cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic hydrolysis of carrot for extraction of a cloud-stable juice

The influence of various enzymes on the cell wall structure of carrots (Daucus carrota) was examined and related to changes in the juice extracted from the pulp with respect to volume, solids content, pH and viscosity. Crude preparations of cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4), hemicellulase, pectinase (EC 3.2.1.15), pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11) and an industrial grade pectinase/cellulase preparation (Rohament PC), all exhibiting cellulolytic as well as pectinolytic action, were used either singly or in combinations. Polarizing microscopy revealed a gradual loss of birefringence from the cell walls indicating degradation of ordered structure by all of the enzymes. The time for loss of birefringence was significantly correlated with the pectinase activity but not with the cellulase activity, suggesting that the presence of pectic substances is important in maintaining the ordered structure of the cell wall in carrot. Alterations to cell wall structure by pectinase were confirmed by scanning electon microscopy. Hydrolytic activity against carrots as measured by the increase in yield of juice could be predicted from the pectinase and cellulase activities through a linear regression equation (R = +0.72; P < 0.01) but the pectinolytic action was the most important factor. The yield of juice from the control carrot was 50.5% of the wet pulp mass with a total solids content of 7.9%, viscosity of 2.9 centistokes and a pH value of 5.65. Application of the enzyme preparations to the pulp (268–455 mg/kg) increased the volume of juice extracted, with the industrial grade preparation (440 mg/kg) yielding 50% more juice than the control for a 30-min incubation at 50 °C.
Murine aortic reactivity is programmed equally by maternal low protein diet or late gestation dexamethasone.

Objective. In rats, maternal low protein diet induces growth restriction, increases fetal glucocorticoid exposure and programs cardiovascular and endocrine dysfunction in adult offspring. We hypothesized that both maternal low protein diet and late gestation dexamethasone program murine offspring to develop hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and glucose intolerance.Methods. An iso-caloric low protein diet (LP) was provided to dams from E0 to E19. Additional dams received a normal protein diet without (NP) or with either dexamethasone (NP-Dex, 0.1 mg/kg/d sc) or normal saline (NP-NS) from E10 to E18.Results. Offspring of dams given LP weighed less at 10 days than NP offspring, while Dex administration did not alter pup weight. At 4 months, all four groups had similar systolic blood pressures and no detectable differences were evoked by oral L-NAME. Offspring of LP mice had impaired glucose clearance that was directly correlated with their weight at 10 days. Aortic rings from offspring of both LP and NP-De...
Analysis of tapered, adhesively bonded, insulated rail joints:

AbstractAdhesively bonded insulated rail joints are used to electrically isolate sections of track into discrete blocks to detect the positions of trains, and are sometimes useful in detecting rail breaks. Recent advances in high-strength rails allow for the use of higher-weight cars. With this increased axle loading of the freight lines, bonded rail joints are encountering early breakdown through either electrical or mechanical failure. Service lives as short as 12-18 months have been reported on some rail lines, significantly lower than the lifetime of other railway components. The cost of replacing the joints has significantly increased the desire for a joint with improved durability.Commercially available bonded rail joints are typically double butt-strap joints consisting of two steel reinforcing joint bars, bonded to the rails with an epoxy adhesive that may contain a fibreglass or aramid cloth layer. This paper investigates a tapered bonded joint that was proposed to reduce the high stresses that c...
Minority Stress and Sexual Problems among African-American Gay and Bisexual Men

Minority stress, such as racism and gay bashing, may be associated with sexual problems, but this notion has not been examined in the literature. African-American gay/bisexual men face a unique challenge in managing a double minority status, putting them at high risk for stress and sexual problems. This investigation examined ten predictors of sexual problems among 174 African-American gay/bisexual men. Covarying for age, a forward multiple regression analysis showed that the measures of self-esteem, male gender role stress, HIV prevention self-efficacy, and lifetime experiences with racial discrimination significantly added to the prediction of sexual problems. Gay bashing, psychiatric symptoms, low life satisfaction, and low social support were significantly correlated with sexual problems, but did not add to the prediction of sexual problems in the regression analysis. Mediation analyses showed that stress predicted psychiatric symptoms, which then predicted sexual problems. Sexual problems were not significantly related to HIV status, racial/ethnic identity, or gay identity. The findings from this study showed a relationship between experiences with racial and sexual discrimination and sexual problems while also providing support for mediation to illustrate how stress might cause sexual problems. Addressing minority stress in therapy may help minimize and treat sexual difficulties among minority gay/bisexual men.
Enhancing Muscle Membrane Repair by Gene Delivery of MG53 Ameliorates Muscular Dystrophy and Heart Failure in δ-Sarcoglycan-deficient Hamsters

