cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive allocation from reserves and income in butterfly species with differing adult diets

Allocation of stored and incoming nutrients to reproduction determines an organism's age-specific fecundity curve. In holometabolous insects, differences among spe- cies in the shape of the curve are correlated with differences in the potential importance of adult food to reproduction. I examined allocation patterns underlying this association. Specific changes throughout life in body mass and reproductive effort were predicted to result from use of stored vs. incoming nutrients for reproduction and other metabolic needs at each age. Data for three nymphalid butterfly species, Euphydryas editha, Speyeria mor- monia, and Heliconius charitonius, were compared with the predictions. These three species differ in adult diet and fraction of oocytes mature at adult emergence (hence, potential for adult nutrients to be used to make eggs), with E. editha showing the least potential for use of adult nutrients in egg production and H. charitonius showing the greatest potential. For all three species, body mass declined with age, although nonlinearly for E. editha. This indicated that metabolic expenditures were greater than intake at all ages, and that a constant fraction of stored nutrients was allocated to reproduction and other metabolic uses at each age for E. editha. Reproductive effort also declined with age for all three species. The specific patterns seen suggested that incoming nutrients may be stored, to some extent, early in life and then used late in life by both S. mormonia and H. charitonius. The similarity between S. mormonia and H. charitonius is rather surprising, given the qualitative differ- ences in adult diet and suggests either that qualitative age-specific allocation patterns for incoming vs. stored nutrients may be independent of adult diet quality, or that the observed patterns are constrained by phylogenetic relatedness of these two species.
Chronic Hypoxia Activates Lung 15-Lipoxygenase, Which Catalyzes Production of 15-HETE and Enhances Constriction in Neonatal Rabbit Pulmonary Arteries

Hypoxia causes localized pulmonary arterial (PA) constriction to divert blood flow to optimally ventilated regions of the lung. The biochemical mechanisms for this have remained elusive, especially during prolonged exposures to reduced PO2. We have evidence that subacute hypoxia activates 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in small PAs of neonatal rabbits maintained for 9 days in hypoxic environments (FiO2=0.12) compared with siblings raised under normoxia. PA microsomal products of 15-LO, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 11,14,15-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (THETA), and 11,12,15-THETA were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Increased amounts of these products are synthesized in vivo and in vitro by the lungs of animal raised in hypoxic versus normoxic environments. 15-HETE formation is attenuated by lipoxygenase, but not cytochrome P450 or cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Activation of 15-LO is associated with translocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to membrane as seen by Western immunoblotting. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrates that 15-LO expression is clearly localized in vascular cells in lungs from normoxic and hypoxic kits. 15-HETE causes concentration-dependent constriction of PA rings from animals exposed to hypoxic but not normoxic environments. In addition, lipoxygenase inhibitors reduce phenylephrine-induced constriction of PA rings. Therefore, subacute hypoxia increases expression of and activates 15-LO, and enhances sensitivity of pulmonary arteries to its product, 15-HETE. Because 15-HETE is a constrictor in this vascular bed, it may play an important role in hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in rabbit kits. Although a clear causal relationship remains to be demonstrated, these data suggest a previously unrecognized role for 15-LO in hypoxic vasoconstriction in neonatal mammals.
A Modulation Dependent Channel Coherence Metric for VANET Simulation Using IEEE 802.11p

The most common physical layer models for network simulations are the bit error rate and the SNR threshold model. In time-varying channels such as those experienced in vehicular networks, these models are assumed valid as long as the packet duration is less than the coherence time of the channel. The coherence time is a statistical measure of the channel invariance. It is independent of the signal parameters or the receiver structure. While it is convenient to decouple the system performance from the channel, this paper shows that this simplification may lead to inaccurate performance assessments and erroneous conclusions. This paper suggests a new metric, the normalized empirical coherence time (NETC), based on results from an extensive simulation campaign of a typical IEEE 802.11p system. The NETC delineates the minimum time (as a percentage of signal duration) over which the system achieves some performance threshold. The metric is explicitly a function of modulation, packet duration, and the traditional coherence time. This new metric could be used in place of the traditional coherence time as a constraint on the packet duration necessary to assume channel variation has negligible impact on performance.
Towards the STEP neutral repository

Abstract The goal of the STEP standard effort is to achieve integration of all applications in the product data area. For this purpose a huge collection of data models providing schemes for all data which have to be shared amongst these applications is standardized. Integration is defined to share data both, across a broad spectrum of applications and across enterprises. It is thus important to encapsulate database technology, i.e. to become independent of particular vendors of database systems and database paradigms. The base for this is a database system called ‘neutral repository’ providing its own services for manipulating and defining data. We describe the fundamentals of the neutral repository.
RNA double-helical fragments at atomic resolution: I. The crystal and molecular structure of sodium adenylyl-3′,5′-uridine hexahydrate

