cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A catch and release program for single-stranded DNA

Uncovering the mechanisms by which single-stranded binding proteins both protect and expose single-stranded DNA has important implications for our understanding of DNA replication and repair. A new study serves up a master class in developing a full kinetic model for one such protein, mtSSB, showing how DNA can be reeled in and set free to control accessibility.
Authoritative school climate and suspension rates in middle schools: Implications for reducing the racial disparity in school discipline

ABSTRACTThe overuse of school suspensions has been linked to a host of negative outcomes, including racial disparities in discipline. School climate initiatives have shown promise in reducing these disparities. The present study used the Authoritative School Climate Survey—which measures disciplinary structure and student support as key measures of school climate—to investigate an association between teacher and student perceptions of school climate and suspension rates in a statewide sample of middle schools. Regression analyses controlling for school-level poverty and school size found that elements of authoritative climate, particularly structure, distinguish high- and low-suspending schools. Schools with high levels of student- and teacher-reported structure had lower overall suspension rates and a lower gap between Black and White suspension rates. These findings can be used to guide school climate initiatives to reduce racial disparities in school discipline.
Effects of Whey, Soy or Leucine Supplementation with 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue Histological Attributes in College-Aged Males

We sought to determine the effects of L-leucine (LEU) or different protein supplements standardized to LEU (~3.0 g/serving) on changes in body composition, strength, and histological attributes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Seventy-five untrained, college-aged males (mean ± standard error of the mean (SE); age = 21 ± 1 years, body mass = 79.2 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly assigned to an isocaloric, lipid-, and organoleptically-matched maltodextrin placebo (PLA, n = 15), LEU (n = 14), whey protein concentrate (WPC, n = 17), whey protein hydrolysate (WPH, n = 14), or soy protein concentrate (SPC, n = 15) group. Participants performed whole-body resistance training three days per week for 12 weeks while consuming supplements twice daily. Skeletal muscle and subcutaneous (SQ) fat biopsies were obtained at baseline (T1) and ~72 h following the last day of training (T39). Tissue samples were analyzed for changes in type I and II fiber cross sectional area (CSA), non-fiber specific satellite cell count, and SQ adipocyte CSA. On average, all supplement groups including PLA exhibited similar training volumes and experienced statistically similar increases in total body skeletal muscle mass determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry (+2.2 kg; time p = 0.024) and type I and II fiber CSA increases (+394 μm2 and +927 μm2; time p < 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). Notably, all groups reported increasing Calorie intakes ~600–800 kcal/day from T1 to T39 (time p < 0.001), and all groups consumed at least 1.1 g/kg/day of protein at T1 and 1.3 g/kg/day at T39. There was a training, but no supplementation, effect regarding the reduction in SQ adipocyte CSA (−210 μm2; time p = 0.001). Interestingly, satellite cell counts within the WPC (p < 0.05) and WPH (p < 0.05) groups were greater at T39 relative to T1. In summary, LEU or protein supplementation (standardized to LEU content) does not provide added benefit in increasing whole-body skeletal muscle mass or strength above PLA following 3 months of training in previously untrained college-aged males that increase Calorie intakes with resistance training and consume above the recommended daily intake of protein throughout training. However, whey protein supplementation increases skeletal muscle satellite cell number in this population, and this phenomena may promote more favorable training adaptations over more prolonged periods.
Interplay between Ions, the Cytoskeleton, and Cell Wall Properties during Tip Growth.

Tip growth is a specialized type of growth utilized by only a few cell types in the plant kingdom. Nevertheless, these cell types perform vital functions for plants. Pollen tubes are necessary for seed plant reproduction, root hairs are vital for nutrient acquisition, and protonemata comprise the
The Adult with Congenital Heart Disease

The specialty area of the adult with congenital heart disease deals with an ever-changing,ever-growing population. As more and more infants and children survive corrective surgical repairs, caregivers are responsible for an increasingly complex group of patients. In the United States it is estimated that there are between 500,000 to 600,000 adults with congenital heart disease. If one adds to this number the estimated 24,000 to 32,000 infants that are born each year with congenital heart disease and the predicted survival rate to adulthood of 85%, it is easy to see why this subspecialty demands such attention.1
Dextran-methylprednisolone succinate as a prodrug of methylprednisolone: immunosuppressive effects after in vivo administration to rats.

