cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an iterative solution procedure for multi-fluid gas–particle flow models on unstructured grids

Abstract An iterative procedure for the solution of multi-fluid equations for gas–particle flows, with kinetic theory closures and frictional stress models for the description of the particle phase is presented and was implemented in the fully unstructured open source code OpenFOAM®, capable of using arbitrarily-shaped polyhedral cells. Improved interpolation practices have been adopted to ensure the smoothness of the solution in situations where the phase effective density presents steep gradients, aiming at reproducing the discretisation typical of the staggered grid arrangement. This was achieved including the strongly varying source terms of the momentum equation in the momentum interpolation procedure. Phase coupling was implemented using the partial elimination algorithm, which was incorporated in the improved interpolation practice. An implicit treatment for the particle pressure was implemented to ensure the robustness of the algorithm whenever the particle phase approaches the packed condition, where strong and rapidly changing stresses as a function of the dispersed phase volume fraction are present. The implemented code was tested against a number of test cases, including a bubbling fluidised bed, and results were verified against the solution provided by another solver (MFIX), or against published numerical solutions.
Respirator canister testing for radioiodine

Radioiodine canisters, cartridges, and their sorbents were tested with vapors of iodine compounds. The purposes were (1) to select a species for use in performance testing, (2) to determine how useful nonradiometric species would be for such testing, (3) to study effects of humidity and other parameters on sorbent performance, and (4) to make limited comparisons of canisters and cartridges currently available from U.S. manufacturers. An experimental apparatus was constructed to generate normal iodine and radioiodine vapors and to detect their penetrations through test beds. Methyl iodide was found to be the most penetrating vapor form. It provides an upper limit to methyl radioiodide penetration. At high humidity, methyl iodide removal deteriorates rapidly. Triethylenediamine-impregnated charcoal is the most effective charcoal tested. Larger beds give higher efficiencies.
Lysine tRNAs from Bacillus subtilis 168: structural analysis

The primary sequence was established for two lysine tRNA isoacceptors which differ in abundance during development in Bacillus subtilis. Both tRNAs shared the same primary sequence but differed in the degree of post-transcriptional modification in the anticodon loop. The earlier eluting species, tRNA lys 1, had an unmodified C in position 32 and a mixture of N-[9-beta-ribofuranosyl) purin-6-ylcarbamoyl]-L-threonine, t6A, and N-[(9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-2-methylthio-purin-6-yl)carbamoyl]threonine, ms2t6A, in position 37. The later eluting species, tRNA Lys 3, which is the more efficient in protein synthesis, had a modified C in position 32 and only ms2t6A in position 37. The possibility exists that modification to make a more efficient tRNA species may be part of a functional interaction between the translational and transcriptional changes that are part of the differentiation process in B. subtilis.
We are the Stories we Tell Narrative Knowing in Nursing Practice

In recent years, nurses have come to (re)value narrative knowing: the knowledge transmitted in the stories that human beings have told each other since the beginning. Narratives area generally understood to be stories with a certain dynamic structure and shape directed toward achieving wholeness, or health. In this article, the author considers why caregivers have become interested in narratives, the nature and function of stories for patients, the location of stories in the diagnostic and healing functions of the nurse, and the significance of stories for holistic nursing practice.
The importance of proper bioinformatics analysis and clinical interpretation of tumor genomic profiling: a case study of undifferentiated sarcoma and a constitutional pathogenic BRCA2 mutation and an MLH1 variant of uncertain significance.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is increasingly utilized to identify therapeutic targets for patients with malignancy. This technology also has the capability to reveal the presence of constitutional genetic alterations, which may have significant implications for patients and their family members. Here we present the case of a 23 year old Caucasian patient with recurrent undifferentiated sarcoma who had NGS-based tumor analysis using an assay which simultaneously analyzed the entire coding sequence of 236 cancer-related genes (3769 exons) plus 47 introns from 19 genes often rearranged or altered in cancer. Pathogenic alterations were reported in tumor as the predicted protein alterations, BRCA2 “R645fs*15″ and MLH1 “E694*”. Because constitutional BRCA2 and MLH1 gene mutations are associated with Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOCS) and Lynch syndrome respectively, sequence analysis of DNA isolated from peripheral blood was performed. The presence of the alterations, BRCA2 c.1929delG and MLH1 c.2080G>T, corresponding to the previously reported predicted protein alterations, were confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the constitutional DNA. An additional DNA finding was reported in this analysis, MLH1 c.2081A>C at the neighboring nucleotide. Further evaluation of the family revealed that all alterations were paternally inherited and the two MLH1 substitutions were in cis, more appropriately referred to as MLH1 c.2080_2081delGAinsTC, which is classified as a variant of uncertain significance. This case illustrates important considerations related to appropriate interpretation of NGS tumor results and follow-up of patients with potentially deleterious constitutional alterations.
SU-E-T-276: Radiochromic Film Dosimetry: Solving the Lateral Response Puzzle