Abstract The crystal structure of sodium adenylyl-3′,5′-uridine (ApU) hexahydrate has been determined by X-ray diffraction procedures and refined to an R factor of 0.057. ApU crystallizes with two molecules per asymmetric unit in a monoclinic unit cell, space group P21, with cell dimensions: a = 18.025, b = 17.501, c = 9.677 A and β = 99.45 ° . The two independent molecules of ApU form a small segment of right-handed antiparallel double-helical RNA in the crystal, with Watson-Crick base-pairing between adenine and uracil. This is the first time that this Watson-Crick base-pair has been seen unambiguously at atomic resolution and it is also the first time that a nucleic acid fragment with double-helical symmetry has been seen at atomic resolution. The distance between the C1′ atoma of the adenine-uracil base-pair is slightly shorter than the analogous distance seen in guanine-cytosine base-pairs. The bases in each strand are heavily stacked. One sodium cation binds to the phosphates, as expected; however, the other sodium cation binds on the dyad axis in the minor groove of the double helix. It is co-ordinated directly to the two uracil carbonyl groups which protrude into the minor groove and is shielded from the nearest phosphates by a shell of water. This binding appears to be sequence-specific for ApU. One of the adenines also forms a pair of hydrogen bonds to a nearby ribose, utilizing N6 and N7. The 12 water molecules per double-helical fragment are all part of the first co-ordination shell. The ions and the symmetry of the double-helical fragment are the major organizing elements of the solvent region.
Pkd1 is required for male reproductive tract development

Reproductive tract abnormalities and male infertility have higher incidence in ADPKD patients than in general populations. In this work, we reveal that Pkd1, whose mutations account for 85% of ADPKD cases, is essential for male reproductive tract development. Disruption of Pkd1 caused multiple organ defects in the murine male reproductive tract. The earliest visible defect in the Pkd1(-/-) reproductive tract was cystic dilation of the efferent ducts, which are derivatives of the mesonephric tubules. Epididymis development was delayed or arrested in the Pkd1(-/-) mice. No sign of epithelial coiling was seen in the null mutants. Disruption of Pkd1 in epithelium alone using the Pax2-cre mice was sufficient to cause efferent duct dilation and coiling defect in the epididymis, suggesting that Pkd1 is critical for epithelium development and maintenance in male reproductive tract. In-depth analysis showed that Pkd1 is required to maintain tubulin cytoskeleton and important for Tgf-β/Bmp signal transduction in epithelium of male reproductive tract. Altogether, our results for the first time provide direct evidence for developmental roles of Pkd1 in the male reproductive tract and provide new insights in reproductive tract abnormalities and infertility in ADPKD patients.
Alpine lithofacies variation: Working toward a physically-based model

Abstract Local scale variation in the deposition of alpine lithofacies (moraines, rock glaciers, and talus) within single mountain ranges or alpine valleys is hypothesized to reflect the control of three topoclimatic parameters (altitude, radiation shading and show-fence/wind-drift effects) that interact to varying degrees with sourcewall fracturing. A conceptual model that incorporates local and regional scale controls over facies deposition is formalized and indirectly tested using simple comparison-of-means, correlation analysis, and numerical simulations based upon two data sets from mountain ranges in the southern Rocky Mountains. Results from these exploratory analyses suggest that there is great promise for a physically-based approach to the study of alpine lithofacies. For example, the patterns of early-and mid-Holocene moraines in the Colorado Front Range can be reproduced by manipulating, in a spatially consistent fashion, the radiation shading and wind-drift components of the model. Preliminary analyses of cirque floor deposits in the Sangre de Cristo mountains suggest that the range of altitude, radiation shading and sourcewall fracturing values for rock glaciers and talus overlap, but that the facies can be roughly distinguished on the basis of a dimensionless interaction value combining all three of the topoclimatic and lithologic parameters. A more detailed set of field data from a portion of the Colorado Front Range allows the identification of a threshold separating talus deposits from active rock glaciers on the basis of topoclimatic situation and sourcewall characteristics. Full simulation of facies deposition during the Holocene is complicated by the differing responses of the facies to changing (macro) climatic conditions. Simulation of talus slope and rock glacier response to changing weathering rates underscores the complexity of rock glacier response, and highlights the need for caution in interpreting the morphology of these features and the timing of climatic events.
Evaluating the photoalteration of estuarine dissolved organic matter using direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry and UV-visible spectroscopy

Direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry (DT-MS) was used to evaluate the molecular-level photodegradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolated from three sites in a Chesapeake Bay subestuary (swamp- and marsh-influenced up-river, midestuarine, and bay mouth). From each site, filtered (<0.1 or <0.2 μm) water samples were irradiated in solarsimulated ultraviolet light followed by isolation of the DOM using C18-solid-phase extraction and subsequent DT-MS analysis. To provide background DOM photoreactivity data for the water samples, we also determined dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) photoproduction and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) photobleaching. DIC photoproduction was correlated with initial DOM light absorbance, initial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, and photobleaching. Changes in DT-MS characteristics within the extracts (in particular, the loss of an “aromatic” signal believed to be from reworked terrestrial material) were found to correlate linearly with the absorbance of the corresponding water samples. A relationship between photobleaching and DT-MS characteristics was also observed, with the upstream samples asymptotically approaching a constant “molecular-level” value as photobleaching increased. Both relationships appeared to be independent of absorbance wavelength in the ultraviolet. Following irradiation, the swamp/marsh-dominated upstream samples resembled the down-stream samples in terms of absorption spectra and MS-determined molecular-level characteristics. These shifts indicate that terrestrially-derived DOM may be more difficult to differentiate from marine DOM upon photodegradation, which has implications regarding evaluating the terrestrial impact within the marine DOM pool.
Negative-tone molecular resists based on cationic polymerization

There is increasing demand for higher performance resists with superior resolution, sensitivity, and line edge roughness for both electron beam and extreme ultraviolet lithography applications. A new class of negative tone chemically amplified molecular resists has been developed based on epoxide cross-linking that combines high sensitivity with low line edge roughness and excellent resolution. Three different resists from this class have been made that all show superior performance compared to SU-8 in high resolution dense patterns. The functionality and size of the resist molecules were systematically changed to investigate these effects on imaging performance under e-beam lithography. The di-functional epoxy resist, 2-Ep, had < 25 nm half-pitch resolution in dense 1:1 line-space patterns, sensitivity of 38 μC/cm2, and low 3σ LER of 2.9 nm for 30 nm half-pitch. The tri-functional epoxy resist, 3-Ep, showed 30 nm resolution in dense features, 3σ LER of 2.3 nm, and a sensitivity of 20 μC/cm2. The tetra-functional epoxy resist, 4-Ep, likewise showed good resolution of 35 nm half-pitch in dense features, sensitivity of 22 μC/cm2, and a low 3σ LER of 2.3 nm. This class of negative tone resist compounds are able to obtain an excellent combination of resolution, LER, and sensitivity, and show promise as high performance resists for next generation lithography.
Diabetes Patient Education: Nurse Specialist Approach:

The diabetes nurse specialist must possess many skills and be able to work in many settings with a variety of patients and with other profes sionals. This paper discusses the skills and knowledge r...
Neurite formation by neuroblastoma‐glioma hybrid cells (NG108–15) in defined medium: Stochastic initiation with persistence of differentiated functions

Neurite formation and proliferation by NG108-15 cells were studied in short-term serum-free N2 medium. Neuritogenesis by individual cells was observed at widely differing times, suggesting a stochastic component to initiation of differentiation. Cells with and without neurites could also enter one or more rounds of proliferation at varying times. The initial choice between these divergent behaviors influenced subsequent growth. Cells initially extending neurites had a high probability of continuing neuritic elongation. Cells initially dividing had a high probability of yielding further progeny. Addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP to cells cultured in N2 medium rapidly increased the probability of differentiating and decreased the probability of proliferating. To test whether or not cells with highly differentiated morphologies had irreversibly lost the capacity for proliferation, induced cultures were washed and challenged by the addition of serum-containing medium. The length of time required for individual cells to divide increased with increasing time of preincubation in the induction medium. However, few cells appeared to be permanently removed from the proliferative pool. These observations suggest that differentiating cells exhibit persistence, a tendency to continue on the differentiation pathway. Persistence is extinguished following one round of proliferation in serum-containing medium.
Mixed Model Analysis of Sensory Characteristics of Irradiated Apple Cider

: Trained panelists evaluated the sensory characteristics of 4 kinds of apple ciders: untreated, pasteurized, and irradiated at 2 or 4 kGy. A mixed model analysis was implemented. From among several realistic models, a mixed model without an interaction term was selected for fitting most of the sensory attributes studied. Irradiated ciders were lighter in color and had less apple flavor than untreated cider. Cider irradiated at both 2- and 4-kGy doses contained more “cardboard-like” flavor compared to untreated and pasteurized ciders. Consequently, “cardboard-like” was a suitable term for the description of the specific off-flavor in irradiated cider with preservative.
Radiative mean-life measurements of some atomic-hydrogen excited states using beam-foil excitation.

