cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colorectal basidiobolomycosis in a dog.

A 7-year-old castrated male French Bulldog was examined for chronic large intestinal enteropathy. A colonic mass and thickened rectal mucosa were identified, and histopathologic examination of endoscopic biopsy specimens disclosed eosinophilic proctitis with large (5-20 μm), irregularly shaped, pauciseptate hyphae that were Gomori methenamine silver and periodic acid-Schiff positive. Amplification and sequencing of ribosomal DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues yielded a sequence with 97% identity to GenBank sequences for Basidiobolus ranarum. After itraconazole, terbinafine, and prednisone administration, clinical signs resolved rapidly, and sonographic lesions were largely absent after 6 weeks. Treatment was discontinued by the owner 15 weeks after diagnosis. Three weeks later, the dog collapsed acutely and was euthanized. Necropsy identified metastatic islet cell carcinoma and grossly unremarkable colorectal tissues. However, histopathology of the rectum disclosed multifocal submucosal granulomas with intralesional hyphae morphologically similar to those previously observed. This report is the first to describe medical treatment of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in a dog.
Cantharis sheraldi Steury (Coleoptera: Cantharidae: Cantharini), a New Species of Soldier Beetle from Virginia, USA

A new species of Cantharis Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Cantharidae: Cantharini) is described, diagnosed, and illustrated from a national park site, Turkey Run Park, in Virginia, USA and compared to similar species in the genus. Cantharis (Cantharis) sheraldi Steury, new species was collected in a Malaise trap set in a meadow-like, powerline right-of-way bordered on both sides by eastern deciduous forest.
Primary Caregiver Relationships for Advanced Heart Failure Therapy Differ Based on Sex and Race and Predict Eligibility

Introduction Use of heart transplant (HT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are considered standard of care for eligible patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). In assessing eligibility, caregiver assistance is an important consideration in a patient's candidacy. While studies have shown that individuals without caregivers have worse survival outcomes, few studies have demonstrated how caregiver relationships differ based on sex and race, and whether that impacts eligibility for HT/LVAD. Hypothesis Women and Black patients are less likely than men and non-Black patients, respectively, to have a spouse listed as primary support, which may adversely affect eligibility for HT/LVAD. Methods We identified all patients (N=534) evaluated at Emory University for HT/LVAD from 2011 to 2016. Stanford Integrated Psychological Assessment for Transplant (SIPAT) scores were compared by sex and race using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The outcome of HT/LVAD evaluation according to primary caregiver relationship was compared by sex and race using X2 analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between primary caregiver and HT/LVAD eligibility according to sex and race, adjusted for age, HF etiology, insurance, inotrope dependence, bilirubin, albumin, allosensitization, CKD stage, and SIPAT score. Results The mean age of the cohort was 52 ± 13 years; 171 (32%) were women and 294 (55%) were black. Total SIPAT scores did not vary significantly between men and women or blacks and non-blacks, regardless of primary support person. Women were less likely to have a spouse as primary support, and were more likely to have a parent or child as primary support (Table). Black patients were less likely to have a spouse as primary support, and were more likely to have a parent as primary support. In sex-stratified multivariable models, the choice of primary caregiver did not affect eligibility for HT/LVAD for women (P=0.8) or men (P=0.4). In race-stratified multivariable models, blacks with a parent as primary caregiver were less likely to be eligible for HT/LVAD (OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.03 - 0.97, P=0.04), however the primary caregiver was not associated with eligibility for HT/LVAD in non-black patients (P=0.9). Conclusion The choice of primary support person has a modest effect on decreasing eligibility for black patients being evaluated for advanced HF therapies, but not for women. More research is needed to determine unique barriers to advanced HF therapies for female and black patients.
Access and Disability Justice in Theological Education

As more students, staff, faculty, and administrators with disabilities participate in theological education, practices that promote accessibility and inclusive learning environments are essential. ...
Incidence and risk factors for early gastrojejunostomy anastomotic stricture requiring endoscopic intervention following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a MBSAQIP analysis.