Purpose. To study the immunosuppressive activities of a macromolecular prodrug of methylprednisolone (MP), dextran-methylprednis- olone succinate (DEX-MPS), in rats.
Necessity of law of balance/equilibrium of moment of moments in non-classical continuum theories for fluent continua

In the non-classical theories for fluent continua, the presence of internal rotation rates and their gradients arising due to the velocity gradient tensor necessitate existence of moment tensor. The Cauchy moment tensor acting on the faces of the deformed tetrahedron (derived using Cauchy principle) and the gradients of the rates of total rotations are a rate of work conjugate pair in addition to the rate of work conjugate Cauchy stress tensor and rate of strain tensor. It is well established that in such non-classical continuum theories the Cauchy stress tensor is non-symmetric and the antisymmetric components of the Cauchy stress tensor are balanced by the gradients of the Cauchy moment tensor, balance of angular momenta balance law. In the non-classical continuum theories incorporating internal rotation rates and conjugate Cauchy moment tensor that are absent in classical continuum theories, the fundamental question is “are the conservation and balance laws used in classical continuum mechanics sufficient to ensure dynamic equilibrium of the deforming volume of matter?" If one only considers conservation and balance laws used in classical continuum theories, then the Cauchy moment tensor is non-symmetric. Thus, requiring constitutive theories for the symmetric as well as non-symmetric Cauchy moment tensors. The work presented in this paper shows that when the thermodynamically consistent constitutive theories are used for the symmetric as well as antisymmetric Cauchy moment tensors, non-physical and spurious solutions result even in simple flows. This suggests that perhaps the additional conjugate tensors resulting due to the presence of internal rotation rates, namely the Cauchy moment tensor and the antisymmetric part of Cauchy stress tensor, must obey some additional law or restriction so that the spurious behavior is precluded. The paper demonstrates that in the non-classical theory with internal rotation rates considered here the balance of moment of moments balance law and the equilibrium of moment of moments are in fact identical. When this balance law is considered, the Cauchy moment tensor becomes symmetric, hence eliminating the constitutive theory for the antisymmetric Cauchy moment tensor and thereby eliminating spurious and non-physical solutions. The necessity of this balance/equilibrium law is established theoretically, its derivation is presented using rate considerations, and its necessity is also demonstrated by a model problem using thermoviscous incompressible fluid as an example. The findings reported in this paper hold for all fluent continua, compressible as well as incompressible.
Sexual conflict and sexually dimorphic cognition—reviewing their relationship in poeciliid fishes

Sexual conflict, the difference in preferred mating rates between the sexes, often leads to sexually dimorphic morphologies, strategies, and behaviors. We are now beginning to realize that this pervasive evolutionary process has implications for variation in cognition as well. Here, I review the evidence for this in poeciliid fishes with a focus on taxa that exhibit high levels of sexual conflict (Gambusia affinis, G. holbrooki, Poecilia reticulata) as well as taxa that represent a more moderate level of sexual conflict (Xiphophorus nigrensis). Sexually dimorphic behaviors emerge across poeciliids in predictable directions consistent with sexual conflict and associated with sex-specific variation in cognition. For instance, poeciliid females have evolved a suite of behaviors that reduce male harassment, including greater shoaling tendencies and risk sensitivities than males. Meanwhile, cognitive styles and cognitive-behavioral profiles diverge between the sexes in ways that highlight these behavioral differences likely born from conflict. Male and female G. affinis have opposing relationships between exploratory tendencies and learning, and they also exhibit distinct behavioral predictors (sociability, activity, anxiety, and exploratory behaviors) for individual learning performance. Artificial selection studies suggest that increases in sexual conflict lead to a demand in cognitive processes; and neurogenomic studies reveal that specific brain regions and molecular pathways underlying high and low sexual conflict interactions may differ. While the current body of evidence is still nascent in many respects, I will highlight areas of research in which further investigation with poeciliid fishes can provide insight into the intertwined relationship between sexual conflict and cognition. Rarely does one consider the benefits of conflict. However, when it comes to sexual conflict, one of the potential benefits it may bring is advances in cognition. I use the poeciliid fishes to showcase this idea as they are both a model for sexual conflict and an experimentally tractable system to test for cognitive variation. I review the current evidence across poeciliid fishes that sexual conflict drives behavioral changes, physiological investment in brain size, and neuromolecular responses within the brain. Furthermore, I examine sexually dimorphic relationships between learning performance and behavioral traits. While all the data reported in this review come from poeciliid fishes, the evolutionarily conserved nature of the decision-making network across vertebrate brains suggests the reported patterns may have relevance to a diversity of vertebrates (including humans) that experience high degrees of sexual conflict.
Valence band features affecting carrier transport in III-V superlattice nBn detectors (Conference Presentation)

