cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration that limonene is the first cyclic intermediate in the biosynthesis of oxygenated p-menthane monoterpenes in Mentha piperita and other Mentha species

The volatile oil of mature Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaves contains as major components the oxygenated p-menthane monoterpenes l-menthol (47%) and l-menthone (24%) as well as very low levels of the monoterpene olefins limonene (1%) and terpinolene (0.1%), which are considered to be probable precursors of the oxygenated derivatives. Immature leaves, which are actively synthesizing monoterpenes, produce an oil with comparatively higher levels of limonene (approximately 3%), and isolation of the pure olefin showed this compound to consist of approximately 80% of the l-(4S)-enantiomer and approximately 20% of the d-(4R)-enantiomer. The time course of incorporation of [U-14C]sucrose into the monoterpenes of M. piperita shoot tips was consistent with the initial formation of limonene and its subsequent conversion to menthone via pulegone. d,l-[9-3H]Limonene and [9,10-3H]terpinolene were prepared and tested directly as precursors of oxygenated p-menthane monoterpenes in M. piperita shoot tips. Limonene was readily incorporated into pulegone, menthone, and other oxygenated derivatives, whereas terpinolene was not appreciably incorporated into these compounds. Similarly, d,l-[9-3H]limonene was specifically incorporated into pulegone in Mentha pulegium and into the C-2-oxygenated derivative carvone in Mentha spicata, confirming the role of this olefin as the essential precursor of oxygenated p-menthane monoterpenes. Soluble enzyme preparations from the epidermis of immature M. piperita leaves converted the acyclic terpenoid precursor [1-3H]geranyl pyrophosphate to limonene as the major cyclic product, providing a further indication that this olefin plays a central role in the formation of oxygenated monoterpenes in Mentha. No free intermediates were detected in the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to limonene, suggesting that the olefin is the first cyclic intermediate to arise in the pathway, and resolution of the biosynthetic limonene, by crystallization of the derived d- and l-carvoximes, indicated an enantiomer mixture nearly identical to that isolated from the leaf oil.
Unusually Severe Bullous Skin Reaction to Sorafenib: A Case Report

While there are multiple reports on sorafenib-induced hand foot skin reaction, this case report details a patient presenting with an unusually severe and painful skin reaction. As the armamentarium of anti-neoplastic kinase inhibitors continues to increase, clinicians must be aware of the array of skin reactions these drugs can induce. A 66 years old Caucasian male with metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with flu-like symptoms, rash, and painful bullous lesions of his fingertips. After empiric coverage with antibiotics and an infectious workup that turned up negative, it was determined that the patient’s presentation was due to a severe and painful hand skin reaction to sorafenib. While most patients taking sorafenib will experience a cutaneous side effect, the hand foot skin reaction can be extremely debilitating and occurs frequently. Oncologists and dermatologists must be informed about the array of adverse effects of kinase inhibitors, as treatment adherence and outcomes are at stake. In this case report, the bullous skin reaction, debilitating hand pain, and absence of foot involvement were the interesting features. doi:10.4021/jmc112e
Business start-up regulations and the complementarity between foreign and domestic investment

This paper shows that the complementarity between foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic investment significantly depends on regulations required to start a new domestically owned business in host economies. It finds evidence that FDI crowds out domestic investment in countries with entry regulation cost above a certain level, and many of these countries are in the bottom quartile of GDP per capita. Reforms in business start-up regulations can therefore play a critical role in enhancing the complementarity between foreign and domestic investment and thereby increase entrepreneurship and economic growth in low-income countries. The analysis takes into account other significant factors which affect domestic investment such as the cost of capital, government’s economic growth track record, institutional quality, and market size.
A Rayleigh quotient minimization algorithm based on algebraic multigrid

This paper presents a new algebraic extension of the Rayleigh quotient multigrid (RQMG) minimization algorithm to compute the smallest eigenpairs of a symmetric positive definite pencil (A, M). Earlier versions of RQMG minimize the Rayleigh quotient over a hierarchy of geometric grids. We replace the geometric mesh information with the algebraic information defined by an algebraic multigrid preconditioner. At each level, we minimize the Rayleigh quotient with a block preconditioned algorithm. Numerical experiments illustrate the efficiency of this new algorithm to compute several eigenpairs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic, parallel and fault tolerant mesh generation from CAD

HEXAR, a new software product developed at Cray Research, Inc., automatically generates good quality meshes directly from surface data produced by computeraided design (CAD) packages. The HEXAR automatic mesh generator is based on a proprietary and parallel algorithm that relies on pattern recognition, local mesh refinement and coarsening, and variational mesh smoothing techniques to create all-hexahedral volume meshes. HEXAR generates grids two to three orders of magnitude faster than current manual approaches. Although approximate by design, the resulting meshes have qualities acceptable by many commercial structural and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software. HEXAR turns mesh generation into an automatic process for most commercial engineering applications.
PIP2-Mediated Gating of the Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel Kir2.2

