cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring and modeling energy and power consumption in living microbial cells with a synthetic ATP reporter

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy carrier in living organisms, critical for metabolism and essential physiological processes. In humans, abnormal regulation of energy levels (ATP concentration) and power consumption (ATP consumption flux) in cells is associated with numerous diseases from cancer, to viral infection and immune dysfunction, while in microbes it influences their responses to drugs and other stresses. The measurement and modeling of ATP dynamics in cells is therefore a critical component in understanding fundamental physiology and its role in pathology. Despite the importance of ATP, our current understanding of energy dynamics and homeostasis in living cells has been limited by the lack of easy-to-use ATP sensors and the lack of models that enable accurate estimates of energy and power consumption related to these ATP dynamics. Here we describe a dynamic model and an ATP reporter that tracks ATP in E. coli over different growth phases. The reporter is made by fusing an ATP-sensing rrnB P1 promoter with a fast-folding and fast-degrading GFP. Good correlations between reporter GFP and cellular ATP were obtained in E. coli growing in both minimal and rich media and in various strains. The ATP reporter can reliably monitor bacterial ATP dynamics in response to nutrient availability. Fitting the dynamics of experimental data corresponding to cell growth, glucose, acetate, dissolved oxygen, and ATP yielded a mathematical and circuit model. This model can accurately predict cellular energy and power consumption under various conditions. We found that cellular power consumption varies significantly from approximately 0.8 and 0.2 million ATP/s for a tested strain during lag and stationary phases to 6.4 million ATP/s during exponential phase, indicating ~ 8–30-fold changes of metabolic rates among different growth phases. Bacteria turn over their cellular ATP pool a few times per second during the exponential phase and slow this rate by ~ 2–5-fold in lag and stationary phases. Our rrnB P1-GFP reporter and kinetic circuit model provide a fast and simple way to monitor and predict energy and power consumption dynamics in bacterial cells, which can impact fundamental scientific studies and applied medical treatments in the future.
Fear and Coping in Students during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Combined Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study.

The overwhelming impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been experienced by individuals across the world. Additional circumstances unique to students affected their studies during the early stages of the pandemic, with changes in living and studying mid-semester. The current study aimed to investigate predictors of fear of COVID-19 in college students during this acute phase using cross-sectional and longitudinal samples. In total, 175 undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire in the spring 2020 semester following lockdown. A subset of 58 students completed a separate survey in fall 2019, which served as a baseline. For the cross-sectional sample, pre-COVID-19 and current living situations did not predict COVID-19 fears. However, a propensity to experience panic was significantly associated with greater COVID-19 fears. How students coped with the pandemic was not associated with COVID-19 fears, although a greater propensity to use denial as a coping style tended to be related to greater COVID-19 fears. In the longitudinal subsample, students showed decreased positive mood and social stress load while depressive mood increased after lockdown. Their preferred coping styles changed, utilizing more self-distraction and acceptance, and less self-blame and substance use. Findings reflect both positive and negative consequences of the pandemic. The unique changes in students’ lifestyles will need to be met by tailored interventions.
High-resolution metabolomics of exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in the Atlanta African American maternal-child cohort

Abstract Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy has been associated with a series of adverse reproductive outcomes; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-established. We conducted an untargeted metabolome-wide association study to identify the metabolic perturbations and molecular mechanisms underlying the association between cotinine, a widely used biomarker of tobacco exposure, and adverse birth outcomes. We collected early and late pregnancy urine samples for cotinine measurement and serum samples for high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) profiling from 105 pregnant women from the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child cohort (2014–2016). Maternal metabolome perturbations mediating prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and adverse birth outcomes were assessed by an untargeted HRM workflow using generalized linear models, followed by pathway enrichment analysis and chemical annotation, with a meet-in-the-middle approach. The median maternal urinary cotinine concentrations were 5.93 μg/g creatinine and 3.69 μg/g creatinine in early and late pregnancy, respectively. In total, 16,481 and 13,043 metabolic features were identified in serum samples at each visit from positive and negative electrospray ionization modes, respectively. Twelve metabolic pathways were found to be associated with both cotinine concentrations and adverse birth outcomes during early and late pregnancy, including tryptophan, histidine, urea cycle, arginine, and proline metabolism. We confirmed 47 metabolites associated with cotinine levels, preterm birth, and shorter gestational age, including glutamate, serine, choline, and taurine, which are closely involved in endogenous inflammation, vascular reactivity, and lipid peroxidation processes. The metabolic perturbations associated with cotinine levels were related to inflammation, oxidative stress, placental vascularization, and insulin action, which could contribute to shorter gestations. The findings will support the further understanding of potential internal responses in association with tobacco smoke exposures, especially among African American women who are disproportionately exposed to high tobacco smoke and experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes.
Gene regulatory circuitry of plant-environment interactions: scaling from cells to the field.