BACKGROUND Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) stricture is one of the most commonly recognized complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The risks involving the formation of early GJ stomal stenosis are largely unknown. The aims of this study are to evaluate the rate and risk factors associated with GJ stricture in patients requiring esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 30 days after LRYGB. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent EGD for GJ stricture following LRYGB. Data were retrieved from MBSAQIP database from 2015 to 2018. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Those who had reoperation, readmission, and intervention for other indications rather than GJ stricture were excluded from the risk factor analysis. RESULTS 760,076 patients underwent bariatric surgery. Of these, 184,660 (24.3%) underwent LRYGB and 875 had GJ stricture within 30 days postoperatively. The overall incidence of early GJ stricture after LRYGB was 4.7 per 1000 person-years. The incidence decreased from 6.2 to 3.4 per 1000 person-years during the 4-year period. 85% of patients with GJ stricture required therapeutic intervention. Median (IQR) day to the first endoscopic intervention was 25 (21-28) days. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 40%. 30-day reoperation rate due to GJ stricture was 5.6%. No 30-day mortality occurred. Factors independently associated with an increased risk for early GJ stricture include concurrent hiatal hernia repair (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.2), revision case (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), African American (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7), gastroesophageal reflux disease-GERD (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.5), drain placement (AOR 1.3, 95% CI1.1-1.4), and routine postoperative swallow study (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.50). CONCLUSION The incidence of early GJ stricture following LRYGB decreased at MBSAQIP-accredited centers over the review period. Patients having additional manipulation at or around GJ were at risk of developing early GJ stricture after LRYGB.
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL): Perceptions and Wellness of First-Year Medical Students

Medical education is oftentimes stressful and has been documented to compromise student well-being, hinder performance, and contribute to burnout. Many medical schools aim to foster students’ sense of well-being. This can be accomplished by peer-assisted learning (PAL), which has the potential to improve student wellness and performance in medical school. The PAL program at Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine provides first-year medical students with educational sessions related to their curriculum, led by second-year medical students. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of PAL in promoting wellness and enhancing knowledge. Pre- and post-program surveys were distributed to students prior to and after the completion of PAL. Data analysis included frequencies of responses, qualitative analysis, and chi-square analysis. Thirty-eight out of 51 first-year medical students responded to the pre-program survey (response rate 75%) and 23 out of 51 responded to the post-program survey (response rate 45%). A majority of respondents from the pre-survey believed that PAL would provide them with tools necessary to be successful. These findings were similar in the post-program survey with a majority of attendees sharing that PAL enhanced their knowledge, reduced test-taking anxiety, and provided useful skills. Results from the pre- and post-program surveys suggest that PAL can enhance student well-being while improving knowledge of the material taught in medical school.
Biosynthesis of Cardiolipin from Phosphatidylglycerol in Staphylococcus aureus

Cardiolipin (CL) synthetase from Staphylococcus aureus catalyzes the complete conversion of two molecules of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) to one molecule of CL and one molecule of glycerol. The fatty acids and phosphates of the two PG molecules can be quantitatively recovered in the CL. The enzyme is membrane-bound, shows a linear relationship with the product formed between 10 and 125 μg of membrane protein, has a pH optimum at 4.4, a temperature optimum between 37 and 45 C, a Km for PG of 2.1 × 10−4m, a Vmax of 200 nmoles of CL per min per mg of membrane protein, and does not require monovalent or divalent metals for activity. The enzyme has no nucleotide requirement and is not affected by prolonged dialysis, and treatment of the enzyme with charcoal has no effect on its activity. The enzyme has no phosphomonoesterase or phosphodiesterase activity, does not act on CL, is specific for PG, and CL and glycerol are the sole products of its activity. Other lipids do not stimulate or inhibit its activity. The enzyme is inhibited by organic solvents and some detergents. There is sufficient CL synthetase activity to account for CL synthesis during exponential growth. Inhibition of CL hydrolysis during growth results in an increase in CL that is balanced by a loss of PG. The activity of CL synthetase is not affected by cytidine diphosphate diglyceride but is inhibited competitively by the product, CL.
On an optimality property of Ramanujan sums

We evaluate infbn Zq=1 | Eq n=I 1 bne2rian/q| where the inf is (n,q)=1 taken over sequences bn satisfying bn > 1. In particular we show that it is attained by taking bn = 1 for all n, which reduces the summation over n to a Ramanujan sum cq(a) =Eq n=1 J2nian/q. (n,q)=1 Let a positive integer q be fixed. In this note we consider the problem of determining q / 1an~ (1) inf E 5be (j)| where e(oa) stands for e27r, j7 denotes the summation over n in the range 1 1. We note that if bn = 1 for all n, the innermost sum in (1) is the Ramanujan sum cq(a) = 5 e (-). Using the well-known identity (3) cq = (a (q) p (q/(a, q)) where o and ,u are Euler's and M6bius functions respectively (see, for example, [HW, Theorem 272]), and letting qo = Hlplqp be the square-free kernel of q, we obtain E lcq a) l E (Rq) p2 (ql (a, q)) 5 icq(a)l I ' a1 a__ ~o (q/ (a, q)) (4) = 'o(q) 5 ) E 1 5 (o(q) E l dlqo 1 3, one can easily find bn satisfying (2) for which bne (an) =. We will show however that (1) is attained by taking bn = 1 for all n. In fact, the following more general result is no more difficult. Theorem. Let r be a real number satisfying r > 1. Then for any sequence of complex numbers bn we have q ,/ r / r q (5) ZZE bne (j)> (() )nI E jcq(a)j' Proof. We may assume that bn is defined for all integers n and is periodic with period q. We set B =E bn n and q / n r S =E bne a=1 q Using n* to, denote the multiplicative inverse of n modulo q for (n, q) = 1, we write q q IBIr E ICq(a)Ir E= BCq (a)Ir a=1 a=1
Characterization of the maize prolamin box-binding factor-1 (PBF-1) and its role in the developmental regulation of the zein multigene family

