cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of chemical noise in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry by supplemental IR activation

Supplemental infrared (IR) activation was applied to reduce background chemical noise and increase analyte ion signal in a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Peptides, proteins, and small molecules were all introduced by electrospray ionization, and when regions of chemical noise were isolated and subjected to IR irradiation, protonated analyte molecules were observed in the product ion mass spectra. By isolating the entire mass range (e.g., m/z 400–2000) and then irradiating all ions in the trap, supplemental IR activation increased the signal of singly protonated peptides by almost 70% and by 40%–55% for the lower charge states of cytochrome c. This increase in analyte ion signal was less dramatic for the higher charge states of peptides and proteins. The chemical noise present in the mass spectra is attributed to incomplete desolvation of the electrospray, as the abundance of the protonated peptides observed upon supplemental IR activation of the chemical noise decreased with higher inlet capillary temperatures. Collision activation was not as effective for desolvating the ions present in the chemical noise.
Sequential development of esophagogastric ulcers induced in swine by infections with Ascaris suum goeze, 1782

Abstract Twenty-five experimental and five control hysterectomy derived pigs were raised colostrum free under specific pathogen-free conditions. The experimental pigs were first inoculated with A. suum eggs at 8 weeks of age, and a second dose of infective eggs was given 15 days later. They were necropsied from 4 to 10 days post second infection. The ulcers found in the stomach of these pigs were confined to the esophagogastric area. A sequence of epithelial changes, erosions, and ulceration was seen in the stratified squamous epithelium. Edema and hemorrhage were noted in the lamina propria and submucosa. Vascular changes in the area were characterized by thickening of the wall and presence of thrombi in arteries as well as cellular degeneration and vacuolization of the media and intima of the veins. Changes in the muscularis were characterized by edema and degeneration of the muscle cells, which later were replaced by fibroblasts and heavy infiltration by eosinophils. Three of the control pigs received one dose of A. suum eggs, and were killed one on each of the 8th, 9th, and 10th days post infection. The remaining two pigs received no infective material and were killed when they were 11 weeks of age. Neither the uninoculated pigs nor the once-inoculated animals developed ulcerations in their stomachs. The possible mechanisms by which esophagogastric lesions are produced following A. suum larval migrations are discussed.
Recovery of bulky DNA adducts by the regular and a modified 32P-postlabelling assay; influence of the DNA-isolation method.

Bulky DNA adducts are widely used as biomarkers of human exposure to complex mixtures of environmental genotoxicants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The 32P-postlabelling method is highly sensitive for the detection of bulky DNA adducts, but its relatively low throughput poses limits to its use in large-scale molecular epidemiological studies. The objectives of this study were to compare the impact of DNA-sample preparation with a commercial DNA-isolation kit or with the classical phenol-extraction procedure on the measurement of bulky DNA adducts by 32P-postlabelling, and to increase the throughput of the 32P-postlabelling method--whilst maintaining radio-safety--by reducing the radioisotope requirement per sample. The test DNA samples were prepared from MCF-7 cells treated with benzo[a]pyrene and from human peripheral blood lymphocytes, buffy coat, and peripheral lung tissue. The modified 32P-postlabelling procedure involved an evaporation-to-dryness step after the enzymatic digestions of the DNA, and radio-labelling with a reduced amount of [γ-32P]ATP substrate in a reduced reaction volume compared with the regular method. Higher levels of DNA adducts were measured in the MCF-7 cells and in the lung-tissue samples after isolation with the kit than after solvent extraction. A seven-fold higher level of adducts was detected in the buffy-coat DNA samples isolated with the kit than with the phenol extraction procedure (p 6000 Ci/mmol specific radioactivity) per sample in the modified 32P-postlabelling procedure was generally applicable without loss of adduct recovery for all test samples prepared with both DNA isolation methods. The difference between the bulky DNA-adduct levels resulting from the two DNA-isolation procedures requires further systematic investigation. The modified 32P-postlabelling procedure allows a 50% reduction of radioisotope requirement per sample, which facilitates increased throughput of the assay whilst maintaining radio-safety.
Sterols of the Syndinian Dinoflagellate Amoebophrya sp., a Parasite of the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (Dinophyceae)

Several harmful photosynthetic dinoflagellates have been examined over past decades for unique chemical biomarker sterols. Little emphasis has been placed on important heterotrophic genera, such as Amoebophrya, an obligate, intracellular parasite of other, often harmful, dinoflagellates with the ability to control host populations naturally. Therefore, the sterol composition of Am- oebophrya was examined throughout the course of an infective cycle within its host dinoflagellate, Alexandrium tamarense, with the primary intent of identifying potential sterol biomarkers. Amoebophrya possessed two primary C27 sterols, cholesterol and cholesta-5,22Z- dien-3b-ol (cis-22-dehydrocholesterol), which are not unique to this genus, but were found in high relative percentages that are uncommon to other genera of dinoflagellates. Because the host also possesses cholesterol as one of its major sterols, carbon-stable isotope ratio characterization of cholesterol was performed in order to determine whether it was produced by Amoebophrya or derived intact from the host. Results indicated that cholesterol was not derived intact from the host. A comparison of the sterol profile of Amoebophrya to published sterol profiles of phylogenetic relatives revealed that its sterol profile most closely resembles that of the (proto)dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina rather than other extant genera.
Subcellular optogenetics – controlling signaling and single-cell behavior

