cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Secondary Organic Aerosol Products from the Photooxidation of Toluene and their Implications in Ambient PM2.5

A laboratory study was carried out to investigate the secondary organic aerosol products from photooxidation of the aromatic hydrocarbon toluene. The laboratory experiments consisted of irradiating toluene/propylene/NOx/air mixtures in a smog chamber operated inthe dynamic mode and collecting submicron secondary organic aerosol samples through a sampling train that consisted of an XAD denuder and a ZefluorTM filter. Oxidation products in the filter extracts were treated using O-(2,3,4,5,6,-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine (PFBHA) to derivatize carbonyl groups followed by treatment with N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)-acetamide (BSTFA) to derivatize OH groups. The derivatized products were detected with a positive chemical ionization (CI) gas chromatography ion trap mass spectroscopy (GC-ITMS) system. The results of the GC-ITMS analyses were consistent with the previous studies that demonstrated the formation of multi-functional oxygenates. Denuder results showed that many of these same compounds were present in the gas, as well as, the particle phase. Moreover, evidence was found for a series of multifunctional acids produced as higher order oxidation products of the toluene/NOx system. Products having nearly the same mass spectrumwere also found in the ambient environment using identical analytical techniques. These products having multiple acid and alcoholic-OH moieties have substantially lower volatility than previously reported SOA products of the toluene photooxidation and might serve as an indicator for aromatic oxidation in the ambient atmosphere.
The bid-ask bias and the size effect: A test of the Blume-Stambaugh bid-ask bias effect hypothesis

Abstract Much CAPM-related research has explored the causes of the size effect anomaly. Blume and Stambaugh (1983) suggest that a “bid-ask bias” accounts for approximately one-half of the size effect. The bid-ask bias results from the tendency of stocks to bounce between the bid and the ask price quotes. This bounce causes a difference between observed returns and a more realistic assessment of equilibrium market returns. Examination of a significantly larger data set suggests that the difference is caused by comparing value-weighted outcomes with equal-weighted outcomes.
Boiling incipience in microchannels

Abstract The available data dealing with boiling incipience of water in microtubes (tubes with diameters in the 0.1–1 mm range) are analyzed. Macroscale models and correlations appear to under predict the heat fluxes that lead to the boiling incipience in microtubes. It is suggested that boiling incipience in microchannels may be controlled by the thermocapillary force that tends to suppress the microbubbles that form on wall cavities. Accordingly, a semi-empirical method is proposed for predicting the boiling incipience in microtubes. The effect of the turbulence characteristics of the microtube on the proposed method is also examined.
DESIRES IN PRACTICAL REASONING

Inferences from desired ends to intended necessary means seem to be among the most unproblematic elements of practical reasoning. A closer look dissolves this appearance, however, when we see that such inferences are defeasible. We can nevertheless understand such inferences as leading to the adoption of plans, by analogy with inferences leading to explanations. Plans should satisfy at least some important ends desired by the agent, be consistent with the satisfaction of other desired ends, and be inconsistent with as few desired ends as possible. A rational plan may rule out the satisfaction of some desires, however, and this feature explains the defeasibility of such inferences.
Rotational-vibrational transitions of interstitial HD in Si

The ir spectrum of interstitial HD in Si provides unique insight into the rotational motion of interstitial ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ because the rotational-vibrational transitions for the heteronuclear HD molecule are subject to less restrictive selection rules. ir lines for transitions between rotational-vibrational states of the interstitial HD molecule with rotational quantum numbers $J=0$, 1, and 2 have been observed. The assignment of the rotational-vibrational spectrum of interstitial HD, with additional transitions that occur for HD but not for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ or ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, is confirmed by uniaxial stress results.
Human Uterine Smooth Muscle and Leiomyoma Cells Differ in Their Rapid 17β-Estradiol Signaling: Implications for Proliferation

Uterine leiomyomas, benign uterine smooth muscle tumors that affect 30% of reproductive-aged women, are a significant health concern. The initiation event for these tumors is unclear, but 17beta-estradiol (E2) is an established promoter of leiomyoma growth. E2 not only alters transcription of E2-regulated genes but also can rapidly activate signaling pathways. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of rapid E2-activated cytoplasmic signaling events in the promotion of leiomyomas. Western blot analysis revealed that E2 rapidly increases levels of phosphorylated protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) in both immortalized uterine smooth muscle (UtSM) and leiomyoma (UtLM) cell lines, but increases levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 only in UtLM cells. Our studies demonstrate a paradoxical effect of molecular and pharmacological inhibition of PKC alpha on ERK1/2 activation and cellular proliferation in UtLM and UtSM cells. PKC alpha inhibition decreases levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and proliferation in UtLM cells but raises these levels in UtSM cells. cAMP-PKA signaling is rapidly activated only in UtSM cells with E2 and inhibits ERK1/2 activation and proliferation. We therefore propose a model whereby E2's rapid activation of PKC alpha and cAMP-PKA signaling plays a central role in the maintenance of a low proliferative index in normal uterine smooth muscle via its inhibition of the MAPK cascade and these pathways are altered in leiomyomas to promote MAPK activation and proliferation. These studies demonstrate that rapid E2-signaling pathways contribute to the promotion of leiomyomas.
The effect of serotonin1A receptor agonism on antipsychotic drug-induced dopamine release in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens

Serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptor agonism may be of interest in regard to both the antipsychotic action and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) of antipsychotic drugs (APD) based, in part, on the effect of 5-HT(1A) receptor stimulation on the release of dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and striatum (STR), respectively. We investigated the effect of R(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (R(+)-8-OH-DPAT) and n-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-n-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohe xanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY100635), a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist and antagonist, respectively, on basal and APD-induced DA release. In both STR and NAC, R(+)-8-OH-DPAT (0.2 mg/kg) decreased basal DA release; R(+)-8-OH-DPAT (0.05 mg/kg) inhibited DA release produced by the 5-HT(2A)/D(2) receptor antagonists clozapine (20 mg/kg), low dose risperidone (0.01 and 0. 03 mg/kg) and amperozide (10 mg/kg), but not that produced by high dose risperidone (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) or haloperidol (0.01-1.0 mg/kg), potent D(2) receptor antagonists. This R(+)-8-OH-DPAT-induced inhibition of the effects of clozapine, risperidone and amperozide was antagonized by WAY100635 (0.05 mg/kg). WAY100635 (0.1-0.5 mg/kg) alone increased DA release in the STR but not NAC. The selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist M100907 (1 mg/kg) did not alter the effect of R(+)-8-OH-DPAT or WAY100635 alone on basal DA release in either region. These results suggest that 5-HT(1A) receptor stimulation inhibits basal and some APD-induced DA release in the STR and NAC, and that this effect is unlikely to be mediated by an interaction with 5-HT(2A) receptors. The significance of these results for EPS and antipsychotic action is discussed.
Nutritional assessment of twelve protein foods/ingredients

Abstract The present study was conducted to determine the nutritional value of 12 protein foods/ingredients. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 10% protein by weight of each of the test samples for 4 weeks. The basal diet contained adequate amounts of all other required nutrients. For foods containing milk protein as the main ingredient, the protein efficiency ratios (PERs) expressed as percentages of ANRC casein ranged from 41 to 129. The PERs of milk-egg blends with different matrices ranged from 89 to 124%. The plant proteins soy protein isolate, defatted peanut protein, and wheat protein isolate had PER values of 72, 56 and 0%, respectively. The single-cell proteins autolyzed yeast and blue-green algae had values of 66 and 78%, respectively. The PER values of nondefatted and defatted liver powder were 33 and 69%, respectively. PER values were positively associated with plasma total protein and albumin levels and negatively associated with blood urea nitrogen levels (P
Microwave spectrum, dipole moment, and conformation of cyclopentene oxide

Abstract The microwave spectrum of cyclopentene oxide has been studied. Rotational constants for the ground state and two excited vibrational states of one ring conformation have been obtained. Ground state constants are A 0 = 5709.38 ± 0.02, B 0 = 4541.12 ± 0.02, and C 0 = 3248.97 ± 0.02 (errors are 2 standard deviations). The dipole moment components of the molecule are μ a = 1.16 3 ± 0.033, μ c = 1.63 0 ± 0.031, and μ = 2.00 2 ± 0.042. The rotational constants and dipole moment components obtained experimentally can be satisfactorily explained only if the boat form is the most stable conformation of the ring.
Hydrolysis of dolichyl esters by oviduct membranes and characterization of endogenous dolichyl esters.

Abstract The chick oviduct system has been employed to study whether dolichol esters might serve as a storage form of dolichol to be converted to dolichyl phosphate (Dol-P) during periods when Dol-P levels increase. Chicken oviduct membranes catalyze the hydrolysis of dolichyl-[ 14 C]oleate; the reaction is dependent on detergent (0.04% NP-40 is optimal), is unaffected by divalent cations and EDTA, and exhibits a pH optimum of 6.0. Oviduct membranes also hydrolyze cholesteryl-[ 14 C]oleate, which exhibits similar properties except the pH optimum is 5.0–5.5. Neither Dol-[ 14 C]palmitate nor Chol-[ 14 C]palmitate is hydrolyzed by membranes. Chol-ester hydrolysis is more sensitive to heat-denaturation than is Dol-ester hydrolysis. Esterase activity was assayed in membranes prepared from immature chicks, chicks treated with diethylstilbestrol, chicks withdrawn from diethylstilbestrol, and mature hens. The highest esterase specific activity was observed in membranes obtained from chicks withdrawn from hormone. In order to characterize the fatty acid composition of Dol-esters they were purified from mature hen oviducts by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Fractogel ORPVA-6000, reverse-phase HPLC, and TLC. About 15–25% of oviduct dolichol is in the esterified form. Fatty acid analysis revealed that approximately 85% of the dolichol was esterified to oleic acid. The fact that the highest esterase activity is found in membranes from chicks withdrawn from hormone and that only 20% of the dolichol is esterified argues against a role for Dol-esters as a reservoir of dolichol for conversion to Dol-P.
Single-chain polymer nanoparticles via reversible disulfide bridges

