cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
lipid, saccharide, protein, phenolic acid and saponin contents of four market classes of edible dry beans as influenced by soaking and canning

The effects of soaking and canning on the lipid, saccharide, protein, phenolic acid and saponin contents of four market classes (navy, dark red kidney, pinto and black turtle soup) of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) were determined. These compounds are potential flavour precursors. Significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the content of the saccharide, non-protein nitrogen, phenolic acid and saponin contents occurred with processing. Lipid composition und totul nitrogen content of the raw and canned beans were not signifiiantly (P < 0.05) different. Leuching and thermal degradation of these components contributed to the decreases in their content.
Rapid qualitative analysis of metallic alloys by electrospot chromatography

Electrography and paper chromatography were combined to analyse rapidly metallic alloys in an almost non destructive technique. Using anodic dissolution the sample is applied on the start point of the chromatographic paper. Known ketones-HCl-water mixtures are usually used as solvents to analyse electrospots of different alloys and metal coatings and a separate electrospottest is recommended for Cr. Results of qualitative analysis of some steels, Cu−Ni, and Pb alloys are presented.
Psoriasiform reactions to anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy.

ObjectiveGiven increasing concern about the adverse effects of anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti–TNF-α) medications, we sought to characterize psoriasiform eruptions in patients on these medications.MethodsIn a retrospective review of patients at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital combined dermatolog
Police suicide: an overview

Police work is an occupation replete with psychological stress and trauma, danger, and availability of firearms. Under such conditions, one might expect an increased risk of suicide, and police suicide rates have appeared to increase over the past decade. In this article, we discuss relationships of occupational stress, availability of firearms, alcohol use, and retirement with police suicide. Also discussed are suggestions for reducing police suicide, including intervention programs, suicide awareness training, and increasing the accuracy of police suicide rates to increase awareness for police organizational prevention policies.
On bounded length confidence intervals for quantiles of the survival distribution

Abstract The problem of constructing bounded length confidence intervals of a given accuracy for a quantile of a distribution is addressed when the data are randomly right censored.
Diaphragm Atrophy and Contractile Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes loss of body weight and inspiratory (diaphragm) muscle dysfunction. A model of PH induced by drug (monocrotaline, MCT) has been extensively used in mice to examine the etiology of PH. However, it is unclear if PH induced by MCT in mice reproduces the loss of body weight and diaphragm muscle dysfunction seen in patients. This is a pre-requisite for widespread use of mice to examine mechanisms of cachexia and diaphragm abnormalities in PH. Thus, we measured body and soleus muscle weight, food intake, and diaphragm contractile properties in mice after 6-8 weeks of saline (control) or MCT (600 mg/kg) injections. Body weight progressively decreased in PH mice, while food intake was similar in both groups. PH decreased (P<0.05) diaphragm maximal isometric specific force, maximal shortening velocity, and peak power. Protein carbonyls in whole-diaphragm lysates and the abundance of select myofibrillar proteins were unchanged by PH. Our findings show diaphragm isometric and isotonic contractile abnormalities in a murine model of PH induced by MCT. Overall, the murine model of PH elicited by MCT mimics loss of body weight and diaphragm muscle weakness reported in PH patients.
Studies of the mechanism of pyridoxine-responsive homocystinuria.

Extract: Pharmacologie doses of pyridoxine corrected plasma amino acid abnormalities in two boys (JK and EY) with homocystinuria caused by cystathionine synthase deficiency. Pyridoxine responsiveness was dose-dependent but differed in the two patients. JK required 25 mg pyridoxine per day for correction of plasma methionine, homocystine, and cystine concentrations; EY required more than 50 mg pyridoxine per day. Cystathionine synthase assays on extracts of cultured skin fibroblasts were carried out to explore this apparent clinical difference. Under basal conditions, synthase activity in extracts from both patients was less than 5% of normal. Addition of saturating concentrations of pyridoxal phosphate to the assay mixture stimulated synthase activity fourfold in extracts from JK's cells. No detectable increase in enzyme activity was noted in extracts of EY's cells under identical conditions. These in vivo and in vitro differences suggest that JK's pyridoxine responsiveness is mediated by partial correction of his underlying synthase deficiency and that EY's response to pyridoxine may be produced by another mechanism, perhaps stimulation of alternate pathways of sulfur-amino acid metabolism. Speculation: Can pyridoxine responsiveness in homocystinuria always be equated with stimulation of defective cystathionine synthase activity? Our results suggest a negative answer to this question and emphasize the need for further clinical and biochemical investigation of such patients.
Roadblocks to Progress in the Management Sciences and Operations Research

