cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas phase and solid state X-ray photoelectron spectra of the substituted acetylenes (SF5)n C2 (CF3)2−n (n = 0, 1, 2): A comparison of the pentafluorosulfur and trifluoromethyl groups☆

Abstract The core level X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of CF 3 CCCF 3 , CF 3 CCSF 5 and SF 5 CCSF 5 have been measured in the solid state. Gas phase spectra of CF 3 CCCF 3 and CF 3 CCSF 5 have also been obtained. The XPS data, interpreted with the point charge potential model and semiempirical MNDO (minimum neglect of differential overlap) molecular orbital calculations, indicate that the electron withdrawing effect of the −CF 3 group is greater than that of the −SF 5 group. Results further suggest that sulfur 3 d orbitals do not play a detectable role in the bonding or charge distribution in these molecules. Carbon 1 s linewidths of −CF 3 carbon atoms are found to be much narrower than those arising from the acetylenic carbon atoms. The narrower lines correlate with the much higher binding energy of the −CF 3 carbon atoms. Large shifts (nearly 1 eV) in heteroatom core level binding energy differences (for example, F 1 s — C 1 s ) between the gas phase and solid state data are observed. These shifts are attributed to solid state effects (Madelung potential, intermolecular bonding interactions, and/or extramolecular relaxation contributions). From these comparisons it is clear that solid state effects are not uniform in their influence on the photoionized sites in these molecules.
Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining Behavior

Research on consumer satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and complaining behavior, as a consumer-protection social issue, began in response to government public policy needs. How it developed into a valuable approach for public policy and private business decision making is the focus of this article. Topics discussed include alternative definitions of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, special groups of vulnerable consumers, situations where satisfaction is legally constrained, and how dissatisfaction can lead to social change. The error of treating dissatisfaction as cognitive rather than emotional is emphasized. Three dissatisfaction outcomes (voice, exit, and retaliation) are described, along with a discussion of longer run consumer grudge holding.
Binding of iron by lignin in the presence of various concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc

The effect of adding zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), at levels from zero to the adult female RDA (15 mg for Zn, 300 mg for Mg and 800 mg for Ca), on the iron binding capacity of lignin was investigated. When Zn, Mg or Ca was added, at a concentration equivalent to the RDA, to a lignin sample containing 9 mg iron, there was an increase in percent soluble iron of 12.01%, 21.42% and 22.37%, respectively. However, when the same levels of Zn, Mg or Ca were added to lignin prior to the addition of Fe, there was a greater increase in soluble Fe of 21.12%, 28.75%, and 33.47% respectively. Such interactions have the potential to effect mineral absorption in fortified foods.
Abstract 3417: Class III HDAC induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial program for initiating invasion and metastasis in many epithelial tumors. EMT is characterized by loss of cell adhesion and increased cell mobility; however, the mechanism underlying this transition is not fully understood. Here we identified SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, as a critical regulator of EMT. We show that forced expression of SIRT1 disrupts the epithelial morphology in non-transformed prostate epithelial cells, concomitant with a decrease of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and an increase of mesenchymal protein N-cadherin, and fibronection expression, indicating EMT. In contrast, silencing SIRT1 expression in metastatic prostate tumor cells restores cell to cell adhesion and induces changes in morphology characteristic of epithelial cells, concomitant with an increase of E-cadherin and a decrease of N-cadherin and fibronection expressions. In addition, we show that SIRT1 represses the activity of the E-cadherin proximal promoter with an E-box dependent mechanism, indicating a connection between SIRT1 and the zinc-finger EMT transcription factor, which needs the E-box to suppress E-cadherin transcription. Moreover, we performed ChIP assays to show that SIRT1 and ZEB1 bind to the same DNA fragment on the E-cadherin promoter, and SIRT1 occupancy in the E-cadherin promoter requires ZEB1. In addition, we show that acetylated H3K9 levels were inversely related to occupancy of SIRT1 and ZEB1. Finally, our results show that SIRT1 knockdown reduces prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. Thus, in this study we identified SIRT1 as an important regulator of EMT and demonstrated a new transcriptional mechanism regulating E-cadherin expression by the cooperation of SIRT1 with ZEB1. These findings suggest that overexpressed SIRT1 in prostate cancer cells may be targeted to reverse EMT, and SIRT1 could be a potential target in the treatment of prostate cancer progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3417. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3417
The effect of fetal hypophysectomy on placental biosynthesis of progesterone in rhesus.

