cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tests of gases in a mini-TPC with pixel chip readout

Abstract Gases for potential use as targets for directional dark matter detection were tested in a prototype detector using two sequential Gas Electron Multipliers, or GEMs. The sensitive volume consists of a mini-TPC of 12 cm length and 7.5 cm diameter. An FEI3 pixel chip, developed for the ATLAS experiment, was used to produce spatial measurements with high resolution. An Fe55 source produced photoelectrons by X-ray conversions in the sensitive volume, and images of these were recorded by the chip. Spatial resolution plots are shown for the gases, which include the practical electron range of the photoelectrons and the effects of diffusion in the mini-TPC. Avalanche gain and gain resolution measurements were made for the four gases tested, at atmospheric and sub-atmospheric pressures: Ar(70)/CO2(30), CF4, He(80)/CF4(20) and He(80)/isobutane(20).
Quantitative holographic studies in biomedicine

A heterodyne hologram interferometry method for quantitative studies of tissue and bone responses to stimuli is described. Fundamental mathematical relationships between the holographic parameters and the displacement vectors are presented. Biomedical applications of the method are discussed and their implementation is illustrated by representative quantitative examples.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surface oxidation of GaAs(100) by adsorption of NO2

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of NO 2 on n-type Ga-rich GaAs(100) was studied using AES, TPD, HREELS, and MQS. At 78 K all the adsorbed NO 2 up to 4 L exposure reacts to oxidize the surface and desorb NO. At higher exposures NO 2 accumulates on the surface as the N 2 O 4 dimer. Saturation of the oxidation reaction, corresponding to monolayer oxide formation, occurs at a NO 2 exposure of about 30 L. A small amount of NO 3 is also formed, which can be increased by repeated cycles of dosing and heating to 150 K to desorb unreacted NO 2 . Annealing the sample to 800 K develops a HREELS oxide band centered at 84 meV, which is assigned as a gallium oxide structure. All of the oxide is desorbed at Ga 2 O in a narrow peak at about 800 K. Exposure of the clean surface to NO 2 at 300 K is found to oxidize the surface as efficiently as at 78 K.
Induction of sexual receptivity in the female lizard, Anolis carolinensis: Effects of estrogen and the antiestrogen CI-628

Abstract Daily behavioral testing revealed that there is a latency period of at least 48 hr from the administration of a single injection of estradiol benzoate (EB) to the first significant increase in female sexual receptivity in the ovariectomized female lizard, Anolis carolinensis. This latency period did not vary with dosage of EB used in these experiments (i.e., 0.8, 1.4, and 4.0 μg) nor with method of injection (subcutaneous vs intraperitoneal for dose of 1.4 μg EB). Following a single EB injection, female sexual receptivity increased after the 48-hr latency period, reached an observed peak from Day 3 to Day 6, and thereafter declined to pretreatment levels by Day 19. Although both 1.4 and 4.0 μg of EB produced higher levels of female sexual receptivity than did treatment with 0.8 μg of EB, results obtained with 4.0 μg EB did not differ from those obtained with 1.4 μg EB. Administration of the nonsteroidal antiestrogen CI-628 (80 μg) at either 4 or 24 hr following a single subcutaneous injection of 1.4 μg EB significantly reduced subsequent female sexual receptivity. These results suggest that there is a critical length of time during which estrogen must act on the brain and support the concept of an estrogen “maintenance” effect during this priming period.
Collagenous Colitis: Mucosal Biopsies and Association With Fecal Leukocytes

Objective To determine the frequency of patchy colonic involvement, fecal leukocytosis, and association with celiac sprue in a large cohort of patients with collagenous colitis. Design We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 172 consecutive Mayo Clinic patients in whom collagenous colitis had been diagnosed between 1982 and 1993. Methods For each of the 172 patients, the medical record was reviewed to determine the frequency of (1) fecal leukocytosis; (2) characteristic histologic findings in the rectum and the sigmoid, descending, and ascending colon; and (3) small bowel biopsy findings consistent with celiac sprue. Results The presence of fecal leukocytes was noted in 64 of 116 patients (55%) who had undergone assessment for fecal leukocytosis. On analysis of histologic findings, 113 of 123 rectal, 116 of 121 sigmoid, and 68 of 70 descending colon biopsy specimens were diagnostic of collagenous colitis. Small bowel biopsies were performed in 45 patients who did not have a history of small intestinal disease: 1 had celiac sprue and 44 had normal findings. Two other patients had previously diagnosed celiac sprue. Conclusion The finding of fecal leukocytes in 55% of patients with collagenous colitis confirms the inflammatory basis of this disease. Biopsy specimens obtained by flexible sigmoidoscopy seem sufficient to establish the diagnosis in most patients, and colonoscopic biopsy of the more proximal area of the colon is usually unnecessary. Celiac sprue infrequently accompanies collagenous colitis; thus, routine small bowel biopsy is not warranted.
SPECTRAL IRRADIANCE CALIBRATION IN THE INFRARED. XVII. ZERO-MAGNITUDE BROADBAND FLUX REFERENCE FOR VISIBLE-TO-INFRARED PHOTOMETRY

