cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of water interactions in cellulose suspensions on mass transfer and saccharification efficiency at high solids loadings

Water is essential to the hydrolysis and conversion of lignocellulosic materials as it is both the medium through which enzymes diffuse to and products diffuse away from the reaction sites and a reactant in the hydrolysis reaction of the glycosidic bonds within the polysaccharides. However, little is known about how water interactions with the biomass change with solids content and how this affects mass transfer resistances during high solids saccharification. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements of the T2 relaxation times of water in cellulose suspensions were used to demonstrate that increases in solids content led to increases in the physical constraint of water in the suspensions. Moreover, the addition of either glucose (a monosaccharide which end-product inhibits β-glucosidase) or mannose (a stereoisomer of glucose that does not end-product inhibit β-glucosidase) further increased water constraint at all solids contents. The presence of either monosaccharide constrained water and inhibited saccharification rates to similar extents. This observation, coupled with the absence of cellobiose produced in the reactions, demonstrated that the presence of soluble sugars can negatively impact saccharification efficiency simply by increasing water constraint in cellulose suspensions before impacting enzyme activity. Furthermore, results are presented that demonstrate strong correlations between water constraint in cellulose suspensions with diffusivities of enzyme and monosaccharides within the system. These results are discussed in the context of increased viscosity of the aqueous fraction in the suspension resulting from increased water-cellulose and water-solute interactions that ultimately increases diffusion resistances and decreases saccharification rates.
Stability of protein-bound conformations of bioactive peptides: the folded conformation of an epidermal growth factor-like thrombomodulin fragment is similar to that recognized by thrombin.

The relationship between the free and bound conformations of bioactive peptides is explored using the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like thrombomodulin fragment hTM409-426 as a model system. The hTM409-426 peptide has a sequence of C(409)PEGYILDDGFIC(421)TDIDE (with a disulfide bond between Cys409 and Cys421) and is a selective inhibitor of thrombin. Upon binding to thrombin, hTM409-426 adopts a well-defined conformation-namely, a beta-turn followed by an antiparallel beta-sheet, similar to those found in all other EGF-like protein repeats (Hrabal et al., Protein Science, 1996, Vol. 5, 195-203). Here we demonstrate that, at pH 6.8 and at 25 degrees C, the hTM409-426 peptide in the free state is very flexible, but still populates a type II beta-turn over residues Pro410-Glu411-Gly412-Tyr413 and the clustering of some hydrophobic side chains, both of which are present in the thrombin-bound conformation. At a lower temperature of 5 degrees C, significant conformational shifts of the C alpha H proton resonances and extensive medium- and long-range NOEs are observed, indicating the presence of folded conformations with unique backbone-backbone and side-chain interactions. A comparison of the NOE patterns in the free state with transferred NOEs shows that the free-state folded and the thrombin-bound conformations of the hTM409-426 peptide are very similar, particularly over residues Pro410-Ile424. The folded conformation of hTM409-426 appears to be stabilized by two hydrophobic clusters, one formed by the side chains of residues Pro410, Tyr413, Leu415, and Phe419 and the Cys409-Cys421 disulfide bond, the second involving residues Ile414 and Ile424. These results indicate that the overall topology of the thrombin-bound conformation of the hTM409-426 peptide is prefolded in the free state and the primary sequence (including the disulfide bond) may be selective for an ensemble of conformations similar to that recognized by thrombin.
Relating Resin Mechanical Properties to Composite Delamination Fracture Toughness

The relationship between resin mechanical properties and the resultant composite Mode I and Mode II delamination fracture toughnesses in graphite-epoxy systems was examined. The tensile property that best correlated with composite delamina tion toughness was the resin tensile elongation. Resins with higher tensile elongations pro duced composites with a higher delamination toughness, though the relationship between the two may not be a simple one.The method used to toughen the resin affected the resulting composite delamination toughness. A rubber toughened resin would produce a tougher composite than would a resin that had the same tensile elongation (but with a lower crosslink density rather than rubber particle additions).
Combinatoric classification of multivariate normal variates

Consider classifying an n × I observation vector as coming from one of two multivariate normal distributions which differ both in mean vectors and covariance matrices. A class of dis-crimination rules based upon n independent univariate discrim-inate functions is developed yielding exact misclassification probabilities when the population parameters are known. An efficient search of this class to select the procedure with minimum expected misclassification is made by employing an algorithm of the implicit enumeration type used in integer programming. The procedure is applied to the classification of male twins as either monozygotic or dizygotic.
The effects of actinomycin D, gibberellin A7, and cyclic AMP on mating of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

SYNOPSIS. Gibberellin A7 and cyclic AMP increased mating efficiency of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii when the cells were treated during gametogenesis. No change in mating activity was observed when cells were treated with 5′-AMP. Actinomycin D inhibited both normal mating and gibberellin-stimulated mating.
The Anthroposphere, Material Flow Analysis, and Chemical Education