We report the fabrication of single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNP) that can reversibly undergo a coil to particle transition via formation and cleavage of intramolecular disulfide cross-links. Characterization of this behaviour via shifts in SEC retention time confirm the changes in solution conformation in response to oxidative or reductive stimuli.
Use of a neural network and a multiple regression model to predict histologic grade of astrocytoma from MRI appearances

Several MRI features of supratentorial astrocytomas are associated with high histologic grade by statistically significant p values. We sought to apply this information prospectively to a group of astrocytomas in the prediction of tumor grade. We used 10 MRI features of fibrillary astrocytomas from 52 patient studies to develop neural network and multiple linear regression models for practical use in predicting tumor grade. The models were tested prospectively on MR images from 29 patient studies. The performance of the models was compared against that of a radiologist. Neural network accuracy was 61% in distinguishing between low and high grade tumors. Multiple linear regression achieved an accuracy of 59%. Assessment of the images by a radiologist yielded 57% accuracy. We conclude that while certain MRI parameters may be statistically related to astrocytoma histologic grade, neural network and linear regression models cannot reliably use them to predict tumor grade.
Effect of the Gulf Stream on winter extratropical cyclone outbreaks

A high-resolution, regional coupled air–sea model is used to investigate the effect of the Gulf Stream (GS) on surface wind convergence during winter extratropical cyclone (ETC) outbreaks in January 2005 off the east coast United States. Validations against marine buoy-observed surface wind, sea level pressure (SLP), air temperature and sea surface temperature (SST) show decent model skill. Model analyses indicate that the surface wind convergence and the Laplacian of SLP and SST are proportionate on the synoptic time scale. Strong upward vertical motions and ocean heat loss over the GS support rapid ETC intensification. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Monitoring cellular remodeling of collageneous matrix using optical coherence tomography

In this paper we develop the concept of a living optical phantom that uses engineered tissue as a phantom for calibration and optimization of biomedical optics instrumentation. With this method, the effects of biological processes on measured signals can be studied in a well controlled manner. To demonstrate this concept, the effects of cellular remodeling of a collagen matrix on the optical scattering properties were investigated using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Living optical phantoms of the vascular system were created by seeding smooth muscle cells in a collagen matrix. The optical scattering properties (scattering coefficient μs and effective anisotropy factor geff) were extracted from OCT images through mathematical processing. We found that the scattering coefficient of a remodeled matrix was generally higher than that of an unmodified matrix. The results indicate that OCT may provide meaningful information on how cellular remodeling of an extracellular collagen matrix changes its scattering properties. More broadly, we believe that making such optical measurements on living optical phantoms can help define the potential of biomedical optics technologies for studying biological systems.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gutzwiller dynamic susceptibility: Consequences for the transport properties of transition metals.

We calculate the dynamic susceptibility \ensuremath{\chi}(q,\ensuremath{\omega}) of the Hubbard model using the boson representation of Kotliar and Ruckenstein. The energy and momentum dependence of \ensuremath{\chi}(q,\ensuremath{\omega}) are the same as in the random-phase approximation, but the Gutzwiller mass enhancement (${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$/m) and spin Landau parameter are included. Combining this with the Kaiser-Doniach expression for the resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{s\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}d}$ of a transition metal we obtain a ${T}^{2}$ term in ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{s\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}d}$ which scales with (${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$/m${)}^{2}$ in accordance with experiment and has the correct magnitude.
Electron microscopy of crystalline inclusions of tobacco mosaic virus in leaf tissue

By use of short fixation in potassium permanganate, it has been possible to demonstrate the internal organization of crystalline TMV inclusions in leaf and epidermal hair cells of tobacco plants. Virus particles first are seen in the ground cytoplasm of infected cells as small aggregates of parallel rods with ends aligned. These aggregates increase in size and become monolayers and three-dimensional crystals. Monolayers are formed most abundantly in the apical cells of epidermal hairs. They consist of plates of parallel particles, the length of one particle in thickness, with particle ends aligned, and are variable in length and width. Three-dimensional crystals (hexagonal crystals) are formed in the cytoplasm of vacuolate cells and are composed of several to many parallel monolayers joined into a single crystal. Paracrystals (“needle crystals,” spindlelike inclusions) are elongate, and are made up of linear aggregates of virus particles united end to end. The virus particles, in monolayers, in three-dimensional crystals, and in paracrystals, appear to be arranged with hexagonal two-dimensional regularity at right angles to their lengths. Observations on paracrystalline inclusions suggest that these may be secondary aggregation products of the breakdown of crystalline aggregates.
An evaluation of a juvenile court volunteer program