The absolutely calibrated infrared (IR) stellar spectra of standard stars described by Engelke et al. are being extended into the visible and will span a continuous wavelength range from ~0.35 μm to 35.0 μm. This paper, which is a continuation of the series on calibration initiated with Cohen et al., presents the foundation of this extension. We find that due to various irregularities Vega (α Lyr) is not suitable for its traditional role as the primary visible or near-infrared standard star. We therefore define a new zero-point flux that is independent of Vega and, as far as is feasible, uses measured spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and fluxes derived from photometry. The calibrated primary stars now underpinning this zero-point definition are 109 Vir in the visible and Sirius (α CMa) in the infrared. The resulting zero-point SED tests well against solar analog data presented by Rieke et al. while also maintaining an unambiguous link to specific calibration stars, thus providing a pragmatic range of options for any researcher wishing to tie it to a given set of photometry.
Multi-Quadrant Biopsy Technique Improves Diagnostic Ability in Large Heterogeneous Renal Masses

Purpose: Percutaneous biopsy obtained from a single location is prone to sampling error in large heterogeneous renal masses, leading to nondiagnostic results or failure to detect poor prognostic features. We evaluated the accuracy of percutaneous biopsy for large renal masses using a modified multi-quadrant technique vs a standard biopsy technique.Materials and Methods: Clinical and pathological data for all patients with cT2 or greater renal masses who underwent percutaneous biopsy from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed. The multi-quadrant technique was defined as multiple core biopsies from at least 4 separate solid enhancing areas in the tumor. The incidence of nondiagnostic findings, sarcomatoid features and procedural complications was recorded, and concordance between biopsy specimens and nephrectomy pathology was compared.Results: A total of 122 biopsies were performed for 117 tumors in 116 patients (46 using the standard biopsy technique and 76 using the multi-quadrant technique). Median tumor size was 1...
An intramolecular probe of reactivity in Nafion

Abstract A linkage isomer, pentaammine(dimethylsulfoxide)ruthenium(II)tetrafluoroborate, has been used to clarify the role of Nafion polymer coatings on electrodes in the increase in reaction rate found for ruthenium bimolecular substitution reactions. Reaction rates and activation parameters of the linkage isomerization are found to be relatively unchanged by incorporation into the Nafion polymeric environment. Small increases in reaction rates in Nafion as compared to solution are attributed to greater organization of solvent molecular structure around the ruthenium ion transition state.
Computed tomographic screening for thoracic and lumbar fractures: is spine reformatting necessary?

Abstract Introduction Patients who sustain traumatic vertebral fractures often have multiple other associated injuries. Because of the mechanisms of injury, many of these patients routinely undergo chest computed tomographic (CCT) and/or abdominal/pelvic computed tomographic (APCT) scans to diagnose intrathoracic or intra-abdominal injuries. These scans are routinely reformatted to provide more detailed imaging of the spine. Although the patient does not incur more radiation, the charges associated with this are significant. This study compared the sensitivity of these CT modalities in detecting thoracolumbar spine fractures. Methods A retrospective chart review identified blunt trauma victims, admitted through the emergency department, with a discharge diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar spine fracture that received (1) a chest and T-spine CT, (2) an abdominal/pelvic and lumbar spine CT, or both. Final radiologic readings of these patients' CT scans were obtained, and the sensitivities of the different imaging methods were compared. Discharge diagnosis of spine fracture was considered the gold standard. Results One hundred seventy-six APCT scans with reformatting and 175 CCT scans with reformatting were available for comparison. There were 9 of 176 false-negative APCT scans vs 3/176 false-negative lumbar spine CT scans. There were 14/175 false-negative CCT scans vs 2/175 false-negative thoracic spine CT scans. The differences in sensitivity were significant (P Conclusions Reformatting of CCT and APCT scans gives improved sensitivity in the detection of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures in trauma patients. Future study looking at clinically significant fractures or those that change clinical management decisions may find that the reformatted images are not routinely needed as a screening tool.
Size-fractionated major particle composition and concentrations from the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic Zonal Transect

