cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hydrogen on Reductive Dechlorination of Chlorinated Ethenes

A methanogenic fluidized bed reactor (FBR) fed with lactate and tetrachloroethene (PCE) was operated for 14 months to study the effect of electron donor and PCE loading on chloroethene dechlorination rates. Lactate was fed continu ously at 200 mg/L (2.2 mmol/L), and the influent PCE feed concentration was increased stepwise from 3.5 to 160 μmol/L. Vinyl chloride (VC) and ethene accounted for 80% and 20%, respectively, of the PCE dechlorination. Batch tests with various electron donors showed that H2, propionate, and lactate supported dechlorination of PCE, trichloroethene (TCE), cis-dichloroethene (c-DCE), and VC, whereas no dechlorination was observed with acetate or in the absence of an electron donor. Different short-term steady H2 concentrations were obtained by adjusting the FBR influent lactate feed concentration, and the effect of H2 concentra tion on the rate of chloroethene dechlorination was determined. Dechlorination rates for PCE, TCE, c-DCE, and VC showed a Michaelis−Menten relationship with ...
Orthographic neighborhood structure and lexical access

An experiment addressed whether lexical decision response latency and error rate are influenced by orthographic neighborhood structure. It was found that words with several higher-frequency neighbors were responded to more slowly and less accurately than words with fewer higher-frequency neighbors, even though the stimulus words were matched oh number of neighbors, word frequency, neighborhood frequency, number of higher-frequency neighbors, word length, and number of syllables. The results indicate that frequency is a relative effect dependent on the structure of the neighborhood. A word at the “bottom” of its neighborhood will be affected by the lexical representations of its higher-frequency neighbors. However, a word at the “top” of its neighborhood does not appear to be affected by the lexical representations of its neighbors.
An estimated score method for missing and auxiliary covariates in two stage studies

Abstract We consider the following type of two stage studies. First, a full scale study is conducted by observing an outcome Y, imperfect surrogate measure T of the unobserved covariate of interest X, and covariates U for all members of a cohort, where the cohort is a random sample from some infinite, underlying population. Second, a validation study is conducted, in which we ascertain the previously unmeasured covariate X for a subset of the subjects selected at random within each category/stratum of the cohort. Stratum membership can depend on Y, T and U from the full scale study. Several methods of analysis are now available that one can use to estimate the relationship between Y and X in two stage studies, but each method has potential limitations, especially when both Y and X are continuous. We present a method of analysis for two stage study data with continuous and/or discrete variables. The proposed method generalizes the mean score method of Reilly and Pepe (Biometrika 82 (1995) 299) in two ways. First, it uses an estimating equations approach to estimate mean scores. Second, it applies even when the outcome and independent variables are continuous, provided sampling of subjects for the validation study is random within categories. Despite its greater applicability, this new approach retains many of the consistency properties of the mean score method. One can use the method of analysis for effect estimation with many study designs when error in measurement or misclassification of independent variables has occurred. Like the mean score method, this method of analysis uses an estimated score function. We assume some “regularity conditions”, but make no distributional assumptions about the misclassified variable or the measurement error. A limited simulation study was performed to evaluate the proposed method and two examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method.
An interpersonal analysis of self-disclosure and feedback

Subjects indicated the extent to which they had disclosed positive and negative trait information to each of three friends in the course of their relationships. Disclosure of one's own traits (self-disclosure) was compared with the disclosure of one's perception of a friend's traits (feedback disclosure). Positive and negative self-disclosure and feedback grouped themselves as suggested by Leary's model of interpersonal behavior, indicating that these relationships are more characterized by affiliative than by dominant responding ( p < 0.01). In addition, feedback was higher than self-disclosure ( p < 0.05), females disclosed more than males ( p < 0.01), negative self-disclosure was higher than positive self-disclosure ( p < 0.01), and positive feedback was higher than negative feedback ( p < 0.01).
Histidine 66 in Escherichia coli Elongation Factor Tu Selectively Stabilizes Aminoacyl-tRNAs

The universally conserved His-66 of elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) stacks on the side chain of the esterified Phe of Phe-tRNAPhe. The affinities of eight aminoacyl-tRNAs were differentially destabilized by the introduction of the H66A mutation into Escherichia coli EF-Tu, whereas Ala-tRNAAla and Gly-tRNAGly were unaffected. The H66F and H66W proteins each show a different pattern of binding of 10 different aminoacyl-tRNAs, clearly showing that this position is critical in establishing the specificity of EF-Tu for different esterified amino acids. However, the H66A mutation does not greatly affect the ability of the ternary complex to bind ribosomes, hydrolyze GTP, or form dipeptide, suggesting that this residue does not directly participate in ribosomal decoding. Selective mutation of His-66 may improve the ability of certain unnatural amino acids to be incorporated by the ribosome.
Changes in silicon samples bombarded by 900–2300 eV hydrogen ions

