and Susceptibility to Neuroblastoma

Background Neuroblastoma is a childhood malignancy that arises from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Although mitochondrial dysfunctions have been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuroblastoma, the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has not been extensively investigated. Methods A total of 2404 Caucasian children diagnosed with neuroblastoma and 9310 ancestry-matched controls were recruited at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The mtDNA haplogroups were identified from SNP array data of two independent cohorts. We conducted a case-control study to explore potential associations of mtDNA haplogroups with the susceptibility of neuroblastoma. The genetic effect of neuroblastoma was measured by odds ratios (ORs) of mitochondrial haplogroups. All tests were two-sided. Results Haplogroup K was statistically significantly associated with reduced risk of neuroblastoma in the discovery cohort consisting of 1474 cases and 5699 controls (OR = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 0.90; P = 4.8 × 10-3). The association was replicated in an independent cohort (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.92; P = .01) of 930 cases and 3611 controls. Pooled analysis was performed by combining the two data sets. The association remained highly statistically significant after correction for multiple testing (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.84, P = 1.96 × 10-4, Pcorrected = .002). Further analysis focusing on neuroblastoma subtypes indicated haplogroup K was more associated with high-risk neuroblastoma (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.76; P = 1.46 × 10-4) than low-risk and intermediate-risk neuroblastoma. Conclusions Haplogroup K is an independent genetic factor associated with reduced risk of developing neuroblastoma in European descents. These findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of neuroblastoma, implicating mitochondrial DNA encoded proteins in the etiology of neuroblastoma.
Full-Mouth Implant Rehabilitation With Monolithic Zirconia: Benefits and Limitations

As increased chipping rates have been reported with porcelain-fused-to-zirconia fixed dental prostheses, monolithic zirconia has been introduced in an effort to reduce the technical complications associated with bilayered ceramics. This clinical report illustrates the steps for achieving full-mouth implant rehabilitation with monolithic zirconia prostheses and minimal facial porcelain veneering. The benefits and limitations of this technique are also discussed. The incisal edges and occluding surface areas comprised monolithic zirconia to reduce the possibility of breakage and improve the esthetic outcome. Up to 1 year in function, no porcelain fracture was found.
The orphan receptor tyrosine kinase Ror1 mediates canonical Wnt signaling and is required for NSCLC cell survival in vitro and in vivo.

4946 Deregulation of the Wnt mediated self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation mechanisms is associated with malignant transformation and tumor growth. Insights into the key regulators of the pathway may help provide novel therapeutic strategies, specifically targeting the self-renewal pathways in cancer. The receptor tyrosine-kinase like orphan receptor-1 (Ror1) plays a crucial role in developmental morphogenesis. Ror1 over-expression in B-CLL patient samples and a number of cancer cell lines prompted an investigation into its biological role in cancer. Using 293T cells stably expressing the SuperTopFlash (STF) reporter system, we identified Ror1 as a mediator of canonical Wnt3a signaling. Although, Ror1 expression did not influence canonical Wnt pathway activation to the same extent as either LRP6 or Dvl3 over-expression, it was observed to be a positive regulator of the pathway, activating the STF reporter 2.5 -7 fold, in a dose-dependent manner. Mutant Ror-1 constructs, lacking the frizzled-like domain or the entire intracellular domain were unable to enhance STF reporter activation to the same extent as the full-length receptor. In addition, co-expression of Ror1 with Dvl3 resulted in a stronger activation of the STF reporter than by either construct alone, demonstrating synergy between the two proteins and canonical Wnt pathway activation. Using Ror1 targeting shRNA we assessed the role of endogenous Ror1 receptors in Wnt3a canonical signaling. Ror1 shRNA inhibited Wnt3a mediated activation of the STF reporter to the same extent as LRP6 shRNA. STF reporter activation directly correlated with the levels of Ror1/LRP6 surface expression, suggesting that Ror1 is as equally important for canonical Wnt signal transduction as LRP6. Effects of stable Ror1 knockdown was then evaluated in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cell lines, expressing high levels of endogenous Ror1. In both A549 and H1299 cells, Ror1 shRNA decreased cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest in vitro. An even stronger effect of Ror1 knockdown was observed in vivo, where infection of A549 cells with Ror1 shRNA completely abrogated tumor growth, as compared to non-targeting control shRNA. These data demonstrate Ror1 to be a positive regulator of canonical Wnt signaling and crucial for NSCLC cell survival in vitro and in vivo.
Groundwater sources in the Island of Maui, Hawaii — A combined noble gas, stable isotope, and tritium approach