The beam-foil excitation method has been used to measure the radiative mean lives of the $2p$ and $3p$ states of atomic hydrogen. The results obtained were (1.60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ sec and (5.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ sec, respectively. A study of the results of this experiment has led to the following conclusions: (a) the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay curves are best fitted by the sum of two exponential terms whose characteristic decay times correspond to spontaneous decay of the $2p$ state and repopulation of this state by higher states, (b) the shapes of the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay curves vary with foil thickness, and (c) the ion energy loss in the foils used in this experiment changes with the age of the foil. A review of previous measurements on atomic-hydrogen radiative mean lives is also made and compared with theory.
The phase behavior and the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter of blends containing amorphous poly(resorcinol phthalate-block-carbonate), poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract The phase behavior of the blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(Resorcinol Phthalate- block -Carbonate) (RPC) and the blends of PET and poly(Bisphenol-A Carbonate) (PC) was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Blends of high molecular weight PET and RPC copolymer with 20 mol% resorcinol phthalate (RPC20) showed two glass transition temperatures in DMA and DSC but the cold crystallization rate of PET phase was substantially lowered as compared to neat PET, indicating partial miscibility at all compositions. The RPC20 with M w = 31,500 g/mol formed miscible blends with PET when PET has weight-average molecular weight M w = 30,000 g/mol formed miscible blends with PET only when PET had molecular weight [1] , predicting that the addition of a resorcinol phthalate block to a PC backbone should increase the miscibility of PC and PET.
Rhabdoid meningioma: cytopathologic findings in cerebrospinal fluid.

Rhabdoid meningioma is a recently described, rare, WHO Grade III intracranial tumor with an aggressive growth pattern and increased risk of recurrence. We describe the cytopathologic findings on cerebrospinal fluid of one such case in a 26-yr-old female who underwent resection of a left temporo-parietal mass. Cerebrospinal fluid contained abundant malignant cells with a prominent "rhabdoid" phenotype, i.e., large cells, eccentric nuclei, single prominent nucleoli, and dense eosinophilic cytoplasm. Although rhabdoid meningioma has a characteristic cytomorphology, the differential diagnosis of this tumor would involve metastatic adenocarcinoma, metastatic malignant melanoma, and other tumors with "rhabdoid" features (such as an atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor).
SU-8 2000 Millimeter Wave Material Characterization

SU-8 2000 is an epoxy based photoresist widely used in the fabrication of MEMS for its thick film capability. SU-8 also holds promise as a low cost material for millimeter wave packaging and devices where thick films are required. This letter investigates the electrical material properties of SU-8 2000 at frequencies beyond 140 GHz. Characterization using microstrip ring and T resonators reveal a dielectric constant of 3.0 across the entire band with an approximate loss tangent of 0.04.
Formation of surface F centers on CaF 2 /Si(111)

The electronic transitions responsible for the formation of F centers at the surfaces of epitaxial ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ films on Si(111) have been identified via photon-stimulated desorption spectroscopy. Results for films ranging from submonolayer to bulk ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ indicate that excitations of the Ca 3p core level result in ${\mathrm{F}}^{+}$ desorption, and hence, in F-center formation, while excitations of the F 2s do not. It is proposed that this difference is due to inward nuclear motion that occurs prior to the deexcitation of the core hole.
Hypothalamic control of energy balance: insights into the role of synaptic plasticity

The past 20 years witnessed an enormous leap in understanding of the central regulation of whole-body energy metabolism. Genetic tools have enabled identification of the region-specific expression of peripheral metabolic hormone receptors and have identified neuronal circuits that mediate the action of these hormones on behavior and peripheral tissue functions. One of the surprising findings of recent years is the observation that brain circuits involved in metabolism regulation remain plastic through adulthood. In this review, we discuss these findings and focus on the role of neurons and glial cells in the dynamic process of plasticity, which is fundamental to the regulation of physiological and pathological metabolic events.
The contribution of supervisor behaviour to employee psychological well-being

Many employees affirm that supervisors affect employee well-being, and research has demonstrated associations between supervisor behaviour and employee psychological well-being. However, what hasn't been clear is the extent to which the association with supervisor behaviour compares with that of other variables known to affect well-being. This exploratory study addresses that issue. Our hypothesis was that supervisor behaviour can contribute to the prediction of psychiatric disturbance beyond the contribution of other influential variables. We created a new, questionnaire-based instrument to measure supervisor behaviour. We tested our hypothesis using stepwise regression with a convenience sample of 167 men and women working in a variety of organizations, occupations, and industries in the USA. Results supported our hypothesis: supervisor behaviour made a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of psychiatric disturbance beyond a step-one variate comprised of age, health practices, suppor...
Future trends in dietetics: the multiskilled professional.