We are about to enter, or already have entered the Anthropocene Epoch. To appreciate how we reached this milestone event and the extent to which human activities have changed the chemistry of Planet Earth, this author encourages chemical educators to introduce the concept of the anthroposphere and to summarize the recent results obtained by material flow analysis (MFA) studies. These studies have generated global maps of metal (e.g., aluminum) flows, demonstrating a significant movement of metal from the lithosphere into the anthroposphere. They also reveal the amount of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the transformation of metal ore and recycled scrap into metal products. In the case of aluminum, the data obtained from MFA studies are easily folded into a discussion of primary aluminum production (the conversion of bauxite into liquid aluminum), the acid–base chemistry associated with the Bayer process, the redox chemistry associated with the Hall–Heroult process, an...
Prognostic health monitoring for a micro-coil spring interconnect subjected to drop impacts

In an effort to meet reliability requirements for long term human presence in space without the need for resupply, a new interconnect for grid array packages has been developed. The interconnect utilizes beryllium copper springs which are 0.05 inches in height as interconnects between the package and PCB. These novel interconnects are known as micro coil springs (MCS). The configuration is approximately the same height as copper column interconnects, but has increased compliance compared to traditional column interconnects. Because the interconnect is still in the design stage, the feasibility of integrating prognostic health management capability into the interconnect is being studied. Failure prognostics, or the prediction of impending failure for individual components, would help ensure the reliability of systems deployed on long duration space missions and provide warnings of potential failure with adequate time to formulate contingency plans. Prognostic monitoring circuitry, prediction algorithms, and performance validation are discussed for micro coil packages subjected to JDEC standard drop testing.
Short-term Effects of a Low Dissolved Oxygen Event on Estuarine Fish Assemblages Following the Passage of Hurricane Charley

Hurricane Charley, a category 4 storm, passed directly over the Charlotte Harbor estuary and Peace River watershed on August 13, 2004. Following the storm's passage, dissolved oxygen in the Peace River fell below 1 mg l−1 and hypoxic conditions (<2mgl−1) extended into Charlotte Harbor. A long-term fisheries-independent monitoring program (1989 to present) was already in place in Charlotte Harbor, and sampling was intensified during the month after the storm. Changes in fish assemblages that resulted from the hypoxic event were determined using nonmetric multidimensional scaling and similarity percentages analysis. At the mouth of the Peace River and upper Charlotte Harbor, fish abundance decreased dramatically after the hurricane, and typical estuarine fish assemblages were replaced by those dominated by a few resilient estuarine and freshwater species, including the nonindigenous brown hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale) and sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.). Fish assemblages in the estuarine portion of the Maykka River, located only a few kilometers west of the Peace River, were unaffected. The hypoxic event was short lived; dissolved oxygen and estuarine fish assemblages in the Peace River and upper Charlotte Harbor recovered within a month. The results of this study are consistent with other hurricane-related hypoxic events in the literature which have reported acute effects to estuarine systems in the short term, rapid recoveries, and long-term resilience.
A simplified fertility test in the dairy bull utilizing superovulated dairy cows

Dairy bull fertility level has received less attention than production transmitting ability. A simplified fertility test may be beneficial. A study was designed to test the use of tris-(1-aziridinyl)-phosphine oxide (TEPA) treated sperm, which arrests early cell division of the fertilized egg, in heterospermic insemination of superovulated cows. Semen samples were collected and pooled from University of Illinois dairy bulls. Semen samples were washed once, suspended in Illini Variable Temperature diluent (IVT) and incubated with or without TEPA (1.0 to 5.0 mg/ml) for 15 min. Samples were then washed again to remove excess TEPA. Additions of 1.0 to 5.0 mg/ml TEPA to sperm concentrations of 8 x 10(8) sperm/ml had no adverse effect on motility or morphology. The first part of the study utilized superovulated cows inseminated with treated (six cows) or untreated (six cows) sperm in different samples from the same bulls. Secondly, superovulated cows (eight cows) were artificially inseminated with treated and untreated split ejaculates from the same bulls. Lastly, superovulated cows (five cows) were heterospermically inseminated with treated (bull No. 1) and untreated (bull No. 2) spermatozoa. Out of 54 and 39 ova recovered in control and test cows, 40 blastocysts and 31 embryos arrested at the one- to five-cell stage resulted, respectively. Out of a predicted 123 ovulations, 78 fertilized ova were recovered; 40 of these were fertilized by control spermatozoa and 36 by TEPA-treated spermatozoa for parts one and two of the study respectively. These results indicated no significant difference in fertilizability of ova between control and TEPA-treated spermatozoa. Of 41 fertilized ova recovered (part 3), bull No. 1 fertilized significantly more ova (mean +/- standard deviation 5.0 +/- 2.3) than bull No. 2 (2.6 +/- 1.8). Results indicate a difference in fertility between bulls.
The occurrence and phylogenetic implications of wing interference patterns in Cynipoidea (Insecta : Hymenoptera)

