cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The accidental assignment of function in the tautomerase superfamily

Abstract Cg10062 from Corynebacterium glutamicum is a tautomerase superfamily member with the characteristic β−α−β fold and catalytic Pro-1. It is a cis-3-chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase (cis-CaaD) homologue with high sequence similarity (53%) that includes the six critical active site residues (Pro-1, His-28, Arg-70, Arg-73, Tyr-103, and Glu-114). However, Cg10062 is a poor cis-CaaD: it has much lower catalytic efficiency and lacks isomer specificity. Two acetylene compounds (propiolate and 2-butynoate) and an allene (2,3-butadienote) were investigated as potential substrates for Cg10062. Cg10062 is a hydratase/decarboxylase using propiolate and cis-3-chloro- and 3-bromoacrylates, where malonate semialdehyde is the product of hydration and acetaldehyde is the product of decarboxylation. The two activities occur consecutively using the initial substrate. In contrast, 2-butynoate and 2,3-butadienote only undergo a hydration reaction with Cg10062 to afford acetoacetate. cis-CaaD does not function as a hydratase/decarboxylase using any of these substrates, yielding only the products of hydration. Cg10062 proceeds by direct hydration or covalent catalysis (using Pro-1) depending on the substrate. Direct hydration yields the hydration products and covalent catalysis yields the hydration and decarboxylation products. Cg10062 mutants shift the reaction toward one or the other mechanism. The observation that propiolate is the best substrate suggests that Cg10062 could be a hydratase/decarboxylase in a pathway that transforms an unknown acetylene compound to acetaldehyde via propiolate. The bifunctional activity of Cg10062 might also have implications for the evolution of the dehalogenase and decarboxylase activities in the tautomerase superfamily.
Toward an Integrated Model of Expertise Redevelopment and its Implications for HRD

Traditionally, expertise theories have focused on skills acquisition with little regard for the domain or contextual factors affecting expertise development and retention. Because the development, ...
Method Development and Sample Processing of Water, Soil, and Tissue for the Analysis of Total and Organic Mercury by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

Atomic Fluorescence-based methods have been developed for measuring ultratrace levels of mercury (Hg) in environmental (water, soil) and biological (fish tissue) samples. In addition, methods for preparation of water, soil, and tissue samples have been developed. For the analysis of total Hg in soil, sediment and fish the samples are digested with concentrated nitric acid in sealed glass ampules, and subsequently autoclaved. Water samples are digested using standard brominating procedures. A Merlin Plus, PS Analytical atomic fluorescence spectrometer (AFS) system equipped with an autosampler, vapor generator, fluorescence detector and a PC based integrator package is used in the determination of total Hg. The determination of Hg mercury species in water, without pre-derivatization, involves adsorbent pre-concentration of the organomercurials onto sulfydryl-cotton fibers. The organic Hg compounds are eluted with a small volume of acidic KBr and CuSO4 and extracted into dichloromethane. Sediment, soil and tissue samples are homogenized and the organomercurials first released from the sample by the combined action of acidic KBr and CuSO4 and extracted into dichloromethane. The initial extracts are subjected to thiosulfate clean-up and the organomercury species are isolated as their chloride derivatives by cupric chloride addition and subsequent extraction into a small volume of dichloromethane. Analysis of organic Hg compounds is accomplished by capillary column chromatography coupled with atomic fluorescence detection.
Decentralized Communication-Aware Motion Planning in Mobile Networks: An Information-Gain Approach

In this paper we consider decentralized motion-planning in mobile cooperative networks in the presence of realistic stochastic communication links, including path-loss, fading and shadowing effects. We propose a communication-aware motion-planning strategy, where each node considers the information gained through both its sensing and communication when deciding on its next move. More specifically, we show how each node can predict the information gained through its communications, by online learning of link quality measures such as received Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and correlation characteristics, and combine it with the information gained through its sensing in order to build objective functions for motion planning. We show that in the presence of path loss, our proposed strategy can improve the performance drastically. We furthermore show that while uncorrelated low-SNR fading channels can ruin the overall performance, the natural randomization of uncorrelated channels can potentially help the nodes leave deep fade spots with small movements. We finally show that highly correlated deep fades, on the other hand, can degrade the performance drastically for a long period of time. We then propose a randomizing motion-planning strategy that can help the nodes leave highly correlated deep fades.
Control of Volume Resistivity in Inorganic‐Organic Separators

Control of resistivity in NASA inorganic-organic separators is achieved by incorporating small percentages of high surface area, fine particle silica with other ingredients in the separator coating. The volume resistivity is predictable from the surface area of filler particles in the coating. The approach is applied to two polymer- plasticizer -filler coating systems, where the filler content of each is below the generally acknowledged critical pigment volume concentration of the coating. Application of these coating systems to 0.0254 cm thick (10-mil) fuel cell grade asbestos sheet produces inexpensive, flexible, microporous separators that perform as well as the original inorganic-organic concept, the Astropower separator.
Non-steady state modeling of extracellular polymeric substances, soluble microbial products, and active and inert biomass.