Picture a future in which the registered dietitian is responsible for checking the patient’s vital signs, drawing blood, evaluating bone scans, and prescribing nutritional therapy while actively networking with the multidisciplinary health care team via a palm-top computer. This future is now. All over the United States dietitians are redefining their roles and contributions to the care of patients.’ No longer can we find comfort in the familiar or lament the infamous “that’s not my job.” To survive in a cost-conscious health care environment we must be versatile, creative, and willing to take on new roles professionally. Equipping ourselves with the skills to perform a variety of patient care activities will mean job security. We cannot be territorial with our knowledge and expertise. Remember, the average patient will soon have computer access to the nutrient analysis information and many of the nutritional status assessment measures we currently provide. Their expectations of the dietitian will become much broader than they are today, as will the expectations of the health care administrators who are increasingly concerned about rising health care costs and shrinking profit margins. In 1990, the PEW Health Professions Commission released a comprehensive report regarding the future of the allied
Adipocyte reporter assays: Application for identification of anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mangosteen xanthones

Scope: Three fluorescence biosensors were developed based on a 3T3-L1 preadipocyte line that stably expressed Nfkb-RE/GFP, Fabp4-P/CFP, and Nrf2-P/YFP fluorescent reporters. We hypothesized that nutraceuticals’ inflammatory, adipogenic, and antioxidant status will be identified based on the change in fluorescence in reporter adipocytes. We validated these assays with activators of NFB, FABP4-regulating peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, NFR2 and, thereafter, tested known and unknown properties of mangostines (MGs), the xanthone metabolites in mangosteen fruit. Methods and results: We validated inflammatory and adipogenic properties of -MG using an Nfkb-RE/GFP biosensor assay. Next, we identified unique properties of -MG, a minor MG xanthone. -MG suppressed adipogenesis and expression of adiponectin, but inhibited the Nfkb-RE/GFP reporter and secretion of inflammatory monocyte chemotactic protein 1 as compared to the control adipocytes. We found that the inhibition of adipogenesis and Nfkbmediated inflammation depends on a dose-dependent reduction of Nrf2 promoter activity by -MG. The Nrf2 inhibition resulted in the reduced Pparg expression. -MG did not directly influence Pparg activity in Fabp4-P/CFP adipocytes. Conclusion: -MG-mediated antioxidant response via Nrf2 is a mechanism preventing adipogenesis and inflammation in adipocytes. Combined application of high-throughput biosensors could provide an effective platform for the identification of nutraceuticals and the mechanism of their actions in adipocytes and, potentially, in obese patients.
Fatigue modeling of lead zirconate titanate thin films

Abstract Polarization of ferroelectrics decreases as the number of polarization reversals increase. This phenomenon is known as fatigue. Understanding fatigue mechanisms is important for improving the reliability of ferroelectric thin films. A quantitative fatigue model is proposed for lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film capacitors on the basis of effective one-directional movement of defects, defect intrapment at electrode-PZT interfaces (and/or at grain and domain boundaries) and the resultant polarization loss at those surfaces under an alternating pulse. An asymmetric polarization may occur on alternating polarity because of asymmetry in electrode-ferroelectric interfaces, and/or non-uniform defect distribution in the bulk. The internal field difference owing to the asymmetric polarization causes an effective one-directional movement of defects such as oxygen vacancies, lead vacancies, mobile impurity ions, etc. These defects can be trapped at electrode-PZT interfaces, grain boundaries, and/or domain boundaries because of their lower potential energies at those sites than those in PZT bulk. This entrapment in turn results in the loss of polarization. In accordance with this fatigue source, a fatigue equation is derived which consists of three constants: initial saturation polarization, piling constant, and decay constant. The predicted values from the model agree very well with the experimental data.
Declining segregation through the lens of neighborhood quality: Does middle-class and affluent status bring equality?

Middle- and upper-class status along with suburban residence are together considered symbolic of the American dream. However, the question of whether they mean access to better quality residential environments has gone largely unexplored. This study relies on data from the 2009 panel of the American Housing Survey and focuses on a range of neighborhood conditions, including indicators of physical and social disorder as well as housing value and a neighborhood rating. Contrary to the tenets of the spatial assimilation model, we find that middle-class and affluent status do not consistently lead to superior conditions for all households. Neighborhood circumstances vary considerably based on householder race and ethnicity, with blacks and Hispanics experiencing the greatest disparities from whites. In addition, suburban residence does not attenuate such differences, and in some cases, well-to-do minorities do even worse than whites in neighborhood quality in suburbs.
3D Imaging of Tissue Integration with Porous Biomaterials

Porous biomaterials designed to support cellular infiltration and tissue formation play a critical role in implant fixation and engineered tissue repair. The purpose of this Leading Opinion Paper is to advocate the use of high resolution 3D imaging techniques as a tool to quantify extracellular matrix formation and vascular ingrowth within porous biomaterials and objectively compare different strategies for functional tissue regeneration. An initial over-reliance on qualitative evaluation methods may have contributed to the false perception that developing effective tissue engineering technologies would be relatively straightforward. Moreover, the lack of comparative studies with quantitative metrics in challenging pre-clinical models has made it difficult to determine which of the many available strategies to invest in or use clinically for companies and clinicians, respectively. This paper will specifically illustrate the use of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaging with and without contrast agents to nondestructively quantify the formation of bone, cartilage, and vasculature within porous biomaterials.
Mild protein oxidation enhanced hydration and myofibril swelling capacity of fresh ground pork muscle packaged in high oxygen atmosphere.