Purpose: A known factor affecting the accuracy of radiochromic film dosimetry is the lateral response artifact induced by off-center placement of film on flatbed scanners. This work reports a practical solution to eliminate such artifacts for IMRT dose QA. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5×32cm{sup 2}) were exposed at a depth of 5cm on a Varian Trilogy to a 40×40cm{sup 2} open field at six doses between 120 and 900cGy using 6MV photons. A sheet of film was similarly exposed with a large IMRT field. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot the films were digitized at different lateral positions on an Epson 10000XL scanner. The calibration strips covered nearly the full width of the scanner window. Calibration and response data were used to generate the IMRT dose map using multi-channel dosimetry. The scanner response was determined as a function of lateral position of the scanned film. The response at any lateral position L is related to the response at the center, C, of the scanner by Response(C,D) = aL+bL*Response(L,D) where D is dose and the coefficients aL and bL are constant for each lateral location. The coefficients aL and bL were determined by measuring filmsmore » exposed to different doses at the center of the scanner and various lateral positions. Results: Applying this relationship to raw calibration responses, the values at any lateral position can be corrected to an equivalent response as if that film was located centrally. Our study found that calibration curves at the different lateral positions are correlated by a simple two-point re-scaling and thereby the correction could be made. Conclusion: The work reported elaborates on the process and demonstrates improvements in radiochromic film dosimetry using this simple procedure to eliminate the lateral response artifact. Acknowledgements: Supported in part by a grant from Ashland Inc. D Lewis is an employee of Ashland Inc., the manufacturer of radiochromic film; M Chan is supported in part by a grant from Ashland Inc.« less
Effect of Parity, Stage of Lactation, and Intramammary Infection on Concentration of Somatic Cells and Cytoplasmic Particles in Goat Milk

Aseptic foremilk samples (about 15 ml) were collected biweekly for four samplings and then monthly throughout lactation from 35 does in three herds on Dairy Herd Improvement test. Bacteriology, direct microscopic somatic cell counts, and cytospin differential cell counts were performed on all samples. Milk yield was obtained from monthly Dairy Herd Improvement records. Thirty-nine percent of udder halves were infected, and coagulase negative staphylococci were the most frequent isolates (201 of 205). Somatic cell counts were influenced by lactation number, stage of lactation, and intramammary infection. Also, infection of one udder half increased somatic cells in the corresponding uninfected mammary half of the same animal. Cytoplasmic particles were not affected by stage of lactation or by intramammary infection but were greater for goats in first lactation. Milk yield was influenced by lactation number, stage of lactation, and intramammary infection.
Summer Movements of the Gulf Killifish ( Fundulus grandis ) in a Northern Gulf of Mexico Salt Marsh

The Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis) is one of the most abundant nekton species in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM) salt marshes, providing an important trophic link in these systems. Recently, the use of F. grandis as an indicator species of salt marsh health in the region has been suggested because its Atlantic coast congener, the Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) has filled such a role due to its demonstrated high site fidelity and small-scale movements. Given the similar life histories between species, F. grandis was assumed to exhibit the same type of small-scale movements, although this has not been documented. During summer 2013, we collected and marked 1,719 fish from a northern Gulf of Mexico estuary, recapturing 959 (56 % recapture rate). Of these recaptured fish, only 31 moved from their original tagging location, and of these, 29 moved only 100 m between sites connected by salt marsh. Based on these results, F. grandis appears to exhibit high site fidelity and make only small-scale movements, similar to F. heteroclitus, supporting its role as an indicator species.
A non-fatal method of sex determination for patellacean gastropods

During our studies of the reproductive cycles in limpets (family Acmaeidae) we have been confronted by the lack of a method to determine sex without killing the animals. Previous studies have relied upon dissection or histological sectioning to determine sex. This note describes a technique which allows the determination of sex in patellacean limpets without killing the animal. The tools needed are a syringe (1 cc) with a hypodermic needle (we have found that a 26 gauge, 16 mm needle works well with specimens larger than 10 mm in length), and a glass microscope slide. After removing the limpet from the substratum the shell is held with the aperture down. As the animal extends its foot downward it exposes and stretches the sides of the body wall. When the posterior portion of the body wall is fully exposed the needle is inserted approximately one third of the way up the body wall towards the shell attachment muscle. The orientation of the needle should be in line with the plane of the aperture. Penetration of the gonad can be felt by a ‘breaking through’ or sudden decrease in resistance to the progress of the needle. Care should be taken to avoid penetrating further than necessary because other organs can be easily damaged. Drawing the sample requires more force and time (approximately 10 s) than one would expect. When withdrawing the needle constant tension on the syringe plunger is necessary to keep the sample in the needle. The contents of the needle are then emptied on to the glass slide.
Cortisol response to dexamethasone in women with premenstrual syndrome.