A maize prolamin box (P-box)-binding factor (PBF-1) has been purified and characterized from immature endosperm tissue. PBF-1 has a molecular weight of 38kDa. It is detected only in endosperm, but not in root or leaf tissues, consistent with its tissue-specific function. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments reveal that both the P-box and its flanking sequences are important for PBF-1 DNA binding. Developmental studies show that PBF-1 accumulates in the endosperm from 8 to at least 30days after pollination (DAP). From 16 to 24DAP, however, multiple shifted bands of protein(s)-DNA complexes can be observed, which correlate with an increase in zein gene expression. PBF-1 can also bind to the P-box from '22-kDa' and '19-kDa' zein promoters, but at a lower affinity than to the '27-kDa' zein promoter. The effects of protein dephosphorylation and zinc ion chelators on PBF-1 DNA binding activity are also shown. A model is proposed where PBF-1 serves as a 'recruiter' of class-specific transcription factors like Opaque2 (O2).
Clearance of Gut-Derived Endotoxins by the Liver: Release and Modification of 3H, 14C-Lipopolysaccharide by Isolated Rat Kupffer Cells

This paper describes experiments that were designed to study postuptake modification by isolated rat Kupffer cells of a 3 H, 14 C-biosynthetically labeled endotoxin purified from Escherichia coli J5 as assessed by cesium chloride isopyknic density gradients and gel permeation chromatography. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that half as much of the endotoxin's lipid, relative to polysaccharide, was released by the cells. Density gradients revealed that native endotoxin equilibrated at a density of 1.412 glml, whereas endotoxin retained by Kupffer cells equilibrated at densities of 1.274 and 1.295 glml. Gel permeation chromatography indicated that endotoxin retained by Kupffer cells formed a larger micelle than either exocytosed or native endotoxin. Endotoxin exocytosed by Kupffer cells fractionated into two peaks, one with a smaller and one with a larger apparent micelle size than native endotoxin but both smaller than the retained lipopolysaccharide. Both systems indicated that the Kupffer cell modified endotoxin by enriching the lipid content of the molecule and shortening the length of the 0-antigen. Thus, the Kuffer cell, in its mode of action on the endotoxin molecule, appears to play a prominent role in the initial phase of a biochemical process for endotoxin clearance and detoxification.
Survivable load sharing protocols: a simulation study

The development of robust, survivable wireless access networks requires that the performance of network architectures and protocols be studied under normal as well as faulty conditions where consideration is given to faults occurring within the network as well as within the physical environment. User location, mobility, and usage patterns and the quality of the received radio signal are impacted by terrain, man-made structures, population distribution, and the existing transportation system. The work presented herein has two thrusts. One, we propose the use of overlapping coverage areas and dynamic load balancing as a means to increase network survivability by providing mobiles with multiple access points to the fixed infrastructure. Two, we describe our simulation approach to survivability analysis which combines empirical spatial information, network models, and fault models for more realistic analysis of real service areas. We use our simulation approach to compare the survivability of our load balancing protocols to a reference scheme within two diverse geographic regions. We view survivability as a cost-performance tradeoff using handover activity as a cost metric and blocking probabilities as performance metrics. Our results illustrate this tradeoff for the protocols studied and demonstrate the extent to which the physical environment and faults therein affect the conclusions that are drawn.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Down's syndrome is highly responsive to chemotherapy: experience on Pediatric Oncology Group AML Study 8498.

The treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children with Down's syndrome (DS) has engendered considerable controversy. Because of the concerns for toxicity and increased rate of infections, treatment approaches varied considerably in the past with mixed results. However, experience on the recently completed Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) 8498 AML study suggests that DS children with AML constitute a distinct subgroup that responds well to therapy. Twelve of 285 children on POG 8498 (protocol for newly diagnosed AML) had DS. Children with DS and AML were predominantly male (9 of 12) and were quite younger at diagnosis (< 24 months in 10). The white blood cell count was less than 50 x 10(3)/microL in all 12 and French-American-British types M6 and M7 were frequent (5 of 12). An abnormal cytogenetic marker, in addition to constitutional trisomy 21, was present in 9 of 12 and involved chromosome 8 in 4 of 9. All cases studied (n = 5) were positive for myeloid cell surface markers (CD33, CD13, or CD11b) and, interestingly, were also positive for the CD7 antigen. Chemotherapy included daunorubicin, cytarabine (Ara-C), and 6-thioguanine for remission induction and featured high-dose Ara-C (3 g/m2 per dose) with or without L-asparaginase early in remission. Compared with children without DS, children with DS had a superior event-free survival (EFS at 4 years 100% v 28% +/- 6.2%; P = .003). The EFS remained superior even when compared with non-DS children less than 2 years of age with a white blood cell count less than 10 x 100,000/microL (100% v 48% +/- 17.3%; P = .01).
Stratospheric radon measurements in three North American locations