: This study investigated the influence of an oxygen-enriched modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx: 80% O2/20% CO2) in comparison with air-permeable polyvinylchloride (PVC) wrapping and partial vacuum (VP: 60%) packaging on the ability of myofibrils to imbibe water during retail display of fresh ground pork at 2 to 4 °C. Both HiOx and PVC muscles after 4 d showed maximum myofibril swelling and A-band dissolution when isolated myofibrils were subjected to a graded series of salt solutions (0.20.4 M NaCl with 10-mM sodium pyrophosphate, pH 6.2), while VP samples exhibited no remarkable change. Protein carbonyl content increased substantially from day 0 to 4 in all muscle samples. For HiOx, muscle hydration capacity increased linearly (P < 0.05) during storage up to 14 d, corresponding to protein carbonyl production. No significant changes in hydration properties were noted in VP muscle samples, which also maintained lower levels of protein oxidation, during storage up to 21 d. These results indicated that packaging in modified atmosphere with high levels of oxygen could result in increased protein oxidation but enhanced hydration capacity of fresh meat. Practical Application: Packaging of fresh meat, including ground pork, under an oxygen-enriched atmosphere condition is widely used in the industry to preserve red color of meat. Results from the present study indicate that high oxygen packaging has a discordant effect on fresh ground pork: it enhances hydration but decreases water-binding, and this seems to be caused by increased swelling of muscle fibers due to mild protein oxidation. Hence, it is advisable to employ a water-binding agent in this type of packaging system so as to retain the moisture in stored fresh pork products while maintaining the color stability.
Pressure-Flow Scour: A Reexamination of the HEC-18 Equation

Unsatisfactory features of the equation that is recommended in a standard reference on bridge scour (commonly known as HEC-18) for predicting pressure-flow scour are pointed out. These are found to stem from the basic model of the original regression analysis, which is argued to have suffered from a spurious correlation. An alternative best-fit and a separate design equation are proposed, together with a definition of the region where such equations may be expected to be applicable.
Detection of human, rat and mouse adenosine deaminase by immunochemical and immunomorphologic methods using antiserum to calf enzyme.

Abstract A commercial preparation of calf adenosine deaminase (calf ADA) was further purified by affinity chromatograohy and used for immunization of rabbits. The resulting anti-calf-ADA sera reacted by immunodiffusion with both calf and human ADA, and precipitated about 90% of radiolabeled enzyme isolated from human thymus tissue. Moreover, ADA activity was detected in the pellets formed by immunoprecipitation of unlabeled human enzyme by anti-calf-ADA sera. These antisera were successfully used for the immunomorphologic localization of ADA in human thymus tissue and in lymphoid cell preparations. The anti-calf-ADA sera could also be used for the immunofluorescent detection of enzyme in rat and mouse thymocytes. The utilization of anti-calf-ADA serum for immunochemical and immunomorphologic detection of enzyme provides a valuable and sensitive reagent for the identification of ADA-positive cells in humans and several other species.
Transonic Time-Response Analysis of 3-Degree-of-Freedom Conventional and Supercritical Airfoils

Aeroelastic time-response analyses are performed for two conventional airfoils, NACA 64A006 and NACA 64A010, and one supercritical airfoil, MBB A-3, in small-disturbance transonic flow. Response results for forces and displacements were obtained by simultaneousl y integrating the structural equations of motion with the unsteady aerodynamic forces computed using two transonic codes: LTRAN2-NLR and USTS. Three-degreesof-freedom—plunge, pitch, and aileron pitch—are considered. Flutter analyses are first performed, with the results used as a guideline for time-response parameter selection. Time-response results are presented showing that for each case the flight speed used to obtain neutrally stable responses is either exactly or nearly the same as the flutter speed determined in the separate flutter analysis. Effect of response amplitudes is investigated. Applicability and limitations of the two transonic codes are evaluated, compared, and discussed. Transonic time-response behavior of these airfoils is physically interpreted and discussed, and comparisons are made.
Impact of international marketing strategies on performance in diverse global markets

Abstract In the United States and Europe, market share has been related consistently to the profitability of large corporations. The generalizability of this relationship among intermediate-size manufacturing businesses selling in diverse global regions is examined here. The associations between international marketing strategy variables and performance are examined by global region. The relationship between market share and profitability holds only weakly in the global regions examined. While each major marketing mix component appears to affect performance in one or more regions, the nature and degrees of association vary considerably across global regions.
Stability of crude sunflower oils to autoxidation and to seed aging