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are caused by genetic mutations in over 30 different genes, many of which encode for proteins essential for the integrity of muscle cell structure and membrane. Their deficiencies cause the muscle vulnerable to mechanical and biochemical damages, leading to membrane leakage, dystrophic pathology, and eventual loss of muscle cells. Recent studies report that MG53, a muscle-specific TRIM-family protein, plays an essential role in sarcolemmal membrane repair. Here, we show that systemic delivery and muscle-specific overexpression of human MG53 gene by recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors enhanced membrane repair, ameliorated pathology, and improved muscle and heart functions in δ-sarcoglycan (δ-SG)-deficient TO-2 hamsters, an animal model of MD and congestive heart failure. In addition, MG53 overexpression increased dysferlin level and facilitated its trafficking to muscle membrane through participation of caveolin-3. MG53 also protected muscle cells by activating cell survival kinases, such as Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and inhibiting proapoptotic protein Bax. Our results suggest that enhancing the muscle membrane repair machinery could be a novel therapeutic approach for MD and cardiomyopathy, as demonstrated here in the limb girdle MD (LGMD) 2F model.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyosarcoma of the abdomen and retroperitoneum: a clinical comparison.

Introduction: The present study was undertaken to define the clinical differences between leiomyosarcomas (LMS) occurring within the abdomen and retroperitoneum and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Survival of the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty

Introduction This study was conducted to determine the survival of different glenoid component designs, assess the reasons for revision surgery, and identify patient and diagnostic factors that influence this need. Methods Between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 2004, 1337 patients underwent 1542 total shoulder arthroplasties with 6 types of glenoid components: Neer II all-polyethylene, Neer II metal-backed, Cofield 1 metal-backed bone-ingrowth, Cofield 1 all-poly keeled, Cofield 2 all-poly keeled, and Cofield 2 all-poly pegged. Results Revision was required in 125 shoulders for glenoid component failure. Survival rates free of revision by glenoid implant type at 5, 10, and 15 years were, respectively, 96%, 96%, and 95% for 99 Neer II all-poly; 96%, 94%, and 89% for 316 Neer II metal-backed; 86%, 79%, and 67% for 316 Cofield 1 metal-backed; 94%, 94%, and 87% for 18 Cofield 1 all-poly; 99%, 94%, and 89% for 497 Cofield 2 all-poly keeled; and 99% at 5 years for 358 Cofield 2 all-poly pegged. Glenoid component type was significantly associated with component revision ( P P P = .02) and avascular necrosis ( P = .06) were associated with increased risk of revision. Conclusions Survival is improved with cemented all-polyethylene glenoid components. Revision of cemented all-polyethylene components may be lessened with the use of pegged components in early follow-up. Male gender and the operative diagnoses of posttraumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis are associated with an increased risk of failure. Level of Evidence Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study.
Approximate analytic solution for the position and strength of shockwaves about cones in supersonic flow

Approximate solution for position and strength of shock waves about cones in steady supersonic flow
Extraction of charged droplets from charged surfaces of liquid dielectrics

Charges are extracted from charged liquid-vapor interfaces in a diode semiimmersed in liquid helium or nitrogen at moderate applied electric fields. A sudden onset of positive charge in the case of helium and of either sign in the case of nitrogen is collected in the vapor at a critical field given empirically by Ec = (12.3 ± 0.8) (δϱΣ)0.28±0.03 kV/cm, where δϱ is the difference between the liquid and gas densities, and Σ is the surface tension. The data are explained by a model in which charged droplets are extracted from the liquid state with a radius of rc = (3Σ/δϱg)1/2, where g is the acceleration of gravity. The current noise is peaked at low frequencies, which possibly indicates a correlation between droplets due to surface waves. If charge is prevented from leaking off the surface by appropriate electrodes, the increased surface charge macroscopically lifts the surface before entering the vapor and generates surface waves in one of the modes of the cylindrical cell.
Using density gradients to map atomic structure on molecular isodensities

Gradients of the electron density of phosphocreatine and parathion are displayed as colored regions on isodensity surfaces. Shading is used to achieve three-dimensional perception and to encode the direction of the gradient. Coloring the density by the magnitude of the gradient is demonstrated to provide an intrinsic mechanism for mapping the underlying atomic structure in vivid hues commonly used in molecular ball and stick models. The basis for the coloring scheme is the systematic variation of density gradients with atomic number. The specific assignments of colors to gradient magnitudes are based upon average gradients around the central atom in its hydride. Using INDO densities, these are reported for C, H, N, O, F, P, S, and CI.
Theory of intersubband collective modes in semiconductor superlattices

Abstract The collective excitations of a mulitple quantum well (MQW) semiconductor superlattice structure and their coupling to optical phonons are studied. The dispersion of the collective modes up to order q2 and the dependence upon direction of propagation are calculated.
3D QSAR study of the toxicity of trichothecene mycotoxins.

