cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management and Assessment of Ensiled Forages and High-Moisture Grain

Various forage and grain crops are grown, harvested, and fed to dairy cattle as ensiled forages or high-moisture grains. Although the nutritional value of hybrids and varieties is influenced by genetic inheritability, the crop growing environment dictates the outcome of forage quality, affecting nutrient digestibility. How the crop is managed based on its stage of harvest maturity and dry matter, along with key ensiling management factors, also determine the nutritional quality of fermented forages and grains. Veterinary practitioners can implement silage quality evaluations as part of a nutritional consultation service to help dairy clients maximize dairy performance and efficiencies.
Analysis of Risk-Adjusted Performance of Global Market Assets

The broad set of 38 global capital market assets examined here includes U.S. and international stocks and bonds, real estate, commodities, and a composite index of global stocks and bonds. Relationships between returns and risk reported are consistent with theoretical expectations. The risk-adjusted performance measures indicate a wide range of performance for alternative assets. Rankings of alternative assets, though, depend on the specific risk-adjusted performance measure used.
Fast-growth technique for ice single crystals

This paper describes a new fast-growth technique for ice single crystals. The water, thermally insulated from the bottom and sides, is cooled by intensive evaporation into a vacuum. No other cooling procedure is required. The nucleation of a single crystal occurs spontaneously on the free surface of water and in a few seconds the whole free surface is covered by a thin single-crystal film. Crystallization rates along the surface are in the range of 1-10 cm/s. After that, the evaporation of ice into a vacuum continues to cool the rest of the bulk with practically the same effectiveness, because the vapor pressure above both water and ice is approximately the same. Single-crystal ice grows downward and soon the entire volume of water is crystallized into a single crystal. The most striking features of the method are its simplicity and effectiveness. Indeed, to obtain a crystal 10 cm in diameter and with thickness of 0.5 cm requires a very short time, t = 10-15 min.
Relationship of Ethanol Yield to Agronomic and Seed Quality Characteristics of Small Grains

ABSTRACT Production of fuel ethanol hinges on the availability of carbohydrate sources, with corn being the crop of choice in most areas. However, in some climatic regions, it is not feasible to grow adequate volumes of corn so other starch sources must be utilized. Here we examined various small grain crops commonly grown in the Northern Great Plains for suitability for ethanol production. Four cultivars each of the hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) classes hard red spring (HRS), hard white spring (HWS), soft white spring (SWS), along with durum wheat (Triticum durum L.), and four spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars were grown in replicated plots in two environments in 2006. Agronomic and seed quality traits, along with starch content and ethanol yield over a period of 72 hr were measured on all cultivars. Agronomic yield was highest for the barley cultivars and lowest for HRS and HWS. Seed size was greatest for the durum and barley cultivars. The SWS group had the lowest protein content an...
Vibration control of cantilevers via smart materials technology

The problem of controlling the bending vibration of cantilevers modeled as thin-walled beams of closed cross-section incorporating a number of nonclassical effects, such as transverse shear, secondary warping and heterogeneity, is investigated. The control is carried out by means of piezoelectric materials bonded or embedded into the host structure. The control law represents a combination of displacement, velocity and acceleration feedback. The capabilities and efficiency of this control methodology are illustrated and a number of relevant conclusions are outlined.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Solitary spinal cord sarcoidosis without other manifestations of systemic sarcoidosis

Abstract We report a biopsy-proven case of sarcoidosis limited to the spinal cord and responsive to treatment with oral corticosteroids. Involvement of the spinal cord by systemic sarcoidosis is uncommon and is associated with several unusual pathological and radiological characteristics that may contribute to its misdiagnosis and subsequent mismanagement. The importance of these unusual characteristics is greatly amplified in solitary spinal cord sarcoidosis because there are no systemic findings to suggest to sarcoid etiology.
The Roles of Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Cancer Pathogenesis

Exosomes are endosome-derived, 30-100 nm small membrane vesicles released by most cell types including tumor cells. They are enriched in a selective repertoire of proteins and nucleic acids from parental cells and are thought to be actively involved in conferring intercellular signals. Tumor-derived exosomes have been viewed as a source of tumor antigens that can be used to induce antitumor immune responses. However, tumor-derived exosomes also have been found to possess immunosuppressive properties and are able to facilitate tumor growth, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. These different effects of tumor-derived exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. This review will discuss the roles of tumor-derived exosomes in cancer pathogenesis, therapy, and diagnostics.
Stable carbon isotope biogeochemistry of monosaccharides in aquatic organisms and terrestrial plants