Valence band features affecting carrier transport in III-V superlattice nBn detectors. David R. Rhiger and Edward P. Smith, Raytheon Vision Systems. We have investigated non-ideal features occurring in the valence band profile of nBn detectors which affect the transport of minority-carrier holes representing the IR signal. The objectives are to reduce dark currents and improve quantum efficiency. The nBn device consists of an n-type absorber several microns thick, plus a very thin electron barrier B and a thin n-type collector (top contact region). In this investigation, the absorber and collector were built with the InAs/InAsSb superlattice. For normal operation, holes generated by photons in the absorber must flow to the collector. Current is promoted by a combination of diffusion and electric field drift. However, in some cases the transport of holes is limited by (1) absorber-barrier valence band misalignment, (2) bandgap difference between collector and absorber, or (3) possible localization sites in the absorber due to compositional fluctuations. These characteristics, when combined with the known limitations of hole diffusion length, can adversely affect the quantum efficiency, and require the application of an operating bias that is larger than otherwise necessary. We have been able to identify and measure these valence band features by analyzing device characteristics as a function of temperature, bias voltage, photon flux, and wavelength dependence of the response. Examples will be presented. This work was supported by Dr. Meimei Tidrow of NVESD, Contract Number W15P7T-06-D-E402, Task BD30, Agreement No. S08-092256, Purchase Order P000006939.
BIOCLIMATIC EVALUATION METHOD FOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION

Abstract The importance of translating climatic data on a unified base is discussed. The outline of the comfort zone, relation of winds with high temperatures, air movement on vapor pressure, effect of evaporative cooling, and radiation effect on low temperatures is described. From those climatic variables a Bioclimatic Chart is constructed. There the comfort zone lies in the middle and from its perimeter in scale of their magnitude are indicated the climatic elements which are needed to revive the comfort feeling at other temperatures. By plotting on the bioclimatic chart temperature and relative humidity data at regular intervals one can get a graphical climatic “diagnosis of the region”. From it one can read the needed climatic elements for any time of the year. Their relative importance gives a measure for their use. The usefulness of the method is illustrated by describing its application to architectural |principles, such as shading, orientation and use of materials.
Photovoltaic Technologies Beyond the Horizon: Optical Rectenna Solar Cell, Final Report, 1 August 2001-30 September 2002

ITN Energy Systems is developing next-generation solar cells based on the concepts of an optical rectenna. ITN's optical rectenna consists of two key elements: (1) an optical antenna to efficiently absorb the incident solar radiation, and (2) a high-frequency metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunneling diode that rectifies the AC field across the antenna, providing DC power to an external load. The combination of a rectifying diode at the feedpoints of a receiving antenna is often referred to as a rectenna. Rectennas were originally proposed in the 1960s for power transmission by radio waves for remote powering of aircraft for surveillance or communications platforms. Conversion efficiencies greater than 85% have been demonstrated at radio frequencies (efficiency defined as DC power generated divided by RF power incident on the device). Later, concepts were proposed to extend the rectennas into the IR and optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum for use as energy collection devices (optical rectennas).
Evaluating changes of blood flow in retina, choroid, and outer choroid in rats in response to elevated intraocular pressure by 1300 nm swept-source OCT.

Abstract We report the development of a 1300 nm swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system specifically designed to perform OCT imaging and optical microangiography (OMAG) in rat eyes in vivo and its use in evaluating the effects of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation on ocular circulation. The swept laser is operated in single longitude mode with a 90 nm bandwidth centered at 1300 nm and 200 kHz A-line rate, providing remarkable sensitivity fall-off performance along the imaging depth, a larger field of view of 2.5 × 2.5 mm2 (approximately 35°), and more time-efficient imaging acquisition. The advantage of the SS-OCT/OMAG is highlighted by an increased imaging depth of the entire posterior thickness of optic nerve head (ONH) and its surrounding vascular anatomy, to include, for the first time in vivo, the vasculature at the scleral opening, allowing visualization of the circle of Zinn-Haller and posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs). Furthermore, the capillary-level resolution angiograms achieved at the retinal and choroidal layers over a larger field of view enable a significantly improved quantification of the response of vascular area density (VAD) to elevated IOP. The results indicate that reduction in perfusion of the choroid in response to elevated IOP is delayed compared to that seen in the retina; while choroidal VAD doesn't reach 50% of baseline until ~70 mmHg, the same effect is seen for the retinal VAD at ~60 mmHg. The superior image quality offered by SS-OCT may allow more comprehensive investigation of IOP-related ocular perfusion changes and their pathological roles in glaucomatous optic nerve damage.
Current status and recommendations for imaging in neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and schwannomatosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis (SWN) are three clinically distinct tumor predisposition syndromes with a shared tendency to develop peripheral and central nervous system neoplasms. Disease expression and complications of NF1, NF2, and SWN are highly variable, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to care in order to optimize outcomes. This review will discuss the imaging appearance of NF1, NF2, and SWN and highlight the important role that imaging plays in informing management decisions in people with tumors associated with these syndromes. Recent technological advances, including the role of both whole-body and localized imaging strategies, routine anatomic and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping, and metabolic imaging techniques (MR spectroscopy and positron emission testing) are discussed in the context of the diagnosis and management of people with NF1, NF2, and SWN based on the most up-to-date clinical imaging studies.
Vaccinia virus: a novel approach for molecular engineering of peptide vaccines