Abstract Trichothecene mycotoxins, toxic natural products of fungi from the family Hypocreaceae , are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis. The application of 3D QSAR to these toxins explored the structural basis for their biological activities. A CoMFA ( Q 2 = 0.619, R 2 = 0.921) model was developed for a set of 15 toxins with the trichothecene nucleus; CoMFA ( Q 2 = 0.518, R 2 = 0.855) and CoMSIA ( Q 2 = 0.695, R 2 = 0.960) models were developed for 31 toxins with the nucleus and a macrolide ring. The results show the role of electrostatics and steric factors in the activity of the toxins and indicate that the conformation of the macrolide ring influences the toxicity of the macrolide toxins.
Elliptic transmutation I

Given and similar , modelled on radial Laplace-Beltrami operators (ρ p = , in this paper we begin the study of transmutations which leads to elliptic equations Working with and transmutations Q m → − D 2 for m > −½ and − D 2 → for m
FINANCING COMMUNITY: Methods for Assessing Residential Credit Disparities, Market Barriers, and Institutional Reinvestment Performance in the Metropolis

: Many urban areas in the 1980s have witnessed the revitalization of a community reinvestment movement, one directed at encouraging private financial institutions to make loans in low and moderate income communities and particularly in minority communities. Research has played a strong role in promoting reinvestment efforts by documenting metropolitan housing finance patterns. Accompanying the growth of community reinvestment activity will be expanded research opportunities to investigate how credit patterns underlie metropolitan development trends and to help promote more responsibile community reinvestment activity. To aid the continuation of research efforts, this paper addresses a series of methods used to assess housing credit disparities and market barriers to finance. It discusses data availability and the strengths and limitations of these data, methods for measuring credit disparities, techniques for assessing racial bias and market barriers in lending patterns, and methods for assessing the community reinvestment performance of individual financial institutions. The final part addresses a more comprehensive research agenda that focuses on investigating the housing market institutional sources of residential investment disparities, particularly by race. Knowledge of metropolitan credit patterns and market barriers to credit can be enriched by studies of the housing market processes that lead to uneven credit flows and, thus, to metropolitan-wide inequality.
Inhibition of Periaqueductal Gray Neurons by the Arcuate Nucleus: Partial Mediation by an Endorphin Pathway*

Electrical activation of the ipsilateral arcuate region of the hypothalamus produced an inhibitory influence upon three separate subpopulations of cells encountered in the ventrolateral PAG. Quiescent PAG cells were classified by their response pattern to sural nerve stimulation: Type A cells displayed only a short latency discharge; whereas, Type B cells exhibited a triphasic response pattern. Arcuate nucleus stimulation dramatically reduced the evoked discharge of both A and B cell types. Type C cells represented spontaneously active PAG neurons which were less affected by arcuate nucleus activation. Systemic naloxone (5 mg/kg) reduced the degree of inhibition of only Type B neurons. Naloxone was ineffective in attenuating arcuate inhibition of Type A and C neurons. Type B neurons may represent a class of cells which are more involved in nociceptive systems and therefore are susceptible to modulation by endogenous opiate peptides.
Active cooperation between primary users and cognitive radio users in cognitive ad-hoc networks

In this work, a cognitive cooperative communication protocol is proposed for cognitive ad-hoc networks, in which primary users and cognitive radio (CR) users may cooperate for mutual benefit. The new cooperation protocol allows active cooperation between primary users and CR users in which CR users assist to relay primary users' signals in exchange for some spectrum released from the primary users. While conventional cognitive radios do not guarantee continuous operation of CR users (they use the spectrum only when primary users do not), the protocol proposed in this work provides continuous service for CR users. The proposed cognitive cooperation protocol is optimized in terms of maximizing the primary user's energy savings and the CR user's own data transmission rate. It turns out that the primary users have significantly average energy savings from cooperation (e.g. up to 50% when compared to a non-cooperation case at the same transmission power level), which provides a good incentive for they to cooperate.
Electron Microscopy of Interfaces in Silicon Carbide Whisker-Reinforced Alumina Composites

Knowledge about the nature of interfaces between SiC whiskers and alumina matrices is critical to understanding the mechanical behavior of these types of composites. The fracture toughness, in particular, is strongly influenced by the bond characteristics of this interface. Previous results have shown that oxidizing the whiskers in air prior to composite fabrication by vacuum hot-pressing results in composites which have lower toughness compared to those made with whiskers in the as-received condition. This investigation focusses on the effects of oxidizing and reducing surface treatments on the whiskers themselves and on the whisker-matrix interface. High resolution electron microscopy (HREM) was used to characterize the morphology and the amount of amorphous phase at the whisker-matrix interface, as well as the crystallography and topography of the interface. The present results indicate that the characteristics of the whisker/matrix interface may not be directly related to the initial whisker surface chemistry. Surprisingly, the thickest thermally-grown oxide layer resulted in the thinnest amorphous film at the SiC/Al2O3 interface.
Stereospecific 1,4-addition to an α,β-unsaturated steroidal epoxide: syntheses of new 15-oxygenated sterols