Abstract We present a modeling approach that quantifies the unified theory presented in the companion paper. In this approach, we use mathematical modeling to quantify the relationships among three solid species—bacteria, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and inert residual biomass—two soluble microbial products (SMP), original substrate, and an electron acceptor. According to the model, donor electrons are used for the synthesis of biomass, EPS, and utilization-associated products. Residual inert biomass and biomass-associated products are produced from the decay of active biomass and the hydrolysis of EPS, respectively. The model includes mass balance equations that consistently describe the flow of electrons among the components. It is solved with a set of parameters appropriate to the experimental study of Hsieh et al. (Biotech. Bioeng. 44 (1994) 219). Model outputs capture all trends observed in steady-state CSTR experiments and transient batch experiments. This agreement supports that the unified theory correctly captures the interconnections among SMP, EPS, and active and inert biomass.
Affinity of folic acid for the folate-binding protein of choroid plexus.

Abstract The affinity of folic acid for the folate-binding protein of rabbit choroid plexus was determined by equilibrium dialysis at 4 °C. All solutions contained 0.02% Triton X-100 to maintain the binder in solution. At pH 7.0, the apparent dissociation constant ( K a ) at a binder concentration of 0.36 n m was 9.4 p m with slight positive cooperativity (Hill coefficient = 1.19). The K a increased at pH 6.0 and when a higher concentration of binder (3.25 n m ) was used to 30.1 and 46.0 p m , respectively. However, the maximal binding capacity per milligram of protein did not change. At pH 5.0, the K a was greater than 20 n m . These results show that the affinity of the choroid plexus folate-binding protein (when solubilized in Triton X-100) for folic acid depends on both the concentration of binder and the pH.
The influence of ACTH on steroid synthesis in normal and abnormal testicular tissues.

Abstract The effects of ACTH on testicular enzymes was studied using human testicular tumors from patients with a genetic deficiency of 21-hydroxylase and a resulting unsuppressed secretion of ACTH from the pituitary. The human tumor cells from patients off glucocorticoid therapy were capable of forming glucocorticoids in vitro , whereas tissue from patients whose ACTH production was suppressed with adequate glucocorticoid therapy (17-ketosteroid excretion maintained at normal values) showed no glucocorticoid formation in vitro . Patients off glucocorticoid therapy had very high 11β-hydroxylase activity in their testicular tumors whereas patients suppressed with glucocorticoids had tumor cells with little or no 11β-hydroxylase activity. Non-tumorous testicular cells from patients on or off therapy formed primarily 17-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone in vitro with no glucocorticoid formation. The administration of 20 IU ACTH twice daily to rats over a 10-day period altered the kind of RNA formed within certain testicular cells. This RNA enhanced glucocorticoid formation when added to mouse adrenals in vitro . Similar results were obtained using testicular RNA from ACTH-treated adrenalectomized rats, showing that endogenous glucocorticoids could not be mediating the effect. Thus ACTH responsive cells exist in testicular tissues from humans and rats, suggesting that under appropriate circumstances the tropic hormone of the adrenal may influence the biosynthetic processes of certain cells in the testis.
An Experimental Study of Tectonic Overpressure in Franciscan Rocks

Approximately 4 kb tectonic overpressure was required, according to one theory, for the formation of jadeite-aragonite-bearing rocks of the Franciscan. Strength of two common Franciscan rocks—massive graywacke, and thin-bedded shale and graywacke—was determined to see if this tectonic overpressure could have been generated under the conditions of metamorphism; that is, 4 kb confining pressure, 200 to 300° C, in the presence of aqueous pore fluid. The strength was found to depend markedly on both pore and total pressures. The required tectonic overpressure could only have been generated in massive graywacke, and only when pore pressure was less than hydrostatic. With even moderate amounts of interbedded shale, tectonic overpressure could not have exceeded 1 kb.
Distributed Feed Design for SOFCs with Internal Reforming