Abstract Carbohydrates are one of the major biochemical groups in lakes and oceans. In cells, they are primary metabolic energy compounds, serving as storage for photosynthetically fixed carbon, and providing structural support. The cycling of carbohydrates in aquatic and terrestrial environments is important for determining food web interactions and for understanding fluxes of organic matter. We investigated compound-specific isotopic ratios of individual monomeric carbohydrates (i.e. sugars) from seven algal and cyanobacterial primary producers, three angiosperms and gymnosperms, two bacterial cultures, and seven marine invertebrates in order to determine the isotopic fractionation of these molecules relative to bulk carbon isotopic compositions. The carbon isotopic composition ( δ 13 C) of individual sugars varied greatly within an organism (7.6 ± 4‰), with the greatest range in zooplankton where sugar δ 13 C varied by 15‰. The calculated δ 13 C of the total combined carbohydrate (TCC) pool for individual species was on average enriched in 13 C by 4.6 ± 4‰ relative to the bulk C isotopic composition. However, whole cedar wood had TCC with isotopic compositions more depleted than bulk δ 13 C value. Glucose produced by heterotrophic organisms was enriched in 13 C relative to all other monosaccharides. These small, but potentially important, differences might be useful in tracing the flow of carbon in difficult to characterize pools of organic matter, such as the dissolved organic carbon in the ocean. The enrichment in 13 C of glucose produced in abundance by heterotrophs may be a controlling factor in the stepwise enrichment in carbon isotopes with increasing trophic level in food webs.
A comparative study of amorphous and crystalline superconducting molybdenum films by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy

Abstract Ultraviolet photoemission measurements at two photon energies are carried out, to understand the strong enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature T c in the nitrogen stabilized amorphous molybdenum films. The rise of T c can be attributed to a 40% increase of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level N(E F ) and a 15% softening of the phonon spectrum.
Simulation of biological flow and transport in complex geometries using embedded boundary/volume-of-fluid methods

We have developed a simulation capability to model multiscale flow and transport in complex biological systems based on algorithms and software infrastructure developed under the SciDAC APDEC CET. The foundation of this work is a new hybrid fluid-particle method for modeling polymer fluids in irregular microscale geometries that enables long-time simulation of validation experiments. Both continuum viscoelastic and discrete particle representations have been used to model the constitutive behavior of polymer fluids. Complex flow environment geometries are represented on Cartesian grids using an implicit function. Direct simulation of flow in the irregular geometry is then possible using embedded boundary/volume-of-fluid methods without loss of geometric detail. This capability has been used to simulate biological flows in a variety of application geometries including biomedical microdevices, anatomical structures and porous media.
Molecular dynamics simulations of crack propagation in Ni with defects

A series of molecular dynamics simulations using the embedded atom method is conducted to investigate crack propagation under mode I loading in a Ni single crystal with and without defects. The crack system (0 0 1)[1 0 0] in a slab of 160 000 atoms was studied. Defects consisting of lines of vacancies were introduced near the crack tip. Critical loads and strain energy distributions around the crack tip are obtained. Our results indicate that the critical strain necessary for crack propagation is dependent on the defect configuration and can either increase or decrease relative to the defect-free system.
Growth patterns of microscopic brain tumors

Highly malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme form complex growth patterns in vitro in which invasive cells organize in tenuous branches. Here, we formulate a chemotaxis model for this sort of growth. A key element controlling the pattern is homotype attraction, i.e., the tendency for invasive cells to follow pathways previously explored. We investigate this in two ways: we show that there is an intrinsic instability in the model, which leads to branch formation. We also give a discrete description for the expansion of the invasive zone, and a continuum model for the nutrient supply. The results indicate that both strong heterotype chemotaxis and strong homotype chemoattraction are required for branch formation within the invasive zone. Our model thus can give a way to assess the importance of the various processes, and a way to explore and analyze transitions between different growth regimes.
Comparison of three methods of surveillance with application to the detection of Johne's disease seropositivity in Texas cattle

Surveillance and monitoring are important for measuring the level of disease in a population, documenting changes in prevalence over time, determining high-risk areas for implementation of control measures, eradicating disease, and documenting freedom from disease. The documentation of freedom from disease has importance for international trade and the resumption of production after an outbreak. Johne's disease (JD) is an example of an endemic disease of cattle that has variable prevalence related to environmental and animal-level factors. Three methods of sample collection were used to describe the prevalence and distribution of JD seropositivity in Texas. Sampled cattle were: (1) extensively managed herds, (2) market cattle, and (3) clinically ill cattle examined by practicing veterinarians throughout Texas. Samples were evaluated for JD using a commercially available serum ELISA. Proportion of seropositive samples was compared and spatial distributions were evaluated for clustering. Difference of JD seropositivity was observed among the three sample populations suggesting that estimation of disease prevalence is dependant upon the source of samples.
Biotransformation of anisole and phenetole by aerobic hydrocarbonoxidizing bacteria