Abstract Plant growth and development is the product of layers of sensing and regulation that are modulated by multifactorial environmental cues. Innovations in genomics currently allow gene regulatory control to be quantified at multiple scales and high resolution in defined cell populations and even in individual cells or nuclei in plants. The application of these ‘omic technologies in highly controlled, as well as field environments is revolutionizing the recognition of factors critical to spatial and temporal responses to single or multiple environmental cues. Within and pan-species comparisons illuminate deeply conserved circuitry and targets of selection. This knowledge can benefit the breeding and engineering of crops with greater resilience to climate variability and the ability to augment nutrition through plant–microbial interactions.
Black Holes, Generalized Polyakov Action, and Hawking Radiation

In this final chapter we will investigate implications of non-locality for quantum field theories in curved spacetime. We will introduce a non-local generalization of Polyakov’s effective action and show that while it does not affect a black hole’s Hawking temperature there is a non-vanishing effect on the black hole’s entropy and on the conformal anomaly. This chapter is based on Boos et al. (Phys. Rev. D 100(10), 104008 (2019)).
AQUATIC PRODUCTIVITY AND WATER QUALITY AT THE UPLAND-ESTUARY INTERFACE IN BARATARIA BASIN, LOUISIANA

Three fresh- to brackish-water coastal lakes and streams at the upland-estuary interface of Barataria Basin, Louisiana, were studied for a one-year period. Measurements of community production and metabolism, chlorophyll a, and water column nitrogen and phosphorus were used to assess the functional relationship the upland connection has with the estuary. Aquatic community gross production was highest in the lake immediately adjacent to the New Orleans West Bank uplands (696 g C m-2 yr-1). A pattern of decreasing community hetero- trophy was exhibited in the lakes from upland to the lower estuary. Active chlorophyll a, nitrogen, and phosphorus were also highest in the streams and lake adjacent to the upland area. Chlorophyll a averaged over 55 mg m-3 at these locations; remaining stations averaged only 11 mg m-3. Nutrient levels were lowest in lakes, suggesting incorporation into plant biomass and sediments. Dissolved carbon and nutrient components made up an average of 78% of total concentrations.
SU-E-T-190: Commissioning An Elekta VersaHD Linear Accelerator

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the dosimetric aspects of commissioning performed on an Elekta VersaHD linear accelerator with high dose rate flattening-filter-free (FFF) photon modes and electron modes. Methods: Acceptance and commissioning was performed on an Elekta VersaHD linac with 5 photon energies (6MV, 10MV, 18MV, 6FFF, 10FFF), 4 electron energies (6MeV, 9MeV, 12MeV, 15MeV) and 160 leaf (5mm wide) multi-leaf collimators (MLCs). Mechanical and dosimetric data was measured and evaluated. The measurements include percent depth doses (PDDs), inplane and crossplane profiles, head scatter factor (Sc), relative photon output factors (Scp), universal wedge transmission factor, MLC transmission factors, and electron cone factors. Results: Gantry, collimator, couch isocentricity measurements were within 1mm, 0.7mm and 0.7mm diameter respectively. The PDDs of 6FFF and 10FFF beams show deeper dmax and steeper fall-off with depth than the corresponding flattened beams. While flatness values of 6FFF and 10FFF normalized profiles were higher than the corresponding flattened beams, the symmetry values were almost identical. The crossplane penumbra values were higher than the inplane penumbra values for all the energies. The MLC transmission values were 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.6% for 6MV, 10MV, and 18MV photon beams. The electron PDDs, profiles and cone factors is validated by literature. Conclusion: The outcome of radiation treatment is directly related to the accuracy in the dose modeled in the treatment planning system which is based on the commissioned data. Commissioning data provided us a valuable insight into the dosimetric characteristics of the beam. This set of commissioning data can provide comparison data to others performing VersaHD commissioning thus improving patient safety.
Equivalent circuits for common-mode analysis of naval power systems

In this research a general and scalable method is proposed to transform differential-mode circuits into their common-mode equivalents for the purpose of modeling common-mode voltage and current in large, complex power systems. The technique is demonstrated for an example dc-based ship power system and validated against a detailed model.
Chapter 5 Samarium(II) promoted ketyl olefin cyclizations applied to the total syntheses of (−)-steganone and (+)-isoschizandrin

Publisher Summary This chapter details the examination process utilized to study the use of samarium (II) iodide in the construction of carbocycles and heterocycles utilizing ketyl-olefin cyclizations. Samarium diiodide is usually featured as a mild, chemoselective reagent for simple functional group transformations employing complex substrates. Therefore, the flexibility introduced in the 8-endo cyclization by varying the olefin substitution can be applied to the construction of many eight-member ring-containing natural products, creating the rings and installing the attendant functionality stereoselectively in a single synthetic operation. Overall, the syntheses of (–)-steganone and ( + )-isoschizandrin illustrate the potential for the samarium (II) iodide-promoted reductive coupling to achieve rapid and efficient access to the dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. A stereocontrolled 8-endo ketyl-olefin-coupling produces ( + )-isoschizandrin in fine yield with excellent stereo- and regioselectivity. Additionally, this method allows the direct construction of the 8–5 fused ring system of (–)-steganone without the need for multiple functional group manipulations. Steganone is the only diastereomer possible that allows planar alignment of the ketone carbonyl with the neighboring arene ring system. The difficulties associated with constructing the biaryl moiety as a single atropisomer early in the synthesis lies within the arene substitution pattern.
SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION AND TARGETING OF CATHEPSIN E

