cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A catalase from tomato fruit

Abstract Catalase from the pericarp of green tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum) has been purified to homogeneity as judged by silver staining of SDS-gels. The Mr of the holoenzyme was found to be 225 000 and that of each subunit. polypeptide, 55 000, indicating a tetrameric structure. Catalatic activity was found to be optimal in the pH range of 6.0–6.5, while half-maximal activity was observed at pH 4.5 and 8.0. Tomato pericarp catalase and bovine liver catalase activities were compared on the basis of their inhibition by heavy metals and protein-modifying reagents. The concentrations of silver nitrate which caused equivalent inhibition of activity differed by four orders of magnitude, with pericarp catalase being the more sensitive. Catalase from the pericarp was antigenically related to that in leaf and stem tissue. Catalase activity correlated with the amount of immunodetectable protein in pericarp tissue.
Single View Metrology: A Practical Example

In machine vision applications it is often desirable to make metric measurements with a single camera. However, operational constraints can limit the use of off-line calibration methods and the lack of reference planes can prevent the use of current single-view metrology techniques. In this paper, we describe the design, implementation, and validation of a visual inspection system for the measurement of angles from a single, uncalibrated camera. We provide a step-by-step, single-view metrology approach which we demonstrate in an operational setting. We first assess the imaging conditions present using hypothesis testing based on a norm-induced metric between possible world to image mappings. Our metric provides a measure of localization error derived from physical measures in the world. The hypothesis testing demonstrates that affine viewing conditions are present in our setting and we show how the affine approximation can be used to make measurements of points off the plane of interest. We employ our algorithm in a manufacturing plant to make blade angle measurements of variable stator vanes in jet engines.
Inactivation of E. coli by combined action of free chlorine and monochloramine

Abstract The inactivation of E. coli by either free chlorine or combined chlorine present alone was determined. A completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was used. Both chemicals were then allowed to react simultaneously with E. coli in the same CSTR. The choice of the concentration of the chemicals allowed the comparison of the magnitude of the inactivation in the single and mixed system. It was demonstrated that the interaction between free chlorine and monochloramine in reacting with E. coli was synergistic. The experimental pH and temperature were 8 ± 0.03 and 20 ± 2°C, respectively.
Phosphorus and Temperature Effects on Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium in Wheat and Tall Fescue Leaves

High K fertilization often reduces leaf Mg and Ca concentration, increasing the incidence of grass tetany, while increased P treatment increases uptake and leaf concentrations of Mg and Ca in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Since P availability and uptake are often reduced at low soil temperatures, the effects of P and K nutrition on mineral element composition of wheat at two root-zone temperatures were determined. The effects of P and NPK + Mg fertilization on leaf elemental concentrations of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grown in the field near Mt. Vernon, MO, on a Creldon silty clay loam (fine, mixed, mesic Mollic Fragiudalf) were determined. Concentration of Mg in wheat shoots was 20% higher when treated with 400 μMP than 50 μMP, and only 9% higher when root-zone temperature was 25°C rather than 15°C [...]
Dietary Calcium Deficiency and Excess Both Impact Bone Development and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lineage Priming in Neonatal Piglets

Background: Optimizing calcium nutrition to maximize bone accretion during growth to prevent fragility fractures later in life has spurred greater interest in calcium nutrition in neonates. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary calcium, from deficiency through excess, on bone growth, and the in vivo and in vitro behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in neonatal pigs. Methods: Twenty-four male and female piglets (24 6 6 h old) were fed either a calcium-deficient [Ca-D; 0.6% Ca on a dry matter (DM) basis], a calcium-adequate diet (Ca-A; 0.9% Ca on a DM basis), or a calcium-excessive diet (Ca-E; 1.3% Ca on a DM basis) for 14 d to assess the impact of dietary calcium on calcium homeostasis and on the behavior of MSCs. Results: Growth rate was not affected by the Ca-E diet, although bone ash content was 16% higher (P < 0.05) and urinary calcium excretion was 5-fold higher, when normalized to creatinine, compared with the Ca-A group at trial completion. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) in Ca-D piglets in comparison with other groups at both 7 and 14 d. In vivo proliferation of MSCs was 30% higher (P < 0.05) in Ca-E piglets than the other groups. MSCs from both Ca-D‐ and Ca-E‐fed piglets had greater adipogenic potential based on increased gene expression (P < 0.05) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (Pparg) and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (Ap2) than MSCs from Ca-A piglets. Interestingly, only MSCs from Ca-E‐fed piglets had greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) during adipocytic differentiation than those from Ca-A piglets. To assess alterations in lineage allocation and priming, the most and least osteogenic (O+ and O2, respectively) and adipogenic (A+ and A2, respectively) colonies from each MSC isolation were selected on the basis of functional staining. The O+ colonies from Ca-D piglets expressed lower (P < 0.05) levels of osteocalcin (OC) mRNA than did those from other groups, whereas the O2 colonies from Ca-E piglets expressed higher (P < 0.05) levels of mRNA of Pparg, Ap2, and Lpl than did those from other groups. Conclusions: Neonatal calcium deficiency appears to reduce the osteogenic priming of MSCs while enlarging a subpopulation of potentially adipogenic cells, and excess dietary calcium appears to allow greater multipotency of MSCs. These programming alterations of MSCs could have long-term consequences for bone health. JN utr2014;144:1935‐42.
Morbidity and mortality related to exchangetransfusions