Abstract We have performed a series of statistically designed experiments to evaluate the changes which occur in silicon samples as a result of hydrogen ion bombardment. Single-crystal silicon and polycrystalline silicon, and also edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) solar cell devices, were exposed to a hydrogen ion beam produced by a Kaufman ion source. The experimental parameters which were systematically varied include the maximum hydrogen ion energy (900, 1600 and 2300 eV), the energy spread of the ions in the beam, the ion current density (0.8, 1.4 and 2.0 mA cm−2), the total dose (1 × 1018, 2 × 1018 and 4 × 1018 ions cm−2) and the bulk sample temperature during bombardment (200, 275 and 350 °C). We observed the changes in the short-circuit current, the open-circuit voltage, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency and the fill factor associated with the EFG devices, the change in the spectral reflectivity of the single-crystal silicon samples and the ratio of the numbers of SiH to SiH2 groups present in the polycrystalline silicon samples. The results of our study indicate that the properties of hydrogen-ion-bombarded silicon change with both the maximum ion energy and the ion current density with a significant parametric interaction between the current density and the bulk sample temperature. The energy distribution of the ions present in the hydrogen ion beam affects the spectral reflectivity of single-crystal silicon. The changes associated with hydrogen ion bombardment are independent of dose for the conditions studied. The average absolute air mass 1 efficiency of EFG devices without intentionally applied antireflective coatings increased from 8.7% before exposure to 10.2% after exposure to the optimal conditions determined by this study.
Auto-Inhibition Effects in Regulating Membrane Curvature Sensing and Generation of Bar Domain Containing Protein

The question of how membrane curvature (MC) is involved in generating and maintaining spatial organization and activity of cells is increasingly being addressed. MC is regulated in part by peripheral membrane proteins, such as those that contain BAR domains and amphiphatic membrane-binding helices. However, the mechanisms underlying membrane curvature sensing and generation (MC S&G) currently are not fully understood. Based on recently published findings, we hypothesize that intra-molecular auto-inhibition modulate MC S&G in BAR domain containing proteins. Specifically, we here focus on the N-BAR domain containing protein endophilin, which is known to be involved in both clathrin-dependent and clathrin independent endocytotic pathways. Endophilin interacts with dynamin and synaptojanin via a C-terminal SH3 domain.To evaluate auto-inhibition in influencing MC S&G of endophilin, we compare the consequences of the binding of two different proline rich peptides to the endophilin SH3 domains. We found that these two peptides increase endophilin membrane binding affinity to differing degrees that also were dependent on membrane composition. Furthermore, we observed that the more effective peptide released both binding affinity and curvature sensing capability, while the other peptide merely liberated endophilin membrane binding affinity. Finally, we propose a molecular interaction model to interpret these phenomena.
Paradise Revisited (2 Cor 12:1–12): The Jewish Mystical Background of Paul's Apostolate* Part 1: The Jewish Sources

The theory that the background of Paul's rapture into paradise (2 Corinthians 12) is indicated by the rabbinic story of four men who entered a garden, park, or orchard (pardes), which is found in collections of traditions associated with “merkabah mysticism,” is by no means new. First proposed by Wilhelm Bousset, the theory was developed by Hans Windisch and Hans Bietenhard, but has come to be associated with Gershom G. Scholem. Although a few scholars have subsequently referred to Jewish mysticism in their interpretations of Paul, the subject on the whole has figured only at the periphery of the map of Pauline studies as a puzzling and little explored terra incognita of marginal or, at best, uncertain relevance to the whole. Growing recognition of the importance of apocalyptic for our understanding of Paul now makes it imperative that this unknown territory be explored. Following the publication of Alan F. Segal's recent book, it is clear that Jewish mysticism must occupy a more central place than has previously been the case in any reconstruction of the matrices of Paul's experience and thought.
THE URBAN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL NETWORK: ASSESSING THE PARTNERSHIP'S IMPACT ON INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION

In an era of dissatisfaction with the nation's prekindergarten through grade 12 schools and criticism of teacher education programs, professional development school (PDS) partnerships have emerged as one solution. Using quantitative and qualitative data obtained during the first two years of an urban PDS network that includes a large, private university and six local public and private schools, the researchers document how the PDS relationships influenced preservice candidate preparation, with specific consideration given to changes over time. Through the data, the voices of the participants emerge to help the researchers understand how preservice candidates, through the PDS model, are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of P–12 students in their future classrooms.
Tricritical behavior in DySb

Abstract A tricritical point has been observed between two magnetically ordered phases in DySB at 8.5 K and 14.7 kOe. A triple point has been observed at 9.7 K and 12.4 kOe.
Effects of nonlinear frequency pulling on the cavity phasing and the collective mode structure in phase-locked VCSEL arrays