There were no significant differences in post-dexamethasone cortisol between the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in both women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and control subjects
Immunomodulatory effects of Bacteroides products on in vitro human lymphocyte functions

Bacteroides spp. have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including periodontal diseases. In this study sonic extracts of 6 Bacteroides spp. were examined for their abilities to alter human lymphocyte function. We found that soluble extracts from Bacteroides intermedius, Bacteroides endodontalis, Bacteroides asaccharolylicus, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and to a lesser degree Bacteroides loescheii, caused dose-dependent inhibition of human lymphocyte responsiveness to both mitogens and antigens. Suppression involved altered DNA, RNA and protein synthesis as well as immunoglobulin production. In contrast, Bacteroides gingivalis did not suppress these responses; instead, it stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and enhanced immunoglobulin production. It has been proposed that impaired host defense may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many infections. The data presented in this paper suggest that microbial mediated immunosuppression may conceivably alter the nature and consequences of host-parasite interactions in periodontal disease.
Factors determining the transition from ventricular tachycardia to ventricular fibrillation

d a t a l s i g c p Wavebreak is the initiating event in reentrant ventriclar tachycardia (VT) and its transition to ventricular brillation (VF). Typically, wavebreak, triggered by preature ventricular extrasystoles or rapid pacing, initiates single or double (figure-of-eight) rotor. The rotor can ubsequently anchor to an anatomic or functional subtrate to remain intact as stable monomorphic VT, mender through the tissue as polymorphic VT or torsades e pointes, or develop further wavebreaks to degenerate nto VF. In one form of VF, known as multiple wavelet F, these ongoing wavebreaks are responsible for the aintenance of VF, whereas in another form, mother otor VF, the fastest rotor remains intact and additional avebreaks occur as a result of conduction block into the urrounding tissues. In the latter case, termination of he mother rotor may not terminate VF because the peipheral wavebreaks can act as foci to form new (but omewhat slower) rotors. Thus, wavebreak plays an esential role in initiation of VT, its transition to VF, and, n some cases, the maintenance of VF. A natural question that arises is, how closely related are he processes causing the first wavebreak initiating VT to he subsequent wavebreaks during the transition to VF? If hey share a common mechanism(s), then it may be possible o target these processes to develop a therapy to suppress oth events. Combined with a therapy suppressing triggerng events, this approach could lead to effective pharmacoogic therapy for sudden cardiac death. Traditionally, the classic factor thought to promote avebreak is structural and electrophysiologic heterogeeity. The normal ventricle exhibits substantial heteroeneity in both categories, but physiologic triggers such s premature ventricular extrasystoles are not able to reate a wavebreak that initiates reentry. If reentry is
Influence of Processing on Physical Form of Beans and on Intestinal Fermentation

Three red kidney bean-containing diets and one fiber-free diet were fed to five Yucatan miniature swine to evaluate the influence of the physical form of a high-fiber food on fermentation in the gut. Beans were processed by three techniques prior to cooking: the conventional soak and autoclave procedure, a wet-milling technique, and a dry-milling technique. Breath gases were collected from the animals and the concentrations of hydrogen and methane were determined to assess intestinal fermentation. Even though differences among the three bean preparations could be detected microscopically, these differences were not reflected in the physiological measurements since the extent of fermentation was similar for the three bean diets.
Toward Fully Synthetic Carbohydrate-Based HIV Antigen Design: On the Critical Role of Bivalency

Synthetic gp120331-335 glycopeptide fragments carrying hybrid and high-mannose type N-linked glycans were evaluated for binding to broadly neutralizing antibody 2G12 using surface plasmon resonance technology. None of the hybrid-type constructs demonstrated binding to 2G12. In the high-mannose series, the “Cys dimer” construct, presenting two undecasaccharide glycans, showed significantly higher binding than the Cys-protected monomer. The binding of the dimeric structure was further investigated in competition with recombinant gp120. The data suggest that gp120 and its designed synthetic epitope construct bind to the same site on 2G12.
Analysis of 4-aminobiphenyl in smoker’s and nonsmoker’s urine by tandem mass spectrometry

The aromatic amine 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) is present in tobacco smoke. In humans, it is also a known bladder carcinogen. We describe here a method for the quantification of total 4-ABP in urine using capillary gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, with an effective detection limit in urine samples of approximately 0.87 pg/mL. We also examined the efficiency of chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of urinary aromatic amine metabolites. Although we found acidic or basic hydrolysis effective, we found enzymatic hydrolysis (β-glucuronidase with either Escherichia coli or Helix pomatia) ineffective. As part of this work, we also confirm the presence of N-acetyl-4-ABP and 4-ABP glucuronide in human urine samples from smokers. These metabolites have been reported in animal studies, but previously they have not been identified in human samples. These metabolites, however, were found to be unstable and thus infeasible for biomonitoring. The final validated urinary total 4-ABP assay was applied to the analysis ...
What Do Medical Students Perceive as Meaningful in the Psychiatry Clerkship Learning Environment? A Content Analysis of Critical Incident Narratives