Publisher Summary The testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere lead to the collection and measurement of the debris not only at the earth's surface but also at high altitudes using aircraft as the sampling platform. The measurements of fallout radionuclides increased our knowledge of atmospheric circulation, including the discovery of the jet stream and mixing between the northern and southern hemispheres. The emphasis on the measurement of particulate radionuclides also yielded information on attachment rates and particle growth. The stratospheric profiles reflect the expected relationship of geography and source strength. The stratospheric radon concentrations measured for samples collected above Hawaii are significantly higher than those collected above the Canal Zone.
Modelling beliefs in games with generalized preferences

Traditional decision theory treats risk (situations where probabilities of events are known) as formally equivalent to uncertainty (situations in which the probabilities of events are unknown). The subjective ex- pected utility (SEU) model axiomatized by Savage (1954) has been the most important theory in analysing decision making under uncertainty. Expected utility (EU) has been the accepted basis for analysing decision making in games as well. Using the EU model to represent players' preferences, a number of solution concepts have been developed, most prominent among them being Nash Equilibrium.
HEC binds to the seventh regulatory subunit of the 26 S proteasome and modulates the proteolysis of mitotic cyclins

A newly identified nuclear protein rich in leucine heptad repeats called HEC is important for mitosis. To elucidate its mechanism of action, the region containing leucine heptad repeats was used to identify cellular proteins that potentially interact with HEC. Complementary DNAs encoding several proteins including MSS1, p45, Nek2, and Smc1/Smc2, known to be important for G2/M progression, were identified. The interaction between HEC and MSS1, the seventh regulatory subunit of the 26 S proteasome, was further demonstrated by in vitro GST pull-down assays. HEC is not a part of the 26 S proteasome and interacts with MSS1 only when it is dissociated from the complex during M phase. Purified MSS1 specifically hydrolyzes ATP, an activity inhibited by HEC. In addition, HEC inhibits the proteolysis of mitotic cyclin B in vitro. Consistent with this biochemical activity, ectopic expression of HEC inhibits the degradation of mitotic cyclins after telophase, resulting eventually in cell death. These results show that HEC is a negative regulator of MSS1 and suggest that it may modulate M phase progression, in part, through the regulation of proteasome-mediated degradation of cell cycle regulatory proteins.
Biofuel and Food-Commodity Prices

The paper summarizes key findings of alternative lines of research on the relationship between food and fuel markets, and identifies gaps between two bodies of literature: one that investigates the relationship between food and fuel prices, and another that investigates the impact of the introduction of biofuels on commodity-food prices. The former body of literature suggests that biofuel prices do not affect food-commodity prices, but the latter suggests it does. We try to explain this gap, and then show that although biofuel was an important contributor to the recent food-price inflation of 2001–2008, its effect on food-commodity prices declined after the recession of 2008/09. We also show that the introduction of cross-price elasticity is important when explaining soybean price, but less so when explaining corn prices.
The Hunting Ecology of Wild Chimpanzees: Implications for the Evolutionary Ecology of Pliocene Hominids

Alone among the living hominoids, humans and chimpanzees hunt and eat mammals on a regular basis. Recent research on the hunting ecology of wild chimpanzees (« Pan troglodytes ») helps to reconstruct the probable foraging ecology of the earliest hominids. For both chimpanzees and traditional foraging peoples, meat composes a small portion of the diet, and foraging decisions based on nutritional cost-benefit tradeoffs are made continually. Various hypotheses have been advanced to explain why chimpanzees hunt ; current data suggest that in addition to nutritional bases if hunting, political and reproductive benefits may be important influences
Glutathione conjugation in the isolated perfused rabbit lung: the effects of carbon monoxide, buthionine sulfoximine and cibacron blue

Abstract The effect of carbon monoxide (CO) on pulmonary glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was investigated using the isolated perfused rabbit lung (IPRL) preparation. CO at a concentration of 7.5% did not alter the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with 1,2-mepoxy-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane (ENP) in the IPRL. The rate of GSH conjugate formation with ENP was not altered when the lung was exposed to a selective inhibitor of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, buthionine sulfoximine (0.1 mM), but was significantly diminished (P
Influence of Continuous Direct Current on the Micro Tube Hydroforming Process