Wing interference patterns (WIPs) are a potentially rich source of taxonomic data. We surveyed a broad range of Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera) for the presence of these patterns. Further, we used phylogeny to investigate the evolutionary patterns of WIPs throughout the superfamily. We also documented that WIPs occur across nearly all species sampled, in both the hindwing and forewing; in many instances, the forewing WIP is carried over to the hindwing. Only Austrocynips mirabilis Riek lacked WIPs. Among species that possess WIPs, we were able to recognise four distinct categories: radiform (radiating), striatiform (longitudinally striate), campiform (continuous field) and galactiform (amorphous mixture of colours). Wing interference patterns are not found in infuscate wings or areas of infuscation on otherwise hyaline wings, and are reduced on large wings. Within Figitidae, WIPs are more phylogenetically conservative, especially at the tribal level: within Cynipidae the phylogenetic conservatism of WIPs is somewhat less clear, though all Synergini sampled had a very consistent WIPs. For certain genera, such as Ganaspidium and Andricus, WIPs may prove useful for species-level discrimination.
Double-wall anodic titania nanotube arrays for water photooxidation.

Vertically oriented double-wall titania nanotube (external diameters of 82 and 206 nm) arrays are synthesized by a sonoelectrochemical anodization technique in combination with a unique room-temperature ionic liquid and organic electrolyte. Compared to similar single-wall nanotubes (0.638 mA/cm2) and commercial nanoparticles (0.365 mA/cm2), these double-wall nanotube arrays show 2−4 times more photoactivity to split water under solar light illumination to generate hydrogen and oxygen. Partial doping of B and C into the TiO2 matrix gives rise to these double-wall nanotubes which absorb visible solar light more efficiently than the intrinsic TiO2. The structural properties of these novel structures have been studied extensively using various spectroscopic, analytical, and electrochemical techniques.
Large structure rearrangement of colicin ia channel domain after membrane binding from 2D 13C spin diffusion NMR.

One of the main mechanisms of membrane protein folding is by spontaneous insertion into the lipid bilayer from the aqueous environment. The bacterial toxin, colicin Ia, is one such protein. To shed light on the conformational changes involved in this dramatic transfer from the polar to the hydrophobic milieu, we carried out 2D magic-angle spinning 13C NMR experiments on the water-soluble and membrane-bound states of the channel-forming domain of colicin Ia. Proton-driven 13C spin diffusion spectra of selectively 13C-labeled protein show unequivocal attenuation of cross-peaks after membrane binding. This attenuation can be assigned to distance increases but not reduction of the diffusion coefficient. Analysis of the statistics of the interhelical and intrahelical 13C−13C distances in the soluble protein structure indicates that the observed cross-peak reduction is well correlated with a high percentage of short interhelical contacts in the soluble protein. This suggests that colicin Ia channel domain becom...
Phosphorus export from a restored wetland ecosystem in response to natural and experimental hydrologic fluctuations

[1] Wetland restoration is a commonly used approach to reduce nutrient loading to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, with many wetland restoration efforts occurring in former agricultural fields. Restored wetlands are expected to be effective at retaining or removing both nitrogen and phosphorus (P), yet restoring wetland hydrology to former agricultural fields can lead to the release of legacy fertilizer P. Here, we examined P cycling and export following rewetting of the Timberlake Restoration Project, a 440 ha restored riverine wetland complex in the coastal plain of North Carolina. We also compared P cycling within the restored wetland to two minimally disturbed nearby wetlands and an adjacent active agricultural field. In the restored wetland we observed increased soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations following initial flooding, consistent with our expectations that P bound to iron would be released under reducing conditions. SRP concentrations in spring were 2.5 times higher leaving the restored wetland than a forested wetland and an agricultural field. During two large-scale drawdown and rewetting experiments we decreased the water depth by 1 m in ∼10 ha of inundated wetland for 2 weeks, followed by reflooding. Rewetting following experimental drainage had no effect on SRP concentrations in winter, but SRP concentrations did increase when the experiment was repeated during summer. Our best estimates suggest that this restored wetland could release legacy fertilizer P for up to a decade following hydrologic restoration. The time lag between restoration and biogeochemical recovery should be incorporated into management strategies of restored wetlands.
Rule-governed behavior, self-management, and the developmentally disabled: A theoretical analysis

Abstract In the human-made environment, much human behavior produces outcomes important to the well-being of the individual that, nonetheless, fail to reinforce or punish that individual's behavior. However, rules describing such ineffective contingencies can control the relevant behavior, if the person has the prerequisite skills, including self-management skills. Perhaps such rule-governed behavior is another repertoire the developmentally disabled need in order to approximate normal performance in our culture.
Safety of Intravitreal Injections in Patients Receiving Warfarin Anticoagulation