The subcellular distribution and targeting of the non-lysosomal aspartic proteinase cathepsin E have been studied using mouse L cells and monkey Cos 1 cells that were transfected with cDNA encoding cathepsin E. The cathepsin E was retained in L cells for at least 20 h without significant degradation and its single N-linked oligosaccharide remained sensitive to endo-beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase H. When cathepsin E was overexpressed by transient transfection in Cos 1 cells, it was very slowly secreted into the media. The intracellular form of the enzyme contained a high mannose oligosaccharide which was processed to a complex type species upon secretion. In double label immunofluorescence studies, cathepsin E co-localized with cathepsin D-myc-KDEL, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker. Subcellular fractionation on a Percoll density gradient showed that the cathepsin E co-migrated with membranous vesicles that were distinct from dense lysosomes. Only a trace amount of the enzyme was recovered in the soluble fraction. These findings indicate that in L cells and Cos 1 cells, the intracellular location of cathepsin E is the endoplasmic reticulum. To identify the protein sequences required for ER retention, we made chimeric proteins between cathepsin E and pepsinogen, an aspartic proteinase that is rapidly secreted by Cos 1 cells. We found that amino acids 1-48 of cathepsin E are important for its retention in the ER. Within this region, Cys7, which is involved in covalent dimer formation, plays a significant role in the retention.
Parsing with Lexicalized Tree Adjoining Grammar

Most current linguistic theories give lexical accounts of several phenomena that used to be considered purely syntactic. The information put in the lexicon is thereby increased in both amount and complexity: see, for example, lexical rules in LFG (Kaplan & Bresnan, 1983), GPSG (Gazdar, Klein, Pullum, & Sag, 1985), HPSG (Pollard & Sag, 1987), Combinatory Categorial Grammars (Steedman, 1987), Karttunen’s version of Categorial Grammar (Karttunen, 1986, 1988), some versions of GB theory (Chomsky, 1981), and Lexicon-Grammars (Gross, 1984).
The Effect of Nonlinear Heat Conduction on the Pressure-Coupled Response of Solid Propellants

A ZELDOVICH-NOVOZHILOV model for the pressurecoupled response of solid propellants was developed with heat conduction in the condensed phase governed by a relaxation time, non-Fourier relation. Results indicate that, although the relaxation time appears in a frequency-squared relaxation time product combination, the non-Fourier model has negligible effect on the response in the frequency domain of interest to combustion instability for reasonable values of relaxation time. For large values of this parameter, the resonance is shifted to lower frequencies, reduced in magnitude, and narrowed. Presented as Paper 82-1102 at the AIAA/SAE/ASME 18th Joint Propulsion Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, June 21-23, 1982; submitted June 25, 1982; synoptic received July 5, 1983. Copyright © American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., 1982. All rights reserved. Full paper available from AIAA Library, 555 W. 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019. Price: Microfiche, $4.00; hard copy, $8.00. Remittance must accompany order. * Graduate Student, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (currently, Engineer, Morton Thiokol, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.). Student Member AIAA. tSenior Researcher, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Associate Fellow AIAA.
Naturalizing the Copenhagen Interpretation

Summary The problem of quantum measurement is considered in the framework of a naturalized and evolutionary epistemology. Consider two simple textbook observations: a) quantum measurement is an information processing method invented for the purpose of exploring domains of the external world which are not accessible otherwise b) quantum measurement interprets signals from the external world with the help of a computing algorithm invented specifically for this purpose. Replace the words “quantum measurement” and “invented” in a) and b) by “vision” and “evolved respectively”. Both sentences remain simple textbook observations; this time about vision and its biological evolution. Since both a) and b) are substantial statements whether they refer to vision or to quantum measurement the analogy between these processes suggests that quantum measurement may be viewed as a culturally evolved perceptual mode. This idea is explored further by comparing the developments of vision and of quantum measurement. The comparison reveals some interesting similarities between the two processes. One result of the comparison and of viewing quantum measurement as a perceptual mode is a realistic formulation of the Copenhagen interpretation which in turn permits a rational explanation of why, in quantum measurement, some observables exist in nature only when observed.
Validity and interaction in the ZPD: interpreting learner development through L2 Dynamic Assessment