Management scientists and operations research people have contributed heavily to the rationalization of operations and decision making in the General Electric Company. One TIMS member in 20 is employed by the Company. We have about 50 management information systems consultants in our Internal Automation Operation, over a hundred more working on aspects of management science at the Corporate level, and well over a thousand in the Company's operating departments. In addition, nearly 200 General Electric managers are currently attending a course in management and management science at our Management Institute in Crotonville, and in three months they will be replaced by another group. There are also some 2000 financial employees who are now in the middle of a 40-session study of mathematics, statistical inference, model building and econometrics. So General Electric is drawing heavily on the collective research of TIMS and ORSA members.
The effect of hydrocortisone on chondroitin sulfate production and loss by embryonic chick tibiotarsi in organ culture

Abstract The effect of very low concentrations of hydrocortisone has been studied on cartilaginous embryonic chick tibiotarsi in organ culture. Hydrocortisone has an inhibitory effect on the growth of the embryonic bones as measured by gain in length and wet weight but the hormone has no significant inhibitory effect on gain in dry weight or on the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate by the bones. Hydrocortisone has a marked effect on the distribution of the mucopolysaccharide between the tibiotarsus and the culture medium. The medium that supported the growth of tibiotarsi treated with hydrocortisone contained significantly less hexosamine and a significantly smaller proportion of the total amount synthesized than the medium of untreated bones. The hexosamine found in the medium was probably chondroitin sulfate of high molecular weight. The loss of mucopolysaccharide from the growing tibiotarsus to the medium is discussed in relation to lysosomal enzymes of the hypertrophic chondrocytes.
Patterns of psychopathology in children with ADHD: a latent profile analysis.

This study used latent profile modeling (LPA) with a community sample that included an enriched sampling of children (aged 6–11) diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (N = 271). Six classes of ADHD emerged from our LPA; only 17% of children fell into a class without significant co-occurring symptoms. In addition, nearly half of children were assigned to classes that could not be reliably distinguished using existing DSM–IV subtypes. For the most part, each of the classes was clearly differentiated from a sample of community controls and had clinical diagnoses and child self-reports that were consistent with expectations given by their latent profile of symptoms. Although each of the respective classes of ADHD had elevated levels of hyperactivity and/or attention problems, the current findings suggest that an exclusive reliance on these dimensions is a largely inadequate method of subtype classification. To the contrary, our findings suggest that ADHD subtypes can be more reliably ...
The Annals of Biomedical Engineering : Inception to Signature Journal

The Annals of Biomedical Engineering, the flagship journal of the Biomedical Engineering Society, developed through four distinct stages. Once an editorial infrastructure was in place and a publisher was secured, a long-lived struggle for sufficient manuscripts and financial stability ensued. The journal achieved a degree of stableness by the mid-1980s. Electronic communication and on-line publishing in the 1990s allowed more rapid turn around but the increased acceptance of quality manuscripts created pressures from insufficient available pages. The journal finally turned to self-publication. The Board of Directors and the Publications Board carefully nurtured the journal over the years with financial support and policy. Still, the bulk of the effort was carried by the editors. They dealt with an ever increasing complex publishing process that now supports three Society journals.
Trapping of persistent currents in superleaks

In a toroidal persistent-current apparatus which is partially packed with superleak, high-velocity persistent currents are found in the superleak and only barely perceptible currents, at most, are found outside the superleak.
Spatial Reference Frames of Visual, Vestibular, and Multimodal Heading Signals in the Dorsal Subdivision of the Medial Superior Temporal Area

Heading perception is a complex task that generally requires the integration of visual and vestibular cues. This sensory integration is complicated by the fact that these two modalities encode motion in distinct spatial reference frames (visual, eye-centered; vestibular, head-centered). Visual and vestibular heading signals converge in the primate dorsal subdivision of the medial superior temporal area (MSTd), a region thought to contribute to heading perception, but the reference frames of these signals remain unknown. We measured the heading tuning of MSTd neurons by presenting optic flow (visual condition), inertial motion (vestibular condition), or a congruent combination of both cues (combined condition). Static eye position was varied from trial to trial to determine the reference frame of tuning (eye-centered, head-centered, or intermediate). We found that tuning for optic flow was predominantly eye-centered, whereas tuning for inertial motion was intermediate but closer to head-centered. Reference frames in the two unimodal conditions were rarely matched in single neurons and uncorrelated across the population. Notably, reference frames in the combined condition varied as a function of the relative strength and spatial congruency of visual and vestibular tuning. This represents the first investigation of spatial reference frames in a naturalistic, multimodal condition in which cues may be integrated to improve perceptual performance. Our results compare favorably with the predictions of a recent neural network model that uses a recurrent architecture to perform optimal cue integration, suggesting that the brain could use a similar computational strategy to integrate sensory signals expressed in distinct frames of reference.
A local area network architecture for communication in distributed real-time systems

Distributed real-time systems of the future will require specialized network architectures that incorporate new classes of services and protocols in order to support time-constrained communication. In this paper, we propose a new local area network architecture for such systems. This four-layered architecture is characterized by new classes of connection-oriented and connectionless services that take into account the timing constraints of messages. We describe various aspects of the logical link control layer of the architecture and various real-time protocols that may be employed at the medium access control layer in order to support the new classes of services. We also describe a homogeneous approach to the implementation of medium access control protocols to support both connection-oriented and connectionless services, based on a uniform window splitting paradigm.
Superhard coatings of CNx/ZrN multilayers prepared by DC magnetron sputtering

