cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in cortical bone organization and microdamage prevalence in Rocky Mountain mule deer

The limb bones of cursorial mammals may exhibit regional structural/material variations for local mechanical requirements. For example, it has been hypothesized that mineral content (%ash) and secondary osteon population density (OPD) progressively change from proximal (e.g., humerus) to distal (e.g., phalanx), in accordance with corresponding progressive changes in stress and mechanical/metabolic cost of functional use (both greatest in the distal limb). We tested this hypothesis in wild-shot Rocky Mountain mule deer by examining transverse segments from mid-diaphyses of medial proximal phalanges, principal metacarpals, radii, and humeri, as well as the lateral aspects of sixth ribs from each of 11 mature males. Quantified structural parameters included the section modulus (Z), polar moment of inertia (J), cortical area/total area ratio (CA/TA), bone girth, and cortical thickness. In addition, %ash and the prevalence of in vivo microcracks were measured in each bone. Thin sections from seven animals were further examined for OPD and population densities of new remodeling events (NREs). Results showed a significant progressive decrease in %ash from the humerus (75.4% ± 0.9%) to the phalanx (69.4% ± 1.1%) (P < 0.0001), with general proximal-to-distal increases in OPD and general decreases in J and Z. Thirteen microcracks were identified in the rib sections, and only two were observed in the limb bones. Although the ribs had considerably greater NREs, no significant differences in NREs were found between the limb bones, indicating that they had similar remodeling rates. Equivalent microcrack prevalence, but nonequivalent structural/material organization, suggests that there are regional adaptations that minimize microcrack production in locations with differences in loading conditions. The progressive proximal-to-distal decrease in %ash (up to 6%); moderate-to-high correlations between OPD, %ash, J, and CA/TA; and additional moderate-to-high correlations of these parameters with each bone's radius of gyration support the possibility that these variations are adaptations for regional loading conditions. Anat Rec Part A 274A:837–850, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous Photoinduced Color Formation and Photoinitiated Polymerization

Crystal violet lactone (CVL, 1, 3,3-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-6-(dimethylamino)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone) and other lactone dye precursors 2-5 form colored triphenylmethyl cations when irradiated with UV light in the presence or absence of [4-(octyloxy)phenyl]phenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate (OPPI). In selected monomers in the presence of iodonium salt, color formation and polymerization occur simultaneously. The excited singlet state lifetimes of 1-5 estimated from quantum yields for the disappearance of CVL in the presence of OPPI are similar to those observed for fluorescence quenching and occur mainly by electron transfer. On the basis of the transient absorption spectra, it can be concluded that triarylmethane cations are generated from the lactone precursors in the presence of OPPI in acetonitrile with a pseudo first order rate constant of 10 4 s -1 . Color formation in the absence of OPPI is suggested to occur from the excited singlet states of the lactone via a biradical formed by photoinduced ‚-bond cleavage.
Exiting the Public Scene and Becoming Private: The Magnitude of Bid Premiums in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

This article reports the shareholder wealth effects of restaurant firms going private. In addition, this study uncovers firm characteristics that influence the magnitude of the stock bid premiums. This study includes 27 publicly traded restaurant companies that went private between 1995 and 2004. The findings indicate that shareholders of restaurant firms that were taken private enjoyed a highly positive, abnormal return of 26%. Cluster analysis demonstrated that high-premium restaurant firms had higher market-to-book (MB) ratio and cash holdings, lower debt, and market capitalization. A logistic regression model which consisted of cash holdings and debt-to-equity variables successfully classified more than 75% of firms into low and high-premium firms.
A Dilemma : Economic/Ethnobotanical Research in the Twenty-first Century

W. Hardy Eshbaugh: 2007 Distinguished Economic Botanist It is indeed an honor to introduce this year’s Society for Economic Botany’s Distinguished Economic Botanist, Dr. W. Hardy Eshbaugh. His life has already spanned four careers, any one of which would have distinguished any ordinary mortal. He has not only been an outstanding researcher, but he has been a superlative teacher, organizer, administrator, and conservation leader as well. I will touch briefly on some of the highlights of each of these professional directions. Hardy’s research career has focused on investigations of the origin and evolution of Capsicum (chili peppers) and the flora and biogeography of the Bahamas. His published works include two books, over 100 research articles, and more than 20 book reviews. His chili pepper research has taken him to many parts of Central America, the Amazon, and Andean South America. In addition to his New World field studies, he has conducted research in East Africa and South Africa and has participated in several international meetings on the botany of sub-Saharan Africa.
Effects of Hypoxia and Hypercarbia on Cultured Endothelial Cells

1988;93;156S-157S Chest Sharon Rounds, Harrison W. Farber, Marta L. Render and Faith A. Barnard Endothelial Cells Effects of Hypoxia and Hypercarbia on Cultured http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/93/3_Supplement/156S.citation can be found online on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services ) ISSN:0012-3692 http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/site/misc/reprints.xhtml ( without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. reserved. No part of this article or PDF may be reproduced or distributed Chest Physicians, 3300 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights of been published monthly since 1935. Copyright1988by the American College is the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. It has Chest
Interrater reliability in a california middle school english/language arts portfolio assessment program