Based on Vygotsky's articulation of the zone of proximal development, dynamic assessment (DA) involves offering mediation to help learners perform beyond their level of independent functioning while simultaneously supporting development of those abilities, and thus integrating teaching and assessment as a single activity. As with any assessment, it is imperative to determine how well L2 DA fulfills its intended purposes, namely providing insights into abilities that are still forming and promoting development. While concerns have been raised over adopting existing concepts and procedures in validation for use in the classroom, this paper relies on key validity notions of evidence, interpretations, and consequences to consider the process of mediator-learner dialoguing on a micro level as well as outcomes of DA interactions. Basee sur le concept de la zone de developpement proximal propose par Vygotsky, l'evaluation dynamique implique que l'on offre aux apprenants des formes de mediation qui les aident a fonctionner au-dela de leur capacite individuelle et qui soutiennent le developpement de leurs competences emergeantes au cours d'une tâche. Ainsi, l'evaluation dynamique integre l'enseignement et l'evaluation dans une meme activite. Comme toute autre approche a l'evaluation, il faut imperativement determiner jusqu'a quel point une evaluation dynamisee repond a ses objectifs, notamment d'arriver a mieux connaitre les competences de l'apprenant encore en train de se former et de promouvoir son developpement. Bien que l'application des concepts et des demarches de validation existants en contexte de salle de classe ait ete mise en question, cet article s'appuie sur des notions cles de validite (e.g., indices, interpretations et consequences) afin de considerer le processus des interactions dialogiques entre mediateur et apprenant au micro-niveau ainsi que les resultats de ces interactions en contexte d'une evaluation dynamisee.
POSTNATAL EFFECTS OF INUIERO HYFOXIA ON THE CDNCENTRATION OF MEIVIONINE ENKEPHALIN WITHIN RABBIT BRAINSTEM REGIONS

The neuropeptide methionine-enkephalin (ME) is involved in respiratory control particularly in the newborn. Its basal concentration and alterations with acute hypoxia are both region and age specific (Brain Res, 336:73-80, 1985; Ped Res 20:655-57, 1986). Additionally, prenatal exposure to toxins produce long term sequelae. We examined the effect of inutero hypoxia on ME in postnatal animals aged 3, 7, 21 days. 12 pregnant rabbits were housed in environmental chambers at gestational age E-10. Between E-14-E-28, 6 animals breathed 21% O2 (control, C) and 6 breathed 14% (hypoxia, II). The animals were kindled and young reared in RA until sacrifice. The brains were removed and sectioned into superior, inferior colliculi, pons and medulla. n=6/condition/age. * = p inferior colliculi, superior colliculi and 2) except within the inferior colliculi, prenatal hypoxia is associated with decreased ME levels within brainstem regions at postnatal day 21. This decrease may reflect a direct effect on ME neurons or alternatively reflect changes in transmitters that regulate ME. ME is inhibitory to respiration; thus, long term effects of hypoxia may accelerate control mechanisms.
G6PD Mount Sinai: a new severe hemolytic variant characterized by dual mutations at nucleotides 376G and 1159T (N126D).

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) has wide biochemical and genetic heterogeneity with more than 400 variants described (Beutler, 1990). These variants have been grouped according to their clinical manifestation and enzymatic activity (Beutler and Yoshida, 1988). In addition recent molecular biological techniques have more precisely defined the different point mutations responsible for some of these variants. Most mutations represent a single amino acid substitution, but there are a number of instances in which an aspartic acid for asparagine mutation is present as well (Vulliamy et al., 1993; Beutler, 1993). Clinical manifestations of G6PD deficiency include acute hemolysis secondary to specific drug exposures, infections, and ingestion of fava beans, which lead to oxidant stress and, less commonly, chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (Yoshida and Beutler, 1983; Beutler, 1991). This paper describes a new Class 1 variant (Yoshida et al., 1971) found in a Hispanic boy who presented with severe hemolysis at 14 days of age. This new variant, designated G6PD Mount Sinai, involves two point mutations at nucleotide (nt)376 and nt1159, resulting in substitutions at amino acid (aa) 126 and aa387.
Cooperativity and Specificity of Association of a Designed Transmembrane Peptide

Thermodynamics studies aimed at quantitatively characterizing free energy effects of amino acid substitutions are not restricted to two state systems, but do require knowing the number of states involved in the equilibrium under consideration. Using analytical ultracentrifugation and NMR methods, we show here that a membrane-soluble peptide, MS1, designed by modifying the sequence of the water-soluble coiled-coil GCN4-P1, exhibits a reversible monomer-dimer-trimer association in detergent micelles with a greater degree of cooperativity in C14-betaine than in dodecyl phosphocholine detergents.
Electrochemical determination of allopurinol based on its interaction with xanthine oxidase

Abstract Allopurinol was determined in the range 0.20–50 μM utilizing xanthine oxidase immobilized onto a carbon paste electrode. Alternative assay methods relying on either inhibition of enzymatic activity or direct formation of a product are evaluated. Regeneration of xanthine oxidase activity under various conditions is also surveyed.
Regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana red pap1 - D cells metabolically programmed by auxins