Placental slices from intact rhesus fetuses were incubated without added substrate. The incubated tissue levels of progesterone (P4) differed according to the sex of the fetus. Slices from female placentas contained significantly more P4 than did those of males. The addition of pregnenolone (P5) to the incubation media caused tissue levels of P4 to increase 1.5 to 3 times control tissue levels for both female and male placentas. Moreover, the sex difference in P4 biosynthesis was eliminated by adding P5 to the incubations. Since control incubations of male placental tissue produced less P4 than those of females, the net increase in P4 synthesis with added P5 was greater for male than female placental tissue. These observations indicated that the step(s) in P4 biosynthesis which were affected by the fetal genotype lay between cholestrol and P5. Incubation of placental slices derived from decapitated fetuses secreted significantly less P4 into the incubation medium than those of intact fetuses. Moreover, th...
An empirical method for estimation of the yield stress from relaxation data

Abstract The deformation patterns of solid polymers have been described by a generalized Maxwell model in which each of the elements has been modified by the incorporation of two fracture elements. In such models the irreversible aspects of the deformation are represented by a continuous change in the numbers and distributions of the elements and their mode of rheological response. The model implies both non-linearity and memory, and permits elasticity or linear viscoelasticity without falling into an essential inconsistency. By this model's terms, yield can be assumed as a situation in which the elastic element's contribution is practically nil. The latter, which can be evaluated from relaxed residual moduli, enabled the prediction of the yield stresses from relaxation data. This was done by extrapolation of the residual moduli vs. stress curve to zero residual modulus. Application of the method to four selected polymers indicated that the prediction could be made within an acceptable range around reported data.
Lipid composition and contaminants in farmed and wild salmon.

Levels of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids and lipid-adjusted concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, toxaphene, and dieldrin were determined in 459 farmed Atlantic salmon, 135 wild Pacific salmon, and 144 supermarket farmed Atlantic salmon fillets purchased in 16 cities in North America and Europe. These were the same fish previously used for measurement of organohalogen contaminants. Farmed salmon had greater levels of total lipid (average 16.6%) than wild salmon (average 6.4%). The n-3 to n-6 ratio was about 10 in wild salmon and 3−4 in farmed salmon. The supermarket samples were similar to the farmed salmon from the same region. Lipid-adjusted contaminant levels were significantly higher in farmed Atlantic salmon than those in wild Pacific salmon (F = 7.27, P = 0.0089 for toxaphene; F = 15.39, P = 0.0002 for dioxin; F ≥ 21.31, P < 0.0001 for dieldrin and PCBs, with df = (1,64) for all). Levels of total lipid were in the range of 30−40% in the fish oil/fish meal that is ...
Hollywood TV: The Studio System in the Fifties

The 1950s was one of the most turbulent periods in the history of motion pictures and television. During the decade, as Hollywood's most powerful studios and independent producers shifted into TV production, TV replaced film as America's principal postwar culture industry. This pioneering study offers the first thorough exploration of the movie industry's shaping role in the development of television and its narrative forms. Drawing on the archives of Warner Bros. and David O. Selznick Productions and on interviews with participants in both industries, Christopher Anderson demonstrates how the episodic telefilm series, a clear descendant of the feature film, became and has remained the dominant narrative form in prime-time TV. This research suggests that the postwar motion picture industry was less an empire on the verge of ruin--as common wisdom has it--than one struggling under unsettling conditions to redefine its frontiers. Beyond the obvious contribution to film and television studies, these findings add an important chapter to the study of American popular culture of the postwar period.
Effect of insult upon personal space preferences

After sixty male undergraduates individually were either insulted or not insulted by the experimenter, each was tested for body-buffer zone (the physical distance between themselves and an approaching person at which they first reported being uncomfortable) by either the experimenter or an assistant. The body-buffer zones of the insulted subjects were larger when tested by the experimenter than when tested by his assistant; but for those not insulted, there were no differences in body-buffer zone produced by the identity of the tester. The results are discussed in terms of the interaction between affect and interpersonal proxemics.
Comparisons of Microstructures and Hardness Distribution between Clinocardium Californiense and Veined Rapa Whelk Shells

Abstract. Microstructures, phase compositions and microhardness distribution of two kinds of natural biological materials called Burnt-end Ark and Veined rapa whelk shells were studied and discussed for comparisons. It was found that the both shells present a hierarchical structure comprising three layers in thickness, i.e., inner, middle and outer layers. The inner and middle layers of the two kinds of shells exhibit cross-lamellar structures with somewhat of differences in the morphology and dimension. The outer layer presents a porous blocky structure for Burnt-end Ark shell and a layered structure for Veined rapa whelk shell. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses show that all the layers of Burnt-end Ark shell as well as the inner and middle layers of Veined rapa whelk consist of crystalline aragonite CaCO3, while the out layer of Veined rapa whelk consists of crystalline calcite CaCO3. The microhardness measurements on the cross sections perpendicular to the growth lines of the shells demonstrate that the hardness of the both shells decreases gradually from the inner layer to the outer layer, strongly depending upon their microstructures.
Natural selection of the critical period for language acquisition