The concentration and the major phase composition (particulate organic matter, CaCO3, opal, lithogenic matter, and iron and manganese oxyhydroxides) of marine particles is thought to determine the scavenging removal of particle-reactive TEIs. Particles are also the vector for transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean via the biological carbon pump, and their composition may determine the efficiency and strength of this transfer. Here, we present the first full ocean depth section of size-fractionated (1–51 µm, >51 µm) suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration and major phase composition from the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic Zonal Transect between Woods Hole, MA and Lisbon, Portugal conducted in 2010 and 2011. Several major particle features are notable in the section: intense benthic nepheloid layers were observed in the western North American margin with concentrations of SPM of up to 1648 µg/L, two to three orders of magnitude higher than surrounding waters, that were dominated by lithogenic material. A more moderate benthic nepheloid layer was also observed in the eastern Mauritanian margin (44 µg/L) that had a lower lithogenic content and, notably, significant concentrations of iron and manganese oxyhydroxides (2.5% each). An intermediate nepheloid layer reaching 102 µg/L, an order of magnitude above surrounding waters, was observed associated with the Mediterranean Outflow. Finally, there was a factor of two enhancement in SPM at the TAG hydrothermal plume due almost entirely to the addition of iron oxyhydroxides from the hydrothermal vent. We observe correlations between POC and CaCO3 in large (>51 µm) particles in the upper 2000 m, but not deeper than 2000 m, and no correlations between POC and CaCO3 at any depth in small (<51 µm) particles. There were also no correlations between POC and lithogenic material in large particles. Overall, there were very large uncertainties associated with all regression coefficients for mineral ballast (“carrying coefficients”), suggesting that mineral ballast was not a strong predictor for POC in this section.
SELF-BROADENING AND SELF-SHIFT COEFFICIENTS IN THE FUNDAMENTAL BAND OF 12C16O

Abstract High quality and precise measurements of self-broadened and self-shift coefficients in the fundamental band of 12C16O were made using spectra recorded at room temperature with the high-resolution (0.0027 cm-1) McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer located at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, Arizona. The spectral region under investigation (2008–2247 cm-1) contains the P(31) to R(31) transitions. The data were obtained using a high-purity natural isotopic sample of carbon monoxide and two absorption cells with pathlengths of 4.08 and 9.98 cm, respectively. Various pressures of CO were used, ranging between 0.25 and 201.2 Torr. The results were obtained by analyzing five spectra simultaneously using a multispectrum nonlinear least-squares fitting technique. The self-broadened coefficients ranged from 0.0426(2) cm-1 atm-1 at 296 K to 0.0924(2) cm-1 atm-1 at 296 K, while the pressure-induced shift coefficients varied between −0.0042(3) cm-1 atm-1 at 296 K and +0.0005(1) cm-1 atm-1 at 296 K. The value in parentheses is the estimated uncertainty in units of the last digit. The self-broadened coefficients of lines with same values of m in the P and R branches agree close to within experimental uncertainties while the self-shift coefficients showed considerable variation within and between the two branches. The mean value of the ratios of P branch to R branch self-broadened coefficients was found to be 1.01 with a standard deviation of ±0.01. Comparisons of the results with other published data were made.
Sex Differences in Mathematical Abilities: Commentary on the Math-Fact Retrieval Hypothesis.

Abstract The hypothesis that a male advantage in speed of math-fact retrieval underlies the sex difference, favoring males, in mathematical abilities is unique and provocative. However, the hypothesis does not provide an explanation for the male advantage in mathematical domains, such as geometry, that do not require arithmetic, nor does it accommodate the sex differences in social and occupational interests that contribute to the sex difference in mathematical achievement. An alternative hypothesis focusing on the sex difference in three-dimensional spatial cognition is favored over the math-fact retrieval hypothesis.
Psychosine-induced alterations in peroxisomes of twitcher mouse liver.

Krabbe disease is a neuroinflammatory disorder in which galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) accumulates in nervous tissue. To gain insight into whether the psychosine-induced effects in nervous tissue extend to peripheral organs, we investigated the expression of cytokines and their effects on peroxisomal structure/functions in twitcher mouse liver (animal model of Krabbe disease). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated TNF-α and IL-6 expression, which was confirmed by mRNAs quantitation. Despite the presence of TNF-α, lipidomic analysis did not indicate a significant decrease in sphingomyelin or an increase in ceramide fractions. Ultrastructural analysis of catalase-dependent staining of liver sections showed reduced reactivity without significant changes in peroxisomal contents. This observation was confirmed by assaying catalase activity and quantitation of its mRNA, both of which were found significantly decreased in twitcher mouse liver. Western blot analysis demonstrated a generalized reduction of peroxisomal matrix and membrane proteins. These observations indicate that twitcher mouse pathobiology extends to the liver, where psychosine-induced TNF-α and IL-6 compromise peroxisomal structure and functions.
Testing realistic environments for metal film growth and aging: chemical insights into the effect of oxygen on Ag/Ag(100)

Abstract We study the effect which exposure to molecular oxygen gas can have on the formation and aging of islands in a submonolayer Ag film on Ag(1 0 0). The technique used is high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction, and the surface temperature is 220–250 K. Oxygen has no discernible effect on the average separation of islands resulting from Ag deposition, implying that molecular oxygen does not interact with atomic Ag as it diffuses and nucleates islands on the terraces. However, oxygen serves to accelerate post-deposition coarsening, causing the average island separation to increase rapidly. We show that atomic, not molecular, oxygen is responsible for this effect. Dissociation of the molecule presumably takes place at kink sites, which are plentiful due to the abundance of island edges in the film, and can be triggered either by electron impact or by thermal activation.
Insulin resistance causes human gallbladder dysmotility

Obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are known risk factors for the development of gallstones. A growing body of animal and human data has correlated insulin resistance with organ dysfunction. The relationship among obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and abnormal gallbladder motility remains unclear. Therefore, we designed a study to investigate the association among obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and gallbladder dysmotility. One hundred ninety-two healthy adult nondiabetic volunteers were studied. Gallbladder ultrasounds were performed before and after a standardized fatty meal. A gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) was calculated, and an EF of 25% (109±20 mg/dl versus 78±2 mg/dl, P 25% (3.3±1.2 versus 2.0±0.2, P<0.05). In obese subjects (n=66), fasting glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were not associated with a gallbladder EF <25%. These data suggest that in lean, nondiabetic volunteers without gallstones, gallbladder dysmotility is associated with an elevated fasting glucose as well as a high index of insulin resistance. We conclude that insulin resistance alone may be responsible for gallbladder dysmotility that may result in acalculous cholecystitis or gallstone formation.
Keynote Speech: Recent developments of division-of-amplitude photopolarimeters

Fast (submillisecond) measurement of the complete state of polarization (SOP) of light, as determined by the four Stokes parameters, requires instruments that have no moving parts or modulators. This is accomplished by dividing the light beam, whose SOP is to be measured, into four or more beams that are intercepted by discrete (or array) photodetectors. The output electrical signals of at least four detectors (or array pixel groups) provide four linearly independent projections of the unknown Stokes vector of the incident light. This requires judicious choices of the beam splitting and polarizing optics.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nonlinear Equilibration of Two-Dimensional Eady Waves

Abstract The initial-value problem for Eady's model is reexamined using a two-dimensional (x–z) primitive equation model. It is generally accepted that a finite amplitude instability of Eady's basic state will produce a frontal discontinuity in a finite time. When diffusion prevents the frontal discontinuity from forming, the wave amplitude eventually stops growing and begins to oscillate. We analyze this equilibration and suggest that it is a result of enhanced potential vorticity in the frontal region that is mixed into the interior from the boundaries. The dynamics of equilibration is crudely captured in a modified quasi-geostrophic model in which the zonal-mean static stability is allowed to vary. The magnitude of the meridional wind speed of the equilibrated wave is O(N0H), where N0 is the initial buoyancy frequency and H is the depth of the fluid. This is of the same order as the amplitude of the wave predicted by semigeostrophic theory at the point of frontal collapse. Scaling arguments are present...
BWR Steam Dryer Issues and Lessons Learned Related to Flow Induced Vibration

Steam dryers in Boiling Water Reactors, located in the upper steam dome of the reactor pressure vessel, are not pressure retaining components and are not designed and constructed to the provisions of Section III of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. As such, these components do not correspond to any specific safety class referenced in the Code. Although the steam dryers in BWRs perform no safety function, they must maintain the structural integrity in order to avoid the generation of loose parts that may adversely impact the capability of other plant equipment to perform their safety functions. Therefore guidance from Section III of the ASME Code is utilized in the design and fabrication of replacement dryers as well as for design modifications of the existing dryers for extended power uprates. The majority of licensees of operating nuclear plants are applying for EPU, which generally increases the thermal power output to 20% above the original licensed thermal power. Nuclear power plant components such as steam dryers can be subjected to strong fluctuating loads and can experience unexpected high cycle fatigue due to adverse flow effects while operating at EPU conditions. However, there are some unique challenges related to steam dryer operation at EPU conditions requiring special considerations to prevent fatigue damage from the effects of flow induced vibration. This paper examines the issues and lessons learned related to FIV considerations during EPU reviews of BWR steam dryers.
Challenges Faced by Military Families: Perceptions of United States Marine Corps School Liaisons

The global war on terror has placed a number of stressful demands on service members and their families. Although the military offers a wide range of services and supports to military families, not all families are willing or able to use them. For example, geographically dispersed families can find it challenging to connect with military support resources. School liaison programs (SLPs) were developed by the military to foster the development of local partnerships to enhance the academic success of military children. In this study, all 20 Marine Corps school liaisons (SLs) reported on the frequency and severity of stressors experienced by Marine families. We hypothesized that SLs would encounter families contending with a broad array of challenges, well beyond those related to academics. Indeed, SLs reported that military families sought assistance for a wide array of stressors. School transition stressors were most common for children and youth, while deployment-related stress was most common for Marine families. Despite the limitations of this study, the results suggest that families using the Marine SLPs may be a vulnerable group. Military–school–community partnerships may hold out promise for filling in service gaps faced by those military families experiencing high levels of stressor exposure and low levels of coping resources.
Time-Domain Analysis of a Novel Phase-Locked Coherent Optical Demodulator

Detailed analysis of a novel highly linear phase-locked coherent optical demodulator is presented. We investigate how loop gain, phase-modulator non-linearity and amplitude modulation influence the Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR) of the demodulated signal.
Object salience and code separation in picture naming