Research of the micro tube hydroforming (MTHF) process is being investigated for potential medical and fuel cell applications. This is largely due to the fact that at the macro scale the tube hydroforming (THF) process, like most metal forming processes has realized many advantages. Unfortunately, large forces and high pressures are required to form the parts so there is a large potential to create failed or defective parts. Electrically Assisted Manufacturing (EAM) and Electrically Assisted Forming (EAF) are processes that apply an electrical current to metal forming operations. The intent of both EAM and EAF is to use this applied electrical current to lower the metals required deformation energy and increase the metal’s formability. These tests have allowed the metals to be formed further than conventional methods without sacrificing strength or ductility. Currently, various metal forming processes have been investigated at the macro scale. These tests also used a variety of materials and have provided encouraging results. However, to date, there has not been any research conducted that documents the effects of applying Electrically Assisted Manufacturing (EAM) techniques to either the tube hydroforming process (THF) or the micro tube hydroforming process (MTHF). This study shows the effects of applying a continuous direct current to the MTHF process.© 2011 ASME
Test-to-Failure of crystalline silicon modules

Accelerated lifetime testing of five crystalline silicon module designs was carried out according to the Terrestrial Photovoltaic Module Accelerated Test-to-Failure Protocol. This protocol compares the reliability of various module constructions on a quantitative basis. The modules under test are subdivided into three accelerated lifetime testing paths: 85°C/85% relative humidity with system bias, thermal cycling between −40°C and 85°C, and a path that alternates between damp heat and thermal cycling. The most severe stressor is damp heat with system bias applied to simulate the voltages that modules experience when connected in an array. Positive 600 V applied to the active layer with respect to the grounded module frame accelerates corrosion of the silver grid fingers and degrades the silicon nitride antireflective coating on the cells. Dark I–V curve fitting indicates increased series resistance and saturation current around the maximum power point; however, an improvement in junction recombination characteristics is obtained. Severe shunt paths and cell-metallization interface failures are seen developing in the silicon cells as determined by electroluminescence, thermal imaging, and I–V curves in the case of negative 600 V bias applied to the active layer. Ability to withstand electrolytic corrosion, moisture ingress, and ion drift under system voltage bias are differentiated according to module design. The results are discussed in light of relevance to field failures.
Uniform local energy estimates and partial regularity for space partitions

For partitions of space into sets of finite perimeter, and for general convex surface energy density functions, we show that surface energy may be locally linearly approximated, with uniform error bounds which hold even when the interfaces and surface energy density functions are non-smooth. We show that locally simple partitions – those satisfying a quite general density ratio condition – have boundaries which locally almost everywhere consist of a single interface, and have boundary closures which are (n − 1) dimensional. Local simplicity typically holds for variational problems in which surface area, surface energy or a surface plus bulk energy sum are to be minimized. Local simplicity rules out pathological boundary behaviour, helps establish lower semicontinuity, existence and regularity results and facilitates the use of finite perimeter partitions in applications in materials science, image processing and other fields.
Studies in Tutoring.

(1967). Studies in Tutoring. The Journal of Experimental Education: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 14-25.
Photoperiodic phytochrome-mediated vegetative growth responses of container-grown citrus nursery trees

Abstract In Florida, most citrus trees are grown on rootstocks with trifoliate orange parentage. Nurserymen have long noted that these rootstocks exhibit much slower growth during the winter than their non-trifoliate counterparts (e.g., ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Sour Orange’). Since 2007 citrus nursery trees in Florida must be grown in greenhouses to protect them from the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector of huanglongbing (citrus greening). Greenhouse production of citrus nursery trees has greatly increased production costs and, thus, the desire to determine why trifoliate-type rootstocks grow poorly during the winter. We hypothesized that trifoliate-type rootstocks, because of their deciduous habit, respond to photoperiod and exhibit slow growth under short days (photoperiods
Synthesis and characterization of a new family of cationic amino acid‐based poly(ester amide)s and their biological properties

A new family of positively charged and water soluble amino acid-based poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) consisting of nontoxic L-arginine, diols, and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids building blocks was synthesized and characterized. The L-arginine based PEAs (Arg-PEAs) were prepared by a solution polycondensation of two monomers: tetra-p-toluenesulfonic acids salts or hydrochloride acid salts of bis-(L-arginine) α, ω-alkylene diesters (monomer II), and di-p-nitrophenyl esters of saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids (monomer I). Optimal reaction conditions were studied as functions of type of solvents and acid acceptors, concentrations of reactants. The molecular weights (Mn and Mw) of Arg-PEAs measured by GPC ranged from 20,000 to 60,000 g mol−1 with a rather narrow molecular weight distribution below 1.5. The chemical structures were confirmed by IR and NMR spectra. Arg-PEAs obtained were all amorphous materials with Tg from 33 to 125°C, depending on the number and the type (saturated vs. unsaturated) of methylene groups in diols or diacids, and the type of counter-ions attached to the guanidine group of the Arg-based PEAs. The Arg-PEAs had a high solubility in all polar solvents, including water. Preliminary studies of cell morphology and DNA capture capability of Arg-PEAs indicated that this new family of cationic PEAs was nontoxic and more biocompatible than a commercial transfection agent (Superfect®), and can successfully capture plasma DNA. The strong positive charge of Arg-PEAs as well as their good water solubility could provide unique characteristics for potential gene transfection or other charge preferred biomedical applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Apple Pomace Energy and Solids Recovery