Abstract Water resources management in Maui, Hawaii, remains a challenge due to uneven distribution of rainfall, water scarcity in populated areas, and an ill-defined hydrological system. Based on data collected in June 2014, Niu et al. (2017) suggested that noble gases in this rapid groundwater infiltration system record seasonality and may shed light on water sources, recharge locations, and groundwater flow paths. This study goes one step further by analyzing rainwater, basal and perched (springs) aquifer data collected in June 2014 and February 2016. It shows for the first time that both rain and spring water display sharp temporal variations which are related to either seasonal (summer/winter) variations or to the strong 2015–2016 El Nino year. These spring water temporal variations also suggest that perched aquifer groundwater is extremely young and likely unreliable as a long-term water supplier. In contrast, noble gas temporal variations are absent in the basal aquifer. This, in turn, is consistent with tritium derived groundwater ages on the order of a few decades for the basal aquifer. This study further demonstrates that Ne is an excellent candidate to estimate the source elevation of rain and thus, to distinguish between orographic and synoptic-scale rain. Water stable isotope data are also presented for both years with 2016 samples exhibiting greater deuterium excesses than those of 2014, an observation consistent with the drier 2015–2016 El Nino climate. Estimated water source elevations based on δ18O for rainwater display a positive correlation with those based on Ne concentrations.
Wetland plant evolutionary history influences soil and endophyte microbial community composition

Methane is a microbially derived greenhouse gas whose emissions are highly variable throughout wetland ecosystems. Differences in plant community composition account for some of this variability, suggesting an influence of plant species on microbial community structure and function in these ecosystems. Given that closely related plant species have similar morphological and biochemical features, we hypothesize that plant evolutionary history is related to differences in microbial community composition. To examine species-specific patterns in microbiomes, we selected five monoculture-forming wetland plant species based on the evolutionary distances among them. We detected significant differences in microbial communities between sample types (unvegetated soil, bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, internal root tissues, and internal leaf tissues) associated with these plant species based on 16S relative abundances. We additionally found that differences in plant evolutionary history were correlated with variation in microbial communities across plant species within each sample type. Using qPCR, we observed substantial differences in overall methanogen and methanotroph population sizes between plant species and sample types. Methanogens tended to be most abundant in rhizosphere soils while methanotrophs were the most abundant in roots. Given that microbes influence methane flux and that plants affect methanogen and methanotroph populations, plant species contribute to variable degrees of methane emissions. Incorporating the influence of plant evolutionary history into future modeling efforts may improve predictions of wetland methane emission since microbial community differences correlate with differences in plant evolutionary history.
Structure formation and the matter power-spectrum in the Rh=ct universe

Abstract Inflation drives quantum fluctuations beyond the Hubble horizon, freezing them out before the small-scale modes re-enter during the radiation dominated epoch, and subsequently decay, while large-scale modes re-enter later during the matter dominated epoch and grow. This distinction shapes the matter power spectrum and provides observational evidence in support of the standard model. In this paper, we demonstrate that another mechanism, based on the fluctuation growth in the R h = c t universe, itself an FLRW cosmology with the added constraint of zero active mass (i.e., ρ + 3 p = 0 ), also accounts very well for the observed matter power spectrum, so this feature is not unique to Λ CDM. In R h = c t , the shape of the matter power spectrum is set by the interplay between the more rapid decay of the gravitational potential for the smaller mode wavelengths and the longer dynamical timescale for the larger wavelengths. This combination produces a characteristic peak that grows in both amplitude and mode number as a function of time. Today, that peak lies at k ≈ 0 . 02 Mpc−1, in agreement with the Ly- α and Planck data. But there is no need of an inflationary expansion, and a complicated epoch dependence as one finds in Λ CDM.
Coping strategies, neural structure, and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study in a naturalistic sample spanning clinical diagnoses and subclinical symptoms