Abstract CN x /ZrN multilayers were prepared by a dual-cathode unbalanced DC magnetron sputtering system. The results showed that under proper deposition conditions, the multilayer coatings were dense and fully crystalline with hardness exceeding 40 GPa and elastic modulus over 400 GPa. X-ray diffraction studies showed that there is a strong correlation between coating hardness and the occurrence of (111) texture of ZrN. Some crystalline regions going through the multilayers were clearly observed from the cross-sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy image. Two extra d-spacings were obtained from the diffraction pattern that do not belong to any known d-spacing for ZrN, but match with two calculated d-spacings for β -C 3 N 4 .
Platelet function in the racing thoroughbred: implication for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.

Summary Platelet function was evaluated in horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeder) and in control horses (nonbleeder). Platelet aggregation, secretion, and adhesion to rabbit aortic suben-dothelium were similar for bleeders and nonbleeders. Platelets readily aggregated in response to ADP, thrombin, collagen, and arachidonic acid, but platelet secretion occurred only with high concentrations of thrombin. Platelets readily adhered to rabbit aortic subendothelium and tended to form large thrombi rather than platelet monolayers or aggregates. These data suggest that horses may be predisposed to thrombus formation and subsequent microvascular obstruction.
MEMS optical acoustic sensors manufactured in laminates

Latest advancement in printed circuit board (PCB) technologies and discoveries of novel laminate materials has enabled a series of laminate MEMS devices to be designed, fabricated, and productized. To demonstrate the benefit in design and fabrication using the Laminate MEMS technology, we introduce embedded MEMS optical sensors fabricated directly within PCB layers. Free-standing polymeric waveguides translate acoustic signals into optical ones with varied frequency response, directionality and dynamic range. Fiber optics components such as optical transmission lines, mirrors and beam-shaping lens are integrated in the same multi-layer electrical packages. Standard multi-mode, multichannel optical fiber connectors are adopted to seamlessly transfer optical signals to a linear photo detector array. Besides being low-cost and easy to integrate, this inline waveguide sensor design is completely EMI free, ideal for in-situ monitoring of acoustic emission from microelectronics packaging processes.
Does a positive neural margin affect outcome in facial nerve grafting

Background. We sought to determine the effect of positive neural margins on subsequent facial nerve function fol- lowing facial nerve grafting. Methods. In this retrospective review, 19 patients had sacri- fice of their facial nerve with immediate facial nerve grafting, 8 had positive neural margins, and 11 had negative neural mar- gins. Facial nerve function was analyzed using the House- Brackman scale. Results. In the first group (8 patients), 5 had positive proxi- mal margins and 3 had positive distal neural margins. Outcome by House-Brackman score was III (2 patients), IV (3 patients), V (1 patient), and VI (2 patients). In the second group (no evidence of neural spread, 11 patients), outcome was III (3 patients), IV (2 patients), V (2 patients), and VI (4 patients). Conclusion. No significant difference in the outcome of facial nerve function was seen between these 2 groups. Facial nerve grafting should be considered in patients whose facial nerve is sacrificed, even when there is evidence of tumor in the perineu- rium at the margin of resection. V C 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 29: 546-549, 2007
Isn't that Fantabulous: Security, Linguistic and Usability Challenges of Pronounceable Tokens

Over the past few decades, passwords as a means of user authentication have been consistently criticized by users and security analysts alike. However, password-based systems are ubiquitous and entrenched in modern society-users understand how to use them, system administrators are intimately familiar with their operation, and many robust frameworks exist to make deploying passwords simple. Unfortunately, much of the formal research on user authentication has focused on attempting to provide alternatives (e.g., biometrics) to password-based mechanisms (or belated analyses of users' password choices), forcing administrators to use ad-hoc methods in attempts to improve security. This practice has lead to user frustration and inflated estimates of system security. We challenge common wisdom and re-examine whether pronounceable authentication strings might indeed offer a more reasonable alternative to traditional passwords. We argue that pronounceable authentication strings can lead to both improved system security and a decreased burden on users. To re-examine this potential, we explore questions related to how one might develop techniques for rating the pronounceability of word-like strings, and in doing so, enable one to quantify pronunciation difficulty. Armed with such an understanding, we posit new directions for generating usable passwords which are pronounceable and, we hope, memorable, hint-able and resistant to attack.
Prevalence and Impact of Risk Factors for Lower Body Difficulty Among Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Whites