Morbidity and mortality experienced in relation to exchange transfusions for hyperbilirubinemia in Greek newborn infants are recorded. There were 606 transfusions in 502 infants. There were 4 deaths within 6 hours of the transfusion and 4 subsequent ones which may have been related to the procedure.
Fermilab R&D program in medium energy electron cooling

Abstract Fermilab began an R&D program in medium energy electron cooling in April 1995 with the object of cooling 8 GeV antiprotons in a new 3.3 km permanent magnet storage ring (Recycler) to be built in the same tunnel as the Main Injector (MI). The MI is to be completed in 1998, and it is planned to install the Recycler by the end of 1997 to reduce interference during the final rush of MI installation. Although the Recycler will employ stochastic cooling initially, its potential for contributing and order of magnitude to Tevatron collider luminosity is tied to electron cooling. The short time scale and Fermilab's limited familiarity with low energy electron beams has given rise to a two-phase development plan. The first phase is to build a cooling system based on an electron beam of ≥200 mA before the year 2000. The second phase of about three years is planned to reach an electron current of 2 A or more. This report describes the general scheme for high luminosity collider operation as well as the R&D plan and progress to date.
The impact of government intervention in the Australian dairy industry

This study assesses the economic impact of existing Australian dairy pricing policies on resource allocation and income distribution among participants in dairy markets. Australia is used as an example because it recently debated eliminating federal intervention in the dairy price discovery process. Results indicate that significant costs and transfers can be attributed to the influence of government intervention. Also, evidence of policy bias favoring producers over consumers is found.
Propofol and sodium thiopental protect against MK-801-induced neuronal necrosis in the posterior cingulate/retrosplenial cortex.

Abstract N -Methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) antagonists act by an anti-excitotoxic action to provide neuroprotection against acute brain injury, but these agents can also cause toxic effects. In low doses they induce reversible neuronal injury, but in higher doses they cause irreversible degeneration of cerebrocortical neurons. GABAmimetic drugs protect against the reversible neurotoxic changes in rat brain. Here we show that two GABAmimetic anesthetic agents — propofol and sodium thiopental — protect against the irreversible neurodegenerative reaction induced by the powerful NMDA antagonist, MK-801.
On the number of spikes over finite fields

For an integer n>=3, a rank-n matroid is called an n-spike if it consists of n three-point lines through a common point such that, for all k in {1,2,...,n-1}, the union of every set of k of these lines has rank k+1. It is well known that there is a unique binary n-spike for each integer n>=3. In this paper, we first prove that, for each integer n>=3, there are exactly two distinct ternary n-spikes, and there are exactly @?(n^2+6n+24)/[email protected]? quaternary n-spikes. Then we prove that, for each integer n>=4, there are exactly [email protected]?n/[email protected]? quinternary n-spikes and, for each integer n>=18, the number of n-spikes representable over GF(7) is @?(2n^2+6n+6)/[email protected]?. Finally, for each q>7, we find the asymptotic value of the number of distinct rank-n spikes that are representable over GF(q).
Blackpool's seaside heritage

Blackpool's seaside heritage is a delightful book focused on Britain's seaside resort town of Blackpool. Allen Brodie and Matthew Whitfield draw on the rich heritage of Blackpool, explore contempor...
Optics design for the U.S. SKA technology development project design verification antenna

The U.S. design concept for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) program is based on utilizing a large number of 15 meter dish antennas. The Technology Development Project (TDP) is planning to design and build the first of these antennas to provide a demonstration of the technology and a solid base on which to estimate costs. This paper describes the performance of the selected optics design. It is a dual-shaped offset Gregorian design with a feed indexer that can accommodate corrugated horns, wide band single pixel feeds or phased array feeds.
Minimally invasive thoracoscopic ultrasound for localization of pulmonary nodules in children