Variation in signaling activity across a cell plays a crucial role in processes such as cell migration. Signaling activity specific to organelles within a cell also likely plays a key role in regulating cellular functions. To understand how such spatially confined signaling within a cell regulates cell behavior, tools that exert experimental control over subcellular signaling activity are required. Here, we discuss the advantages of using optogenetic approaches to achieve this control. We focus on a set of optical triggers that allow subcellular control over signaling through the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream signaling proteins, as well as those that inhibit endogenous signaling proteins. We also discuss the specific insights with regard to signaling and cell behavior that these subcellular optogenetic approaches can provide.
Fabrication of DNA microarrays on polydopamine-modified gold thin films for SPR imaging measurements.

Polydopamine (PDA) films were fabricated on thin film gold substrates in a single-step polymerization–deposition process from dopamine solutions and then employed in the construction of robust DNA microarrays for the ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules with nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging. PDA multilayers with thicknesses varying from 1 to 5 nm were characterized with a combination of scanning angle SPR and AFM experiments, and 1.3 ± 0.2 nm PDA multilayers were chosen as an optimal thickness for the SPR imaging measurements. DNA microarrays were then fabricated by the reaction of amine-functionalized single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides with PDA-modified gold thin film microarray elements, and were subsequently employed in SPR imaging measurements of DNA hybridization adsorption and protein–DNA binding. Concurrent control experiments with non-complementary ssDNA sequences demonstrated that the adhesive PDA multilayer was also able to provide good resistance to th...
Chemically induced abnormal chromosome behavior at meiosis in maize

Experimental induction of a variety of meiotic abnormalities in maize microsporocytes is described. One class of abnormal chromosome behavior observed is characterized by aberrant centromere-spindle interactions such that the first meiotic division may be equational, the second disjunctional. This abnormality was found following treatment with ethylene oxide-treated cornstarch extracts, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols and glyoxal, at synapsed chromosome stages. These is no evidence that crossover frequency was affected in abnormal cells although premature loss of chiasmata may follow such treatment. The results suggest novel approaches to studies of the mechanism of co- and auto-orientation, chiasma maintenence and chromosome functions during synapsis.
Impact of tailored chemical and textural properties on the performance of nanoporous borazine-linked polymers in small gas uptake and selective binding

Six borazine-linked polymers (BLPs) have been synthesized through the thermolysis reaction of p-phenylenediamine, 1,3,5-tris-(4-aminophenyl)benzene, benzidine, or tetra-(4-aminophenyl)methane with boron tribromide or boron trichloride. Each product exists as an amorphous polymer whose chemical connectivity was confirmed by FT-IR and elemental analysis while thermogravimetric analysis revealed moderate thermal stabilities up to about 200 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. All BLPs possess high surface areas with chlorinated BLPs exhibiting higher values than brominated BLPs (1,174–1,569 vs. 503–849 m2/g, respectively). Gas storage capabilities were investigated as well. BLPs possess good hydrogen uptakes (0.68–1.75 wt% at 77 K) and zero-coverage isosteric heat of adsorption, Q st, (7.06–7.65 kJ/mol) as calculated by the virial method. The uptakes and heat of adsorption for carbon dioxide (51–141 mg/g at 273 K with Q st: 22.2–31.7 kJ/mol) are also attractive. BLPs do not, however, appear to exhibit significant methane storage capacities (1.9–15.2 mg/g at 273 K with Q st: 17.1–21.7 kJ/mol). Accordingly, CO2/CH4 selectivity studies were performed using the ideal adsorbed solution theory and further supported by initial slope calculations. The results indicate that BLP-1(Br) and BLP-2(Br) exhibit very high CO2/CH4 selectivities 23 and 26, respectively, which make them attractive for small gas separation applications.
Mass-Transfer Enhancement in Large-Diameter Pipeline under Water/Gas Stationary Slug Flow