Objectives In order to better understand the professional development of medical students during their psychiatry clerkship, this study identifies common themes and characteristics of students’ critical incident narratives which are designed to capture a recount of clerkship experiences they perceived as meaningful.
Velocity model for Heidelberg retinal flowmetry

BACKGROUND An application of scanning-laser ophthalmoscopic flowmetry, Heidelberg Retina Flowmetry (HRF) is reported to faithfully quantify retinal perfusion. Indeed, without convincing regard for the fact that the method produces numerical values for such so-called "VELOCITY" (and subsequently "calculates" "FLOW", and "VOLUME") with no physical units or proven real-life meaning, current clinical drug studies and patient care are being based on this method. To test the physical "fidelity" of the HRF method, the author hence devised a simple, reliable mechanical model to generate known velocities of movement of a test surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS Movement of the circumferential surface of an 89 mm (3 1/2-inch) O cylinder, belt-driven by a brass spindle with segments of increasing diameter, was "analyzed" with the HRF method. The true velocities (mm/sec) with which the surface passed the HRF's focal point were then determined using a stopwatch. A 10 degrees x 2.5 degrees measuring field and a 20 x 20-pixel analysis window were used. Measurements were made for horizontal, diagonal (45 degrees and 135 degrees), and vertical motion at all velocity settings of the model. RESULTS The relationship between real velocities of cylinder-surface motion and the corresponding HRF-"VELOCITY" values was nonlinear, an effect which increased significantly for diagonal and vertical motion. CONCLUSIONS Considering the dependency on orientation of motion and the non-linearity of the relationship between HRF results and true velocity, as well as several other weaknesses discussed herein, the question arises whether the validity of the HRF method should be reconsidered.
Ethics, Family Caregivers, and Stroke

Even though stroke caregivers provide valuable care to loved ones, often sacrificing their own life goals and sometimes their health, they are frequently viewed by stroke professionals as irritants or problems. Medical training and medical bioethics literature focus almost exclusively on the physician-patient relationship, which leaves family members with uncertain standing. A family-centered approach allows providers to acknowledge and respect caregivers' needs without sacrificing patients' interests or authority.
Platinum drug effects on the expression of genes in the polyamine pathway: time-course and concentration-effect analysis based on Affymetrix gene expression profiling of A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells

Purpose As a follow-up to our previous findings that platinum drugs induce a key enzyme in polyamine catabolism, gene expression profiling and mathematical modeling were used to define the effects of cisplatin and oxaliplatin on the expression of polyamine metabolic pathway genes in A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells.
Infections associated with indwelling devices: infections related to extravascular devices.

Infection complications of indwelling extravascular devices are reviewed including endotracheal tubes urological catheters cerebrospinal shunts ocular prostheses orthopedic protheses peritoneal dialyses catheters and IUDs. For each device a small number of pathogens accounts for the majority of infections. For most devices infections of host skin origin especially coagulase negative staphylococci are responsible. IUDs are exceptional because most are associated with bacteria which cannot be detected by usual culture methods. Acute endometritis may follow insertion and pelvic inflammatory disease may develop rarely. For urinary catheters gram negative bacilli from the bowel or antibiotic resistant hospital acquired organisms are common. Most foreign body infections require removal of the device before cure is possible. Exceptions are peritoneal dialysis catheters intraocular lenses and some cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis by penicillin susceptible streptococci. Most infections originate during surgical implantation. Minimizing tissue trauma and operating time will reduce risk. Prophylactic antibiotics are appropriate for placement of artificial heart valves joints and vascular grafts.
The management, control and evaluation of a telecommuting project: a case study

Abstract There is considerable information available about remote site work and telecommuting. However, little information is available about how such a program can be implemented. This paper contains a design outline for a telecommuting program and the guidelines needed for the selection of related projects, personnel, and managers. It also proposes systems for monitoring the pilot project and evaluating the results. This study is based on research of other workers and on the results obtained from a carefully controlled longitudinal study of telecommuting at the Textron Lycoming Division of Textron Corporation at Stratford, CT hereinafter referred to as Textron. Results are tabulated for three major areas of the study: the workstation hardware and software; communications between the telecommuter subject of the study and the project management at the plant; and finally, the morale of the telecommuter.
Solidification behavior of highly supercooled polycrystalline silicon droplets

Abstract Polycrystalline silicon balls are popularly used for solar cells to lower cost and improve their light collection capability. This article investigates on the microstructure evolution during solidification of polycrystalline silicon. The uniform droplet spray process, a controlled capillary jet break-up process, which enables stringent control of the nucleation and microstructure evolution during solidification of alloy droplets in a thermal spray process, was used to produced mono-sized silicon droplets. The experimental parameters for production of silicon droplets were established and the solidification behavior of silicon droplets was investigated using the modification of the free dendritic growth model and the dendritic fragmentation model. This enabled us to correctly establish the transition supercooling for transformation from lateral growth mode to continuous growth mode to be between 81 K and 172 K. The model was used to predict the microstructure of polycrystalline silicon droplets for solar cells produced by a droplet based manufacturing method, enabling greater control over process parameters and its relation to the final microstructure.
DIRECT PRODUCTION OF FV-FRAGMENTS FROM A FAMILY OF MONOCLONAL IGGS PAPAIN DIGESTION