Background. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of sociodemographic, health behavior, chronic disease, and impairment factors and their impact on difficulty in lower body function among two age-cohorts (51-61 and 71-81 years) of Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Whites. Methods. Reports from 8,727 and 4,510 self-respondents of the 1992 baseline Health and Retirement Survey and the 1993 baseline Assets and Health Dynamics Study, respectively, were used to estimate prevalence. Multiple linear regression of the 4-item lower body difficulty scale (alpha = .80) was used to estimate the direct effects of the risk factors within the age-cohort and ethnicity groups. Results.. Overall, the risk factors are more prevalent among both minority groups and the older age-cohort. Lower body deficits are particularly high among Mexican Americans and the younger age-cohort of African Americans. The impact of risk factors does not vary much by ethnicity or age-cohort. Female gender, pain, arthritis, and heart and lung disease are the major risk factors, and they account for about one-third of the variance in lower body difficulty for each group. Conclusions. Efforts to prevent or reduce lower body difficulty should pay particular attention to pain, arthritis, and heart and lung disease. The central role of sociodemographic and behavioral factors in chronic disease argues for their continued inclusion in disability modeling and prevention.
Reaction and Diffusion in Silver‐Arsenic Chalcogenide Glass Systems

The diffusion of Ag from the metal or Ag2Se in amorphous As2S3 and As2Se3 at 175°C is accompanied by the reduction of As from a valence of 3+ to 2+ or 2+ to 1 + to maintain charge neutrality in the glass. Only Ag+ diffuses at this temperature; all other ions are essentially immobile. An amorphous reaction-product phase is formed in the diffusion zone with a composition range of 28.6 to 44.4 at % Ag. The lower limit corresponds to all As cations of 2+ valence (equivalent to amorphous Ag2As2S3); the upper limit, the maximum solubility of Ag in these glasses, corresponds to all As cations of 1 + valence (equivalent to amorphous Ag1As2S3). The diffusivity of Ag in these glasses at 175°C for concentrations of 10 to 35 at.% Ag is Sulfide 4× 10−14 exp[(+0.23±0.01)(at.% Ag)]cm2/s Selenide 2′ 10−11 exp[(+0.14±0.01)(at.% Ag)]cm2/s
Epistatic Control of Mammary Cancer Susceptibility in Mice may Depend on the Dietary Environment

Abstract Recent studies have linked a high fat diet to the development of breast cancer, but any genetic basis for this association is poorly understood. We investigated this association with an epistatic analysis of seven cancer traits in a segregating population of mice with metastatic mammary cancer that were fed either a control or a high-fat diet. We used an interval mapping approach with single nucleotide polymorphisms to scan all 19 autosomes, and discovered a number of diet-independent epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting these traits. More importantly, we also discovered significant epistatic by diet interactions affecting some of the traits that suggested these epistatic effects varied depending on the dietary environment. An analysis of these interactions showed some were due to epistasis that occurred in mice fed only the control diet or only the high-fat diet whereas other interactions were generated by differential effects of epistasis in the two dietary environments. Some of the epistatic QTLs appeared to colocalize with cancer QTLs mapped in other mouse populations and with candidate genes identified from eQTLs previously mapped in this population, but others represented novel modifying loci affecting these cancer traits. It was concluded that these diet dependent epistatic QTLs contribute to a genetic susceptibility of dietary effects on breast cancer, and their identification may eventually lead to a better understanding that will be needed for the design of more effective treatments for this disease.
Alexander's Sacrifice dis praesidibus loci before the Battle of Issus

On a fall night before Issus in 333 BC, we are told by Curtius Rufus, Alexander ascended by torchlight to the summit of a lofty mountain, and in accordance with ancestral custom performed sacrifices to the chief guardian deities of the place: an intriguing historical remnant, the more challenging because Curtius provides no other details, and no other Alexander account gives reliable information about this particular display of piety. Consequently the gods in question remain unknown. The purpose of this study is to establish the likelihood that Alexander did in fact perform these rites, and to determine the probable identities of the deities in the light of what is known about religious cults at Issus before he arrived.
Synthesis and evaluation of inhibitors of transthyretin amyloid formation based on the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flufenamic acid.

Abstract A light scattering-based amyloid fibril formation assay was employed to evaluate potential inhibitors of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibril formation in vitro. Twenty nine aromatic small molecules, some with homology to flufenamic acid (a known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) were tested to identify important structural features for inhibitor efficacy. The results of these experiments and earlier data suggest that likely inhibitors will have aromatic-based structures with at least two aromatic rings. The ring or fused ring system occupying the outermost TTR binding pocket needs to be substituted with an acidic functional group (e.g. a carboxylic acid) to interact with complimentary charges in the TTR binding site. The promising TTR amyloid fibril inhibitors ranked in order of efficacy are: 2>4≈7>3>9>6>21 (see Fig. 5 Download : Download high-res image (104KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig. 5 . Structural summary of the best transthyretin amyloid fibril formation inhibitors identified in this study. The order of efficacy is: 2>4≈7>3>9>6>21. ). ©
The illusion of preservation: a global environmental argument for the local production of natural resources