Apple pomace is an excellent example of a wasted food resource which also causes significant disposal problems. Two unique apple pomace processing systems were found capable of converting this wasted residue into a beneficial resource. The first process anaerobically digested the pomace producing energy as biogas. Bench and pilot scale testing indicated that nearly 80% of the pomace organics could be converted into a substitute natural gas with an energy value of 10–30 per wet metric ton. The second process, called “Biodrying,” combined a high rate composting reactor with a low energy consuming dryer. Operation of a full scale biodrying system achieved wet pomace mass and volume reductions greater than 70% and produced a dried, stable, odorless product in less than 5 days.
Some Environmental Factors Affecting Surface Coating Formation with Lubricating Oil Additives

Dynamic friction and static immersion tests in which oil temperature was varied and dynamic friction tests in which load was varied have been run on steel balls with oil blends containing seven commercial additives. Analyses of the ball surfaces by X-ray fluorescence have shown that significant surface coating formation is initiated at calculated surface temperatures of from 250 to 350 F for most of the additives studied. Although the surface coating “thickness” generally increased with temperature, the rate of increase was generally different for the static and dynamic tests. Both surface temperature and mechanical shearing appear to influence the reactions responsible for the surface coatings. Used oil analyses showed that base oil oxidation, additive decomposition, and, in some cases, sludge formation became detectible at temperatures corresponding to the start of significant surface coating formation. The results suggest that in situ polymerization may be an important phenomenon occurring on rubbing s...
EFFECT OF INSULIN ON GLUCOSE OXIDATION IN VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS. † 556

Glucose metabolism in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) is characterized by production of lactic acid rather than pyruvate oxidation (Am J Physiol 1995). An increase in aerobic lactate production by VSM may result in lactic acidosis in certain vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) by insulin in adipocytes and fibroblasts increases pyruvate oxidation and decreases lactate oxidation in the presence of glucose. Experiments were designed to determine if insulin would divert glucose metabolism in VSM cells from lactate production to pyruvate oxidation. Lactate oxidation was determined in control VSM cells cultured from rat aortic tissue and incubated in media without insulin or glucose (9.6 ± 2.4 μmol/1×106 cells/min) by measuring the conversion of [1-14C]-D,L-lactate to [1-14C]-pyruvate and the subsequent oxidation to acetyl CoA and 14CO2 by PDH. Lactate oxidation measured in VSM cells with glucose alone (4.6 ± 1.7μmol/1×106 cells/min) was decreased compared to control(p<0.001). Insulin alone (100 μU/ml) induced [1-14C]-D,L-lactate oxidation in VSM cells (17.9 ± 4.4 μmol/1×106 cells/min) and was greater than both control (p< 0.01) and glucose alone(p< 0.001). However, unlike in adipocytes and fibroblasts, lactate oxidation did not decrease in VSM when insulin and glucose were both added to the media (12.9 ± 1.56 μmol/1×106 cells/min). This suggests that insulin does not divert glucose from lactate production to generate pyruvate in VSM but instead may utilize lactate as a source of pyruvate and energy production even during noncontractile periods.
A population of learners: A new way to measure organizational learning

Abstract In this paper we describe an approach that enables managers to systematically describe patterns of skill learning in large populations of front-line workers. The method fits individualized learning curves to the work performance histories of every member of a population. The resulting set of `best-fit' parameter estimates represents a parsimonious summary of the many learning behaviors that are taking place. A case study demonstrated the descriptive power of the model using electronically collected data on 3874 episodes of individual learning in a large US manufacturing firm.
The seeded growth of calcium phosphates. Surface characterization and the effect of seed material

Abstract The kinetics of growth of calcium phosphate on seed materials hydroxyapatite, “amorphous” calcium phosphate, enamel, and dentine has been studied at 25°C and at constant physiological pH in stable supersaturated solutions of calcium phosphate. The grown material was characterized chemically, by x-ray powder diffraction and specific surface area measurements and by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, dissolution kinetic studies have been made of the material grown at different times in the crystal growth experiments and of “amorphous” calcium phosphate. The crystallization experiments were made over a range of initial supersaturation to obtain information about the nature of the calcium phosphate phases formed. The specific surface area of the grown phases show marked changes during the growth experiments. The results of the dissolution experiments indicate that the solid material formed in the early stages of crystallization has a stoichiometry corresponding to OCP.
Effects of phencyclidine, d-amphetamine and pentobarbital on spaced responding in mice

