cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of repeated measurements of animals with incomplete time-profiles1

Summary Procedure is given for analysis of data from studies with time-profiles of information, some of which are incomplete, because data are missing randomly across all periods or because some animals have truncated profiles. For investigations with relatively few animals, the procedure is more powerful than alternative methods that utilize multivariate theory or one or more summary functions for the profiles of individual animals (to eliminate the time factor from the analysis of variance). The procedure also permits answering of highly specific questions related to time, which cannot be done directly with alternative methods. For the standard split-plot model for repeated measurements, the procedure relies on estimation of two basic parameters: 1. Variation among animals treated alike (with the effect of correlation removed), and 2. Average inter-period correlation. An example is given, which involves effects of different doses of a drug presumed to be detrimental to rate of growth. Zusammenfassung Analyse wiederholter Messungen bei Tieren mit unvollstandigen Zeitprofilen Die Notwendigkeit hierfur entsteht, weil bei einigen Tieren Beobachtungen in allen Perioden entweder zufallig fehlen oder in anderen Fallen die Beobachtungsperioden abgeschnitten sind. Bei Untersuchung mit relativ wenigen Tieren ist die Methode machtiger als alternative Methoden, welche Multivariable Theorie oder eine oder mehrere Summenfunktionen fur die Profile individueller Tiere verwenden (zur Elimination des Zeitfaktors in der Varianzanalyse). Die Methode erlaubt die Beantwortung relativ spezieller Fragen in bezug auf Zeit, die nicht direkt mit alternativen Methoden behandelt werden konnen. Fur die Standard split-plot Modelle wiederholter Messungen beruht sie auf Schatzung zweier Grosen: 1 Variation zwischen gleichbehandelten Tieren (ohne Korrelationswirkung) und 2 durchschnittliche Korrelation zwischen Perioden. Es wird ein Beispiel gegeben, welches die Wirkung unterschiedlicher Drogendosen auf Wachstumsverschlechterung widerspiegelt.
Placental volume and vascular flow assessed by 3D power Doppler and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Abstract Objective To estimate the utility of first-trimester 3D-placental volume and vascular flow indices in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods A prospective cohort study including women with singleton pregnancies seen between 11 and 14 weeks as part of a screening program for aneuploidy. Placental volume and vascularization indices were obtained using 3D power Doppler imaging and the VOCAL technique. Placental volume (PV), Vascularization Index (VI), Flow Index (FI) and Vascularization Flow Index (VFI) were calculated. The adverse pregnancy outcomes investigated include preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH) and small for gestational age (SGA). The predictive ability of each variable was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Of 388 women included, PE was seen in 30 (7.7%), GH in 37 (9.0%) and SGA in 31 (8.0%). Placental volume was not significantly different between the pregnancies with adverse outcomes and those without. The mean values of the VI and VFI were significantly lower in the pregnancies that developed PE but not in GH or SGA. The area under the ROC curve for the prediction of PE was 0.71, 0.69 and 0.70 for VI, FI and VFI, respectively. Conclusion The study confirms lower 3D power Doppler vascular flow indices in pregnancies that develop PE. The discriminatory ability of using these indices alone for predicting PE appears modest.
Resting Eggs in the Marine Calanoid Copepod Labidocera Aestiva Wheeler

[Winter- und Sommereier wurden nachgewiesen und beschrieben fur den calanoiden Copepoden Labidocera aestiva. Wintereier, die von im Laboratorium gehaltenen Individuen, welche im November gesammelt worden waren, abgelegt wurden, schlupften im Juni innerhalb von 3 Tagen. Die Produktion der beiden Eitypen erklart die beobachtete saisonale Verbreitung der Art in Kustengewassern entlang der nordostlichen Atlantikkuste zwischen Cap Hatteras und Cap Cod - einem Gebiet mit extremen saisonalen Temperaturschwankungen. L. aestiva verschwindet vom Plankton im Spatherbst und erscheint erneut im Sommer nach dem Schlupfen der Wintereier., Winter- und Sommereier wurden nachgewiesen und beschrieben fur den calanoiden Copepoden Labidocera aestiva. Wintereier, die von im Laboratorium gehaltenen Individuen, welche im November gesammelt worden waren, abgelegt wurden, schlupften im Juni innerhalb von 3 Tagen. Die Produktion der beiden Eitypen erklart die beobachtete saisonale Verbreitung der Art in Kustengewassern entlang der nordostlichen Atlantikkuste zwischen Cap Hatteras und Cap Cod - einem Gebiet mit extremen saisonalen Temperaturschwankungen. L. aestiva verschwindet vom Plankton im Spatherbst und erscheint erneut im Sommer nach dem Schlupfen der Wintereier.]
Size- and Shape-Controlled Magnetic (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) Oxide Nanocrystals via a Simple and General Approach