A longitudinal study of the impact of three separate volunteer programs working with juvenile delinquents was undertaken at one juvenile court. The youth were followed for a period of one year with measures of official and unofficial delinquent behavior obtained four times during that year. Other data were also collected. The study results indicated two of the programs (i.e., volunteer probation officer and group counseling) had a negligible effect on reducing probationers' delinquent behavior compared to a control group. Youth who participated in the third group, a volunteer tutor program, actually increased their delinquent behavior when compared to a control group within the first 6 months of their probation. However, one year after probation, the differences were negligible. Recommendations are made which include divesting the juvenile court of client responsibility for providing volunteer services.
Chlamydiae as etiologic agents in chronic undifferentiated spondylarthritis.

Objective—The majority of cases of Chlamydia-Induced reactive arthritis (CiReA) do not present with the classic triad of arthritis, conjunctivitis/iritis, and urethritis. Moreover, acute chlamydial infections are often asymptomatic. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of synovial C. trachomatis (Ct) and C. pneumoniae (Cpn) infections in subjects with chronic undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA). Methods—Study subjects met the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) criteria without evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or preceding dysentery. Symptoms were present for at least 6 months. Data collected on the day of the test included standard demographics, history and physical examination (including joint count, evaluation for dactylitis and/or enthesitis, and skin exam), HLA-B27, history of Ct or Cpn. Each subject underwent synovial biopsy; tissue and concomitantly procured PBMC were analyzed by PCR for Ct and Cpn DNA. Synovial tissue from 167 subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) served as controls. Results—26 subjects met entry criteria and had a synovial biopsy (25 knee, 1 wrist). 16/26 (62%) were PCR-positive for either Ct or Cpn DNA, 10/16 (63%) for Ct, 4/16 (25%) for Cpn, 2/16 (13%) for both. These patients were significantly more likely to be PCR-positive compared to patients with OA (20/167 [12%]; p < 0.0001). No specific clinical characteristics differentiated PCR-positive from PCR-negative subjects. 4/26 (15%) subjects were PCR-positive in PBMC (3 Ct; 1 Cpn), 2 of which also were PCR-positive in synovial tissue (1 Ct; 1 Cpn). No significant correlation between PCR-positivity and HLA-B27-positivity was found. Conclusion—The synovial tissue PCR-positivity rate in subjects with uSpA identified here is significantly higher than that found in the synovial tissue of subjects with OA. This result suggests that chlamydial infection, often occult, may be etiologic for uSpA in many patients.
Magnetic Microtissue Stretching System to Study the Mechanobiology of 3D Fibroblast Populated Collagen Matrix

The biological functions of encapsulated cells in a fibroblast populated collagen matrix (FPCM) are regulated by the mechanical properties of the surrounding matrix. Studies on the mechanobiology of encapsulated fibroblasts have adopted 3D collagen gels either tethered to a 2D substrate or free-floating as the main platforms. However, these approaches have shortcomings in that the cellular mechanical environment can only be estimated based either on the stiffness of the underlying 2D substrate or on that of the matrix before cell seeding. The real time cellular mechanical environment as the cells undergo physiological or pathological transitions is not accessible. Efforts have been made to culture FPCM into centimeter-scale tensile test specimens for mechanical property evaluation, but the bulky size of these specimens has been shown to be not optimal for biochemical intervention.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Selection and inhibition in infancy: evidence from the spatial negative priming paradigm

We used a spatial negative priming (SNP) paradigm to examine visual selective attention in infants and adults using eye movements as the motor selection measure. In SNP, when a previously ignored location becomes the target to be selected, responses to it are impaired, providing a measure of inhibitory selection. Each trial consisted of a prime and a probe, separated by 67, 200, or 550 ms interstimulus intervals (ISIs). In the prime, a target was accompanied by a distractor. In the probe, the target appeared either in the location formerly occupied by the distractor (ignored repetition) or in another location (control). Adults exhibited the SNP effect in all three ISI conditions, producing slower saccade latencies on ignored repetition versus control trials. The SNP effect obtained for infants only under 550 and 200 ms ISI conditions. These results suggest that important developments in visual selection are rooted in emerging inhibitory mechanisms.
Redox Signaling, Alkylation (Carbonylation) of Conserved Cysteines Inactivates Class I Histone Deacetylases 1, 2, and 3 and Antagonizes Their Transcriptional Repressor Function