Abstract This article examines statistical evidence for the reliability of a locally developed portfolio assessment system across three separate portfolio scoring sessions over the course of a year and finds that the English teachers at this California site were able to demonstrate “strong” levels of interrater agreement. Further, the statistical evidence reported indicates that levels of agreement improved with each scoring session without mandating a fixed task portfolio menu or resorting to piece-by-piece scoring procedures. The study argues that defensible local portfolio assessment systems can be developed which enhance, rather than diminish, teacher professionalism while still providing dependable data for external purposes.
Review of tools for friction stir welding and processing

AbstractFriction stir welding (FSW) is a novel green manufacturing technique due to its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. This solid state joining process involves a rotating tool consisting of a shoulder and/or a probe. The shoulder applies a downward pressure to the workpiece surface, constrains the plasticised material around the probe, generates heat through the friction and causes plastic deformation in a relatively thin layer under the bottom surface of the shoulder. The rotating probe mainly drags along, plasticises, and mixes the adjacent material in the stir zone, creating a joint without fusion. Friction stir processing (FSP), a variant of FSW, has been developed to manufacture composites, locally eliminate casting defects, refine microstructure and/or improve the associated mechanical and physical properties including strength, ductility, fatigue, creep, formability and corrosion resistance. However, major challenges such as tool design and wear currently limit the use of FSW/P ...
Evidence for an NMDA receptor subunit in human keratinocytes and rat cardiocytes

Receptor binding studies have demonstrated the presence of an [3H]MK-801 ([3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-im ine maleate) binding site in human keratinocytes. The affinity found in keratinocytes was lower than that found in brain membranes. Northern blots identified mRNA in human keratinocytes and rat cardiocytes, as well as rat brain, that hybridized with high stringency to a probe for NMDAR1, an NMDA receptor subunit. In each tissue, mRNA that hybridized to another glutamate binding protein that might be part of an NMDA receptor complex, was also present. The presence of NMDA or NMDA-like receptors in keratinocytes and rat cardiocytes together with the low affinity [3H]MK-801 binding suggests that this protein may be a general channel forming protein that is present in many tissues, and forms specific receptors by interacting with additional subunits.
Bashkirian to Moscovian(Late Carboniferous) brachiopod faunas from the Western Kunlun Mountains, Northwest China

Abstract This paper describes twenty brachiopod species in eleven genera from the Bashkirian-Moscovian sediments of the western Kunlun Mountains, northwest China. Four brachiopod assemblages are recognized including: the early Bashkirian Productus productus-Ovatia karawuyiensis Assemblage, the late Bashkirian Antiquatonia taiyuanfuensis-Eomarginifera lata Assemblage, the early Moscovian Choristites radiculosus-c. abnormalis Assemblage and the late Moscovian Purdonella artuxensis-Punctospirifer Assemblage. Three new species are proposed herein: Rugosochonetes tarimensis, Ovatia karawuyiensis and Choristites ustritskyi .
How to embrace your spectrum for faster iterative results

Abstract Given linear invertible A : H → H where Ax = b , write A = A 0 ( I − B ) where A −1 0 is easy to find. Define sequences x n +1 = Bx n + A −1 0 b and y n +2 =(1+λμ 2 ) By n +1 −λμ 2 Y n +(1+λμ 2 ) A −1 0 b , for arbitrary x 0 , y 0 , y 1 in H . Theorem 4.2 presents the algorithm for finding scalars λ and μ so that y n → x faster than x n → x . In fact, if the spectrum of the iteration matrix B lies anywhere in the infinite vertical strip { z :|Re( z )| Y n → x is assured. The algorithm follows: 1. (1) Capture the spectrum of B in a symmetric ellipse whose major semiaxes, M r and M i , lie in the real and imaginary axes, respectively. 2. (2) Define λ=( M r − M i )/( M r + M i ). 3. (3) Define μ to be the unique root in the (0,1) interval of the quadratic ( M r + M i )(1+λμ 2 )=2μ. Then the asymptotic rate of convergence for { Y n } is R y =−logμ [whereas the asymptotic rate for { x n } is well known to be R x =–logρ( B ), where ρ( B ) is the spectral radius of B ].
US university research contributions to industry: Findings and conjectures

This paper reports the results of a study of US academic research contributions to industry. Data from a 1997 mail survey of biology, chemistry and physics faculty provides information on the nature and contributions of industry-relevant university-based research. A set of in-depth telephone interviews was conducted during the 1996–1998 time frame with both engineering and science faculty and their industrial counterparts that probed university research contributions to industry in more detail. Analyses of these and other data indicate that university-based research in engineering and science is often industry-relevant and real, tangible contributions are being made. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Equivalent Circuit Modeling of Vehicle Dynamics With Regenerative Shock Absorbers