Abstract Background Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to worsen anxiety and depression symptoms, we do not understand which behavioral and neural factors may mitigate this impact. To address this gap, we assessed whether adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies affect symptom trajectory during the pandemic. We also examined whether pre-pandemic integrity of brain regions implicated in depression and anxiety affect pandemic symptoms. Methods In a naturalistic sample of 169 adults (66.9% female; age 19–74 years) spanning psychiatric diagnoses and subclinical symptoms, we assessed anhedonia, tension, and anxious arousal symptoms using validated components (21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), coping strategies (Brief–Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), and gray matter volume (amygdala) and cortical thickness (hippocampus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex) from magnetic resonance imaging T1-weighted scans. We conducted general linear mixed-effects models to test preregistered hypotheses that 1) maladaptive coping pre-pandemic and 2) lower structural integrity pre-pandemic would predict more severe pandemic symptoms; and 3) coping would interact with neural structure to predict pandemic symptoms. Results Greater use of maladaptive coping strategies was associated with more severe anxious arousal symptoms during the pandemic (p = .011, false discovery rate–corrected p [pFDR] = .035), specifically less self-distraction (p = .014, pFDR = .042) and greater self-blame (p = .002, pFDR = .012). Reduced insula thickness pre-pandemic predicted more severe anxious arousal symptoms (p = .001, pFDR = .027). Self-distraction interacted with amygdala volume to predict anhedonia symptoms (p = .005, pFDR = .020). Conclusions Maladaptive coping strategies and structural variation in brain regions may influence clinical symptoms during a prolonged stressful event (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic). Future studies that identify behavioral and neural factors implicated in responses to global health crises are warranted for fostering resilience.
Non-Monte Carlo Simulation and Sensitivity of Linear(ized) Analog Circuits under Parameter Variations*

In this paper, a non-Monte Carlo approach is presented for the simulation and sensitivity analysis of linear(ized) analog circuits under parameter variations. With uncertain parameters represented as intervals, we present a formulation of circuit equations as a set of interval linear equations. An elegant and efficient algorithm is developed based on some interval-mathematic results derived in this paper. In contrast to Monte Carlo simulation, the proposed approach is rapid—with the computational cost comparable to one nominal circuit simulation—and correct—the computed bounds always contain, and are usually close to, the actual bounds. Further, sensitivity under parameter variations can be computed from the response bounds with minor computation cost. The algorithms have been implemented into SPICE3F5. Experimental results are promising.
Proximate, mineral and fatty acid composition of semimembranosus and cardiac muscles from grass- and grain-fed and zeranol-implanted cattle

Chemical composition (proximate, minerals, and fatty acids) of semimembranosus (SM) and cardiac muscle from cattle fed grass (G) and grain on grass without (GG) or with (GGP) zeranol implant were determined. The protein content of SM muscle from GG and GGP cattle was higher (p≤0.05) while the moisture content was lower (p≤0.05) than that from G cattle. The lipid content of cardiac muscle from GG cattle was higher (p≤0.05) compared to that of G cattle. Grain supplementation (GG and GGP) increased the potassium level in SM muscle while a decrease was observed in cardiac muscle. Grain supplementation also increased linoleic acid but decreased polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in both muscles. There was 3 times more PUFA, particularly linolenic and arachidonic acids, in cardiac muscle than in SM muscle irrespective of the feed type. The concentrations of PUFA in SM and cardiac muscle were higher for G cattle than for GG and GGP cattle, which could make muscles from G cattle more prone to oxidation.
Early Alert of Academically At-Risk Students: An Open Source Analytics Initiative

The Open Academic Analytics Initiative (OAAI) is a collaborative, multi-year grant program aimed at researching issues related to the scaling up of learning analytics technologies and solutions across all of higher education. The paper describes the goals and objectives of the OAAI, depicts the process and challenges of collecting, organizing and mining student data to predict academic risk, and report results on the predictive performance of those models, their portability across pilot programs at partner institutions, and the results of interventions on at-risk students.
Electromagnetic interaction of neutrinos in gauge theories of weak interactions

The scattering of neutrinos off real or virtual photons is examined in the gauge theories of weak interactions. Finite amplitudes of orderGα are calculated in the fourth-order perturbation for various models.
Purification and properties of L-citramalate hydrolyase.