A general, reproducible, and simple strategy using generic chemicals is introduced for controlling the size, shape, and size distribution of oxide nanocrystals. The reaction system was generally composed of the metal fatty acid salts, the corresponding fatty acids, and a hydrocarbon solvent. The method is based on the pyrolysis of metal fatty acid salts, the most common metal compounds compatible with nonaqueous solutions. Synthesis of nearly monodisperse Fe3O4 nanocrystals in a large size range (3−50 nm) was developed as the model system. The method was further applied for the growth of oxide nanocrystals of the other magnetic metals in the fourth rowCr2O3, MnO, Co3O4, and NiO nanocrystals. The size and shape control of the nanocrystals were achieved by varying the reactivity and concentration of the precursors. The reactivity was tuned by changing the chain length and concentration of the ligands, the fatty acids. Alcohols or primary amines could be used as the activation reagents when a given metal fat...
Corrigendum to “Analysis of management and site factors to improve the sustainability of smallholder coffee production in Tarrazú, Costa Rica” [Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 155 (2012) 172–181]

The authors regret that the printed version of the above article contains incorrect information relating to Table 1 in Materials and Methods. Estimates of the mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum P2O5 fertilizer application rate values should read 42, 13, 42, 12 and 74 kg ha−1 y−1, respectively, and mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum estimates for K2O fertilizer application rate values should read 143, 40, 146, 70 and 236 kg ha−1 y−1, respectively. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Influence of alumina reaction tube impurities on the oxidation of chemically-vapor-deposited silicon carbide

Pure coupons of chemically vapor deposited (CVD) SiC were oxidized for 100 h in dry flowing oxygen at 1300 C. The oxidation kinetics were monitored using thermogravimetry (TGA). The experiments were first performed using high-purity alumina reaction tubes. The experiments were then repeated using fused quartz reaction tubes. Differences in oxidation kinetics, scale composition, and scale morphology were observed. These differences were attributed to impurities in the alumina tubes. Investigators interested in high-temperature oxidation of silica formers should be aware that high-purity alumina can have significant effects on experiment results.
One step forward, two steps back: women in the post-Communist states.

Abstract The role and status of women in the post-communist countries has been and continues to be varied and full of contradictions. This article discusses the historical, social, economic, and political dynamics affecting the lives of women during the transition from communism to democracy. It argues that democracy, rather than diminishing gender discrimination, has widened the gender gap through declines in women's political representation and increases in women's unemployment and underemployment. Recently, however, the proliferation of women's organizations and the growth of women's studies programs suggests a more optimistic outlook for the future.
Requirements for cell rounding and surface protein down-regulation by Ebola virus glycoprotein.

Ebola virus causes an acute hemorrhagic fever that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The viral glycoprotein is thought to contribute to pathogenesis, though precise mechanisms are unknown. Cellular pathogenesis can be modeled in vitro by expression of the Ebola viral glycoprotein (GP) in cells, which causes dramatic morphological changes, including cell rounding and surface protein down-regulation. These effects are known to be dependent on the presence of a highly glycosylated region of the glycoprotein, the mucin domain. Here we show that the mucin domain from the highly pathogenic Zaire subtype of Ebola virus is sufficient to cause characteristic cytopathology when expressed in the context of a foreign glycoprotein. Similarly to full length Ebola GP, expression of the mucin domain causes rounding, detachment from the extracellular matrix, and the down-regulation of cell surface levels of β1 integrin and major histocompatibility complex class 1. These effects were not seen when the mucin domain was expressed in the context of a glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored isoform of the foreign glycoprotein. In contrast to earlier analysis of full length Ebola glycoproteins, chimeras carrying the mucin domains from the Zaire and Reston strains appear to cause similar levels of down-modulation and cell detachment. Cytopathology associated with Ebola glycoprotein expression does not occur when GP expression is restricted to the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast to a previously published report, our results demonstrate that GP-induced surface protein down-regulation is not mediated through a dynamin-dependent pathway. Overall, these results support a model in which the mucin domain of Ebola GP acts at the cell surface to induce protein down modulation and cytopathic effects.
Feeding ecology and growth of neonate and juvenile blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus in the Timbalier–Terrebone Bay complex, LA, U.S.A.

Stomach contents and vertebrae from neonate and juvenile blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus (n ¼ 334) were examined to describe their diet, feeding patterns and growth within the Timbalier–Terrebone Bay complex, LA, U.S.A. In the study area, both neonate and juvenile C. limbatus feed primarily on gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus .H owever, based on the index of relative importance (IRI), gulf menhaden constituted a larger portion of the diet of neonates (84� 05 %IRI) than for juveniles (47� 91 %IRI). An increase in the index of relative fullness between the afternoon and dusk time intervals and a large decrease in the percentage of empty stomachs between the night and early morning time intervals suggested that these fish exhibited a diel feeding pattern with crepuscular periods being the times of highest feeding activity. A higher percentage of empty stomachs (neonates 68% and juveniles 39%) and a significantly lower growth rate (age 0þ year C. limbatus ,0 � 62 mm day � 1 ; age 1þ year fish, 0� 89 mm day � 1 ) could indicate that neonate C. limbatus are less efficient predators than
Training, diet and physical characteristics of distance runners with low or high concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol

We examined possible determinants of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in 56 male distance runners (aged 20-56 years) by comparing runners whose HDL-C were either above or below the group median of 63 +/- 13 (+/- SD) mg/dl. HDL-C averaged 53 +/- 7 mg/dl for runners below and 73 +/- 11 mg/dl for runners above the median. Neither exercise training (miles run per week, years of running), physical characteristics (height, weight, adiposity), or dietary factors (total daily caloric intake and daily caloric intake from protein, fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrate, and alcohol) differed between the two groups (P greater than 0.05, MANOVA). Apo A-I (P less than 0.01) was higher and triglyceride concentrations lower (P = 0.07) in the high HDL-C group. The data were also analyzed by comparing runners in the lowest and highest tertiles for HDL-C values and essentially the same results were obtained. When all runners were combined, neither training, physical characteristics nor dietary intake was significantly related to HDL-C (P greater than 0.05). Total cholesterol and apo A-I were directly related (r = 0.35 and r = 0.66, respectively, P less than 0.01) and triglycerides inversely related (r = -0.31, P less than 0.05) to HDL-C. Plasma post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA), hepatic triglyceride lipase activity (HTGLA), and HDL-C subfractions were measured in 22 runners.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Discrete thickness optimization via piecewise constraint penalization

Structural engineers are often constrained by cost or manufacturing considerations to select member thicknesses from a discrete set of values. Conventional, gradient-free techniques to solve these discrete problems cannot handle large problem sizes, while discrete material optimization (DMO) techniques may encounter difficulties, especially for bending-dominated problems. To resolve these issues, we propose an efficient gradient-based technique to obtain engineering solutions to the discrete thickness selection problem. The proposed technique uses a series of constraints to enforce an effective stiffness-to-mass and strength-to-mass penalty on intermediate designs. In conjunction with these constraints, we apply an exact penalty function which drives the solution towards a discrete design. We utilize a continuation approach to obtain approximate solutions to the discrete thickness selection problem by solving a sequence of relaxed continuous problems with increasing penalization. We also show how this approach can be applied to combined discrete thickness selection and topology optimization design problems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique, we present both compliance and stress-constrained results for in-plane and bending-dominated problems.
Targeting and subcellular localization of Toxoplasma gondii catalase. Identification of peroxisomes in an apicomplexan parasite

We sought to identify and characterize peroxisomes in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. To initiate this process, we first cloned and sequenced the gene for T. gondii catalase (EC 1. 11.1.6), a marker enzyme for peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells. The gene predicts a protein of 57.2 kDa and 502 amino acids and has a strong homology to other eukaryotic catalases. A polyclonal antiserum raised against a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein recognized a single band with a molecular mass of 63 kDa by immunoblot. By immunofluorescence T. gondii catalase is present primarily in a punctate staining pattern anterior to the parasite nucleus. This compartment is distinguishable from other parasite organelles, namely micronemes, rhoptries, dense granules, and the apicoplast. Cytochemical visualization of catalase using diaminobenzidine precipitation gives a vesicular staining pattern anterior to the nucleus at the light level and round, vesicular structures with an estimated diameter of 100-300 nm by electron microscopy. T. gondii catalase has a putative C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal in the last 3 amino acids (-AKM). Expression of T. gondii catalase in mammalian cells results in peroxisomal localization, whereas a construct lacking the targeting signal remains in the cytosol. Furthermore, addition of -AKM to the C terminus of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase is sufficient to target this protein to peroxisomes. These results provide the first evidence for peroxisomes in Apicomplexan parasites.
Nano and molecular technologies in microelectronics, MEMS and electronic systems

For electronic, MEMS and electronic systems, we examine emerged technologies, research novel solutions and apply new transformative findings. To enable communication and processing schemes, nano and molecular technologies are applied. Transformative findings and developments are substantiated by analyzing and evaluating multi-physics microscopic systems. We advance physical foundations, engineering premises and information technology of classical, quantum and mixed sensing, communication and processing on quantum transductions. This paper examines fundamentals of quantum data processing on measurable and processable real-valued physical quantities. The developed paradigm: (1) Unifies and enables concepts of theoretical computer science, computer engineering and quantum mechanics; (2) Consistent with the first principles of quantum informatics, communication and processing; (3) Coherently examines device physics, switching algebra, processing arithmetics and calculus; (4) Enables practical microscopic hardware solutions for electronics, MEMS and electronic systems.
Presence of imidazole in loading buffer prevents formation of free radical in immobilized metal affinity chromatography and dramatically improves the recovery of herpes simplex virus type 1 gene therapy vectors