Red pap1-D cells of Arabidopsis thaliana have been cloned from production of anthocyanin pigmentation 1-Dominant (pap1-D) plants. The red cells are metabolically programmed to produce high levels of anthocyanins by a WD40-bHLH-MYB complex that is composed of the TTG1, TT8/GL3 and PAP1 transcription factors. Here, we report that indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in these red cells. Seven concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 2.2, 9, 18 and 27 μM) were tested for the three auxins. IAA and 2,4-D at 2.2–27 μM reduced anthocyanin levels. NAA at 0–0.2 μM or above 9 μM also decreased anthocyanin levels, but from 0.4 to 9 μM, it increased them. HPLC–ESI–MS analysis identified seven cyanin molecules that were produced in red pap1-D cells, and their levels were affected by auxins. The expression levels of ten genes, including six transcription factors (TTG1, EGL3, MYBL2, TT8, GL3 and PAP1) and four pathway genes (PAL1, CHS, DFR and ANS) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis were analyzed upon various auxin treatments. The resulting data showed that 2,4-D, NAA and IAA control anthocyanin biosynthesis by regulating the expression of TT8, GL3 and PAP1 as well as genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway, such as DFR and ANS. In addition, the expression of MYBL2, PAL1 and CHS in red pap1-D and wild-type cells differentially respond to the three auxins. Our data demonstrate that the three auxins regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in metabolically programmed red cells via altering the expression of transcription factor genes and pathway genes.
Pituitary and ovarian function in postpartum beef cows. II. Endocrine changes prior to ovulation in suckled and nonsuckled postpartum cows compared to cycling cows.

Fifty-four anestrous postpartum beef cows were allotted to 1 of 6 treatment groups to determine the effects of suckling on pituitary and ovarian function. Calves were weaned (W) on Day 21 postpartum from 4 groups but were allowed to continue to suckle (5) ad hibitum in the other 2 groups. W cows were slaughtered at either 24, 48, 72 or 96 h after initiation of the experiment on Day 21 postpartum and S cows at 24 and 96 h (groups were designated W-24, W-48, W-72, W-96, S-24 and S-96). In addition, 27 cycling (C) beef cows were allotted to 1 of 3 treatment groups to compare endocrine changes just prior to ovulation in C cows with endocrine changes in the W cows. Estrus was synchronized with a progestin ear implant and cows were slaughtered at 12, 24 and 36 h after implant removal (groups were designated C-12, C-24 and C-36). Weaning had no effect (P>0.10) on either pituitary weight or pituitary !uteinizing hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced release of LH in vitro in the W cows was not affected (P>0.10) by duration of weaning; however, incubated pituitary explants of the W cows secreted 89% more (P<0.05) LH in response to GnRH than did those of the S cows. The total amount of LH released by pituitary explants of the C cows was similar to the amount of LH released by the W cows (778 and 853 ng, respectively). The change in basal serum LH concentrations (posttreatment minus pretreatment; � LH) of the W cows increased (P<0.O1) in a linear fashion as the duration of weaning increased and was greater
Surface effects and the role of propylene during the partial oxidation of propane in a flow reactor

Reactor surface and propylene role during vapor phase partial oxidation of propane in continuous flow tubular reactors
An assessment of detection canine alerts using flowers that release methyl benzoate, the cocaine odorant, and an evaluation of their behavior in terms of the VOCs produced.

Abstract In recent years, the high frequency of illicit substance abuse reported in the United States has made the development of efficient and rapid detection methods important. Biological detectors, such as canines ( Canis familiaris ), are valuable tools for rapid, on-site identification of illicit substances. However, research indicates that in many cases canines do not alert to the contraband, but rather to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from the contraband, referred to as the “active odor.” In 2013, canine accuracy and reliability were challenged in the Supreme Court case, State of Florida v. Jardines . In this case, it was stated that if a canine alerts to the active odor, and not the contraband, the canine's accuracy and selectivity could be questioned, since many of these compounds have been found in common household products. Specifically, methyl benzoate, the active odor of cocaine, has been found to be the most abundant compound produced by snapdragon flowers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the odor profiles of various species of snapdragon flowers to assess how significantly methyl benzoate contributes to the total VOC profile or fragrance that is produced. Particularly, this study examines the VOCs released from newly grown snapdragon flowers and determines its potential at eliciting a false alert from specially trained detection canines. The ability of detection canines to differentiate between cocaine and snapdragon flowers was determined in order to validate the field accuracy and discrimination power of these detectors. An optimized method using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS–SPME/GC–MS) was used to test the different types and abundances of compounds generated from snapdragon flowers at various stages throughout the plants’ life cycle. The results indicate that although methyl benzoate is present in the odor profile of snapdragon flowers, other compounds are present that contribute significantly, if not more, than that of methyl benzoate. Canine teams, from various police departments throughout South Florida, certified for narcotics detection, took part in this study. Two canine trials involving 21 canines teams were performed by exposing the teams to 4 different species of snapdragon flowers. Of the 21 canine teams tested, none alerted to the snapdragon flowers presented, while all (100%) alerted to real cocaine samples, the positive control. Notably, the results revealed that although methyl benzoate is produced by snapdragon flowers, certified narcotics detection canines can distinguish cocaine's odor profile from that of snapdragon flowers.
Cultural Reflections on Shame and Guilt: An Intergenerational Dialogue

The following is a brief dialogue among Sally Newman, Jessica Rohan, and Joumana El Alaoui on the meaning of and examples of experiences of shame and guilt in their respective religious and cultura...
Palestinian Social Stratification: The Political Implications

(1977). Palestinian Social Stratification: The Political Implications. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 48-74.
Abnormal membrane phospholipid content in subcellular fractions from the Morris 7777 hepatoma.

