cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precursors of volatile components in tomato fruit—II : Enzymatic production of carbonyl compounds

Abstract Crude enzyme preparations from fresh tomatoes in the presence of certain amino acids are capable of producing carbonyl compounds. The activities of the enzyme extracts from field-grown tomatoes were generally higher than those grown in greenhouses. Enzyme activities increased with the maturity of the fruit, whereas the protein content of the extracts tended to decrease. Three amino acids used as substrates gave distinctive responses with the enzyme and the activity in general appears to be associated with the insoluble part of the preparations.
The Postcolonial University

The purpose of this paper is to use the concept of “postcolonial university” to examine and discuss the similarities and differences of the racial challenges facing institutions of higher education in South Africa and the United States. In particular, this paper focuses on the following areas in higher education: 1) student access issues that include the alignment of secondary schools with institutions of higher education – admissions, financial aid, and academic support; 2) staff and faculty development; and 3) campus environment. Each of these areas is circumscribed by tension between equity and excellence. This paper also examines the different visions underlying the movements underway to address the racial challenges of today, namely the “non-racial” vision of South Africans and the “color-blind” vision of Americans. Finally, this paper will close by focusing on the relevance and utility of “emancipatory paradigms” for addressing racial challenges in higher education.
Diversification of coordination patterns during feeding behaviour in cheiline wrasses

Successful fish feeding often requires the coordination of several complex motor and sensory systems to ensure that food is accurately detected, approached, acquired, and consumed. In the present study, we address feeding behaviour as a coordinated set of multiple, facultatively independent, anatomical systems. We sought to determine whether the patterns of interaction between trophic, locomotor, and oculomotor systems are associated with changes in morphology and ecology within a closely-related, but trophically divergent, group of fishes. We present a quantitative kinematic analysis of skull motion, locomotor behaviour, and oculomotor responses during feeding to assess coordination in three functional systems directly involved in feeding. We use coordination profiles to depict the feeding behaviours of three carnivorous coral reef fishes of the tribe Cheilinini in the family Labridae (the wrasses): Cheilinus fasciatus (a slow-swimming predator of benthic invertebrates), Epibulus insidiator (a slow-stalking predator with extraordinary jaw protrusion), and Oxycheilinus digrammus (a fast-attack predator). Differences were detected in several variables relating to jaw, body, fin, and eye movements. Overall patterns of coordination were more similar between E. insidiator and O. digrammus, which are capable of capturing elusive prey, than between C. fasciatus and E. insidiator, which are the two most closely-related species among the three. Evidence for the evolution of coordination patterns among cheiline fishes suggests that the sensory-motor systems involved in processing stimuli and coordinating a physical response during feeding have changed considerably, even among closely-related species. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 93, 289–308. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: biomechanics – Cheilinini – coral reef fish – functional morphology – kinematics – Labridae – swimming – vision.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the Study of Carbohydrates and Related Compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the role of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in the study of carbohydrates and related compounds. The chapter discusses the application of NMR for establishing the conformation of pyranoid derivative. Configuration and conformation of aldoses is discussed in this chapter. Extensive use of spin-decoupling techniques in conjunction with the studies of specifically deuterated aldoses have permitted the development of a set of empirical rules analogous to those previously described for acetylated pyranoid derivatives. Later, the chapter discusses the use of dimethyl sulphoxide as solvent for carbohydrate studies. Hydroxyl protons of alcohols dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide give magnetic resonance signals that, in contrast to their properties in more common NMR solvents, are generally well resolved and permit the detection of H–C–O–H coupling. The magnetic resonance characteristics of hydroxyl protons may then be utilized to provide information concerning the compounds that are capable of adopting more than one type of structure.
Strong Interaction Associated with Transonic Flow Past Boattailed Afterbodies

The problem of transonic flow past boattails was studied with the aid of numerical relaxative schemes. Preliminary calculations were restricted to a particular model configuration which had been tested in an experimental program. It was found that the full potential equation must be considered in the study. The final results agreed very well with the experimental data. The investigation illustrates the strong interaction character of the transonic flow past a boattailed afterbody.
Selective Inhibition of KCa3.1 Channels Mediates Adenosine Regulation of the Motility of Human T Cells

Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, is present at high concentrations in tumors, where it contributes to the failure of immune cells to eliminate cancer cells. The mechanisms responsible for the immunosuppressive properties of adenosine are not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that adenosine's immunosuppressive functions in human T lymphocytes are in part mediated via modulation of ion channels. The activity of T lymphocytes relies on ion channels. KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 channels control cytokine release and, together with TRPM7, regulate T cell motility. Adenosine selectively inhibited KCa3.1, but not Kv1.3 and TRPM7, in activated human T cells. This effect of adenosine was mainly mediated by A2A receptors, as KCa3.1 inhibition was reversed by SCH58261 (selective A2A receptor antagonist), but not by MRS1754 (A2B receptor antagonist), and it was mimicked by the A2A receptor agonist CGS21680. Furthermore, it was mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A isoform (PKAI) signaling pathway, as adenylyl-cyclase and PKAI inhibition prevented adenosine effect on KCa3.1. The functional implication of the effect of adenosine on KCa3.1 was determined by measuring T cell motility on ICAM-1 surfaces. Adenosine and CGS21680 inhibited T cell migration. Comparable effects were obtained by KCa3.1 blockade with TRAM-34. Furthermore, the effect of adenosine on cell migration was abolished by pre-exposure to TRAM-34. Additionally, adenosine suppresses IL-2 secretion via KCa3.1 inhibition. Our data indicate that adenosine inhibits KCa3.1 in human T cells via A2A receptor and PKAI, thereby resulting in decreased T cell motility and cytokine release. This mechanism is likely to contribute to decreased immune surveillance in solid tumors.
Genetic variation in the PNPLA3 gene and hepatocellular carcinoma in USA: Risk and prognosis prediction

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging epidemic with high prevalence in Western countries. Genome-wide association studies had reported that a variation in the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene is associated with high susceptibility to NAFLD. However, the relationship between this variation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well established. We investigated the impact of PNPLA3 genetic variation (rs738409: C>G) on HCC risk and prognosis in the United States by conducting a case-control study that included 257 newly diagnosed and pathologically confirmed Caucasian patients with HCC (cases) and 494 healthy controls. Multivariate logistics and Cox regression models were used to control for the confounding effects of HCC risk and prognostic factors. We observed higher risk of HCC for subjects with a homozygous GG genotype than for those with CC or CG genotypes, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 3.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-6.41). We observed risk modification among individuals with diabetes mellitus (OR = 19.11; 95% CI, 5.13-71.20). The PNPLA3 GG genotype was significantly associated with underlying cirrhosis in HCC patients (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.05-5.87). Moreover, GG allele represents an independent risk factor for death. The adjusted hazard ratio of the GG genotype was 2.11 (95% CI, 1.26-3.52) compared with CC and CG genotypes. PNPLA3 genetic variation (rs738409: C>G) may determine individual susceptibility to HCC development and poor prognosis. Further experimental investigations are necessary for thorough assessment of the hepatocarcinogenic role of PNPLA3.
Chemical changes which take place in an edible oil during thermal oxidation

The thermal oxidation of corn oil proceeds in two steps, an initial period of 12 to 16 hrs., characterized by a decrease in iodine value and a rapid increase in carbonyl value, and a second phase in which a slower decrease in iodine value, a slight decrease in carbonyl value, and a rapid increase in viscosity occurred. Increasing the rate of aeration caused greater magnitude in changes but did not alter the over-all two-phase reaction.
Pyridoxine and magnesium status of women with premenstrual syndrome

Abstract Pyridoxine and magnesium status of nine women with premenstrual syndrome was compared with that of ten asymptomatic women. Three-day food intake records were analyzed for selected nutrients in both the pre- and postmenstrual phases. Plasma magnesium was the measure of magnesium status, while plasma pyridoxal phosphate and erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase stimulation were used to evaluate pyridoxine status. Average magnesium intake was significantly higher among controls in the premenstrual phase, but there was no significant difference in plasma magnesium levels between the two groups. Pyridoxine intakes did not differ significantly between groups during either phase of the menstrual cycle, and both groups showed adequate pyridoxine status according to biochemical measures. A significant positive correlation was found between aspartate aminotransferase stimulation and ratings of both anxiety related symptoms (p=0.078) and fluid retention symptoms (p=0.0001).
Genetics of bitter perception in mice

Inbred and congenic strains exhibited several patterns of relative sensitivity to bitter tastants in 48-h, two-bottle preference tests. With segregation analyses of descendents of crosses between contrasting strains, these patterns suggested at least three genetic loci influencing bitter perception. The extensively characterized Soa (sucrose octaacetate) locus underlies one pattern. Variation at this locus had pleiotropic effects on avoidance of other acetylated sugars, plus such structurally dissimilar bitter tastants as brucine, denatonium benzoate, and quinine sulfate. Unlike SOA, however, sensitivity to quinine sulfate was polygenically determined, and produced a second characteristic pattern. At least one, possibly several, additional unlinked loci contributed to quinine differences. Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) aversion differences exemplified a third pattern. Segregation consistent with monogenic control of PTC aversion has been reported, and within segregating populations PTC aversion did not covary with SOA or quinine sulfate avoidance. Variants of the three major patterns may be useful for analysis of specific mechanisms. While both showed the SOA pattern, strychnine differences were markedly smaller than brucine (dimethoxystrychnine) differences. Likewise, a hop extract containing primarily iso-alpha acids (e.g., isohumulone) produced an SOA-like pattern, while an extract with nonisomerized alpha-acids (e.g., humulone) did not.
Apolipoprotein B messenger RNA editing is developmentally regulated in pig small intestine: Nucleotide comparison of apolipoprotein B editing regions in five species