We have recently shown that immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is an effective technique for purification of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene vector engineered to display cobalt affinity tag on the envelope. However, the tagged HSV-1 viruses were severely inactivated by oxidative hydroxyl free radicals when crude HSV-1 supernatant was applied on an immobilized cobalt column and eluted by a low pH buffer. Furthermore, we have reported that virus inactivation could be prevented by inclusion of high concentration of ascorbate in chromatographic mobile phase. In this paper we report that when elution of bound virus was attempted by inclusion of imidazole in elution buffer, rather than lowering the pH of elution buffer, similar inactivation was also observed. The results also demonstrated that virus inactivation was dramatically reduced by inclusion of 20 mM imidazole in the loading buffer. Electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments suggest that imidazole prevents hydroxyl free radical generation from the cobalt complexes. This is the first report describing the role of imidazole in preventing free radical formation in an IMAC column. From a practical stand point, our results imply that inclusion of appropriate amount of imidazole in the loading buffer is an effective strategy for improving the recovery yield of active products and for enhancing product quality during IMAC purification.
Improved freedom from PSA failure with whole pelvic irradiation for high-risk prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose: To determine the impact of whole pelvic irradiation on the risk of PSA failure in prostate cancer patients, at high predicted risk for lymph node involvement, receiving definitive radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Between October 1987 and December 1995, 506 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were treated with definitive radiotherapy at UCSF and affiliated institutions. Treatment consisted of 4-field whole pelvic irradiation followed by a prostate-only boost, or prostate-only treatment (median follow-up was 35 months and 30 months, respectively). PSA failure was defined as: 1. a PSA value ≥ 1 ng/ml; or 2. a PSA value that rose ≥ 0.5 ng/ml in ≤ 1 year posttreatment on two consecutive measurements, with the first rise defined as the time of failure. The calculated risk of lymph node positivity (% rLN +) was defined as 23 (iPSA) + 10 (GS -6), and high risk was defined as % rLN + ≥ 15%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: A total of 201 high-risk patients were identified. High-risk patients who received whole pelvic irradiation had significantly improved freedom from PSA failure compared to those who received prostate-only treatment (median PFS=34.3 months vs. 21.0 months; p = 0.0001). Potential confounding variables, including initial PSA, Gleason score, T stage, radiation dose, year of treatment, use of three-dimensional (3D) conformal techniques, and use of hormone therapy, did not account for the observed difference in time to PSA failure. Multivariate analysis revealed type of radiation treatment to be the most significant independent predictor of outcome. Conclusion: Whole pelvic radiotherapy significantly improves the PSA failure-free survival in patients with a high calculated risk of lymph node positivity.
The effects of insulin and glucose on the induction and intracellular translocation of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase

Abstract The administration of insulin and glucose to young Sprague-Dawley rats (125–150 g) resulted in changes in the intracellular distribution and in the turnover rates of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) activity in the mitochondria and the cytosol. When starved, allylisopropylacetamide (AIA)-induced rats were injected with either insulin or glucose, the percentage of the total ALAS activity found in the cytosol increased from 27% in control animals to 33–40% in insulin-treated and 50% in glucose-treated rats. Similar increases of the ALAS activity in the cytosol were observed after insulin treatment of noninduced, starved animals. Glucose administration also repressed 25–40% of the AIA induction of ALAS as previously reported; however, this effect apparently was not a result of elevated insulin levels, since there was no observed repression of AIA induction after insulin administration. The effects of insulin and glucose on the turnover rates of ALAS activity in the mitochondria and in the cytosol were investigated by observing changes in the half-lives of ALAS activity in the two intracellular compartments. Administration of both insulin and glucose resulted in an increased half-life of ALAS activity in the cytosol from 20.8 to over 100 min, while the mitochondrial half-life was not significantly changed. When insulin was given to either fed, AIA-induced or to starved, noninduced rats, the half-life of the cytosolic ALAS increased from about 14 to 40 min. In contrast to the starved, induced animals, the mitochondrial ALAS half-life in starved, noninduced animals decreased 50%. These results suggest that insulin and glucose treatment may inhibit the translocation of ALAS from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix.
Surrogate modelling for characterising the performance of a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator

The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator offers promising opportunities for flow control because of its fast response and non-moving parts. In this work, surrogate modelling is adopted to better understand the impact of the materials and operational parameters on the actuator performance, and to provide an efficient approach for performance estimation. The DBD model based on 2-species helium chemistry engages three design variables: operating frequency, polarity (positive/negative) time ratio of the applied voltage and the dielectric constant of the insulator. Two objectives are identified: the net force generated and the power requirement. Multiple surrogate models are used, which identify two branches of the Pareto front with opposite net force direction and substantially different parametric sensitivities. Global sensitivity analysis indicates that the voltage frequency and polarity ratio are important in different regions of the design space, while the dielectric constant is always important.
Long-term culturing of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells in conditioned media and three-dimensional fibrous matrices without extracellular matrix coating.