The language acquisition period in humans lasts about 13 years. After puberty it becomes increasingly difficult to learn a language. We explain this phenomenon by using an evolutionary framework. We present a dynamical system describing competition between language acquisition devices, which differ in the length of the learning period. There are two selective forces that play a role in determining the critical learning period: (i) having a longer learning period increases the accuracy of language acquisition; (ii) learning is associated with certain costs that affect fitness. As a result, there exists a limited learning period which is evolutionarily stable. This result is obtained analytically by means of a Nash equilibrium analysis of language acquisition devices. Interestingly, the evolutionarily stable learning period does not maximize the average fitness of the population.
MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS

The protracted process involved in family disruption provides the opportunity for different types of mental health intervention. In addition to the traditional diagnostic and evaluative services typically requested by the legal system, preventive and therapeutic programs can be developed. Implementation of a program by the UCLA Section on Legal Psychiatry is described.
Solar cell short circuit current errors and uncertainties during high altitude calibrations

High altitude balloon based facilities can make solar cell calibration measurements above 99.5% of the atmosphere to use for adjusting laboratory solar simulators. While close to on-orbit illumination, the small attenuation to the spectra may result in under measurements of solar cell parameters. Variations of stratospheric weather, may produce flight-to-flight measurement variations. To support the NSCAP effort, this work quantifies some of the effects on solar cell short circuit current (Isc) measurements on triple junction sub-cells. This work looks at several types of high altitude methods, direct high altitude measurements near 120 kft, and lower stratospheric Langley plots from aircraft. It also looks at Langley extrapolation from altitudes above most of the ozone, for potential small balloon payloads. A convolution of the sub-cell spectral response with the standard solar spectrum modified by several absorption processes is used to determine the relative change from AM0, Isc/Isc(AM0). Rayleigh scattering, molecular scattering from uniformly mixed gases, Ozone, and water vapor, are included in this analysis. A range of atmospheric pressures are examined, from 0.05 to 0.25 Atm to cover the range of atmospheric altitudes where solar cell calibrations are performed. Generally these errors and uncertainties are less than 0.2%.
Controlled cracking of multilayer ceramic bodies

Cracking of granular ceramic films during drying is a well-known phenomenon. Previous work has shown that films cast above a critical thickness on nonporous substrates crack spontaneously. Films cast on previously cast layers crack at thicknesses that depend on the solids content of the slurry. Cracking occurs in this instance when films are cast above a critical saturation thickness (CST). The CST is defined as the thickness of granular material that would be 100% saturated by the liquid contained in the last cast layer. The CST is remarkably similar in magnitude to the critical cracking thickness obtained with similarly prepared slurries on dense substrates. For example, 0.5 µm Al2O3 slurries in water have a CST of 65 µm when cast on previously deposited layers of Al2O3. Similarly prepared slurries crack spontaneously when cast on single-crystal silicon at any thickness above ∼60 µm.
Zein: the industrial protein from corn

Abstract Zein is the major storage protein of corn and comprises ≈45–50% of the protein in corn. It was first identified in 1897, based on its solubility in aqueous alcohol solutions. Zein isolate is not used directly for human consumption due to its negative nitrogen balance and poor solubility in water. Current zein manufacture is limited to ≈500 tonnes per year from corn gluten meal. Zein sells for ≈US$10–40 per kilogram, depending on purity. The ability of zein and its resins to form tough, glossy, hydrophobic grease-proof coatings and their resistance to microbial attack have been of commercial interest. Potential applications of zein include use in fiber, adhesive, coating, ceramic, ink, cosmetic, textile, chewing gum and biodegradable plastics. These new applications of zein appear promising, but requires the development of low-cost manufacturing methods. This paper reviews the present status of the chemistry, properties, uses and methods of manufacturing zein. The characteristics of zein are discussed in terms of its composition, structure, solubility in various solvents and gelation properties.
Learning the ABCs: What Kinds of Picture Books Facilitate Young Children's Learning?.

One of the most common types of interaction between parents and their very young children is picture-book reading, with alphabet books being one of the most popular types of book used in these interactions. Here we report two studies examining alphabet letter learning by 30- to 36-month-old children in book-reading interactions with an adult. Each child encountered either a standard type of children’s book or a book with manipulative features – flaps, levers, textures and other elements designed to elicit physical manipulation. In the first study, the children learned more letters with the relatively plain books than with a book with manipulative features. The manipulative elements apparently distracted them from the information in that book. In the second study, a manipulative feature that was specifically designed to attract children’s attention to the letters did not facilitate performance. These results are consistent with the theoretical concept of dual representation and they have important practica...
Regulation of the Cloud in India