Fv fragments of four monoclonal antibodies specific for morphine binding have been produced from their divalent IgG forms by papain digestion using the classic procedure for Fab formation. The binding characteristics of one of the Fv fragments have been determined relative to the intact antibody by equilibrium dialysis. Its dissociation constant is a factor of five lower than the IgG. Previous work had resulted in the sequences of each the chains for the four Fv fragments. The light chains are all from the highly homologous lambda subclass while the gamma heavy chains are closely related except for their CDR regions. In this work optical molar extinction coefficients are predicted from amino acid sequences for each of the fragments. It is found that they differ significantly from each other and from the commonly used value for intact IgG. Detailed comparisons between our results and those reported previously on the molecular masses of Fv-derived light and heavy chains and hapten-Fv dissociation constants are given based on analytical gel electrophoresis and electroblotting experiments using dye and immunovisualization techniques. Isoelectric focusing experiments have been performed and the pIs obtained are compared to those predicted theoretically from the chain sequences. Gel filtration column chromatography, acrylamide gel electrophoresis and equilibrium dialysis experiments are consistent with significant aggregation of the Fv fragments in neutral solution with accompanying inactivation of the binding site. Comparison of sequences for the Fv light and heavy chains are made with those which have been proposed to be important for chain dimer association and for canonical hypervariable regions. This methods of Fv production is not regarded as a general one. However, it may be an approach which is general to lambda chain containing antibodies.
Role of Steric Stabilization on the Arrested Growth of Silver Nanocrystals in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Perfluorodecanethiol-stabilized silver (Ag) nanocrystals were synthesized in supercritical (sc)-CO2 through arrested precipitation, by reducing silver acetylacetonate (Ag(acac)) with hydrogen in the presence of fluorinated thiol. The CO2 density used during synthesis controls the particle size and polydispersity. At high solvent densities, (P > 250 bar, T = 80 °C), the ligands provide a strong steric barrier that maintains small particles with a 20 A diameter. At lower solvent densities (P < 250 bar, T = 80 °C), the osmotic repulsions between capping ligands are weak, resulting in 40 A diameter nanocrystals with higher polydispersity. At early stages in the growth process, metal core coagulation competes with ligand adsorption. Conditions effective for steric stabilization, such as long ligands and high solvent density, quench nanocrystal growth at relatively low ligand binding densities, which leads to smaller nanocrystals. Under poor solvent conditions, particles grow to larger sizes before the coverage...
Dual four-point functions with no negative residues

The positivity of residues in a general class of dual four-point functions is studied. A large domain in parameter space [$\ensuremath{\alpha}(0)$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(0)$, trajectory curvature, external mass] is found in which there are no negative residues at any level. The ghost-free domain of $\ensuremath{\alpha}(0)$ expands as the positive curvature of the trajectory is increased. This suggests departure from linearity of trajectory as a way of breaking the $\ensuremath{\alpha}(0)=1$ no-ghost condition for the Veneziano $N$-point function. For a set of parameters which provides a good fit to the nondiffractive component of proton-proton elastic scattering, it is shown that the amplitude has no negative residues.
A PM3 molecular orbital model of silica rings and their vibrational spectra

Abstract The PM3 molecular orbital model was applied to various silica rings from twofold to sixfold on size. From these optimized structures, the bridging oxygen (BO) and non-bridging oxygen (NBO) bond lenths, the SiOSi (φ) angles, the OSiO (θ) angles and final heats of formation were tabulated. These data were compared with earlier MNDO and ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The theoretical vibrational spectra were then calculated and compared with earlier work as well as the experimental IR response. The PM3 method was found to be a viable calculational tool for modeling silica structures.
The Blithfield meteorite and the origin of sulfide rich metal-poor clasts and inclusions in brecciated enstatite chondrites