In multiphase flow, gas bubbles are produced that collapse at the liquid/solid interface. In order to examine such effects, mass-transfer studies have been performed in an electrochemical cell and in a large-diameter flow loop under water/gas two-phase stationary slug flow. A limiting current density technique was used for oxidation of Fe(CN) 4- 6 or reduction of Fe(CN) 3- 6 in concentrated NaOH solutions. High-frequency and high-magnitude, instantaneous mass-transfer coefficients were found by potentiostatic measurements and may account for the corrosion rate enhancement in water/gas slug flow. A physical model of the stationary slug flow is proposed to explain the mechanism of gas bubble formation and bubble distribution. The effect of the gas bubbles on the mass-transfer enhancement is reported and a mechanism for the mass-transfer coefficient fluctuations is proposed. This study demonstrates that gas bubbles produced in stationary slug flow have a direct enhancement impact on the mass-transfer and corrosion rate of carbon steel pipeline.
Developing a Scale to Measure the Creative Environment Perceptions: A Questionnaire for Investigating Garden Variety Creativity

A scale is presented to measure worker creative environment perceptions. The scale has good measurement properties, is brief enough for easy administration, and can be used on a wide range of garden variety creativity workers. Structural equation modeling testing of the underlying factor structure showed 3 significantly interrelated latent variables—creativity support, work characteristics, and creativity blocks. This finding indicated that managers should improve all aspects of their organizations' creative environment in order to maximize worker creative output.
Direct detection of bacterial pathogens in representative dairy products using a combined bacterial concentration-PCR approach

Aims: To develop a simple, rapid method to concentrate and purify bacteria and their nucleic acids from complex dairy food matrices in preparation for direct pathogen detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods and Results: Plain non-fat yogurt and cheddar cheese were each seeded with Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella enterica serovar. Enteritidis in the range of 101–106 CFU per 11-g sample. Samples were then processed for bacterial concentration using high-speed centrifugation (9700 g) followed by DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and amplicon confirmation by hybridization. Bacterial recoveries after centrifugation ranged from 53 to >100% and 71 to >100% for serovar. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes, respectively, in the non-fat yogurt samples; and from 77 to >100% and 69 to >100% for serovar. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes, respectively, in the cheddar cheese samples. There were no significant differences in recovery efficiency at different inocula levels, and losses to discarded supernatants were always <5%, regardless of dairy product or pathogen. Conclusions: When followed by pathogen detection using PCR and confirmation by amplicon hybridization, detection limits of 103 and 101 CFU per 11-g sample were achieved for L. monocytogenes and serovar. Enteritidis, respectively, in both product types and without prior cultural enrichment. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study represents progress toward the rapid and efficient direct detection of pathogens from complex food matrices at detection limits approaching those that might be anticipated in naturally contaminated products.
Predictive Coding and the Changing Legal Marketplace

This short article, which will appear as the Correspondent's Report from the United States in the journal Legal Ethics, provides a brief primer on predictive coding, discusses the recent judicial decisions approving its use, and then describes what the rise of predictive coding means for lawyers, judges, and law schools.
Regenerating tissues of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae: effects of humoral stimulation in vitro.

A series of experiments was devised to test the effects in vitro of endocrine gland incubates on leg regenerate tissues from the cockroach Leucophaea maderae F. Incubates of increasing numbers of prothoracic glands produced increasing effects on the test tissues. Stimulation of the prothoracic gland by incubates of the corpus allatum and inhibition by incubates of the brain were demonstrated. An hypothesis is presented to account for these findings.
Defect identification in GRID-LOCK® joints

Damage detection in aircraft structures is conducted using a variety of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, eddy current inspection, radiography and optical methods. These techniques are well established and have distinct advantages and limitations. Optical NDE methods show significant promise for variety of aerospace structural components, including inspection of bonded metallic GRID-LOCK® structures. In this paper, a full-field surface slope measurement technique (shearography) is utilized to confirm the effectiveness of optical NDE. Two bond defects (one disbond and one weak bond) are incorporated into a GRID-LOCK® test structure and internal pressurization results in qualitative indications of damage on the shearograms. Because accurate characterization of structural defects is critical for flight safety, a quantitative nondestructive evaluation (QNDE) method using a scanning optical probe is also explored. This QNDE method involves use of radial basis function networks (RBFNs) trained and validated using finite element analysis nodal displacements.
Modeling of thermal stresses and lifetime prediction of planar solid oxide fuel cell under thermal cycling conditions

Abstract A typical operating temperature of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is above 600 °C, which leads to severe thermal stresses caused by the difference in material mechanical properties during thermal cycling. Interfacial shear stress and peeling stress are the two types of thermal stresses that can cause the mechanical failure of the SOFC. Two commonly used SOFC configurations (electrolyte-supported and anode-supported) were considered for this study. The paper developed a mathematical model to estimate the thermal stresses and to predict the lifetime of the cell (Ni/8YSZ–YSZ–LSM). Due to the mismatch of the material mechanical properties of the cell layers, a crack nucleation induced by thermal stresses can be predicted by the crack damage growth rate and the initial damage distribution in the interfacial layer for each thermal cycle. It was found that the interfacial shear stress and peeling stress were more concentrated near the electrode free edge areas. The number of cycles needed for failure decreased with the increase in the porosity of electrode. The number of cycle for failure decreased with increase in electrolyte thickness for both anode- and electrolyte-supported SOFC. The model provides insight into the distribution of interfacial shear stress and peeling stress and can also predict damage evolution in a localized damage area in different SOFC configurations.
High-throughput physical mapping of chromosomes using automated in situ hybridization.