Abstract A procedure was developed for purifying l-citramalate hydrolyase (mesaconase), an enzyme system from Clostridium tetanomorphum known to consist of two components. Component I was purified 1,000-fold in 20% yield to a final specific activity of 11,800 e.u. per mg of protein. Component II was routinely purified 150-fold in 14% yield to a specific activity of 1,600 e.u. per mg and sometimes 600-fold in 10% yield to a specific activity of 6,200 e.u. per mg. Although neither component was homogeneous, the best preparations of each compound were free of the other component and of neighboring enzymes on the path of glutamate fermentation. The molecular weights of Components I and II, determined by gel filtration on Sephadex, are about 45,000 and 310,000, respectively. At pH 7.5 or below, Component II partially dissociates into species with molecular weights of about 165,000, 82,000, and 37,000. At pH 9.0, these species reassociate to form active Component II of about the original molecular weight. The observed species may represent a monomer, dimer, tetramer, and octamer of a single subunit. The stability of Components I and II under various conditions was investigated. Conditions affecting the activity of the enzyme system in the assay were examined and the essentiality of an active sulfhydryl reducing agent and Fe2+ was established. Fe2+ cannot be replaced in the assay by other divalent cations; Mn2+ is strongly inhibitory and competes with Fe2+. Substrate specificity studies showed that the purified enzyme system catalyzes the reversible dehydration of l(+)-citramalate to mesaconate and l-malate to fumarate. Although mesaconate and l-citramalate have high affinities for the enzyme, fumarate and l-malate are interconverted more rapidly. Other structurally related compounds are not used. d-Malate, l-tartrate, and succinate, but not d-citramalate, are competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. The equilibrium constants for the hydrations of mesaconate and fumarate are about the same (6.0 ± 1.0).
High Temperature Storage and HAST Reliability of Copper-Aluminum Wirebond Interconnects

Gold wire bonding has been widely used as first-level interconnect in semiconductor packaging. The increase in the gold price has motivated the industry search for alternative to the gold wire used in wire bonding and the transition to copper wire bonding technology. Potential advantages of transition to Cu-Al wire bond system includes low cost of copper wire, lower thermal resistivity, lower electrical resistivity, higher deformation strength, damage during ultrasonic squeeze, and stability compared to gold wire. However, the transition to the copper wire brings along some trade-offs including poor corrosion resistance, narrow process window, higher hardness, and potential for cratering. Formation of excessive Cu-Al intermetallics may increase electrical resistance and reduce the mechanical bonding strength. Current state-of-art for studying the Cu-Al system focuses on accumulation of statistically significant number of failures under accelerated testing. In this paper, a new approach has been developed to identify the occurrence of impending apparently-random defect fall-outs and pre-mature failures observed in the Cu-Al wirebond system. The use of intermetallic thickness, composition and corrosion as a leading indicator of failure for assessment of remaining useful life for Cu-al wirebond interconnects has been studied under exposure to high temperature and temperature-humidity. Damage in wire bonds has been studied using x-ray Micro-CT. Microstructure evolution was studied under isothermal aging conditions of 150°C, 175°C, and 200°C till failure. Activation energy was calculated using growth rate of intermetallic at different temperatures. Effect of temperature and humidity on Cu-Al wirebond system was studied using Parr Bomb technique at different elevated temperature and humidity conditions (110°C/ 100%RH, 120°C/ 100%RH, 130°C/ 100%RH) and failure mechanism was developed. The present methodology uses evolution of the IMC thickness, composition in conjunction with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to identify accrued damage in wire bond subjected to thermal aging. The proposed method can be used for quick assessment of Cu-Al parts to ensure manufactured part consistency through sampling.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A comparison of different laparoscopic sterilization occlusion techniques in 24,439 procedures