Abstract 3β-Benzoyloxy-14α,15α-epoxy-5α-cholest-7-ene (1) is a key intermediate in the synthesis of C-7 and C-15 oxygenated sterols. Treatment of 1 with benzoyl chloride resulted in the formation of 3β,15α-bis-benzoyloxy-7α-chloro-5α-cholest-8(14)-ene (2). Reaction of 2 with LiAlH4 or LiAlD4 resulted in the formation of 5α-cholest-7-ene-3β,15α-diol (3a) or [14α-2H]5α-cholest-7-ene-3β,15α-diol (3b). Diol 3b was selectively oxidized by Ag2CO3/celite to [14α-2H]5α-cholest-7-en-15α-ol-3-one (4). Treatment of 1 with MeMgI/CuI gave 7α-methyl-5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-3β,15α-diol (5). Selective oxidation of 5 with pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC)/pyridine or oxidation with PCC resulted in the formation of 7α-methyl-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-3β-ol-15-one (6) and 7α-methyl-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-3,15-dione, respectively. Reduction of 6 with LiAlH4 yielded 5 and 7α-methyl-5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-3β,15β-diol (6). Reaction of 1 with benzoic acid/pyridine gave 3β,7α-bis-benzoyloxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15α-ol (9). Treatment of 9 with LiAlH4 or ethanolic KOH resulted in the formation of 5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-3β,7α,15α-triol (10). Dibenzoate 9, upon brief treatment with mineral acid, gave 3β-benzoyloxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-15-one (11). Oxidation of 9 with PCC yielded 3β,7α-bis-benzoyloxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-15-one (12). Ketone 12 was also prepared by the selective hydride reduction of 5α-cholest-8(14)-en-7α-ol-3,15-dione (13) to give 5α-cholest-8(14)-ene-3β,7α-diol-15-one (14), which was then treated with benzoyl chloride to produce 12.
Introduction to Crafting Senses: Circulating the Knowledge and Experience of Taste Special Issue of Food and Foodways, June 2014

The quintessential summer strawberry, a taste that evokes childhood memories, a new and exciting flavor combination. The nose picks up the scents, the eyes scan the offerings, the mouth waters, the...
Liver transplantation: past, present and future

Liver transplantation has progressed from an experimental procedure to routine operation since the first human liver transplantation in 1963. This Timeline article revisits the important milestones in the development of liver transplantation, discussing how the procedure has evolved over time and what challenges are still to overcome.
Use of Norplant@ implants in a New York City clinic population

Two-hundred-eight women attending family planning clinics in New York City who received the Norplant contraceptive system during the first sixteen months of Norplant implants insertions were evaluated. Within this clinic population, Norplant implants were a popular contraceptive choice and were removed from 64 of the 208 recipients. Reasons for removal included bleeding, weight gain, and headache, and were consistent with those found in the clinical trials. Prior satisfaction with oral contraceptives did not predict success or failure with Norplant implants. The rate of follow-up visits to the family planning clinics was low. However, evidence exists that these women did not lose contact with the medical center and continued to receive health care.
Expansive reactions in concrete observed by soft x-ray transmission microscopy

Alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack, and reinforcing steel corrosion can compromise the long-term durability of concrete structures. The anticipated economic impact of an extensive infrastructure repair scheme has produced a renewed interest in the development of advanced characterization methods to assess the degree of deterioration in the concrete experiencing these deleterious reactions. The products of the alkali silica reaction, sulfate attack, and corrosion as well as the cement hydration products are extremely sensitive to humidity. Consequently, characterization techniques that require high vacuum or drying, as many existing techniques do, are not particularly appropriate for the study of these reactions in concrete as artifacts are introduced. A high resolution instrument which allows the examination of these reactions and their products without drying and at normal pressures will promote understanding of the reactions and provide further insight into means of mitigating the damage they cause. Only soft x-ray transmission microscopy provides the required high spatial resolution to observe the reaction process in situ. The alkali-silica reaction can be observed over time, in a wet condition, and at normal pressures, features unavailable with most other high resolution techniques. Soft x-rays also reveal information on the internal structure of the sample. This paper reviews published and ongoing applications of soft x-ray transmission microscopy for the study of expansive reactions that occur in concrete.
More than discipline: uncovering multi-dimensional patterns of variation in academic research articles

Research analysing linguistic variation in research articles (RAs) across academic disciplines typically employs a relatively coarse definition of RAs: any text published in an academic journal that reports on primary research. This definition assumes that articles within a single discipline which report on distinct research methodologies are similar linguistically. Yet little empirical work has investigated this assumption. This study uses multi-dimensional analysis to analyse variation in the use of seventy lexical and grammatical features in 270 research articles representing three sub-registers (theoretical, qualitative and quantitative research reports) in six disciplines (philosophy, history, applied linguistics, political science, biology and physics). The resulting dimensions of variation indicate that linguistic variation occurs along multiple parameters, not only across disciplinary lines. For example, variation also corresponds to the differing purposes and types of evidence associated with the...
Talking with families about herbal therapies.