Aim The United States (US) and other affluent countries consume vast quantities of global natural resources, but contribute proportionately less to the extraction of many raw materials. This imbalance is due, in part, to domestic policies intended to protect the environment. Ironically, developed nations are often better equipped to extract resources in an environmentally prudent manner than the major suppliers. Thus, although citizens of affluent countries may imagine that preservationist domestic policies are conserving resources and protecting nature, heavy consumption rates necessitate resource extraction elsewhere and oftentimes under weak environmental oversight. A major consequence of this illusion of natural resource preservation is greater global environmental degradation than would arise if consumption were reduced and a large portion of production was shared by affluent countries. This paper considers some implications of the consumption, management and conservation of forests and wood at a local and global scale. Location We focus on Massachusetts, the eighth most forested state in the USA (by area), the third most densely populated, and an affluent region with consumption rates that are among the highest in the country.
Impact of employee participation in pay plan development

Abstract The effects of having employees participate in the design of a base pay plan for a small manufacturing firm were studied. Attitudinal and behavioral data were collected before and after the development and installation of the pay plan from 58 employees. Job satisfaction, pay satisfaction, understanding of the pay plan, and trust in management all increased. A base-free change analysis indicated that these changes, as well as others, could be partially attributed to the effects of participation. It was concluded that under certain conditions, participation in pay plan development can lead to more effective pay plans as well as to a better overall relationship between employees and their organizations.
YbcL of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Suppresses Transepithelial Neutrophil Migration

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains suppress the acute inflammatory response in the urinary tract to ensure access to the intracellular uroepithelial niche that supports the propagation of infection. Our understanding of this initial cross talk between host and pathogen is incomplete. Here we report the identification of a previously uncharacterized periplasmic protein, YbcL, encoded by UPEC that contributes to immune modulation in the urinary tract by suppressing acute neutrophil migration. In contrast to wild-type UPEC, an isogenic strain lacking ybcL expression (UTI89 ΔybcL) failed to suppress transepithelial polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration in vitro, a defect complemented by expressing ybcL episomally. YbcL homologs are present in many E. coli genomes; expression of the YbcL variant encoded by nonpathogenic E. coli K-12 strain MG1655 (YbcL(MG)) failed to complement the UTI89 ΔybcL defect, whereas expression of the UPEC YbcL variant (YbcL(UTI)) in MG1655 conferred the capacity for suppressing PMN migration. This phenotypic difference was due to a single amino acid difference (V78T) between the two YbcL homologs, and a majority of clinical UPEC strains examined were found to encode the suppressive YbcL variant. Purified YbcL(UTI) protein suppressed PMN migration in response to live or killed MG1655, and YbcL(UTI) was detected in the supernatant during UPEC infection of bladder epithelial cells or PMNs. Lastly, early PMN influx to murine bladder tissue was augmented upon in vivo infection with UTI89 ΔybcL compared with wild-type UPEC. Our findings demonstrate a role for UPEC YbcL in suppression of the innate immune response during urinary tract infection.
Cellular metabolic response to DNA damage

DNA damage elicits a cellular signaling response that initiates cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. The metabolic response to DNA damage is largely unknown. Here we report a novel metabolic response to genotoxic stress. DNA damage triggers a critical block in the uptake of glutamine, a mitochondrial substrate essential for cellular proliferation. Sirtuins regulate both cellular metabolism and stress responses. We found mitochondrial SIRT4 is involved in the metabolic response to DNA damage. These results suggest that the metabolic adaptation is important for cellular DNA damage response.
How Alumni Narratives of Intercultural Competence Can Inform the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning of Intercultural Communication.

Through email correspondence and interviews with former students the author explores how the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning can serve as a way to reflect upon philosophy and pedagogy in an intercultural communication course. Key lessons of intercultural competence from former students and how these lessons have impacted their professional and or personal lives are shared. The essay includes an assessment of how issues of diversity and intercultural competence from former students can be implemented in the classroom. Questions that draw from the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning that challenge and sustain teaching and learning are posed.
Interruption of the Aortic Arch Without a Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Complete interruption of the aortic arch without a patent ductus arteriosus is compatible with survival for many years. This is demonstrated by the case reported herein and two others reported in the literature. With no connection between the ascending and the descending aorta and with both subclavian arteries coming off the descending aorta, blood supply to the entire body, except for the head, was by retrograde flow through the vertebral arteries and left cervical collaterals. Bounding carotid pulsations with diminished arm and leg pulses are apparent in this anomaly. Surgical restoration of the continuity between the ascending and the descending aorta was successful in this case and the two previously reported cases. The surgical results of all cases of interruption or atresia of the aortic arch, including those with a patent ductus arteriosus, are reviewed, and the appearance of the ascending aorta on angiography is suggested as a possible differential point between interruption and atresia of the aortic arch.
Nitrite reductase genes in halobenzoate degrading denitrifying bacteria