Picture naming requires access to three kinds of codes in permanent memory: visual-perceptual, semantic, and lexical. When a picture is named a second time, there is a substantial latency drop. This is assumed to reflect a limited but specific reorganization of memory called “update.” Research was designed to explore three questions: (1) Are the code systems independent? (2) Does update occur in the visual system? If so, what proportion of update is visual? (3) How does the salience of objects (i.e., frequency, ecological importance) determine the magnitude of the latency drop? The naming latencies for pictures previously processed only visually were compared with pictures renamed and those not previously presented. Pictures were calibrated on one index of salience (uncertainty). Results supported the conclusion that the visual system is at least partially independent of the others. Update occurs in the visual system; visual-node priming may be responsible for approximately one-third of the total latency drop. Finally, visual update appears insensitive to object salience, whereas the nonvisual components primed, lexical and/or semantic, interact with salience.
Esterification of free fatty acids in adipocytes: a comparison between octanoate and oleate

Medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) are present in milk, coconut oil and other foods, and are used therapeutically in special diets for certain disorders of lipid and glucose utilization. Recently, it has become apparent that MCT are not only oxidized in the liver, but are also present in lymph and fat tissue, particularly after chronic treatment. To evaluate the influence of MCT on metabolism in fat cells, we compared incorporation of octanoate and oleate into cellular triacylglycerols of 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as their effects on preadipocyte differentiation. We found that less octanoate than oleate was stored and that more octanoate than oleate was oxidized. Octanoate was esterified to a greater extent at the sn-1,3 position of glyceryl carbons than at the sn-2 position, whereas the opposite was true for oleate. Glycerol release from fat cells pre-treated with octanoate was also greater than from cells pre-treated with oleate, presumably related to the preferential release of octanoate from the sn-1,3 position. Octanoate was not incorporated into lipids in undifferentiated cells and did not induce differentiation in these cells, whereas oleate was readily stored and actually induced differentiation. Incorporation of octanoate into lipids increased as cells differentiated, but reached a maximum of about 10% of the total stored fatty acids. If these effects in vitro also occur in vivo, substitution of octanoate for oleate or other long-chain fatty acids could have the beneficial effect of diminishing fat-cell number and lipid content.
Oxygen deficit and slow oxygen component relationships between intermittent and continuous exercise

Above the lactate/ventilatory threshold, prolonged steady-state exercise produces a secondary rise in oxygen uptake, the slow oxygen component. The slow oxygen component 'represents an additional energetic requirement' above steady state; however, a lack of consensus on how to measure anaerobic energy expenditure makes it difficult to ascertain how or if anaerobic metabolism also contributes to energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to establish if the slow oxygen component is the sole source of 'additional energetic requirements' during steady-state exercise above the lactate/ventilatory threshold. Ten participants completed an 8 min continuous treadmill run and four 2 min intermittent runs at a speed of 2.67 m.s -1 and a grade located halfway between the ventilatory threshold and maximum oxygen uptake. Each participant performed five submaximal runs below the ventilatory threshold to estimate energy expenditure at this exercise intensity. Both the oxygen deficit and the slow oxygen component were...
De novo Synthesis vs. Sequestration: Negatively Correlated Metabolic Traits and the Evolution of Host Plant Specialization in Cyanogenic Butterflies

Larvae of Heliconius butterflies (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) feed exclusively on cyanogenic leaves of Passiflora (passion vine). Most Heliconius manufacture cyanogenic glycosides (cyanogens) and some species sequester cyanogens from host plants. We compare ability to sequester simple monoglycoside cyclopentenyl (SMC) cyanogens and manufacture aliphatic cyanogens in 12 Heliconius species, including larvae that are specialized (single host species) and generalized (many host species). All butterflies tested higher for cyanide concentrations when reared on plants that larvae can sequester from (SMC plants) than when reared on plants that larvae do not sequester from (non-SMC plants). Specialists in the sara-sapho clade sequestered SMC cyanogens from specific host plants at seven times that of Passiflora generalists fed the same hosts. In contrast, sara-sapho clade species reared on non-SMC plants had significantly lower cyanide concentrations from de novo synthesis than generalists fed the same plants. Furthermore, cyanogen analyses indicated that Heliconius sara butterflies reared on an SMC host had a greater proportion of sequestered SMC cyanogens (95.0%) than de novo-synthesized aliphatic cyanogens (5.0%). Thus, sequestration and de novo synthesis are negatively correlated traits. Results suggest that losing the ability to synthesize cyanogens has restricted sara-sapho clade species to specific hosts containing SMC cyanogens and explains dietary restriction in this clade.
SELECTIVE TOXICITY OF NEONICOTINOIDS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SPECIFICITY OF INSECT AND MAMMALIAN NICOTINIC RECEPTORS

■ Abstract Neonicotinoids, the most important new class of synthetic insecticides of the past three decades, are used to control sucking insects both on plants and on companion animals. Imidacloprid (the principal example), nitenpyram, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and others act as agonists at the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The botanical insecticide nicotine acts at the same target without the neonicotinoid level of effectiveness or safety. Fundamental differences between the nAChRs of insects and mammals confer remarkable selectivity for the neonicotinoids. Whereas ionized nicotine binds at an anionic subsite in the mammalian nAChR, the negatively tipped (“magic” nitro or cyano) neonicotinoids interact with a proposed unique subsite consisting of cationic amino acid residue(s) in the insect nAChR. Knowledge reviewed here of the functional architecture and molecular aspects of the insect and mammalian nAChRs and their neonicotinoid-binding site lays the foundation for continued development and use of this new class of safe and effective insecticides. CONTENTS
Using the Tractometer to assess performance of a new statistical tractography technique