Summary The use of herbal therapies is rapidly increasing among adults in the United States. It is anticipated that the use of these products will also increase in children, as parents incorporate alternative therapies into their family health care. Although some of these therapies appear to be safe and may be effective in children, many preparations have been linked to severe adverse effects. Parents should be reminded of these risks, as well as the lack of governmental regulations for herbal products and problems with purity and standardization of many products currently on the market. Health care providers can play an important role in educating patients and their parents about the potential risks of herbal therapies and the need to closely monitor any use in children.
Nanocrystalline structures from amorphous precursors

Abstract The characteristics and production of nanocrystalline materials are briefly discussed, followed by a consideration of the use of an amorphous phase as a precursor to formation of a nanostructured material. The surprising stability of nanostructured grains can be attributed to the uniformity of grain size and pinning by solute, inclusions/pores and triple junctions.
A single nuclear locus phylogeny of soybean based on DNA sequence.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] evolution was examined by sequencing portions of the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) locus A-199a of 21 taxa from the Glycininae and 1 from the Phaseoleae. Four hundred nucleotides were determined in each, aligned, and then compared for these taxa. Within the annual soybean subgenus (Soja), the four accessions differed at as many as 2.2% of the nucleotides. Among 13 perennial soybean species (subgenus Glycine), nucleotide variation ranged from 1.7% to 8.4%. The nucleotide difference between the two soybean subgenera was 3.0–7.0%. Nucleotide variation between the genus Glycine and the related genera of Neonotonia, Amphicarpa, Teramnus, and Phaseolus ranged from 8.2% to 16.4%. In addition to nucleotide substitutions, insertions/deletions (indels) differences were also observed and were consistent with nucleotide-based analysis. Cladistic analysis of the A-199a sequences was performed using Wagner parsimony to construct a soybean phylogeny. Sixteen equally parsimonious trees were produced from these data. The trees were 246 steps in length with a consistency index of 0.78. Indels distribution upon the consensus topology revealed a pattern congruent with the nucleotide-based phylogeny. The current taxonomic status of the soybean subgenera and the related genera of Neonotonia, Amphicarpa, and Teramnus were well-supported and appear monophyletic in this analysis. Homoplasy within the subgenus Glycine led to a lack of resolved topology for many of these 13 taxa. However, the Glycine clade topology was consistent with phylogenies proposed using crossing experiments and cpDNA RFLPs. These genera were arranged from ancestral to derived as: Teramnus, Amphicarpa, Neonotonia, and Glycine when Phaseolus vulgaris was used as an outgroup.
Parasitic Oscillations And Amplified Spontaneous Emission In Face-Pumped Total Internal Reflection Lasers

Parasitic oscillations and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) can often strongly influence the operation and efficiency of laser devices, as has been shown previously for disk and active-mirror amplifiers. Here we report the first comprehensive investigation of those phenomena in total internal reflection (TIR) face-pumped lasers. The results to be presented here were made possible by the development of two three-dimensional computer codes. The first (PARA) systematically searches for parasitic oscillations in slab lasers and determines the gain required to reach threshold. Our second code (AMSPE) is a three dimensional raytrace model which includes temporal gain and allows for non-uniform gain profiles. AMSPE calculates the gain depletion as well as changes in spatial gain profile and thus the decrease in amplifier efficiency as a function of a number of critical parameters such as slab aspect ratio, spontaneous emission spectral profile, and slab face angle. In this paper we first review the classes of parasitics in slab lasers and show how symmetry breaking can significantly increase the energy storage capability of such deyices. We then review the construction of the AMSPE code and show how it may be used to identify maximum efficiency slab laser configurations.
Evaluation of Matrix Effect and Chromatography Efficiency: New Parameters for Validation of Method Development

From the viewpoint of regulatory guidelines, validation of LC-UV and LC-MS based methods have the same requirements. Matrix effects are not considered for most method validations if they do not influence reproducibility or assay linearity. Since matrix effects can strongly suppress ionizaton efficiency and therefore reduce sensitivity, they must be evaluated (and discussed in the context of method development)—prior to method qualification. The severity of matrix effects is directly dependent upon chromatographic performance. We suggest that evaluation of matrix effects and LC efficiency is essential information for method assessment, optimization and transfer to other mass spectrometers, and should be a mandatory part of routine LC/MS method validation.
Saccharin effect on properties of 2.4 T CoFe films

Abstract The current trends in magnetic device designs favor the electrodeposited 2.4 T CoFe films due to their ultimately high magnetic moment and relatively low coercivity. The optimum properties of these films are largely function of the additive design in the electrodeposition solution. Saccharin is the most commonly used one and, for this reason, the focus in this article is on reviewing the current understanding and phenomenological description of saccharin effects on properties of electrodeposited 2.4 T CoFe films.
Helminth Parasites of the Spotted Ground Squirrel, Xerospermophilus (syn. Spermophilus) spilosoma (Bennett, 1833) Helgen, Cole, Helgen, and Wilson, 2009, from Central New Mexico, U.S.A