ESCs have unlimited proliferation potential and capability to differentiate into all tissue types. They are ideal cell sources for tissue engineering and cell therapy, but their supplies are limited. Current in vitro ESC cultures are carried out in tissue flasks with the surface precoated with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. T-flask cultures also require frequent subculturing because their limited surface area cannot support long-term growth of ESCs. In this work, ECM coating and frequent subculturing required in two-dimensional (2D) cultures were circumvented by culturing murine ESCs in three-dimensional (3D) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrous matrices. Also, media conditioned with STO fibroblast cells were used to replace leukemia inhibitory factor and to effectively maintain the pluripotency of murine ESCs in a long-term static culture. However, the lactic acid present in the conditioned medium could inhibit ESC growth and induce spontaneous differentiation when its concentration exceeded 1.5 g/l. In addition, the 3D static culture could be limited by oxygen, which was depleted in the long-term culture when cell density in the matrix was high. However, these problems can be alleviated in dynamic culture with improved oxygen transfer and continuous media perfusion. The matrix pore size also had profound effects on ESCs. The smaller-pore (30–60 μm) matrix gave a higher proliferation rate and Oct-4 and stage specific embryonic antigen-1 expressions. Overall, the 3D culturing method is superior to the 2D culture method and can provide an economical way to mass-produce undifferentiated ESCs in uncoated matrices and conditioned media.
Source-mask selection using computational lithography incorporating physical resist models

The RET selection process, for 32 nm and 22 nm technology nodes, is becoming evermore complex due to an increase in the availability of strong resolution enhancements (e.g., polarization control, custom exotic illuminators, hyper NA). Lithographers often select the illuminator geometries based on analyzing aerial images for a limited set of structures. However, source-shape geometries optimized using this methodology is not always optimal for other complex patterns. This leads to critical hot-spots on the final wafer images in form of bridges and gaps. Lithographers would like to analyze the impact of selected source-shape on wafer results for the complex patterns before running the physical experiments. Physics based computational lithography tools allow users to predict the accurate wafer images. This approach allows users to run large factorial experiments for simple and complex designs without running physical experiments. In this study, we will analyze the lithographic performance of simple 1D patterns using aerial image models and physical resist models with calibrated resist parameters1,2,3,4 for two commercial resists. Our goal is to determine whether physical resist models yield a different optimal solution as compared to the aerial image model. We will explore several imaging parameters - like Numerical Aperture (NA), source geometries (Annular, Quadrupole, etc.), illumination configurations and anchor features for different sizes and pitches. We will apply physics based OPC and compute common process windows using physical model. In the end, we will analyze and recommend the optimal source-mask solution for given set of designs based on all the models.
Constant structure creep of copper at 973K

The results from studies indicate there is no change in the constant structure glide kinetics of copper across the 673 to 973K temperature range. The values of the obstacle strength parameter, g{sub o}, are in the range of 0.701 and 0.785, which is characteristic of medium strength obstacles such as forest dislocations. Also, the true activation area results are in agreement with the results of other FCC metals,a nd are of the order expected for forest dislocation cutting. The linear relationship between {beta} and {mu}(T)/T{sigma} does not change in this temperature range, and is in good agreement with the results from other FCC metals. Most importantly, the values of {Delta}G are similar across all of the temperatures and lie in the range of 112 to 123 kJ/mole. A good correlation exists between {Delta}G and the activation energies for creep reported by Barrett and Sherby, 117 kJ/mole, and Feltham, and Meakin, 125.5 kJ/mole, for the temperature range of 673 to 873K. The results of these constant structure creep tests demonstrate that there is no change in the dislocation glide kinetics over the temperature rage 673 to 973K.
Using Three Levels of Personality to Predict Time Perspective

While there is accumulating evidence that individual differences in time perspective are important predictors of a diverse set of psychosocial outcomes, there is little understanding concerning the possible origins of these individual differences. To begin to examine the possible predictors of individual differences in time perspectives, three levels of personality (life history strategy, the Big Five personality traits, and identity) were used to predict the five time perspectives identified by Zimbardo and Boyd (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77, 1271–1288, 1999). The results are discussed in terms of the ability of the three levels of personality, in combination and individually, to predict the time perspectives.
DEWEY'S CRITIQUE OF MARXISM