Purpose To evaluate the safety of intravitreal Macugen (OSI/Eyetech, New York, New York, USA) injections among patients receiving warfarin anticoagulation. Design Retrospective chart review. Methods A search was conducted for patients treated with intravitreal Macugen for choroidal neovascularization resulting from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inclusion criteria included patients receiving warfarin anticoagulation in whom therapy was maintained. Results The review identified 31 patients (32 eyes) who underwent 102 intravitreal Macugen injections while receiving warfarin anticoagulation. The mean and median number of Macugen injections per patient was three. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative hemorrhagic complications were noted. One patient experienced an acute submacular hemorrhage 35 days after the third Macugen injection. There were no other hemorrhagic events among the remaining patients. Conclusions The retrospective chart review of patients treated with intravitreal Macugen for choroidal neovascularization resulting from AMD while receiving warfarin therapy suggests that patients may undergo intravitreal injections safely without cessation of anticoagulation therapy.
Quaternary sediments and their weathering history in northcentral Missouri

Quaternary strata in northcentral Missouri were deposited prior to, during, and subsequent to glaciation of the area. Major depositional units are separated by buried soils. The lower Quaternary Whippoorwill formation is derived from local bedrock and has the intensely weathered New Florence soil developed in it. The pre-Illinoian McCredie formation, primarily till, is derived from distant shield and local cratonic rocks. The moderately weathered Kingdom City soil within the formation suggests that an intcrglacial separated two ice advances. The lllinoian Lovcland and Wisconsinan Peoria Loesses are derived from Missouri River outwash. Since glaciation, the welded Yarmouth-Sangamon Soil has developed in till and in lllinoian loess on stable sites but middle and late Sangamon Soils have developed on erosional surfaces. Holocene soils are developed in Wisconsinan loess and alluvium-colluvium.
The adsorption of molecular oxygen on neutral and negative Aun clusters (n=2–5)

Abstract We use density functional theory to examine the binding of O 2 to Au n and Au n − clusters. O 2 binds more strongly to clusters having an odd number of electrons than to those with an even number. A second O 2 molecule binds more weakly than the first.
Acquired protein S deficiency with multiple thrombotic complications after orthotopic liver transplant.

Background. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is frequently complicated by thrombotic events that may threaten the viability of the allograft and severely compromise the overall outcome in these patients. Although multiple prothrombotic pathogenic mechanisms may be involved, a role for inadequate natural anticoagulant levels in the early postoperative period has been postulated. Methods. We describe a case of a woman who suffered multiple thrombotic complications after a second OLT. Prospective assays of procoagulant and natural anticoagulant factor levels, in addition to screening tests for a variety of inherited and acquired hypercoagulable states, were carried out. Results. Serial studies confirmed an acquired, isolated deficiency of Protein S associated with the second transplanted liver. Protein S levels were normal after the patient's first and third OLTs. There was no laboratory evidence of other underlying prothrombotic conditions. Conclusions. This unusual case of acquired Protein S deficiency demonstrates that the hypercoagulable phenotype may develop in the recipient of a liver from a heterozygous deficient donor. Furthermore, isolated low Protein S may be causally associated with hepatic artery thrombosis after OLT.
Problems and hopes perceived by mothers, fathers and physicians of children receiving palliative care.

Background The quality of shared decision making for children with serious illness may depend on whether parents and physicians share similar perceptions of problems and hopes for the child. Objective (i) Describe the problems and hopes reported by mothers, fathers and physicians of children receiving palliative care; (ii) examine the observed concordance between participants; (iii) examine parental perceived agreement; and (iv) examine whether parents who identified specific problems also specified corresponding hopes, or whether the problems were left ‘hopeless’. Method Seventy-one parents and 43 physicians were asked to report problems and hopes and perceived agreement for 50 children receiving palliative care. Problems and hopes were classified into eight domains. Observed concordance was calculated between parents and between each parent and the physicians. Results The most common problem domains were physical body (88%), quality of life (74%) and medical knowledge (48%). The most common hope domains were quality of life (88%), suffering (76%) and physical body (39%). Overall parental dyads demonstrated a high percentage of concordance (82%) regarding reported problem domains and a lower percentage of concordance on hopes (65%). Concordance between parents and physicians regarding specific children was lower on problem (65–66%) and hope domains (59–63%). Respondents who identified problems regarding a child's quality of life or suffering were likely to also report corresponding hopes in these domains (93 and 82%, respectively). Conclusion Asking parents and physicians to talk about problems and hopes may provide a straightforward means to improve the quality of shared decision making for critically ill children.
Some Recent Trends in Personality Assessment

Summary Some past and current research in personality assessment is discussed and evaluated, including such topics as (a) the exploitation of the natural language to construct descriptive personality taxonomies, (b) the search for trait-by-treatment interaction effects, (c) the relative validity of different strategies of personality inventory construction, (d) the comparative utility of nonlinear prediction schemes, (e) the quest for models of the judgments of expert decision makers, and (f) the utility of substituting judgmental models for human judges in applied contexts.
Ten-channel eikonal treatment of electron-metastable-helium collisions: Differential and integral cross sections for 2 P 1 , 3 and n = 3 excitations from He ( 2 S 1 , 3 ) and the ( λ , χ , Π ) parameters