In recent years, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrode and electrolyte material fabrication techniques have shown the potential of achieving the cost and efficiency goals required for commercialization. However, to maintain these performance levels a deliberate stack design methodology must be developed. In this work, we propose and analyze the distributed feed design scheme for internal reforming SOFC stacks. The scheme aims to maximize the overall system efficiency while simultaneously extending expected cell life.
Transthoracic echocardiographic detection of coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract Coronary atherosclerosis is a pathologic process that produces thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries to the point that flow through those vessels may be impaired. This study attempts to use transthoracic echocardiography to detect coronary atherosclerosis. Eightynine patients undergoing coronary angiography were examined with a broad-band ultrasonic transducer with a frequency between 3 and 5 MHz. A modified shortaxis examination was utilized to identify left main and proximal left anterior descending arteries. The examination was recorded digitally and displayed in a 32-cell, quad screen cine loop. Fifty-six of the 89 patients (63%) had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (i.e., at least 1 vessel with 50% obstruction). There were 14 patients with CAD but no vessel had ≥50% obstruction. Nineteen patients (21%) had angiographically normal arteries. The coronary echograms were judged qualitatively for brightness, uniformity, and persistence (defined as the ability to see segments of the artery walls in more frames than other segments). The length of the coronary artery visualized, the width of the left main coronary artery, and the width of the thickest segment of the coronary artery walls were quantitatively measured. More than 2 cm of the left coronary artery was seen in almost all patients. Segmentai changes were noted in 52 of the 56 patients with obstructive CAD, 12 of the 14 patients with nonobstructive CAD, and 3 of the 19 patients with normal arteries. Persistence greatly enhanced the ability to judge the segmental changes. Forty-six patients with obstructive disease had wall thickness ≥1.5 mm. Only 6 patients with nonobstructive coronary arteries had this wall thickness, and only 1 normal subject had thick walls. The ultrasonic findings were useful in predicting the presence or absence of coronary atherosclerosis to varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity based on the segmental findings and wall thickness measurements. The results of this study indicate that a transthoracic ultrasonic examination of the proximal left coronary artery could be a clinically valuable tool in the qualitative identification of coronary atherosclerosis.
Detecting Biochemical Changes in the Rodent Cervix During Pregnancy Using Raman Spectroscopy

The goal of this research is to determine whether Raman spectroscopy (RS), an optical method that probes the vibrational modes of tissue components, can be used in vivo to study changes in the mouse cervix during pregnancy. If successful, such a tool could be used to detect cervical changes due to pregnancy, both normal and abnormal, in animal models and humans. For this study, Raman spectra were acquired before, during and after a 19-day mouse gestational period. In some cases, after Raman data was obtained, cervices were excised for structural testing and histological staining for collagen and smooth muscle. Various peaks of the Raman spectra, such as the areas corresponding to fatty acid content and collagen organization, changed as the cervix became softer in preparation for labor and delivery. These findings correspond to the increase in compliance of the tissue and the collagen disorganization visualized with the histological staining. The results of this study suggest that non-invasive RS can be used to study cervical changes during pregnancy, labor and delivery and can possibly predict preterm delivery before overt clinical manifestations, potentially lead to more effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.
A surface science investigation of the role of potassium promoters in nickel catalysts for CO hydrogenation

Abstract The role of potassium promoters in model Ni(100) catalysts for CO hydrogenation has been studied. High-pressure kinetic measurements of the H 2 + CO reaction on Ni(100) containing well-controlled submonolayer quantities of potassium adatoms have been combined with detailed surface analysis performed before and after reaction. Potassium addition decreases the steady-state rate of methane formation and increases that for higher hydrocarbons relative to clean Ni(100). These same results are reported for supported, high-surface-area Ni catalysts, indicating that metal/support interactions are not necessary in achieving the promoter effect. The activation energy for methanation ( ∼ 25 kcal mole −1 ) does not depend upon potassium coverage, suggesting that K changes neither the reaction mechanism nor the rate-limiting step. Surface carbide, a vital reaction intermediate, increases sharply in coverage upon the addition of 0.10 monolayer potassium. This is shown to result from a marked decrease in the activation energy for CO dissociation effected by potassium. The catalyst activity and selectivity are discussed in light of these results.
Is a Uniform Social Policy Better? Fiscal Federalism and Factor Mobility

This paper develops a two-country model to study two questions. How do the degrees of centralization of redistribution and of factor mobility affect the productive efficiency of the economies? What degrees of centralization of redistribution and of factor mobility are likely to be chosen by majority rule? The model shows that a system of centralized redistribution can lead to less efficient outcomes if labor or capital are not mobile; and an inefficient outcome, with incomplete or no factor mobility, receives a majority of votes in both countries, whenever the structure of labor markets is very different in the two countries.
Web vs campus store? Why students buy textbooks online

This study proposes and tests several social and perceptual motivations for shopping online. Using online textbook purchasing as a model, we outline predictors of online purchasing based on motivation theories drawn from traditional online consumer motivation research, social motivation theory, social influence theory and uses and gratifications theory. Our research adds a social and perceptual dimension to much of the typical online motivation research that deals with availability and cost issues. Data were collected using a pencil‐and‐paper survey of 156 students from a large Northeastern university. Findings of this study indicated that previous online purchase, positive social environment, professor support, knowledge of online retailers, and perception that needs will be met online are all predictors of online textbook purchasing. Implications for advertisers, online textbook retailers, and e‐commerce, more generally, are discussed.
Octasection‐based refinement of finite element approximations of tetrahedral meshes that guarantees shape quality