Apolipoprotein B (apo B) mRNA undergoes a posttranscriptional tissue-specific editing reaction which changes codon 2153 from glutamine (CAA) in apoB-100 mRNA to an in-frame stop codon (UAA) in apoB-48 mRNA. Small intestinal apo B mRNA was found to be predominantly (greater than 90%) unedited in fetal (40-day gestational age) piglets but greater than 95% edited in neonatal, suckling and adult animals. By contrast, both fetal, neonatal and adult pig liver contained greater than 99% unedited, apo B-100 mRNA. The nucleotide sequence spanning the edited region in apo B mRNA was found to be highly conserved. We speculate that the regulation of apo B mRNA editing may be developmentally modulated in pig small intestine.
The space of 3-manifolds

Abstract In this paper we develop the theory of finite-type invariants for homologically nontrivial 3-manifolds. We construct an infinite-dimensional Euclidean space with a hypersurface in it corresponding to manifolds with Morse singularities. The connected components of the complement to the discriminant correspond to homeomorphism classes of spin 3-manifolds. We give the definition of the invariant of finite type, suggested by the geometry of the space and give an example of the invariant of order 1.
Forecasting accuracy and the choice of first difference or percentage change regression models

Abstract Regression models used by forecasters are often formulated in terms of the first differences or percentage changes of the variables. A recently developed maximum likelihood procedure permits the researcher to determine whether the first difference or percentage change model is superior. In this paper we apply this new method to several forecasting models from the literature and then determine whether or not the correct functional form improves forecasting accuracy. Results indicate that when either the first difference or percentage change model can he rejected in favor of the other, then superior forecasts can be obtained by using the correct form.
A Pituitary Insulotropic Principle1

IN A preliminary report (6) we showed that the same extract of anterior pituitary gland which is eventually diabetogenic in dogs quickly intensifies the hypoglycemia of human patients suffering from organic hyperinsulinism (pancreatic islet cell tumor); that the hypoglycemic effect of the extract is prompt and rapidly lost upon cessation of injections; and that the stimulus for increased production of insulin cannot be attributed to an intervening hyperglycemia since the latter never occurred. It was concluded that there existsin ‘diabetogenic extracts’ of anterior pituitary gland an insulotropic factor whichexerts its effect directly upon the islands of Langerhans, and that this factor may be identical with that which initiates islet cell degeneration in some species. The details of our experiments are herein recorded. METHODS Two patients, one male and one female, suffering from severe and persistent spontaneous hypoglycemia resulting from chronic endogenous hyperinsulinism (excessive amounts of functio...
Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory for Nonadiabatic Electronic Dynamics

We show that the time-dependent single electron, nuclear density matrix of an interacting electronic system coupled to nuclear degrees of freedom can be exactly reproduced by that of an electronic system with arbitrarily specified electron-electron interactions coupled to the same nuclear degrees of freedom, given the initial density matrix of the interacting system. This formalism enables the construction of rigorous time-dependent density-functional theories to study nonadiabatic electronic dynamics. We obtain the Runge-Gross and van Leeuwen theorems as special cases in the adiabatic limit.
Chronic daily headache

Chronic daily headache (CDH) represents one of the most challenging medical conditions that a health care provider is called on to treat. This article outlines the scope of this misunderstood condition, updates the readeron the revised diagnostic criteria for chronic daily headache, and gives practical insight into diagnosis and treatment. Four specific subtypes of CDH are covered: chronic tension-type headache, chronic migraine, new daily persistent headache, and hemicrania continua. Through better recognition and treatment of this all too common condition, this segment of our population can be better helped to lead quality lives.
Specific lectin binding to beta1 integrin and fibronectin on the apical membrane of madin-darby canine kidney cells.

Although lectins have previously been used to identify specific cell types in the kidney and various other tissues, the proteins labeled were not identified. We hypothesized that fluorescently labeled lectins could provide a useful tool for direct labeling of membrane-associated glycoproteins. Protein fractions from Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were exposed to a panel of 16 fluorescently labeled lectins to identify suitable lectin-protein pairs. Peanut agglutinin (PNA) selectively bound a 220-240 kDa O-linked glycoprotein with a slightly acidic isoelectric point, while Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) labeled a 130 kDa glycoprotein with a highly acidic isoelectric point. Both proteins were readily labeled by lectins applied to the apical surface of living confluent cells. The proteins were isolated by lectin affinity columns and identified by mass spectrometry. Peptides from the PNA-binding protein shared molecular weight and amino acid composition with fibronectin. Fragments of the SNA-binding protein showed amino-acid identity with peptides from beta I integrin. The identities of these proteins were validated by Western blotting. Binding of PNA to a 220 kDa protein was inhibited by an anti-fibronectin antibody, and binding of a 130 kDa protein by SNA was diminished by an anti-beta l integrin antibody. We conclude that PNA and SNA can be used as specific markers for fibronectin and betal integrin, respectively, in MDCK cells.
Prostate biopsy: indications and technique.