Abstract Seventy-eight spotted ground squirrels, Xerospermophilus (syn. Spermophilus) spilosoma, from 2 different habitats (grassland and creosote bush) located in central New Mexico, were examined for helminth parasites. Eighteen hosts were negative and from 60 hosts the following helminth parasites were recovered: Acanthocephala: Moniliformis clarki; Nematoda: Citellina triradiata, Dermatoxys veligera, Heteromyoxyuris deserti, Mastophorus dipodomis, Physaloptera massino, Protospirura ascaroidea, Pterygodermatites coloradensis, Subulura novomexicanus, Syphacia eutamii, and Syphacia peromysci; Cestoda: Hymenolepis citelli. The parasites D. veligera, Heteromyoxyuris deserti, Mastophorus dipodomis, Moniliformis clarki, Protospirura ascaroidea, and S. peromysci are recorded for the first time from this host.
Improved Co-transformation of Maize with Vectors Carrying Two Separate T-DNAs Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Vectors with two separate T-DNAs for co-transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens were tested in maize inbred A188. Although the frequency of transformation during the initial trials was very low, it was remarkably improved by the vector with a phosphinothricin resistance gene (bar) using a modified transformation protocol, which is characterized by the presence of silver nitrate and carbenicillin in the selection medium. The vector with hygromycin resistance gene (hpt) showed low frequency even with the improved protocol, but the use of maize ubiquitin gene promoter elevated the frequency. Both co-transformation and segregation of the progeny free from the selection markers frequencies were reasonably high and similar to those previously observed in rice and tobacco. The two-T-DNA vectors will be a useful tool in molecular biology and biotechnology studies of maize.
Miscibility of three different poly(aryl ether ketones) with a high melting thermoplastic polyimide

Abstract Three poly(aryl ether ketone)s (PAEKs) were melt blended at 415°C with a new thermoplastic polyimide (N-TPI) composed of (4,4′bis(3-aminophenoxy) biphenyl) and pyromellitic dianhydride. The PAEKs studied were poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK), poly(aryl ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) and poly(aryl ether ketone) (PEK). Although chemically similar, these three show distinctly different behaviour when blended. We have concentrated on amorphous blends in this work so the difference in the crystallization rates of the PAEKs is not a factor in our determination of miscibility. It was found that PEEK was immiscible with N-TPI at all proportions. PEKK is the slowest crystallizing polymer and is miscible at most proportions, as evidenced by single glass transitions. PEK is miscible at N-TPI contents of less than ∼ 50% and partially phase separated in the N-TPI rich blends. It is apparent that the higher percentage of ketone linkages in the PAEKs correlates with the higher degree of miscibility. Charge transfer complexation could also be a factor but this has yet to be explored.
Improved Thermoelectric Power Factor in Metal-Based Superlattices

In this paper we present a detailed theory of electron and thermoelectric transport perpendicular to heterostructure superlattices. This nonlinear transport regime above barriers is also called heterostructure thermionic emission. We show that metal-based superlattices with tall barriers can achieve a large effective thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT > 5 at room temperature). A key parameter to achieving high performance is the nonconservation of lateral momentum during the thermionic emission process. Conservation of lateral momentum is a consequence of translational symmetry in the plane of the superlattice. We also discuss the use of nonplanar barriers and embedded quantum dot structures to achieve high thermoelectric conversion efficiency.
Abstract B179: Targeted next generation sequencing for somatic mutations in human cancer.

Objective: We have replaced single gene PCR-based methods for the detection of BRAF, KRAS and EGFR variants in routine clinical practice with next generation sequencing assays for the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 (50 genes) and the Illumina TruSeq Amplicon Cancer panel (48 genes). Implementation of these panels requires constant optimization of technical and analytical procedures as reagents and software continue to be developed. In this study we describe somatic mutation findings from our clinical laboratory service. Methods: DNA was extracted from 90 formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens that included 50 lung cancer, 24 colon cancer and 16 other cancers. Barcoded libraries were prepared from up to 10ng of extracted DNA and multiplexed on single 318 chips. Data analysis was performed using Golden Helix SVS for the Ion Torrent panel and Variant Studio for the Illumina panel. Variants that remained after the analysis pipeline were individually interrogated using the Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV). Results: Of the 90 cancer cases sequenced, each panel returned on average 20 variants. Of these, there was 100% concordance between the two panels with respect to the clinically actionable mutations identified. Conclusions: We have implemented next generation sequencing technologies for the detection of somatic mutations in human cancers. Two platforms, the Ion Torrent PGM and the Illumina MiSeq, have been used for the routine analysis of FFPE cancer tissues in a clinical setting with actionable and non-actionable variants reported and archived. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B179. Citation Format: Jason D. Peterson, Francine de Abreu, Torrey L. Gallagher, Paul R. Burchard, Christopher I. Amos, Wendy A. Wells, J. Marc Pipas, Marc S. Ernstoff, Camilo E. Fadul, James R. Rigas, Gregory J. Tsongalis. Targeted next generation sequencing for somatic mutations in human cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B179.
Effect of Interface States on the Performance of Antimonide nMOSFETs