Abstract Purpose Children with cancer may develop lesions in the lung that may represent metastatic disease. Thoracotomy is considered the standard approach for resection of pulmonary nodules. Recently, thoracoscopic techniques have been applied in these situations. However, nodules that are deep in the lung parenchyma may not be visible. A technique has been developed whereby minimally invasive thoracoscopic ultrasound (MITUS) may be used to guide resection of deep pulmonary nodules. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of children undergoing MITUS at our institution. Only patients with single isolated lesions were chosen to have this diagnostic procedure performed. Patients undergo single lung ventilation. Two 5-mm ports are inserted, one for the grasper and the other for the camera. One 12-mm port is inserted for the flexible 10-mm ultrasound probe and the endoscopic stapler. The patient has CO 2 insufflation to create a 5-mm Hg pneumothorax. Twenty mL/kg of normal saline is introduced into the chest cavity for acoustic coupling. The ultrasound probe is used to isolate the nodule(s), guide resection, and check margins. The specimen is removed and placed in a removable specimen bag to reduce the chance of port site recurrence. After the lung has been inspected, irrigation is removed, and a chest tube inserted. Results Eight procedures were performed on 7 patients (5 males, 2 females) with a median age of 15.2 years (range, 4-18 years). Patients had primary diagnoses of osteosarcoma (n = 4), Wilms' (n = 2), and lymphoma (n = 1). The median size of the lesions that were being isolated was 0.6 cm (range, 0.3-2.9 cm). None of the nodules removed were visible on the surface of the lung. Of the 8 procedures, 7 led to the removal of a pulmonary nodule. Of the 7 nodules isolated, 5 were removed thoracoscopically, with two requiring minithoracotomy because of anatomical limitations. The histologic evaluation on these specimens included osteosarcoma (n = 4), abscesses (n = 2), fibrosis (n = 1), and lymph node (n = 1). The median hospitalization was 2.5 days (range, 2-39 days). One patient had a prolonged hospitalization because of air leak and sepsis. Conclusion Minimally invasive thoracoscopic ultrasound is a real time imaging tool that helps isolate small pulmonary lesions that may otherwise be difficult to see intraoperatively. We would advocate this technique for those patients having video-assisted thoracoscopy to assist clarifying whether focal lesions are malignant, thereby guiding therapy.
Alternative cost-effective applications of power factor correction

Alternative cost-effective methods of applying power factor (PF) correction capacitors are discussed based on actual installations in service for up to ten years. Specific applications and test results from actual installations are presented. The purpose of these application techniques is to utilize existing electrical distribution equipment in the installation of very large values of power factor correction capacitors. It is concluded that PF capacitors can be installed at motor control centers or at the motors, thus providing maximum benefits from reduced reactive current, lower system losses, release of system transformer capacity, and minimum switching transients. Expenses associated with providing numerous traditionally sized PF capacitors, additional disconnects, and/or the installation of large and more costly automatic PF capacitor packages are minimized or eliminated. Paybacks of less than one year can be expected. >
Ability to generate mental images in students of art

To evaluate the ability to generate mental images and its relations to artistic training, 44 undergraduates were presented with a list of selected fragments from 40 characters in the Roman alphabet. Subjects provided those letters suggested by the fragments for as many items as possible within a 90-second interval. It was hypothesized that students who had received college training in studio art would be able to produce a greater number of candidate images than students not trained in art, resulting in more correct answers and higher scores. Results confirmed the hypothesis. Trained subjects completed significantly more of the letters on the image-generation task than did those not trained in art (p=.0001). This suggests that superior ability to generate images is associated with artistic training. Further, these results imply that, to the degree to which artistic training reflects ability, image generation may also be related to artistic ability.
Collisional Dynamics of Perturbed Planetary Rings. I.

Local simulations of the outer edge of the Encke gap are presented that use particles of approximately the proper size and optical depth but ignore self-gravity. These simulations clearly show the formation and damping of wakes caused by the moonlet Pan. In this paper we focus primarily on shear reversal and the values of the pressure tensor in this system. We observe angular momentum luminosity reversal in the simulations, lending support to the prediction that this process could be responsible for the sharp edges seen at the Encke gap. We also find evidence for vertical splashing of particles out of the ring plane at the wake peaks. This vertical splashing violates assumptions made in many analytic treatments of this region but does not appear to invalidate the main conclusions drawn from those models. In addition, we find that the maximum amplitude of the wakes is limited by localized displacements of the particles' semimajor axes near the wake peaks.
Recent advances in nanostructured chemosensors and biosensors

Over the past few decades the fabrication of nanoscale materials for use in chemical sensing, biomedical and biological analyses has proven a promising avenue. Nanomaterials show promise in such chemical and biological analysis mainly due to their highly tunable size- and shape-dependent chemical and physical properties. Furthermore, they exhibit unique surface chemistry, thermal stability, high surface area and large pore volume per unit mass that can be exploited for sensor fabrication. This review will discuss the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials necessary for use as chemosensors and biosensors. It will also highlight some noteworthy recent avenues using nanoscale materials as scaffolds for chemosensing and biosensing. Nanomaterials that have proven to be useful for the fabrication of sensors, as reviewed herein, have compositions including metals, metal oxides, chalcogenides and polymers. Their structures range from nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanowires to nanoporous and core-shells. Examples of the different types of structures and compositions as well as sensors and biosensors fabricated from them will be described. Some nanomaterials are functionalized with various kinds of ligands and bioactive groups to produce sensitive and selective sensors for specific analytes. The combination of two or more types of nanostructures with core-shell type nanoassemblies and other composite structures, in addition to advantageous features enhancing sensitivity and response time of related sensors, are also discussed.
Problems in the Measurement of Tissue Respiration with the Oxygen Electrode