Wild type, mutant, and recombinant bacterial strains capable of oxidizing aromatic hydrocarbons were screened for their ability to oxidize anisole (methoxybenzene) and phenetole (ethoxybenzene). Toluene-induced cells ofPseudomonas putida F39/D transformed anisole to a compound tentatively identified ascis-1,2-dihydroxy-3-methoxyclohexa-3,5-diene (anisole-2,3-dihydrodiol), 2-methoxyphenol, catechol, and trace amounts of phenol while phenetole was converted primarily tocis-1,2-dihydroxy-3-ethoxycyclohexa-3,5-diene (phenetole-2,3-dihydrodiol) and 2-ethoxyphenol. Induced cells ofPseudomonas sp. NCIB 9816/11 andBeijerinckia sp. B8/36 transformed anisole to phenol, and phenetole to phenol and ethenyloxybenzene. Toluene-induced cells ofP. putida BG1 converted anisole to phenol but did not oxidize phenetole. In contrast, toluene-induced cells ofP. mendocina KR1, which oxidize toluene via monooxygenation at thepara position, transformed anisole to 4-methoxyphenol, and phenetole to 2-, 3- and 4-ethoxyphenol. The involvement of toluene and naphthalene dioxygenases in the reactions catalyzed by strains F39/D and NCIB 9816/11, respectively, was confirmed with recombinantE. coli strains expressing the cloned dioxygenase genes. The results show that the oxygenases from differentPseudomonas strains oxidize anisole and phenetole to different hydroxylated products.
A MICROELECTRODE FOR DEPTH RECORDING IN AWAKE ANIMALS

The manufacture is described of a metal, glass-coated microelectrode for single-cell recording from deep structures of the brain during behavioral testing. It is thin, long, and straight, and has excellent electrical properties.
Distribution of mRNAs encoding CRF receptors in brain and pituitary of rat and mouse

Two G protein-coupled receptors have been identified that bind corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (UCN) with high affinity. Hybridization histochemical methods were used to shed light on controversies concerning their localization in rat brain, and to provide normative distributional data in mouse, the standard model for genetic manipulation in mammals. The distribution of CRF-R1 mRNA in mouse was found to be fundamentally similar to that in rat, with expression predominating in the cerebral cortex, sensory relay nuclei, and in the cerebellum and its major afferents. Pronounced species differences in distribution were few, although more subtle variations in the relative strength of R1 expression were seen in several forebrain regions. CRF-R2 mRNA displayed comparable expression in rat and mouse brain, distinct from, and more restricted than that of CRF-R1. Major neuronal sites of CRF-R2 expression included aspects of the olfactory bulb, lateral septal nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, medial and posterior cortical nuclei of the amygdala, ventral hippocampus, mesencephalic raphe nuclei, and novel localizations in the nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema. Several sites of expression in the limbic forebrain were found to overlap partially with ones of androgen receptor expression. In pituitary, rat and mouse displayed CRF-R1 mRNA signal continuously over the intermediate lobe and over a subset of cells in the anterior lobe, whereas CRF-R2 transcripts were expressed mainly in the posterior lobe. The distinctive expression pattern of CRF-R2 mRNA identifies additional putative central sites of action for CRF and/or UCN. Constitutive expression of CRF-R2 mRNA in the nucleus of the solitary tract, and stress-inducible expression of CRF-R1 transcripts in the paraventricular nucleus may provide a basis for understanding documented effects of CRF-related peptides at a loci shown previously to lack a capacity for CRF-R expression or CRF binding. Other such "mismatches" remain to be reconciled.
Nexos: a next generation embedded systems laboratory

The Nexos Project is a joint effort at Marquette University (MU) and University of Buffalo (UB) to build curriculum materials and a supporting experimental laboratory for hands-on projects in embedded systems courses. Our approach focuses on inexpensive, flexible, commodity embedded hardware, (the Linksys WRT54GL wireless router,) freely available development and debugging tools, and a fresh implementation of a classic operating system that is now ideal for embedded system exploration. The prototype laboratory environment is being used in multiple courses at our respective Universities, with excellent results. We report on the infrastructure we have developed, the goals and content of our initial course offerings at both schools, and an evaluation of our success thus far.
A dynamic policy of segment replication for load-balancing in video-on-demand servers

In a video-on-demand server, resource reservation is needed for continuous delivery. Hence, any given server can serve only a fixed maximum of clients. Different videos can be placed on different disks or disk array groups. Since the access rates to various movies are not uniform, load imbalance can occur among the disks in the system. In this paper, we propose a dynamic policy that replicates segments of files to balance the load across the disks. By using simulation, we show that the proposed policy is responsive to quick load surges and is superior to a policy based on the static replication of hot movies.
The Munroe Multicultural Attitude Scale Questionnaire A New Instrument for Multicultural Studies

Institutions of higher education want to diversify their learning climates, and many offer courses in multiculturalism, yet these courses still do not meet the needs of attitudinal change. A new instrument was developed, the Munroe Multicultural Attitude Scale Questionnaire (MASQUE), that was theoretically based in Banks's transformative approach, which specifically measured multicultural attitudes. Psychometric properties of the instrument's scores are discussed. Exploratory factor analysis supported the “know,” “act,” and “care” domains of Banks's transformative approach, and the instrument was sensitive to detecting group differences on several demographic variables. The MASQUE's potential uses for affecting multicultural research and instruction are discussed.
Abstract B234: LY2835219, a potent oral inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) that crosses the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates in vivo activity against intracranial human brain tumor xenografts.