We present a ten-channel eikonal treatment of the $2^{1,3}P$, $3^{1,3}S$, $3^{1,3}P$, and $3^{1,3}D$ excitations of atomic helium, initially in the $2^{1,3}S$ metastable states, by incident electrons with energy $E$ (eV) in the range $5\ensuremath{\le}E\ensuremath{\le}100$. Integral and differential inelastic cross sections are obtained. Also, the angular-correlation parameters $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and $\ensuremath{\chi}$, which respectively provide the relative population and relative phase of the collisionally excited $P$ magnetic substates, and the circular polarization fraction $\ensuremath{\Pi}$ of radiation emitted from these $P$ states, are determined as functions of scattering angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and $E$. No measurements exist to date. The principle of detailed balance is explicitly demonstrated for the $2^{1}S\ensuremath{-}1^{1}S$ superelastic collision.
A Note on the Acute Toxicity of Substituted Amide Solvents

AbstractThe acute toxicities of the solvents, dimethylacetamide, tetra-methylpimelamide, tetramethylsuberamide, tetramethylazelamide, and tetramethylsebacamide were compared by the administration of single doses of each intraperitoneally to groups of mice. The LD 50 values calculated are dimethylacetamide 3467 mg/kg, tetramethylpimelamide 2239 mg/kg, tetramethylsuberamide 1479 mg/kg, tetramethylazelamide 447 mg/kg, and tetramethylsebacamide 400 mg/kg. The increase in toxicity with an increase in chain length might in part be explained by an enhanced lipid solubility and increased penetration into the central nervous system. The series of N, N, N′, N′-tetramethyl-substituted dicarboxylic acid amide solvents studied appear to be more toxic than dimethylacetamide which is currently being used commercially to enhance solubility.
Clinical trial Data and Safety Monitoring Boards. The search for a constitution.

Controlled clinical trials are a cornerstone in the search for medical therapeutic advances. Since the introduction of this concept, there has been substantial progress in the design, conduct, and analysis of such studies, and many have become quite complex. A growing awareness of ethical issues emerging from such trials has led to increased public scrutiny and dialogue between patients, investigators, institutions, and funding agencies. The recent broader role of industrial/financial sponsorship of such endeavors has led to new issues and challenges for all interested parties. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is now considered a critical component of the administration and conduct of large multicenter clinical trials. Early cessation of large trials because of major advantages or untoward effects of the treatment under study has recently underscored the pivotal internal peer review role of the DSMB. Although the general need for treatment monitoring has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health since at least 1979, surprisingly little information exists concerning terms of reference, authority, composition, and operating procedures by which such groups function.1 It is the purpose of this essay to explore these issues further, with the intent of fostering a constructive dialogue and framework from which to construct DSMB guidelines. Those charged with the responsibility of designing, leading, conducting, and sponsoring clinical trials must give special care to the structure and role of the DSMB.2 It should provide informed and independent advice to the principal investigator, steering committee, and sponsor. For the purposes of this discussion, the principal investigator of a trial will be presumed to be the chairman of the steering committee, and the word “sponsor” will refer to either a peer-reviewed funding agency or an industrial source. A DSMB chairman should be appointed jointly by the steering committee and the sponsor: this individual …
Modification of calf thymus DNA by methyl methanesulfonate. Quantitative determination of 7-methyldeoxyguanosine by mass spectrometry

Quantitation of 7-methyldeoxyguanosine (m7dG) produced in the in vitro methyl methanesulfonate (MeMS) action on calf-thymus DNA is achieved by enzymatic degradation, liquid chromatographic separation and chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The total degree of methylation, measured by uptake of [14C]MeMS was 0.35%. Mass spectral analysis shows that m7dG constitutes 84% of the total methylated product. It is also shown that tandem mass spectrometry allows detection of m7dG, as the protonated base, down to 1 pmol level, suggesting that MS/MS analysis can be the method of choice in quantitation of the adducts of in vivo DNA modifications.
WE-A-17A-12: The Influence of Eye Plaque Design On Dose Distributions and Dose- Volume Histograms