Abstract 1. 1. Mitochondrial and microsomal fractions were prepared from normal rat liver and the Morris 7777 hepatoma and characterized by the use of the marker enzymes, succinate dehydrogenase and rotenone-insensitive NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. 2. 2. The phospholipid content per mg membrane protein of Morris 7777 hepatoma mitochondria was increased by 75% as compared with mitochondria from normal rat liver. Microsomes from this poorly-differentiated tumor were found to have a 45% decrease in the content of phospholipid. These abnormalities were independent of tumor size or age. 3. 3. The percent phospholipid content of the subcellular fractions was determined, and revealed an increase in the percent sphingomyelin in both the microsomal and mitochondrial fractions of the tumor. Decreases in the percent phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were noted in tumor microsomes as compared with normal liver. Diphosphatidylglycerol was not found in significant quantities in the microsomal fraction of this hepatoma line. 4. 4. The content of the various phospholipid classes per mg protein in the respective mitochondrial and microsomal fractions was determined. Large increases in nearly all the major phospholipid classes were found in tumor mitochondria; tumor microsomes were characterized by an increased content of sphingomyelin but the content of nearly all other phospholipids was significantly decreased. These findings suggest the presence of disturbances in the regulation of phospholipid metabolism in subcellular organelle membranes of the Morris 7777 hepatoma.
Survivin mRNA is down-regulated during early Xenopus laevis embryogenesis.

One of the hallmarks of early development is the rapid proliferation of cells immediately after fertilization. Many of the rules that govern cell division in normal somatic cells, such as contact inhibition and apoptosis, seem temporarily suspended in the early embryo. A similar suspension of mechanisms normally reg- ulating cell division occurs in the development of cancer. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis and a positive regulator of progression through the cell cycle, localizes to the mitotic spindle and inter- acts with several proapoptotic caspases. Sur- vivin protein expression has been studied during the development of the salivary gland in mouse. However, the regulation of survivin during the critical transitions defining oocyte maturation and the early restriction of developmental poten- tial are not easily examined in the mouse. We therefore studied survivin mRNA expression during oogenesis and early embryogenesis in Xe- nopus laevis .W efound that survivin mRNA is present in the earliest stages of Xenopus oocytes and that it accumulates during oogenesis. Pro- gesterone-induced maturation of Xenopus oo- cytes leads to polyadenylation of the survivin transcript. Survivin mRNA is also present in early Xenopus embryos. After the onset of zygotic transcription, however, the amount of survivin mRNA declines rapidly to undetectable levels. This decrease in survivin mRNA correlates tem- porally with both the slowing of the cell cycle and the onset of endogenous embryonic apopto- sis. With the exception of the ovary, survivin mRNA was undetectable in all adult Xenopus tis- sues examined. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stepper registration feedback control in 300-mm manufacturing

Control of registration (overlay error between printed layers) is a key aspect of successfully manufacturing semiconductors. At Intel, registration control was formerly achieved through manual adjustments of the tool to account for the known effects of non-stationary drift. The objective of the stepper registration control (SRC) project was to create a robust algorithm and automated implementation to replace the manual adjustment process. This goal was accomplished at Intel by developing an automated product called SRC. At the heart of the SRC application is the SRC feedback algorithm. At the stepper, alignment settings are adjusted to correct for non-stationary drift. The SRC algorithm uses a weighted average of registration data from previous lots to determine the recommended alignment settings. The novel scheme weights prior lots using a combination of traditional EWMA based weighting and variance based weighting. After piloting and comparing the results against the manual algorithm, the SRC application has been shown to be at least as good as the manual algorithm. Thus the SRC application is being used by all 300mm Intel factories. Since HVM factories cannot resource the same level of frequent manual adjustments, the benefits of reduced rework rate and increased process capability is more pronounced in HVM.
Faculty Development for Institutional Change: Lessons from an Advance Project.

(2009). Faculty Development for Institutional Change: Lessons from an Advance Project. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning: Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 18-26.
Analytical expressions for the radiation emergent from a scattering medium exposed to a polarized laser beam