Diversity of the functional genes encoding dissimilatory nitrite reductase was investigated for the first time in denitrifying halobenzoate degrading bacteria and in two 4-chlorobenzoate degrading denitrifying consortia. Nitrite reductase genes were PCR-amplified with degenerate primers (specific to the two different types of respiratory nitrite reductase, nirS and nirK), cloned and sequenced to determine which type of nitrite reductase was present in each isolate and consortium. Halobenzoate degrading isolates belonging to the genera Ochrobactrum, Ensifer and Mesorhizobium, as well as Pseudomonas mendocina CH91 were found to have nirK genes, which were closely related to the previously published nirK genes of Ochrobactrum anthropi, Achromobacter cycloclastes, Alcaligenes faecalis and Pseudomonas aureofaciens, respectively. The isolates assigned to the genera Acidovorax, Azoarcus and Thauera as well as all other species in the genera Thauera and Azoarcus contained nirS genes, which were closely related to the nirS genes from Pseudomonas stutzeri with some exceptions. In addition, only nirS genes were found in 4-chlorobenzoate degrading denitrifying consortia. Three different major terminal restriction fragments from the nirS genes were detected by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the consortia, and five different nirS genes were cloned from one consortium. Three nirS gene clones were closely related to nirS genes from Thauera chlorobenzoica, Azoarcus tolulyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The phylogeny of nir genes was not entirely congruent with the 16S rRNA phylogeny of the genera nor was it correlated with the ecological and geographical origins or isolation substrates used for isolation and enrichment of consortia.
Self- and cross-desensitization of oral irritation by menthol and cinnamaldehyde (CA) via peripheral interactions at trigeminal sensory neurons.

Menthol and cinnamaldehyde (CA) are plant-derived spices commonly used in oral hygiene products, chewing gum, and many other applications. However, little is known regarding their sensory interactions in the oral cavity. We used a human psychophysics approach to investigate the temporal dynamics of oral irritation elicited by sequential application of menthol and/or CA, and ratiometric calcium imaging methods to investigate activation of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) cells by these agents. Irritancy decreased significantly with sequential oral application of menthol and CA (self-desensitization). Menthol cross-desensitized irritation elicited by CA, and vice versa, over a time course of at least 60 min. Seventeen and 19% of TG cells were activated by menthol and CA, respectively, with ;50% responding to both. TG cells exhibited significant self-desensitization to menthol applied at a 5, but not 10, min interval. They also exhibited significant self-desensitization to CA at 400 but not 200 lM. Menthol cross-desensitized TG cell responses to CA. CA at a concentration of 400 but not 200 lM also cross-desensitized menthol-evoked responses. The results support the argument that the perceived reductions in oral irritancy and cross-interactions between menthol and CA and menthol observed (at least at short interstimulus intervals) can be largely accounted for by the properties of trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the tongue.
Selection Through Standing Genetic Variation

What is the role of standing genetic variation in adaptation and what mechanisms are at play to generate, maintain, and select such variation in nature. Special emphasis will be placed on why the cavefish and its extreme environment is such a great system to study standing genetic variation.
The Gauge Domain: Scalable Analysis of Linear Inequality Invariants

The inference of linear inequality invariants among variables of a program plays an important role in static analysis. The polyhedral abstract domain introduced by Cousot and Halbwachs in 1978 provides an elegant and precise solution to this problem. However, the computational complexity of higher-dimensional convex hull algorithms makes it impractical for real-size programs. In the past decade, much attention has been devoted to finding efficient alternatives by trading expressiveness for performance. However, polynomial-time algorithms are still too costly to use for large-scale programs, whereas the full expressive power of general linear inequalities is required in many practical cases. In this paper, we introduce the gauge domain, which enables the efficient inference of general linear inequality invariants within loops. The idea behind this domain consists of breaking down an invariant into a set of linear relations between each program variable and all loop counters in scope. Using this abstraction, the complexity of domain operations is no larger than O(kn), where n is the number of variables and k is the maximum depth of loop nests. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this domain on a real 144K LOC intelligent flight control system, which implements advanced adaptive avionics.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in association with pleomorphic adenoma in a background of chronic sclerosing sialadenitis (Küttner tumor)

Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis of the salivary gland is associated with IgG4 containing plasma cell infiltrate and fibrosis. Other manifestations of IgG4 disease may be present while salivary gland neoplasms are rarely seen. Here we describe the case of a 77-year-old male who presented with chronic right submandibular gland swelling that was diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma on fine needle aspiration. He underwent right submandibular gland resection, and the pathology showed an adenoid cystic carcinoma with a high proliferative index and perineural invasion arising in association with a pleomorphic adenoma. The background salivary gland was consistent with chronic sclerosing sialadenitis. Clinical follow-up revealed markedly elevated serum IgG4 levels and radiologic findings consistent with diffuse autoimmune pancreatitis. While the association between neoplasms and IgG4-related salivary gland disease is unclear, this case emphasizes the importance of ruling out malignancy and thoroughly evaluating for systemic IgG4-related disease in the setting of chronic sclerosing sialadenitis.
Direct comparison of Neural Network, Fuzzy Logic and Model Prediction Variable Structure vortex flow controllers