Carrier and gain depletion due to cross-cavity interactions in actively coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays cause nonlinear-cavity frequency pulling. As a result the collective mode structure departs significantly from earlier studied linearly coupled eigenmodes. Theory and simulations find that array eigenmodes have uniform amplitude and density distribution over the interior array sites, accompanied with boundary-layer formation at the edges. Exact zero or pi phasing among adjacent sites is achieved, depending on the coupling-strength sign. In contrast, in linearly coupled array modes neglecting cross-cavity hole burning, the phase difference cannot be exactly zero or pi, yielding a sinusoidal amplitude distribution over the array sites. The exact zero phasing and the uniform intensity distribution in nonlinearly coupled arrays offer advantages for practical applications.
Unusual Photophysical Properties of Substituted Carbazoles

Photophysical properties of a new class of fluorescent, stable carbazoles (B1-B3, G1-G3, and R1-R2) as a function of excitation wavelength in matrixes and solution are reported. The emission maxima of B1 and B3 and G1-G3 show red shifts (6-16 nm) and substantially increased fluorescence quantum yields with a decrease in temperature from 25 to -10 degrees C. Considerable edge excitation red shift has been observed in B2. The emission of G1 shows both specific and general effects of solvent while intermolecular excitation energy transfer occurs from the naphthyl to the carbazolyl moiety in G3. Lippert-Mataga plots confirm the existence of multiple emitting states in each of these compounds.
Effect of Hydrolysis by Papain on the Combining Sites of an Antibody

PORTER1 recently found that proteolysis of each of several different rabbit antiprotein antibodies with papain yielded three chromatographically separable fractions. Two of the fractions retained the capacity to combine with antigen, as shown by their ability to block specific precipitation, but would not form specific precipitates. The results indicated that the bivalent antibody molecule had in each case been split into two univalent fragments which retained specific activity and a third fragment lacking a combining site.
A Kinetic study of leaching of coal pyrite with nitric acid

The leaching of coal pyrite with nitric acid has been investigated. The temperature ranged from 313 to 363 K, and the concentration of nitric acid was varied from 0.154 to 1.54 mol/l. A coal sample of 50 grams was leached in a reactor containing 500 ml of solution in an open system. It was observed that the leaching reaction could remove 47 pct of the pyrite sulfur in seven minutes and 88 pct in 30 minutes at 343 K with 1.54 mol/l of nitric acid. The reaction order with respect to hydrogen and nitrate ion activity was found to be first order. The activation energy for the initial stage of the reaction was determined to be 14.7 K cal/mol (61.5 kJ/mol). A mathematical model was developed on the basis of mixed kinetics (reaction zone model) to explain the leaching rates. Good agreement between experimental rate data and predicted rate curves by the developed model was obtained. Ultimate analysis was used to determine the extent of nitration of the leached coal. This nitration was found to be insensitive to the reaction temperature and acidity of the solution.
Effects of Differential Air and Soil Temperature on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Creeping Bentgrass

Bentgrass quality often declines under high temperature conditions. The physiological mechanisms of heat stress injury in creeping bentgrass are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the relative importance of air vs. soil temperature in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in two cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), 'L-93' and 'Penncross'. Shoots and roots of both cultivars were exposed to four differential air/soil temperatures: 20/20 (control), 20/35, 35/20, and 35/35 degrees C in growth chambers and water baths. Under high soil (20/35) and high air/soil (35/35 degrees C) temperature conditions, canopy net photosynthetic rate (P(u)) of L-93 and Penncross decreased dramatically; however, respiration rates of whole plants (R(plant)) and roots (R(root)) increased to levels above those at 20/20 and 35/20 degrees C within 8 d of treatment and then decreased to lower levels by 21 d after treatment. At 35/35 degrees C, daily carbon consumption was 2 to 5 times carbon production for L-93 and 3.5 to 12 times for Penncross. At 20/35 degrees C, carbon consumption exceeded production within 10 d of treatment for both cultivars. Total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) contents in shoots and roots were reduced at 20/35, 35/20, and 35/35 degrees C, compared to that at 20/20 degrees C. Reducing soil temperature while exposing shoots to high temperature (35/20 degrees C) increased P(n) and carbohydrate content and reduced the carbon consumption to production ratio. The results suggested that roots play more important role than shoots in the mediation of carbohydrate responses to high air temperatures or high soil temperatures. High soil temperature alone or combined with high air temperature caused imbalance between photosynthesis and respiration and decreases in carbohydrate availability, which could contribute to the decline in shoot and root growth under high temperature conditions.
Breaking the Histone Code of Silence: The Propagation and Blocking of Heterochromatin