This paper examines the development of John Dewey's critique of Marxism. We trace the development of Dewey's critique from his early political writings and his political encounter with Leon Trotsky...
Chemical synthesis of 4,5-dioxovaleric acid and its nonenzymatic transamination to 5-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract 4,5-Dioxovaleric acid (DOVA) was synthesized from 5-bromolevulinic acid via formation of the pyridinium bromide of 5-bromolevulinic acid, followed by nitrone formation with p -nitrosodimethylaniline, and hydrolysis of the nitrone to yield DOVA. Partial purification of DOVA was obtained by passage of the reaction mixture through a cation exchange column. DOVA was identified by paper electrophoresis and by a specific fluorometric assay. DOVA was nonenzymatically transaminated to 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with glycine serving as the amino donor. Other compounds tested were less effective amino donors. Glyoxylic acid was identified as a reaction product by paper electrophoresis and a specific calorimetric test. ALA was identified by paper electrophoresis, paper chromatography of a pyrrole derivative, reaction with Ehrlich reagent, and by its enzymatic conversion by a barley extract to porphobilinogen and uroporphyrin. The nonenzymatic transamination was inhibited by Tris and was stimulated by high pH. The existence of this nonenzymatic activity is discussed in relation to previous reports of dova transaminase activity in cell extracts.
Diffusional growth of grain boundary voids near a macrocrack

Abstract This paper presents a study of the growth of crack-like grain boundary voids undergoing a diffusive creep process. The voids are located on grain boundaries that are symmetric with respect to a grain boundary containing a semi-infinite macrocrack which is loaded by remote tension. A stress analysis of the grain boundary voids is performed and results for the stress distribution along the grain boundary, the void tip stress intensity factors are given. The transient growth of the voids by grain boundary diffusion is found to be described by an integro-differential equation, which is derived and solved numerically. All plastic deformations of the materials are neglected. The results of the transient diffusional analysis reveal the nature of the time-dependent stress distribution along the grain boundary and establish trends for the variation of the void extension rates with respect to time. The mechanism for macrocrack growth under diffusive creep conditions is discussed in light of the physical behavior suggested by the study.
A comparative study of interactive tradeoff cutting plane methods for MOMP

Abstract In this paper, four interactive cutting plane methods developed for multiple objective mathematical programming problems are compared to one another using randomly selected problems. Tradeoff cutting plane methods converge to the best compromise solution by iteratively reducing the objective space by cutting planes. The cutting planes are constructed using partial preference information obtained from the decision maker. The performance of the four methods is evaluated and compared to one another by solving the test problems under (i) four classes of preference functions in addition to the original preference functions to simulate the nonexisting decision maker, (ii) different precision levels in the decision maker's comparative accuracy, (iii) decision space expanded or contracted, and (iv) inconsistent responses by the decision maker. Based on the comparative study, some guidelines for performing a comparative study of multicriteria interactive methods are presented.
Influence of Contact Angle on Soil–Water Characteristic Curve with Modified Capillary Rise Method

The contact angle quantifies physicochemical interactions at the liquid–solid interface and is therefore critical to many physical processes that involve the interaction of soil and water. In geotechnical engineering, such interactions are the basis for the formulation of the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC). However, the role of the contact angle in SWCCs has not been adequately recognized. A comprehensive study is reported on applying the capillary rise method (CRM) to measure the contact angles of soils. Analytical solutions to two forms of the Lucas–Washburn equation are presented to provide the theoretical basis for applying the CRM to soils. The disadvantages of conventional CRM analyses are demonstrated with experiments. A modified CRM was proposed on the basis of an analytical solution to a more complicated form of the Lucas–Washburn equation. This modified CRM exhibited reliable performance on numerous specimens made of a subgrade soil and a silicon dioxide sand. Testing procedures were des...
DECISION MAKING IN AN ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING: COGNITIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL INFLUENCES ON RISK ASSESSMENT IN COMMERCIAL LENDING

Although management researchers would like to understand management decisions related to risk, almost all previous research on risk has used either experiments or aggregate corporate data rather than data from actual business decisions. In this initial research on risk in actual business decisions, we examined the risk assessments bankers assigned to commercial borrowers. We tested hypotheses derived from research in strategy, finance, and behavioral decision theory in order to assess the influence of both organizational and cognitive factors on the likelihood of risk assessment errors. Although we found that both organizational and cognitive factors influenced risky decision making, when both were present, organizational factors appeared to overwhelm cognitive biases. Large literatures have developed to explain risk-related behaviors at the individual (behavioral decision theory), organizational, and corporate (finance and strategic management) levels. These literatures reveal a great deal
Non-genericity phenomena in ordered Fraïssé classes

We show that every two-dimensional class of topological similarity, and hence every diagonal conjugacy class of pairs, is meager in the group of order preserving bijections of the rationals and in the group of automorphisms of the ordered rational Urysohn space.
A glucose electrode based on carbon paste chemically modified with a ferrocene-containing siloxane polymer and glucose oxidase, coated with a poly(ester-sulfonic acid) cation-exchanger

Abstract A carbon-paste chemically modified with glucose oxidase and a ferrocene-containing siloxane polymer was further modified by coating the electrode surface with a poly(ester-sulfonic acid) cation-exchanger, Eastman AQ-29D. The polymer is obtained as a homogeneous aqueous dispersion at pH 5–6; when dried, the polymer coating is not water-soluble. The coating was shown not to be detrimental to the enzyme activity but to prevent electrochemically active anionic interferents such as ascorbate and urate from reaching the electrode surface. The polymer coating also prevented glucose oxidase from leaking out of the carbon paste into the contacting solution and protected the electrode surface from fouling agents present in urine and bovine serum albumin. Uncoated electrodes lost some 10-2-15% of their original response to glucose after storage in buffer for three weeks whereas the response of the coated electrodes remained constant. Calibration curves for glucose were strictly linear up to about 5 mM for uncoated and up to 20 mM for coated electrodes. The response current to glucose was not decreased after coating.
Donor treatment with phentolamine mesylate improves machine preservation dynamics and early renal allograft function.