One of the more promising new approaches for producing prophylactic vaccines involves the genetic engineering of vaccinia virus (VV) strains to express a single protein, a portion of a protein, or a single epitope from a heterologous pathogen. As an example, the application of this approach to the prevention of streptococcal-related diseases is considered. Experiments are described in which several generations of VV-based recombinant vaccines were constructed that expressed various derivatives of the M protein gene from Streptococcus pyogenes (serotype 6). These recombinants were used to demonstrate the high-level expression, stability, and antigen authenticity of the bacterial proteins expressed in infected tissue culture cells. When tested in a mouse model system, immunization with the VV recombinants expressing specific subdomains of the M protein conferred protection to challenge from both homologous and heterologous serotypes of pathogenic streptococci.
A Case of Serum Sickness-Like Reaction in an Adult Treated with Omalizumab.

Omalizumab has been safely used to treat asthma and urticaria. We report a case of serum sickness-like reaction in a patient treated with omalizumab for chronic idiopathic urticaria/angioedema. An adult female experienced episodic urticaria/angioedema without repeatable trigger, ultimately receiving diagnosis of chronic idiopathic urticaria/angioedema. After initial treatment, attempts with escalating cetirizine and montelukast doses were unsuccessful due to sedation; she began treatment with subcutaneous omalizumab 150 mg monthly. Urticaria frequency partially improved after two injections; therefore, the dose was increased to 300 mg after four treatments. Several days after first 300 mg dose, she reported abdominal cramping, fatigue, fever, lymphadenopathy, and arthralgia. Aside from mild thrombocytosis, inflammatory markers were unremarkable, as were evaluations for infection, autoimmunity, and malignancy. Omalizumab was held with eventual improvement in symptoms, which did not return after discontinuation. Omalizumab is a helpful medication in treating atopic conditions, with at least theoretical risk of immune complex formation and tissue deposition causing serum sickness-like reaction. Although early publications showed very low adverse event rates, there have now been reports of serum sickness-like reactions in children and adults treated for asthma and urticaria. Determining true incidence is difficult, given rarity and non-specific nature. Previous reports described symptoms with initiation of medication, reproducible after reintroduction. While it remains to be determined which factors increase risk for serum sickness-like reaction to omalizumab, our report of an urticaria patient who exhibited symptoms with increasing dose contributes insight into the discussion regarding this adverse effect of an otherwise well-tolerated and important medication.
Waiting and political transitions: anticipating the new Gambia

In early 2016, the Gambia experienced an unexpected political transition when the long-term autocrat Yahya Jammeh left the country and was replaced with a democratically elected president. This art...
Flower boys and muscled men: comparing South Korean and American male body ideals using cultural domain analysis.

Body image disturbance and eating disorders are rising all over the world. However, little is known about experiences of body image in men across cultural groups, and measurement tools often fail t...
Governance Mechanisms and Bond Prices

We investigate the effects of shareholder governance mechanisms on bondholders and document two new findings. First, the impact of shareholder control (proxied by large institutional blockholders) on credit risk depends on takeover vulnerability. Shareholder control is associated with higher (lower) yields if the firm is exposed to (protected from) takeovers. In the presence of shareholder control, the difference in bond yields due to differences in takeover vulnerability can be as high as 66 basis points. Second, event risk covenants reduce the credit risk associated with strong shareholder governance. Therefore, without bond covenants, shareholder governance, and bondholder interests diverge. , Oxford University Press.
RFID Based Tire Classification Algorithm Using Support Vector Machines

Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers record enormous amounts of data from passive tags located throughout the environment. Due to the large data sets RFID readers collect, machine learning approaches can be used to train robust models. This paper develops an RFID based tire classifier using support vector machines (SVMs). The algorithm correctly identifies all tires in a lab environment and simulations show how the algorithm performs with increased path attenuation.
Kinetic Modeling of Amino Acid Production from Ice-Cream Wastewater in Subcritical Conditions

Wastewater derived from ice-cream manufacture contains high concentration of protein, making it a suitable feedstock for hydrolysis. In this study, ice-cream wastewater was hydrolyzed under subcritical conditions (170–230 °C and 40 bars) and different nominal pH (3, 6, and 9) to produce amino acids. The formation and subsequent degradation of amino acids were modeled using a two-consecutive reaction model. Apparent activation energy for the formation and degradation of amino acids varied from 41 to 83 and 33 to 59 kJ/mol, respectively, changing with the nominal pH. The amino acid profile showed 21 amino acids, whose concentration was strongly influenced by the reaction conditions. The maximum concentration of amino acids was found within the first 50 min at 170 °C and nominal pH 3. After 50 min, a mixture of amino acids was obtained mainly made of glutamic acid (20–30%), proline (9–12%), aspartic (3–10%), and leucine (9–12%), showing slight variation with the nominal pH. Subcritical hydrolysis of ice-cream wastewater showed to be an effective alternative to produce amino acids that can be used as platform chemicals.
Self‐management interventions in systemic sclerosis: A systematic review