Abstract Blithfield (EL6) is one of five known enstatite chondrite breccias. It consists of troilite-rich clasts ( 35 ± 5vol.% ) embedded in an extremely metallic Fe,Ni-rich matrix ( 65 ± 5 vol.% ) that contains metal nodules up to 17 mm in size. Clasts and matrix agglomerated independently in the solar nebula under conditions of high and low pS 2 /pO 2 ratios, respectively. The matrix accreted to an EL chondrite planetesimal and was metamorphosed to ∼ 1000°C , above the Fe Ni S eutectic; chondrule textures were obliterated. The S-rich eutectic melt was lost from the matrix. The matrix material was buried to a depth of at least 3 km; accreting troilite-rich material was incorporated into the matrix as clasts. The breccia cooled through ∼ 500°C at 1000–10,000°C/Myr. After cooling below ∼ 500°C , Blithfield was quenched, possibly by impact excavation from depth and deposition onto the surface. Clasts or inclusions that are enriched in sulfide and depleted in metallic Fe,Ni are common in brecciated enstatite chondrites. Variations in the pS 2 /pO 2 ratio in the nebular regions where these materials formed may explain many of their petrologic properties. The silica-rich clasts in Adhi Kot (EH4) formed at very high pS 2 /pO 2 ratios(> 10 27 ) ; niningerite, free silica and troilite were produced from the sulfurization of enstatite and metallic Fe. The troilite-rich clasts in Blithfield and Atlanta (EL6) as well as the troilite-rich regions of the Hvittis (EL6) matrix formed at somewhat lower pS 2 /pO 2 ratios where sulfurization of metalic Fe produced troilite. The Ni content of the residual metal increased, forming some metal of martensitic composition. The dark inclusions in Abee (EH 4), which contain up to 9 wt.% oldhamite, formed at high pS 2 /pO 2 ratios in the presence of an additional Ca-rich component.
Thioredoxin-1 binds to the C2 domain of PTEN inhibiting PTEN's lipid phosphatase activity and membrane binding: a mechanism for the functional loss of PTEN's tumor suppressor activity

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a 12 kDa redox protein that is overexpressed in a large number of human tumors. Elevated Trx-1 is associated with increased tumor cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, aggressive tumor growth, and decreased patient survival. The molecular mechanisms for the promotion of tumorigenesis by Trx-1 are not known. PTEN is a major tumor suppressor of human cancer that acts by hydrolyzing membrane phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns)-3-phosphates, thus, preventing the activation of the survival signaling kinase Akt by PtdIns-3-kinase. We show that Trx-1 binds in a redox dependent manner to PTEN to inhibit its PtdIns-3-phosphatase activity which results in increased Akt activation in cells. Molecular docking and site-specific mutation studies show that the binding of Trx-1 to PTEN occurs through a disulfide bond between the active site Cys(32) of Trx-1 and Cys(212) of the C2 domain of PTEN leading to steric interference by bound Trx-1 of the catalytic site of PTEN and of the C2 lipid membrane-binding domain. The results of the study suggest that the increased levels of Trx-1 in human tumors could lead to functional inhibition of PTEN tumor suppressor activity providing an additional mechanism for tumorigenesis with loss of PTEN activity.
Inhalation toxicity of ammonium perfluorooctanoate.

Abstract Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (CAS Registry No. 3825-26-1) is a fine white powder which can become airborne; hence its inhalation toxicity was studied in the male rat. The compound was found to be moderately toxic following single 4-hr exposures, with an LC 50 of 980 mg/m 3 . This concentration produced both an increase in liver size and corneal opacity. Both findings diminished with increasing time after exposure. Subchronic head-only inhalation exposures (6 hr/day on 5 days/wk for 2 wk to 0, 1, 8 or 84 mg/m 3 ) suppressed body-weight gain at 84 mg/m 3 . Reversible liver-weight increases, reversible increases in serum enzyme activities, and microscopic liver pathology, including necrosis, occurred at exposure of 8 and 84 mg/m 3 . No ocular changes were produced. Concentrations of organofluoride in the blood showed a dose relationship with initial levels of 108 ppm in rats treated at 84 mg/m 3 falling to 0.84 ppm after 84 days with a blood half-life of 5–7 days. The no-observed-effect level was 1 mg/m 3 and a mean organofluoride blood level of 13 ppm was detected in rats immediately after the tenth exposure to an atmospheric level of 1 mg ammonium perfluorooctanoate/m 3 .
Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Calculations of Three Dimensional Non-Continuum Gas Flows

This paper describes the parallel implementation of a three-dimensional direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code using the OpenMP procedure on a shared memory multiprocessor computer. A dynamic domain decomposition is performed to maintain load balance among the threads. Performance tests are conducted to evaluate the effect of granularity on efficiency. It is shown that the parallel performance is dependent on the problem size. For larger-scale problems, better efficiency can be expected. Synchronization overhead due to data contention is reduced by re-arranging particle removal procedure. The parallel code is used to simulate flow through a rectangular channel with a high-speed moving wall (Couette flow). For high Knudsen (Kn) numbers, the Couette flow characteristics are found to be very different from their continuum counterparts. ‘Ultimate pressures’ are calculated for a wide range of Kn number flows. The variation of the ultimate pressure with Kn number is computed for given wall speed. Maximum compression ratio is obtained in the transition flow region.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Implications of biotech traits with segregation costs and market segments: the case of Roundup Ready® Wheat

SummaryRoundup Ready ® Wheat (RRW) is one of the first genetically modified (GM) traits for the wheat sector. We develop a spatial partial equilibrium model of the higher-protein hard wheat market and assess the changes in the distribution of welfare associated with release and adoption of RRW. It incorporates segments for GM aversion in each market and segregation costs for each segment. In the most likely scenario, producer and consumer welfare increases by $301 and $252 million, respectively. Producers of hard red spring wheat in the US and Canada gain. There are welfare losses to hard red winter wheat growers in the US and to EU consumers who have to import at a higher cost.
Contributions of maternal identity and lifestyle to young children's adjustment