Crude seed oils of Russian sunflower varieties, Armavirec and VNHMK 8931, are somewhat more stable to gross autoxidation than crude oils of two commercial U.S. varieties, Arrowhead and Mingren. Small amounts of oxygenated fatty acids found previously in sunflower seed oils have been shown to be produced during seed storage.
Book Reviews: An Excellent Internet Tutorial [review of Internet Effectively: A Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web (Adams, T. and Scollard, S.; 2006)]

A review of Internet Effectively: A Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web by Tyrone Adams and Sharon Scollard.
Investigation of domain effects on software

It has been stated that there is very less variability in cohesion, coupling and complexity of software packages within specific domains such as Graphical User Interface (GUI). This implies that software metrics show low variability within single domain and high variability between domains. This paper investigates the domain issue by creating hierarchical model of four different domains and two software packages within each domain. Metrics are collected on each package and compared against the domains and packages. Results confirm metrics are not domain centric.
A3-2: Mindful Inquiry: From an Observer to a Gentle Change Agent in the Prevailing Culture of Do and Tell.

Background/Aims In a culture of do and tell, researchers can use massive amount of EHR data, find statistically significant results, and publish them, often without the need to interact with the people who generated those data through their daily work or their use of health care services. Such observational inquiry can be informative one hand, as identifying areas for improvement requires the identification of gaps in quality of care or other shortcomings in the system. Mindful inquiry, i.e., asking questions in the moment, the here-and-now, on the other hand, has the potential to become a change agent that can facilitate the creation of new knowledge and the dissemination and implementation of best practices.
English Language Learners’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Types of Form-Focused Written Feedback

Providing English language learners with effective feedback on their writing is an issue facing many writing teachers. This article focuses on English language learners’ perceptions of both direct and indirect form-focused written feedback and how these perceptions might change over time. Forty-two advanced level students in an intensive English program at a large U.S. university participated in two surveys, one at the beginning of the term and one at the end. They were asked to rate and comment on the usefulness of five types of feedback (three indirect and two direct) for the purposes of both text revision and the learning of grammar and writing. Students perceived the feedback types that provide codes, comments, and/or explanations as being more useful overall in text revision than other forms of feedback. Findings indicate that students’ perceptions regarding the usefulness of feedback types changed throughout the course. Three areas of feedback that students focused on as their perceptions change are identified, as are reasons why students did or did not value each of the feedback types.
Engineering the friction-and-wear behavior of polyelectrolyte multilayer nanoassemblies through block copolymer surface capping, metallic nanoparticles, and multiwall carbon nanotubes

In previous work, it was demonstrated that coating a surface with polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) composed of polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) resulted in increased friction forces at low normal loads. At stress levels sufficient to cause system wear, however, PAH/PAA PEMs provided significant wear protection for the underlying substrate. This report evaluates three strategies for reducing the coefficients of friction associated with PEMs at low normal stress, while retaining their wear-retarding properties at high normal loads. Anchoring polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) to the PAH surface of a multilayer film, less than 10 nm thick, enhanced the hardness, and hence the load-bearing capacity of these structures. The effect of surface capping was most pronounced at high normal stresses, where substantial wear prevention was observed, accompanied by low friction forces. These films are well suited for systems where wear particle generation hinders smooth operation. The second strategy used the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles in the PEM matrix for friction reduction. Optimum levels of silver clusters are required at the surface to reduce the friction forces. Finally, multilayer composites were constructed using PAH and multiwall carbon nanotubes. These assemblies exhibited the lowest values of friction among the strategies studied, at all levels of stress; in addition, substrate wear prevention was also achieved. The tribological behavior of the PEM-modification strategies was correlated with the mechanical properties of the films, elicited by nanoindentation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 439–448, 2004
Reconstitution of hepatic uricase in planar lipid bilayer reveals a functional organic anion channel.

Rat renal proximal tubule cell membranes have been reported to contain uricase-like proteins that function as electrogenic urate transporters. Although uricase, per se, has only been detected within peroxisomes in rat liver (where it functions as an oxidative enzyme) this protein has been shown to function as a urate transport protein when inserted into liposomes. Since both the uricase-like renal protein and hepatic uricase can transport urate, reconstitution studies were performed to further characterize the mechanism by which uricase may function as a transport protein. Ion channel activity was evaluated in planar lipid bilayers before and after fusion of uricase-containing proteoliposomes. In the presence of symmetrical solutions of urate and KCl, but absence of uricase, no current was generated when the voltage was ramped between ±100 mV. Following fusion of uricase with the bilayer, single channel activity was evident: the reconstituted channel rectified with a mean slope conductance of 8 pS, displayed voltage sensitivity, and demonstrated a marked selectivity for urate relative to K+ and Cl−. The channel was more selective to oxonate, an inhibitor of both enzymatic uricase activity and urate transport, than urate and it was equally selective to urate and pyrazinoate, an inhibitor of urate transport. With time, pyrazinoate blocked both its own movement and the movement of urate through the channel. Channel activity was also blocked by the IgG fraction of a polyclonal antibody to affinity purified pig liver uricase. These studies demonstrate that a highly selective, voltage dependent organic anion channel is formed when a purified preparation of uricase is reconstituted in lipid bilayers.
The global burden of asthma.