Tissue respiration measurement with membrane- covered oxygen electrode, discussing effects of electrode deterioration and diffusion artifacts on accuracy
Periodic Motions of the Machine Tools in Cutting Process

In this paper, a two-degree of freedom dynamical system with discontinuity is developed to describe the vibration in the cutting process. The analytical solutions for the switchability of motion on the discontinuous boundary are presented. the switching sets based on the discontinuous boundary is introduced and the basic mappings are introduced to investigate periodic motion in such a mechanical model. The mapping structures for the stick and non-stick motions are discussed. Numerical predictions of motions of the machine tool in the cutting process are presented through the two-degree of freedom system with discontinuity. The phase trajectory and velocity and force responses are presented and the switchability of motion on the discontinuous boundary is illustrated through force distribution and force product on the boundary.© 2007 ASME
Recruiting woes have scary IT consequences

The author considers how Internet related jobs are taking good IT people away from less glamorous but mission-critical IT projects, leaving corporations at risk. The author discusses a programmer recruitment case study.
Conservation of resources and coping self-efficacy predicting distress following a natural disaster: A causal model analysis where the environment meets the mind

Abstract Disaster research has increasingly examined how personal characteristics mediate emotional recovery following disaster exposure. We investigated the importance of lost resources, coping self-efficacy, and coping behavior as important variables in acute disaster reaction and medium range disaster recovery following Hurricane Andrew. One hundred and eighty participants living in southern Dade county completed the initial phase of the study (1–4 months post-hurricane), with 135 individuals completing the second wave (8–12 months post-hurricane). Results confirmed that lost resources, coping self-efficacy, and coping behavior are important in understanding psychological reactivity following a natural disaster. These variables together provided the best fitted causal model for describing psychological reactions to the hurricane over time. Results are discussed in relation to how coping self-efficacy may serve as an important intra-personal factor that mediates how lost resources are managed and how ef...
A free-volume model for the rheology of undercooled Zr41.25Ti13.75Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 liquid

Abstract A self-consistent model based on creation and annihilation of free volume during steady flow is presented. The model successfully simulates the experimental shear-rate dependent viscosity of undercooled Zr 41.25 Ti 13.75 Cu 12.5 Ni 10 Be 22.5 liquid. The model solution is well approximated by an analytic function, which appears identical to the Johnson–Segalman formulation for viscoelastic fluids.
Radioguidance for nonpalpable primary lesions and sentinel lymph node(s).

Abstract Background: Radioguided surgery can also be used for the simultaneous guidance to a nonpalpable primary tumor and sentinel lymph nodes. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospective database. The surgeon used a gamma probe for guidance to an iodine-125 labeled titanium seed at the primary lesion and technetium-99 labeled sulfur colloid at the sentinel lymph node. Results: Forty-three patients with nonpalpable breast carcinoma underwent dual isotope radioguided surgery. The radioactive seed and primary lesion were retrieved in the first excision in all 44 patients (100%). Eleven patients (25%) had pathologically involved margins. Sentinel lymph node mapping was successful in 42 patients (98%). A mean of 2.4 sentinel nodes were excised and metastatic carcinoma was present in four patients (10%). Conclusions: Dual isotopes can be effectively used in breast cancer patients for simultaneous radioguidance to both a nonpalpable primary lesion and sentinel lymph node and allows for improved logistics.
Shell and exchange charge models of interatomic interactions in solids

Abstract Recently shell models and exchange charge models of interatomic forces in ionic and covalent crystals have been used to understand features of these crystals which are not explained by the simpler Born model. This review discusses these models and their theoretical foundations along with applications to the theory of dielectric, elastic and lattice vibration phenomena. Various forms of the models which have been proposed are compared.
Summarizing user-generated reviews in digital libraries: a visual clustering approach

In this paper, we describe a visual clustering approach to summarizing user-generated reviews of digital library items and services. The approach consists of the steps of sentence extraction, aspect identification, opinion classification, and review summarization. Our work augments existing work by considering non-standard input and by incorporating clustering and visualization in summarization.
Clerk Maxwell and modern science, C. Domb, ed.