Effective treatments for primary brain tumors and brain metastases represent a major unmet medical need. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) arises from both a structural barrier and drug efflux transporters that prevent most anti-cancer drugs from efficiently reaching brain tumors or metastases. The CDK4/6 pathway (CDK4/6-cyclin D1-Rb-CDKN2) plays a key role in regulating cellular proliferation. The importance of this pathway is highlighted by its inactivation in a majority of human tumors including glioblastoma multiforme. We have identified and characterized a potent and selective dual cdk4/6 inhibitor, LY2835219. Preclinical characterization was performed with the monomesylate salt (LY2835219-MsOH), which inhibits these kinases with IC50 values of 2 and 10 nM for CDK4 and CDK6, respectively. LY2835219-MsOH is a potent inhibitor of Rb phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo that induces G1 specific arrest and inhibition of tumor growth. To determine the potential of LY2835219-MsOH for the treatment of brain tumors and metastases, we assessed the ability of LY2835219-MsOH to cross the BBB and its interaction with the P-gp and BCRP efflux pumps that are expressed at the BBB. Using MDCK cells over-expressing either human ABCB1 (P-gp) or mouse abcg2 (Bcrp), LY2835219-MsOH and a second CDK4/6 inhibitor (PD0332991) are substrates for these two pumps, but each cross the murine BBB in vivo to a different degree. Unlike PD0332991, LY2835219-MsOH saturates BBB efflux with an unbound plasma IC50 of ∼95 nM (1.8 uM total plasma). The percent of dose in brain for LY2835219-MsOH is 0.5–3.9% and is comparable to that for temozolomide (1.9% plasma). In both a subcutaneous and intracranial human glioblastoma model (U87MG), LY2835219-MsOH suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner both as a single agent, and in combination with temozolomide. In summary, LY2835219-MsOH is a potent and selective oral CDK4/6 inhibitor that crosses the BBB and inhibits the growth of intracranial tumors alone or in combination with other agents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B234.
THE PYRENOIDS OF ANTHOCEROS AND NOTOTHYLAS WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR PRESENCE IN SPORE MOTHER CELLS

In an earlier paper the author (7) has shown that the so-called pyrenoid of the active gametophytic cells of Anthoceros is made up of a group of spindle-shaped bodies aggregated to form a more or less compact group in the central part of the chloroplast. They are usually surrounded by starch grains of the same shape as the pyrenoid bodies. Those nearest the pyrenoid are of the same size as the adjacent pyrenoid bodies, those farther away gradually larger. In some cases a transition in staining reaction can also be traced, the safranin-staining bodies of the pyrenoid taking on more and more of the gentian violet stain till the violet-blue stain of the starch grain is reached. From this gradual transition in staining reaction, as well as the transition in size, together with the similarity in shape, the conclusion that these pyrenoid bodies are the "Anlagen " of the starch grains seems amply justified. Because of insufficient material of fully developed sporophytes the work on this generation was of necessity of a preliminary nature. The presence of pyrenoids was demonstrated for the older vegetative tissue of the sporophyte. Scattered pyrenoid bodies were to be recognized in some of. the embryonic tissues but not in all. At that time pyrenoid bodies were not identified in the chloroplasts of the developing spores. Scherrer (io, I I), studying the relation of chondriosomes to plastids in Anthoceros, described pyrenoid bodies as visible in all of the cells of the gametophyte and sporophyte, including the egg, but not the sperm. The relation of pyrenoid body to starch formation did not enter into his discussion. The author has obtained further data on the development of pyrenoid bodies and starch in the plastids of the sporophyte of Anthoceros punctatus. He has also made a study of the plastids and pyrenoids of Notothylas orbicularis with special reference to the origin of the starch grains in the sporogenous tissue. Since the evidence seems somewhat clearer in Notothylas than in Anthoceros, it will be presented first.
West Nile virus encephalitis during pregnancy

Abstract Background West Nile virus is an emerging pathogen in the United States. Although most cases are subclinical, serious infection can occur in the form of fulminant meningoencephalitis. Case We present a case of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis complicating pregnancy. The patient presented in the second trimester with fever, nuchal rigidity, and mental status changes. The diagnosis was made by demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulin M antibody to West Nile virus in the cerebrospinal fluid. Gradual clinical improvement was noted after several days of supportive care. No obvious fetal consequences of infection were noted after birth. Conclusion Obstetricians and health care providers need to be mindful of West Nile virus infection in pregnant women presenting with fever and neurological signs, particularly in endemic areas.
Opposing roles for Set2 and yFACT in regulating TBP binding at promoters.