Inward-rectifier K+ (Kir) channels are ion channels that transport potassium into the cell. They are essential to maintain the resting membrane potential and to regulate the action potential duration in excitable cells [1]. As a consequence, Kir mutations result in several diseases, such as periodic paralysis or cardiac arrhythmia [1, 2].The activity of Kir channels is regulated by phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2), a negatively charged phospholipid that has been recognized as one of the major regulators of membrane excitability [2]. Recently, the MacKinnon group has solved the crystal structure of Kir2.2 in the apo form [3] and in complex with a PIP2 derivative [4]. PIP2 binding is shown to induce a large conformational change of the linker connecting the transmembrane (TMD) and cytosolic (CTD) domains, as well as the opening of the inner helix bundle crossing (HBC) gate. However, the specific mechanism of Kir activation by PIP2 is not known yet.Here we have investigated the dynamics of PIP2-triggered channel gating by means of molecular dynamics (MD). Simulations have been performed on both the apo and holo states of the channel, embedded in a POPC membrane in the presence of KCl. The trajectories obtained give further insight into how the channel-PIP2 interactions drive the contraction of the linker and the translation of the CTD towards the TMD, resulting in the separation of the helices at the HBC gate. Additional free energy perturbation calculations will be needed to provide an estimate of the binding affinity of PIP2 to the channel and the extent of the cooperativity effect [5].[1] Physiol. Rev. 90:291-366 (2010).[2] Pflugers Arch. 460:321–341 (2010).[3] Science, 326:1668-1674 (2009)[4] Nature (Letter), 477:495-499 (2011)[5] (a) Channels, 2:19-33 (2008). (b) J. Physiol. 586:1833-1848 (2008)
Efficient and general approach to eremophilanes using siloxyalkyne-alkene metathesis.

An efficient skeletal reorganization of a terminal alkene armed with an appropriate siloxy alkyne fragment is a pivotal step in our novel and general strategy for the construction of a bicyclic core of eremophilanes with complete diastereocontrol and high synthetic efficiency. Our approach features three significant strategic elements. First, the enyne metathesis precursor is assembled via a highly endo-selective Diels−Alder reaction. Second, installation of the siloxy group at the alkyne terminus enables the regioselective assembly of the ensuing enone fragment via intramolecular enyne cyclization. Third, the common enone precursor offers the necessary flexibility of accessing several natural products of the eremophilane family.
Expert system verification and validation: a survey and tutorial

Assuring the quality of an expert system is critical. A poor quality system may make costly errors resulting in considerable damage to the user or owner of the system, such as financial loss or human suffering. Hence verification and validation, methods and techniques aimed at ensuring quality, are fundamentally important. This paper surveys the issues, methods and techniques for verifying and validating expert systems. Approaches to defining the quality of a system are discussed, drawing upon work in both computing and the model building disciplines, which leads to definitions of verification and validation and the associated concepts of credibility, assessment and evaluation. An approach to verification based upon the detection of anomalies is presented, and related to the concepts of consistency, completeness, correctness and redundancy. Automated tools for expert system verification are reviewed. Considerable attention is then given to the issues in structuring the validation process, particularly the establishment of the criteria by which the system is judged, the need to maintain objectivity, and the concept of reliability. This is followed by a review of validation methods for validating both the components of a system and the system as a whole, and includes examples of some useful statistical methods. Management of the verification and validation process is then considered, and it is seen that the location of methods for verification and validation in the development life-cycle is of prime importance.
An Induced-Fit Docking Method for Refining Drug-Receptor Interactions Derived from Maxwellian-Assessor Nanoprobes (Quantum Mechanics-Based Criterion Assessment) Placed Over Adaptive Intervals of Molecular Dynamics Sampling

Herein, we present a novel method for final assessment and/or enrichment of high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) campaigns. After exhaustive sampling of ligand rotor-bonds and individual docking poses has culled the millions of compounds down to a final set of 100 ligands, the current state of art docking programs (HTVS) still require an improved ranking-assessment tool to optimize ligands to better approximate crystallographic position. Here, we present a method to apply a Maxwellian-based criterion assessment that utilizes QM-based scoring on subsets of atoms within the active binding site over a range of molecular dynamics sampling intervals, called MANQM2D. MANQM2D, as shown in the example here, can successfully drive a docking score from −5.8 kcal/mol to under −9.01 kcal/mol while using explicit solvent. MANQM2D has been successfully used in refinement of nanaomycin A (Ki = 300 nM) with the enzyme DNMT3B for optimization of several drug-like leads. After MANQM2D refinement, and ligand enrichment with an appendage, the docking score improved from −6.0 kcal/mol to −10.2 kcal/mol, thus indicating a sub-nanomolar inhibition, likely. Synthesis of the improved ‘nanaomycin TC’ ligand is currently underway.
Opposites Attract: Leadership Endorsement as a Function of Interaction Between a Leader and a Foil