Clerk Maxwell and modern science, C. Domb, ed. — Oxford University Press, New York, N.Y., 1964; 118 pages, illus. $4.00. This is a short, entertaining volume that links the 19th century history of electrical science with some of the latest developments in the field. One hundred years ago, James Clerk Maxwell was Professor of Natural Philosophy at King's College, London. During his tenure he wrote “Physical Lines of Force,” and his greatest paper, “A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field.” The latter paper contains the famous equations of the electromagnetic field, and the substance of the prediction of the electromagnetic theory of light.
Theoretical description of interactions between some tetrapyrroles and cyclodextrin dimers

The influence of spacers with different length (6, 10, or 13 C-atoms) on complex formation between (beta) -cyclodextrin dimers and t-butylphenoxy substituted Zn-phthalocyanine was studied by computer simulations. In complexes with C10-spacer the length of the sensitizer with end groups allowed an insertion in all cases. The dye fitted well into dimers with bent geometry. In the other cases (C6, C13) the length ratio of dimer and sensitizer was inappropriate.
Receipt of post-rape medical care in a national sample of female victims

Background It is important for rape victims to receive medical care to prevent and treat rape-related diseases and injuries, access forensic exams, and connect to needed resources. Few victims seek care, and factors associated with post-rape medical care–seeking are poorly understood. Purpose The current study examined prevalence and factors associated with post-rape medical care–seeking in a national sample of women who reported a most-recent or only incident of forcible rape, and drug- or alcohol-facilitated/incapacitated rape when they were aged ≥14 years. Methods A national sample of U.S. adult women (N=3001) completed structured telephone interviews in 2006, and data for this study were analyzed in 2011. Logistic regression analyses examined demographic variables, health, rape characteristics, and post-rape concerns in relation to post-rape medical care–seeking among 445 female rape victims. Results A minority of rape victims (21%) sought post-rape medical attention following the incident. In the final multivariate model, correlates of medical care included black race, rape-related injury, concerns about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy concerns, and reporting the incident to police. Conclusions Women who experience rapes consistent with stereotypic scenarios, acknowledge the rape, report the rape, and harbor health concerns appear to be more likely to seek post-rape medical services. Education is needed to increase rape acknowledgment, awareness of post-rape services that do not require formal reporting, and recognition of the need to treat rape-related health problems.
Deep wet etching on fused silica material for fiber optic sensors

In this paper, deep microstructures on fused silica material, which are useful for fabrication of the fiber optic sensors, were obtained by using a wet chemical etching process. The etching solutions and the masking materials used for developing deep structure are described in this paper. The etch rate of a fused silica diaphragm in room temperature ranged from 46nm per minute to 83nm per minute with different concentrations of Buffered Hydrogen Fluoride (BHF). The etch depth of one step etching was 25μm with the surface roughness less than 20nm (peak-to-peak value). The optical reflectance from the deep etched surface was 4%, which is the same as a well-cleaved fiber end face. This result made the visibility of interference fringes from the single mode fiber optic sensors to be as high as 96%. Furthermore, two-step structures on the fused silica diaphragms with the total depth greater than 35μm are demonstrated. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the deepest structure produced by wet etching process on fused silica material. Fiber optic pressure sensors based on deep etched diaphragms were fabricated and tested. Fabrication of microstructures on the fiber end faces by using this process is therefore possible.
Presynaptic silencing is an endogenous neuroprotectant during excitotoxic insults

Glutamate release is a root cause of acute and delayed neuronal damage in response to hypoxic/ischemic insults. Nevertheless, therapeutics that target the postsynaptic compartment have been disappointing clinically. Here we explored whether presynaptic silencing (muting) of glutamatergic terminals is sufficient to reduce excitotoxic damage resulting from hypoxia and oxygen/glucose deprivation. Our evidence suggests that strong depolarization, previously shown to mute glutamate synapses, protects neurons by a presynaptic mechanism that is sensitive to inhibition of the proteasome. Postsynaptic Ca2+ rises in response to glutamate application and toxicity in response to exogenous glutamate treatment were unaffected by depolarization preconditioning. These features strongly suggest that reduced glutamate release explains preconditioning protection. We addressed whether hypoxic depolarization itself induces presynaptic silencing, thereby participating in the damage threshold for hypoxic insult. Indeed, we found that the hypoxic insult increased the percentage of mute glutamate synapses in a proteasome-dependent manner. Furthermore, proteasome inhibition exacerbated neuronal loss to mild hypoxia and prevented hypoxia-induced muting. In total our results suggest that presynaptic silencing is an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism that could be exploited to reduce damage from insults involving excess synaptic glutamate release.
Topology of Human Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter Expressed in E. Coli

The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) is an important membrane protein involved in the absorption of folates in humans. Folic acid is considered a vitamin that plays important roles in crucial one carbon transfer reactions. Folates are especially important for processes where DNA synthesis is involved, as for example fetal development and cancer. Humans cannot synthesize folates and therefore, absorption from the diet is the only source. Point mutations in PCFT manifest in form of Hereditary Folate Malabsorption Syndrome (HFM). PCFT is also involved in cancer treatment by providing the uptake pathway for antifolate anticancer agents. So far very limited information is available about PCFT's structure and function. To obtain large quantities of human PCFT for structural studies, we have generated a PCFT construct that expresses well in membranes of E. coli. To ascertain correct folding of PCFT after over-expression in E. coli, we carried out a detailed topological study using the substituted Cysteine accessibility method (SCAM), comparing the accessibility of engineered single-Cys in PCFT expressed in E. coli vs. PCFT expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Correctly folded PCFT produced in E. coli will be a potent tool for further structural and mechanistic studies of folate translocation by PCFT that will aid in the development and optimization of therapies against HFM and cancer.
Recent Applications of the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model to Synoptic, Mesoscale, and Climate Studies