Purpose: The last decade has seen numerous modifications in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed. We review the current indications for and methods of prostate biopsy.Materials and Methods: The English language literature was reviewed regarding major indications for and methods of prostate biopsy. Pertinent peer reviewed articles were collated and analyzed.Results: The most widely accepted indication for prostate biopsy is a prostate specific antigen (PSA) value of greater than 4.0 ng./ml. However, some investigators advocate prostate biopsy for men with a PSA value in the 2.5 to 4.0 ng./ml. range, believing that use of this parameter results in detection of a greater number of cases of curable disease. Age specific PSA range, percent free PSA and presence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypia are all considered to be relative indications for prostate biopsy. The current literature describes a trend toward increasing the number of cores obtained and the sites biopsied beyond those of the standa...
Experimentation with In-Line Carbon Dioxide Immobilization of Chickens Prior to Slaughter

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE use of carbon dioxide to immobilize hogs prior to sticking has been reported to be successful in reducing the tearing of hams, and in minimizing the effort, noise, danger, and dirt in shackling and sticking hogs (Swem, 1952). If this method were adaptable to commercial chicken processing, the benefits derived from such a practice might parallel those obtained with hogs. Immobilizing chickens would reduce or eliminate struggling during shackling, sticking, and bleeding. Thus shackling would be facilitated, a more uniform cut would be obtained, and noise associated with shackling would be reduced. Turkeys were shown to be effectively immobilized by carbon dioxide (Drewniak et al., 1955). Chickens also were shown to be susceptible to immobilization when proper carbon dioxide concentrations and exposure times were used (Kotula et al., 1957). The purpose of this work was to determine whether effective commercial processing line immobilization of chickens with carbon dioxide …
Media Exposure to September 11: Elementary School Students' Experiences and Posttraumatic Symptoms

This study examined symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children indirectly exposed to September 11 via television, the Internet, and printed media. Approximately 1 month after the ...
Angiotensin II can regulate gene expression by the AP-1 binding sequence via a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

Abstract An expression vector containing three copies of the AP-1 binding element (TRE) upsteam of a thymidine kinase promotor which controlled the expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene was transiently transfected into vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells and a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, Hep G2. Twelve hours of angiotensin (Ang) II exposure stimulated significantly CAT expression by 3.4 fold and 2.7 fold in Hep G2 and VSM cells, respectively. AngII had no effect on CAT expression of a control vector. This AngII-induced stimulation was attenuated significantly by an AngII receptor antagonist, Sar 1 Ile 8 AngII, and abolished completely by a PKC inhibitor, staurosporine. Our data suggest that the TRE plays a crucial role in AngII-induced gene expression that is mediated by PKC. We concluded that TRE is one of the AngII-responsive elements.
REACTION MECHANISM OF HALF-CALCINED DOLOMITE DURING SULFIDATION

The kinetics of the sulfidation of half-calcined dolomite have been studied over a wide range of reaction conditions in terms of reaction rate and solid phase structure. The rate of reaction shows a strong dependence on temperature, pellet size, and H2S partial pressure. Analysis of both rate and solid phase structure data indicates that the sulfidation reaction proceeds topochemically on the pellet level with two interfaces below 780° C and with three interfaces above that temperature.
US vaccine refrigeration guidelines: loose links in the cold chain.

A Texan visiting Paris exited the Metro at Montparnasse. After entering a familiar restaurant, he sat on an orange barstool and ordered a hamburger. Unknown to him, computerized data loggers had automatically monitored the temperature of his beef every 5 to 60 minutes from the slaughterhouse to the grill. An electronic signature was ascribed to each individual responsible for various links in the food cold chain. The meat was stored in commercial refrigerators. His hamburger was almost certainly safe when cooked. The storage process was compliant with European Council Directives that have been in place for over a decade.1 A few weeks prior to departing from Houston, the Texan’s deltoid was injected with a Tdap booster. The vaccine was kept in a refrigerator designed for use in a domestic kitchen. A nurse measured the storage temperature with a thermometer sitting in a bottle of glycol. Twice a day during her workweek, she wrote down the temperatures on a paper chart. No continuous data logging was utilize...
Copper in erythrocytes by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Abstract This study describes a method of analysis for copper in red blood cells. The sample is digested with nitric acid in a Teflon-lined steel bomb. It then is diluted and run without any further treatment. A small hole is drilled into the inner surface of the carbon tube to eliminate irreproducible sample spreading and subsequent irreproducible signals. An average value for the six persons surveyed is 110 μ g/100 ml. This method of sample preparation and analysis easily can be used to deal with other biological samples of complex matrix.
Pinhole Effects on Venus Superpressure Balloon Lifetime