Projects to obtain whole-genome sequences for 10,000 vertebrate species1 and for 5,000 insect and related arthropod species2 are expected to take place over the next 5 years. For example, the sequencing of the genomes for 15 malaria mosquitospecies is currently being done using an Illumina platform3,4. This Anopheles species cluster includes both vectors and non-vectors of malaria. When the genome assemblies become available, researchers will have the unique opportunity to perform comparative analysis for inferring evolutionary changes relevant to vector ability. However, it has proven difficult to use next-generation sequencing reads to generate high-quality de novo genome assemblies5. Moreover, the existing genome assemblies for Anopheles gambiae, although obtained using the Sanger method, are gapped or fragmented4,6. Success of comparative genomic analyses will be limited if researchers deal with numerous sequencing contigs, rather than with chromosome-based genome assemblies. Fragmented, unmapped sequences create problems for genomic analyses because: (i) unidentified gaps cause incorrect or incomplete annotation of genomic sequences; (ii) unmapped sequences lead to confusion between paralogous genes and genes from different haplotypes; and (iii) the lack of chromosome assignment and orientation of the sequencing contigs does not allow for reconstructing rearrangement phylogeny and studying chromosome evolution. Developing high-resolution physical maps for species with newly sequenced genomes is a timely and cost-effective investment that will facilitate genome annotation, evolutionary analysis, and re-sequencing of individual genomes from natural populations7,8. Here, we present innovative approaches to chromosome preparation, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and imaging that facilitate rapid development of physical maps. Using An. gambiae as an example, we demonstrate that the development of physical chromosome maps can potentially improve genome assemblies and, thus, the quality of genomic analyses. First, we use a high-pressure method to prepare polytene chromosome spreads. This method, originally developed for Drosophila9, allows the user to visualize more details on chromosomes than the regular squashing technique10. Second, a fully automated, front-end system for FISH is used for high-throughput physical genome mapping. The automated slide staining system runs multiple assays simultaneously and dramatically reduces hands-on time11. Third, an automatic fluorescent imaging system, which includes a motorized slide stage, automatically scans and photographs labeled chromosomes after FISH12. This system is especially useful for identifying and visualizing multiple chromosomal plates on the same slide. In addition, the scanning process captures a more uniform FISH result. Overall, the automated high-throughput physical mapping protocol is more efficient than a standard manual protocol.
Evaluation of clinical and laboratory factors in diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever.

Abstract This presentation attempted to demonstrate the extreme care which must be exercised in the evaluation of any finding or group of findings as indication of the presence of active rheumatic fever. This caution must be exerted whether the signs and symptoms observed are major or minor manifestations, clinical or laboratory. No combination of findings makes the diagnosis. The diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever must be made by the attending physician.
The association of variants in the FTO gene with longitudinal body mass index profiles in non-Hispanic white children and adolescents.

The association of variants in the FTO gene with longitudinal body mass index profiles in non-Hispanic white children and adolescents
The Critical Discussion Group: Fostering Personal and Scientific Growth

As scientists, we greatly benefit from discussing our work with our peers. Informal, unstructured interactions often yield highly creative feedback. With this in mind, we created a group that fosters discussion of its members' work. The group engages us in new research fields and ways of thinking, and provides us with an opportunity for co-mentoring. Three key components were essential for making this group work: the emphasis on non-hierarchical debate; the diversity of the group members; and the mutual respect existing among the participants.
X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Nearby, Classical T Tauri Star TW Hydrae

We present ASCA and ROSAT X-ray observations of the classical T Tauri star TW Hya, the namesake of a small association that, at a distance of ~50 pc, represents the nearest known region of recent star formation. Analysis of ASCA and ROSAT spectra indicates characteristic temperatures of ~1.7 and ~9.7 MK for the X-ray-emitting region(s) of TW Hya, with emission lines of highly ionized Fe dominating the spectrum at energies of ~1 keV. The X-ray data show variations in X-ray flux on timescales of 1 hr as well as indications of changes in the X-ray-absorbing column on timescales of several years, suggesting that flares and variable obscuration are responsible for the large-amplitude optical variability of TW Hya on short and long timescales, respectively. Comparison with model calculations suggests that TW Hya produces sufficient hard X-ray flux to produce significant ionization of molecular gas within its circumstellar disk; such X-ray ionization may regulate both protoplanetary accretion and protoplanetary chemistry.
A simple nonlinearized control system