We evaluate a recent statistical tractography technique for analyzing the diffusion tensor imaging data using new criteria and the template from the Tractometer. This novel method simultaneously achieves excellent percentages on 3 out of 7 criteria. Compared to deterministic tractography methods, it is superior to all of them. Compared to probabilistic tractography methods, it has similar results for so-called ABC metric and better performance for all the other metrics. On top of this, it is faster and it additionally provides more geometrical information through confidence ellipsoids rather than through a bundle of repeated tracts. Journal of Nature and Science, 1(7):e130, 2015
An image analysis pipeline for the semi-automated analysis of clinical fMRI images based on freely available software

The technique of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has evolved in the last 15 years from a research concept into a clinically relevant medical procedure. In this study, an efficient, semi-automated and cost-effective solution for the analysis of fMRI images acquired in a clinical setting is presented relying heavily on open source software. The core of the pipeline is the software Analysis of Functional NeuroImages (AFNI, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)) combined with K-PACS and ImageJ. Its application is illustrated with clinical fMRI exams and with a research study involving comparing subjects diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and age-matched controls.
Dark-Stimulated Calcium Ion Fluxes in the Chloroplast Stroma and Cytosol

Using transgenic Nicotiana plumbaginifolia seedlings in which the calcium reporter aequorin is targeted to the chloroplast stroma, we found that darkness stimulates a considerable flux of Ca2+ into the stroma. This Ca2+ flux did not occur immediately after the light-to-dark transition but began ∼5 min after lights off and increased to a peak at ∼20 to 30 min after the onset of darkness. Imaging of aequorin emission confirmed that the dark-stimulated luminescence emanated from chloroplast-containing tissues of the seedling. The magnitude of the Ca2+ flux was proportional to the duration of light exposure (24 to 120 h) before lights off; the longer the duration of light exposure, the larger the dark-stimulated Ca2+ flux. On the other hand, the magnitude of the dark-stimulated Ca2+ flux did not appear to vary as a function of circadian time. When seedlings were maintained on a 24-h light/dark cycle, there was a stromal Ca2+ burst after lights off every day. Moreover, the waveform of the Ca2+ spike was different during long-day versus short-day light/dark cycles. The dark-stimulated Ca2+ flux into the chloroplastidic stroma appeared to affect transient changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels. DCMU, an inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transport, caused a significant increase in stromal Ca2+ levels in the light but did not affect the magnitude of the dark-stimulated Ca2+ flux. This robust Ca2+ flux likely plays regulatory roles in the sensing of both light/dark transitions and photoperiod.
(2‐Bromovinyl)trimethylsilane

[13682-94-5] C5H11BrSi (MW 179.13) InChI = 1S/C5H11BrSi/c1-7(2,3)5-4-6/h4-5H,1-3H3/b5-4+ InChIKey = FKXCNOSKBLGEMQ-SNAWJCMRSA-N (E) [41309-43-7] InChI = 1S/C5H11BrSi/c1-7(2,3)5-4-6/h4-5H,1-3H3/b5-4+ InChIKey = FKXCNOSKBLGEMQ-SNAWJCMRSA-N (Z) [70737-20-1] InChI = 1S/C5H11BrSi/c1-7(2,3)5-4-6/h4-5H,1-3H3/b5-4- InChIKey = FKXCNOSKBLGEMQ-PLNGDYQASA-N (for introduction of the β-(trimethylsilyl)vinyl moiety; the resulting alkenylsilanes undergo useful electrophilic substitutions of the TMS group1) Alternate Name: 1-bromo-2-trimethylsilylethylene. Physical Data: (E)-isomer: bp 54–55 °C/56 mmHg; d 1.16 g cm−3. (Z)-isomer: bp 50–52 °C/56 mmHg. Form Supplied in: (E)-isomer, typically containing ca. 10% (Z)-isomer. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (CHCH) of (E)-isomer: δ 6.48 (s); (Z)-isomer: δ 6.35, 6.50, 6.86, 7.01 (AB pattern, J = 9 Hz). Preparative Methods: (E)-isomer: by the sequence of eq 12, or more directly from the readily available Vinyltrimethylsilane3 (eq 2).4 (Z)-isomer: by bromination–debromosilylation of 1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)ethylene (eq 3).5 (1) (2) (3) Purification: An 87:13 (E):(Z) mixture was enriched to 98–99% (E) by fractionation.6 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: use in a fume hood.
WEB resources for pesticide toxicology, environmental chemistry, and policy: a utilitarian perspective.