Antimonide (Sb) quantum-well MOSFETs are demonstrated with an integrated high- κ dielectric (1-nm Al2O3 /10-nm HfO2). The effect of interface trap density Dit on the dc drive current and transconductance gm is studied in detail using split C-V/G -V, pulsed I -V, and radio-frequency measurements. Pulsed I-V measurements show improved on current, transconductance, and subthreshold slope due to reduced charge trapping in the dielectric at high frequencies. The long-channel Sb nMOSFET exhibits effective electron mobility of 6000 cm2/V·s at high field (2 × 1012/cm2 of charge density Ns), which is 15× higher than Si NMOS inversion layer mobility, and one of the highest values reported for III-V MOSFETs. The short-channel Sb nMOSFET (LG = 150 nm) exhibits a cutoff frequency fT of 120 GHz, an fT × LG product of 18 GHz·μm , and a source-side injection velocity veff of 2.7 × 107 cm/s at a drain bias VDS of 0.75 V and a gate overdrive of 0.6 V.
Isolation and initial characterization of the BRCA2 promoter

The hereditary breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, is considered to be a tumor suppressor gene that may be involved in the cellular response to DNA damage. The transcript for this gene is cell cycle regulated with mRNA levels reaching a peak just before the onset of DNA synthesis. In order to define the mechanisms by which BRCA2 is transcriptionally regulated, we have begun to study upstream regulatory sequences. In this report, we define a minimal promoter region that has strong activity in human breast epithelial cells. Deletions of this sequence narrowed the strong basal activity to a region extending from -66 to +129 with respect to the BRCA2 transcriptional start site. This sequence demonstrated cell cycle regulated activity with kinetics similar to the endogenous transcript. Examination of the sequence revealed several consensus binding sites for transcription factors including an E-box, E2F and Ets recognition motifs. Electrohoretic mobility shift assays revealed specific protein binding to two sequences upstream of the start site; the palindromic E-box and an Ets/E2F site. Site-directed mutagenesis of either of these sites reduced both the basal activity in log phase cells and the cell cycle regulated activity of the promoter. Mutational inactivation of both sites within the same construct effectively eliminated promoter activity. Antibodies to candidate transcription factors used in super shift experiments revealed specific interactions between the BRCA2 promoter and the basic region/helix - loop - helix containing USF-1 and 2 proteins and Elf-1, an Ets domain protein. Binding of these factors depended upon the presence of intact recognition sequences. The USF factors were shown to bind predominantly as a heterodimeric complex of USF-1 and 2 while Elf-1 bound the promoter when it was not occupied by USF. Co-transfection studies with USF proteins and the varicella zoster IE62 protein provide evidence for the involvement of endogenous and exogenous USF in the activation of the BRCA2 promoter. We propose that interactions between USF-1, USF-2 and Elf-1 play an important role in the transcriptional regulation of the BRCA2 gene.
A novel pathway for the biodegradation of 3-nitrotoluene in Pseudomonas putida

3-Nitrotoluene was degraded when incubated with the resting cells of Pseudomonas putida OU83. Most of the 3-nitrotoluene (70%) was metabolized via reduction of the nitro group to form 3-aminotoluene (3-AT). A minor portion (30%) was degraded through a novel pathway involving oxidation of 3-NT to form 3-nitrophenol through a series of intermediary metabolites: 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde and 3-nitrobenzoic acid. Degradation of 3-nitrophenol occurred with the formation of a transient intermediary metabolite, hydroxynitroquinone, which was further degraded with the near stoichiometric release of nitrite into the medium. 3-Nitrotoluene-induced cells showed increased oxygen consumption with 3-nitrotoluene, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde, 3-nitrobenzoate, and 3-nitrophenol as substrates in comparison to uninduced cells. Cell extracts prepared from strain OU83 contained benzylalcohol dehydrogenase and benzaldehyde dehydrogenase activities. The experimental evidence suggests a novel pathway for the degradation of 3-NT in which C-1 elimination is catalyzed by a cofactor-independent deformylase, rather than a decarboxylase or dioxygenase.
Near-optimal mst-based shape description using genetic algorithm

Abstract A new method for the selection of the optimal structuring element for shape description and matching based on the morphological signature transform (MST) is presented in this paper. For a given class of shapes the optimal structuring element for MST method is selected by means of a genetic algorithm. The optimization criteria is formulated to enable a robust shape matching. Experiments have been performed on a class of model shapes. The proposed optimal shape description method is applied to the problem of shape matching which evolves in many object recognition applications. Here, an unknown object is matched to a set of known objects in order to classify it into one of finite number of classes. Experimental results are presented and discussed.
THE POTENTIAL FOR FORMING METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE COMPONENTS VIA THERMAL CYCLING

Etude des possibilites d'utilisation de la technique du cyclage thermique pour le formage de pieces en materiau composite a matrice metallique
Fine structural studies of synaptogenesis in the superficial layers of the chick optic tectum.