Adaptive refinement of finite element approximations on tetrahedral meshes is generally considered to be a non-trivial task. (We wish to stress that this paper deals with mesh refinement as opposed to remeshing.) The splitting of individual finite elements needs to be done with much care to prevent significant deterioration of the shape quality of the elements of the refined meshes. Considerable complexity thus results, which makes it difficult to design (and even more importantly, to later maintain) adaptive tetrahedra-based simulation codes. An adaptive refinement methodology, dubbed CHARMS (conforming hierarchical adaptive refinement methods), had recently been proposed by Krysl, Grinspun, and Schroder. The methodology streamlines and simplifies mesh refinement, since conforming (compatible) meshes always result by construction. The present work capitalizes on these conceptual developments to build a mesh refinement technique for tetrahedra. Shape quality is guaranteed for an arbitrary number of refinement levels due to our use of element octasection based on the Kuhn triangulation of the cube. Algorithms and design issues related to the inclusion of the present technique in a CHARMS-based object oriented software framework (http://hogwcirts.ucsd.edu/∼pkrysl/CHARMS) are described.
Preparation of Semiconductor Cross Sections by Cleaving

The practical details are presented for preparing cross-sectional samples of semiconductor epitaxial layers by cleaving. Examples of results are shown and a number of possible applications for the samples are discussed. A variation of the method can be used to prepare a TEM sample of a high Tc superconductor.
ON BEHAVIOR OF GRANULAR MATERIALS IN SIMPLE SHEAR

ABSTRACT Simple shear deformation under vertical pressure of granular materials which consist of cohesionless rigid grains, is considered. Based on the mechanics of the relative motion of the grains or families of grains at the microlevel, and by considering the corresponding rate of frictional losses, a simple energy equation is obtained, on the basis of which the phenomena of initial densification, subsequent dilatancy for a dense sample, and the net amount of densification which accompanies cyclic shearing, are explained.
Hydrodynamic optical alignment for microflow cytometry

A microfabricated flow cytometer has been developed that is capable of detecting nearly all of the microparticles in an aqueous suspension. Current design allows for integrated coupling between an optical fiber-based detection system and the particle stream via hydrodynamic focusing. By adjusting the relative flow-rates at the auxiliary inputs of the focusing manifold, the particle stream can be steered out-of-plane relative to the illuminating laser, and similarly the particle stream can be squeezed or expanded. The microfabricated device was constructed in polydimethylsiloxane with cross-sectional microfluidic dimensions of 125 µm × 125 µm. Using the present device and method, fluorescent microparticles in aqueous solution were counted at an absolute counting efficiency of 91 ± 4%. The coefficient of variation of the fluorescence pulse-heights for far-red fluorescent microparticles was 15%. The device exhibited a linear response to fluorescence intensity calibration microparticles as shown by comparison with a commercial cytometer instrument.
RELIABILITY-BASED LIFE-CYCLE MANAGEMENT OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES

The objective of bridge management is to allocate and use the limited resources to balance lifetime reliability and life-cycle cost in an optimal manner. As the 20th century has drawn to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on the birth and growth of bridge management systems, to examine where they are today, and to predict their future. In this paper, it is attempted to shed some light on the past, present, and future of life-cycle management of highway bridges. It is shown that current bridge management systems have limitations and that these limitations can be overcome by using a reliability-based approach. It is concluded that additional research is required to develop better life-cycle models and tools to quantify the risks, costs, and benefits associated with highway bridges as well as their interrelationships in highway networks.
Activity of HMR 3647 Compared to Those of Six Compounds against 235 Strains of Enterococcus faecalis

Agar dilution was used to test the activities of HMR 3647, erythromycin A, azithromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, clindamycin, and quinupristin-dalfopristin against 235 strains of Enterococcus faecalis. HMR 3647 was the most active compound (MICs at which 50 and 90% of the isolates are inhibited [MIC50 and MIC90, respectively] of 0.06 and 4.0 μg/ml, respectively). The MIC50 and MIC90 (with the MIC50 given first and the MIC90 given second; both in micrograms per milliliter) for other compounds were as follows: 4.0 and >32.0 for erythromycin A, 16.0 and >32.0 for azithromycin, 2.0 and >32 for clarithromycin, 32.0 and >32.0 for roxithromycin, 32.0 and >32.0 for clindamycin, and 8.0 and 16.0 for quinupristin-dalfopristin. All compounds were only bacteriostatic.
The Structure of Chondroitin B Lyase Complexed with Glycosaminoglycan Oligosaccharides Unravels a Calcium-Dependent Catalytic Machinery