Cells use redox signaling to adapt to oxidative stress. For instance, certain transcription factors exist in a latent state that may be disrupted by oxidative modifications that activate their transcription potential. We hypothesized that DNA-binding sites (response elements) for redox-sensitive transcription factors may also exist in a latent state, maintained by co-repressor complexes containing class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, and that HDAC inactivation by oxidative stress may antagonize deacetylase activity and unmask electrophile-response elements, thus activating transcription. Electrophiles suitable to test this hypothesis include reactive carbonyl species, often derived from peroxidation of arachidonic acid. We report that α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, e.g. the cyclopentenone prostaglandin, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE), alkylate (carbonylate), a subset of class I HDACs including HDAC1, -2, and -3, but not HDAC8. Covalent modification at two conserved cysteine residues, corresponding to Cys261 and Cys273 in HDAC1, coincided with attenuation of histone deacetylase activity, changes in histone H3 and H4 acetylation patterns, derepression of a LEF1·β-catenin model system, and transcription of HDAC-repressed genes, e.g. heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Gadd45, and HSP70. Identification of particular class I HDACs as components of the redox/electrophile-responsive proteome offers a basis for understanding how cells stratify their responses to varying degrees of pathophysiological oxidative stress associated with inflammation, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.
Delayed quadriceps weakness after continuous adductor canal block for total knee arthroplasty: A case report

Adductor canal catheters have been shown to improve analgesia while maintaining quadriceps strength after total knee arthroplasty. We describe a patient who underwent total knee arthroplasty that likely had delayed quadriceps weakness as a result of a standard continuous 0.2% ropivacaine infusion at 8 ml/h within the adductor canal. On the day of surgery, the patient was able to stand and ambulate with minimal assistance. On the first post-operative day after surgery, approximately 20 h after starting the ropivacaine infusion, profound weakness of the quadriceps was noted with no ability to stand. Contrast subsequently injected through the adductor canal catheter under fluoroscopy revealed proximal spread approaching the common femoral nerve with as little as 2 ml of volume. This rare case of profound quadriceps weakness after a continuous adductor canal block reveals that local anaesthetic at the adductor canal can spread in a retrograde fashion towards the common femoral nerve, potentially resulting in quadriceps weakness.
Scalable routes to single and entangled photon pair sources: Site-controlled InAs/InP quantum dots in photonic crystal microcavities

Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots show great potential as efficient semiconductor-based non-classical light sources. However, due to the very nature of the self-assembled growth process, the characteristics of individual dots can vary widely and their spatial location is generally uncontrolled. Using a directed self-assembly process, the nucleation site of single quantum dots are designed through lithography. The site-control is used to facilitate the spatial alignment of single quantum dots to high finesse optical microcavities. The single dot-cavity device is a unique system to study the dot-cavity coupling where the presence of background emitters can be unambiguously ruled out.
Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence

The term “learning styles” refers to the concept that individuals differ in regard to what mode of instruction or study is most effective for them. Proponents of learning-style assessment contend that optimal instruction requires diagnosing individuals' learning style and tailoring instruction accordingly. Assessments of learning style typically ask people to evaluate what sort of information presentation they prefer (e.g., words versus pictures versus speech) and/or what kind of mental activity they find most engaging or congenial (e.g., analysis versus listening), although assessment instruments are extremely diverse. The most common—but not the only—hypothesis about the instructional relevance of learning styles is the meshing hypothesis, according to which instruction is best provided in a format that matches the preferences of the learner (e.g., for a “visual learner,” emphasizing visual presentation of information).The learning-styles view has acquired great influence within the education field, and...
On the Relationship Between Historic Cost, Forward Looking Cost and Long Run Marginal Cost

This paper considers a simple model where a regulated firm must make sunk investments in long-lived assets in order to produce output, assets exhibit a known but arbitrary pattern of depreciation, there are constant returns to scale within each period, and the replacement cost of assets is weakly falling over time due to technological progress. It is shown that a simple formula can be used to calculate the long run marginal cost of production each period and that the firm breaks even if prices are set equal to long run marginal cost. Furthermore, the formula for calculating long run marginal cost can be interpreted as a formula for calculating forward looking cost (where the current cost of using assets is based on the current replacement cost of assets). However, through appropriate choice of the accounting depreciation rule, it can also be interpreted as a formula for calculating historic cost (where the current cost of using assets is based on the historic purchase cost of assets). In particular, the results derived in the simple benchmark model of this paper contradict the commonly expressed view that measures of forward looking cost are superior to measures of historic cost in environments with declining asset prices.
A proteomic analysis of maize chloroplast biogenesis.