Purpose: To investigate the effect of slot design of the model EP917 plaque on dose distributions and dose-volume histograms (DVHs). Methods: The dimensions and orientation of the slots in EP917 plaques were measured. In the MCNP5 radiation simulation geometry, dose distributions on orthogonal planes and DVHs for a tumor and sclera were generated for comparisons. 27 slot designs and 13 plaques were evaluated and compared with the published literature and the Plaque Simulator clinical treatment planning system. Results: The dosimetric effect of the gold backing composition and mass density was < 3%. Slot depth, width, and length changed the central axis (CAX) dose distributions by < 1% per 0.1 mm in design variation. Seed shifts in the slot towards the eye and shifts of the {sup 125} I-coated Ag rod within the capsule had the greatest impact on CAX dose distribution, increasing by 14%, 9%, 4%, and 2.5% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 mm, respectively, from the inner sclera. Along the CAX, dose from the full plaque geometry using the measured slot design was 3.4% ± 2.3% higher than the manufacturer-provided geometry. D{sub 10} for the simulated tumor, inner sclera, and outer sclera for the measured plaque was alsomore » higher, but 9%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. In comparison to the measured plaque design, a theoretical plaque having narrow and deep slots delivered 30%, 37%, and 62% lower D{sub 10} doses to the tumor, inner sclera, and outer sclera, respectively. CAX doses at −1, 0, 1, and 2 mm were also lower by a factor of 2.6, 1.4, 1.23, and 1.13, respectively. Conclusion: The study identified substantial sensitivity of the EP917 plaque dose distributions to slot design. However, it did not identify substantial dosimetric variations based on radionuclide choice ({sup 125}I, {sup 103}Pd, or {sup 131}Cs). COMS plaques provided lower scleral doses with similar tumor dose coverage.« less
The benzil-cyanide reaction and its application to the development of a selective cyanide anion indicator.

The benzil−cyanide reaction is a cyanide-specific reaction that has been exploited to produce a colorimetric indicator for this toxic anion. This was done by producing a π-extended analogue of benzil, 7, which is soluble in a 70:30 (v/v) mixture of methanol−water. In this medium, dilute solutions of 7 are yellow but produce colorless products when exposed to low concentrations of cyanide anion (≥1.7 μM; added as an aqueous NaCN solution), but no other common anions (e.g., OH−, F−, N3−, benzoate−, and H2PO4−). On the basis of these observations and supporting mechanistic analyses, it is concluded that the modified benzil system 7 is a promising cyanide anion indicator that is attractive in terms of its selectivity, ease-of-use, water compatibility, and the low, naked-eye discernible cyanide detection limit it provides.
Adolescent pregnancy and sex roles.

Traditional sex roles are related to the occurrence of adolescent pregnancy in this study. Sex-role orientation and related variables were measured by a questionnaire administered to 161 young women aged 13 to 18 years when they sought pregnancy tests or birth control information at one of several clinics. The hypothesis of the study, that adolescents who get pregnant are more likely than other sexually active young women to be traditional in sex-role orientation, receives some support from the findings. Pregnant adolescents, in comparison with birth control seeking adolescents, perceive themselves to be competent in more highly sex-typed activities, have lower aspirations and school grades, and have less sense of personal control over events in their lives. Pregnant teens do not seem to differ much from birth control seeking teens in sex-role values, and seem less likely to aspire to traditionally female occupations. Socioeconomic status (SES) is the strongest discriminator between pregnant teens and birth control seeking teens, with pregnant teens having lower SES. Pregnant adolescents, in comparison with those experiencing negative pregnancy tests, are younger and are more likely to rely on God to determine the course of their personal lives.
Abstract P1-04-01: Loss of Notch4 reduces mammary tumorigenesis by MYC and activated KRAS

Over-expression of Notch receptors and aberrant Notch signaling have been reported in both preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. The Notch 4 receptor, in particular, is preferentially activated in human breast cancer stem cell-enriched populations, and inhibition of Notch 4 reduces tumor formation of human breast cancer cells in xenograft models (Harrison, 2010). Myc gene amplification has also been found in about 15% of breast tumors, and 22%–35% of tumors exhibit overexpression of Myc at the transcriptional level. Transgenic mice over-expressing MYC develop invasive adenocarcinomas and preferentially harbor secondary activating mutations in KRas . We examined whether Notch receptors were activated in mouse mammary tumors over-expressing MYC and activated KRAS (KRASV12) and found Notch 4 to be significantly activated in these tumors compared to normal mammary tissue. Furthermore, Notch 4 was localized to the nucleus in the tumors over-expressing MYC and KRASV12, but not in mammary glands over-expressing MYC or activated KRASV12 alone. To examine the requirement of Notch4 in mammary tumorigenesis by MYC and KRASV12, we transplanted mammary epithelial cells isolated from Notch4 knockout mice and wild-type mice that have been transduced with MYC and KRASV12 into the mammary glands of syngeneic mice. There was a significant reduction in the onset of tumorigenesis in mammary glands that had been transplanted with mammary epithelial cells lacking Notch4. These findings suggest that Notch4 is important in mammary tumorigenesis induced by cooperation of MYC and activated RAS. We are currently examining the relevance of Nocth4 activation in human breast cancers that over-express MYC and the mechanism by which Notch4 promotes tumorigenesis by Myc and activated RAS. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-04-01.
Regeneration in Sabellid Annelids

Sabellid regeneration and the expression of polarity are known to be under direct neural control. During regeneration nerves exhibit both neurotrophic and neurosecretory capacities. Indeed, it is proposed that the basic neurotrophic control mechanism is neurosecretory in nature, involving the synthesis, packaging and transport of neurosecretory granules to the wound site. The expression of polarity is envisioned as a cellular differentiating response to a threshold increase in neurohormone. Under maximal stimulus, anterior regeneration involves the sequential synthesis and assembly of a rich hyaluronate matrix followed by the deposition of chondroitin sulfate and collagen to form the normal adult crown. Posterior regeneration, according to the model, is under minimal stimulation and does not progress beyond the hyaluronate stage. The relationship between neural control and the assembly of extracellular macromolecules during regeneration is discussed in relation to the proposed model.
CHLOROPLAST DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG SESAME PLANTS