Chondroitinase B from Pedobacter heparinus is the only known enzyme strictly specific for dermatan sulfate and is a widely used enzymatic tool for the structural characterization of glycosaminoglycans. This -helical polysaccharide lyase belongs to family PL-6 and cleaves the (1,4) linkage of dermatan sulfate in a random manner, yielding 4,5-unsaturated dermatan sulfate disaccharides as the product. The previously reported structure of its complex with a dermatan sulfate disaccharide product identified the 1 and 2 subsites of the catalytic groove. We present here the structure of chondroitinase B complexed with several dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides. In particular, the soaking of chondroitinase B crystals with a dermatan sulfate hexasaccharide results in a complex with two dermatan sulfate disaccharide reaction products, enabling the identification of the 2 and 1 subsites. Unexpectedly, this structure revealed the presence of a calcium ion coordinated by sequence-conserved acidic residues and by the carboxyl group of the L-iduronic acid at the 1 subsite. Kinetic and site-directed mutagenesis experiments have subsequently demonstrated that chondroitinase B absolutely requires calcium for its activity, indicating that the protein-Ca 2 -oligosaccharide complex is functionally relevant. Modeling of an intact tetrasaccharide in the active site of chondroitinase B provided a better understanding of substrate specificity and the role of Ca 2 in enzymatic activity. Given these results, we propose that the Ca 2 ion neutralizes the carboxyl moiety of the L-iduronic acid at the cleavage site, whereas the conserved residues Lys-250 and Arg-271 act as Bronsted base and acid, respectively, in the lytic degradation of dermatan sulfate by chondroitinase B. All metazoans synthesize highly sulfated, unbranched polysaccharides known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), 1 composed of alternating hexosamine (gluco- or galactosamine) and uronic acid (D-glucuronic or L-iduronic acid) moieties. These polysaccharides are found mainly in the extracellular matrix
When Induction Meets Memory: Evidence for Gradual Transition From Similarity-Based to Category-Based Induction

The ability to perform induction appears early; however, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Some argue that early induction is category based, whereas others suggest that early induction is similarity based. Category- and similarity-based induction should result in different memory traces and thus in different memory accuracy. Performing induction resulted in low memory accuracy in adults and 11-year-olds, whereas 5-, and 7-year-olds were highly accurate (Experiment 1). After training to perform category-based induction, 5- and 7-year-olds exhibited patterns of accuracy similar to those of adults (Experiment 2). Furthermore, 7-year-olds, but not 5-year-olds, retained this training over time (Experiment 3). With novel categories, even adults performed similarity-based induction, exhibiting high memory accuracy (Experiment 4). These results suggest a gradual transition from similarity- to category-based induction with familiar categories.
Caring for the Student With Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome:

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a cardiac condition in which an extra electrical pathway within the heart causes an abnormal increase in heart rate. It affects one to three people of every 1,000 people worldwide, occurring more often in males. Diagnosis usually occurs during young adulthood, so it is important for school nurses to be familiar with the condition. Prophylactic treatments, as well as surgical intervention to permanently block the extra pathway, are options for people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Tachycardia associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can occur occasionally even when prophylactic treatment is administered. School nurses must know how to properly assess and treat episodes of tachycardia that may occur in the school setting. With proper education, school nurses can help provide a safe school environment for students with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and promote successful academic achievement.
Characterization of Campylobacter cinaedi and C. fennelliae Antigens and Analysis of the Human Immune Response

Whole-cell protein patterns of Campylobacter cinaedi and C. fennelliae, identified by SDS-PAGE, differed from one another and from five other catalase-positive Campylobacter species. When immunoblotted with rabbit antisera, C. cinaedi and C. fennelliae showed antigenic profiles that were highly species-specific and had little or no cross-reactivity with antigens of the other Campylobacter species tested. Antibody responses of 13 homosexual men with C. cinaedi infection demonstrated consistent reactions with five antigens (96-41 kDa). All human sera tested, including those of 10 culture-negative individuals, reacted with the C. cinaedi 59- and 64-kDa bands, but the overall responses of infected individuals were much stronger. The antigenic profiles of C. cinaedi and C. fennelliae can be used to distinguish these species from other Campylobacter species. At least six C. cinaedi antigens are immunogenic in humans.
Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the infection and inflammation of the female upper genital tract, is a common cause of infertility, chronic pain and ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis and management are challenging, largely resulting from varying signs and symptoms and a polymicrobial etiology that is not fully delineated. Owing to the potential for serious sequelae, a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment is recommended. As PID has a multimicrobial etiology, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydial trachomatis and anaerobic and mycoplasmal bacteria, treatment of PID should consist of a broad spectrum antiobiotic regimen. Recent treatment trials have focused on shorter duration regimens, such as azithromycin, and monotherapies including ofloxacin, but data are sparse. Research comparing sequelae development by differing antimicrobial regimens is extremely limited, but will ultimately shape future treatment guidelines.
Speculation on the reconstruction of vicinal {100} faces of vapor-deposited diamond