This investigation assessed the safety and efficacy of five laparoscopic tubal occlusion techniques for female sterilization: electrocoagulation, the tubal ring via conventional and open laparoscopy, the prototype spring-loaded clip, and the Rocket clip. The 24,439 cases make up a data set collected by collaborating staffs at 64 institutions in 27 countries. The five techniques were compared with respect to six commonly evaluated parameters. Rates of surgical difficulties ranged from 2.4% to 12.5% (5.1% overall); rates of surgical complications, from 0.7% to 2.7% (1.7% overall); and rates of technical failures, from 0.6% to 1.0% (0.8% overall). Twelve-month life-table pregnancy rates were less than one per 100 women years. Prospective data on six menstrual parameters revealed that the menstrual cycles of the majority of women were unchanged after sterilization; for those who reported a change, approximately half experienced a change in one direction and half in the other direction. For example, one half reported an increase in the amount of menstrual flow, and one half reported a decrease in the amount of flow. The reported incidence of subsequent pelvic operations was less than 1% at each long-term follow-up. These data indicate that laparoscopic sterilization is safe and effective and that none of the studied techniques has a distinct advantage.
Functional genomics of nectar production in the Brassicaceae

Abstract Nectar is a reward commonly offered by plants to attract potential pollinators, thereby ensuring outcrossing and efficient pollination. Until recently, little research has focused on the molecular components of nectar synthesis, and only a handful of genes have been shown to have a direct effect on nectary function. Recent transcriptomic data have made it possible to identify nectary-related candidate genes and further investigate their potential roles in the synthesis and secretion of nectar. Here we review the current state of research and address how our work aims to close gaps in knowledge relating to the process of nectar production. Using Brassicaceae species as models, we discuss the utilization of molecular and genomic tools available (i.e., sequenced genomes, T-DNA and TILLING mutants, sugar concentration assays, and metabolomics) to gain insight on the complex mechanisms of nectar secretion. Examples of preliminary data from this research are provided, and an online database ( www.nectarygenomics.org ) housing this data is introduced.
Influence of Sulfanilamide and Related Compounds Upon Oxidation-Reduction Potentials of the Hemolytic Streptococcus.

SummaryThe addition of sulfanilamide to sterile broth or to cultures of the hemolytic streptococcus is accompanied by an elevation of the oxidation-reduction potential. This rise can be eliminated when the cocci are grown anaerobically or in cysteine broth. The addition of serum will slightly diminish this effect. Compounds related to sulfanilamide but lacking in bacteriostatic action are without effect upon the culture potentials. The relation of these potential effects to the action of the drug in streptococcal infections is discussed.
Buckling of Functionally-Graded Beams with Partially Delaminated Piezoelectric Layers

The critical buckling load of a functionally-graded simply-supported beam with partially delaminated piezoelectric layers is discussed. The governing equations of motion are derived using two different, i.e. Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories, and the buckling load was evaluated from the exact solution to the corresponding eigenvalue equation. The equations were simplified to some extent by shifting the coordinate origin such that there is zero bending-extension coupling. Effects induced by the delaminated length, asymmetry, piezoelectric thickness, voltage, and the functionally graded materials (FGMs) volume fraction are evaluated. The validity of results and the invoked assumptions were successfully verified with existing results and finite element calculations. There is some difference between the analytical buckling load and that calculated with the finite element method (FEM), proven small in amount but predictable in terms of the piezoelectric thickness. Further, a general formula is derived to evaluate the dimensionless critical buckling load with the parameters obtained from regression analysis of the solution that can be utilized for all cases where the materials are not far different in their mechanical properties. The results can be utilized as benchmark design tool.
Industry builds the city: the suburbanization of manufacturing in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1850–1940