This study focused on situations in which a leader gains a group's endorsement as leader in response to a “foil,” a central person in the group who is perceived to work against group goals. A field study of 3 Quality Improvement Teams revealed how endorsement of leadership occurred via a dialectical process in which the leader's interaction with the foil highlighted certain positive characteristics of the leader and certain counterproductive characteristics of the foil. Positive actions without the foil might have added to the leader's credit, but the same actions taken in the context of foiling the foil had added valence.
Intense convective systems in West Africa and their relationship to the African easterly jet

For May–September 1998, convective systems in West Africa were identified from observations by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite Microwave Imager at 85 GHz. Using re-analysis data, the 10-day average position of the African easterly jet (AEJ) was diagnosed from the 700 hPa zonal winds. The distance from each convective system's centroid to the axis of the AEJ was calculated. Each convective system's minimum brightness temperatures were ranked so that intense convective systems were defined as those in the 10th percentile or lower. The weak (>10th percentile) and intense convective systems were represented statistically as two separate populations, the weak by the skewed Gumbel distribution and the intense by the normal distribution. From May to August, the peak in activity of weak convective systems remained south of 10°N but shifted east of 10°E. The peak in activity of the intense convective systems followed the seasonal migration of the AEJ northwards and became increasingly separate from the peak in activity of weak convective systems. The majority of both weak and intense convective systems occurred within 0.50° of high terrain. The high convective available potential energy, high-shear AEJ environment in the vicinity of high terrain appeared to have the greatest probability of generating intense convective systems in the study area. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Phase transitions and short timescale sinusoidal motions

Abstract While the effects of phase transitions of mantle materials are considered in convection studies, models of geophysical processes that occur on shorter timescales, such as seismic normal modes and Earth tides, often ignore these effects. A common justification is that the latent heat released from the material changing phase could not conduct away from the boundary on timescales shorter than those of convection, and thus the phase transition would not proceed. In this study, we first examine the behavior of a phase boundary to a periodic pressure perturbation by solving the heat equation. If all the latent heat is released at an infinitely thin boundary, we find that the phase transitions do not proceed. However, if the latent heat is released over a region of 1–5 km thickness, which might occur due to the divariant nature of the phase boundaries, then some of the material changes phase regardless of the period of the forcing. We apply these results to predictions of seismic normal mode center frequencies and elastic Love numbers. The perturbations to the normal mode frequencies can be two orders of magnitude greater than the differences between the observed frequencies and those predicted using the Preliminary Reference Earth Model. However, we have not considered kinetics, the energetics of the mechanisms of the phase transitions, in this formulation. This work suggests a greater knowledge of the kinetics near equilibrium phase boundaries is required because the kinetics may be the limiting factor in these short period, small amplitude motions.
Progress and Challenges in the Theory of Nuclei

Nuclear theory today aims for a comprehensive theoretical framework that can describe all nuclei. I discuss recent progress in this pursuit and the associated challenges as we move forward.
Oxidative degradation of polybenzyl

The primary steps involved in the degradation of polybenzyl at temperatures between 140 and 220°C. in the presence of air or pure oxygen has been found to be an attack at the methylene linkages to give benzhydrol and benzophenone linkages. Kinetic evaluation of the rate of benzophenone-type carbonyl ingrowth indicated an apparent initial activation energy for the oxidation process of 14.5 ± 3.5 kcal. Vapor-phase chromatographic analysis of the volatile products of the reaction indicate that the formation of benzoic acid and benzophenone are the major products of oxidation, along with smaller amounts of benzene, toluene, water, and carbon dioxide. It must be concluded that the initial oxidation of polybenzyl closely parallels the oxidation of phenolic resins and other closely related activated methylene polymers. Secondary degradation reactions which produce chain scission are generally equitable to further oxidation at both the benzhydrol and benzophenone linkages. The appearance and spectral substantiation of the formation of benzoic anhydride linkages from thermal dehydration of benzoic acid most adequately accounts for the formation of the secondary reaction products giving new but minor infrared bands in the early and intermediate stages of the degradation.
Two-sided tolerance limits for balanced random-effects ANOVA models

In this article, we derive two-sided approximate β-content tolerance limits for multiway balanced random-effects models. We provide factors, obtained from numerical integration, that can be used to obtain β-content tolerance intervals. We describe methods for extending the results to nested models and discuss the use of the tabled tolerance factors for exact intervals for simple random samples when we have an independent estimate of the variance. We demonstrate the procedure with an experimental design used to evaluate the firing time precision in a high-explosives system.
Preclinical efficacy testing in middle-aged rats: nicotinamide, a novel neuroprotectant, demonstrates diminished preclinical efficacy after controlled cortical impact.