Recent morphological studies of vapor-deposited diamond indicate (1) that growth on the diamond {100} surface is mediated by steps and (2) that some defects cause rapid initiation of new layers, resulting in characteristic pyramids with edges parallel to surface (110) directions. If growth on the diamond {100} surface does indeed occur at steps, knowledge of their atomic structure is essential to an understanding of diamond growth. We reexamine results of a recent STM study of homoepitaxial diamond films and suggest that the surfaces on which growth occurs consist of regularly spaced double height steps separated by integral numbers of dimer rows running parallel to the step edges.
New Crops Breeding: Lesquerella

Lesquerella species contain a seed oil which is approximately 55% lesquerolic acid, a 20-carbon long fatty acid with a single hydroxyl group and double bond, and has a similar hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) profile as castor oil. Large markets exist for hydroxylated oils as feedstocks for lithium greases, polymers in paints and coatings, base stocks for lubricants, nylon-11, hydraulic fluids, and applications in the personal care industry (Roetheli et al. 1992). The hydroxyl group of these oils makes them prime candidates as additives to diesel fuel to improve lubricity (Naughton 1992). Goodrum and Geller (2005) demonstrated that lesquerella oil has superior performance compared to castor, soybean, and rapeseed methyl esters at concentrations as low as 0.25% in reducing wear and damage to diesel engines, primarily with fuel injection systems. Castor oil also contains high amounts of HFAs, but the main HFA, ricinoleic acid, is two carbons shorter than lesquerolic acid, which imparts slightly different physicochemical properties to the oil. Lesquerella could be established as a reliable, domestic oilseed supply of HFAs for a variety of industrial applications (Roetheli et al. 1992) and at the same time provide an alternative crop for farmers and increase local profits. Lesquerella will not replace current commodity crops but instead will be placed in a rotation with these crops, e.g., a 2-year, 3-crop rotation of lesquerella, grain sorghum, and cotton.
Kant’s ‘Deduction’ in the ‘Grundlegung’

In Section III of the Grundlegung, Kant argues for freedom as the necessary presupposition for moral law, insisting that freedom is indeed possible as the foundation for the categorical imperative. Kant’s argument is in two parts. The first of these occurs in the sub-section: ‘We Must Assume That the Will of Every Rational Being is Free’, the argument that whenever we will we must think ourselves to be free agents.
Temporary Flow Measurement in Sewers and Drains

A measuring device, suitable for temporary measurements of flow in circular channels (or other irregularly shaped channels), is described, and the results of tests on two pairs of geometrically similar devices are reported. The device is based on the same principle as that used in Venturi flumes, that is, the formation of a narrow throat in the channel, in which a critical depth is developed. This gives a unique relationship between the discharge and the depth at a measuring point upstream of the constriction. The derivation of the relationship is based on the energy equation, subject to the usual assumptions, and the equations developed are solved numerically. A coefficient of discharge is included to allow for neglected factors. Over a certain range of depths, the relationship may be described by a simple exponential equation. The values of the coefficient of discharge are primarily in the range of 0.90 to 1.00. The throat of the new measuring device is formed by introducing a pier-shaped element, with its sharp end pointing upstream, into the channel.
Medical student empathy: interpersonal distinctions and correlates.

Attention to interpersonal behaviors, communication, and relational factors is taking on increasing importance in medical education. Medical student empathy is one aspect of the physician–patient relationship that is often involved in beneficial interactions leading to improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. As an interpersonal quality, empathy is a social behavior well-suited to be examined from an interpersonal perspective. The present study used the interpersonal theory of clinical, personality, and social psychology to examine the construct of empathy and theorize about likely interpersonal correlates. One hundred and sixty-three students from an academic health center in the southeastern United States participated in this study. The medical student version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used to assess empathy and its factors: Perspective taking, compassionate care, and walking in the patient’s shoes. Interpersonal assessments included the International Personality Item Pool—Interpersonal Circumplex, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Distinct interpersonal styles and correlates emerged among empathy and its factors. While all factors of empathy were related to interpersonal warmth, perspective taking and compassionate care were also associated with submissiveness. Of note, only walking in the patient’s shoes was correlated with both social support and less loneliness. These findings are discussed in light of interpersonal theory with particular attention paid to the implications for medical education and professional development.
“Improved” But Not Necessarily Safe: An Assessment of Fecal Contamination of Household Drinking Water in Rural Peru

The indicator used to measure progress toward the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for water is access to an improved water supply. However, improved supplies are frequently fecally contaminated in developing countries. We examined factors associated with Escherichia coli contamination of improved water supplies in rural Pisco province, Peru. A random sample of 207 households with at least one child less than 5 years old was surveyed, and water samples from the source and storage container were tested for E. coli contamination. Although over 90% of households used an improved water source, 47% of source and 43% of stored water samples were contaminated with E. coli. Pouring or using a spigot to obtain water from the storage container instead of dipping a hand or object was associated with decreased risk of contamination of stored water (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42, 0.80). Container cleanliness (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.45, 1.00) and correct handwashing technique (aPR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.90) were also associated with decreased contamination risk. These findings highlighted the limitations of improved water supplies as an indicator of safe water access. To ensure water safety in the home, household water treatment and improved hygiene, water handling, and storage practices should be promoted.
The Migration of New Englanders to England, 1640–1660

