cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite characterization and marker development for the fungus Penicillium digitatum, causal agent of green mold of citrus.

Penicillium digitatum is one of the most important postharvest pathogens of citrus on a global scale causing significant annual losses due to fruit rot. However, little is known about the diversity of P. digitatum populations. The genome of P. digitatum has been sequenced, providing an opportunity to determine the microsatellite distribution within P. digitatum to develop markers that could be valuable tools for studying the population biology of this pathogen. In the analyses, a total of 3,134 microsatellite loci were detected; 66.73%, 23.23%, 8.23%, 1.24%, 0.16%, and 0.77% were detected as mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanucleotide repeats, respectively. As consistent with other ascomycete fungi, the genome size of P. digitatum does not seem to correlate with the density of microsatellite loci. However, significantly longer motifs of mono-, di-, and tetranucleotide repeats were identified in P. digitatum compared to 10 other published ascomycete species with repeats of over 800, 300, and 900 motifs found, respectively. One isolate from southern California and five additional isolates from other countries ("global isolates") were used to initially screen microsatellite markers developed in this study. Twelve additional isolates, referred to as the "local isolates," were also collected from citrus at the University of California Riverside agricultural experiment station and were subsequently used to screen the primers that sequenced well and were polymorphic based on the global isolates. Thirty-six primers were screened, and nine trinucleotide loci and one hexanucleotide locus were chosen as robust markers. These loci yielded two to seven alleles and will be useful to study population genetic structure of P. digitatum populations.
The Modeling of V2G Component for Power Flow Studies

As V2G components gain prominence in the power system, accurate modeling of the V2G for power flow studies in the distribution network becomes unquestionably expedient, especially with the need to provide quality service. The paper models V2G as a PQ unit. The power flow studies is developed from Newton Raphson’s 3-Phase Current Injection formulation. The mathematical basis for voltage studies is presented. Also various impacts on the voltage profile for V2G operations in different modes of operation are investigated. Results indicate that the extent of voltage impact depends on the V2G mode of operation, size of the network and whether the V2G integration is 1-phase or three-phase. This study would be useful in the design, management, and operations of the electric network with significant V2Gs.
Postscript: Can We Have a Liberatory Epistemology?

A liberatory epistemology seeks social change through grasping the connection between knowledge and oppressive practices. By speaking of the reasonable need to overcome ignorance, such an epistemology offers reasons to understand others. Liberatory epistemology makes us better knowers by insisting we address facts about the experiences of others who may not share our social reality. Being reasonable, then, will require being intellectually cautious, open-minded, and fair in grasping the world around us. It will mean inquiring together with others in an effort to overcome exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism, and violence. It will mean, finally, pushing us toward greater justice in the world. Ultimately, reasonableness and understanding come together to create an epistemology of social justice.
Adherence to a Dysphagia Exercise Program by Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivors

Abstract Introduction: Adherence to a swallowing exercise protocol and a common compliance barrier, oral pain, was evaluated and described. Methods: A four-week dysphagia exercise program was completed by 12 individuals with a history of base of tongue cancer who were experiencing latent dysphagia. Adherence to a dysphagia exercise program was quantified. Focused outcome measures on oral pain related to dysphagia exercises and exercise related sense of effort were also included. Results: Moderate to strong adherence was reported by 75% of participants. Overall, 78.9% of exercise sessions were completed. Individuals reported little to no pain associated with dysphagia exercises throughout protocol participation. Conclusions: Routine reminders and establishment of a tracking method supported adherence with a dysphagia exercise protocol. Oral pain and sense of effort associated with completing oral and dysphagia exercises were not demonstrated to be barriers to participation in a dysphagia exercise program in people who are several years post radiation therapy completion. Keywords: dysphagia, oropharyngeal cancer, latent dysphagia, swallowing exercises
Christian Social Constructions of Disability: Church Attendees

A study of local Christian church attendees was undertaken to determine their perspectives on what might be called “Christian social constructions” of disability. Responses were at times in predominant agreement or disagreement, and at times split between positions of agreement and disagreement. Recommendations are made for further research to determine whether responses represent confusion about disability among respondents or differences due to denominational perspectives.
Large eddy simulations of high-heat-flux supercritical CO2 convection in microchannels: Mixed convection and non-uniform heating

Abstract Near-critical-point supercritical fluid convection is a promising solution for emerging high-flux thermal management needs because of the high fluid thermal conductivities and specific heats. Supercritical convection has been extensively studied for large diameter channels with uniform heating (4.1 q ' ' 750 μ m × 737 μ m cross-section). First, the simulation approach is validated with published experimental data. Studies are then conducted for horizontal isothermal heated channels at reduced pressure P r = 1.1 , mass fluxes G = 100 - 1000 k g m - 2 s - 1 ( Re = 3000 - 35 , 700 ), average wall heat fluxes q ' ' = 24 - 62 W c m - 2 , and bulk flow temperatures T bulk = 291 - 317 K (inside and outside pseudocritical range). Results are used to assess the applicability of published supercritical convection correlations for microchannel heat exchangers. All available supercritical correlations are found to under-predict heat transfer coefficients at high heat fluxes ( q ' ' = 58 - 62 W c m - 2 ). The bottom-to-top wall heat transfer coefficient (HTC) ratios from these cases are used to determine a new criterion for the onset of significant mixed convection effects. At low mass fluxes ( G = 100 k g m - 2 s - 1 ) , this HTC ratio is found to exceed 2.5×. Simulations indicate that, at these conditions, increased heat fluxes lead to reduced HTCs for low and high mass fluxes, but increased HTCs at intermediate mass flux values. Finally, an illustrative case is evaluated to assess the impact of conjugate heat transfer effects in microscale supercritical convection, and highlight limitations of conventional modeling approaches. This study quantifies the accuracy of convection correlations for high-heat-flux microchannel pseudocritical conditions, provides new criteria for predicting the onset of mixed convection in microchannel supercritical flows, and demonstrates the impact of conjugate heat transfer effects in microchannel supercritical heat exchangers.
Viscoelasticity of the axon limits stretch-mediated growth