Eukaryotic chromosomes consist of blocks of transcriptionally active and inactive regions. Heterochromatic regions of chromatin are generally transcriptionally repressed, and this repressive structure can be propagated along the chromatin fiber. Here I review recent insights on the role of histone modifications in the propagation of repressive chromatin structure, focusing on the creation of heterochromatin protein binding sites by the deacetylation and methylation of nucleosomes, and molecular models detailing the mechanism of propagation. The role of chromatin boundary elements in halting this propagation is discussed in relation to the model systems described. The results suggest that specific combinations of histone modifications constitute a histone code that promotes the propagation of heterochromatin, and by breaking this code along a nucleosomal array, propagation can be stopped to allow expression of downstream genes.
Exact Mass Determination for Elemental Analysis of Ions Produced by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption

The exact masses of bastadins, cyclic peptides from marine sponges Ianthella basta, are determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) coupled to a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Two known compounds were mixed with the unknown to serve as internal calibrants. The mass of the calibrants bracketed the mass of the unknown compound. With this method, exact masses were obtained to within 5 ppm for single determinations, and less than 3 ppm for multiple determinations, allowing the derivation of elemental composition. This method is viable for routinely obtaining the exact masses of new compounds with MALDI.
A novel method for the synthesis of titania nanotubes using sonoelectrochemical method and its application for photoelectrochemical splitting of water

Abstract This new method describes the application of sonoelectrochemistry to quickly synthesize well-ordered and robust titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubular arrays. Self-ordered arrays of TiO2 nanotubes of 30–100 m in diameter and 300–1000 nm in length can be rapidly synthesized under an applied potential of 5–20 V. The rate of formation of the TiO2 nanotubes by the sonoelectrochemical method is found to be almost twice as fast as the magnetic stirring method. It also demonstrates that high-quality nanotubes can be prepared using high viscous solvents like ethylene glycol under ultrasonic treatment. The TiO2 nanotubes prepared in the organic electrolytes (ethylene glycol) are then annealed under H2 atmosphere to give TiO2−xCx types material having a band gap of around 2.0 eV. This process is found to be highly efficient for incorporating carbon into TiO2 nanotubes. Various characterization techniques (viz., FESEM, GXRD, XPS, and DRUV–vis) are used to study the morphology, phase, band gap, and doping of the nanotubes. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of these materials to generate H2 by water splitting is found to be promising at 0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl.
Browsing as a learning practice in the information management work of technical communicators

This poster reports data from a case study of the information management practices technical communicators at a software company in the U.S. Midwest. The study found that the technical communicators preferred location-based file folder browsing for their information finding and retrieval activities. Building on situated cognition theories of learning, the researcher speculates that file folder browsing may serve a learning purpose for the technical communicators by helping them internalize technical information about their products and social information about their work teams and processes.
Maternal Responsiveness to Young Children at Three Ages: Longitudinal Analysis of a Multidimensional, Modular, and Specific Parenting Construct

Responsiveness defines the prompt, contingent, and appropriate reactions parents display to their children in the context of everyday exchanges. Maternal responsiveness occupies a theoretically central position in developmental science and possesses meaningful predictive validity over diverse domains of children's development, yet basic psychometric features of maternal responsiveness are still poorly understood. In this prospective longitudinal study, the authors examined structure, individual variation, and continuity of multiple dimensions of responsiveness in 40 mothers to their infants' activities at 10, 14, and 21 months during natural home-based play interactions. Both age-general and age-specific patterns emerged in maternal responding. The study's developmental results support the multidimensionality, modularity, and specificity of this central parenting construct.
Correlations for laminar mixed convection flows on vertical, inclined, and horizontal flat plates

Local Nusselt numbers for laminar mixed convection flows along isothermal vertical, inclined, and horizontal flat plates are presented for the entire mixed convection regime for a wide range of Prandtl numbers, 0.1 ≤ Pr ≤ 100. Simple correlation equations for the local and average mixed convection Nusselt numbers are developed, which are found to agree well with the numerically predicted values and available experimental data for both buoyancy assisting and opposing flow conditions. The threshold values of significant buoyancy effects on forced convection and forced flow effects on free convection, as well as the maximum increase in the local mixed convection Nusselt number from the respective pure convection limits, are also presented for all flow configurations. It is found that the buoyancy or forced flow effect can increase the surface heat transfer rate from pure forced or pure free convection by about 20 percent.
Biomarkers of Caloric Restriction May Predict Longevity in Humans

The most robust intervention for slowing aging and maintaining health and function in animals is dietary caloric restriction (CR) ([1][1]). Although most studies of this phenomenon have been conducted in rodents and lower animals, data accumulating from rhesus monkeys suggest that CR may also be
Photosynthesis and respiration of Spartina and Juncus salt marshes in North Carolina: Some models