Abstract This paper summarizes recent studies of a variety of atmospheric phenomena in different parts of the world using the Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model. These phenomena include explosive cyclogenesis over the North Pacific and North Atlantic swans, cyclogenesis over Europe and associated ozone transport during the ALPEX experiment, heavy rainfall and flash flood events over Pennsylvania and China, “Plateau” and “Southwest” vortices over China, severe storms over the United States, mesoscale convective complexes, elevated mixed layers and “lids,” an Australian Southerly Busier, low-level damming of cold air to the cast of the United States Appalachian Mountains in winter, urban heat Island effects, and regional acid deposition. This paper also reviews Observing System Simulation experiment (OSSEs), several sensitivity studies, the nesting of the mesoscale model in a global climate model for regional climate studies, and some recent real-time forecasting studies conducted by The Pennsylvania State Uni...
Biobehavioral Intervention for Cancer Stress: Conceptualization, Components, and Intervention Strategies

Abstract Trials testing the efficacy of psychological interventions for cancer patients had their beginnings in the 1970s. Since then, hundreds of trials have found interventions to be generally efficacious. In this article, we describe an intervention grounded in a conceptual model that includes psychological, behavioral, and biological components. It is from this biobehavioral view that an intervention was developed and tested among newly diagnosed cancer patients. It was found efficacious for biobehavioral outcomes, health, and disease endpoints. Here we provide investigators and clinicians with an elaborated description of the components and strategies to aid in replication and dissemination.
Cloning, sequencing and functional expression of a novel human thioredoxin reductase

The DNA sequence encoding a novel human thioredoxin reductase has been determined. The protein is predicted to have 524 amino acids including a conserved -Cys-Val-Asn-Val-Gly-Cys catalytic site and a selenocysteine containing C-terminal -Gly-Cys-SeCys-Gly. The predicted molecular mass is 56.5. The newly identified TR sequence exhibits 54% identity to a previously reported human thioredoxin reductase and 37% identity to human glutathione reductase. Transient transfection of human embryonal kidney cells results in a 5-fold increase in thioredoxin reductase activity but no increase in glutathione reductase activity.
Cloning and Expression of Human Deoxyhypusine Synthase cDNA STRUCTURE-FUNCTION STUDIES WITH THE RECOMBINANT ENZYME AND MUTANT PROTEINS

Deoxyhypusine synthase catalyzes the first step in the post-translational formation of hypusine (N∈-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine). cDNA clones encoding deoxyhypusine synthase were isolated from a human HeLa cell library. Full-length cDNA clones encoding a 369-amino acid protein (calculated molecular mass of 40,970 Da) and a shorter cDNA clone that would potentially encode a protein with an internal deletion of 56 amino acids (Asp262-Ser317) were isolated. The deduced amino acid sequence of the human enzyme shows a high degree of identity to that of yeast deoxyhypusine synthase and to the known sequences of tryptic peptides from the rat and Neurospora crassa enzymes. The recombinant enzyme formed upon expression in Escherichia coli effectively catalyzed deoxyhypusine synthesis. Variant human recombinant proteins with (i) a truncation of 48 or 97 NH2-terminal amino acids, (ii) a truncation of 39 COOH-terminal amino acids, or (iii) an internal deletion (Asp262-Ser317) were inactive. A chimeric protein consisting of the complete human sequence and 16 amino acids of the yeast sequence (Gln197-Asn212, not present in the human enzyme) inserted between Glu193 and Gln194 exhibited moderate activity.
Disordered pathways of fibrin turnover in lung lavage of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Premature infants who have self-limited respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) rapidly improve, whereas infants with a complicated respiratory course are more likely to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disorder that is the result of prolonged lung injury and impaired healing. The balance of competing activities of coagulation and fibrinolysis may contribute to the premature lung's response to acute injury and determine, in part, whether there is early resolution or protracted alveolar inflammation. To determine the relative activities of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways in neonatal lung injury, procoagulant (PC) and plasminogen activator (PA) activities were measured in undiluted cell-free lung lavage samples obtained serially over the first 28 days of life from 11 infants with self-limited RDS, 11 infants with evolving BPD, and 5 mechanically ventilated control infants without lung disease. Lung lavage from all three groups contained readily detectable procoagulant activity ...
Self-deceptive enhancement and family environment: possible protective factors against internalization of the thin ideal.