Previous work links histone methylation by Set2 with transcriptional elongation. yFACT (Spt16–Pob3 and Nhp6) reorganizes nucleosomes and functions in both transcriptional initiation and elongation. We show that growth defects caused by spt16 or pob3 mutations can be suppressed by deleting SET2, suggesting that Set2 and yFACT have opposing roles. Set2 methylates K36 of histone H3, and K36 substitutions also suppress yFACT mutations. In contrast, set1 enhances yFACT mutations. Methylation at H3 K4 by Set1 is required for set2 to suppress yFACT defects. We did not detect an elongation defect at an 8 kb ORF in yFACT mutants. Instead, pob3 mutants displayed reduced binding of both pol II and TBP to the GAL1 promoter. Importantly, both GAL1 transcription and promoter binding of pol II and TBP are significantly restored in the pob3 set2 double mutant. Defects caused by an spt16 mutation are enhanced by either TBP or TFIIA mutants. These synthetic defects are suppressed by set2, demonstrating that yFACT and Set2 oppose one another during transcriptional initiation at a step involving DNA binding by TBP and TFIIA.
Beiträge zur Chemie der SiN‐Bindung, VIII. Silylierungen an 1.2‐ und 1.3‐Diaminen

Die Persilylierung von aliphatischen 1.2- und 1.3-Diaminen mit Triorganosilanen bei Gegenwart von NaH als Katalysator fuhrt nicht zu den vierfach silylierten Diaminen, sondern uber eine neuartige Cyclisierungsreaktion unter Abspaltung von Alkanen oder Benzol zu 1.3-Bissilyl-1.3-diaza-2-sila-cyclopentanen- und -hexanen (2 und 3). Der Reaktionsverlauf wird diskutiert.
Starch synthesis in developing pea embryos

summary The pea embryo stores about half of its carbon as starch and has proved to be an excellent system on which to study the nature and regulation of the pathway of starch synthesis. The developing embryo receives its carbon as sucrose, which is metabolized via glycolysis in the cytosol of cotyledonary cells. Glucose 6-phosphate enters the amyloplast – probably via a phosphate-exchange translocator – where it is converted to ADPglucose via phosphoglucomutase and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase. ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase is the site of action of a mutation at the rb locus, which reduces activity by more than 90 % and the rate of starch synthesis by about 50 %. Study of mutant and wildtype embryos reveals that one of four putative subunits of the enzyme is eliminated by the mutation. Three distinct isoforms of starch synthase catalyze the incorporation of the glucosyl moiety of ADPglucose into starch. Two of these are probably active in the soluble phase of the amyloplast and become incorporated into the granule as it grows, while the third is almost exclusively granule-bound. Analysis of cDNA clones for starch synthases shows that the exclusively granule-bound form is very similar to the ‘waxy’ gene product believed to be responsible for amylose synthesis in cereal endosperms. The soluble starch synthases show some similarities to the ‘waxy’ proteins, but clearly belong to a different and previously undescribed class of starch synthases. The pea embryo contains two forms of starch branching enzyme, which are encoded by different genes, are maximally expressed at different times in development, and have different kinetic properties. It is likely that they play different roles in the synthesis of the granule. A mutation at the r locus, which reduces the rate of starch synthesis by about 50% and increases the amylose content of the starch from 30% to 70%, consists of a transposon-like insertion in the gene encoding starch-branching enzyme I. Activity of this isoform is abolished by the mutation.
Implicit flux-corrected transport scheme for low-speed flow

A new high-order nonlinear Eulerian convection algorithm, the barely implicit correction (BIC)-FCT method, is presented. The BIC-FCT makes it possible to perform accurate, multidimensional, slow-flow calculations in which the fluid expansion is important. Owing to its low cost even in two dimensions, fairly detailed chemistry models and other physical processes can be included. Areas of BIC-FCT applicability include premixed flames, diffusion flames, and turbulent jet flames.
The Iran–Iraq War

The Iran–Iraq War, Rob Johnson, New York: Palgrave, 2011, paperback, ISBN 978-0-230-57774-9, xii + 214 pp. This volume is the latest in a series on twentieth century wars from Palgrave Macmillan. O...
Filling-in while finding out: Guiding behavior by representing information

Discriminating behavior depends on neural representations in which the sensory activity patterns guiding different responses are decorrelated from one another. Visual information can often be parsimoniously transformed into these behavioral bridge-locus representations within neuro-computational visuo-spatial maps. Isomorphic inverse-optical world representation is not the goal. Nevertheless, such useful transformations can involve neural filling-in. Such a subpersonal representation of information is consistent with personal-level vision theory.
Conversion of proteins into biofuels by engineering nitrogen flux

Biofuels are currently produced from carbohydrates and lipids in feedstock. Proteins, in contrast, have not been used to synthesize fuels because of the difficulties of deaminating protein hydrolysates. Here we apply metabolic engineering to generate Escherichia coli that can deaminate protein hydrolysates, enabling the cells to convert proteins to C4 and C5 alcohols at 56% of the theoretical yield. We accomplish this by introducing three exogenous transamination and deamination cycles, which provide an irreversible metabolic force that drives deamination reactions to completion. We show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and microalgae can be used as protein sources, producing up to 4,035 mg/l of alcohols from biomass containing ~22 g/l of amino acids. These results show the feasibility of using proteins for biorefineries, for which high-protein microalgae could be used as a feedstock with a possibility of maximizing algal growth 1 and total CO2 fixation.
The Aircraft Maintenance Base Location Problem