A LINEAR control system is possibly the best compromise solution for an environment which includes a more or less random assortment of all kinds of inputs. However, for control systems which work with only one or two well-defined kinds of inputs such as steps and ramps the linear system has serious limitations; mainly: 1. The maximum available torque or force of the servomotor is utilized only throughout a small fraction of the operating cycle, so the efficiency is low and the response inherently slow. 2. The transient response has a theoretically infinite duration, and practically it consists of a long trail of damped oscillations or a long asymptotic tail.
Massive septic thrombus formation on a superior vena cava indwelling catheter following Torulopsis (Candida) glabrata fungemia

Fungal endocarditis is an exceedingly rare complication of indwelling central venous catheters in adults. Here we describe what appears to be the first case of a right atrial thrombus superinfected with the yeast Torulopsis (Candida) glabrata and attached to an indwelling superior vena cava catheter that was not used for parenteral nutrition. A large vegetation-like mass adherent to the catheter tip was visualized by transesophageal echocardiography in a patient who presented with signs of septic pulmonary embolism. Following open-heart surgery, the definitive diagnosis was established by histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen.
Knowledge management and the teaching of technical communication: where does knowledge reside in the theory vs. practice debate?

This article looks at the current theory vs. practice debate in the teaching of technical communication from the viewpoint of knowledge management and transfer. Where does the most relevant knowledge reside and how best can it be communicated? In an attempt to answer this question, surveyed are eight articles from three journals, exploring the source of each and its position in relation to knowledge management. It is concluded that the workplace provides data, the academy provides information, but knowledge always resides in people. A secondary finding is that class issues still play a role in the techne vs. praxis debate. Theory has a higher status than practice and this disparity leads to exclusionary tactics that can limit knowledge generation and transfer, especially in regard to multicultural and multinational knowledge workers. A recommendation is that exclusionary practices should be avoided and language should be simplified in order to include the greatest possible number of participants in the knowledge-making process.
Is There a Vulnerable Plaque

The identification of potential triggers of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represented by unstable angina (UA), myocardial infarction (MI) (preceded or not by UA), and sudden coronary death (SCD) is a rapidly growing area of research. Coronary plaque disruption and subsequent thrombosis is the major recognized pathogenetic component of “unstable plaques,” which characterize the transition from stable coronary artery disease (CAD) to ACS. However, in the presence of unstable or even stable plaques, a thrombogenic state or “high-risk blood” may contribute, at least in some cases, to the development of ACS.1 Furthermore, thrombosis is also an integral component of the chronic atherothrombotic progression of atherosclerosis. Although the observation that plaque disruption leads to ACS goes back a number of decades, the notion of “vulnerable plaques” was first developed a little over a decade ago on the basis of post-mortem observations in patients with ACS.2 At the site of culprit coronary lesions, a rupture was often found at the shoulder of atheromatous plaques with a large pultaceous lipid core and a thin fibrous cap. Such rupture was originally thought to be the result of localized mechanical shear stress forces.3 However, on the basis of emerging evidence of a prevalent inflammatory component in ACS, inflammatory mechanisms of plaque instability began to receive considerable attention.4 The acquisition of knowledge does not necessarily makes things more comprehensible, but rather often adds novel complexities. Yet, when confronted with a pressing issue, such as predicting major future adverse events, there is a natural inclination to accept generalizations not yet justified by available data. The intriguing concept of a vulnerable plaque, as a potential short-term precursor of unstable plaques, derives from the theoretical possibility of identifying those coronary atherosclerotic plaques that might become unstable and thus trigger ACS. The notion of vulnerable plaques is …
A Modeling Study on the Fair Weather Marine Boundary Layer of the GATE.

Abstract A three-dimensional ensemble-mean atmospheric model, with simplified second-moment turbulence closure equations and a statistical treatment for the condensation process, is used to simulate a fair weather marine boundary layer observed during the GATE [GARP (Global Research Program) Atlantic Tropical Experiment]. The data deduced from airborne and surface-based instrumentation provided not only comprehensive initial and boundary conditions for the model but also permitted detailed comparisons between modeled and observed turbulence quantities. The modeled mean variables and turbulence quantities are found to agree well with observations and the results obtained by a large-eddy simulation. The cloud properties are also well reproduced in terms of the amount of cloud liquid water and fraction of cloud coverage. Other significant modeled features include high correlations between cloud liquid water and turbulence quantities; the entrainment process associated with negative virtual temperature flux n...
The development of a WAIS short form for clinical populations

Assessed the validity of a brief form of the WAIS in the evaluation of several clinical populations. The short form was composed of three subtests: Similarities, Picture Arrangement, and Block Design. The sample consisted of 27 schizophrenics, paranoid type; 30 schizophrenics, schizoid-affective type, 29 schizophrenics, chronic undifferentiated type; and 28 organics (brain syndrome patients). Correlations were computed between the weighted IQ scores of each population and the Full Scale IQ. Correlations of .94 for chronic undifferentiated schizophrenics and .81 for organics were particularly noteworthy. Moreover, this triad of subtests underestimated the IQ score for organics by 7.11 points, which suggests that the constant used with this population should be corrected appropriately.
For whom the Bell tolls: Causes and consequences of the AT&T divestiture