Abstract Age is a consistent predictor of poor outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the elderly population has one of the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death, few preclinical studies have attempted to model and treat TBI in the aged population. Recent studies have indicated that nicotinamide (NAM), a soluble B-group vitamin, improved functional recovery in experimental models of TBI in young animals. The purpose of the present study was to examine the preclinical efficacy of NAM in middle-aged rats. Groups of middle-aged (14-month-old) rats were assigned to NAM (500 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) or saline alone (1 mL/kg) treatment conditions, and received unilateral cortical contusion injuries (CCI) and injections at 1 h and 24 h following injury. The animals were tested on a variety of tasks to assess vestibulomotor (tapered beam) and cognitive performance (reference and working memory in the Morris water maze), and were evaluated for lesion size, blood–brain barrier compromis...
Development and validation of a computed tomography-based methodology to measure carpal kinematics.

Motion of the wrist bones is complicated and difficult to measure. Noninvasive measurement of carpal kinematics using medical images has become popular. This technique is difficult and most investigators employ custom software. The objective of this paper is to describe a validated methodology for measuring carpal kinematics from computed tomography (CT) scans using commercial software. Four cadaveric wrists were CT imaged in neutral, full flexion, and full extension. A registration block was attached to the distal radius and used to align the data sets from each position. From the CT data, triangulated surface models of the radius, lunate, and capitate bones were generated using commercial software. The surface models from each wrist position were read into engineering design software that was used to calculate the centroid (position) and principal mass moments of inertia (orientation) of (I) the capitate and lunate relative to the fixed radius and (2) the capitate relative to the lunate. These data were used to calculate the helical axis kinematics for the motions from neutral to extension and neutral to flexion. The kinematics were plotted in three dimensions using a data visualization software package. The accuracy of the method was quantified in a separate set of experiments in which an isolated capitate bone was subjected to two different known rotation/translation motions for ten trials each. For comparison to in vivo techniques, the error in distal radius surface matching was determined using the block technique as a gold standard. The motion that the lunate and capitate underwent was half that of the overall wrist flexion-extension range of motion. Individually, the capitate relative to the lunate and the lunate relative to the radius generally flexed or extended about 30 deg, while the entire wrist (capitate relative to radius) typically flexed or extended about 60 deg. Helical axis translations were small, ranging from 0.6 mm to 1.8 mm across all motions. The accuracy of the method was found to be within 1.4 mm and 0.5 deg (95% confidence intervals). The mean error in distal radius surface matching was 2.4 mm and 1.2 deg compared to the use of a registration block. Carpal kinematics measured using the described methodology were accurate, reproducible, and similar to findings of previous investigators. The use of commercially available software should broaden the access of researchers interested in measuring carpal kinematics using medical imaging.
Application of time-domain reflectometry to electrochemical studies—a critique

Summary A critical analysis of the application of Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to electrochemical studies is made. Since this technique could appeal to investigators interested in measurements in the nanosecond time region, the recent work of Payne on the Pt/H 2 electrode is closely examined. Present electrochemical cell design is the limiting factor in short-pulse work rather than the band-width of available real-time oscilloscopes. The possible disadvantages of the relatively high-frequency repetitive pulses necessary for sampling oscilloscopes are shown. It is concluded that, at present, the TDR technique does not offer any real advantage over direct pulse techniques.
Climate change and hydropower generation

Many electric utilities use small reservoirs in mountainous regions to generate hydropower to meet peak energy demands. Water input depends on the water budget of the catchment, whereas output depends on user demand, which is influenced by temperature. Hence reservoir performance depends on climatic factors and is sensitive to climate change. A model, based on the systems of Duke Power and Virginia Power in the south-eastern USA, was developed to simulate performance. The annual maximum draw-down of the reservoir, which represents the minimum dam size needed to maintain continuous energy generation, is considered here. The model was tested for four regions in the eastern USA using 1951-1995 observations. The amount of draw-down depended on the linked daily sequences of precipitation and temperature, the former dictating the water available, the latter influencing both evaporation and energy demand. The time and level of the annual extreme emphasized that small changes in the timing of a dry spell had a major impact on the draw-down. Climatic changes were simulated by uniformly increasing temperatures by 2°C and decreasing precipitation by 10 per cent. The resultant draw-down increased from current simulated values by about 10 per cent to 15 per cent with extremes up to 50 per cent. This was of the same order, but in the opposite direction, as the change created by a 10 per cent increase in the efficiency of energy generation. Without such an efficiency increase, many utilities will face the prospect of reduced or less reliable hydroelectric generation if climate changes in the manner examined here.
Can emotions and themes in children's play predict behavior problems?