Experimental results are presented for a series of experiments that addressed the effect of small pinhole defects on the potential lifetime of a Venus superpressure balloon. The experiments were performed on samples of a candidate balloon envelope material through which a single small hole of 80 to 300 microns in diameter was deliberately made in each one by puncturing with a metal pin. The material was mounted horizontally in a test apparatus and then a 2-3 mm thick layer of sulfuric acid was placed on top to mimic balloon wetting at Venus. Acid penetration and damage manifested itself as a darkening of the aluminum metal and adhesive layers around the hole in the balloon material. There were no test conditions under which the acid simply fell through the pinhole due to gravity because the surface tension forces always compensated at this size. Very little acid-damaged material was observed for the smallest 80 micron pinholes while gas flowed through the hole due to balloon-like pressurization: the black spot size was approximately 0.2 mm in diameter after 6 days with 86% sulfuric acid. The damage area grew more quickly in the absence of gas flowing out of an 80 micron hole, namely at a rate of 2 mm/day. It was concluded that the flow of escaping gas out of the hole provides a substantial reduction of the rate of acid penetration and damage. Larger diameter pinholes of approximately 300 micron diameter showed larger growth rates of 0.7 mm/day with gas flow and 1.7 mm/day without. The pinhole size did not change over the duration of these experiments because the material has an outer layer of fluoropolymer film that remained intact during the process and thereby held the hole size constant. None of the damage rates measured in these experiments pose a threat to the lifetime of the balloon over the projected course of a 30 day mission because the affected area is too small to cause a structural failure either through direct damage or increased solar heating and attendant balloon pressurization leading to burst.
Structure Activity Relationships of Silica Supported AuCu and AuCuPd Alloy Catalysts for the Oxidation of CO

Supported AuCu and AuCuPd catalysts were synthesized through the diffusion of Pd and Cu into Au nanoparticle seeds. When supported on SiO2, the AuCuPd nanoparticles were found to be the most active for the oxidation of CO after being exposed to reductive pretreatment conditions as opposed to oxidative pretreatment conditions. In contrast, AuCu/SiO2 was found to be more active for CO oxidation after the alloy phase was segregated into a Au–CuO x heterostructure. In situ XRD and EXAFS were used to monitor the structural changes of AuCu and AuCuPd catalysts as they were subjected to different pretreatment conditions.
Anomalous paramagnetic magnetization in the mixed state of CeCoIn 5 single crystals

Magnetization and torque measurements were performed on ${\mathrm{CeCoIn}}_{5}$ single crystals to study the mixed-state thermodynamics. These measurements allow the determination of both paramagnetic and vortex responses in the mixed-state magnetization. The paramagnetic magnetization is suppressed in the mixed state with the spin susceptibility increasing with increasing magnetic field. The dependence of spin susceptibility on magnetic field is due to the fact that heavy electrons contribute both to superconductivity and paramagnetism and a large Zeeman effect exists in this system. No anomaly in the vortex response was found within the investigated temperature and field range.
Unusual Fragmentation of Pro-Ser/Thr-Containing Peptides Detected in Collision-Induced Dissociation Spectra

During collision-induced dissociation (CID)-, phosphoserine- and phosphothreonine-containing peptides frequently undergo neutral loss of phosphoric acid. Subsequent amide bond cleavage N-terminal to the site of phosphorylation results in a y ion with a mass 18 Da lower than the corresponding unmodified y fragment. We report here that when the phosphoserine or phosphothreonine is directly preceded by a proline, an unusual fragment with a mass 10 Da higher than the corresponding unmodified y ion is frequently observed. Accurate mass measurements are consistent with elimination of the phosphoric acid followed by fragmentation between the α carbon and the carbonyl group of the proline residue. We propose a cyclic oxazoline structure for this fragment. Our observation may be explained by the charge-directed SN2 neighboring group participation reaction proposed for the phosphoric acid elimination by Palumbo et al. [Palumbo, A. M., Tepe, J. J., Reid, G. E. Mechanistic Insights into the Multistage Gas-Phase Fragmentation Behavior of Phosphoserine- and Phosphothreonine-Containing Peptides. J. Protein Res. 7(2), 771–779 (2008)]. Considering such specific fragment ions for confirmation purposes after regular database searches may boost the confidence of peptide identifications as well as phosphorylation site assignments.
Green Payments for Nonpoint Pollution Control

The Clean Water Action Plan proposes greater use of economic incentives to reduce agricultural nonpoint-source pollution (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USDA). While specific types of incentives are not indicated, there is growing interest in voluntary participation programs that pay farmers to take actions that are believed to improve the environment (Lynch and Smith; Smith; Peterson and Boisvert; Wu and Babcock 1995, 1996). Such green payments are of interest because they have the potential to provide environmental benefits as well as an alternative
Changes in digestive rate of a predatory beetle over its larval stage: implications for dietary breadth