The effects of acute IP administration of phencyclidine (PCP), d-amphetamine (AMPH) and pentobarbital (PB) were determined in 10 mice trained to lever press on a differential reinforcement of low rate 10 sec schedule of sweetened milk presentation. The effects of PCP were highly consistent, with large response rate increases (and a corresponding shift toward shorter interresponse times) at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg. Higher doses generally decreased response rates and resulted in a bimodal interresponse time distribution. The effects of AMPH were similar to PCP but less consistent. Although some of the subjects showed substantial response rate increases at doses between 0.3 and 10 mg/kg, half of the subjects did not show increased response rates at any dose. The effects of AMPH on the interresponse time distribution were similar to PCP. The effects of PB were least like those of PCP. The effect in most subjects was to produce a dose-related decrease in response rate and a flattening of the interresponse time distribution. Occasional small response rate increases were observed with PB.
Prime type III factors

It is shown that for each 0 < λ < 1, the free Araki–Woods factor of type IIIλ cannot be written as a tensor product of two diffuse von Neumann algebras (i.e., is prime) and does not contain a Cartan subalgebra.
A practical system for identifying gifted and talented students

This article presents the three‐ring conception of giftedness. A detailed process is presented illustrating how students can be effectively screened for gifted and talented programs through the three‐ring conception approach. ∗A version of this paper first appeared in Roeper Review: A Journal of Gifted Education, Volume 11, No. 1. Permission is gratefully acknowledged.
Critical properties of the random hierarchical model

The random hierarchical model is defined by introducing random couplings between spin blocks in Dyson's original hierarchical model for continuous spins. The spin-distribution functions are now site dependent and functions of random parameters that we take to be a quadratic and quartic potential, r/sup( m/)/sub l/ and U/sup( m/)/sub l/, respectively, for the mth spin at the l level of the hierarchy. Renormalization-group recursion relations for the cumulant averages are derived in an expansion in epsilon'= (2sigma-1) ln(2), where sigma is a parameter of the model and a measure of the interaction range. We find that only r/sub l/= , ..delta../sub l/= , and U/sub l/= are relevant physical quantities within the epsilon' expansion. By solving the equations for U/sub l/ and ..delta../sub l/ to O (epsilon') we obtain in general four fixed points of the recursion relations. For sigma>1/2, there is no stable fixed point in the physical region ..delta.. > or = 0, U > or = 0; thus the behavior of the system is still open to study. In the particular case of uniform block coupling but random spin distributions,more » we find a fixed point with U* approx. = O ( vertical-bar epsilon' vertical-bar /sup 1/2/), ..delta..* approx. = O ( vertical-bar epsilon' vertical-bar /sup 1/2/) for epsilon'<0, but it is unstable.« less
UNRaveling the regulation of dosage compensation.

Translational inhibition of male-specific msl-2 messenger RNA by the female-specific protein SXL is crucial for X-chromosome dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster. Two recent studies identify an RNA-binding protein, UNR, as a novel corepressor that is recruited by SXL to the 3' UTR of msl-2 mRNA for translation inhibition in females.
Poly(p‐phenylene terephthalamide) films formed from extrusion and coagulation of liquid crystalline sulphuric acid solutions: Characterization of orientation and void structure, annealing, and upgrading of film mechanical properties

Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPD-T) films have been prepared by continuous extrusion of liquid crystalline 17 percent PPD-T/sulphuric acid solutions through an annular die followed by coagulation, Films extruded without drawdown exhibit some polymer chain orientation in the machine direction. This is increased by uniaxially drawing down films. Films produced with a lubricated conical mandrel sitting between the die and the coagulation bath exhibit an equal biaxial orientation. The uniaxially oriented films exhibit highly anisotropic mechanical properties, while the mandrel-produced film exhibits balanced properties. Heat treatment at 350°C results in significant enhancement of the tensile strength of the mandrel film. Void structures in the films have been investigated by mass density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Density measurement indicate a void content decreasing with decreasing film thickness and heat treatment. SEM locates micron-size voids in the thickest films, apparently caused by rapid coagulation. SAXS indicates much smaller void sixes which are roughly prolate ellipsoids (long axis in machine direction) for uniaxial films and oblate ellipsoids (short axis in thickness direction) for the mandrel produced films. Various techniques are used to estimate mean void size.
SU-GG-T-350: X-Ray Beam Model Benchmarks