Regenerative shock absorbers have potential to recover a large amount of kinetic energy from vehicle vibration otherwise dissipated in traditional oil shock absorbers and at the same time to improve the ride comfort and road handling performances. Linear, rotational and mechanical motion rectifier (MMR) based electromagnetic designs have been proposed. They all have different energy conversion mechanisms, mass inertia effects, and even some nonlinear structures which make the damping behavior more complex; therefore their influence to the whole vehicle dynamics will need to be carefully assessed. This paper will present an integrated equivalent circuit model of the vehicle with electromagnetic regenerative shock absorbers, and then evaluate the vehicle dynamics performance and energy harvesting potential with different design parameters and under variable road conditions. The performance of different mechanisms of electromagnetic regenerative shock absorbers and constant shock absorber will be compared. Design guidelines for rotational electromagnetic regenerative shock absorbers will be developed based on analysis and simulation results.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Optical Probe/Camera Objective Having Large Focusing Range

The design of an optical probe/camera objective having good image quality over an extended focusing range is described. Bearing some resemblance to a periscope, it simultaneously provides an image to both vidicon tube and photographic film. The entire system is used in the production of television commercials where a certain type of special effects may be required.
Decline of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in northern hardwood forests exposed to chronic nitrogen additions.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are important below-ground carbon (C) sinks that can be sensitive to increased nitrogen (N) availability. The abundance of AM fungi (AMF) was estimated in maple (Acer spp.) fine roots following more than a decade of experimental additions of N designed to simulate chronic atmospheric N deposition.
Relationships among bud dormancy status, cold hardiness, and stress resistance in 2+0 Douglas-fir

An experiment was conducted to ascertain what relationships might exist among dormancy status, cold hardiness and stress resistance in 2+0 Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), seedlings. Seedlings were lifted from a western Washington nursery on six dates spanning the 1980–81 lifting season. On each date samples of seedlings were subjected to the following treatment: (1) tumbling for 5 minutes, (2) desiccation of roots for 30 minutes at 30°C and 2.1 kPa vapor pressure deficit, (3) exposure of shoots to temperatures of −10°C, −15°C or −20°C for two hours and (4) unstressed control. On two lift dates sub-samples of seedlings were placed into −1°C storage and held for two months before the above stress treatments were administered. Bud dormancy status was determined, using a bud break test, on seedlings from each lift date before and after storage. After one growing season in the field percent survival, vigor, height growth and shoot and root weight were determined on stressed and unstressed seedlings. Survival and vigor were less affected by the stress treatments than were height and weight. Severity of stress was in the order −20°C > −15°C > desiccation > handling > −10°C. Degree of cold injury was directly related to seedling dormancy status whether dormancy status had been attained in the nursery from natural chilling or in frozen storage. Seedlings in a mid-range of dormancy release (between deep rest and quiescence) were most resistant to all imposed stresses.
The presence of museums in the lives of Canadians, 1971–1998: What might have been and what has been

Abstract This chapter reviews data from seven large‐scale national surveys that measured cultural participation in Canada from 1971 to 1998. It assesses what the data imply regarding the numbers and types of people visiting museums, and how these have changed over time. While overall participation rates have sustained the levels of the 1970s, participation rates in 1998 do not reflect the growth in participation projected then. Furthermore, the spectrum of people visiting museums has narrowed, rather than being ‘democratised’. Those with post‐secondary education have always been more likely to visit museums but now represent a majority of visitors for the first time. That museums are now attracting relatively fewer people and fewer types of people suggests a diminishing presence for museums. Nonetheless, museums’ audiences are noticeably less elite than often portrayed, and there are opportunities for changes in policy and programmes designed to reach more people. Ultimately, though, the surveys give only...
Rationale for and Methods of Superiority, Noninferiority, or Equivalence Designs in Orthopaedic, Controlled Trials

Background To provide value-based healthcare in orthopaedics, controlled trials are needed to assess the comparative effectiveness of treatments. Typically comparative trials are based on superiority testing using statistical tests that produce a p value. However, as orthopaedic treatments continue to improve, superiority becomes more difficult to show and, perhaps, less important as margins of improvement shrink to clinically irrelevant levels. Alternative methods to compare groups in controlled trials are noninferiority and equivalence. It is important to equip the reader of the orthopaedic literature with the knowledge to understand and critically evaluate the methods and findings of trials attempting to establish superiority, noninferiority, and equivalence.
Neutral Decomposition Products in Spark Breakdown of SF6