Systemic sclerosis is a rare and incurable autoimmune disease in which patients are challenged with self-managing their disease. Systematic evaluation of the essential self-management intervention components and self-management outcomes is necessary to assess the state of the science of self-management for patients with systemic sclerosis. As such, the purpose of this systematic review was to identify and describe self-management interventions and their impact on self-management outcomes in adults with systemic sclerosis. Studies were included if they contained a self-management intervention, incorporated at least one self-management outcome identified as a common data element by the National Institute of Nursing Research (i.e., patient activation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, global health), and were conducted in adults with systemic sclerosis. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Embase were searched from the inception of each database to March 2020, yielding a total of 215 studies. Of these reports, 16 met the inclusion criteria for this review. There was notable variability in the types of self-management interventions and their effects on key self-management outcomes. Self-management interventions focused on improving physical function through rehabilitation programs were the most common interventions (n = 7). The poor methodological quality of the studies included in this systematic review, however, limited the synthesis of and recommendations for self-management interventions in adults with systemic sclerosis. Future research in systemic sclerosis should include key self-management outcomes in larger, more rigorously designed studies to allow for comparisons across studies and to advance the science of self-management.
Effect of caprylic acid alone or in combination with peracetic acid against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg on chicken drumsticks in a soft scalding temperature-time setup

ABSTRACT The antimicrobial efficacy of caprylic acid (CA), a medium-chain fatty acid, against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg (MDR SH) on chicken drumsticks in a soft-scalding temperature-time setup was investigated. Based on the standardization experiments in nutrient media and on chicken breast fillet portions, intact chicken drumsticks were spot inoculated with MDR SH and immersed in water with or without antimicrobial treatments at 54°C for 2 min. The treatments included 0.5% CA, 1% CA, 0.05% peracetic acid (PAA), 0.5% CA + 0.05% PAA, and 1.0% CA + 0.05% PAA. Additionally, the efficacy of the potential scald treatments against MDR SH survival on drumsticks for a storage period of 48 h at 4°C was determined. Furthermore, the effect of these treatments on the surface color of the drumsticks was also evaluated. Appropriate controls were included for statistical comparisons. The antimicrobial treatments resulted in a significant reduction of MDR SH on drumsticks. For the lower inoculum (∼2.5 log10 CFU/g) experiments, 0.5% CA, 1% CA, 0.05% PAA, 0.5% CA + 0.05% PAA, and 1.0% CA + 0.05% PAA resulted in 0.7-, 1.0-, 2.5-, 1.4-, and 1.5- log10 CFU/g reduction of MDR SH on drumsticks, respectively (P 0.05). Results indicate that CA could be an effective natural processing aid against MDR SH on chicken products.
Malachite green leuco derivatives as photobase generators for initiating crosslinking and polymerization

Abstract We investigated the pH-changing profile induced by UV irradiation of malachite green leuco derivatives (MG-Xs) and performed polymerization and crosslinking reactions initiated by irradiated MG-Xs. A substituent (X) is covalently linked to the central carbon atom of malachite green, abbreviated as MG-OH or MG-OCH3. MG-Xs undergo photoionization to afford malachite green cations and anions (X-), which act as photobase generators. We found that MG-OCH3 was as effective as MG-OH for photoionization and photo-induced pH jumping. Anionic photo-polymerization of methyl methacrylate was accomplished via irradiation of MG-Xs. Irradiation of MG-Xs triggered the base-promoted crosslinking reaction between pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) and hexamethylene diisocyanate.
Understanding patterns of food insecurity and family well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic using daily surveys.

This paper investigates economic and psychological hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample (61% Latinx; 16% White; 9% Black; 14% mixed/other race) of socioeconomically disadvantaged parents (90% mothers; mean age = 35 years) and their elementary school-aged children (ages 4-11; 49% female) in rural Pennsylvania (N = 272). Families participating in a local food assistance program reported on food insecurity (FI) and parent and child mood and behavior daily from January to May 2020. Longitudinal models revealed that FI, negative parent and child mood, and child misbehavior significantly increased when schools closed; only FI and parent depression later decreased. FI decreased most among those who received the local food assistance program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program receipt uniquely predicted decreases in child FI.
Guiding principles for using satellite-derived maps in rangeland management

On the Ground • Rangeland management has entered a new era with the accessibility and advancement of satellite-derived maps. • Maps provide a comprehensive view of rangelands in space and time, and challenge us to think critically about natural variability. • Here, we advance the practice of using satellite-derived maps with four guiding principles designed to increase end user confidence and thereby accessibility of these data for decision-making.
Growth, Sporulation, and Other Tough Decisions