A neural network based controller is designed for bang-bang type vortex flow control nozzles on a generic X-29A. A full state feedback controller is used for the continuous control effecters. The neural network designed is a three layer network with symmetric hidden layers, which optimizes a given quadratic performance index. This performance index allows the designer to specify appropriate weights for states and control effecters to satisfy given specifications. This paper also directly compares the Neural Network Controller to previously designed Model Predictive Variable Structure, and Fuzzy Logic Controllers for the same benchmark problem. Evaluation criteria consist of closedloop system performance; activity level of the VFC nozzles, ease of controller synthesis; and time required to synthesize controller. Nomenclature Hz cycles per second J scalar cost function K controller gain matrix LHS left hand side LTI linear time-invariant M discrete state-control product weighting matrix Neural Network Copyright
Effects of Pollen Traps on Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foraging and Brood Rearing During Almond and Prune Pollination

Pollen traps that remove pollen loads from returning forager bees changed foraging patterns for hives in almond and prune orchards. Hives with traps had greater numbers of pollen foragers and higher proportions of foraging bees with pollen loads-than hives without traps. This effect was greatest before ca. 3:00 p.m. Hives with traps had less increase in capped brood and in the adult population than did hives without traps at the end of a 48-day period.
Changes in splenic weight associated with hibernation in bats.

SummaryData are presented which show that, in several species of bats, erythrocytes are stored in the spleen during hibernation and these are rapidly returned to circulation as the bats become active. This storage accounts for an increase in splenic weight of 500% in Myotis sodalis. Erythrocyte counts are lower in hibernating bats than in active ones.
Synthesis and characterization of Fe-Ti-Sb intermetallic compounds: Discovery of a new Slater-Pauling phase

Compounds of Fe, Ti, and Sb were prepared using arc melting and vacuum annealing. ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}\mathrm{TiSb}$, expected to be a full Heusler compound crystallizing in the $\mathrm{L}{2}_{1}$ structure, was shown by XRD and SEM analyses to be composed of weakly magnetic grains of nominal composition ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.5}\mathrm{TiSb}$ with iron-rich precipitates in the grain boundaries. FeTiSb, a composition consistent with the formation of a half-Heusler compound, also decomposed into ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.5}\mathrm{TiSb}$ grains with Ti-Sb rich precipitates and was weakly magnetic. The dominant ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.5}\mathrm{TiSb}$ phase appears to crystallize in a defective $\mathrm{L}{2}_{1}$-like structure with iron vacancies. Based on this finding, a first-principles DFT-based binary cluster expansion of Fe and vacancies on the Fe sublattice of the $\mathrm{L}{2}_{1}$ structure was performed. Using the cluster expansion, we computationally scanned $g{10}^{3}$ configurations and predict a novel, stable, nonmagnetic semiconductor phase to be the zero-temperature ground state. This new structure is an ordered arrangement of Fe and vacancies, belonging to the space group $R3m$, with composition ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.5}\mathrm{TiSb}$, i.e., between the full- and half-Heusler compositions. This phase can be visualized as alternate layers of $\mathrm{L}{2}_{1}$ phase ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}\mathrm{TiSb}$ and $\mathrm{C}{1}_{b}$ phase FeTiSb, with layering along the [111] direction of the original cubic phases. Our experimental results on annealed samples support this predicted ground-state composition, but further work is required to confirm that the $R3m$ structure is the ground state.
Root Feeding by the Beetle Crossidius pulchellus Leconte and Other Insects on Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia Spp.) in Eastern and Central New Mexico

Broom snakeweed, Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pers.) Britt. and Rusby, and the closely related threadleaf snakeweed, G. microcephala (DC.) A. Gray were sampled for root-feeding insects at 18 sites in Lea Country and two sites in Lincoln County, New Mexico, in 1978 and at ten sites (nine sites revisited) in Lea County and one site in Guadalupe County in 1979. Of the 600 plants collected in 1978 nearly 60% of the dead or nearly dead plants (76–100% dead material) above 15.2 cm in height contained root borer holes. Less that 15% of the plants 15.2 cm or less in height, whatever their health classification, contained borer holes. Root borer holes were thus most closely correlated with taller, older, unhealthy plants. The longhorned beetle Crossidius pulchellus LeCont appeared to be the major root borer in these populations. Most of the plants collected in 1979 were healthy seedlings and much less borer activity was seen.
Evaluation of the child with syncope

Abstract Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is spontaneous loss of consciousness with complete recovery; there is temporary impairment of brain function associated with loss of awareness, loss of responsiveness, and loss of memory. Syncope is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness in children. Whilst syncope is potentially easy to understand using applied physiology, therapeutic opportunities are often missed, leading to avoidable morbidity and disability. In this article we will discuss the causes of TLOC and focus on the evaluation and management of syncope and orthostatic intolerance in children and young people.
Hanna-Attisha and LaChance Respond

A response by M. Hanna-Attisha and J. LaChance to a letter to the editor about their article "Elevated blood lead levels in children associated with the Flint drinking water crisis: a spatial analysis of risk and public health response" in a 2016 issue is presented.
Selection criteria for approved preprofessional practice programs: are they different from those for dietetic internships?