ABSTRACT Objective To empirically test whether systematic examination of emotions and themes in children's play can provide useful information about childhood problems. Method Using the MacArthur Story-Stem Battery and coding system, distress and destructive themes (aggression, personal injury, and atypical negative responses) were coded from the play of 51 children at ages 3, 4, and 5 years, in a low-risk, nonclinical volunteer sample. To measure behavior problems, both parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist at all ages, and teachers completed the Teacher's Report Form when the children reached 5 years of age. Results Both distress and destructive themes in the play of 4− and 5-year-olds were found to correlate with externalizing behavior problems as rated by parents and teachers. Conclusions Children who display more distress during play at 4 and 5 years of age and who demonstrate destructive themes at 4 and 5 years of age appear to have more externalizing behavior problems, as rated by their parents and teachers. These results provide empirical support for the use of play as an assessment tool in young children. The findings suggest approaches to and limitations of play interpretation.
Prospective cognition in rats

Efforts to develop animal models of memory are critical for understanding the neural substrate of memory. Memory is essential for daily life and enables information to be stored and retrieved after seconds to years. The ability to remember episodes from the past is thought to be related to the ability to plan for the future. Here we focus on a particular aspect of prospective cognition, namely the ability to remember to take action when a future scenario occurs. This review focuses on a recently developed method to evaluate prospective memory in the rat. Available evidence suggests that rats remember to take action in the future, but little is known about the temporal specificity of such memories or about the flexibility and limitations of prospective memories. Recent studies that suggest that rats remember a specific past episode are reviewed to underscore potential approaches that may be used to explore the range and limits of prospective cognition. The review highlights some directions to explore, including the temporal specificity of prospective cognition, the range of flexibility or creativity within prospective cognition, and the constraints imposed by multiple motivational systems.
Statistical fibre failure and single crack behaviour in uniaxially reinforced ceramic composites

A lower bound to the work of pull-out is estimated for a ceramic composite under uniaxial loading assuming that matrix crumbling does not occur. Fibre failure is assumed to be governed by Weibull distribution. In order to compute a lower bound to the energy dissipation it is assumed that the failure occurs by a single matrix crack. The fibre/matrix interface is assumed to be constrained by friction only. The work of pull-out estimated from the present model is compared to the energy dissipation before fibre failure which was computed by Aveston, Cooper and Kelly (ACK) in 1971. Comparisons are made with the surface energy of monolithic materials.
[D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin blocks the methamphetamine-induced c-fos mRNA increase in mouse striatum.

Abstract The administration of methamphetamine caused an increase of c-fos mRNA in the striatum of the mouse. A systemic injection of the δ-opioid receptor agonist, [ d -Ala2, d -Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE), attenuated the c-fos mRNA increase induced by methamphetamine. These results suggest that endogenous δ-opioid peptides might counteract certain genomic influences exerted by psychostimulants such as methamphetamine.
Riboflavin intakes and status of morbidly obese females during the first postoperative year following gastroplasty.

Eighteen women participated in a prospective study to assess the need for supplemental riboflavin after gastroplasty. Three groups of five patients received either a placebo or 0.6 or 1.2 mg riboflavin daily for up to 12 months, except during months 4 and 7 when all participants were given a “one-a-day” supplement containing 1.7 mg riboflavin. Dietary intakes of riboflavin decreased from 1.43 +/− 0.17 mg before the operation to 0.70 +/− 0.07 mg at 3 months, and then increased to 1.02 +/− 0.17 mg by 6 months. Even at 12 months, only 33% of the subjects had dietary intakes greater than or equal to 1.2 mg. All those with total intakes less than or equal to 1.7 mg at 3 months had impaired riboflavin status, as indicated by an erythrocyte gluthatione reductase activity coefficient greater than 1.40 and an erythrocyte riboflavin concentration less than 372 nmol/L. In contrast, 62% of the same subjects had urinary riboflavin excretion in the acceptable range. Supplemental intake of 1.7 mg riboflavin appeared to ...
Perturbed-angular-correlation measurements of trivalent indium defects in silver chloride

Etude de l'interaction des lacunes avec des ions 111 In trivalents dans AgCl par la methode de la correlation angulaire γγ perturbee. Les mesures a 77 K montrent que les ions 111 In apparaissent de facon predominante dans deux defauts cristallins bien definis, chacun ayant une symetrie axiale et la plus grande composante de son axe principal («zz») dans les directions . Deux defauts complexes de lacunes In sont proposes. Calcul a partir d'un modele de charge ponctuel du gradient de champ electrique
Microstructure and flux pinning of OCMG processed (Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33)Ba2Cu3Oy with sub-micron Gd2BaCuO5 second phase particles