The formation of decomposition by-products produced by electrical spark discharges in SF6 has been investigated by quadrupole mass spectrometry. The by-product SF4 was found to be a precursor to many of the long-lived decomposition by-products identified (SOF2, HF, SO2, and SiF4). The amount of SF4 formed was measured by "in situ" detection, utilizing a "threshold" technique for monitoring the SF4 ion (SF+3) in an SF6 background. The rate constant for the hydrolysis of SF4 was measured (at 350 K) and found to be ~2×10-19 cm3s-1. In addition to moisture, the effects of SiO2 and electrode material have been briefly examined. Quantification of the amounts of long-lived by-products of spark discharge in SF6 yielded the following ranking: SOF2 > SOF4 > SiF4 > S02F2 > SO2. The energy and pressure dependences in the ranges of 0.5 to 14.5 J/spark and 40 to 233 kPa respectively, of the amounts of the various by - products were examined.
The human genome project: Benefits and risks to society

The human genome project was initiated in 1990 to study the structure and characteristics of human DNA that are important for understanding gene functions and their relation to diseases. The large-scale genome research has driven the technology advancement in genetic testing, drug design, gene therapy, and other genetic related areas such as pharmacogenetics. Although the project reveals potential benefits, it raises ethical, legal, and social issues. The outcomes of individuals’ genetic information disclosure may lead to confidentiality and genetic discrimination issues. In addition, clinical relevance of genetic testing and psychological effect from the results are debatable. This article discusses the potential benefits and risks from the human genome project.
Genetic parameters of egg production, body weight and egg size in the red‐legged partridge

1. Heritability estimates of egg production, egg weight and body weight of red‐legged partridge were obtained. 2. Data from a population selected for increased egg production over four generations as well as from a random‐bred control population were available. 3. Heritability of egg number during the first production period was considerably higher than estimates for a second production period, induced by appropriate lighting. 4. Egg weight and body weight were highly heritable.
Plasma 1,25-Dihydroxy- and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Adenomatous Polyps of the Distal Colorectum

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of human colon cancer cell lines. Epidemiological findings, although not entirely consistent, suggest an inverse relationship between vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer and adenoma, colorectal cancer precursor lesions. We evaluated the relationship of plasma 1,25(OH)2D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with distal colorectal adenoma among 326 matched case and control pairs (nested in the prospective Nurses’ Health Study), who provided blood in 1989–1990 and who underwent endoscopy in 1989–1996. Plasma vitamin D metabolite concentrations were determined blindly by RIA. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from multiple conditional logistic regression models. Mean plasma 1,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D levels did not significantly differ ( P = 0.3 and 0.7, respectively) between cases (31.6 ± 8.4 pg/ml and 26.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml, respectively) and controls (32.2 ± 8.6 pg/ml and 26.8 ± 10.2 ng/ml, respectively). However, women whose plasma 1,25(OH)2D concentration was below 26.0 pg/ml (a level typically considered to be below normal) were at increased risk of distal colorectal adenoma (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.03–2.40). Compared with the lowest 1,25(OH)2D quartile, women in the second (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–1.02), third (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.50–1.30), or upper (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.43–1.15) quartiles were at a statistically nonsignificant lower risk of adenoma. The relationship was stronger for large/villous adenoma and among those with consistent vitamin D intake over the 10 years prior to blood draw. Compared with women in the lowest quartile, for plasma 25(OH)D, women in the second (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–1.00) and third (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.95) quartiles were at a statistically significantly lower risk of distal colorectal adenoma, but there was no difference in risk in the top quartile (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.66–1.66). We conclude that women who have low levels of circulating 1,25(OH)2D may be at higher risk of distal colorectal adenomas, but additional study is warranted.
The change in on-resistance in GaN HEMTs operating in a buck configuration

In this paper the change in on resistance found in GaN HEMTs is discussed. This test was composed to ensure we have a consistent RDS(ON). The interest exists to determine if the efficiency drops due to conduction losses and ensure the longevity of the part [1]. The EPCs 2015 HEMTs were tested in a buck converting configuration under a 10A load. RDS(ON) of MOSFETs directly impact converter efficiency. GaN MOSFETs have a characteristic called dynamicRDS(ON). Prolonged use of previous generations GaN FETs resulted in an increase in the devices on-resistance, reducing the overall converter efficiency. The efficiency is reduced due to conduction losses, dissipating power as heat [2].
System Test Planning of Software: An Optimization Approach

This paper extends an exponential reliability growth model to determine the optimal number of test cases to be executed for various use case scenarios during the system testing of software. An example demonstrates a practical application of the optimization model for system test planning
Less Is More: Improved Outcomes in Surgical Patients with Conservative Fluid Administration and Central Venous Catheter Monitoring