We examined the degree to which self-deceptive enhancement and/or family environment moderated the relationship between awareness and internalization of sociocultural appearance standards. We admin...
An expert system for the design of post-tensioned flat plates

Abstract This paper describes an expert system for the structural design of post-tensioned concrete flat plates. A brief review of prestressed concrete theory and design procedures for two-way slab systems is presented, and the expert system shell is described. The shell used to develop the expert system is one designed for business applications, and the objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using it for engineering design applications. As an illustrative example, the program is used to design a four-bay by three-bay floor system.
The effect of load stepdown on fatigue crack arrest and retardation

Abstract The effect of a decrease in stress range on fatigue crack propagation behaviour in mild steel plate is investigated. The delay period between the arrest of a Stage II crack and its re-propagation is found to be a function of load stepdown ratio and specimen thickness. The length over which crack retardation is observed is related to the platic zone size associated with the initial high stress level. Non-propagating cracks occur when the ratio of the stepdown stress intensity range is approximately 0.6 times the initial stress intensity range, for the thicknesses tested.
IEEE1394 and entropy reduction techniques as applied to remote sensing spacecraft communication systems

This paper describes work being done at Raytheon-Santa Barbara Remote Sensing (SBRS) in the area of entropy reduction of remote sensing data on the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument. The VIIRS instrument will produce the largest amount of data on the NPOESS satellite platform, and thus has the greatest impact on data rate. The VIIRS instrument produces 22 bands of radiometric and imaging data, which must be transmitted to the spacecraft without loss of data integrity. VIIRS uses an implementation of the RICE algorithm, along with spectral subtraction and data trimming that are described in this paper, to provide lossless data compression. This paper will also describe a simulation that predicted the data reduction performance and the resulting sensor data rates when VIIRS observes the earth from orbit. This paper will also describe the VIIRS implementation of the Fault Tolerant 1394 data network that utilizes the 1394 ASIC chipset developed by the NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO) and Northrop Grumman Space and Technology (NGST). This high-speed network will facilitate the reliable transmission of large amounts of compressed and uncompressed science and telemetry data from the VIIRS instrument to the NPOESS spacecraft.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Non-linear saturation of the dissipative trapped-ion mode by mode coupling

The non-linear saturation of the dissipative trapped-ion mode is analysed. The basic mechanism considered is the process whereby energy in long-wavelength unstable modes is non-linearly coupled via × convection to shortwavelength modes stabilized by Landau damping due to both circulating and trapped ions. In the usual limit of the mode frequency being small relative to the effective electron collision frequency, a one-dimensional non-linear partial differential equation for the potential can be derived, as was first shown by LaQuey, Mahajan, Tang, and Rutherford. The stability and accessibility of the possible equilibria for this equation are examined in detail, both analytically and numerically. The equilibrium emphasized by LaQuey et al. is shown to be unstable. However, a class of non-linear saturated states which are stable to linear perturbations is found. Included in the analysis are the effects of both ion collisions and dispersion due to finite-ion-banana-width effects. Cross-field transport is estimated and the scaling of the results is considered for tokamak parameters (specifically those for the Princeton Large Torus). It is concluded that the anomalous cross-field transport can be much lower than the estimate of Kadomtsev and Pogutse, for relevant parameters near marginal stability for the linear modes.
Regression based multi-tier resource provisioning for session slowdown guarantees

Autonomous management of a multi-tier Internet service involves two critical and challenging tasks, one understanding its dynamic behavior when subjected to dynamic workload and second adaptive management of its resources to achieve performance guarantees. In this paper, we propose a statistical machine learning based approach to achieve session slowdown guarantees of a multi-tier Internet service. Session slowdown is the ratio of a session's total queueing delay to its total processing time. It is a compelling performance metric of session-based Internet services because it directly measures user-perceived relative performance. However, there is no analytical model for session slowdown on multi-tier servers. We first conduct training to learn the statistical regression models that quantitatively capture an Internet service's dynamic behavior as relationships between various service parameters. Then, we propose a dynamic resource provisioning approach that utilizes the learned regression models to efficiently achieve session slowdown guarantees under varying workloads. The approach is based on the combination of extensive offline training and online monitoring of the Internet service behavior. Experiments using the industry standard TPC-W benchmark demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the regression based dynamic resource provisioning approach in meeting the session slowdown guarantees of a multi-tier e-commerce application.
Multi-class flow aggregation for iptv program delivery in multicast optical backbone networks

Considering security or subscription issues for IPTV program delivery in optical backbone networks, we propose multi-class IP flow aggregation to guarantee that the secured programs are only received by edge nodes which subscribe to them.
Thermal oxidation of Zr–Cu–Al–Ni amorphous metal thin films