TWENTY years after the landing of the Pilgrims the influx of Englishmen to the New England colonies came virtually to a halt. The century's fourth decade, in particular, had poured thousands of political and religious nonconformists into the wilderness, but with the advent of the forties men no longer felt constrained to ship kin and worldly goods and to seek a new life on an unknown shore. The orders which the Privy Council issued in January, I640, clearing seven ships for New England, rang down the curtain on the "Great Migration."1 Political alterations in Westminster encouraged many an Englishman, as John Winthrop remarked, to remain in his native land "in expectation of a new world."2 Even as the Puritan in England now chose to remain there, his counterpart in New England-and in Holland, too-now turned his thoughts, and in many instances set his course, toward home. A countermigration began which was to prevail until the Restoration undid the work of the Saints and invoked new disabilities against the Dissenter. Though we may hesitate to accept Hutchinson's allegatio.n, repeated by Palfrey, that in the century and a quarter after i64o more persons left Massachusetts for England than came thence to the colony,' it is unquestionably true of the two decades after this date. Various motives-political, economic, and religious-induced New Englanders to make the homeward crossing. In the pioneer communities of seventeenth century New England, as in all frontier societies, there was a large measure of instability and restlessness. From the beginning the threat of dispersal had worried the colony builders. At no time did the difficulties and rigors of a transatlantic voyage prevent some dissatisfied or maladjusted colonists from withdrawing from their associates and either seeking new
Treatment of Wastewater with High Energy Electron Beam Irradiation

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high energy electron beam irradiation in the disinfection of wastewater, and removal of organic matter through measurement of BOD and COD values. The raw wastewater and secondary effluents were transported in a 22.7m 3 tank truck to the research facility built at the Virginia Key Wastewater Treatment Plant, Miami, Florida. The facility is equipped with a 1.5 MeV, 50 ma electron accelerator capable of treating the wastewater at a volumetric flow rate of 7.57 l/sec. Some preliminary disinfection was also carried out using a 60 Co gamma radiation source. Removal of coliphage, total coliforms, and standard plate counts was found on the order of two to three orders of magnitude in raw wastewater. Gamma irradiation gave slightly better inactivation. However, in all cases it was found that coliphage is more resistant than the other two organisms investigated. Twenty to 30 percent removal of BOD was observed in the case of raw wastewater, however, no significant change was observed in removal of COD.
Phase and coherent scatter imaging for improved discrimination of low-density materials

Phase contrast and coherent scatter imaging have the potential to improve the detection of materials of interest in x ray screening. While attenuation is dependent on atomic number, phase is highly dependent on electron density, and thus offers an additional discriminant. A major limitation of phase imaging has been the required spatial coherence of the xray illumination, which typically requires a small (10-50 μm) source or multiple images captured with precision gratings, both of which present challenges for high throughput image acquisition. An alternative approach uses a single coarse mesh. This significantly relaxes the source spot size requirement, improving acquisition times and allows near-real-time phase extraction using Fourier processing of the acquired images. Diffraction signatures provide a third approach which yields another set of information to identify materials. Specific angles characteristic of target materials are selected through broad slot apertures for rapid throughput. Depth information can be extracted from stereoscopic imaging using multiple slots. A system capable of simultaneous phase, coherent scatter, and absorption imaging was constructed. Discrimination of materials on the basis of both phase and coherent scatter signatures is demonstrated.
Reproduction of Papovaviruses

The principal members of the papova group are polyoma virus (Stewart et al., 1957), simian virus 40 (SV40), which is a vacuolating virus of monkeys (Sweet and Hilleman, 1960), and the papilloma viruses (Melnick, 1962). The name for this group of viruses is derived from the first two letters of the names of each of the viruses that were first included in the group, papilloma, polyoma, vacuolating virus (Melnick, 1962). The viruses are 40–57 nm in diameter and, as determined by negative staining, the outer shell has symmetry of the T = 7 icosahedral surface lattice and is composed of 72 morphological subunits (Finch and Klug, 1965; Anderer et al., 1967). The viruses contain no lipids and therefore are resistant to ether. Polyoma and SV40 do not share common antigens, nor is there evidence for the existence of any homology between their DNAs. The papovaviruses are capable of initiating a lytic cycle of replication or a latent infection. For the papilloma viruses it is difficult to obtain a suitable cell line in which the lytic cycle can be studied and for this reason studies that we will discuss concerning viral replication will deal exclusively with SV40 and polyoma.
High power mm-wave systems for pulsed and CW ESR