Cloud computing is growing, and it is growing fast. But it is not new, and its roots are as old as computing itself – with significant history going back to the 1950s. However, because of the rapid growth of cloud computing, many regulatory authorities believe that it should be regulated and that new laws should be passed to control the perceived risks. This paper was written in the context of a proceeding at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which is considering regulatory models for cloud computing. We show that cloud computing is a powerful enabler of technology for consumers and SMEs worldwide, and regulators should use existing rules where possible so that the industry can develop. There are many laws and regulations in India that sufficiently protect consumers from breach of data, from breach of contract, theft, and from misuse of data.
Abnormal Phosphatidylinofitol (PI)- Signalling in Bipolar Disorder

suggested abnormal membrane phospholipid metabolism in the frontal and temporal lobes of bipolar disorder patients, with increased levels of phosphomonoesters in the manic and depressed states, and decreased levels in the euthymic state (Kato et al 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994a,b; Deicken et al 1995a, b). These findings are consistent with an increased phospholipid membrane anabolism in the manic and depressed phases of the disease, and decreased phospholipid anabolism in the euthymic phase, and may reflect abnormal signal transduction mechanisms in this disorder. These studies involved samples of mostly medicated patients, or patients off medication for very short periods of time, and thus it is difficult to distinguish primary changes due to the disorder from medication effects. Currently, the resolution of this method does not permit differentiation of the individual intermediates in the PI pathway. However, the perspectives of development of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with better resolution and smaller acquisition times may make possible the in vivo examination of signal transduction mechanisms in these patients. So, contrary to what the author stated, there are findings suggesting abnormalities in the PI pathway in bipolar disorder patients. These findings are preliminary, mostly obtained in small samples, and still need to be replicated. Current studies being conducted in our laboratory are trying to replicate the initial PIP 2 platelet findings (Brown et al 1993), and expand them characterizing lithium's effect on these pathways in patients being treated with regular serum lithium concentrations. Developments in this field may substantially contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, and hopefully result in new approaches for its treatment.
Indicators of failed information epidemics in the scientific journal literature: A publication analysis of Polywater and Cold Nuclear Fusion

A literature review uncovered six distinctive indicators of failed information epidemics in the scientific journal literature: (1) presence of seminal papers(s), (2) rapid growth/decline in author frequency, (3) multi-disciplinary research, (4) epidemic growth/decline in journal publication frequency, (5) predominance of rapid communication journal publications, and (6) increased multi-authorship. These indicators were applied to journal publication data from two known failed information epidemics, Polywater and Cold Nuclear Fusion. Indicators 1-4 were distinctive of the failed epidemics, Indicator 6 was not, and Indicator 5 might be. Further bibliometric study of these five indicators in the context of other epidemic literatures needed.
Premature translation termination mediates triosephosphate isomerase mRNA degradation.

The authors characterized an anemia-inducing mutation in the human gene for triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) that resulted in the production of prematurely terminated protein and mRNA with a reduced cytoplasmic half-life. The mutation converted a CGA arginine codon to a TGA nonsense condon and generated a protein of 188 amino acids, instead of the usual 248 amino acids. To determine how mRNA primary structure and translation and influence mRNA stability, in vitro-mutagenized TPI alleles were introduced into cultured L cells and analyzed for their effect on TPI RNA metabolism. Results indicated that mRNA stability is decreased by all nonsense and frameshift mutations. To determine the relative contribution of the changes in mRNA structure and translation to the altered half-life, the effects of individual mutations were compared with the effects of second-site reversions that restored translation termination to normal. All mutations that resulted in premature translation termination reduced the mRNA half-life solely or mainly by altering the length of the mRNA that was translated. The only mutation that altered translation termination and that reduced the mRNA half-life mainly by affecting the mRNA structure was an insertion that shifted termination to a position downstream of the normal stop codon.
Emotion Expression under Stress in Instant Messaging

In spite of rapid growth of text-based instant messaging (IM) in very diverse settings, emotion expression in IM has received limited empirical scrutiny, especially outside of casual settings. The main focus of this study is how stress and personality traits affect verbal and nonverbal cues used in IM to express emotions during a simulated team decision-making task. This exploratory study analyzed a preexisting set of 168 chat logs from an experiment on team decision making under stress. Results of the analysis revealed significant differences in the frequency of several verbal and nonverbal cues as a result of manipulations of mood (happy and sad) and stress (time pressure). In addition, several correlations were found between cue types and three personality traits: extraversion, openness to experience, and locus of control. Understanding how users express emotions in IM helps researchers and designers to support the user’s emotional needs, resulting in the improvement of emotional communication strategi...
Performance benchmarking: Lessons on using performance benchmarks to maximize fundraising results

Benchmarking should not be viewed as a number or a goal to be achieved. The value of benchmarking is its use as a management tool to improve fund-raising performance.
CAP and RNA polymerase interactions with the lac promoter: binding stoichiometry and long range effects