Abstract The San Francisco Bay Area demonstrates how industrial dispersal had created the sprawling form of the American metropolis. Neither change in transport modes nor residential suburbanization is principally responsible for shaping the outward spiral of urbanization. Manufacturing began its outward march from the outset of the city's industrialization, establishing peripheral nodes of employment and working class residence within San Francisco, then beyond the city limits in South San Francisco and especially the East Bay. The main cause of decentralization has been industrial shifts; the outbreak of new activities in new places, normally in the form of industrial districts at various spatial scales. A second cause has been the orchestration of development by business leaders through property ownership and political manoeuvring guided by a general vision of metropolitan expansion, whether in co-operation or competition with one another.
Enabling wind power plants with frequency and voltage regulation capability by forced curtailment

With higher penetration of renewable energy resources like wind energy, its utilization for the provision of ancillary services, such as frequency and voltage regulation, is imminent. This paper deals with allowing the wind power plant to provide these services in a microgrid environment with the consideration of different generation mixes of wind and conventional energy resources. A novel hysteresis control algorithm is implemented in the wind control system to compensate for the shortcomings of droop control during low wind conditions. A microgrid model test system is simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment to compare the performance of the control strategy, henceforth called the sub-optimal control because of wind power curtailment, with a conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy, called the optimal control.
Distortion-invariant color pattern recognition using multiple phase-shifted-reference-based joint transform correlation incorporating synthetic discriminant function

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a new pattern recognition system employing optical joint transform correlation (JTC) technique which offers a great number of advantages over similar digital techniques, including very fast operation, simple architecture and capability of updating the reference image in real time. The proposed JTC technique incorporates a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) of the target image estimated from different training images to make the pattern recognition performance invariant to noise and distortion. It then involves four different phase-shifted versions of the same target SDF reference image, which are individually joint transform correlated with the given input scene. When the correlation signals are combined, it produces a single cross-correlation peak corresponding to each potential target present in the given input scene. The proposed technique also includes a fringe-adjusted filter to generate a delta-like correlation peak with high discrimination between the target and the background noise. The pattern recognition performance is further enhanced by incorporating the color information of the target objects in the proposed technique. The proposed technique is investigated using computer simulation where it shows efficient and successful target detection performance in different complex environments. Keywords: pattern recognition, joint transform correlation, joint power spectrum, synthetic discriminant function, color processing.
The significance of diagnostic tests in the study of peripheral vascular disease

Abstract In peripheral arterial disease there are two major processes at work: (1) obstruction of arteries and (2) formation of collateral circulation. Either damage or repair may become dominant. Collateral circulation means functional repair. Vasodilatation tests, the histamine test, and reactive hyperemia tests are tests of function, and when past vascular damage is estimated by oscillometry or palpation of pulses these tests help to estimate the extent of the collateral circulation. Superimposed abnormal vasoconstriction may confuse the picture. Only by evaluating the circulation from the standpoint of past damage, its extent and location, repair, functional capacity, and superimposed vasomotor tone can the clinical status of each individual patient be entirely appreciated. Various tests of peripheral arterial conditions are important adjuncts to information gained from a complete history and physical examination.
Transverse structure functions in high-Reynolds-number turbulence

Transverse structure functions are obtained at high Reynolds numbers in atmospheric turbulence (Taylor microscale Reynolds numbers between 10 000 and 15 000). These measurements confirm that their scaling exponents are different from those for longitudinal structure functions. Implications of this conclusion are discussed briefly.
Early Discharge with Home Follow‐up: Impacts on Low‐Income Mothers and Infants

Low‐income mothers and infants discharged at 24 to 47 hours after birth were compared to two control groups: early discharge with infant separation and conventional discharge. No differences among the three groups in maternal or infant morbidity at seven to 15 days postdelivery were recorded. Simultaneous early discharge was associated with higher maternal attachment scores, fewer maternal concerns, and greater maternal satisfaction with discharge type than early discharge with infant separation. All three groups had substantial morbidity in the first two weeks of life. A shorter hospital stay and more health monitoring postdischarge may be a better use of health resources than a conventional hospital stay for low‐income mothers and their infants.
Chemical Deposition of Thin Films of Lead Selenide