Abstract We present study of microstructure and magnetic properties of bulk melt-textured (Sm0.33Eu0.33Gd0.33)Ba2Cu3Oy “SEG-123” superconductors with 30 mol% of fine Gd-211 particles. To improve flux pinning performance at 77 K, Gd-211 particles of various sizes were added to the SEG-123 matrix before melt-texture growth. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the homogeneity of 211 particle dispersion improved with increasing sub-micron size of initially added 211 powder. At the same time, the self-field critical current density, Jc improved and reached 107 kA/cm2 at 77 K (Ha∥c-axis). The size of Gd-211 particles did not affect pinning force density in high fields.
Comparison of Gene Expression During Preimplantation Development Between Diploid and Haploid Mouse Embryos

Haploid development is a normal part of the life cycle for some animals, but it has not been observed in mammals. Studies in mice have revealed that the preimplantation developmental potential of haploid embryos is significantly impaired relative to diploid embryos. The reasons for the severely limited developmental potential of haploid embryos in mammals have not been discerned. To examine the effects of haploid development on gene expression, and in particular on X-linked gene expression, and to evaluate to what degree newer techniques of producing and culturing such embryos might affect developmental potential, haploid and diploid parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos were produced and reevaluated for developmental potential, genomic integrity, and relative expression levels of specific autosomal and X-linked gene transcripts. Our data confirm the previously observed restriction in haploid developmental potential, eliminate chromosomal abnormalities as a major factor in this restriction, and reveal subtle alterations in gene expression. Haploid parthenogenones display only very subtle alterations in the expression of most mRNAs but a consistent elevation in X-linked Bex1 mRNA expression. Haploid androgenones seem to lack repression of the Pgk1 gene that is seen in diploid androgenones, but this may reflect ongoing loss of those haploid androgenones that experience X chromosome inactivation. The significance and possible explanations for these differences are discussed.
Córdova to Be Nominated as New Head of NSF

President Barack Obama announced on 31 July that he intends to nominate France Anne Cordova to become the next director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Cordova was president of Purdue University from 2007 to 2012 and has been a professor of physics and astronomy there. Previously, Cordova was chancellor of the University of California, Riverside from 1996 to 2002.
The Work of Christian Education in the Seminary and the Church: Then (1812) and Now (2012)

The shape of Christian Education in the United States has shifted as new communication media have come to the fore, interacting with the overarching purposes and content of Christian Education. As we begin to ask how computer technologies and the Internet may affect Christian Education, it is helpful to look back at the ways communication media have affected Christian Education over the past 200 years.
Thoreau and urbanature: from Walden to ecocriticism

The concept of urbanature is a valuable new idea in ecocritical studies. Urbanature claims that urban life and nature are not as distinct as we have long supposed. Hawks and owls are nesting throughout Central Park and Manhattan at the same time that Western environmentalists are flying thousands of miles in jumbo-jets in an effort to “get back” to a version of nature they claim cannot be found in cities. Thoreau helps us to understand this conflict in the way he links an understanding of the nonhuman world with a wider appreciation of the concept of wildness. This essay will examine the hermit of Walden Pond in biographical detail and will also reveal the continuing impact of his works on students, teachers, and naturalists, especially that group of literary scholars known as ecocritics. Thoreau’s writings deliver a message of intellectual optimism but also of environmental warning. He also offers us a framework that can help us to determine the formal outlines of the ecocriticism we will practice in the coming decades.
The sintering behavior of ultrafine alumina particles

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) of aluminum oxide were prepared by an arc discharge, sintered in a custom-built ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) furnace system, and characterized in a high resolution electron microscope (HREM) operating under UHV conditions. The UFPs produced range in size from 20 to 50 nm and have highly faceted surfaces. The atomic structure of the UFPs corresponds to the cubic (γ) and orthorhombic (δ) variants of the spinel structure. Sintering in these UFPs demonstrates three major issues. Surface faceting plays a major role in determining the final sintering geometry with sintering occurring predominantly on the close-packed {111} facets. Surface diffusion is the predominant mechanism for sintering, as evidenced by the fact that many sintered particles have their initial adhesion structure ‘locked-in’ during sintering with no reorientation occurring. Furthermore, the necks formed during sintering have well-defined, atomically sharp contact angles which suggests that the neck growth process is controlled by the faceted structures and may be modeled by a mechanism similar to crystal growth due to ledges, grain boundaries, and twins. The driving force for sintering can be considered as a chemical potential difference between facet surfaces and the neck region.
Automated chemiluminescent assay for C-peptide.