Proteomics studies to explore global patterns of protein expression in plant and green algal systems have proliferated within the past few years. Although most of these studies have involved mapping of the proteomes of various organs, tissues, cells, or organelles, comparative proteomics experiments have also led to the identification of proteins that change in abundance in various developmental or physiological contexts. Despite the growing use of proteomics in plant studies, questions of reproducibility have not generally been addressed, nor have quantitative methods been widely used, for example, to identify protein expression classes. In this report, we use the de-etiolation (“greening”) of maize (Zea mays) chloroplasts as a model system to explore these questions, and we outline a reproducible protocol to identify changes in the plastid proteome that occur during the greening process using techniques of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. We also evaluate hierarchical and nonhierarchical statistical methods to analyze the patterns of expression of 526 “high-quality,” unique spots on the two-dimensional gels. We conclude that Adaptive Resonance Theory 2—a nonhierarchical, neural clustering technique that has not been previously applied to gene expression data—is a powerful technique for discriminating protein expression classes during greening. Our experiments provide a foundation for the use of proteomics in the design of experiments to address fundamental questions in plant physiology and molecular biology.
Object and Combination Shedding Schemes for Adaptive Media Workflow Execution

Complex media fusion operations can be costly in terms of the time they need to process input objects. If data arrive faster to fusion nodes than the speed with which they can consume the inputs, this will result in some input objects not being processed. In this paper, we develop load shedding mechanisms which take into consideration both data quality and expensive nature of media fusion operators. In particular, we present quality assessment models for objects and multistream fusion operators and highlight that such quality assessments may impose partial orders on objects. We highlight that the most effective load control approach for fusion operators involves shedding of (not the individual input objects but) combinations of objects. Yet, identifying suitable combinations of objects in real time will not be possible if efficient combination selection algorithms do not exist. We develop efficient combination selection schemes for scenarios with different quality assessment and target characteristics. We first develop efficient combination-based load shedding when the fusion operator has unambiguously monotone semantics. We then extend this to the more general ambiguously monotone case and present experimental results that show the performance gains using quality-aware combination-based load shedding strategies under the various fusion scenarios.
Individual differences in infant attention skills, joint attention, and emotion regulation behaviour

This study examined the concurrent and predictive relations between infant attention skills, joint attention, and emotion regulation. Infants' gaze following skills and duration of orienting were assessed at 6 months of age, and collaborative joint attention and emotion regulation skills were assessed at 24 months of age. The results indicated that infants' ability to follow direction of gaze at 6 months was significantly correlated with emotion regulation strategy use at 24 months of age, and that collaborative joint attention at 24 months was significantly correlated with emotion regulation strategy use at 24 months of age. The results of this study are consistent with previous research finding associations between collaborative joint attention and children's emotion regulation behaviour. These data also suggest that children's preexisting visual attention skills may contribute to their ability to regulate emotion.
Board level reliability assessments of thru-mold via package on package (TMV™ PoP)

In recent years, Package-on-package (PoP) has been adopted as major application package platform in 3D integration of logic and memory devices. However, as electronic technology developed, higher technology requirements are requested in packaging. Amkor Technology, Inc introduced the next generation PoP solution to meet the next generation technology requirements in 2008 by the using of TMV™ technology which incorporates a laser ablation process that is conducive to current matrix-molded semiconductor assembly techniques. The next generation PoP platform named as TMV™ PoP has been qualified in all package level qualification tests. Also in board level reliability tests, BLR TC & drop performances are similar or better than those of the conventional PoP.
Hyperbolicity and Change of Type in the Flow Between Rotating Cylinders When the Inner Cylinder Is Corrugated

We may think of this problem as the flow in a gear box. We get this flow by perturbing Couette flow between two concentric rotating cylinders, putting a wave on the inner cylinder. As in the previous examples, the vorticity equation changes type from elliptic to hyperbolic whenever the velocity at some point in the domain exceeds the speed of shear waves into rest. There are two cases: the inner cylinder rotates and the outer cylinder rotates. The isovorticity lines even in weakly subcritical flow lie in directions swept out by characteristics. This direction is uniquely determined in the regions where the two families lie in the same direction. In the strongly supercritical case, high Mach numbers, one finds that hyperbolicity dominates the flow field. The isovorticity lines are oriented along forward facing characteristics and the vorticity of the perturbed motion is then swept out along these characteristics.
Protein precipitation: Effects of mixing on protein solubility

Mixing effects in protein precipitation processes are very poorly understood. They impact apparent protein solubility, protein structure in precipitates, particle size, morphology and recoverable activity. In this work, a model is proposed to describe the impact of mixing on protein solubility in precipitation processes. A series of semibatch-mode precipitation experiments were performed using bovine liver catalase and ammonium sulfate to test model predictions
Long-term patient outcomes after surgical stabilization of rib fractures