In situ ecosystem gas exchange measurements were taken monthly for a 15-month period during low tide forJuncus roemerianus Scheele and short, medium, and tall height forms ofSpartina alterniflora Loisel. in three salt marshes near Southport, North Carolina. Multiple regression analysis was used to obtain empirical relationships betwen gas exchange values and the physical and biotic variables measured. Preliminary models for net ecosystem photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration, and respiration of aboveground standing crop were developed. Validation of models was carried out in the following manner: (1) net primary productivity of aboveground standing crop was calculated from model data and compared with harvest estimates of net primary productivity for the same year; and (2) carbon exchange and energy efficiency values were compared with literature values. In general, theSpartina models, because of their larger data base, were more useful than theJuncus models. Annual primary productivity of aboveground standing crop calculated from gas exchange values was 1.8 to 3.6 times greater forSpartian than values calculated from harvest data by Smalley's method.Juncus values were approximately equal. Since values calculated from carbon data and harvest data are not entirely equivalent, required adjustments to the carbon values are discussed. Both species have two growth periods—one in ths pring and one in the fall—with the spring growth in excess of that in the fall. Net ecosystem productivity was highest in the spring and lowest in the summer. Ecosystem respiration amounted to 71% of gross annual photosynthesis. The aboveground standing crop contributed approximately 35% to this ecosystem respiration and the soil, the remaining 36%. Efficiency for gross photosynthesis per unit of solar radiation ranged from 0.22 to 1.11%. Efficiencies for net primary production of aboveground standing crop ranged from 0 to 0.82% and those of net ecosystem production from 0 to 0.56%.
Dual Short Upstream Open Reading Frames Control Translation of a Herpesviral Polycistronic mRNA

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) protein kinase, encoded by ORF36, functions to phosphorylate cellular and viral targets important in the KSHV lifecycle and to activate the anti-viral prodrug ganciclovir. Unlike the vast majority of mapped KSHV genes, no viral transcript has been identified with ORF36 positioned as the 5′-proximal gene. Here we report that ORF36 is robustly translated as a downstream cistron from the ORF35–37 polycistronic transcript in a cap-dependent manner. We identified two short, upstream open reading frames (uORFs) within the 5′ UTR of the polycistronic mRNA. While both uORFs function as negative regulators of ORF35, unexpectedly, the second allows for the translation of the downstream ORF36 gene by a termination-reinitiation mechanism. Positional conservation of uORFs within a number of related viruses suggests that this may be a common γ-herpesviral adaptation of a host translational regulatory mechanism.
Complete Basis Set ab Initio Study of the CH Insertion Reaction with Water, Ammonia, and Hydrogen Fluoride

The mechanisms of the doublet CH radical reaction with ammonia, water, and hydrogen peroxide were computationally studied with complete basis set ab initio methods. Several different reaction pathways are considered, including hydrogen transfer, fusing of radicals, and the CH radical insertion reaction. It was demonstrated that the insertion reaction has the lowest activation barrier. Enthalpies of several reactions were explored, and it was demonstrated that complete basis set ab initio method is highly accurate for computing thermal properties of these chemical systems.
Preparation, physical properties, on-bead binding assay and spectroscopic reliability of 25 barcoded polystyrene-poly(ethylene glycol) graft copolymers.

Here we describe the preparation of 25 beaded polystyrene−poly(ethylene glycol) graft copolymers from six spectroscopically active styrene monomers: styrene, 2,5-dimethylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, and 3-methylstyrene. These polymers were thoroughly characterized by Raman, infrared, and 1H/13C NMR spectroscopies, and differential scanning calorimetry. Determination of the swelling properties, peptide synthesis, and on-bead streptavidin−alkaline phosphatase (SAP) binding assay further established that their physical and chemical properties where not significantly altered by the diversity of their encoded polystyrene core. Each of the 25 resins displayed a unique Raman and infrared vibrational fingerprint, which was converted into a “spectroscopic barcode”. The position of each bar matches the peak wavenumber in the corresponding spectrum but is independent of its intensity. From this simplified representation similarity maps comparing 35 000 resin pairs were generat...
Mechanical hyperalgesia after spinal nerve ligation in rat is not reversed by intraplantar or systemic administration of adrenergic antagonists

Abstract The development of α -adrenergic sensitivity in cutaneous nociceptors has been postulated as a mechanism for sympathetically maintained pain (SMP). In order to characterize the adrenergic receptors involved, we investigated the effects of intraplantar administration of α 1 -(prazosin) and α 2 -(yohimbine) adrenergic antagonists and systemic injection of phentolamine, a non-specific α -adrenergic blocker, on allodynic/hyperalgesic behavior in an animal model thought to mimic SMP in humans. Peripheral neuropathy in rats was induced by tight ligation of the L5/L6 spinal nerves. Mechanical hyperalgesia was quantified with von Frey hairs applied either for 3 s or repetitively to the plantar surface of the hindpaw. Responses to the 3 s duration stimulus were used to determine the paw withdrawal threshold with the up–down paradigm and repetitive stimuli were used to determine the response incidence of paw withdrawal to a given von Frey hair. Mechanical thresholds on the ipsilateral paw decreased significantly after ligation and were stable over the following 3 weeks. Intradermal administration of yohimbine or prazosin did not significantly alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia in L5/L6 ligated animals. Also systemic administration of phentolamine (1 and 5 mg/kg) did not alleviate the increased incidence of paw withdrawal in L5/L6 spinal nerve ligated animals. These results suggest that an alpha adrenergic interaction between sympathetic efferent and somatic afferent fibers does not play a critical role for the maintenance of mechanical hyperalgesia in this model for neuropathic pain.
Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy: Auscultation of Biological Systems at the Cellular Level