A method has been developed which yields chemically deposited thin films of lead selenide on a glass surface. These are uniform in appearance and electrical resistance [1–4 meg/(0.635 cm)2]. The coating solution is made up of a lead citrate complex and dimethylselenourea with sodium sulfite present as an antioxidant. All of the parameters involved in the coating process were studied, including the pretreatment of the glass surface, and the optimum conditions for the coating reaction are described.
Control of recA gene RNA in E. coli: Regulatory and signal genes

Abstract We have studied transcription of the rec A gene of E. coli as a probe for regulatory events involved in the coupled control of DNA repair, mutagenesis, cell division, and prophage induction ("SOS funtions"). RecA mRNA production is greatly stimulated by two agents that block normal chromosomal DNA replication, ultraviolet light and nalidixic acid. This specific RNA induction is blocked by rec A and dominant lex A mutations that confer ultraviolet sensitivity on the cell. A constitutive high level of RecA mRNA production results from mutations believed to inactive lex A or from the unique rec A mutation tif 1. These results suggest that the LexA protein is a negative regulator of the rec A gene at the level of RNA synthesis, whereas RecA is a positive ("auto-regulatory") protein. The earliest ("signal") events leading to rec A gene induction appear to involve different pathways for the two types of replication blocks studied. Mutations affecting the RecBC protein block induction of RecA mRNA by nalidixic acid, but not ultraviolet light. In contrast, a loss of RecF function markedly decreases induction by ultraviolet light, but not nalidixic acid. Thus the signal system for SOS repair seems to have alternative pathways to provide a general response to a variety of DNA-damaging agents.
Metaphor in formative evaluation and message design: an application to relationships and alcohol use

Conceptual metaphor analysis offers an underutilized method for formative evaluation. Using the domain of relationships and alcohol use, the viability of this technique was demonstrated through an analysis of 22 focus group transcripts, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and a message perceptions experiment. The studies revealed a number of conceptual metaphors college students possess and utilize to interpret messages regarding relationships, sexuality, and effects of alcohol use. In light of the results, strategies for message design are suggested.
Dynamic Changes in T‐Wave Amplitude during Tilt Table Testing: Correlation with Outcomes

Background: Changes in autonomic tone may play a role in syncope. Autonomic tone has been shown to affect cardiac repolarization in the ECG. Changes in the T wave can be seen during head-up tilt table (HUT) testing with unknown significance or relationship to outcomes. Methods: Twelve-lead ECGs during HUT testing from 150 patients were reviewed from a prospectively collected registry database. ECGs during supine-rest, 30-45-70° tilt, and 5-minute supine recovery were reviewed. Changes in the T wave, that is, decreased amplitude with or without becoming negative or flipping from negative to positive, were recorded for each stage. Outcomes of the HUT test include nondiagnostic, postural orthostatic hypotension (POH), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and vasovagal response (VVR). Age (Younger: <50 year old; Older: ≥50 year old) and gender were analyzed. Results: Of 150 patients (108 women; 80 Younger), 135 had T-wave changes during HUT; changes resolved in 114 patients during supine recovery. Changes mostly occurred in inferior and anterolateral leads. POH occurred in 114 patients, POTS in 67, and VVR in 30. T-wave changes in V1 inversely correlated with POH (P = 0.005). T-wave changes in inferior leads II, III, aVF and in anterolateral leads V3–V6 positively correlated with POTS (P < 0.05). Female gender and younger age correlated with POTS independent of the leads (P < 0.05). Concomitant T-wave changes in V5 and V6 correlated with VVR; changes in aVF also correlated with VVR (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dynamic T-wave changes during HUT testing in inferior and anterolateral leads are associated with POTS and VVR independent of age and gender. Changes in autonomic tone may play a role and need further study.
The [1,5]-brook rearrangement : An initial application in anion relay chemistry

The [1,5]-Brook rearrangement proceeds efficiently in a series of hydroxyl dithiane substrates with sodium and potassium bases; less effective are lithium bases. That the mode of silyl migration is intramolecular was demonstrated by a crossover experiment. Finally, the tricomponent anion relay chemistry (ARC) coupling tactic was demonstrated employing the [1,5]-Brook rearrangement.
Periodismo, orden y cotidianeidad: "Presentación" de la "Gaceta de Buenos Aires" de Mariano Moreno (1810) y "Prospecto" de la "Aurora de Chile" (1812) de Camilo Henríquez