The binding stoichiometries of the complexes formed when the E. coli cyclic AMP receptor protein (CAP) binds to 203 bp lac promoter-operator restriction fragments have been determined. Under quantitative binding conditions, a single dimer of CAP occupies each of two sites in the promoter. Different electrophoretic mobilities are observed for 1:1 complexes formed with L8-UV5 mutant, L305 mutant, and wild type promoter fragments, indicating sequence-specific structural differences between the complexes. The differences in gel mobility between L8-UV5 and wild type complexes disappear when the promoter fragments are cleaved with Hpa II restriction endonuclease. Models in which CAP alters DNA conformation or in which CAP forms a transient intramolecular bridge between two domains of a DNA molecule could account for these observations. The selective binding of RNA polymerase to CAP-promoter complexes is demonstrated: the binding of a single CAP dimer to the promoter is sufficient to stimulate subsequent polymerase binding. Functional CAP molecules are not released from the promoter on polymerase binding.
Treatment and prevention of atrial fibrillation with nonantiarrhythmic pharmacologic therapy

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most frequent heart rhythm disturbances found in clinical practice. Anticoagulation, rate control, cardioversion, and ablative procedures have been the mainstay of treatment. The frequent recurrence of atrial fibrillation and the side effects when antiarrhythmic drugs are used have led to dissatisfaction with available treatment of this arrhythmia. Pharmacologic therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, and perhaps aldosterone and calcium channel blockers may have a role in the prevention of atrial fibrillation onset and recurrence. We summarize the possible biologic mechanisms and the clinical observations supporting the use of nonantiarrhythmic medications in the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
Learning the Rules: Language Development and Cultural Adjustment during Study Abroad.

: A student in the first semester of her year-long program in Mexico participated in an ethnographic study of language development and cultural and academic adjustment. Data included speech and writing samples, class and field trip observations, focus group meetings, exams, class evaluations, and interviews with professors. The data reveal that the most dramatic change in her language proficiency came about as she learned the “rules,” both societal and academic, that allowed her to function within the culture. However, despite the claim that informal experiences were more important than formal ones, there was a dynamic interplay between experiences inside and outside the classroom, such that each fostered change in the context of the other. It is suggested that encouraging students to talk and write about their experiences facilitates both cultural adjustment and language growth.
On-line frequency domain information for control of a flexible-link robot with varying payload

Experimental results are given for the endpoint position control of a single-link, very flexible robot arm carrying an unknown, varying payload. The control objective is to maintain endpoint position accuracy in the presence of flexure effects after rapid movement due to a rigid body slew-angle commanded position. Fast, simple, and efficient frequency domain schemes are used for online controller gain adjustment within an effective scheduling framework. Only endpoint acceleration and motor shaft angle measurements are utilized in relatively simple control laws where the appropriate gains have been scheduled as correlated to modal frequency information corresponding to a varying, unknown payload. >
Measures of Sections of Convex Bodies

This article is a survey of recent results on slicing inequalities for convex bodies. The focus is on the setting of arbitrary measures in place of volume.
Sol–gel encapsulated lithium polysulfide catholyte and its application in lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium polysulfides are the active cathode species in lithium–sulfur batteries. In this work non-hydrolytic sol–gel chemistry is tuned to create a sol that successfully encapsulates lithium polysulfide solutions, forming a solid polysulfide gel. The chemistry of the polysulfide gel is studied using Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies, which confirm the presence of active lithium polysulfides. This polysulfide gel is incorporated into a solid state lithium sulfur battery and cycled galvanostatically. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms that the gel has very similar electrochemical properties to the lithium polysulfide solutions from which it was prepared. Discharge capacities as high as 1 mA h cm−2 are obtained for a polysulfide gel cathode that is 1 mm thick.
The effects of attractive vs. repulsive instructional cuing on balance performance.

Background Torso-based vibrotactile feedback has been shown to improve postural performance during quiet and perturbed stance in healthy young and older adults and individuals with balance impairments. These systems typically include tactors distributed around the torso that are activated when body motion exceeds a predefined threshold. Users are instructed to “move away from the vibration”. However, recent studies have shown that in the absence of instructions, vibrotactile stimulation induces small (~1°) non-volitional responses in the direction of its application location. It was hypothesized that an attractive cuing strategy (i.e., “move toward the vibration”) could improve postural performance by leveraging this natural tendency.
Microbes paired for biological gas-to-liquids (Bio-GTL) process