Purpose: Determine fluence, differential in energy and angle, of Siemens Oncor 6/18 MV x‐ray beams, a necessary step towards an accurate, easily‐commissionable beam model for Monte Carlo treatment planning.Method and Materials: Dose to water is measured under various conditions, including: various field sizes including the largest; flattening filter present and removed; energy, steering tuned from nominal values to outside manufacturer acceptance criteria; target position moved along beam axis; filters. Energy is determined from depth dose curve measured with no target, flattening filter, or primary scattering foil (in electron mode, using x‐ray beam parameters). Spot size is determined using an alternating layer spot size camera. Spot position, beam angle, primary collimator and flattening filter positions are determined geometrically from profile scans vs. distance. Positions of treatment head elements, density of flattener, verified by direct measurement.Monte Carlo simulations with EGSnrc, taking asymmetry into account with beam angle and position, modified BEAMnrc code allowing lateral shifts of component modules, and modified ‘flatfilt’ component module allowing shift of flattening filter relative to primary collimator.Results: Comparison of electron PDD to Monte Carlo yields the beam energy to within positional accuracy and systematic uncertainty of Roos detector. Precision of geometrical measurements is sufficiently high to constrain inputs. Simulations agree to measurement within 1%/1 mm. Fluence is determined accurately over range of clinically acceptable beams. Conclusion: We determine, with reliable uncertainty estimates, input parameters for Monte Carlo simulation of Siemens 6/18 MV x‐ray beams. Close agreement is obtained to measured data over range of beam tuning. The method is applicable to other types of linacs and provides fluence benchmarks of clinical x‐ray beams for development of an accurate, easily‐commissioned beam model. Support from NIH R01 CA104777‐01A2.
Some estimation problems in multistage linear models

Abstract The paper deals with a multistage linear model that is a special case of a linear model with variance–covariance parameters. Within this setting questions related to estimation of linear functions of the mean parameter are studied. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of uniformly minimum variance linear unbiased estimators of linear function of the mean are presented under rather general assumptions. For illustration, a special case of a two-stage model is shown.
Customer Orientation in the Context of Development Projects: Insights from the World Bank:

Abstract Approximately half of the world's current population lives in poverty, and more than 90% of those people live in developing countries with limited access to basic social and economic amenities. Mired in such widespread poverty, developing countries thus appear to offer little opportunity for the traditional role of marketing to facilitate the monetized exchange of private goods. However, as this synthesized review of the practice of customer orientation at the World Bank shows, fundamental marketing principles and practices play an important role in incorporating the voice and interest of the poor in the provision of public goods that are designed to improve their quality of life and standard of living. This role for marketing in developing economies helps create the necessary socioeconomic infrastructure to facilitate the emergence of vibrant exchange markets for private goods in which the traditional role of marketing plays out. This article helps develop a better appreciation of a typically ov...
A LASER TECHNIQUE TO QUANTIFY THE SIZE, POROSITY, AND DENSITY OF CLAY CLUSTERS DURING SEDIMENTATION

A technique is developed for measuring the size, porosity, and density of clay clusters (flocs) and the distributions of these fundamental quantities during sedimentation. A laser-particle counter is used to detect cluster size and size distribution. Cluster velocities are computed by taking measurements at successive time intervals. By comparing the initial cluster size distribution with the measured distribution as sedimentation proceeds, a unique relationship between cluster size and settling velocity can be established. By applying a settling model for porous spheres, a unique relationship between cluster diameter and porosity is then established. Cluster density is calculated using fundamental mass-volume relationships. The technique and its working principles are illustrated via two sets of experiments, one for kaolinite clusters in distilled water and another for kaolinite clusters in 0.5 M NaCl. Consistent with double-layer theory, the results show that the porosity of clusters in distilled water is higher than the porosity of clusters in NaCl solution. The results also show that power-law relationships, which state that cluster porosity increases with cluster size, may not be valid for clusters very close to the primary particle size.
Fatty acid composition of the diet and larvae and biosynthesis of fatty acids from 14C-acetate in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

Abstract Larvae of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) reared on a synthetic diet were unable to synthesize linoleic and α-linolenic acids from 14C-acetate. Radio-activity was incorporated into fatty acids with carbon chain lengths of 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, and 18:1 but not of 18:2 and 18:3. Structural analysis of the unsaturated fatty acids by i.r. spectroscopy and reductive ozonolysis showed the absence of positional isomers; the unsaturated fatty acids were identified as 16:1, palmitoleate; 18:1, oleate; 18:2, linoleate; and 18:3, α-linolenate. A comparison between the fatty acid composition of the larvae (from which the gut was removed before analysis) and the diet showed that the larvae could drastically alter the fatty acid composition of the diet. In the diet, 18:2 was the major fatty acid (53·2 per cent of the total); in the larvae, it was only 10·6 per cent of the total. The major fatty acid in the larvae was 18:1 (40·9 per cent), but 18:1 was only 16·2 per cent of the total dietary fatty acids.