Abstract Analytical expressions for the spatial variation of the radiation emergent from a multiple-scattering medium exposed to a polarized laser beam are developed. The medium is finite in the vertical direction and infinite in the radial direction. The three-dimensional radiative transfer is described by the vector transport equation. The intensity vector is comprised of the four Stokes parameters, and the scattering is described by a general phase matrix for randomly oriented particles with a plane of symmetry. The radiation incident on the upper surface is cylindrically symmetric, perpendicularly directed, collimated, and polarized, e.g. a Gaussian laser beam. Expressions for the reflection and transmission matrices are presented for this specific loading and the case of normally emergent radiation. Symmetry relationships and matrix rotations are applied to obtain special forms of the normal reflection and transmission matrices. This procedure allows part of the inverse transform to be performed analytically and the angular variation of the reflection and transmission matrices to be found explicitly. The emergent intensity for an unpolarized or circularly polarized beam depends on only the radius; the intensity distribution is two dimensional. For a linearly polarized laser beam, the intensity exhibits three-dimensional effects; the spatial variation of the backscattered and transmitted intensities depends on both the radius and azimuthal angle. Thus, the polarization of the incident radiation can cause the intensity distribution to be either two- or three-dimensional.
Full-Duplex Bidirectional MIMO: Achievable Rates Under Limited Dynamic Range

In this paper, we consider the problem of full-duplex bidirectional communication between a pair of modems, each with multiple transmit and receive antennas. The principal difficulty in implementing such a system is that, due to the close proximity of each modem's transmit antennas to its receive antennas, each modem's outgoing signal can exceed the dynamic range of its input circuitry, making it difficult-if not impossible-to recover the desired incoming signal. To address these challenges, we consider systems that use pilot-aided channel estimates to perform transmit beamforming, receive beamforming, and interference cancellation. Modeling transmitter/receiver dynamic-range limitations explicitly, we derive tight upper and lower bounds on the achievable sum-rate, and propose a transmission scheme based on maximization of the lower bound, which requires us to (numerically) solve a nonconvex optimization problem. In addition, we derive an analytic approximation to the achievable sum-rate, and show, numerically, that it is quite accurate. We then study the behavior of the sum-rate as a function of signal-to-noise ratio, interference-to-noise ratio, transmitter/receiver dynamic range, number of antennas, and training length, using optimized half-duplex signaling as a baseline.
Should severely obese women complete childbearing prior to undergoing bariatric surgery

GOING BARIATRIC SURGERY? ELLEN LANDSBERGER, YVONNE ANKRAH, CJ SEGAL-ISAACSON, EDITH GUREWITSCH, LISA LEVINE, FRANCINE EINSTEIN, CYNTHIA CHAZOTTE, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Bronx, New York, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Bronx, New York, Johns Hopkins University, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baltimore, Maryland OBJECTIVE: Gastric bypass surgery (GBP) has become increasingly popular to treat severe obesity. 80% of patients having GBP are women. This study compares pregnancy outcomes of severely obese women who have undergone GBP with similar patients matched to their preoperative and postoperative body mass index (BMI). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective comparison study utilizing 3 groups of 19 patients each: Group 1=patients who had GBP, Group 2=1 patients matched to preoperative BMI, Group 3=patients matched to postoperative BMI. Patients delivered from 2004-2006. Data were analyzed utilizing Chi-Square and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Even with significant weight loss, most GBP patients remained obese. Mean BMI=37.1 (SDG7.7), mean BMI of Group 2=47.6 (G7.3), mean BMI group 3=36.4 (G7.1) There were no significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes among the three groups. There was a trend toward preeclampsia in the GBP group (p=.051); but no difference in chronic hypertension. Although the pre-op BMI group 2 had the heaviest babies (3454G764gms), the mean birthweights were similar (GBP=3002G609gms, Grp 3=3093G590gms); the incidence of IUGR and macrosomia was not different. Although there was not a significant difference in gestational diabetes (GDM) alone, the incidence of GDM and pregestational diabetes was lower in the GBP group (3/19,15.8%) than in group 2 (8/19,42.1%) or group 3 (4/ 19,21.1%). There was 1 second trimester loss in the GBP and group 2. There were no differences in mode of delivery, preterm delivery, anemia, or perinatal complications among the groups. CONCLUSION: Many women who have had GBP remain obese despite significant weight loss. Although significant differences in pregnancy outcomes were not observed, the higher rate of preeclampsia in the GBP group deserves further study. Our data suggest that GBP may safely be performed in women prior to completion of childbearing.
Water production in enhanced coalbed methane operations

Abstract Coalbed methane (CBM) formations provides a considerable amount of the US natural gas production and have the potential of storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) through enhanced gas recovery operations. Enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery by injection of CO 2 or a mixture of CO 2 and nitrogen (N 2 ) has been proven to recover additional natural gas resources. However, since coalbeds are normally saturated with water and can be in communication with an aquifer, a large amount of water is often co-produced during the natural gas extraction. The conventional approach for CBM production relies on the reduction of the gas partial pressure in the coal seam. This can be accomplished by either pumping the formation water to the surface and/or by injecting gases such as N 2 and CO 2 . Disposal of the produced water is an environmental challenge as harmful impurities must be removed by appropriate purification techniques. Consequently, a reduction of water production in CBM operations is desirable. In this paper we present a numerical investigation of the potential reduction in water production during ECBM operations that are commonly used to increase methane (CH 4 ) recovery. We use a three-dimensional coalbed model with an aquifer located at the bottom to investigate the amounts of gas and water produced in ECBM operations per volume of coal seam as a function of aquifer strength and sorption characteristics including sorption induced strain. The amount of gas/water that is produced varies significantly depending on the aquifer strength and injection gas composition. We demonstrate that injection of CO 2 and/or N 2 in some settings reduces the water handling problem substantially. CBM is an important worldwide energy source with a large number of formations being excellent candidates for ECBM recovery processes. Our analysis of the interplay between coal characteristics, aquifer support and the resultant behavior in terms of gas/water production provides valuable input for optimization of future planning and operations.
Magnetic x-ray-scattering study of Tb.