Forecasts predict that diesel consumption will continue to grow over the next 30 y, surpassing gasoline in total volume (1). Growing demand is motivating the development of alternative sources of fuels for the heavy transportation sector. Biodiesel is the primary alternative to petrodiesel and is already the second-most abundant biologically derived transportation fuel in the United States. Most biodiesel is produced via transesterification of lipids isolated from oil crops, such as palm, canola, or soybean, which are limited in supply. In PNAS, Hu et al. demonstrate an integrated biological process for converting synthesis gas to triacylglycerides (TAGs) that could be used as an alternative biodiesel feedstock (2). The process pairs two microbes to take advantage of their unique metabolisms (Fig. 1). An anaerobic bacterium converts gaseous CO, CO2, and H2 to acetate in a first stage. Aqueous acetate is then fed to an engineered oleaginous yeast for production of lipids in a second stage. The process leverages a potentially abundant, low-cost feedstock to produce liquid transportation fuels analogous to established gas-to-liquid (GTL) processes that use heterogeneous catalysts; only here, the catalysts are living organisms. Fig. 1. A comparison of chemical GTL and new Bio-GTL synthesis of diesel fuels. Both approaches use synthesis gas that can be made from a wide range of sources, including steam reforming of natural gas and gasification of carbonaceous materials. Renewable feedstocks, such as biomass or biogas, can also be used. Chemical GTL processes use Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and catalytic cracking (red arrow) to produce diesel hydrocarbons. The Bio-GTL process described in Hu et al. (2) uses an acetogen to convert syngas to acetate in an anaerobic process. Acetate is fed to oleaginous yeast, which produces TAGs in an aerobic process. TAGs would then be transesterified with established technologies to produce biodiesel (blue arrow). One of … [↵][1]1Email: brian.pfleger{at}wisc.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Early onset breast cancer genomics and tumor biology in Alabama women

PR-4 The U.S. breast cancer incidence rate is highest overall among Caucasian-American (CA) women; however, early-onset breast cancer occurs at an increased frequency among African-American (AA) women. This national trend is particularly notable in Alabama, where the relative risk of breast cancer in young AA women is twice that observed in their CA counterparts. AA women also have historically poorer breast cancer outcomes, which may be a consequence of more aggressive disease. The underlying genetic factors contributing to these racial disparities in breast cancer are poorly understood. To better define the genetic contribution to racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer, we are correlating tumor biology with genome copy number alterations of breast tumors from Alabama women. We hypothesized that the differences in tumor phenotype observed between AA and CA early-onset breast cancer patients correlates with specific patterns of genomic aberrations. Our initial study includes 25 AA and 47 CA patients diagnosed with breast cancer at or below the age of 50. Consistent with previous reports, young AA women were significantly more likely to present with high-grade tumors. CA women were significantly more likely to present with the less aggressive breast tumor subtypes, as defined by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2-neu expression. AA tumors were also found to exhibit a less favorable expression pattern with respect to the prognostic markers, p27 and p53. DNA from age and grade matched tumors were analyzed for copy number variations by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) using a high-resolution whole genome BAC array (32K BAC array). Array CGH analysis of thirteen samples to date has identified a subset of loci that are differentially altered based on ethnicity. In addition, copy number variations have been identified which discriminate breast tumors based on tumor subtype, HER2 status, and ER status. Identification of chromosomal aberration patterns associated with specific pathologic factors may enhance assessment of breast cancer prognosis. In addition, these studies may lead to the identification of loci that contribute to the increased incidence and aggressiveness of early onset breast cancer in AA women.
Experimental Study of a Resonant Fence Actuator in a Turbulent Boundary Layer

An experimental study was conducted to examine the characteristics of a resonant oscillating fence actuator in a turbulent boundary layer. Experimental tests were conducted on static, transitioning, and oscillating fences at difierent heights and frequencies. As expected, the static fences produced spoiler-like efiects, but the results difiered signiflcantly from earlier studies in laminar boundary layers. Transitioning fences demonstrated that signiflcant disturbances could be created near the fence in times scales small relative to the time scale in the ∞ow. Oscillating fences also produced signiflcant disturbances to the ∞ow in the form of convecting vortices. The peak suction associated with these disturbances scaled with the fence height while the net lift produced scaled with the Strouhal number. Due to the large disturbances produced and the small power requirement, these actuators may be useful in many ∞ow control applications.
Fuzzy Clustering based Genetic Algorithm for the Multi-Depot Polygon Visiting Dubins Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem

A genetic algorithm (GA) and Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) based approach to the path representation of a variant of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), the Multi-Depot Polygon Visiting Dubins Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (MDPVDMTSP) is presented. Utilizing a hybridization of control techniques, this work effectively and efficiently approximates path planning and visbility problems encountered by a UAV swarm in the constant altitude, constant velocity, two-dimensional case. Benchmarking capabilities only exist for a 20 polygon PVDTSP case (1 UAV), but for this case a 9.8% increase in accuracy along with an order of magnitude decrease in run-time was found compared to the alternative method, despite utilizing a slower computer and programming language. Over 100 runs, the best solution was found 99% of the times, with a 1% chance of settling to a local minima. Comparison opportunities for MDPVDMTSP’s are currently not present, but the algorithms work similarly well for this scenario. MDPVDMTSP’s with 250 polygons, 20 UAV’s, and 4 different depots can be accurately approximated in under 30 seconds on the same machine. Being a combination of approximate methods, a decrease in run-time was expected, however the accuracy of this work shows great future promise for more complex variants of this problem.
Structural characteristic and acoustic absorption behaviors of fiber assemblies