Prey and non-prey foods differ substantially in their suitability for zoophytophagous omnivores, but the relative quality of these foods depends on the stage-specific digestive capabilities of the organism in question. Quantitative (or real-time) PCR was used to amplify food-specific DNA and measure consumption rates and digestion efficiencies of four foods - two prey (Aphis glycines and Leptinotarsa decemlineata eggs) and two non-prey (Zea mays pollen and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) species - over different larval stages of Coleomegilla maculata. The amount of Z. mays pollen consumed increased as larvae aged, but not proportionately with larval size, such that consumption rates decreased uniformly with insect age. While aging larvae fed A. glycines had a similar pattern in their diminishing consumption rates, they consumed similar amounts of A. glycines regardless of age, suggesting a negative feedback mechanism for consumption of this species of aphids. Older larvae digested three of the four foods significantly more efficiently than younger larvae, the exception being larvae fed A. glycines which was digested at a similar rate throughout the larval stage. There was a significant effect of time on food quantity detected for all four species of food. We conclude that C. maculata expands its physiological capacity for digesting prey and non-prey foods as they age in order to better accommodate the increased nutritional needs of the older larvae. This strategy has important implications for the life history strategies of zoophytophagous insects and how they function within foods webs.
Elemental analysis of water using proton-induced X-ray emission

Abstract Proton induced X-ray emission analysis is applied to the analysis of microliter water samples. Typical analyses and detectability limits are discussed.
Application of the principle of calculated risk to scheduling of supplemental irrigation, II. Use on flue-cured tobacco

Abstract A simulation model was constructed to test the application of an irrigation-scheduling decision model which incorporated the basic concepts of calculated risk. Inputs for the model included: (1) the official probability precipitation forecasts for the periods “today”, “tonight” and “tomorrow”; (2) initial soil moisture content; (3) daily precipitation; (4) daily mean temperatures; (5) daily potential evapotranspiration and daylength values; (6) functions relating existing soil moisture content and stage of growth to the corresponding damage done to the crop; and (7) cost of irrigation. The loss functions were developed specifically for flue-cured tobacco. Two methods were used for calculating the cost of the irrigation. The decision criterion was applied by means of the simulation model to data from three growing seasons. The results were compared to the results as arrived at by irrigating at a 50% available moisture depletion level. It was found that the new criterion (using either method for calculating the cost of irrigation) yielded less total cost plus loss and achieved a better utilization of the available water than did the 50% criterion. While the state of the art does not allow extremely well-based development of the input variables and parameters, available data have shown the concepts of the model to yield adequate results. Much future development of the approach remains, however.
SRRs Embedded with MEMS Cantilevers to Enable Electrostatic Tuning of the Resonant Frequency

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) cantilever array was monolithically fabricated in the gap region of a split ring resonator (SRR) to enable electrostatic tuning of the resonant frequency. The design consisted of two concentric SRRs each with a set of cantilevers extending across the split region. The cantilever array consisted of five beams that varied in length from 300 to 400 μm, with each beam adding about 2 pF to the capacitance as it actuated. The entire structure was fabricated monolithically to reduce its size and minimize losses from externally wire bonded components. The beams actuate one at a time, longest to shortest with an applied voltage ranging from 30–60 V. The MEMS embedded SRRs displayed dual resonant frequencies at 7.3 and 14.2 GHz or 8.4 and 13.5 GHz depending on the design details. As the beams on the inner SRR actuated the 14.2 GHz resonance displayed tuning, while the cantilevers on the outer SRR tuned the 8.4 GHz resonance. The 14.2 GHz resonant frequency shifts 1.6 GHz to 12.6 GHz as all the cantilevers pulled-in. Only the first two beams on the outer cantilever array pulled-in, tuning the resonant frequency 0.4 GHz from 8.4 to 8.0 GHz.
Changes in adenosine triphosphate-stimulated ATP release suggest association between cytokine and purinergic signaling in bladder urothelial cells.

Objectives To determine whether antiproliferative factor (APF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) can induce changes in purinergic signaling in normal bladder urothelial cells (BUCs) and/or whether antagonizing EGF activity or blocking adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-purinergic receptors can induce changes in purinergic signaling in interstitial cystitis (IC) cells. Methods IC and normal BUCs were obtained from patients' bladder biopsy specimens. IC BUCs were treated with genistein, which antagonizes EGF's activity, and normal BUCs were treated with EGF, mock APF, or APF. Suramin, which antagonizes ATP activity, was used to treat the APF-treated normal BUCs. ATP release was determined by stimulating the BUCs with 30 μM ATP and then collecting the supernatant for a 3-hour period. ATP quantification was measured by luciferin-luciferase assay. Purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel, 3 (P2X3) expression on BUCs was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Results Genistein treatment of IC BUCs resulted in significantly decreased ATP release, thus reverting IC cells to a normal purinergic signaling phenotype. Conversely, normal BUCs treated with EGF or APF resulted in significantly increased ATP release and P2X3 expression, converting normal BUCs to an IC phenotype. Also, suramin treatment of APF-treated normal BUCs significantly reduced ATP release. Conclusions Genistein and suramin reversed the augmented ATP release in IC BUCs and APF-treated normal BUCs, respectively, suggesting the possibility of intravesical use of these agents in IC treatment. EGF and APF induced augmented purinergic signaling in normal BUCs, as determined by increased ATP release and increased P2X3 expression. These data suggest an association between cytokines and purinergic signaling in human BUCs that should be explored further.
Transferability and linguistic substrates

This article considers the issue of transferability, a well-known concept in the SLA literature but not one so frequently investigated in language contact research. Three principles can help to ide...
Sessile serrated adenoma is associated with acute appendicitis in patients 30 years or older.