Background The ARDS Clinical Trials Network Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT) addressed fluid management and central monitoring of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute lung injury (ARDS/ALI). Because surgical patients may have been fundamentally different from the overall FACTT cohort, we set out to separately analyze the surgery patients in the trial. Study Design We performed a posthoc, surgical subgroup analysis of 1,000 patients enrolled in the FACTT. Patients were randomized using a 2×2 factorial design comparing a conservative (CON) versus a liberal (LIB) strategy of fluid management and the use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) or a central venous catheter (CVC). The primary end point was death at 60 days. Secondary end points included the number of ventilator-free days, ICU-free days, and dialysis-free days until hospital discharge up to day 90. We defined surgical patients as those admitted to a surgical ICU, burn ICU, or cardiac surgical ICU; trauma patients; or those with an APACHE III surgical admission type. Results There were 244 surgical patients. Risk of death within 60 days of randomization did not vary with catheter or fluid management, and a corresponding lack of effect was evident with regard to dialysis-free days. Ventilator-free days were increased in the fluid-conservative group (LIB, 13±1 days; CON, 15±1 days; p=0.04) at 28 days. CVC patients had more ventilator-free days at 28 and 90 days (28 days: CVC, 16±1 days; PAC, 13±1 days; p=0.03; 90 days: CVC, 64±3 days; PAC, 57±4 days; p=0.03). CVC patients had more ICU-free days at 90 days (90 days: CVC, 63±3 days; PAC, 55±3 days; p=0.04). Conclusions The risk of death did not vary with fluid management or catheter. A conservative fluid-administration strategy and central venous catheter monitoring resulted in more ventilator-free and ICU-free days in surgical patients with acute lung injury, and conservative fluid administration did not result in more renal failure.
Ia molecule-associated selectivity in T cell recognition of a 23-amino-acid peptide of lysozyme

Ak- or Ek-restricted T cells, generated by immunization with a 23-amino-acid peptide of hen egg-white lysozyme (amino acid 74-96), showed a strict correlation between the minimal peptide determinant recognized and the Ia molecule restricting recognition. All Ak-restricted clones obtained from six independently derived lines recognized determinants contained within peptides 74-86, while Ek-restricted clones recognized determinants within 85-96. This correlation was true whether B10.A mice (Ak, Ek) were immunized with peptide 74-96 or with each of the two smaller peptides (74-86 or 85-96). Furthermore, a T cell response could be obtained to peptide 74-86, but not to peptide 85-96 in B10.A (4R) mice, which express only the Ak molecule. Thus, an Ia molecule-associated selectivity exists in the choice of T cell determinants even within this small 23-amino-acid peptide antigen. Significant differences were noted, however, in the boundaries of the minimal peptide determinants recognized within peptide 74-96 by Ak- or Ek-restricted T cells, in comparison to those recognized by Ab-restricted T cells. These results indicate that interaction of the same peptide with distinct Ia molecules results in recognition of unique aspects of the antigenic determinants by the T cell receptor.
Likelihood-based inference for Matérn type-III repulsive point processes

In a repulsive point process, points act as if they are repelling one another, leading to underdispersed configurations when compared to a standard Poisson point process. Such models are useful when competition for resources exists, as in the locations of towns and trees. Bertil Matern introduced three models for repulsive point processes, referred to as types I, II, and III. Matern used types I and II, and regarded type III as intractable. In this paper an algorithm is developed that allows for arbitrarily accurate approximation of the likelihood for data modeled by the Matern type-III process. This method relies on a perfect simulation method that is shown to be fast in practice, generating samples in time that grows nearly linearly in the intensity parameter of the model, while the running times for more naive methods grow exponentially.
A Hybrid Electromagnetic-Circuit Method for Electromagnetic Interference Onto Mass Wires

A current decomposition method is proposed for the analysis of field coupling to mass wires near complex structures. The foremost attribute of the method is the decomposition of the current on each wire into push-pull and push-push mode currents. The former refers to the perturbation current accounting for the interactions among the wires within the bundle, whereas the latter represents the interactions between the mass wire bundle and the surrounding structure. Multiconductor transmission line theory is employed to compute the push-pull mode current by using one of the wires in the bundle as the return/reference conductor. Current induced on a test wire located along the reference line is used to compute the push-push mode. For this analysis, we employed the method of moments for the electromagnetic analysis of surrounding structure and simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE)-like simulators for the analysis of a circuit model of the transmission lines extracted via the partial element equivalent circuit method. Several validation examples (including transmission lines inside an automobile) are presented. It is also shown that the traditional transmission line theory based on quasi-static analysis fails with increasing complexity of the surrounding structure.
Levels of protein and protein composition in hard winter wheat flours and the relationship to breadmaking

ABSTRACT Protein and protein fractions were measured in 49 hard winter wheat flours to investigate their relationship to breadmaking properties, particularly loaf volume, which varied from 760 to 1,055 cm3 and crumb grain score of 1.0–5.0 from 100 g of flour straight-dough bread. Protein composition varied with flour protein content because total soluble protein (SP) and gliadin levels increased proportionally to increased protein content, but albumins and globulins (AG), soluble polymeric proteins (SPP), and insoluble polymeric protein (IPP) levels did not. Flour protein content was positively correlated with loaf volume and bake water absorption (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.45, P < 0.01, respectively). The percent SP based on flour showed the highest correlation with loaf volume (r = 0.85) and low but significant correlation with crumb grain score (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). Percent gliadins based on flour and on protein content were positively correlated to loaf volume (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.46, ...
Plant Electrostimulation and Data Acquisition