Synaptogenesis in the superficial layers of the rostral pole of the optic tectum has been studied in the chick from embryonic day six (E6) to seven days post-hatching. Symmetrical membrane densities orpuncta adhaerentia are observed prior to the detection of synapses and throughout development. Immature synaptic contacts are observed by E7. These early synapses are primarily axodendritic; however, somatodendritic, dendrodendritic, axosomatic and axoglial synapses are also observed. The majority of these synapses have asymmetrical membrane densities and the presynaptic terminals contain clear, spherical, synaptic vesicles. Synaptic terminals containing pleomorphic vesicles and making symmetrical synaptic contacts are not commonly observed until the third week of embryonic development, and may represent the onset of inhibitory function within the tectum.
The making of a fly leg: A model for epithelial morphogenesis

Epithelial development dictates the shape of an organism. The metamorphic development of a Drosophila leg precursor into an adult leg is a well-defined example of epithelial morphogenesis that can be analyzed from the perspectives of genetics and molecular and cell biology. The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone induces and regulates the entire process. Mutants affecting Drosophila leg morphogenesis characteristically have short thick legs (the malformed phenotype) resulting from a failure to execute normal cell shape changes at a specific stage of development. Mutations that cause the malformed phenotype have already led to the identification and cloning of genes encoding transcription factors, a transmembrane serine protease presumably required for modification of the apical extracellular matrix, and components of the contractile cytoskeleton and adherens junctions. All of these products are required for the execution of normal changes in leg cell shape.
Evaluation of a configural vital signs display for intensive care unit nurses.

Objective:The objective was to evaluate a configural vital signs (CVS) display designed to support rapid detection and identification of physiological deterioration by graphically presenting patien...
Adaptive fuzzy control of a belt-driven precision positioning table

Because of their lower cost, higher speed, and longer travel, belt drive positioning systems are quite desirable over screw-driven systems. However, belt drive systems are inherently difficult to control due to belt flexibility, stretch, backlash, and other nonlinearities. In this paper, a composite fuzzy controller, consisting of a feedback fuzzy controller and a feedforward acceleration compensator, is introduced to control a belt drive precision positioning table. Using a linear encoder with a resolution of 0.5 /spl mu/m, zero final positioning error and RMS track following error of around 30 /spl mu/m are obtained. A self-tuning scheme based on evolutionary computation (EC) is then proposed to make this controller adaptive. The evolutionary computation optimizes the controller gains by experimentally running the controller on the actual system with a step command. The test results of the actual system have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed self-tuning technique.
Quitlines and Nicotine Replacement for Smoking Cessation: Do We Need to Change Policy?

In the past 20 years, public health initiatives on smoking cessation have increased substantially. Randomized trials indicate that pharmaceutical cessation aids can increase success by 50% among heavier smokers who seek help, and use of these aids has increased markedly. Quitlines provide a portal through which smokers can seek assistance to quit and are promoted by tobacco control programs. Randomized trials have demonstrated that telephone coaching following a quitline call can also increase quitting, and a combination of quitlines, pharmaceutical aids and physician monitoring can help heavier smokers to quit. While quit attempts have increased, widespread dissemination of these aids has not improved population success rates. Pharmaceutical marketing strategies may have reduced expectations of the difficulty of quitting, reducing success per attempt. Some policies actively discourage unassisted smoking cessation despite the documented high success rates of this approach. There is an urgent need to revisit public policy on smoking cessation.
Open Source Technical Support: A Look at Peer Help-Giving

We explore online technical support of open source software by a study of postings to discussion boards. Our results indicate that there are several types of detail that are required by the help-givers to be able to diagnose and remediate help-seekers difficulties. As a result help interactions may iterate somewhat inefficiently. These findings are compared with studies of telephone technical help lines for commercial software, and library reference interviews. By considering certain rather problematic interactions we can identify ways to improve the process.
The contrast sensitivity of human infants to gratings differing in duty cycle.

Abstract Human infants' contrast thresholds for rectangular wave gratings differing in duty cycle were measured. The forced-choice preferential looking technique was used to estimate thresholds in fifteen 8-to 10-week old infants. The results indicated that contrast threshold varied systematically with duty cycle. Our findings were consistent with the predictions of a linear, multiple channel model and one version of a linear, single channel model but were inconsistent with the predictions of a contour density and another version of a single channel model.
Cortical gyrification in velo-cardio-facial (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome: A longitudinal study

Abstract Introduction Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) has been identified as an important risk factor for psychoses, with up to 32% of individuals with VCFS developing a psychotic illness. Individuals with VCFS thus form a unique group to identify and explore early symptoms and biological correlates of psychosis. In this study, we examined if cortical gyrification pattern, i.e. gyrification index (GI) can be a potential neurobiological marker for psychosis. Method GIs of 91 individuals with VCFS were compared with 29 siblings and 54 controls. Further, 58 participants with VCFS, 21 siblings and 18 normal controls were followed up after 3 years and longitudinal changes in GI were compared. Additionally, we also correlated longitudinal changes in GI in individuals with VCFS with prodromal symptoms of psychosis on the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS). Result Individuals with VCFS had significantly lower GIs as compared to their siblings and normal controls. Longitudinal examination of GI did not reveal any significant group–time interactions between the three groups. Further, longitudinal change in GI scores in the VCFS group was negatively correlated with positive prodromal symptoms, with the left occipital region reaching statistical significance. Conclusion The study confirms previous reports that individuals with VCFS have reduced cortical folding as compared to normal controls. However over a period of three years, there is no difference in the rate of change of GI among both individuals with VCFS and normal controls. Finally, our results suggest that neuroanatomical alterations in areas underlying visual processing may be an early marker for psychosis.