Early child behavior problems have been related to later child adjustment. Therefore, it is important to study factors, such as maternal characteristics, which may affect early child behavior. Existing science stresses the import of maternal identity formation as a key aspect of the early mother—child relationship; however, recent evidence also shows that mothers' health-related lifestyles are salient to preschool children's healthy adjustment. The relative contributions of these two influences on children's behavioral adjustment were compared in a longitudinal mail study of new mothers. The sample consisted of two cohorts of mothers (6 or 12 months postpartum at recruitment) systematically selected (every third name) from published birth announcements in a midwestern newspaper. Maternal identity and lifestyle were both measured when children were 6 to 12 months and were used to predict child behavioral problems 2 years later (N = 122). Using path analysis, the influence of maternal identity and lifestyle on child behavior problems was tested within one model with maternal age, education, family income, and social desirability statistically controlled. The model provided an acceptable fit to the data. The hypothesis that maternal identity would be related to child behavior problems was not supported; however, maternal lifestyle was significantly related to child behavior problems. These findings support the relationship between the mother's health-related lifestyle and her young child's adjustment. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 20: 107–117, 1997
VHF/UHF imagery and RCS measurements of ground targets in forested terrain

The monostatic VV and HH-polarized radar signatures of several targets and trees have been measured at foliage penetration frequencies (VHF/UHF) by using 1/35th scale models and an indoor radar range operating at X-band. An array of high-fidelity scale model ground vehicles and test objects as well as scaled ground terrain and trees have been fabricated for the study. Radar measurement accuracy has been confirmed by comparing the signature of a test object with a method of moments radar cross section prediction code. In addition to acquiring signatures of targets located on a smooth, dielectric ground plane, data have also been acquired with targets located in simulated wooded terrain that included scaled tree trunks and tree branches. In order to assure the correct backscattering behavior, all dielectric properties of live tree wood and moist soil were scaled properly to match the complex dielectric constant of the full-scale materials. The impact of the surrounding tree clutter on the VHF/UHF radar signatures of ground vehicles was accessed. Data were processed into high-resolution, polar-formatted ISAR imagery and signature comparisons are made between targets in open-field and forested scenarios.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Emergence of a molecular Bose–Einstein condensate from a Fermi gas

The realization of superfluidity in a dilute gas of fermionic atoms, analogous to superconductivity in metals, represents a long-standing goal of ultracold gas research. In such a fermionic superfluid, it should be possible to adjust the interaction strength and tune the system continuously between two limits: a Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS)-type superfluid (involving correlated atom pairs in momentum space) and a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC), in which spatially local pairs of atoms are bound together. This crossover between BCS-type superfluidity and the BEC limit has long been of theoretical interest, motivated in part by the discovery of high-temperature superconductors1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. In atomic Fermi gas experiments superfluidity has not yet been demonstrated; however, long-lived molecules consisting of locally paired fermions have been reversibly created11,12,13,14,13. Here we report the direct observation of a molecular Bose–Einstein condensate created solely by adjusting the interaction strength in an ultracold Fermi gas of atoms. This state of matter represents one extreme of the predicted BCS–BEC continuum.
Low birth weight as a risk factor for hypertension.

While the geographic and demographic disparities in the prevalence of hypertension have been recognized for decades, the reasons for these differences in disease risks remain unknown. The demographic and geographic patterns of hypertension are similar to those of low birth weight, giving support to the "Barker Hypothesis" which proposes a fetal origin of adult-onset disease. In fact, ecologic and observational studies throughout the world have detected significant associations of low birth weight and increased risks of hypertension. Nonetheless, the mechanisms for the association have not been fully described and documented. With some supportive evidence, proposed mechanisms include reduced nephrogenesis with a higher threshold for pressure natriuresis and greater susceptibility to progressive renal disease, impaired development of the endothelium, and increased sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Still, considerable work needs to be done to explain the birth weight/blood pressure relationship. The findings to date and the clinical significance warrant continued research in this intriguing area of study.
Crosslinkable emulsion polymers by autoxidation. II

The physicomechanical properties, molecular weights, glass transition temperatures, and crosslinking mechanisms of fatty acrylate copolymers consisting of unsaturated bonds in the side chain were studied. The kinetics of the crosslinking mechanism of polymer films was analyzed by isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. The crosslinking rate was slow and influenced more by cobalt catalyst than by lead catalyst. The different physical properties displayed by the polymer films with and without catalysts demonstrated the occurrence of autoxidation. In general, 60 min at 100°C or 2 weeks at room temperature was sufficient time for polymer films reported here to obtain constant physical properties, such as tensile strength, swelling ratios, and percent insoluble polymers. The enhanced tensile strength from crosslinking was not large enough to overcome the lowering of the tensile strength due to plasticization with crosslinkable monomers such as linolenyl acrylate, linoleyl acrylate, and oleyl acrylate. However, non-crosslinkable lauryl acrylate showed better coalescence at room temperature.
Compact chip-scale filter based on curved waveguide Bragg gratings