This essay examines the causes and suggests some of the consequences of the divestiture of ATT the state's commerce interest in capitalist accumulation is served by a vertically integrated ATT the state's defense interest is protected by allowing AT&T to serve all defense needs. The traditional recipient of “universal service” will suffer as the breakup imperils the traditional concept of telephony as a public utility.
A Stochastic Shape and Color Model for Defect Detection in Potatoes

Abstract Automatic defect detection in color images of potatoes is complicated by the random variability ordinarily observed in a collection of normal potatoes. Stochastic models are developed that explicitly describe the random nature of the shape and color texture observed in normal potatoes. Shape and color simulations based on these models are realistic. Statistical tests based on the stochastic shape and color models are developed. The tests are capable of classifying an unknown object as either “acceptable potato” or “unacceptable potato.” Twelve potatoes are analyzed, and the experimental results are presented.
Assuring Ground-Based Detect and Avoid for UAS Operations

One of the goals of the Marginal Ice Zones Observations and Processes Experiment (MIZOPEX) NASA Earth science mission was to show the operational capabilities of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) when deployed on challenging missions, in difficult environments. Given the extreme conditions of the Arctic environment where MIZOPEX measurements were required, the mission opted to use a radar to provide a ground-based detect-and-avoid (GBDAA) capability as an alternate means of compliance (AMOC) with the see-and-avoid federal aviation regulation. This paper describes how GBDAA safety assurance was provided by interpreting and applying the guidelines in the national policy for UAS operational approval. In particular, we describe how we formulated the appropriate safety goals, defined the processes and procedures for system safety, identified and assembled the relevant safety verification evidence, and created an operational safety case in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. To the best of our knowledge, the safety case, which was ultimately approved by the FAA, is the first successful example of non-military UAS operations using GBDAA in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), and, therefore, the first nonmilitary application of the safety case concept in this context.
The dithiocarbamate fungicide thiram disrupts the hormonal control of ovulation in the female rat.

Abstract Thiram has been reported to inhibit dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH), thereby affecting norepinephrine (NE) synthesis. Because NE is a neurotransmitter that is known to play an important role in the hypothalamic regulation of pituitary function, the acute effects of the thiram on the hormonal control of ovulation in the rat were investigated. Ovariectomized, estrogen-primed female rats were given a single injection of thiram (0, 6, 12, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) at 1100 h and serum LH was measured in serial bleeds. Thiram at 100 and 50 mg/kg completely blocked the LH surge in all rats tested, while 12 and 25 mg/kg blocked the surge in 40 and 75% of the treated animals, respectively. Six mg/kg had no effect. Ovulation was then assessed in intact, proestrous females in response to thiram administration (0, 12, 25, or 50 mg/kg) at 0900, 1100, 1300, or 1800 h. Ovulation was blocked by 25 and 50 mg/kg at 1300 h in all rats, but when injected at 1100 h only the 50 mg/kg dose was effective. No such blockade was found with 50 mg/kg injected at 0900 and 1800 h. To assess the influence of thiram on the LH surge in intact rats, additional females were dosed at 1300 h on the day of proestrus and blood collected over that same day. Thiram at 50 mg/kg blocked the LH surge in all rats, while 25 mg/kg blocked the surge in 60% of the females tested. No effect occurred with 12 mg/kg. These data show that thiram is able to block the LH surge and inhibit subsequent ovulation if administered during a sensitive period prior to the initiation of the surge. The effect likely involves a disruption in catecholamine synthesis and requires larger doses as the temporal distance from a time of heightened sensitivity increases.
Ante-mortem diagnosis of rupture of the interventricular septum as a result of myocardial infarction report of a case

Abstract 1. 1. A case of rupture of the interventricular septum as a result of cardiac infarction is added to the twenty-two others already on record in the literature. 2. 2. A correct ante-mortem diagnosis was made in this case, bringing to four the number of cases in which the condition was recognized before death. 3. 3. The considerations which led to the ante-mortem diagnosis are outlined, and it is pointed out that, although the condition is rare, it should be diagnosed if the physician bears the possibility in mind when he is confronted with a patient who presents the clinical manifestations of cardiac infarction and the precordial signs of a septal defect.
Direct analysis of single rat peritoneal mast cells with laser vaporization/ionization mass spectrometry.

A linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used as a detector for flow cytometry. These two techniques were coupled by a laser vaporization/ionization interface. The estimated mass detection limit of the combined system was 20 amol of serotonin standard with one laser pulse. An aqueous buffer at physiological pH was used to ensure compatibility with cells. Rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were dispensed into the mass spectrometer in a single file confined within a 20-μm-i.d. capillary. By using the mass spectrometer as a detector, no precolumn staining or derivatization is required. Determination of serotonin and histamine in individual cells was demonstrated. With this method, hundreds of cells can be analyzed within a few minutes. The average amounts of histamine and serotonin per RPMC were found to be 0.75 ± 0.33 and 0.11 ± 0.06 fmol, respectively. No correlation was found between the amounts of the two amines in each cell.
Disparities in smoking cessation among U.S. adults with a history of asthma.

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) and racialethnic disparities in smoking essation among U.S. adults with a history of asthma have received limited attention.Purpose: This study examined sociodemographic characteristics associated with smoking cessation in national samples of adults with a self-reported history of asthma.Methods: Data from the National Health Interview Survey (years 2000 and 2001 combined) was used to assess the quit ratio (i.e., former smokers as a proportion of ever-smokers) by sociodemographic characteristics, and predictors of former versus current smoking status were examined with multiple logistic regression.Results: Quit ratios were 53% in Hispanics, 52% in non-Hispanic Whites, and 42% in African American eversmokers. The quit ratio reached 70% in college graduates versus 45% in those with less than 12 years of education. In multivariate analyses, education and marital status but not racially classified social groups/ethnicity were independently associated with former versus current smoking.Conclusions: Expanded smoking cessation efforts are needed among persons with a history of asthma, especially those of lower SES.
Cardiolipin deficiency leads to decreased cardiolipin peroxidation and increased resistance of cells to apoptosis

Abstract Cardiolipin (CL), a unique mitochondrial phospholipid synthesized by CL synthase (CLS), plays important, yet not fully understood, roles in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. We manipulated CL levels in HeLa cells by knocking down CLS using RNA interference and selected a clone of CL-deficient cells with ~ 45% of its normal content. ESI–MS analysis showed that the CL molecular species were the same in CL-deficient and CL-sufficient cells. CL deficiency did not change mitochondrial functions (membrane potential, reactive oxygen species generation, cellular ATP levels) but conferred resistance to apoptosis induced by actinomycin D (ActD), rotenone, or γ-irradiation. During ActD-induced apoptosis, decreased CL peroxidation along with suppressed cytochrome (cyt) c release was observed in CL-deficient cells, whereas Bax translocation to mitochondria remained similar to that in CL-sufficient HeLa cells. The amounts of loosely bound cyt c (releasable under high ionic strength conditions) were the same in CL-deficient and CL-sufficient cells. Given that CL peroxidation during apoptosis is catalyzed by CL/cyt c complexes and CL oxidation products are essential for cyt c release from mitochondria, our results suggest that CL deficiency prevents adequate assembly of productive CL/cyt c complexes and CL peroxidation, resulting in increased resistance to apoptosis.
Deconstruction of Nurse-Delivered Patient Self-Management Interventions for Symptom Management: Factors Related to Delivery Enactment and Response

This research examines the processes by which patient self-management interventions are related to symptom responses among cancer patients. A total of 333 patients from two randomized clinical trials were combined. Each patient received a six-contact 8-week patient self-management intervention delivered by a nurse to address symptoms. Nurses’ decisions to deliver the strategies, patient enactment of strategies, and their success were investigated using patient- and symptom-level characteristics. Generalized estimating equation modeling accounted for clustering of symptoms and strategies delivered for each symptom within patient. Patient self-management intervention strategies were classified into four classes. Strategies were delivered by nurses for symptoms with higher interference and longer duration. Patient and symptom factors were related to enactment strategies. Symptom responses were related to number of strategies tried by patients. Delivery and enactment of strategies were related to both patient and symptom characteristics.
Examining the effects of avatar customization and narrative on engagement and learning in video games

While video games have received strong attention for their potential to generate engagement and learning, the specific features of these games that produce these outcomes are still not well understood. This study examined two factors-the ability to customize an avatar and the presence of a strong narrative-for their effects on a player's gaming experience and their subsequent ability to remember events and characteristics in the game. Results of this study showed strong effects for creating a custom avatar on feelings of engagement and presence, and modest effects on measures of learning. There were no significant effects for the narrative manipulation. Interpretations of these results and their implications are discussed.
Fluorophore–quencher pair for monitoring protein motion