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) offers unprecedented sensitivity to optical absorption and opens a new window to study biological systems at multiple length- and timescales. In particular, optical-resolution PAM (OR-PAM) has pushed the technical envelope to submicron length scales and millisecond timescales. Here, we review the state of the art of OR-PAM in biophysical research. With properly chosen optical wavelengths, OR-PAM can spectrally differentiate a variety of endogenous and exogenous chromophores, unveiling the anatomical, functional, metabolic, and molecular information of biological systems. Newly uncovered contrast mechanisms of linear dichroism and Forster resonance energy transfer further distinguish OR-PAM. Integrating multiple contrasts and advanced scanning mechanisms has capacitated OR-PAM to comprehensively interrogate biological systems at the cellular level in real time. Two future directions are discussed, where OR-PAM holds the potential to translate basic biophysical research into clinical healthcare.
AN EVIDENCE-BASED EVALUATION OF THE USE OF SODIUM BICARBONATE DURING CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION

The use of bicarbonate is rooted in three decades of clinical experience and observational studies. For many years, bicarbonate passed the tried and true test for clinical therapies; however, administration of sodium bicarbonate during cardiac arrest and hypoxic acidosis has become increasingly controversial. The controversy provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the impact an evidence-based approach might have on a common clinical practice. Is bicarbonate efficacious in the treatment of the severe acidosis that accompanies cardiac arrest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)? Are the deleterious effects of bicarbonate clinically relevant? What is the evidence upon which a rational decision may be based? This review evaluates and ranks the evidence supporting the use of sodium bicarbonate in the therapy of acidosis associated with cardiac arrest during CPR.
Potent Antioxidative Activity of Lycopene: A Potential Role in Scavenging Hypochlorous Acid

Abstract Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, is a proven antioxidant that may lower the risk of certain disorders including heart disease and cancer. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an oxidant linked to tissue oxidation in cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory disorders through its ability to modify proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, and lipids. Here we show that lycopene can function as a potent scavenger of HOCl at a wide range of concentrations that span various pathophysiological and supplemental ranges. The oxidation of lycopene by HOCl was accompanied by a marked change in color, from red to colorless, of the lycopene solution, suggesting lycopene degradation. HPLC and LC–MS analysis showed that the exposure of lycopene to increasing concentrations of HOCl gave a range of metabolites resulting from oxidative cleavage of one or more C = C. The degree of degradation of lycopene (as assessed by the number and chain lengths of the various oxidative metabolites of lycopene) depends mainly on the ratio of HOCl to lycopene, suggesting that multiple molecules of HOCl are consumed per molecule of lycopene. Collectively, this work demonstrates a direct link between lycopene and HOCl scavenging and may assist in elucidating the mechanism of the protective function exerted by lycopene.
An electrically small cassegrain antenna with optically shaped reflectors

The efficiency of an electrically small (diameter less than 30 \lambda ) Cassegrain antenna was increased by specially shaping the reflectors using ray optics. Diffraction effects were reduced by modification of the reflector designs in the central region and at the edges. Special attention was given to the reduction of gain loss caused by blockage. Although the antenna was very small, the technique resulted in an overall efficiency varying from 60-65 percent over a 1.16:1 frequency band. An "unshaped" Cassegrain antenna was also built and tested for comparison. Measured data shows an increase in gain of 0.5 dB over the conventional Cassegrain. About 0.35 dB of this difference is attributed to reflector shaping, and the remainder is the result of replacing the subreflector quadripod legs with a dielectric cone. The conclusion is that the efficiency of electrically small Cassegrain antennas can be significantly increased by specially shaping the reflectors according to ray optics with allowances for diffraction effects.
Utterance verification using improved confidence measures based on alignment confusion rate in Chinese digits recognition