C-peptide is secreted in equimolar concentrations with insulin, and is often measured to assess pancreatic beta-cell function. C-peptide analysis is most often performed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) which has several disadvantages. We evaluated an automated, chemiluminescent immunoassay for C-peptide in terms of precision, linearity, interference, and correlation with a RIA method. The chemiluminescent assay demonstrated acceptable correlation with the RIA method (slope = 0.82, y-intercept = 0.88 ng/ml, r-value = 0.97). Between-run Cvs ranged from 8 to 9%, which compared well with the RIA method. Linearity extended beyond the manufacturer's recommendations and recovery ranged from 87 to 112% across the concentrations tested, with a slope of 1.007. No significant interference was noted with hemoglobin, bilirubin, or triglyceride. Overall this method compared favorably with the RIA method and offers an alternative to RIA for the analysis of C-peptide.
The Measurement of Current Distributions along Coupled Antennas and Folded Dipoles

The theoretical analysis of coupled antennas is facilitated by the use of symmetrical and antisymmetrical currents. This paper presents experimental results verifying this physical concept of current on closely coupled antennas and folded dipoles.
Style-Based Abstractions for Human Motion Classification

This paper presents an approach to motion analysis for robotics in which a quantitative definition of "style of motion" is used to classify movements. In particular, we present a method for generating a "best match" signal for empirical data via a two stage optimal control formulation. The first stage consists of the generation of trajectories that mimic empirical data. In the second stage, an inverse problem is solved in order to obtain the "stylistic parameters" that best recreate the empirical data. This method is amenable to human motion analysis in that it not only produces a matching trajectory but, in doing so, classifies its quality. This classification allows for the production of additional trajectories, between any two endpoints, in the same style as the empirical reference data. The method not only enables robotic mimicry of human style but can also provide insights into genres of stylized movement, equipping cy-berphysical systems with a deeper interpretation of human movement.
Time and energy allocation of female sea otters (Enhydra lutris) with pups in Alaska

Abstract The behavior of sea otters ( Enhydra lutris kenyoni ) with dependent pups was observed between May and August of 2005–2010 in Simpson Bay, Alaska using focal follows and instantaneous sampling. Six behaviors (foraging, grooming, resting, swimming, swimming slowly and interacting) were recorded during four, 6-h time periods (dawn [05:00–11:00], day [11:00–17:00], dusk [17:00–23:00] and night [23:00–05:00]) to create a 24-h activity budget. Overall, 1190 focal follows were conducted for a total of 595 h. Females with dependent pups spent the greatest percentage of the day resting (42%), about equal percentages foraging (18%), grooming (15%), swimming (15%), swimming slowly (8%) and interacting (2%). Field Metabolic Rate (FMR) was estimated by using the oxygen consumption (ml O 2 min − 1 kg − 1 ) for each behavior for captive otters (Yeates et al., 2007). The estimated FMR for females with a dependent pup was 12.69 MJ day − 1 with the following absolute and percentage allocations for each behavior: foraging 2.38 (19%), grooming 2.70 (21%), resting 3.42 (27%), swimming 2.64 (21%), swimming slowly 1.25 (10%) and interacting 0.3 (2%). The estimated weight specific FMR was 601 kJ day − 1 kg − 1 , similar to that reported for territorial males in the same area. The sea otter population in Simpson Bay has been stable for at least the last 12 years. It would follow then that the time spent foraging might be similar to other areas where the population is stable, but this is not the case. In Simpson Bay, the time spent foraging is more similar to areas that have been recently occupied. The relatively small amount of time spent foraging may indicate that geographic differences (structure of the near-shore community: substrate, water depth, kelp canopy, prey assemblage, and competitors) may play a greater role in determining the amount of time spent foraging than population status.
A Comparison of the Vibration Characteristics of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Plates with those of Magnesium Plates

An experimental and numerical investigation is conducted to evaluate vibration characteristics of an advanced composite material system, namely carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), relative to a magnesium alloy currently used in the vibration testing industry. Experimental test specimens for both materials, with varying thicknesses, are tested with two boundary conditions — the free condition, to evaluate the natural frequencies and damping of the two materials and, secondly, a general constrained condition, typical of vibration testing. Experimental modal analysis techniques are used to measure the vibration characteristics including natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes. The results from these tests show that the natural frequency and mode shape for relatively thin CFRP plates were comparable with those of magnesium plate. Although the mode shapes also compare well for thick CFRP and magnesium specimens, the natural frequencies were found to have significant differences between the two material systems. The largest difference between the two material systems, present for all thicknesses, is found to be the damping values for the respective vibration modes. This unique characteristic of the CFRP material presents an opportunity for a performance increase in the vibration testing system’s community.
Patent ductus arteriosus ligation alters pulmonary gene expression in preterm baboons

Ibuprofen-induced ductus closure improves pulmonary mechanics and increases alveolar surface area in premature baboons compared with baboons with a persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Ibuprofen-treatment has no effect on the expression of genes that regulate pulmonary inflammation but does increase the expression of alpha-ENaC (the transepithelial sodium channel that is critical for alveolar water clearance). Although ligation eliminates the PDA, it does not improve pulmonary mechanics or increase alveolar surface area. We used preterm baboons (delivered at 67% of term gestation and ventilated for 14 d) to study whether the lack of beneficial effects, after PDA ligation, might be due to alterations in pulmonary gene expression. We found no differences in ventilation or oxygenation indices between animals that were ligated (n = 7) on day of life 6 and those that had a persistent PDA (n = 12) during the entire 14 d study. In contrast with no intervention, PDA ligation produced a significant increase in the expression of genes involved with pulmonary inflammation (COX-2, TNF-α, and CD14) and a significant decrease in alpha-ENaC sodium channel expression. We speculate that these changes may decrease the rate of alveolar fluid clearance and contribute to the lack of improvement in pulmonary mechanics after PDA ligation.
Monolithically integrated power MOSFET and Schottky diode with improved reverse recovery characteristics