Abstract Background Rib fractures are common, and can be disabling. Recently, there has been increased interest in surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). It is difficult to define long-term benefits of the procedure. This is a descriptive study of patient outcomes after SSRF. Methods SSRF patients between April 2010 and August 2012 at a Level I trauma center were identified. Data were collected from the medical records. A telephone survey asking about pain, satisfaction, and employment was administered to patients after hospital discharge. Results One hundred-one patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty (50%) patients completed the survey. Indications for SSRF included flail chest, displaced fractures, pain, and inability to wean from mechanical ventilation. Pain was gone at 5.4 ± 1.1 weeks post discharge. Satisfaction with SSRF on a scale of 1 to 10 was 9.2 ± .2. Ninety percent of employed patients returned to the same work at 8.5 ± 1.2 weeks. Conclusions SSRF patients are satisfied and are able to return to normal activity with few limitations. A prospective study using modern rib fixation technology is needed to further define benefits.
Tourette Syndrome and Learning Disabilities

Background Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Learning disabilities are frequently comorbid with TS. Using the largest sample of TS patients ever reported, we sought to identify differences between subjects with TS only and subjects with TS and a comorbid learning disability.
Foreign Policy and Voting in the UN General Assembly

The purpose of this research note is to demonstrate that certain aspects of foreign policy and voting in the UN General Assembly are closely related. Although some researchers' have explored the relationship between outside variables and voting in the international bodies, no one has so far studied the relationship between foreign policy and voting in the UN General Assembly in a systematic manner. Since voting in the UN General Assembly is in effect an expression of foreign policy, I am suggesting that the relationship between this expression of foreign policy and other (more substantive) aspects of foreign policy has not been explored. Hence the current state of research in this area demands further investigation. I include in this analysis the two superpowers the United States and the Soviet Union and all the developing nations (66 in number) from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East admitted into the United Nations by the end of the fifteenth session (1960) of the General Assembly.2 Their behavior is analyzed for the period 1961-65, omitting 1964 because there was only one General Assembly roll-call vote that year. The roll-call votes considered in this study are those taken in the plenary meetings as well as in the main committees (seven in number) of the General Assembly. Unanimous or virtually unanimous votes (defined here as those votes on which more than 90 percent of the
Micromechanical models for graded composite materials : ii. thermomechanical loading

Abstract Thermoelastic response of several discrete and homogenized models of unconstrained graded composite layers is examined for both uniform changes in temperature and steady-state heat conduction in the gradient direction. Detailed finite element studies of the overall response and local fields in the discrete models are conducted, using large plane-array domains containing simulated skeletal and particulate microstructures. Homogenized layered models, with the same composition gradient and effective properties derived from the Mori–Tanaka and\or self-consistent methods, are analyzed under identical boundary conditions. Comparisons of temperature distributions, and of overall and local stress and strain fields predicted by the discrete and homogenized models are made in the C\SiC composite system, with very different phase properties and relatively steep composition gradient, that was used in the first part of this study (T. Reiter, G. J. Dvorak and V. Tvergaard, J. Mech. Phys. Solids , Vol. 45, pp. 1281–1302, 1997). Homogenized models of combined microstructures which employ only a single averaging method do not provide reliable agreements with the discrete model predictions. However, close agreement with the discrete models is shown by homogenized models which derive effective properties estimates from several averaging methods : In those parts of the graded microstructure which have a well-defined continuous matrix and discontinuous reinforcement, the effective moduli, expansion coefficients and heat conductivities are approximated by the appropriate Mori–Tanaka estimates. In skeletal microstructures that often form transition zones between clearly defined matrix and reinforcement phases, the effective properties are approximated by the self-consistent estimates. The results do not support the proposition that nonlocal or new micromechanical theories are required for modeling of graded microstructures.
Perceptions and Practices of Learning Styles in Library Instruction

Learning style theory has gained a broad base of acceptance in the library field. Less clear is how well librarians have assimilated learning style theory and how consciously they are incorporating its tenets into their day-to-day teaching. This survey was conducted to ascertain how instruction librarians and other library professionals learn, assimilate, and utilize learning style theory. Results show that the majority of librarians are aware of learning style theory, but many are unsure of its validity or proper application in library settings. Recommendations include increased coverage of instructional theory in library schools and more rigorous scientific studies of learning style–sensitive practice in library instruction settings.
Diet Composition and Feeding Behavior of Larval American Shad, Alosa sapidissima (Wilson), after the Introduction of the Invasive Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), in the Hudson River Estuary, NY

Abstract The invasive Dreissena polymorpha (Zebra Mussel) has greatly altered the zooplankton community of the Hudson River by reducing the abundance of native zooplankton and inundating the system with its free-swimming veliger larvae. Since the invasion, there has been a reduction in pelagic fishes, including Alosa sapidissima (American Shad), which is thought to be, in part, a result of the decreases in zooplankton populations. To better understand the complex interaction between this mussel species and American Shad, it is important to describe the fish's current larval diet. Although American Shad larvae readily consumed veligers and this food source may contribute to year-class strength, the importance of veligers as a diet item greatly depends on larval—veliger temporal overlap and yearly shifts in veliger abundance, digestibility, and nutrition.
Beneficial Influence of Platelets on Antibiotic Efficacy in an In Vitro Model of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Endocarditis