In this paper, we explore an approach to improved confidence measures based on a novel alignment confusion rate (ACR) which integrates alignment information from two different modeling unit sets in Chinese digits recognition system. Both Initial-Final (IF) phone set and Head-Body-Tail (HBT) models have proven to obtain good recognition performance for connected digit strings. These two different modeling can produce similar results but with different time-marked word boundaries. The objective of our proposed method is combining posterior probability with alignment confusion rate score provided by word alignment of IF-based results to HBT-based reference results that minimizes word error rate to get an effective confidence measure for utterance verification. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated with various experiments on data collected from car-kit microphone.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Novel Chemotherapeutic Agents U-73, 975, U-77, 779, and U-80, 244 in Gynecologic Cancer Cell Lines

U-73,975 (U-73), U-77,779 (U-77), and U-80,244 (U-80) are analogs of the potent antitumor compound CC-1065. This class of drugs act as alkylating agents binding to DNA preferentially. Using the ATP-chemosensitivity assay, this study was designed to compare the potencies of U-73, U-77, and U-80 with cisplatin (DDP) or adriamycin (DXR) in 10 gynecologic cancer cell lines. The mean IC50s were: U-73, 0.173 +/- 0.115 ng/ml; U-77, 0.650 +/- 0.209 ng/ml; U-80, 3.0 +/- 3.0 ng/ml; DDP, 4.40 +/- 2.83 micrograms/ml; and DXR, 0.286 +/- 0.040 micrograms/ml. U-73 appears the most potent analog, being 10(3) to 10(4) times more cytotoxic than DDP and DXR. U-77 and U-80 were somewhat comparable, demonstrating approximately 10(2) to 10(3) greater potency than DDP and DXR. All the cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cell lines were sensitive to U-73, with decreasing sensitivity to U-77, U-80, DXR, and DDP in that order. U-73 as well as the other analogs appear promising chemotherapeutic agents.
Expression of Porphyromonas gingivalis small RNA in response to hemin availability identified using microarray and RNA-seq analysis

There is a significant body of work suggesting that sRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation is a conserved mechanism among pathogenic bacteria to modulate bacterial virulence and survival. Porphyromonas gingivalis is recognized as an etiological agent of periodontitis and implicated in contributing to the development of multiple inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular disease. Using NimbleGen microarray analysis and a strand-specific method to sequence cDNA libraries of small RNA-enriched P. gingivalis transcripts using Illumina's high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified putative sRNA and generated sRNA expression profiles in response to growth phase, hemin availability after hemin starvation, or both. We identified transcripts that mapped to intergenic sequences as well as antisense transcripts that mapped to open reading frames of the annotated genome. Overall, this approach provided a comprehensive way to survey transcriptional activity to discover functionally linked RNA transcripts, responding to specific environmental cues, that merit further investigation.
The optical engineering curriculum at CSUS

Engineering curricula are dynamic and have to strike a balance between many aspects including understanding of concepts, knowledge of facts, and acquisition of skills in analysis, design and communication. Simultaneously, the quality of engineering education needs to be evaluated and improved for graduates to be competitive in the global arena. This paper examines the role of research in engineering education. A common theme in every engineer's education is the emphasis on problem solving and creativity. Research, especially at the undergraduate level, emphasizes the role of the engineer as a problem solver. The optical engineering curriculum at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) includes a strong research component. Experiences suggest that undergraduate research has a major impact on the education of students and should be actively pursued as CSUS seeks to revitalize the curriculum.
Hepatocyte Fas-associating death domain protein/mediator of receptor-induced toxicity (FADD/MORT1) levels increase in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli.

Abstract We examined the regulation ofFas-associating deathdomain (FADD) protein as an important adaptor molecule in apoptosis signaling and hypothesized that the regulation of FADD could contribute to hepatocyte death. FADD/mediatorof receptor-induced toxicity (MORT1) is required for activation of several signaling pathways of cell death. In this study we report the interesting and unexpected result that actinomycin D increased the expression of FADD protein, and we demonstrate that other cellular stresses like ultraviolet irradiation or heat shock could also increase FADD levels in hepatocytes. In cells treated with actinomycin D, FADD levels were elevated homogeneously in the cytoplasm. The increase in cytoplasmic FADD protein by actinomycin D or FADD overexpression alone both correlated with cell death, and specific antisense inhibition of FADD expression consistently diminished ∼30% of the cell death induced by actinomycin D. These data indicate that FADD protein expression can increase rapidly in hepatocytes exposed to broadly cytotoxic agents.
Contraceptive Vaginal Rings: Do They Pose an Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Aesthetic Surgery?