SUMMARY Electron microscopic examination of developing chloroplasts of sesame indicates that plastids in the shoot apex and leaf buds contain a membrane-bound inclusion with electron-dense, homogenous contents. The incipient grana of these young plastids have enlarged loculi filled with an electron-dense material, and the membranes exhibit a ‘negative’ image. The bounding membrane of the inclusion is frequently observed in intimate contact with, and possibly contiguous with, the grana-fretwork system of the developing chloroplast. As development continues, many of the inclusions are observed to contain partly or wholly crystalline contents, the locular content of electron-dense material decreases, and the ‘negative’ membrane image disappears. With further maturation, the inclusions become smaller, and eventually disappear. It is suggested that, in accordance with other studies, the membrane-bound inclusion of developing sesame leaf chloroplasts is a storage centre for thylakoid precursor materials. The ‘negative’ image observed in the incipient grana may also be a reflection of incomplete assembly of the membranes associated with the accumulation of material within the loculus.
Performance of DPSK and NRZ-OOK signals in a novel folded-path optical packet switch buffer

A novel and physically compact optical time delay buffer with nanoseconds reconfigurability is presented. Experiment results showed that the optimization of various design parameters resulted in greater range of delay value and smaller delay time step granularity.
Phenomenological description of KS → 2γ and KL → 2γ decays

Abstract A phenomenological description of KS → 2γ and KL → 2γ decays is presented in the context of CP non-conservation. Estimates of some of the parameters describing these processes are made using mainly CPT invariance and unitarity. A discussion is given of possible measurements which have bearing on the question of CP non-invariance. The most promising type of experiment appears to be the measurement of the time dependence of the asymmetry of intensities between K 0 → 2γ and K 0 → 2γ decays. Numerical results are presented for the latter case corresponding to various choices of parameters.
A Mechanical Proof of the Unsolvability of the Halting Problem

Abstract : The authors describe a proof by a computer program of the unsolvability of the halting problem. The halting problem is posed in a constructive, formal language. The computational paradigm formalized is Pure LISP, not Turing machines. They believe this is the first instance of a machine proving that a given problem is not solvable by machine.
Systematic validation of protein force fields against experimental data.

Molecular dynamics simulations provide a vehicle for capturing the structures, motions, and interactions of biological macromolecules in full atomic detail. The accuracy of such simulations, however, is critically dependent on the force field—the mathematical model used to approximate the atomic-level forces acting on the simulated molecular system. Here we present a systematic and extensive evaluation of eight different protein force fields based on comparisons of experimental data with molecular dynamics simulations that reach a previously inaccessible timescale. First, through extensive comparisons with experimental NMR data, we examined the force fields' abilities to describe the structure and fluctuations of folded proteins. Second, we quantified potential biases towards different secondary structure types by comparing experimental and simulation data for small peptides that preferentially populate either helical or sheet-like structures. Third, we tested the force fields' abilities to fold two small proteins—one α-helical, the other with β-sheet structure. The results suggest that force fields have improved over time, and that the most recent versions, while not perfect, provide an accurate description of many structural and dynamical properties of proteins.
Acquisition of passive avoidance in rats

Shock was administered after allowing Ss to move from the safe to the shock compartment (response contingent) or after direct placement into the shock compartment. Half of the Ss in each group were allowed to escape the shock by running into the safe compartment, and the other half had the shock terminated in the shock compartment (inescapable). Testing for passive avoidance showed that response-contingent shock produced much better passive avoidance than did placed shock, but there were no differences due to the escapable-inescapable shock manipulation.
A crisis model revisited

Abstract The concept of crisis hospitalization in a mental health center was one that was vigorously promoted a few years ago. 1,2 Since then it has continued to be seen by its supporters as more economical of time and money and frequently as effective as more traditional hospital treatment. 3 Others have raised questions about its clinical validity. 4,5 Something useful may be added to the controversy by looking at the evolution of the idea of 3 day hospitalization which was defined as a model for intensive intervention by one center. 1 For the purpose of this report crisis hospitalization is defined as an inpatient stay of less than 5 days which is usually followed by intensive but time-limited out-patient treatment. The characteristic clinical approach involves the use of time-limited contracts, intervention through multiple therapist teams aimed at minimizing dependency and regression, an adaptive focus in therapy, early involvement of family members and use of medication to control incapacitating symptoms. Ventilation of feelings related to those painful situations which usually precede crisis admission occurs during individual and group sessions. It starts with the identification of problems and ends when the patient is ready to return to the precrisis level of functioning. Discussion of long standing inner psychological conflicts is avoided and actively discouraged.
Regulation of Cyclin T1 and HIV-1 Replication by MicroRNAs in Resting CD4+ T Lymphocytes