Background It has been suggested that pharmacologic conditioning of the donor before organ procurement may protect the renal allograft from injuries associated with the cold ischemic period. We compared the administration of two vasoactive agents before organ procurement to: (1) determine their influence on machine perfusion characteristics and (2) determine their impact on delayed graft function (DGF) in transplanted renal allografts. Methods Between January 1997 and December 1998, 150 kidneys were procured from heart-beating donors and preserved in our laboratory by machine perfusion (MP) or cold storage (CS). The following vasoactive agents were randomly administered to the donor 5 min before aortic cross clamp: phentolamine mesylate (PM) or hydralazine (H). The control groups received no donor conditioning. Kidneys were grouped as follows: (1) MP+PM, (2) MP+H, (3) MP, (4) CS+PM, (5) CS+H, (6) CS. 10 mg PM/50 kg donor weight was administered to the PM groups and 20 mg H/50 kg donor weight was administered to the H groups. DGF was defined as the need for dialysis within the first 7 days after the transplant. Results MP+PM increased renal flow by 12% and decreased renal resistance by 18% compared with the MP+H group, and increased renal flow by 23% and decreased renal resistance by 30% compared with the MP group. Moreover, the MP+PM group was associated with improved early allograft function. Conclusions Donor treatment with PM immediately before aortic cross-clamp is associated with improved machine perfusion dynamics (renal flow and renal resistance) and lower incidence of DGF compared with donor treatment with H or no treatment. Moreover, MP of renal allografts was associated with improved early function compared with CS grafts.
Mining disease associated biomarker networks from PubMed

Disease related biomarker discovery is the critical step to realize the future personalized medicine and has been an important research area. With exponential growing of biomedical knowledge deposited in PubMed database, it is now an essential step to mine PubMed for biomarker-disease associations to support the laboratory research and clinical validation. We constructed list of human diseases that are most frequently associated with biomarker in literatures by text mining. Top ranked neurology diseases were then used to extract associated genes from PubMed using context sensitive information retrieval methods. Associated genes were then integrated into pathways and subject to network biomarker analysis. Our approach identifies both known and potential biomarkers for 3 neurodegenerative diseases.
The Scattering of Cosmic Rays by the Stars of a Galaxy

The problem dealt with in this note may be formulated in the following way: imagine a galaxy of N stars, each carrying a magnetic dipole of moment μ(n) (n=1, 2, …N) and assume that the density, defined as the number of stars per unit volume, varies according to any given law, while the dipoles are oriented at random because of their very weak coupling. Under this condition the resultant field of the whole galaxy almost vanishes. Let there be an isotropic distribution of charged cosmic particles entering the galaxy from outside. Our problem is to find the intensity distribution in all directions around a point within the galaxy. Its importance arises from the fact that if the distribution should prove to be anisotropic a means would be available for determining whether cosmic rays come from beyond the galaxy, independent of the galactic rotation effect already considered by Compton and Getting. (1)
Evaluations of Diamond-Like-Carbon Film Optical Constants and Their Effects on Flying Height Determination

The accuracy in flying height determination of a film coated magnetic slider relies on the availability of accurate optical property values of each film. In view of this, the index of refraction and coefficient of extinction of carbon and underlayer films, as used on a magnetic slider, was evaluated in this study. Various thicknesses of carbon and underlayer films were coated on Al 2 O 3 -TiC substrates, and their optical properties were determined by using a variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometer at multiple angles of incidence and two optical models via reasonable range and least square methods. Then the effects of the carbon and underlayerfilms on flying height measurement were assessed. It was found that the optical properties of the underlayer film are strongly thickness and wavelength dependent. Therefore, the flying height measurement errors caused by incorrect treatment of the films are functions of film thickness and light wavelength.
An uncommon cause of Epistaxis: Cartoid Cavernous Fistula

We report on an uncommon cause of epistaxis presenting to the emergency room. Epistaxis is not an uncommon presentation to emergency rooms across the world. The majority are easily controlled and have low mortality. We present a case of a carotid-cavernous fistula presenting with massive epistaxis culmination in cardiovascular collapse and death. Awareness of this entity will reduce the frequency of this condition resulting in major morbidity and mortality.
TIME-RESOLVED FLUORESCENCE OF PROTEINS AND MODEL SYSTEMS