Fiber assemblies are studied by using the standing wave tube method to explore the effect of several parameters on their acoustic absorption properties.The parameters include the average bulk density of assemblies,density and structure of fiber and the effect of air gap.The results show that with average bulk density increasing,the sound absorption coefficient is enhanced on whole testing frequency range,and the peak of the absorption spectra shifts towards lower frequency.However,it seems to have a critical bulk density,over which the absorption coefficient will not raise.The variety of fibers does not influence the sound absorption obviously.And changing the combination of fibers and air gap can increase the absorption capacity,especially in the low and medium frequency range.Furthermore,the increasing fiber volume fraction will raise the number of fiber cut ends on an arbitrary cross section and reduce the pore radius and length of the free distance,meanwhile make the peak of sound absorption coefficient shift towards lower frequency.
More wrinkles to Bt susceptibility.

Often it is the case that it is far easier to identify a pathogenic microbe than to understand the mechanisms that lead to host susceptibility or resistance. This is particularly the case for the c...
Focus on Diagnosis: The D-test

1. Kamakshya P. Patra, MD* 1. *Pediatric Resident, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA. Traditionally, clindamycin has been used to combat both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) infections because of its low cost, oral form, optimum bioavailability, excellent tissue penetration, nonrenal clearance, antitoxin effect, and ease of transition from inpatient to outpatient management. Over the years, many published reports documented clinical failures of clindamycin in treating S aureus infections caused by strains that initially demonstrated in vitro sensitivity to clindamycin but were resistant to erythromycin. This outcome was attributed to macrolide-inducible resistance to clindamycin. Routine antibiotic testing can be misleading in these cases, indicating sensitivity to clindamycin that turns to resistance. A 12-year-old boy presents with eczema complicated by secondary infection. The culture from a skin lesion grows MRSA that is sensitive to clindamycin, vancomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but resistant to erythromycin. The boy is treated with oral clindamycin for 10 days, and the skin lesions resolve. However, 2 weeks later, he develops cellulitis at the same site, with purulent drainage. He is admitted to the hospital for failed outpatient therapy and is treated with intravenous vancomycin. Repeat cultures from the site grow MRSA that has exactly the same sensitivity pattern as the previous isolate, except that it is resistant to clindamycin. A D-test …
HoloLens for Assembly Assistance - A Focus Group Report

The paper reports about the result of a focus group study, which volunteers worked with the Microsoft HoloLens on an assembly task. In this AR scenario, virtual 3D models, annotations, and text are used to convey assembly instructions. All physical parts of the assembly were tracked, thus, their position and orientation known, which facilitates to align virtual objects with a 3D model. In this study, we asked a group of mechanical engineering students whether they consider the HoloLens as an adequate device to convey assembly information. The students were selected from a machine design course, in which topics such as component design and manufacturing are addresses. The students were asked to work with the HoloLens on a short assembly task and to complete a questionnaire to measure their attitude. The results are inconclusive and divide the group into advocates and objectors.
It’s not just where you farm; it’s whether your neighbor does too. How agglomeration economies are shaping new agricultural landscapes

This article explores the effect of neighborhood land use on land use change in Mato Grosso, Brazil, one of the world’s most dynamic agricultural frontiers. Using an innovative combination of spatial statistics and remotely sensed data, this research shows that the likelihood of an area being converted to agriculture is closely tied to how land is used in a location’s surroundings. The results also suggest that this spatial spillover effect cannot be tied exclusively to the distribution of natural suitability characteristics. Rather, the likelihood of an area being converted to agriculture appears to reflect the dynamic socio-economic conditions of a location’s surroundings. The findings imply that (i) agricultural agencies or experts seeking to support developing agricultural regions should recognize the importance of returns to scale and local clustering and that (ii) land use modeling can be improved by accounting for suitability and land uses in nearby locations.
Trends in Length of Hospital Stay and the Impact on Prognosis of Early Discharge After a First Uncomplicated Acute Myocardial Infarction