We propose a method for miniaturization of filters based on curved waveguide Bragg gratings, so that long structures can be packed into a small area on a chip. This eliminates the stitching errors introduced in the fabrication process, which compromise the performance of long Bragg gratings. Our approach relies on cascading curved waveguide Bragg gratings with the same radius of curvature. An analytical model for the analysis of these devices was developed, and a filter based on this model was designed and fabricated in a silicon on insulator platform. The filter had a total length of 920μm, occupied an area of 190μm×114μm, and exhibited a stop band of 1.7nm at 1.55μm and an extinction ratio larger than 23dB.
Under the Rug, or a Plea for the Lighter Touch.

Reading and writing the dry, dispassionate texts of today’s scientific discourse invokes nostalgia for the anecdotal accounts of the 19th century: “On the occasion of a recent visit to A--, Dr. R--, traveling on the same train with me, mentioned to me a conjecture concerning the behavior of laminar flow ….” There is something fascinating and very human about the incidental, irreproducible part of a scientific study which is usually purged -- the serendipitous encounters of everyday life that influence the way a concept is formed in one’s mind; the appearance of a problem-solving gestalt in a dream; the apple that falls from a tree; the hits and misses of the everyday work; the quarrels with colleagues; the struggles with students to make them mean what they say and say what they mean in the draft; the embarrassing discussions about the sequence of authors (which could be avoided, incidentally, by listing them all in a circular fashion). An article that intends to preserve the richness of the experience leading from the conception of an experiment to the messy results and their interpretation would do well by going beyond “Materials and Methods,” by including a section entitled “Personals and Problems” or even “Under the Rug.” As one who tries to balances his life in science by the pursuit of fiction writing and photography, I’m always delighted when I encounter an article in Nature about such esoteric subjects as the fractal properties of paintings by Jackson Pollock (which changed in the course of his life), or the forces that cause the shower curtain to move (counter-intuitively: inwards). The editors of some scientific journals, apparently feeling the same fact-fatigue, have switched to covers that reflect art and other non-scientific realms: van Gogh-style renderings of protein complexes (Nature Structural and Molecular Biology), or have abandoned scientific subjects altogether (EMBO Journal). Considering what struggles we have gone through, starting from Medieval Times, to arrive at today’s standards of scientific discourse, sentiments for even an inch of retrograde move seem risky, especially at a time when other, sinister Medieval practices are coming back in fashion. I think what I have in mind, rather, is a lighter touch, the Judith-Reiffel touch for those who remember Elmar Zeitler’s late administrative assistant, who used to put a stamp with four dancing pigs under her signature in her Ultramicroscopy correspondence (Fig.1), and managed to fake an abstract so convincingly (on the invention of a novel microscope that uses light instead of electrons!) that it was accepted and printed in the Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of America. A lightness that carries a reflection of serendipity that comes with the pursuit of science. Fig. 1 Four dancing pigs, under an acceptance note dated September 11, 1992 by Judith Reiffel, working for Elmar Zeitler, then Editor of Ultramicroscopy.
A cloned cellulase gene from Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora is expressed in Rhizobium fredii but does not influence nodulation of cowpea

Abstract Symbiotic rhizobia enter roots of their hosts via infection threads in root-hairs and invade the cortex, where nodules are initiated. We have transferred a cloned cellulase (Cel) gene from Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora into rhizobia and examined both the production of the enzyme and its impact on nodulation. Acquisition of a Cel + plasmid allowed cultured cells of Rhizobium fredii ,R. meliloti , and R. tropici to produce extracellular enzymes that degrade carboxymethylcellulose. The Cel + plasmid was retained by R. fredii during nodulation of cowpea, and analysis of a gene fusion confirmed that the Cel promoter was active in planta. Cellulase levels in nodules nevertheless were low, and infection and nodulation were unaffected by the presence of the Cel + plasmid.
X-Ray CCD Cameras II: A Versatile Laboratory System

The use of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as single photon X-ray detectors has been documented by several research groups. In this paper we describe the design and performance of a powerful laboratory instrument for imaging and non-dispersive spectroscopy of soft X-rays (200 eV to 10 keV) utilizing Texas Instruments TI-4849 virtual-phase CCDs. With this instrument we have achieved a spatial resolution of 22 microns (limited by pixel size) with an overall array area of 584x390 pixels.We have achieved an energy-resolution of -140 eV FWHM for single-pixel Fe55 X-ray events (5.9 keV) with the CCD operated at only -30°C. We have operated the CCD in photon-counting mode at room-temperature and have obtained X-ray spectra with an energy resolution of -450 eV at 5.9 keV. We also have demonstrated the low-energy X-ray sensitivity of the CCD by detecting Carbon K-alpha X-rays (277 eV).