Abstract A fluorophore/quencher pair capable of detecting conformational changes of DNA-protein complexes is described. The system employs a fluorescent nucleoside analog 1,3-diaza-2-oxophenothiazine (tC) within duplex DNA and a non-fluorescent quencher (TEMPO) attached to an engineered cysteine residue of the protein. The straightforward labeling methodology allows for the placement of the fluorophore and quencher moieties at specific positions suited to studying the conformational change of interest. To illustrate the utility of the tC–TEMPO pair, we have monitored nucleotide-induced conformational changes of the Klenow fragment (KF) polymerase bound to duplex DNA. In this system, tC was incorporated in the primer strand of the duplex, adjacent to the 3′ end, while TEMPO was positioned at the end of the O-helix within the fingers domain of KF. Using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, we measured the quenching efficiency in a binary complex of tC-modified DNA and TEMPO-labeled KF and in ternary complexes containing cognate or non-cognate dNTP substrates. The quenching efficiency is significantly enhanced in the presence of a cognate dNTP, indicating that the O-helix has moved closer towards the DNA. In contrast, no significant tC quenching is observed in the presence of a non-cognate dNTP, indicating that the O-helix remains in a position that is beyond the distance reporting range of the tC–TEMPO pair. These results demonstrate that a cognate dNTP substrate induces a large conformational change of the O-helix, which can be sensitively detected using the tC–TEMPO pair. This fluorophore/quencher pair may be useful to study conformational changes associated with other DNA-enzyme complexes.
Empowering the Child and Caregiver: Yellow Zone Asthma Action Plan

Current guidelines, both national and international, elegantly describe evidence-based measures to attain and maintain long-term control of asthma. These strategies, typically discussed between the provider and patient, are provided in the form of written (or electronic) instructions as part of the green zone of the color-coded Asthma Action Plan. The red zone of the Asthma Action Plan has directives on when to use systemic corticosteroids and seek medical attention. The transition zone between the green zone of good control and the red zone of asthma exacerbation is the yellow zone. This zone guides the patient on self-management of exacerbations outside a medical setting. Unfortunately, the only recommendation currently available to patients per the current asthma guidelines is the repetitive use of reliever bronchodilators. This approach, while providing modest symptom relief, does not reliably prevent progression to the red zone. In this document, we present new, evidence-based, yellow zone intervention options.
Suicide risk among gay men and lesbians: A review

Abstract Without adequate death statistics from completed suicide data, the suicide risk for gay men and lesbians must be determined from empirical studies and from a theoretical understanding of suicide risk. Three large, well designed studies found that gay men and lesbians attempt suicide two to seven times more often than heterosexual comparison groups. Gay men and lesbians have significantly high rates of risk factors that increase suicide risk such as suicide attempts, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and interrupted social ties. Durkheim suggests that groups with low social status and integration who are denied society's usual privilege and rights are at risk for alienation and anomic suicide unless protected by internal cohesion, religion or anlisuicide norms. Durkheim's theory applied to gay men and lesbians illustrates how the extensive and diverse alienation reported may lead to suicide. Diverse groups of gay people have not yet successfully decreased alienation or suicide. Empirical evidence, risk fa...
Accumulation in liver and spleen of metal particles generated at nonbearing surfaces in hip arthroplasty

Systemic migration of metal particles generated at nonbearing surfaces rather than the intended primary bearing was studied in postmortem specimens from 30 patients with total hip arthroplasty. Using light and electron microscopy with x-ray microanalysis, submicrometer metal particles were identified within macrophages in the liver and/or the spleen in 11 of 15 patients with a revised arthroplasty and in 2 of 15 patients with primary hip arthroplasty. The macrophages formed focal aggregates in the organs without apparent toxicity. Fretting at ancillary fixation devices, loose components, and modular connections can generate a substantial volume of debris. These particles are in addition to those generated at the bearing surfaces, further increasing both the local and systemic particulate burdens. While all components can be associated with the distant spread of particles and metal ions, it is the environment of revision arthroplasty that provides the greatest potential for the generation and systemic dissemination of wear debris. The long-term effects of accumulated wear particles in the liver and spleen are unknown.
Raman spectrometric studies of aqueous borate complexes with ethylene glycol and mannitol

Abstract Raman spectra of aqueous solutions of borate anion containing ethylene glycol and mannitol have been obtained. These have been shown to be consistent with 1:1 and 2:1 polyol:borate complexes. On the basis of comparison to the spectra of free ethylene glycol it is proposed that the 2:1 complex has C 2 symmetry, i.e. the 5-membered chelate ring is non planar. Assignments of vibrational frequencies associated with BO bonds are discussed.
The U.S. Movement in Solidarity with Chile in the 1970s

The international movement in solidarity with Chile that developed and flourished in the 1970s first emerged when the Unidad Popular government of Salvador Allende (1970—1973) was still in power but gained strength after the Chilean military overthrew the government and imposed the military dictatorship that ruled that country from 1973 to 1990. The power of the movement stems from the historical context in which it arose, the tremendous appeal exerted by the Allende government, North Americans’ familiarity with and support for the UP government, the outrage and horror many felt at the atrocities committed by the dictatorship, and the presence of Chilean political refugees in the United States. The work that the solidarity movement engaged in ranged from securing entry for political refugees and direct action against the Chilean ship Esmeralda to raising funds for the Chilean resistance through cultural programs. While political tensions among the refugees undermined the movement to a degree, the presence...