Information about pesticides has grown exponentially over the last four decades and is marked by a diversity of sources including government, universities, environmental advocates, and industry. The internet has made access to this unprecedented amount of information faster than ever, but judging the validity and usefulness of the information is problematic. To avoid turning this discussion of web resources for pesticide information into a narrative about a personal ‘top ten’ list, a utilitarian perspective of resources useful to a research, educator, and risk communicator is elucidated. Useful web sites are fit into the context of information needed for risk assessment, which includes hazard identification, dose-response relationships, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. In addition resources for pesticide policy and regulations are considered. Specific ways in which the sites are useful are discussed along with information about site updating and validation of information. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The role of technology in the project manager performance model

Technology assumes importance in the context of project management due to greater challenges in today's technology-enabled work environment, where technology tools are routinely used for collaboration, communication, and deployment of project management practices. It is becoming common practice for even co-located project teams to use the electronic medium for these purposes. Notwithstanding the importance of technology, research has shown that it is difficult to associate the use of technology with business performance and the absence of such relation can be extrapolated to project performance as well. However, technology can play a major role in supporting project managers in managing projects effectively and efficiently. Several studies have addressed the importance and leadership style of project managers. However, specific roles and responsibilities of a project manager toward the project team is an area that needs further study. In this research effort, using the literature review, important people-related factors of project performance are identified. Then structured personal interviews were used to gather data for understanding relations among these factors in order to develop a project manager performance model. The model was developed employing the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology. The model was used to determine the role of the project manager in managing the project team and improving the project performance. Results show that both leadership and management roles are important. This study helped to analyze underlying interactions among these factors and, consequently, understand the supportive function of technology to the project manager in improving project performance.
Dynamics of drag and force distributions for projectile impact in a granular medium

Our experiments and molecular dynamics simulations on a projectile penetrating a two-dimensional granular medium reveal that the mean deceleration of the projectile is constant and proportional to the impact velocity. Thus, the time taken for a projectile to decelerate to a stop is independent of its impact velocity. The simulations show that the probability distribution function of forces on grains is time independent during a projectile's deceleration in the medium. At all times the force distribution function decreases exponentially for large forces.
Activities of New Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Against Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract The in vitro activities of gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, azlocillin, carbenicillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, cefoperazone, cefsulodin, moxalactam, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and N-formimidoyl thienamycin were measured against 62 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis. Ceftazidime and N-formimidoyl thienamycin were the most active of these agents.
Tall Building Response Parameters: Sensitivity Study Based on Orthogonal Factorial Experiment Design Technique

This work has two objectives. The first objective is to introduce structural engineers to the experiment design technique, whose future applications may include, for example, the total response of tall buildings, the strength reserve of statically indeterminate structures with nonlinear behavior, for which the duration of each run is large, and the aerodynamic response of a structure under a flow with a variety of simulated flow parameters. The second objective is to show, by using the experiment design technique, that wind load factors for tall buildings depend significantly upon uncertainties with respect to the natural frequencies of vibration and the damping ratios. Because this dependence is disregarded in the ASCE 7-05 Standard, wind load factors specified therein can lead to safety levels that are significantly lower for flexible buildings than for rigid buildings. An unexpected result of the study is that estimates of wind effects based on peak gust speeds entail nonnegligible errors. Consideration should therefore be given to replacing peak gust speeds by sustained wind speeds.
An intermolecular potential for use in liquids

Abstract An intermolecular potential which takes into account the appreciable effect of a non-polar liquid medium is derived. It depends on macroscopic propertis, and on the local order in the liquid through the relative sizes of “solute” and “solvent” molecules. The CCl 4 - CCl 4 potential in liquid benzene is drawn as an example.
Nucleic-Acid Amplification Testing of Urine vs. Patient Complaint-Driven Evaluation

The present pilot study compared the ability of a conventional patient complaint-driven approach to that of nucleic-acid amplification testing (NAAT) of urine to identify those individuals among an adult, urban, Emergency Department (ED) population infected with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Urine for NAAT was collected for testing after individuals had completed a questionnaire and before being seen by a physician. A total of 614 subjects were enrolled, and complete physical examinations were performed on 348 (56.6%) individuals, with women being significantly more likely to receive such an evaluation (odds ratio [OR] 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96-4.86); p < 0.001). A total of 153 (24.9%) of the study cohort tested positive for a least one sexually transmitted disease (STD), and only a reported history of STD (OR 1.74; 95% CI (1.18-2.57); p = 0.005) and a history of a new sexual partner in the last 3 months (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.13-2.82); p = 0.012) were predictive of a positive STD test. NAAT of urine samples on patients who did not receive a complete physical examination resulted in a 33% (51/153) increase in diagnostic yield in this cohort of ED attendees.
Dephosphorylation of β2-syntrophin and Ca2+/μ-calpain-mediated cleavage of ICA512 upon stimulation of insulin secretion