There has been a sharp increase in the global prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and economic burden associated with asthma over the last 40 years, particularly in children. Approximately 300 million people worldwide currently have asthma, and its prevalence increases by 50% every decade. In North America, 10% of the population have asthma. Asthma is underdiagnosed and undertreated, although the use of inhaled corticosteroids has made a positive impact on outcomes. The increasing number of hospital admissions for asthma, which are most pronounced in young children, reflect an increase in severe asthma, poor disease management, and poverty. Worldwide, approximately 180,000 deaths annually are attributable to asthma, although overall mortality rates have fallen since the 1980s. Most asthma deaths occur in those ≥ 45 years old and are largely preventable, frequently being related to inadequate long-term medical care or delays in obtaining medical help during the last attack. The financial burden on patients with asthma in different Western countries ranges from $300 to $1,300 per patient per year, disproportionately affecting those with the most severe disease. There are a number of significant barriers to reducing the burden of asthma, particularly in developing countries, where many patients have limited access to care and essential medications. The Global Initiative for Asthma has outlined a six-point patient management plan to address the effective handling of the increased number of patients in primary care. The plan focuses on patient education, written treatment plans, and ongoing communication and review with patients and their providers.
Polyclonal antisera specific for the proenzyme form of each calpain.

Each subunit of calpain (EC 3.4.22.17) is proteolytically modified when the enzymes are exposed to calcium. These cleavages appear to be important for regulating the proteolytic activity and calcium-sensitivity of the proteinases. We have synthesized peptides that correspond to the sites of autoproteolytic modification within the catalytic subunit of each calpain. Polyclonal antisera raised against these peptides are highly specific for the unmodified catalytic subunit of each calpain. The antiserum specific for the N-terminal epitope of milli-calpain was used to demonstrate an inverse relationship between the presence of this N-terminal peptide and casein hydrolysis. The antiserum specific for the N-terminal epitope of micro-calpain was used to demonstrate proteolytic modification of the catalytic subunit of μ-calpain in rat erythrocytes treated with ionomycin and calcium.
High-concentration erbium-doped fibers and waveguides for integrated optics applications

summary of theperformance of the reported waveguide amplifiers is presented in Table 1 . The Table also includes resultsobtained for high-concentration erbium-doped silica fibres. Typical parameters for silica fibres used at present in commercial EDFAs are also listed in the Table for comparison. The Table shows that very respectable performance of short erbium-doped amplifiers have already been obtained.As seen from the Table, the testing conditions, such as waveguide length and pump power varied significantly.One possible figure of merit, which allows comparison of the results, is the ratio of peak gain to peak absorptioncoefficients of erbium ions. For a well-performing amplifier, this ratio should be close to unity. The results inTable 1 show that soda-lime and phosphate glasses offer high gain to the absorption ratio, even at extremely higherbium ion concentrations. Another figure of merit is the small-signal gain coefficient shown in Fig. 1 . As expected, the gain coefficient is linearly proportional to the erbium ion concentration, with some deviationsrelated to the host and fabrication technologies chosen.
Induction of hepatic thioredoxin reductase activity by sulforaphane, both in Hepa1c1c7 cells and in male Fisher 344 rats.

Sulforaphane (SF), a glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, is considered an anticarcinogenic component in broccoli. Sulforaphane induces a battery of detoxification enzymes, including quinone reductase (QR). Induction is thought to be mediated through a common regulatory region termed the antioxidant response element (ARE). To test the hypothesis that the antioxidant selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TR) may be induced as part of this coordinated host-defense response to dietary anticarcinogenic compounds, TR activity was measured in livers of rats pair-fed diets containing SF and/or broccoli (n = 6/group). At the doses used, neither SF nor broccoli alone significantly elevated TR activity, whereas treatments containing both broccoli and SF caused a significant increase in TR activity. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), a second selenium-dependant enzyme with antioxidant activity, was downregulated in rats fed both SF and broccoli, compared to the control diet.A second experiment, using mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, tested whether an interaction exists between selenium (Se) and SF in TR inducibility, since Se is known to induce TR activity. Selenium (2.5 mM) plus SF (2.0 mM) caused significantly greater TR activity than either treatment alone. All treatments with added Se or SF caused significantly greater TR activities than no Se or SF treatment. Glutathione peroxidase activity was elevated by Se, but not by SF. These data suggest that TR, known to be regulated by Se, is also upregulated as part of a host response to the dietary anticarcinogen SF, a trait not shared by another Se-dependent enzyme, GSH-Px.