Abstract The initial stages of thermal oxidation for Zr–Cu–Al–Ni amorphous metal thin films were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The as-deposited films had oxygen incorporated during sputter deposition, which helped to stabilize the amorphous phase. After annealing in air at 300 °C for short times (5 min) this oxygen was found to segregate to the surface or buried interface. Annealing at 300 °C for longer times leads to significant composition variation in both vertical and lateral directions, and formation of a surface oxide layer that consists primarily of Zr and Al oxides. Surface oxide formation was initially limited by back-diffusion of Cu and Ni ( 30 min). The oxidation properties are largely consistent with previous observations of Zr–Cu–Al–Ni metallic glasses, however some discrepancies were observed which could be explained by the unique sample geometry of the amorphous metal thin films.
Optofluidic Intracavity Spectroscopic Characterization of Standard Microparticles

Effective index model calculations of transmission spectra for sphere loaded Fabry-Perot cavities indicate that smaller spheres have larger transverse mode spacing than larger spheres. This agrees with experimental optofluidic intracavity spectroscopy (OFIS) results.
Birds and mammals of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in south-west Sumatra is one of the largest protected areas in Sumatra and thus of considerable importance to the conservation of biodiversity in Indonesia. Until recently, little was known of the wildlife in the park. The authors' surveys document the presence of an intact community of the birds and mammals known to occur in lowland Sumatran rain forests. While hunting and collection of forest products threaten a number of plant and animal species in the park, the primary threat to the park's integrity is from agricultural encroachment and expansion of enclaves beyond their boundaries. The future survival of Bukit Barisan National Park and its wildlife requires that active measures be taken to curb non-sustainable exploitation of plants and wildlife. It will also be necessary to resolve land-use conflicts with communities in, and adjacent to, the park.
Role of anxiety sensitivity subfactors in suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history

BackgroundAnxiety along with anxiety-related risk factors has been increasingly implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. One such risk factor, anxiety sensitivity (AS), refers to fear of anxiety-related sensations. Subfactors of AS, notably physical and cognitive concerns, seem to be re
Transformative Paradigm Mixed Methods and Social Justice

The intersection of mixed methods and social justice has implications for the role of the researcher and choices of specific paradigmatic perspectives. The transformative paradigm with its associat...
Prolonged outbreak of giardiasis with two modes of transmission.

Large outbreaks of giardiasis caused by person-to-person transmission, or a combination of transmission routes, have not previously been reported. A large, prolonged giardiasis outbreak affected families belonging to a country club in a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts, during June–December 2003. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the source of this outbreak. Giardiasis-compatible illness was experienced by 149 (25%) respondents to a questionnaire, and was laboratory confirmed in 97 (65%) of these cases. Of the 30 primary cases, exposure to the children's pool at the country club was significantly associated with illness (risk ratio 3·3, 95% confidence interval 1·7–6·5). In addition, 105 secondary cases probably resulted from person-to-person spread; 14 cases did not report an onset date. This outbreak illustrates the potential for Giardia to spread through multiple modes of transmission, with a common-source outbreak caused by exposure to a contaminated water source resulting in subsequent prolonged propagation through person-to-person transmission in the community. This capacity for a common-source outbreak to continue propagation through secondary person-to-person spread has been reported with Shigella and Cryptosporidium and may also be a feature of other enteric pathogens having low infectious doses.
Attrition of Virus-Specific Memory CD8+ T Cells During Reconstitution of Lymphopenic Environments

Viruses can cause a severe lymphopenia early in infection and a subsequent, lasting loss of pre-existing CD8+ memory T cells. We therefore questioned how well virus Ag-specific memory CD8+ T cells could reconstitute mice rendered lymphopenic as a consequence of genetics, irradiation, or viral or poly(I:C)-induced cytokines. In each case, reconstitution of the CD8+ compartment was associated with limited division of virus-specific memory T cells and a reduction in their proportion. This indicates that foreign Ag-experienced CD44highCD8+ memory T cells may respond differently to homeostatic signals than other CD44highCD8+ cells, and that events inducing lymphopenia may lead to a permanent reduction in T cell memory.
Evaluation of a new technique for bedside percutaneous tracheostomy

Abstract Background: Percutaneous tracheostomy as described by Ciaglia is accepted as a safe technique with minimal associated morbidity. Recent modification of the technique to a single-step dilator prompted us to evaluate this in the critically injured patient. Methods: A comparison of patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy was performed. From May 1998 to May 1999, patients underwent surgery using the sequential multidilator technique (MDT), and from July 1999 to July 2000, patients underwent surgery using the single dilation technique (SDT). Results: Ninety-three tracheostomies were performed, 49 MDT and 44 SDT. Time to tracheostomy and total ventilator days was similar between the groups. Three complications occurred. In the MDT group, 1 patient experienced delayed tracheal hemorrhage not requiring transfusion. In the SDT group, 1 patient had transient right lower lobe collapse, and another patient had unexplained extubation requiring emergent cricothyroidotomy. Conclusions: Percutaneous tracheostomy using the single-step Rhino dilator technique is technically easier than the currently accepted multidilator technique with equivalent complications.