A power DMOSFET structure with a monolithically integrated Schottky diode located under the source contact pad is described. In this structure the source contact metallization step is also used to fabricate an epitaxial drift region Schottky diode in parallel with the parasitic body p-n junction diode of the power MOSFET. Such a structure results in significantly improved internal diode switching characteristics with no degradation in the on-state resistance and drain-source breakdown voltage. The integral power MOSFET technology was used to fabricate 30- and 45-V vertical power DMOSFETs with a reduction in peak reverse current and stored charge of more than 25% as compared to a conventional power DMOSFET. The Schottky diode consumed less than 15% of the active transistor area. >
A mathematical model of low amplitude pulse combustion systems using a Helmholtz resonator-type approach

Abstract Pulse combustion devices consisting of one or two combustion chamber-pulse tube combinations attached to a exhaust decoupling chamber and a long exhaust pipe were modeled by using Helmholtz resonator concepts. Comparisons of theory with experiment are presented and questions of operational stability are discussed.
A New Structural Motif for Biological Iron: Iron K-Edge XAS Reveals a [Fe4-μ-(OR)5(OR)9-10] Cluster in the Ascidian Perophora annectens

The Phlebobranch ascidian Perophora annectens surprisingly exhibited a biological Fe/V ratio of ∼15:1 on multichannel X-ray fluorescence analysis of two independent collections of organisms. Iron K...
Opportunistic Control Over Shared Wireless Channels

We consider a wireless control architecture with multiple control loops over a shared wireless medium. A scheduler observes the random channel conditions that each control system experiences over the shared medium and opportunistically selects systems to transmit at a set of non-overlapping frequencies. The transmit power of each system also adapts to channel conditions and determines the probability of successfully receiving and closing the loop. We formulate the optimal design of channel-aware scheduling and power allocation that minimize the total power consumption while meeting control performance requirements for all systems. In particular, it is required that for each control system a given Lyapunov function decreases at a specified rate in expectation over the random channel conditions. We develop an offline algorithm to find the optimal communication design, as well as an online protocol which selects scheduling and power variables based on a random observed channel sequence and converges almost surely to the optimal operating point. Simulations illustrate the power savings of our approach compared to other non-channel-aware schemes.
Family Responsibilities Among Latina College Students From Immigrant Families

The purpose of this study was to examine different types of family responsibilities among Latina college students and how these responsibilities affect their college experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 first- and second-generation Latina women, aged 18 to 29. Results point to three key emergent themes regarding the role of family responsibility, which are discussed in the context of Latina students' college adjustment and retention.
Ultrasonic mean free path in a granular aluminum film

Abstract The ultrasonic mean free path has been measured and compared to the electrical mean free path of a thin granular aluminum film. They have been found to differ by an order of magnitude which is believed to indicate that mean free path determined ultrasonically is for the Al metal while the one determined electrically is for the Al-Al2O3 matrix structure.
Pearls for ablation in congenital heart disease.

Ablation in Congenital Heart Disease. Tachyarrhythmias occur in patients having congenital heart disease most commonly related to surgically created or naturally occurring conduction obstacles, and to postoperative hemodynamic effects on cardiac muscle. Less frequently, the underlying disease is associated with tachycardia substrates. Thorough knowledge of the patient's congenital anatomy and surgical procedures is required before considering catheter ablation. In many instances, procedural considerations should include meticulous hemodynamic surveillance, analogous to patients having structurally normal heart but cardiomyopathy. This includes careful selection of sedating and anesthetic agents. Congenital heart defects that have a higher than expected incidence of naturally occurring tachyarrhythmia substrates include Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve, congenitally corrected transposition, and some of the heterotaxies. Intraatrial reentry tachycardia and atrial flutter are especially prevalent following the Mustard or Senning operations for d-transposition of the great arteries and the earlier Fontan type operations. Although these tachyarrhythmias are not as frequent following atrial septal defect repair, the high incidence of this defect also makes these patients germaine to this discussion. Focal atrial tachyacrdia and atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia also occur in these patient groups. Macroreentry ventricular tachycardia occurs most frequently following right ventricular outflow tract surgery, especially following repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This article focuses on the technical aspects of catheter ablation of these arrhythmias, due to the challenges presented by the underlying anatomy compared with patients having normal hearts. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 223-230, February 2010)