The replication of integrated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is dependent on the cellular cofactor cyclin T1, which binds the viral Tat protein and activates the RNA polymerase II transcription of the integrated provirus. The activation of resting CD4+ T cells upregulates cyclin T1 protein levels independently of an increase in cyclin T1 mRNA levels, suggesting a translational repression of cyclin T1 in resting CD4+ T cells. Hypothesizing that microRNAs (miRNAs) repress cyclin T1 translation in resting CD4+ T cells and that this inhibition is lifted upon cell activation, we used microarray expression analysis to identify miRNAs miR-27b, miR-29b, miR-150, and miR-223 as being significantly downregulated upon CD4+ T cell activation. The overexpression of these miRNAs decreased endogenous cyclin T1 protein levels, while treatment with the corresponding antagomiRs increased cyclin T1 protein levels. An miR-27b binding site within the cyclin T1 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) was identified and confirmed to be functional after the mutation of key resides abrogated the ability of miR-27b to decrease the expression of a luciferase reporter upstream of the cyclin T1 3′UTR. Ago2 immunoprecipitation revealed an association with cyclin T1 mRNA that was decreased following treatment with miR-27b and miR-29b antagomiRs. Cells overexpressing miR-27b showed decreased viral gene expression levels of the HIV-1 reporter virus and a decreased replication of strain NL4.3; a partial rescue of viral transcription could be seen following the transfection of cyclin T1. These results implicate miR-27b as a novel regulator of cyclin T1 protein levels and HIV-1 replication, while miR-29b, miR-223, and miR-150 may regulate cyclin T1 indirectly.
Berry-Esseen-type bounds for the kernel estimator of conditional distribution and conditional quantiles

Abstract Berry-Esseen bounds of order O (n − 1 2 ) have been obtained for several classes of statistics. In this paper, the rates of convergence in central limit theorem for conditional empirical functions and conditional sample quantiles based on kernel estimators are studied for both conditional and unconditional distributions.
On bounding the delay of a critical path

Process variations cause different behavior of timing-dependent effects across different chips. In this work, we analyze one example of timing-dependent effects, cross-coupling capacitance, and the complex problem space created by considering coupling and process variations together. The delay of a critical path under these conditions is difficult to bound for design and test. We develop a methodology that analyzes this complex space by decomposing the problem space along three dimensions: the aggressor space, test space, and sample space. For design, we utilize an OBDD-based approach to prune the aggressor space based on logical constraints, which can be combined with a worst-case timing window simulator to prune based on both logical and timing constraints. After pruning, the reduced aggressor space can be used to derive a more accurate timing bound. Solving the problems in the test and sample spaces is postponed to the post-silicon stage, where we propose a test selection methodology for bounding the delay of every sample. This methodology is based on probability density estimation and has a tradeoff between the number of tests to apply and the tightness of the delay bound obtained. Experimental results based on benchmark examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Use of embryo transfer to produce twinning in beef cattle: Postweaning performance of Calves

Thirty-five purebred Angus calves, including six fraternal twin sets produced via embryo transfer, were fed during postweaning performance tests approximately 140 days in length. Singles had greater (P < 0.01) on-test weights than twins, reflecting their heavier weaning weights. Postweaning gains of singles and twins were similar (P=0.41). Twins were 13% lighter (P=0.04) than singles at 365 days of age and had 3.5% smaller (P=0.13) off-test hip heights. However, these differences were eliminated by adjustment for on-test weight. Off-test backfat thickness was not affected (P=0.43) by type of rearing. Scrotal circumference of single and twin bull calves at the conclusion of the postweaning test did not differ (P=0.58). Results indicate that calves raised as twins have acceptable postweaning performance.
Porous silica microsphere column packings for high-speed liquid—liquid chromatography

A new column packing for high-performance liquid chromatography, porous microspheres of silica produced by the agglutination of colloidal silica particles, has recently been introduced for use in adsorption chromatography. The narrow-size range, relatively homogeneous pore structure and short diffusion path lengths of these <10-μ particles result in very high column efficiencies, and the relatively large, highly available surface area provides for high sample capacity. The microsphere packing displays retention and efficiency characteristics which are less dependent on water content than wide-pore silica gel. Columns of the microspheres may be prepared which are reproducible in chromatographic performance, using a simple high-pressure slurry-packing procedure. More than 10,000 theoretical plates have been obtained on a single 25-cm-long column of 5-μ microspheres at carrier velocities of about 0.7 cm/sec. Plate heights of about five particle diameters and more than thirty-six effective plates/sec have been demonstrated for solutes with capacity factors (k′) in the 2–5 range. These columns may be connected in series using low-volume fittings with little loss in efficiency. Columns of the 5-μ particles appear to be limited by mobile phase mass transfer effects, contrasted to the stagnant mobile phase mass transfer limitations exhibited by similar 8- to 9-μ particles.