Few studies have examined recent trends in the length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized with a first uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the impact of early hospital discharge on various short-term outcomes in these low-risk patients. We used data from 1,501 residents hospitalized with a first uncomplicated AMI from all central Massachusetts medical centers on a biennial basis between 2001 and 2011. The association between hospital LOS and subsequent hospital readmission or death was examined using logistic regression modeling. The average age of the study population was 63.7 years, 63.0% were men, and 91.4% were non-Hispanic whites. The average hospital LOS declined from 4.1 days in 2001 to 2.9 days in 2011. During the years under study, the average 30-day hospital readmission rate was 11.9%, whereas the 30- and 90-day death rates were 1.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The multivariable adjusted odds ratio of a 30-day hospital readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 1.41), or 30-day (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.29 to 2.98) and 90-day (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.36 to 2.20) death rates were not significantly different between patients who were discharged from central Massachusetts medical centers during the first 2 days as compared with those discharged thereafter. In conclusion, the average LOS in patients with a first uncomplicated AMI declined during the years under study, and early discharge from the hospital at day 2 or sooner of these low-risk patients does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse events post discharge compared with those discharged at a later time.
XQuery/IR: Integrating XML Document and Data Retrieval.

The structural aspects of the unified XML view are rigid enough to support data retrieval (DR) queries as known from database systems. Over the past few years, increasingly powerful query language, most notably the recent XQuery standard [2], have exploited this fact to provide expressive DR query capabilities for XML. On the other hand, XML’s structural aspects are transparent enough to treat arbitrary parts of the XML-represented data as documents. Document or information retrieval (IR) providing one of the most important capabilities for querying text-rich documents, however, is not supported by XQuery or any of the earlier XML query languages so far.
A Multilevel MTMM Approach to Estimating the Influences of Contextual Factors on Trait and Informant-Based Method Effects in Assessments of School Climate:

School-level contextual factors have been found to influence reports of school climate. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the extent to which these associations are related to the sc...
Secondary School Athletic Training Facility Scavenger Hunt Orientation Case Study

The purpose of this case study is to explain an educational game that was utilized as part of an orientation component with CAATE accredited athletic training students and technical high school sports medicine observation students. The students were guided through a scavenger hunt in three phases to help locate items within the athletic training room and then analyze the item’s function and non-traditional usages. This activity utilized the educational theory of ‘Bloom’s Taxonomy’ to introduce knowledge of athletic training supplies and equipment and help students implement that knowledge into future clinical practice.
Biochemical Mechanisms Underlying Primary Degeneration of Axons

Every student of neurobiology is familiar with the specialized functional architecture of the “typical” mammalian neuron with its isolated somal synthesis center that is responsible for maintaining the entire volume of its elongated axon. Less well appreciated are the extraordinary liabilities that this unusual cellular arrangement imparts to long axons in abnormal metabolic states. First, there is a relatively huge surface area for entry of toxic agents. Second, maintenance and restoration of damaged axoplasmic components depend to a large extent on a rate-limited axonal transport system that shuttles materials to and from a remote source of supply in the neuronal soma. Third, available energy supplies in the axon must be divided among maintenance of bidirectional axon transport, impulse propagation, and other energy-dependent functions. Taken together, these special features of axons offer a basis to explore why axonal degeneration is encountered in so many neurological conditions of diverse etiology. Cardinal among these are the primary axonopathies of peripheral nerve and spinal cord, expressed clinically as polyneuropathy or spinocerebellar degeneration, associated with nutritional deficiency, specific intoxication, or inherited metabolic abnormalities. Our purpose here is to identify the common features of the axonopathies, consider what little is known of their underlying biochemical mechanisms, and provide a cogent framework for future research to elucidate the molecular basis of axonal degeneration.
Selective Mercuration of Dienes in Micellar Medium: Mechanism and Potential Synthetic Application

The potential for application of micellar catalysis to synthetically useful transformations is large and unexplored. We present herein a brief summary of previous work in this area and preliminary results of our work aimed at using the environment of an anionic aqueous micelle to direct the course of the hydroxymercuration of organic substrates. We have found this medium to be both a useful way to selectively mono-functionalize non-conjugated dienes and to be able to control the competition between diol and cyclic ether formation in these same substrates.
THE STORY OF FLUID CATALYTIC CRACKING: THE FIRST “CIRCULATING FLUID BED”

ABSTRACT From December 1938 onward, a student of Warren K. Lewis and Edwin R. Gilliland at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) blew fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) powder upward through a one-inch pipe at air velocities to about 3 m/sec. In mid-1940, a consortium led by Standard Oil Company of New Jersey and the M.W. Kellogg Company used the M.I.T. data to design a fluid-bed substitute for a 100 barrel per day pilot cracking reactor of another type, whose performance had been disappointing. Fluidized standpipes elevated the pressure of FCC powder in the new system. D.L. Campbell, H.Z. Martin, and C.W. Tyson of Jersey Standard had invented this essential feature in April 1940, less than 4 months before gas oil was charged to the new system, on August 4, 1940.