Plant electrostimulation is a very efficient method for evaluation of biologically closed electrical circuits in plants. The information gained from plant electrostimulation can be used to elucidate and observe the intracellular and intercellular communication in the form of electrical signals within plants. Monitoring the electrical signaling in higher plants represents a promising method to investigate fast electrical communication during environmental changes. Here we discuss DC methods of plant electrostimulation and describe a new Charge Stimulation Method in plant electrophysiology. It is often convenient to represent the real electrical and electrochemical properties of biointerfaces with idealized equivalent electrical circuit models consisting of discrete electrical components. Biologically closed electrical circuits in plants can be investigated using the Charge Stimulation Method.
Hidden Thermodynamic Information in Protein Amino Acid Mutation Tables

Abstract We combine the standard 1992 20 × 20 substitution matrix based on block alignment, BLOSUM62, with the standard 1982 amino acid hydropathicity scale KD as well as the modern 2007 hydropathicity scale MZ, and compare the results. The 20-parameter KD and MZ hydropathicity scales have different thermodynamic character, corresponding to first- and second-order transitions. The KD and MZ comparisons show that the mutation rates reflect quantitative iteration of qualitative amino acid–phobic and -philic binary 2 × 10 properties that define quaternary 4 × 5 subgroups (but not quinary 5 × 4 subgroups), with the modern MZ bioinformatic scale giving much better results. The quaternary 5-mer MZ 4 × 5 subgroups are called mutons (Mu5). Among all hydropathicity scales, the MZ scale uniquely exhibits a smooth, deep mutational minimum at its center associated with alanine, glycine, the smallest amino acid, and histidine.
An Analysis of Facebook 'Likes' and Other Nonverbal Internet Communication Under the Federal Rules of Evidence

Social Media is an important part of our lives. New ways to communicate using social media are constantly emerging, and the influence of social media on our culture and in our courtrooms is bound to increase. Aside from the Virginia District Court's blunder in Bland v. Roberts — holding that a Facebook ‘like’ is not protected by the First Amendment — courts have yet to deal with nonverbal social media content such as Facebook 'likes.' This Note explains why courts should apply the existing Federal Rules of Evidence excluding hearsay and allowing adoptive admissions to Facebook 'likes' and other nonverbal social media content. This Note argues against reforming the Federal Rules as parties increasingly use nonverbal social media content in the courtroom.
Uterine inactivation of muscle segment homeobox (Msx) genes alters epithelial cell junction proteins during embryo implantation

Embryo implantation requires that the uterus differentiate into the receptive state. Failure to attain uterine receptivity will impede blastocyst attachment and result in a compromised pregnancy. The molecular mechanism by which the uterus transitions from the prereceptive to the receptive stage is complex, involving an intricate interplay of various molecules. We recently found that mice with uterine deletion ofMsxgenes (Msx1(d/d)/Msx2(d/d)) are infertile because of implantation failure associated with heightened apicobasal polarity of luminal epithelial cells during the receptive period. However, information on Msx's roles in regulating epithelial polarity remains limited. To gain further insight, we analyzed cell-type-specific gene expression by RNA sequencing of separated luminal epithelial and stromal cells by laser capture microdissection fromMsx1(d/d)/Msx2(d/d)and floxed mouse uteri on d 4 of pseudopregnancy. We found that claudin-1, a tight junction protein, and small proline-rich (Sprr2) protein, a major component of cornified envelopes in keratinized epidermis, were substantially up-regulated inMsx1(d/d)/Msx2(d/d)uterine epithelia. These factors also exhibited unique epithelial expression patterns at the implantation chamber (crypt) inMsx1(f/f)/Msx2(f/f)females; the patterns were lost inMsx1(d/d)/Msx2(d/d)epithelia on d 5, suggesting important roles during implantation. The results suggest thatMsxgenes play important roles during uterine receptivity including modulation of epithelial junctional activity.-Sun, X., Park, C. B., Deng, W., Potter, S. S., Dey, S. K. Uterine inactivation of muscle segment homeobox (Msx) genes alters epithelial cell junction proteins during embryo implantation.
ET-52SIMULTANEOUS BRAIN DELIVERY OF A THREE ANTI-CANCER DRUG COMBINATION VIA A PEPTIDE CARRIER-MEDIATED INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF THE THREE-DRUG COCKTAIL