Platelets contribute to antimicrobial host defense against infective endocarditis (IE) by releasing platelet microbicidal proteins (PMPs). We investigated the influence of thrombin-stimulated human platelets on the evolution of simulated IE in the presence and absence of vancomycin or nafcillin. Staphylococcus aureus strains differing in intrinsic susceptibility to PMPs or antibiotics were studied: ISP479C (thrombin-induced PMP-1 [tPMP-1] susceptible; nafcillin and vancomycin susceptible), ISP479R (tPMP-1 resistant; nafcillin and vancomycin susceptible), and GISA-NJ (tPMP-1 intermediate-susceptible; vancomycin intermediate-susceptible). Platelets were introduced and thrombin activated within the in vitro IE model 30 min prior to inoculation with S. aureus. At 0 to 24 h postinoculation, bacterial densities in chamber fluid and simulated endocardial vegetations (SEVs) were quantified and compared among groups. Activated platelets alone, or in combination with antibiotics, inhibited the proliferation of ISP479C in chamber fluid or SEVs over the initial 4-h period (P < 0.05 versus controls). Moreover, nafcillin-containing regimens exerted inhibitory effects beyond 4 h against ISP479C in both model phases. By comparison, activated platelets inhibited GISA-NJ proliferation in SEVs but not in chamber fluid. The combination of platelets plus nafcillin or vancomycin significantly inhibited proliferation of the GISA-NJ strain in SEVs compared to the effect of platelets or antibiotics alone (P < 0.05). In contrast, platelets did not significantly alter the antistaphylococcal efficacies of nafcillin or vancomycin against ISP479R. These data support our hypothesis that a beneficial antimicrobial effect may result from the interaction among platelets, PMPs, and anti-infective agents against antibiotic-susceptible or -resistant staphylococci that exhibit a tPMP-1-susceptible or -intermediate-susceptible phenotype.
Reduced DEAF1 function during type 1 diabetes inhibits translation in lymph node stromal cells by suppressing Eif4g3

The transcriptional regulator deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (DEAF1) has been suggested to play a role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by controlling the transcription of peripheral tissue antigen genes in lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs). Here, we demonstrate that DEAF1 also regulates the translation of genes in LNSCs by controlling the transcription of the poorly characterized eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 3 (Eif4g3) that encodes eIF4GII. Eif4g3 gene expression was reduced in the pancreatic lymph nodes of Deaf1-KO mice, non-obese diabetic mice, and type 1 diabetes patients, where functional Deaf1 is absent or diminished. Silencing of Deaf1 reduced Eif4g3 expression, but increased the expression of Caspase 3, a serine protease that degrades eIF4GII. Polysome profiling showed that reduced Eif4g3 expression in LNSCs resulted in the diminished translation of various genes, including Anpep, the gene for aminopeptidase N, an enzyme involved in fine-tuning antigen presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Together these findings suggest that reduced DEAF1 function, and subsequent loss of Eif4g3 transcription may affect peripheral tissue antigen (PTA) expression in LNSCs and contribute to the pathology of T1D.
The Complexity of High-Density Lipoproteins

In a 1984 review, Shlomo Eisenberg1 wrote, “In spite of their large number in plasma, it is difficult to define HDL as a vehicle for lipid transport … other considerations must apply to this lipoprotein.” In this issue of Circulation , Suzuki et al2 report that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) suppresses the type I interferon response in macrophages challenged with lipopolysaccharide. They found that HDL specifically promoted the translocation of TRIF-related adapter molecule (TRAM) into intracellular compartments, leading to impaired signaling by toll receptor 4 (TLR4) and TRIF (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein inducing interferon). In mice lacking apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), administration of Salmonella typhimurium (which expresses lipopolysaccharide) resulted in 6-fold higher plasma levels of interferon-β, which is a key regulator of the type I interferon response. These actions of HDL were independent of the interaction of HDL with ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 or ABCG1. These effects of HDL were also independent of the cholesterol content of macrophages and were independent of HDL inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide to CD14 or TLR4 on the cell surface. Therefore, Suzuki et al2 proposed a mechanism of action in which HDL depletes the plasma membrane of TRAM, a key adaptor molecule that activates TRIF in endosomal compartments. Article see p 1919 Kagan et al3 demonstrated that TRAM has …
Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship Among Older In-migrants to Rural Areas

We examine level of volunteerism among older in-migrants versus longer-term older residents in rural amenity destinations in the Continental US and Hawaii. We also use case study evidence to investigate social entrepreneurship among older in-migrants to rural amenity destinations. Our findings show that older in-migrants participate in voluntary activity approximately equally to longer-term older residents. Further, older in-migrants frequently engage in social entrepreneurship by starting new organizations or re-shaping already existing organizations and institutions in rural destination communities. Older in-migrants’ high level of participation is facilitated by their relatively high socioeconomic status.