Abstract Aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide stringent guidelines for aircraft maintenance, with violations leading to significant penalties for airlines. Moreover, poorly maintained aircraft can lead to mass cancellation of flights, causing tremendous inconvenience to passengers and resulting in a significant erosion in brand image for the airline in question. Aircraft maintenance operations of a complex and extended nature can only be performed at designated maintenance bases . Aircraft maintenance planning literature has focused on developing good tail-number routing plans, while assuming that the locations of the maintenance bases themselves are fixed. This paper considers an inverse optimization problem, viz., locating a minimal number of maintenance bases on an Euler tour, while ensuring that all required aircraft maintenance activities can be performed with a stipulated periodicity . The Aircraft Maintenance Base Location Problem ( AMBLP ) is shown to be NP-complete and a new lower bound is developed for the problem. The performance of four simple “quick and dirty” heuristics for obtaining feasible solutions to AMBLP is analyzed.
A new role for glia: generation of neurons!

Perhaps the most important step forward is that, for the first time, it is possible to prospectively identify at least some multipotent neural stem cells. Previously, a brain cell could only be identified as a stem cell retrospectively, by showing that it could generate multiple cell types and self-renew. Now, by isolating ependymal cells or SVZ astrocytes, it may be possible to obtain enriched neural stem cells. An important caveat, however, is that so far only 6% of the ependymal cells and about 10% of the SVZ astrocytes behave like stem cells in an in vitro assay. The small percentages might mean that only a subset of these glial cell types are in fact stem cells or might just reflect nonoptimal culture conditions.A far higher degree of enrichment, however, has just been achieved for the stem cells that generate the peripheral nervous system (Morrison et al. 1999xMorrison, S., White, P., Zock, C., and Anderson, D. Cell. 1999; 96: 737–749Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all ReferencesMorrison et al. 1999). Using FACS sorting, Sean Morrison and David Anderson were able to prospectively identify and isolate neural crest stem cells to greater than 80% purity. They transplanted the purified stem cells in vivo, where they survived and generated both neurons and glia. Moreover, by in vivo BrdU labeling experiments, they showed that the majority of the identified cells self-renew in vivo as well as in vitro. These experiments come the farthest to date in establishing that a given prospectively identified cell is actually a neural stem cell. But to definitively establish that any given cell type is truly a neural stem cell, it needs to be established that the prospectively identified cells are capable of extensive, though not necessarily sustained, self-renewal in vivo after transplantation, a goal not yet attained for any prospectively identified neural cell. An important criterion for stem cell identification in the hemopoietic system is that the transplanted cells be capable of reconstituting the entire tissue. This is probably not a reasonable criterion in the CNS as it is far from clear that the brain arises from a single stem cell type.Nonetheless our newfound ability to begin to prospectively identify neural stem cells opens an exciting new era for future neural stem cell work, as was true when hemopoetic stem cells were first identified and purified. By analyzing purified populations of neural stem cells, we can at last characterize their molecular and developmental properties and can also investigate whether they give rise to glial tumors. If we can figure out how to identify and purify human neural stem cells, the potential for gene therapy and neural cell replacement will be enormous.
ACYCLIC STEREOSELECTION VIA CYCLIC HYDROBORATION. SYNTHESIS OF THE PRELOG‐DJERASSI LACTONIC ACID

Abstract An intramolecularly directed hydroboration ( 4 → 5 ) provides high asymmetric induction for the construction of 1 .
OSTM1 Regulates β-catenin/Lef1 Interaction and is Required for Wnt/β-catenin Signaling

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway controls key aspects of embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, including the formation and maintenance of bone. Recently, mutations in the OSTM1 gene were found to be the cause of severe autosomal recessive osteopetrosis in both the mouse and humans. This disorder is characterized by increased bone mass resulting from a defect in osteoclast maturation. The possible role of OSTM1 in signaling of the Wnt/beta-catenin "canonical" pathway was investigated in totipotent mouse F9 embryonal teratocarcinoma cells. Overexpression of OSTM1 in F9 cells increased Wnt3a-responsive beta-catenin accumulation and Lef/Tcf-sensitive transcription. Similarly, knockdown of endogenous OSTM1 attenuated the ability of Wnt3a to stimulate the canonical signaling pathway. An OSTM1 mutant (detected in humans with osteopetrosis) was expressed in F9 cells and found to inhibit Wnt-stimulated beta-catenin stabilization, gene transcription, and primitive endoderm formation. Expression of this OSTM1 C-terminal deletion mutant attenuated Lef/Tcf-sensitive gene transcription, even when transcription was activated by expression of a constitutively-active form of beta-catenin. However, expression of this OSTM1 C-terminal deletion mutant was unable to alter Lef/Tcf-sensitive gene transcription when transcription was activated by expression of a beta-catenin/Lef chimeric protein. From the standpoint of protein-protein interactions, expression of wild-type OSTM1 stimulated whereas mutant OSTM1 inhibited, the Wnt-dependent association of beta-catenin and Lef1. On the foundation of these experiments, we propose that the human mutations in OSTM1 such as the C-terminal deletion mutant studied herein provoke dysregulation of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, providing a molecular basis for severe autosomal recessive osteopetrosis.
Critical Connections: The Importance of Community-Based Organizations and Social Capital to Credit Access for Low-Wealth Entrepreneurs