BACKGROUND: Combinations of anti-cancer medications often yield better outcome than a single medication in the treatment of patients with cancer including patients with brain cancer. However, limitations imposed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) create serious challenge to deliver even a single drug to the brain, let alone a combination of drugs. We have developed a peptide carrier K16ApoE, which apparently creates transient opening of the BBB. We investigated the ability of the carrier peptide to deliver a three-drug combination (cetuximab, cisplatin and methotrexate) to the brain injected via intravenous route. METHODS: Brain delivery of the drugs was achieved either by separate or combined administration of K16ApoE and a given drug(s) through femoral vein injection. A modification of the method comprised injection of K16ApoE pre-mixed with cetuximab, followed by injection of a drug. Brain uptake of cetuximab was assessed by micro single photon electron computed tomography (microSPECT). Quantification of brain uptake of cisplatin and methotrexate were achieved by atomic absorption spectrometry and LC-MS/MS, respectively. RESULTS: Experiments designed to deliver cetuximab, cisplatin and methotrexate separately show brain-uptake of the drugs was ∼3-fold, ∼40-fold and ∼51-fold greater with K16ApoE than without, amounting to brain uptake of ∼0.5% for cetuximab and ∼1.5% each for cisplatin and methotrexate, respectively, of the injected dose. Experiments designed to deliver cetuximab, cisplatin and methotrexate simultaneously (in a mixture) produced brain uptake of the three drugs at ∼3-fold, ∼18-fold and ∼41-fold greater with K16ApoE than without for cetuximab, cisplatin and methotrexate, respectively, which amounted to brain uptake of∼ 0.5% for cetuximab, ∼0.7% for cisplatin and ∼ 0.5% for methotrexate. SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that multiple anti-cancer agents can be simultaneously delivered to the brain via the synthetic carrier peptide K16ApoE. Thus, the method offers a novel therapeutic avenue for intervention against brain cancer.
Platinum black electrodeposited thread based electrodes for dielectrophoretic assembly of microparticles.

We report dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly of biological cells and microparticles using platinum-black electrodeposited conductive textile fiber. The three-dimensional conductive structures with high aspect ratios were found to facilitate high electric field regions, as revealed by scanning electron microscope characterization. The effective conducting area (Aeff) and its stability of thread electrodes were estimated using electrochemical methods. Potential of platinum black electrodeposited thread as 3-D electrodes for creating high gradient electrical field for dielectrophoretic assembly of microspheres and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast cells) into 1D and two-dimensional structures over long ranges under the application of low voltages (4–10 Vpp) has been demonstrated. The formation of highly ordered pearl chains of microparticles using thread electrodes when subjected to dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been discussed in detail.
Fasting reverses the renal adaptation to altered dietary sulfur amino acid intake.

AbstractWe have previously shown that there is renal adaptation to alterations in dietary sulfur amino acid intake. While ingesting a low-methionine, low-taurine diet, urinary and plasma taurine concentrations fall, and the accumulation of taurine by collagenaseisolated tubules is greatly enhanced. On a taurine and methionine-supplemented diet (3%, w/w), urinary and plasma taurine values are increased, and accumulation by tubules is diminished. This study was planned to evaluate the effect of fasting on the adaptation to dietary intake change. Rats were given a high-taurine diet (HTD), low-taurine diet (LTD), or a normal diet (NTD) from age 56 to 70 days of life. Half of the rats in each dietary group were fasted for 72 hr and they lost 13 ± 1% of body weight. Plasma taurine values fell in all three fasted groups, and urinary taurine excretion rose in LTD and fell in HTD-fasted animals. Renal cortex taurine fell in all fasted groups, indicative of taurine release. The in vivo tissue distribution ratio rem...
MODELING TIDAL CIRCULATION IN FLORIDA BAY

A preliminary modeling study on tidal circulation in Florida Bay has been conducted, based on a set of high resolution (20 meters x 20 meters) bathymetric data and a comprehensive set of water level data for Florida Bay obtained by the Everglades National Park in 1993 and 1994. Using the data and a 3-D curvilineargrid model developed by Sheng (1989, 1994), we conducted preliminary model simulations of tidal, wind-driven and density-driven circulations in Florida Bay (Sheng et al. 1995). This paper presents some results of tidal simulation and comparison with tidal data. The results indicate that the 3-D model is capable of simulating many of the observed circulation features in Florida Bay, including tidal amplitude, tidal phase and residual circulation. Additional work is being conducted with the use of a very fine 50m grid and a robust wetting-and-drying scheme.
The Structure and Function of Supramolecular Self-Assembling Binary Guanosine Gels

Binary liquid crystals of guanosine (GUO) and guanosine-5′-monophosphate (GMP) have been found to have unique and interesting properties in their ability to solubilize and selectively purify nanoparticles. The thermoassociative properties of these GMP-GUO g-gel phases have not been thoroughly explored and the mechanism of action is not understood. In the present study, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to probe the anisotropic properties of binary liquid crystals by employing deuterium nuclei. Deuterons have a quadrupolar moment that is normally averaged out by rapid molecular reorientation. In liquid crystals, however, the motion of the molecules is constrained such that quadrupolar effects are displayed in spectral data. To prevent other effects such as bulk exchange of deuterons from impacting the signal, 2H5-labeled aniline is employed to study the supramolecular structure of the liquid crystalline gels. This isotopomer of aniline has deuterons that are strongly bound to a rigid aromatic ring, allowing for study of solvent directed interactions without concern for conformation or bulk exchange effects. This study determines the anisotropy and order parameter of the binary liquid crystals to elucidate the structural and functional properties of the system.∗This research is supported by the Photosynthetic Systems Program, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, United States Department of Energy (DE-FG02-07ER15903).
Internalized Racial Oppression and Higher Education Values: The Mediational Role of Academic Locus of Control Among College African American Men and Women