Many types of bacteria produce dormant spores when faced with nutrient deprivation. The decision to enter the developmental pathway is made when the cell is faced with environmental conditions that are unsuitable for vigorous growth but still possesses the nutritional resources to complete development. During development two significant metabolic events occur. First, carbon limitation forces the cell to reduce the catabolism of organic molecules and redirect the flow of carbon to anabolic pathways. Second, the biosynthetic priority shifts from the synthesis of growth-related macromolecular products, such as chromosomes and ribosomes, to structural components of the spore. The myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus is an aerobic chemoorganotroph that derives carbon, nitrogen, and energy through catabolism of amino acids. Cell elongation and DNA and stable-RNA synthesis cease in SocE-depleted cells. In Escherichia coli, the stringent response helps regulate the growth rate. When E. coli is starved for amino acids, charged tRNA molecules become limiting and ribosomes pause during elongation. The socE and csgA genes are both regulated by RelA but have opposite transcription patterns during the M. xanthus life cycle. A drop of rain or a gust of wind could disperse a population to densities insufficient to complete fruiting body development. If this occurs after A-signaling, then the decision to resume growth would need to be made promptly and in a different manner.
Surface roughness characterization of disks intended for extremely high density recording

For extremely-high-density recording using conventional technologies, the fly-height needs to decrease to less than 10 nm. Under such conditions, surface roughness becomes a critical factor in ensuring reliable operation of HDDs. A detailed surface roughness technique known as the Birmingham-14 set of parameters is used to characterize extremely smooth disks, which includes amplitude, spatial, hybrid, and functional aspects of the disk roughness. Also, the effects of lubricant thickness on roughness is investigated, and lastly two different disks with similar RMS roughness values are compared to determine which roughness parameters may be indicative of disk dynamic performance.
Wemmer, David: Trying to be Versatile Enough for this Versatile Method

A brief retrospective is given by David Wemmer on his career in NMR spectroscopy. Keywords: solid state; solution; proteins; DNA; drug complexes; tritium; hyperpolarized xenon
Neural network-based payload adaptive variable structure control of a flexible manipulator arm

Complexities in controller designs for flexible manipulators, mainly arising from the nonlinear vibrational dynamics, get further compounded when task executions are to be completed in the face of changing payloads. The development of a neural network-based scheme for adaptively implementing a variable structure controller (VSC) to drive a flexible manipulator arm is described in this paper. The controller design is novel and ensures a satisfactory suppression of the tip vibrations while facilitating a rapid hub rotation for executing motions during which payload variations can occur. An efficient integration of the operational strong features of a trained neural network and a VSC is made in the development of the overall control scheme. >
Development and application of a mathematical model to explain fading rate inconsistencies observed in light‐sensitive materials

Light fastness tests conducted on several areas of a light-sensitive material may sometimes show inconsistent fading rates. These different fading behaviours suggest that colorants are not evenly distributed over the substrate surface or may be attributed to texture variations of the material. A mathematical model has been developed to help explain these discrepancies. Micro-fade testing, a relatively novel technique, has allowed microspectroscopic detection of variations in the initial colour parameters of a sample, permitting assessment of its diverging fading rates. The method has been applied to fading data of various light-sensitive materials resulting in more consistent fading patterns. It has been demonstrated that micro-fading curves obtained for the same material are related by a constant value, which is the ratio of adjusted values of time and ΔE*.
Membrane Asymmetry and Expression of Cell Surface Antigens of Micrococcus lysodeikticus Established by Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of Triton X-100-solubilized plasma membranes of Micrococcus lysodeikticus established the presence of 27 discrete antigens. Individual antigens were identified as membrane components possessing enzyme activity by zymogram staining procedures and by reactivity of certain antigens with a selection of four lectins in the crossed-immunoelectrophoresis (immunoaffinoelectrophoresis) system. Absorption experiments with intact, stable protoplasts and isolated membranes established the asymmetric nature of the M. lysodeikticus plasma membranes. Of the 14 antigens with determinants accessible solely on the cytoplasmic face of the membrane, four possessed individual dehydrogenase activities, and a fifth was identifiable as a component possessing adenosine triphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity. Evidence from absorption studies with isolated membranes suggested that antigens such as the adenosine triphosphatase complex were more readily accessible to reaction with antibodies than was succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1), for example. Twelve antigens were located on the protoplast surface as determined by antibody absorption, and the succinylated lipomannan was identified as a major antigen. At least five other antigens possessed sugar residues that interacted with concanavalin A. With the antisera generated to isolated membranes, there was no evidence suggesting that any of these antigens was not detectable on either surface of the plasma membrane. From absorption experiments with washed, whole cells of M. lysodeikticus, it was concluded that the immunogens on the protoplast surface were also detectable on the surface of the intact cell. However, some of the components such as the succinylated lipomannan appeared to be exposed to a greater extent than others. The cytoplasmic fraction from M. lysodeikticus was used as an antigen source to generate antibodies, and 97 immunoprecipitates were resolvable by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. In the cytoplasm-anticytoplasm reference immunoelectrophoresis pattern of precipitates, three of the immunoprecipitates unique to the cytoplasmic fraction were identifiable by zymogram staining procedures as catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42), and polynucleotide phosphorylase (EC 2.3.7.8). The identification of membrane and cytoplasmic antigens (including the above-mentioned enzymes) provides a sensitive analytical system for monitoring cross-contamination and antigen distribution in cellular fractions.
Plasma volume findings in pregnant women with mild hypertension: Therapeutic considerations