En junio de 1810, Mariano Moreno aseguro que la Gaceta de Buenos Aires nacia para apoyar la exactitud, sinceridad, franqueza y continuidad del orden creado por la Revolucion de Mayo y garantizar “que el Pueblo no resfrie en su confianza” (Gaceta 1-2). El periodico enfrentaria el engano intencional e interesado, el uso malicioso de los errores del gobierno y la ignorancia sobre los asuntos publicos. Buscaria cohesionar a sus lectores y ordenar una sociedad en transicion, ayudando a evitar “al fin una disolucion, que envuelve a toda la comunidad en males irreparables” (Gaceta 1). Se planteaba, ademas, asegurarle a Pueblos y Provincias la transparencia de las “medidas relativas a solidar su union baxo el nuevo sistema” (Gaceta 2). De modo comparable, en febrero de 1812, Camilo Henriquez unia la aparicion de la Aurora de Chile a un proyecto definido por “las miras, y planes adoptados por el sistema justo de la libertad de America” (Prospecto 2). Su propuesta periodistica contribuiria a eliminar “la ignorancia” y “consolidar la opinion, disipar infundados recelos, y perseguir, combatir los errores hasta en sus ultimos atrincheramientos” (Prospecto 1). El periodico seria, a la vez, un apoyo a “los esfuerzos de una administracion sagaz y activa”, decidida a lograr “las maravillas de nuestra regeneracion” (Prospecto 1). En funcion de tales propositos, la Aurora aseguraria “la frequente noticia de las providencias paternales, y patrioticas de un Gobierno benefico, provido, infatigable, y regenerador” (Prospecto 1). [excerpt]
The Next 100 Years of Crystallography: How the Heck should I Know?

“There was a door to which I found no key: There was the veil through which I might not see.”舲 - Omar Khayyam“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matthew 6:34]“Tomorrow is an old deceiver, and his cheat never grows stale.” 舲- Samuel Johnson“I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.” 舲- Patrick Henry“I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.”舲 - Albert Einstein“When men speak of the future, the gods laugh.” 舲- Chinese Proverb“L'avenir est comme le reste: il n'est plus ce qu'il etait” - Paul Valery“It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” 舲- Yogi Berra
Interplanetary studies: Propagation of disturbances between the Sun and the magnetosphere

This review is concerned with the interplanetary ‘transmission line’ between the Sun and the Earth's magnetosphere. It starts with comments about coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that are associated with various forms of solar activities. It then continues with some of the current views about their continuation through the heliosphere to Earth and elsewhere. The evolution of energy, mass, and momentum transfer is of prime interest since the temporal/spatial/magnitude behavior of the interplanetary electric field and transient solar wind dynamic pressure is relevant to the magnetospheric response (the presence or absence of geomagnetic storms and substorms) at Earth. Energetec particle flux predictions are discussed in the context of solar activity (flares, prominence eruptions) at various positions on the solar disk relative to Earth's central meridian. A number of multi-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models, applied to the solar, near-Sun, and interplanetary portions of the ‘transmission line’, are discussed. These model simulations, necessary to advancing our understanding beyond the phenomenological or morphological stages, are directed to deceptively simple questions such as the following: can one-to-one associations be made between specific forms of solar activity and magnetosphere response?
Planetary science: The ultimate fate of planets

A planetary system has been found in a startlingly tight orbit around an evolved star. The finding challenges the idea that close-in planets are destroyed as their host star evolves. See Letter p.496 Two small planets of nearly Earth size have been discovered orbiting the evolved post-red-giant star KIC 05807616. They have the shortest orbital periods so far reported, at about 5.8 and 8.2 hours, and are only 0.006 and 0.0076 astronomical units (AU) away from their parent star. Planets orbiting within 1 AU of a parent star are expected to be engulfed when the star becomes a red giant, so these bodies have probably survived immersion in the former red giant envelope.