Sessile serrated adenoma is a relatively recently described entity that can occur in the appendix. The incidence of this finding is unknown. We entirely submitted 100 consecutive appendices sent for acute appendicitis and correlated the histologic findings with clinical parameters and the findings in 100 routinely (partially) submitted cases. In cases submitted routinely, only 1 sessile serrated adenoma was found. In contrast, in cases entirely submitted, 11 adenomas were found, all in patients 30 years or older. All sessile serrated adenomas were present in 3 cross-sections or fewer of the appendix. The incidence of sessile serrated adenoma in patients with acute appendicitis is significantly increased in patients 30 years or older ( P = .001), and detection is dependent on thorough tissue sampling.
Enhancement of the temporal contrast of the 50 TW- laser up to 10 11

We demonstrate the highest contrast -1011 multi-terawatt CPA Ti:sapphire laser by applying a modified XPW method. This method produces a contrast improvement by direct amplification of the oscillator pulse without double CPA system.
Rapid purification of native C protein from nuclear ribonucleoprotein particels

Abstract A rapid three step procedure is described for the purification of C protein from HeLa 40 S hnRNP particles. The procedure takes advantage of the salt resistant RNA binding of C protein, the size of the C protein-RNA complex, and the strong binding of C protein to an amino-exchange resin. Typically 120 μg of C protein is obtained from 4.0 × 109 cells with greater than 95% electrophoretic purity. Proteins C1 and C2 copurify in the ratio of 3.5 Cl to 1 C2. The purified C protein participates in HnRNP particle reconstitution and on this basis is judged to be native. The purified C protein binds to a gel filtration matrix at 0.5 M NaCl but at higher salt concentrations it elutes before the marker protein, apoferritin (Mr=443 000). An abbreviated two step purification procedure utilizing anion-exchange chromatography is also described. This procedure results in relatively pure C protein, as well as a useful separation of the other hnRNP proteins.
Biochemical and immunological studies and assay of rat sublingual mucins

Original studies of rat sublingual mucins raised questions as to the existence of a second mucin species as distinguished by binding to hydroxyapatite. The existence of multiple mucin species is of concern in pharmacological studies of mucous-cell secretion as each species could represent distinct mucous-cell populations that respond differently to secretagogues. Thus a separate hydroxyapatite-bound mucin pool expressed in rat sublingual glands was isolated and characterized. Biochemical comparison of hydroxyapatite-bound mucins to total and hydroxyapatite-unbound sublingual mucins demonstrated no substantial differences in either amino acid and carbohydrate contents or in size distributions. In addition, a radioimmunoassay was developed using antisera prepared previously against unbound mucins. The three mucin pools exhibited equal specificities in displacement of radiolabelled unbound mucin tracer in the radioimmunoassay. Thus, bound and unbound mucins are indistinguishable, both immunologically and in biochemical composition. The radioimmunoassay was then evaluated for use in pharmacological studies of acinar mucous-cell secretion. Measurement by radioimmunoassay of secretion from isolated acini in response to carbachol was concentration-dependent (EC50 approx. 0.3 microM and maximal stimulation at 1 microM carbachol). In immunolocalization studies the antiserum was highly selective for mucous cells, recognized all mucous cells within histological sections, and was localized subcellularly to mucous-cell secretion granules and trans-Golgi, further validating the radioimmunoassay as a method to detect exocrine secretion from the entire pool of acinar mucous cells. Moreover, the radioimmunoassay was compared and found equivalent to an acid-precipitation method to assess relative secretion, suggesting the acid-precipitation method is also valid for pharmacological studies of isolated acini.
Kinetics of thermal Degradation of Explosive Binders Viton A, Estane, and Kel-F

Abstract The use of isoconversional, sometimes called model-free, kinetic analysis methods have recently gained favor in the thermal analysis community. Although these methods are very useful and instructive, the conclusion by some that model fitting is a poor approach is largely due to improper use of model fitting, such as fitting a single heating rate or multiple heating rates separately. The current paper shows the ability of model fitting to correlate reaction data over very wide time-temperature regimes for three polymers of interest for formulating high explosives: Estane 5703 P (poly[ester urethane] block copolymer), Viton A (vinylidene-hexafluoropropene copolymer), and Kel-F 800 (vinylidene-chlorotrifluorethene copolymer). The Kel-F required two parallel reactions—one describing an early decomposition process accounting for ∼1% weight loss and a second autocatalytic reaction describing the remainder of pyrolysis. Essentially no residue was obtained. Viton A and Estane also required two parallel reactions for primary pyrolysis. For Viton A, the first reaction is also a minor, early process, but for Estane, it accounts for 42% of the mass loss. In addition, these two polymers yield 2–3% of residue, and the amount depends on the heating rate. This is an example of a competitive reaction between volatilization and char formation, which violates the basic tenet of the isoconversional approach and is an example of why it has limitations. Although more complicated models have been used in the literature for this type of process, we model our data well with a simple addition to the standard model in which the char yield is a function of the logarithm of the heating rate.
Abstract B42: Short-term cancer research experiences for medical students: Goals and outcomes