We describe a low noise mm-wave source and coherent heterodyne detection system designed to operate at both 94 GHz and 188 GHz for both CW and pulsed ESR. The source maintains phase coherence throughout, and has intrinsic bandwidths which allows ns pulse ESR spectrometry to be performed. The multiplied source can produce +23 dBm at 94 GHz and has been designed to act as an input to a 1 kW amplifier for high power pulsed ESR. By using a DRO based signal source a 30 dB improvement in the spectrometer noise floor over a Gunn based source has been measured.
Mario Kart Is Hard

Nintendo’s Mario Kart is perhaps the most popular racing video game franchise. Players race alone or against opponents to finish in the fastest time possible. Players can also use items to attack and defend from other racers. We prove two hardness results for generalized Mario Kart: deciding whether a driver can finish a course alone in some given time is \(\mathrm {NP}\)-hard, and deciding whether a player can beat an opponent in a race is \(\mathrm {PSPACE}\)-hard.
Empathy in medicine: Neuroscience, education and challenges

Empathy is a multifaceted skill and asset for health care providers. This paper uses current neuroscience literature of empathy to generate nuanced theory of how empathy can be blocked by personal stress and aversion among health care professionals. Current training approaches for educating sustainable empathy are reviewed in depth. The final part of the paper provides suggestions on how to spread empathy education farther and wider across medical education.
Lipid and Creatinine Adjustment to Evaluate Health Effects of Environmental Exposures.

Urine- and serum-based biomarkers are useful for assessing individuals’ exposure to environmental factors. However, variations in urinary creatinine (a measure of dilution) or serum lipid levels, if not adequately corrected for, can directly impact biomarker concentrations and bias exposure-disease association measures. Recent methodological literature has considered the complex relationships between creatinine or serum lipid levels, exposure biomarkers, outcomes, and other potentially relevant factors using directed acyclic graphs and simulation studies. The optimal measures of urinary dilution and serum lipids have also been investigated. Existing evidence supports the use of covariate-adjusted standardization plus creatinine adjustment for urinary biomarkers and standardization plus serum lipid adjustment for lipophilic, serum-based biomarkers. It is unclear which urinary dilution measure is best, but all serum lipid measures performed similarly. Future research should assess methods for pooled biomarkers and for studying diseases and exposures that affect creatinine or serum lipids directly.
In vitro analysis of factors influencing CYP1A2 expression as potential determinants of interindividual variation

Individual differences in drug metabolism contribute to interindividual variation that characterizes responses to drugs and risk in exposure to foreign chemicals. Large individual differences are found in expression levels of CYP1A2, a major drug-metabolizing enzyme. Underlying causes for this variation are not well understood. Several factors, including tobacco smoking, consumption of cruciferous vegetables, and sex, have been associated with modulating CYP1A2 expression. To understand factors regulating expression of CYP1A2 in establishing a causal relationship, this study examined effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and 17β-estradiol (estradiol) on CYP1A2 expression in in vitro systems using human liver and lung cells. Treatment with CSC (2–25 μg/mL) significantly increased levels of CYP1A2 in six cell lines examined, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Fold changes in expression levels relative to controls varied among cell lines. CYP1A2 enzymatic activity also increased with CSC exposure. Treatment of H1299 and HepB3 cells with dietary agent I3C (50 and 100 μmol/L) increased CYP1A2 expression. In human cell lines H1299 and H1395, treatment with estradiol (10 and 100 nmol/L) significantly reduced expression of CYP1A2. Using ChIP assays, effects of CSC on histone modifications were analyzed. Increases in H3K4me3 and H4K16ac were observed at several segments in the CYP1A2 gene, whereas H3K27me3 decreased, following CSC treatment. These results suggest that CYP1A2 expression is affected epigenetically by CSC. Additional studies will be needed to further establish regulatory mechanisms underlying effects of various environmental, dietary, and endogenous factors on CYP1A2 expression in better predicting individual variation.
Overall survival in hormone-resistant prostate cancer patients with different transition of care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

5091 Background: Prostate cancer patients with locally advanced /metastatic disease have a poor prognosis and although hormonal therapy can induce long-term remission, development of hormone-resist...
Limited range spatial load balancing for multiple robots

This paper generalizes a spatial load balancing deployment problem for multiple robots in convex environments to handle limited range agent constraints. Here, limited range is understood as imposing a reachability condition or limitation on the distance that an agent can move. The limited range helps in forming a distributed algorithm that restricts the neighbors of an agent. To account for limited ranges, two different cost functions are considered for minimization subject to a variable area constraint. This area constraint leads to a sub-partition of the environment which is dependent on a set of weights and is invariant under translation of the weights. For a fixed sub-partition, an agent position update law is given to decrease the corresponding cost function. Building on the update laws, a class of distributed algorithms are proposed to solve the limited range spatial load balancing problem. We present a result that shows convergence of the algorithm for the area-only cost function. Finally, we include simulations that show the convergent behavior of the algorithms for both cost functions.