The temperature and energy dependence of the magnetic scattering in the ferromagnetic spiral phase of Tb has been studied between 220 and 235 K by high-resolution x-ray-scattering techniques using synchrotron radiation. In order to see the magnetic scattering it was necessary to exploit the resonant enhancement of the magnetic x-ray cross section by tuning the incident photon energy to the Tb {ital L}{sub III} edge. A lower bound for this enhancement is of order 20. The magnetic modulation wave vector {tau}{sub {ital m}} decreases continuously with decreasing temperature over most of the range between the Neel and Curie points, in agreement with prior neutron-diffraction measurements. However, no evidence was found for any lock-in behavior above {ital T}{sub {ital c}}, as has been observed in other rare earths. A very strong hysteresis effect is present in Tb below {ital T}{sub {ital N}}, with the value of the modulation wave vector apparently depending on the rate of cooling from the paramagnetic regime. In addition, the radial linewidth of the magnetic satellite at (002){sup +} is not resolution-limited and increases as {ital T}{r arrow}{ital T}{sub {ital c}}{sup +} while that of the charge peak at (002) remains constant. No conclusive evidence was foundmore » for scattering at higher harmonics.« less
Combined model of dislocation motion with thermally activated and drag-dependent stages

A computational model is developed to study the effect of coupling of thermally activated and drag-dependent processes during dislocation motion through an array of obstacles in metals. The model explicitly includes three successive, reiterative stages typical of such motion: the thermally activated break-off from an equilibrium position; accelerated drag-dependent motion; and the transition to the next equilibrium position controlled by the two previous stages. Calculation results are presented over a wide range of dislocation velocities, applied stresses and temperatures for a prototype f.c.c. metal close to copper. The presented model is also the first step for explaining quantitatively experimental findings regarding the effects of the SN transition on dislocation motion and plasticity in superconductors.
Hybrid Capture 2 human papilloma virus testing for head and neck cytology specimens

Introduction High-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV)-associated head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) have important differences from non–hrHPV-related HNSCCs. A highly sensitive and specific test for HPV in cytology fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) would be useful, as it has the potential to alter therapy. Materials and methods Patients with an HN FNA diagnosed as SCC or suspicious for SCC were included. Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) was performed on residual rinse material and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) for hrHPV was performed on the cell block. HC2-positive samples were genotyped for HPV types 16, 18, and 45. "Gold standard" p16 and CISH testing was performed on histologic material from the primary tumor. Tumors concordantly positive for p16 and CISH were considered hrHPV-positive, concordantly negative were considered hrHPV-negative, and discordant results were considered hrHPV-equivocal. Results A total of 96 FNAs from 95 patients were included. Surgical material was available in 80 patients. Of those, 29 patients (36%) were positive for hrHPV by "gold standard" testing, and 3 patients (4%) had equivocal results. HC2 was 72% sensitive and 100% specific for hrHPV. Sixty percent of HC2-positive aspirate samples were positive for HPV16. CISH was 61% sensitive and 79% specific for hrHPV. HC2 had a significantly better sensitivity and specificity than did CISH on paired sample analysis ( P Conclusions HC2 is a highly sensitive and specific assay for the detection of hrHPV in HN FNA samples. This new application of a familiar, widely available testing method has the potential to be clinically useful in the management of patients with HNSCC.
Sol-gel based mid-infrared evanescent wave sensors for detection of organophosphate pesticides in aqueous solution

Abstract This work demonstrates the application of organically modified sol–gels as recognition layers combined with mid-infrared evanescent wave sensors for in situ detection of nitrated organics in aqueous media. Sol–gels were prepared by acid-catalyzed copolymerization of phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMOS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and were spin-coated onto ZnSe attenuated total reflection (ATR) waveguides. These sensors were investigated with respect to their enrichment properties of selected organophosphates, i.e. parathion, fenitrothion and paraoxon, respectively, and their capability of suppressing interfering water background absorptions. Figures of merit are derived from calibration curves determined to assess sensitivity and reproducibility of the applied sensor system. It can be concluded that sol–gel coated infrared optical sensors enable reproducible detection of organophosphates down to the sub-ppm concentration range. Furthermore, measurement of spiked river water samples demonstrates feasibility as remote field sensor system. Once the required sensitivity is achieved, sol–gel based mid-infrared evanescent wave sensors have the potential of being an alternative to commonly applied biosensors for detection of organophosphates in environmental analysis, since they provide superior mechanical and chemical stability during application relevant periods of time.