: Nuvaring (Organon Kenilworth NJ) is a vaginal contraception ring inserted by the patient. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001 for the prevention of pregnancy. The intent of this paper is to increase the awareness of Nuvaring among plastic surgeons and to explore the risks associated with its use. We report the cases of two cosmetic surgery patients. These patients developed deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli in the postoperative period while using Nuvaring. The very advantages of the Nuvaring-the ease of use the avoidance of daily administration and the insertion and removal of the device by the patient-may lead to the failure of patients to recollect being on a vaginal ring for contraception. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Risk. (c) 2015 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Inc. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com.
ADSORPTION of BILE ACIDS ON CEREAL TYPE FOOD FIBERS

A study involving measurement and analysis of adsorption of common bile acids, namely cholic, deoxycholic, and lithocholic acids, on cereal type dietary fibers was conducted. The selected food fibers were oat fiber, rice fiber, barley fiber, corn bran, and wheat bran, which are all extensively used in processed foods. The adsorption data were measured at 37C and 25C, which correspond to approximate human body and room temperatures. Influence of particle size reduction, due to grinding, on a fiber's bile acid binding capacity was examined by using macro size (35-60 mesh) and micro size (100-300 mesh) fibers as adsorbents. The investigation also included the effects of medium pH and the chemical composition. The experimental data were correlated with the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms in order to utilize the data in future predictions and simulations. It was found that the particle size reduction, accompanied by surface area increase, has a significant influence on the adsorption capacity of the fiber. Macro size fibers adsorbed the same bile acid with the following trend: oat > barley > rice > wheat > corn; while micro size fibers followed a somewhat different trend: rice > barley > oat > wheat > corn. This was due to the surface area change after grinding, and a positive correlation between the surface area and the adsorption capacity was observed in each case. The adsorption was favored by acid pH surroundings, and it was positively correlated with the hydrophobicity of the bile acid. In all cases, the bile acids were adsorbed on the same fiber with the following trend: lithocholic acid > deoxycholic acid > cholic acid. Fibers adsorbed more bile acid at 25C than they did at 37C. However, the increase in the uptake capacities were not very signifiant.
An object-oriented testbed for the evaluation of checkpointing and recovery systems

The paper presents the design and development of an object-oriented testbed for simulation and analysis of checkpointing and recovery schemes in distributed systems. An important contribution, of the testbed is a unified environment that provides a set of specialized components for easy and detailed simulation of checkpointing and recovery schemes. The testbed allows a designer to mix and match different components either to study the effectiveness of a particular scheme or to freely experiment with hybrid designs before the actual implementation. The testbed also facilitates the evaluation of interdependencies among the various parameters such as communication and application dynamics and their effect on the performance of checkpointing and recovery schemes. The implementation of the testbed as an extension of DEPEND which is an integrated design and fault-injection environment, provides for unique system-level dependability analysis under realistic fault conditions unlike existing simulation tools. The authors illustrate the versatility of the testbed by using four diverse applications, ranging from the comparison of performances of two checkpointing and recovery schemes to the study of the effect of checkpoint size.
California Current Large Marine Ecosystem: Publicly available dataset of state and federal laws and regulations

Transitioning ocean governance into an ecosystem-based approach requires improved knowledge of ecosystems and existing management systems. While there has been increased effort to compile and synthesize ecological data, relatively little scholarship has been focused on improving and understanding ocean management systems. This paper presents a unique dataset that makes objective analyses of ocean management possible across multiple jurisdictions and sectors in the California Current. Following an explanation of the criteria used to compile relevant statutes and regulations, the paper suggests applications for the dataset including education and policy uses and ecosystem-based management tool development to identify and measure problems of fragmented management.
Low-dose quetiapine is not a benign sedative-hypnotic agent.

Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) appear to be effective for a broad range of psychiatric disorders. When used in doses lower than those to treat psychosis, these agents are effective for anx...
The Contribution of Monocular Depth Cues to Scene Perception by Pigeons

The contributions of different monocular depth cues to performance of a scene perception task were investigated in 4 pigeons. They discriminated the sequential depth ordering of three geometric objects in computer-rendered scenes. The orderings of these objects were specified by the combined presence or absence of the pictorial cues of relative density, occlusion, and relative size. In Phase 1, the pigeons learned the task as a direct function of the number of cues present. The three monocular cues contributed equally to the discrimination. Phase 2 established that differential shading on the objects provided an additional discriminative cue. These results suggest that the pigeon visual system is sensitive to many of the same monocular depth cues that are known to be used by humans. The theoretical implications for a comparative psychology of picture processing are considered.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Quetiapine

OBJECTIVETo report a case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) caused by the antipsychotic quetiapine on 2 occasions in the same patient and review the hematologic adverse events associated with quetiapine.CASE SUMMARYA 25-year-old African American male with a history of bipolar disorder was treated with quetiapine and developed thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure consistent with a diagnosis of TTP on 2 occasions 2 years apart. On each occasion, TTP was successfully treated with plasmapheresis.DISCUSSIONMany medications, including antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and antineoplastics, have been implicated as causative agents of TTP. Although, as of this writing, a review of the medical literature reveals no previous report of TTP associated with quetiapine, the Food and Drug Administration database of the Adverse Event Reporting System has compiled, as of this writing, 3 cases of TTP occurring in patients on quetiapine as their sole medication. In addition, ...