Using a mailed questionnaire, we surveyed the directors of 41 approved preprofessional practice programs (AP4) listed in the Directory of Dietetic Programs 1990 and nine programs approved by The American Dietetic Association’s Council on Education in December 1989 to determine the relative importance of admission criteria used to select students for AP4s. We compared the results of this study with those of an earlier survey of d ietetic internship directors. The AP4 and dietetic internship directors gave significantly different importance ratings to elective courses in professional sciences and courses in the biological/physical sciences. Unlike dietetic internship directors, AP4 directors rated Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score highest (1.4±1.7 on a 10-point scale). AP4 directors’ rating of grade point average (1.8 ±1.3) and professional courses (1.9 ±1.2) was similar to the internship directors’ rating of these criteria (1.7±0.9 and 1.7±1.0, respectively). Results indicate that AP4 and internship directors seek similar qualities in students, but that GRE score is more important to AP4 directors. The AP4 directors’ emphasis on GRE score may be explained, in part, by the fact that 76% (38 of 50) of these programs are affiliated with a university program, and of those 38 programs, 29 (88%) require graduate credit as a component of the AP4. These data are important to Plan IV/V faculty advisers because students may have misconceptions about differences in AP4 and internship selection criteria.
Micro-Fresnel-Zone-Plate Array on Flexible Substrate for Large Field- of-View and Focus Scanning

Field of view and accommodative focus are two fundamental attributes of many imaging systems, ranging from human eyes to microscopes. Here, we present arrays of Fresnel zone plates fabricated on a flexible substrate, which allows for the adjustment of both the field of view and optical focus. Such zone plates function as compact and lightweight microlenses and are fabricated using silicon nanowires. Inspired by compound eyes in nature, these microlenses are designed to point along various angles in order to capture images, offering an exceptionally wide field of view. Moreover, by flexing the substrate, the lens position can be adjusted, thus achieving axial focus scanning. An array of microlenses on a flexible substrate was incorporated into an optical system to demonstrate high resolution imaging of objects located at different axial and angular positions. These silicon based microlenses could be integrated with electronics and have a wide range of potential applications, from medical imaging to surveillance.
[Roles of cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis].

Objective To investigate the roles of cytochrome c (Cyt-c),caspase-9,and caspase-3 in pentavalent vanadium-induced neuronal apoptosis and to provide a basis for mechanism research.Methods Neurons from rats aged 1-3 days were cultured and treated with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) at 5,10,or 20 mmol/L.Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL).The protein levels of Cyt-c,caspase-9,and caspase-3 were determined by Western blot.Results Apoptosis bodies were detected in the nuclei of neurons by TUNEL.The number of neurons with apoptosis bodies increased with increasing dose of V2O5 The apoptosis index (AI) was significantly higher in the 10 and 20 mm/L exposure groups than in the control group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of Cyt-c and caspase-3 significantly increased in the 5 mmol/L exposure group as compared with the control group (P＜0.05).In the 10 and 20 mmol/L exposure groups,the protein expression of Cyt-c,caspase-9,and caspase-3 all increased as compared with the control group (P＜0.01).Neuronal AI was positively correlated with Cyt-c,caspase-9,and caspase-3 (r=0.954,P＜0.01; r=0.938,P＜0.01; r=0.943,P＜0.01).Conclusion Pentavalent vanadium may induce neuronal apoptosis.The protein expression of Cyt-c,caspase-9,and caspase-3 may play an important role in neuronal apoptosis induced by pentavalent vanadium. Key words: Vanadium compounds; Cytochrome C, Caspase; Neurons
Electrochemically Triggered DNA Release from a Mixed‐brush Polymer‐modified Electrode

Single-stranded DNA molecules were loaded on the mixed poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA)/poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) brush covalently attached to an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode on a flexible support. The DNA deposition was performed at pH 5.0 when the polymer brush is positively charged due to protonation of tertiary amino groups in PDMAEMA, thus resulting in electrostatic attraction of the negatively charged DNA. By applying electrolysis at −1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference) electrochemical oxygen reduction resulted in the consumption of hydrogen ions and local pH increase in the vicinity of the electrode surface. The process resulted in the transition to negative charge of the mixed polymer-brush due to dissociation of carboxylic groups of PMAA. This resulted in the electrostatic repulsion and release of the loaded DNA. The developed approach allows cyclic load-release of the DNA with the significantly increased amount of the released DNA comparing with previously reported systems. Further options for the improvements of the system are discussed.