Islet cell autoantigen (ICA) 512 is a receptor-tyrosine phosphatase-like protein associated with the secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells, including pancreatic β-cells. Binding of its cytoplasmic tail to β2-syntrophin suggests that ICA512 connects secretory granules to the utrophin complex and the actin cytoskeleton. Here we show that stimulation of insulin secretion from INS-1 cells triggers the biosynthesis of pro-ICA512 and the degradation of its mature form. Inhibition of calpain, which is activated upon stimulation of insulin secretion, prevents the Ca2+-dependent proteolysis of ICA512. In vitro µ-calpain cleaves ICA512 between a putative PEST domain and the β2-syntrophin binding site, whereas binding of ICA512 to β2-syntrophin protects the former from cleavage. β2-syntrophin and its F-actin-binding protein utrophin are enriched in subcellular fractions containing secretory granules. ICA512 preferentially binds phospho-β2-syntrophin and stimulation of insulin secretion induces the Ca2+-dependent, okadaic acid-sensitive dephosphorylation of β2-syntrophin. Similarly to calpeptin, okadaic acid inhibits ICA512 proteolysis and insulin secretion. Thus, stimulation of insulin secretion might promote the mobilization of secretory granules by inducing the dissociation of ICA512 from β2-syntrophin–utrophin complexes and the cleavage of the ICA512 cytoplasmic tail by µ-calpain.
Effects of Vortex Generating Tabs on Noise Sources in an Ideally Expanded Mach 1.3 Jet

The flow and acoustic fields of an ideally expanded Mach 1.3 axisymmetric jet with delta tabs were examined to explore the effects of the tabs on noise sources. This work continues research that was performed on a baseline (no-tab) jet. Noise measurements were made at an angle of 30˚ to the downstream jet axis to allow a direct comparison to previous work, and to relate the sound generation mechanisms to the large structures that were visualized with temporally resolved flow visualization. Additional acoustic measurements were made at 60˚ and 90˚ locations. Three cases were examined: a baseline jet, a single delta tab jet, and a dual delta tab jet. Both tab jets were operated at the same pressure ratio as the baseline jet, which was ideally expanded. Power spectra and average acoustic waveform measurements were made for a variety of azimuthal locations; apparent noise origins were estimated with a 3-D microphone array; and temporally resolved flow visualization was used to examine the dynamic flow structure of the jet’s mixinglayer. The results confirm that the tabs generate strong streamwise vortices that have a significant effect on both the flow and acoustic fields of the jet. The tabs cause significant deformation in the cross-stream plane of the mixing-layer, as well as regulating the formation and roll-up of vortices due to Kelvin Helmholtz instability. With the addition of tabs, the noise field becomes azimuthally dependent and the region of noise generation moves dramatically upstream. It appears that the tabs are directly responsible for an increase in noise over a range of Strouhal numbers between 0.8 and 2.5 through generated streamwise vortices and they are indirectly responsible for the modification of the noise generating mechanisms at Strouhal numbers below 0.6 through the induced spanwise vortex roll-ups.
Quantifying Insolation in Multiple Shading Scenarios

This study seeks to quantify how much insolation varies over the span of a typical photovoltaic (PV) array. A solar sensor array was constructed and deployed at three locations where environmental conditions vary from full sun to highly restricted sunlight. Data was recorded at each location and then analyzed to find the effects of shading. In traditional series-parallel photovoltaic systems the total power output of the system is highly dependent on the full insolation of every cell. One cell with low insolation properties will drag down the current of an entire series string. Analysis of the sensor array data has shown that insolation varies substantially, even on an unshaded site. These findings should help, along with future research, to demonstrate the necessity of eliminating series strings from PV systems to increase energy production.
Solution Structure of Reactive-site Hydrolyzed Turkey Ovomucoid Third Domain by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Distance Geometry Methods

Abstract The solution structure of reactive-site hydrolyzed turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3 * ) was determined by n.m.r. methods. A total of 655 distance constraints was applied in a distance geometry/simulated annealing approach to calculate a family of structures consistent with the n.m.r. data. The input data included 24 torsion angle constraints, 14 hydrogen bonds, 611 constraints derived from two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy data, and three disulfide bridges. Stereospecific assignments were included for the hydrogens of 26 β-methylene groups and for seven isopropyl methyl groups (46% chiral assignments). OMTKY3 * in solution retains the global fold and overall secondary structure of the intact inhibitor (OMTKY3) but exhibits local structural differences at and adjacent to the clip site. In particular, the hydrogen-bonding network observed at the reactive-site of the intact inhibitor is disrupted, and the position of Tyr20 is altered in the modified inhibitor. No evidence was found for ion pairing between the oppositely charged termini at the clip site. Surprisingly, in light of numerous changes indicating that OMTKY3 * is less stable than OMTKY3, rotation of the Tyr31 ring was found to be slow in OMTKY3 * at 30°C. In OMTKY3, slow rotation of the Tyr31 ring was observed only at temperatures below 15°C. The n.m.r. structures of OMTKY3 * are compared here with the similarly calculated structures of OMTKY3. This represents the first comparison of an intact and modified (reactive-site clipped) proteinase inhibitor under identical conditions. On comparison with published X-ray structures of modified avian ovomucoid third domains from two other species, the present structure of OMTKY3 * in solution was found to resemble that of the Japanese quail protein (OMJPQ3 * ) more closely than that of the more closely homologous silver pheasant protein (OMSVP3 * ).