A plethora of research underscores the deleterious effects that racial discrimination can have on the higher education pursuits and experiences of African Americans. The current study investigated ...
Enhanced Diffusion of Phosphorus due to BPSG layer in SEG-MOSFETs

We report on the enhanced diffusion characteristics of phosphorus in SEG(selective epitaxial growth)-MOSFETs due to in-diffusion from BPSG (borophosphosilicate glass) layer. Because of structural complexity of SEGMOSFETs, three-dimensional simulation was implemented and our results successfully show that a great deal of impurity in-diffusion from BPSG to silicon layer generates a lot of interstitial. Therefore, the diffusivity of phosphorus is increased dramatically by TED effect, causing the characteristics of SEGMOSFETs is degraded severely.
USNC/TAM Activities

The USNC/TAM has been involved in a variety of activities over the years. As with most efforts of this type, some have been more successful than others. The major efforts are described in the following paragraphs.
Epigenetics of Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders are highly disabling, complex, and heterogeneous syndromes, resulting from complex interactions of genetic and environmental risk factors. Being on the interface between the genome and the environment, epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as likely mediators of molecular, structural, and functional changes involved in the initiation and maintenance of psychiatric disorders. This chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge on the epigenetics of three major mental disorders: schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Epigenetic regulation in the brain will be discussed first, together with the effects of environmental risk factors on the brain epigenome and their possible contribution to psychopathology. Evidence showing that psychiatric disorders involve epigenetic changes in the brain and peripheral tissues will be thoroughly presented, along with the animal studies that have been used to provide more mechanistic insights into underlying epigenetic mechanisms. The chapter will be concluded by a discussion on the promises, challenges, and future directions of the psychiatric epigenetics field. There is a big hope that the current knowledge and future efforts in this field will greatly facilitate our ability to more efficiently diagnose, treat, and prevent psychiatric disorders, in a more personalized, patient-tailored manner.
Aircraft noise monitoring using multiple passive data streams

Monitoring of aircraft in the skies surrounding an airport is important to ensure the safety of the aircraft as well as quality of life for nearby residents. The traditional method of tracking airc...
Development of a Potency Assay for Umbilical Cord Blood.

Total nucleated cell counts, cell viability, CD34 cell numbers and the colony-forming cell (CFC) assay constitute the main parameters used to characterize the quantity and quality of progenitors present in a unit of umbilical cord blood (UCB) prior to transplantation. Of these parameters, only the CFC assay provides information about the functional potential of progenitors. However, technical difficulties associated with the CFC assay have made it difficult to standardize this method among various UCB banks. Consequently, we are focusing on the development of a novel assay that relies on determining the growth potential of progenitors in response to cytokines by measuring intracellular ATP levels (HALO SPC-QC, Hemogenix). This assay is based on the principle that cytokine stimulated proliferation responses by hematopoietic progenitors are proportional to the production of intracellular ATP. To perform the HALO assay, cells obtained from leukocyte enriched UCB units are added to cytokine impregnated methylcellulose media and deposited in replicates of 6 into 96-well plates. After 7 days of culture, cells are lyzed to release ATP, which drives a luciferin/luciferase reaction producing bioluminescence. ATP levels for each well are measured in a plate luminometer and the assay is standardized using an ATP control. Since proliferation, not differentiation is measured, the assay is completed in 7 days rather than the 10–14 days required for CFC assays. For mononuclear cells or erythrocyte-depleted cord blood, ATP levels for cell concentrations as low as 750 cells/well can be detected. An intra-laboratory study comparing total mean ATP (μM) production/well (6 replicates) to the CFC counts from mononuclear cells from UCB, showed a correlation coefficient of 0.99 (n=6). An inter-laboratory study using aliquots from the same UCB to compare the HALO and CFC assays at 2 geographically separate sites revealed correlation coefficients of 0.90 and 0.34 (n=10), respectively. Together these data indicate that the HALO assay is capable of measuring the clonogenic potential of UCB progenitors. These data also demonstrate that highly reproducible results can be achieved by different testing sites when measuring ATP production from proliferating progenitors. Thus, we suggest that the HALO method may be more conducive to standardization among UCB banks. We also propose that the HALO assay may be better than the CFC assay for accurately and precisely measuring the potency of an umbilical cord blood unit prior to transplantation.
Linking Abusive Supervision to Engagement and Burnout

The present research extends the differentiated job demands-resource (JD-R) model by integrating the main propositions of the transactional theory of stress to examine how cognitive appraisal proce...