This article studies the relationship between linking social capital and credit access for low-wealth entrepreneurs. I argue that the support provided by community-based organizations facilitates c...
Reproductive behavior in the female shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata

Female shiner perch, Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons, initiate and display reproductive behaviors that are similar to behaviors shown by males during their reproductive cycle. No consistent quantitative differences in behavior are found when females in three reproductive states are compared.
NF-κB signaling in lymphocytes: a new cast of characters

Cell-surface antigen receptors on B and T lymphocytes are complex, multisubunit assemblies that must recruit several accessory proteins and activate multiple signaling pathways in order to illicit a proper immune response. One pathway culminates in the activation of specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, which is necessary for the ultimate activation of the NF-kappaB transcription factor. Since NF-kappaB plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response (e.g. in lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production), it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms by which NF-kappaB is regulated. Nevertheless, the connection between PKC activation and NF-kappaB has remained a mystery that has now been at least partly solved. Recent findings implicate a new scaffolding protein, Bimp3/CARMA1/CARD11, as a key factor in bridging PKC activation with the downstream activation of Bcl10 and MALT1, which ultimately stimulates NF-kappaB. Since some of these signaling components are lymphocyte specific, therapeutic agents that block this pathway could blunt the inappropriate proliferation of lymphocytes associated with certain inflammatory and neoplastic disorders. Alternatively, agents that specifically augment this pathway, thereby enhancing immune function in immunodeficiency, may be developed.
THE EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON EPIPHYSEAL CLOSURE, SODIUM AND CHLORIDE BALANCE AND ON SPERM COUNTS

UNTIL MAY, 1938, we (1) had not seen in a case of eunuchoidism, epiphysealII I development which advanced beyond the normal rate during treatment with testis hormone. However, it now appears that large doses of testosterone propionate can cause epiphyseal union to take place at a more rapid rate than normal. Table 1, case 1 shows that doses of testosterone propionate varying from 15 mg. to 60 mg. per week for 15 months caused no distinct advancement in epiphyseal age but subsequently doses of 105 mg. or more per week caused an increase of about two years in epiphyseal age over a period of 8 months. Table 2, case 2, illustrates the extremely slow epiphyseal union advancing from 20 to 21 years over a 6-year period in a case of severe eunuchoidism with inadequate r no therapy. This case is included as one in which the patient had comparable epi-physeal development but was not given active therapy. It may be compared to cases 3 and 4
A plasma etching perspective of patterning novel materials and small structures

Plasma etching is an enabling technology to pattern novel materials and to generate small structures. This paper provides a plasma etching perspective in the era of nanofabrication, using the definition of the gate structure of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) as an example, followed by the importance of predictive modeling, and finally the application challenges of plasma etching in fabricating micro-chemical and biological sensors.
Effect of oncogenes on stem cells

Stem cells may have a special importance in the neoplastic behavior of certain lineages as well as in the normal development of these tissues. The role of oncogenes, and their normal cellular analogues, in stem cell behavior is therefore of special interest. This review describes recent results on the effects of virally-mediated src-gene transfer into hemopoietic stem cells in the physiological and developmental properties of these cells.
The Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in dusty plasmas

Abstract The Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in magnetized, dusty plasmas is examined, for both negatively and positively charged dust. The critical shear in the ion velocity along the magnetic field is computed as a function of the charge residing on dust grains.
Contemporary 2-year outcomes of complex gastroschisis.

Abstract Purpose Outcomes of gastroschisis are influenced by associated intestinal complications. We present a detailed analysis of complex gastroschisis. Methods A retrospective study of all patients with gastroschisis treated at 2 university neonatal intensive care units between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2007, was performed. Results Of 83 patients, 19 (23%) had complex gastroschisis, including atresias (68%), gangrene (37%), closing gastroschisis (32%), perforation (21%), strictures (21%), and volvulus (11%). Prenatal ultrasound did not predict complications. Fifty-three percent underwent primary closure. Duration of mechanical ventilation and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was 14.4 ± 1.9 days and 90.7 ± 9.0 days, respectively. Enteral feeds started at 35.9 ± 4.6 days. Hospital stay was 104.4 ± 9.6 days. Patients underwent a median of 3 abdominal procedures (range, 2-5) before discharge. Ninety-five percent survived to discharge; 33% and 67% were discharged on TPN and gastrostomy feeds, respectively. Two-year survival was 89%, with 82% on full oral feeding, 12% on a combination of oral and gastrostomy feeding, and 1 patient (who received a liver/bowel transplant) on a combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition. Conclusions Complex gastroschisis continues to produce significant morbidity. However, most of the patients are TPN free by 2 years of age.
Microstructural characterization of pipe bomb fragments