TIME-RESOLVED FLUORESCENCE OF PROTEINS AND MODEL SYSTEMSJ.B. Alexander Ross and Maurice R. EftinkDepartment of Biochemistry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029 andDepartment of Chemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDThe history of protein luminescence is more than a century old. Konev,1 in a review of resultsfrom the nineteenth century, cites the observations by Stokes of the fluorescence of horns and nails,by Regnault and Sechenov of the fluorescence of the crystalline lens and skin, and by Soret of theviolet fluorescence of myosin. Numerous other examples of this phenomenon were described bymany different investigators during the period between the late 1920s to the early 1950s. In general,there is no clear distinction in most of these reports whether the observed luminescence was due tophosphorescence or to fluorescence. It appears, on one hand, that because of the time delay betweenexcitation and detectection, some workers were detecting phosphorescence. On the other hand, itis possible that in fact others were observing the low-energy tail of tryptophan fluorescence, whichextends into the range of visible wavelengths above 400 nm.The review on fluorescence polarization of solutions by Gregorio Weber,2 published in 1953,marks a critically important time in the history of protein fluorescence. In this review, Weber clearlyset the direction for future thinking about the nature of protein fluorescence. He pointed out thatthe ultraviolet absorption spectra of proteins at wavelengths greater than 250 nm was due largely to
Ecotoxicogenomics: Emerging Technologies for Emerging Contaminants

Abstract: In recent years, new classes of aquatic pollutants have received attention from environmentalists, scientists, and regulators due to their introduction into the environment, unforeseen effects associated with the pollutants, or enhanced analytical techniques presently capable of detecting them. Many of these emerging contaminants are not well studied, making predictions regarding their toxicity to aquatic organisms or environmental fate difficult. Genomic technologies, including DNA microarrays, have been employed in many areas of biology to study disease states and the interaction of chemicals and nutrients with organisms. Here, we present the potential utility of DNA microarrays to address the challenges of emerging contaminants. DNA microarrays produce gene expression profiles creating an illustration of how a pollutant is acting within an exposed organism. Homology searches and online tools such as Gene Ontology can aid in the inferring a Mode of Toxicity, which may guide toxicity testing and risk characterization. Signature gene expression profiles offer the potential to uncover novel biomarkers of exposure and predict the presence of these contaminants in aquatic organisms. The No Observed Transcriptional Effect Level may play a role in determining if a predicted environmental concentration poses a risk to a sensitive species within an ecosystem. Additionally, DNA microarrays may add a complementary approach to Toxicity Identification Evaluations and help characterize causal agents in complex effluents.
Collapse analysis of composite cylindrical panels with small cutouts

Abstract A finite element study was conducted to determine the effects of notches on the load bearing capability and radial displacements of axially loaded composite cylindrical panels. The panel considered assumed that eight symmetrically placed graphite/epoxy plies were used. A mesh refinement in the vicinity of the cutout was conducted in order to study the non-linear collapse analysis. In addition, the effect of different size cutouts with aspect ratios (axial dimension of cutout divided by circumferential dimension) of 2·0 and 0·5 was studied. The findings indicated that as the surface area of the cutout increased, the buckling load decreased. Cutouts with aspect ratios of 2·0 appeared to be capable of carrying higher loads than notches with an aspect ratio of 0·5.
Thermal stability of Pd2Si and PdSi in thin film and in bulk diffusion couples

Thermal stability of films of Pd2Si and PdSi formed on 〈111〉 Si wafers has been studied by x‐ray diffraction. We observed that Pd2Si transformed to PdSi at temperatures around 810±10 °C and PdSi transformed back to Pd2Si when annealed below that temperature. We conclude that Pd2Si rather than PdSi is the thermodynamically stable phase on Si at low temperatures, contrary to the existing Pd‐Si phase diagram. The conclusion has been confirmed by annealing bulk Pd‐Si diffusion couples at 750 °C to form Pd2Si, then at 850 °C to transform part of the Pd2Si to PdSi, and then returning to 750 °C to convert the PdSi back to Pd2Si and Si. The bulk transformations were measured by x‐ray diffraction and electron microprobe.
Climatic Controls on Historical Wildfires in West Virginia, 1939-2008

Interannual climatic variability strongly influences patterns of burning in many regions and this control may extend to fire regimes dominated by anthropogenic ignitions or fire suppression. A close linkage between fire and climate could reduce the importance of local processes, such as fuel accumulation, structure, species composition, and even human land use. Here we: (1) summarize historical fire atlases collected by the West Virginia Division of Forestry (1939-2008) in the context of climate and spatial variability; (2) identify the seasonal climatic drivers of fire activity in West Virginia; and (3) define the spatial pattern of fire occurrence from 2001 to 2008. Between 2001 and 2008, 99.9% of fires were recorded as anthropogenic ignitions. More fires tended to burn in the spring, but total area burned was higher in the fall. Same-season precipitation accounts for 27.4 to 32.2% of the variance in area burned and number of fires in spring and fall, with low precipitation leading to larger numbers and...