Over the last five years, we have implemented an NIH-R25-funded program that exposes minority medical students to cancer research. Our goals are to increase awareness of our medical students in regards to the various research opportunities available in cancer research and to access how this program has impacted their medical education and future goals. Through the students evaluation and documentation we gained an understanding of 1) overall evaluation of the program and its strengths and weaknesses, 2) impact of this program in the students residency selection, and 3) impact of this program on their choice of a career, both clinical and research, in the field of oncology. The R25 has been successful in increasing the number of minority students who participate in cancer research, present their research at regional and national meetings, and publish articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Overall, the experiences of the students in this program suggest that this program has been a positive part of their medical education. This program provides minority students at Meharry Medical College an opportunity to learn and participate in cancer research and attracts trainees to cancer research. The true success of this program will be determined in future after following the students to see if the experiences from this program impacted their career choice in cancer research. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B42.
Petrogenesis of the Red Mountain pluton, Laramie anorthosite complex, Wyoming: implications for the origin of A-type granite

Abstract The Red Mountain pluton, the youngest intrusion in the Laramie anorthosite complex, is one of five monzonitic to granitic A-type plutons intruded at 1.43 Ga in the Laramie Mountains of southeastern Wyoming. The Red Mountain pluton ranges in composition from fayalite monzonite, clinopyroxene quartz monzonite, and biotite–hornblende quartz syenite to granite. The Red Mountain pluton is petrologically and geochemically distinct from the northern and southern Sherman batholith, the Sybille intrusion, and the Maloin Ranch pluton. It has higher FeO t /(FeO t +MgO) and higher K 2 O, is more strongly enriched in REEs, and at any given silica content it has lower abundances of TiO 2 , FeO, MgO, CaO, and P 2 O 5 . The fayalite monzonite in the Red Mountain pluton crystallized at temperatures around 1000 °C and oxygen fugacities 1–2 log units below that of the FMQ buffer, similar to the crystallization conditions of the Sybille and Maloin Ranch plutons. The biotite–hornblende quartz syenite crystallized at oxygen fugacities near or slightly below those of FMQ. Most of the units in the pluton carry mantle-like Nd, Sr, and Pb isotopic compositions similar to the least contaminated anorthositic and ferrodioritic rocks of the LAC, indicating that the pluton evolved mainly via differentiation. Substantial crustal assimilation occurred only in the late dikes and the granite. We suggest that all of the 1.43 Ga A-type intrusions in southeastern Wyoming are ultimately derived from tholeiites. Extreme differentiation or partial melting produced monzonitic magmas that have assimilated varying amounts of siliceous crust. The differences between the Red Mountain pluton and other A-type granitoids in southeastern Wyoming are related to the extent of differentiation prior to crustal assimilation. The compositional ranges of A-type granitoids in southeastern Wyoming suggest that the geochemical spectrum of A-type granites worldwide similarly are produced from evolved mantle-derived melt that has assimilated varying proportions of crustal material.
Analysis of Networks with Complex Autotransformers

The open-path-closed-path (mixed junction pair and mesh) relations derived in Part I1 are related by invariant transformations and their inverses to the open-path (junction pair) relations with reference ground and reference different from ground. Invariant transformations are also derived for transforming from one set of open-path-closed-path relations to any other set of open-path-closed-path relations. It is also demonstrated that the methods of Part I are applicable to general networks, with impedances and/or simple and complex autotransformers to ground. The immediate major application of the open-path-closed-path reference frame is in the area of total losses and incremental losses.
The cross-cultural translation of linguistic routines

La traduction des formules de politesse ou autres expressions toutes faites n'est pas sans poser probleme, malgre leur apparente simplicite linguistique, car au dela du sens litteral il faut en saisir la portee socio-culturelle pour bien les comprendre. Il s'agit donc d'une tâche qui exige a la fois la connaissance des langues en question et un certain degre de familiarite avec le milieu socio-culturel dans chacun des deux cas.Les exemples qui illustrent ces propos theoriques sont issus d'un corpus de donnees recueillies dans le cadre d'une etude comparative des appels de vendeurs sur les places marchandes en France et aux Etats-Unis. La conclusion de l'article porte sur le probleme de la liberte vis-a-vis du texte: jusqu'ou les traducteurs doivent-ils aller dans la voie de la sensibilite aux differences culturelles?