Recovered pipe bomb fragments, exploded under controlled conditions, have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and microhardness. Specifically, this paper examines the microstructural changes in plain carbon-steel fragments collected after the controlled explosion of galvanized, schedule 40, continuously welded, steel pipes filled with various smokeless powders. A number of microstructural changes were observed in the recovered pipe fragments: deformation of the soft alpha-ferrite grains, deformation of pearlite colonies, twin formation, bands of distorted pearlite colonies, slip bands, and cross-slip bands. These microstructural changes were correlated with the relative energy of the smokeless powder fillers. The energy of the smokeless powder was reflected in a reduction in thickness of the pipe fragments (due to plastic strain prior to fracture) and an increase in microhardness. Moreover, within fragments from a single pipe, there was a radial variation in microhardness, with the microhardness at the outer wall being greater than that at the inner wall. These findings were consistent with the premise that, with the high energy fillers, extensive plastic deformation and wall thinning occurred prior to pipe fracture. Ultimately, the information collected from this investigation will be used to develop a database, where the fragment microstructure and microhardness will be correlated with type of explosive filler and bomb design. Some analyses, specifically wall thinning and microhardness, may aid in field characterization of explosive devices.
Studies on the viability of the cadaver kidney: influence of ischemia and perfusing solutions on succinic dehydrogenase activity in homogenates.

Succinase-Dehydrogenase-Aktivitat, als praktischer Index fur die Lebensfahigkeit von Nierenrinden-Homogenaten wurde in der Warburgapparatur mit der Mikrowaage gemessen. Verlangerte Warme-Ischamie vermindert die Fahigkeit der Sauerstoffverwertung und setzt die Lebensfahigkeit herab.
Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Approaches to Achalasia in Children

Abstract Background: Achalasia is an uncommon disease in children, but when present can result in severe disabling symptoms often requiring surgical intervention. This report describes the authors' experience with thoracoscopic (TH) and later laparoscopic Heller (LH) myotomy for definitive treatment of this disease. Methods: Nine patients with achalasia were referred for surgical therapy. Ages ranged from 5 to 17 years and weight from 23 to 78 kg. All had undergone at least one dilatation with recurrence of symptoms. The first 4 were treated by TH and the last five by LH. The 5 LH procedures also included a partial fundoplication. Results: All procedures were completed successfully using minimally invasive techniques. Operating times averaged 95 minutes for TH and 62 minutes for LH. One patient undergoing TH had a small esophageal perforation repaired primarily. The other 3 TH patients were started on clear liquids within 1 day and discharged on day 2. One patient had recurrent symptoms at 6 months and underwent a LH for an incomplete TH. All 5 LH patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. One had an esophageal perforation 4 days after operation requiring laparoscopic repair. Seven of 9 patients are asymptomatic. Studies of pH levels in 2 asymptomatic TH patients show mild gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Conclusions: Minimally invasive Heller myotomy is a safe and effective procedure in children. TH results in a slightly longer operating time and hospital stay and, without a partial fundoplication, also may be associated with a higher incidence of silent GER. From these results, we prefer LH with a Dor fundoplication for treatment of achalasia in children. J Pediatr Surg 36:808-810. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
A Method for Specific Diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue by Immunofluorescence

For specific demonstration of Rickettsia rickettsii in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, the technique of trypsin digestion of deparaffinized, rehydrated sections was investigated. It was determined that 3.5 hr of digestion was optimal for achieving discrete, bright, green immunofluorescence of rickettsiae. At autopsy kidneys from seven of 10 cases of probable Rocky Mountain spotted fever contained structures that were specifically stained and that had the size and shape of rickettsiae. These structures were strictly limited to the endothelium and vascular walls of renal capillaries, veins, and arteries. Results from controls indicated the specificity of the immunofluorescence. R. rickettsii may be demonstrated by this method with greater sensitivity and specificity than by current histological methods. The technique allows retrospective analysis of certain organs for pathogenesis of involvement in Rocky Mountain spotted fever and offers a specific diagnostic test. Methods for the specific diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) have until recently relied on demonstration of serologic response to Rickettsia rickettsii in convalescentphase serum and on isolation of the rickettsiae [1]. Neither tool has yielded clinically useful results because of the prolonged time required for a rise in titer of antibody and because of delayed, often unavailable, techniques for isolation of rickettsiae. Recent reports of diagnosis of RMSF by immunofluorescent demonstration of the etiologic agent in cryostat sections [2, 3] have offered an acute diagnostic test for centers where facilities, reagents, and interest are present. Adaptation of a newly described technique [4] allows the diagnosis to be made on fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.