Abstract The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the clinical significance of plasma volume changes in pregnant women with mild hypertensive disease. With the Evans blue dye-dilution technique, we serially measured plasma volume in 51 patients with mild-to-moderate chronic hypertension. Eleven patients were receiving diuretics at the time of entry into the study. Initial plasma volume was markedly reduced in this diuretic subgroup. Subsequent to discontinuance of the medication, the volume expanded to the same level as that in the nondiuretic group. Only two patients required other antihypertensive medications after discontinuance of the diuretics. The other 40 patients received no diuretics during their pregnancy. The mean plasma volume for this group was the same as that for the normotensive control group. These results suggest that diuretic medications are seldom justified in pregnancies complicated by mild chronic hypertension.
Term rewriting induction

An induction method called term rewriting induction is proposed for proving properties of term rewriting systems. It is shown that the Knuth-Bendix completion-based inductive proof procedures construct term rewriting induction proofs. It has been widely held heretofore that these procedures construct proofs by consistency, and cannot be justified as induction methods. Our formulation shows otherwise. Technically, our result goes beyond the earlier ones in that it is independent of the confluence or ground confluence of the rewrite systems involved. This addresses one of the major criticisms of the method raised in recent times.
Bodies of Evidence

Abstract Mysteries employ a combination of imagination, experience, and research for authenticity. This article explores how writers in the genre conduct their research, the role research has played in their books, what effect the research underpinning their work has on readers- and what it might mean for libraries.
Effect of prolactin on sodium iodide symporter expression in mouse mammary gland explants

Iodide accumulates in milk at a concentration that is more than an order of magnitude higher than the iodide concentration in maternal plasma. In earlier studies from our laboratory, we have shown that prolactin (PRL) enhances iodide accumulation by two- to threefold in cultured mammary tissues taken from pregnant mice. In the present studies, we demonstrate via Western blotting techniques that prolactin elevates the quantity of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in cultured mouse mammary tissues. In time-course studies, the onset of the PRL effect of NIS accumulation was found to be between 4 and 16 h after addition of PRL to the explants. The lowest PRL concentration that elicited a significant response was 1 ng/ml, and a maximum effect was elicited with PRL concentrations >100 ng/ml. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and thiocyanate abolished the PRL effect on NIS accumulation, whereas perchlorate was without effect. These studies suggest that the PRL stimulation of iodide accumulation in milk is mediated, at least in part, by the PRL stimulation of NIS accumulation in mammary gland tissues. These studies further demonstrate that the PRL effect on NIS accumulation occurs via an RNA protein synthesis-dependent mechanism.
Chemistry and Applications of Iron–TAML Catalysts in Green Oxidation Processes Based on Hydrogen Peroxide

Iron–tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML) activators have been designed and developed to provide small-molecule mimics, the peroxidase enzymes. Fe–TAML activators are proving to be highly active catalysts that function effectively at very low concentrations from nanomolar to low micromolar. Notably, they are capable of performing many thousands of turnovers per minute under ambient conditions, of functioning over a broad pH range from acidic and most notably for iron catalyst to basic and even to highly basic, of presenting a broad range of selectivities and oxidative aggression determined by the conditions of use and the choice of catalyst over the 14 catalysts presented. The catalysts have fulfilled the design criteria and now provide the basis of platform technology for myriad applications. Published kinetics and mechanistic interpretations are reviewed to illustrate the success of the design protocol. Published applications are briefly described. A highly developed field of use involves the use of Fe–TAML–peroxide for the purification of water of persistent pollutants and hardy pathogens. Keywords: iron–TAML activators; oxidation; homogeneous catalysis; water purification; hydrogen peroxide; green chemistry
Computer-controlled optical scanning tile microscope.

A new type of computer-controlled optical scanning, high-magnification imaging system with a large field of view is described that overcomes the commonly believed incompatibility of achieving both high magnification and a large field of view. The new system incorporates galvanometer scanners, a CCD camera, and a high-brightness LED source for the fast acquisition of a large number of a high-resolution segmented tile images with a magnification of 800× for each tile. The captured segmented tile images are combined to create an effective enlarged view of a target totaling 1.6 mm×1.2 mm in area. The speed and sensitivity of the system make it suitable for high-resolution imaging and monitoring of a small segmented area of 320 µm×240 µm with 4 µm resolution. Each tile segment of the target can be zoomed up without loss of the high resolution. This new microscope imaging system gives both high magnification and a large field of view. This microscope can be utilized in medicine, biology, semiconductor inspection, device analysis, and quality control.
Open Tubular Capillary Electrochromatography Using Etched Fused Silica Tubing Modified with Chemically Bonded Liquid Crystals

Two liquid crystal compounds, cholesterol-10-undeceneoate and 4-cyano-4‘-pentoxybiphenyl, are attached to the inner wall of a fused-silica capillary that has been etched by ammonium hydrogen fluoride. The bonding process involves formation of a hydride layer on the etched surface via a silanization reaction with triethoxysilane followed by attachment of the liquid crystal using a hydrosilation reaction. The etched surface is characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA) and the inner wall after being chemically modified with the liquid crystal is analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The surface properties of these materials are further probed by measuring electroosmotic flow as a function of pH. The performance of the etched chemically modified capillaries as a separation medium is evaluated by electrochromatographic experiments using mixtures of proteins, pyrimidine/purine bases and a nucleoside, benzodiazepines, the synthetic and metabolic compounds of serotonin,...
Equivalent damping and frequency change for linear and nonlinear hybrid vibrational energy harvesting systems

Abstract A unified approximation method is derived to illustrate the effect of electro-mechanical coupling on vibration-based energy harvesting systems caused by variations in damping ratio and excitation frequency of the mechanical subsystem. Vibrational energy harvesters are electro-mechanical systems that generate power from the ambient oscillations. Typically vibration-based energy harvesters employ a mechanical subsystem tuned to resonate with ambient oscillations. The piezoelectric or electromagnetic coupling mechanisms utilized in energy harvesters, transfers some energy from the mechanical subsystem and converts it to an electric energy. Recently the focus of energy harvesting community has shifted toward nonlinear energy harvesters that are less sensitive to the frequency of ambient vibrations. We consider the general class of hybrid energy harvesters that use both piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy harvesting mechanisms. Through using perturbation methods for low amplitude oscillations and numerical integration for large amplitude vibrations we establish a unified approximation method for linear, softly nonlinear, and bi-stable nonlinear energy harvesters. The method quantifies equivalent changes in damping and excitation frequency of the mechanical subsystem that resembles the backward coupling from energy harvesting. We investigate a novel nonlinear hybrid energy harvester as a case study of the proposed method. The approximation method is accurate, provides an intuitive explanation for backward coupling effects and in some cases reduces the computational efforts by an order of magnitude.
Cardiolipin liposomes: A novel flow reagent for detection of anticardiolipin antibodies

The association of autoantibodies with specificity for phospholipids and an increased risk for thromboembolic phenomena has received considerable recent clinical attention. These autoantibodies have been reported in patients with defined autoimmune disorders as well as in patients with no other obvious autoimmune disease symptoms other than isolated or recurrent thromboembolic disease. A significant component of this autoimmune response appears to be related to cardiolipin-directed antibodies. Most studies reported to date have used either an enzyme immunoassay or a radioimmunoassay for detection and quantitation of antiphospholipid antibodies. We have developed a novel flow cytometric assay for detection of anticardiolipin antibodies. The assay, by analogy to polystyrene microsphere assay, utilizes cardiolipin liposomes as solid-phase microspheres for antigen presentation. In comparison to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the flow assay shows similar sensitivity by serum titration, has immunoglobulin class specificity, and is semiquantitative as currently designed. The flow assay is relatively easy to perform and should allow detection of other antiphospholipid specificities with tailoring of the phospholipid makeup of the liposomes.
Effects of Shear and Wear on Instabilities Caused by Frictional Heating in a Seal-Like Configuration

Frictionally heated sliding contact similar to that of a dry or boundary-lubricated seal is investigated, regarding an instability in contact pressure. Above a critical sliding speed, this phenomenon causes the nearly uniform initial distribution to become one with localized high pressure patches. The threshold of instability is shown to be strongly influenced by wear rate. Above a critical wear w* contact is stable irrespective of sliding speed. Two dimensionless groups Vc/Vc*, a dimensionless sliding speed, and w/w*, a dimensionless wear rate, are shown to control contact behavior under the conditions of the model investigated. The effects of normal displacements, at the interface, caused by frictional shear stress, were also investigated and found to be of minor importance. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference held in Miami Beach, Florida, October 21–23, 1975
A nonrigid mixed-chelate complex of iron(0)

The reaction of Fe(CO)(CH2 CHCHCH2)2 with (Ph2 PCH2)2 results in formation of a 41 mixture of two isomers of Fe(CO)(CH2 CHCHCH2)-(Ph2 PCH2 CH2 PPh2). NMR studies concerning the structures of these isomers and their dynamic behavior in solution are described.