Understanding how axons fail is critical to preventing brain injury. From stretch experiments, we know how axons respond to forces on the time scales of milliseconds and days. Yet, there is no mechanical model that explains the behavior of the axon at both short and long time scales. Here we propose a constitutive model to study the limits of stretch-mediated axonal disconnection at different time scales. Our model combines viscoelasticity using a neo-Hookean standard linear solid and growth using stress-mediated accelerated elongation. By limiting peak and average membrane tensions, our model predicts critical elongations and elongation rates. Interestingly, the critical elongation rate is not constant, but increases after an acclimation period. Combining viscoelasticity and growth is essential to simulate axonal disconnection in stretch-mediated growth at both short and long time scales. Our model can help optimize axonal stretch experiments and provides insight into the interacting time scales within the axon.
Modelling food web complexity : The consequences of individual-based, spatially explicit behavioural ecology on trophic interactions

We present a prototype simulator that enables one to explore the influence of individual behaviour on the dynamics and structural complexity of food webs. In the simulations, individuals act according to simple, biologically plausible rules in a spatially explicit setting. We present the results of a series of simulation experiments on artificial, tri-trophic level food chains used to calibrate the simulator against real-world systems and to demonstrate the simulator's promise for ecological modelling. Our primary objective was to discover the biological features leading to stability of artificial food chains over ecological time and under different conditions of trophic efficiency. This involved a qualitative analysis of food chains comprised of a plant, a herbivore and a carnivore species. We explored the consequences of allowing individual heterotrophs to make active choices about resource selection (perception and intentional behaviour) under high and low degrees of trophic efficiency. We found that individuals had to adopt realistic behavioural ecological strategies, such as active resource selection, for systems to persist, especially under conditions in which trophic efficiencies were of the magnitude observed in real systems (e.g. 10%). Our results reaffirm previous convictions that a better understanding of food web interactions in real-world systems will require approaches that blend animal behavioural ecology with population and community ecology. However, the evidence comes from a new mathematical perspective.
Subcapsular hepatic hematoma due to vessel injury from the rigid portion of a guidewire during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

A 58-year-old male receiving two types of antithrombotic medication developed acute obstructive suppressive cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis. During the first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure, we performed biliary plastic stenting. Seven days after this procedure and with continued antithrombotic treatment, we performed ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Twelve hours after this procedure, the patient suffered transient unconsciousness and progression of anemia. Sixty hours after the procedure, he experienced right hypochondralgia and hiccups. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a subcapsular hepatic hematoma. Bleeding was successfully arrested with selective arterial embolization. We suspected that the cause of these problems was vessel injury from the rigid portion of the guidewire during the ERCP procedure.
BCI-Mediated Behavior, Moral Luck, and Punishment

An ongoing debate in the philosophy of action concerns the prevalence of moral luck: instances in which an agent’s moral responsibility is due, at least in part, to factors beyond his control. Cons...
Screening for QT Prolongation in the Emergency Department: Is There a Better "Rule of Thumb?"

Author(s): Rischall, Megan L.; Smith, Stephen W.; Friedman, Ari B. | Abstract: Introduction: Identification of QT prolongation in the emergency department (ED) is critical for appropriate monitoring, disposition, and treatment of patients at risk for torsades de pointes (TdP). Unfortunately, identifying prolonged QT is not straightforward. Computer algorithms are unreliable in identifying prolonged QT. Manual QT-interval assessment methods, including QT correction formulas and the QT nomogram, are time-consuming and are not ideal screening tools in the ED. Many emergency clinicians rely on the “rule of thumb” or “Half the RR” rule (Half-RR) as an initial screening method, but prior studies have shown that the Half-RR rule performs poorly as compared to other QT assessment methods. We sought to characterize the problems associated with the Half-RR rule and find a modified screening tool to more safely assess the QT interval of ED patients for prolonged QT.Methods: We created graphs comparing the prediction of the Half-RR rule to other common QT assessment methods for a spectrum of QT and heart rate pairs. We then proposed various modifications to the Half-RR rule and assessed these modifications to find an improved “rule of thumb.”Results: When compared to other methods of QT correction, the Half-RR rule appears to be more conservative at normal and elevated heart rates, making it a safe initial screening tool. However, in bradycardia, the Half-RR rule is not sufficiently sensitive in identifying prolonged QT. Adding a fixed QT cutoff of 485 milliseconds (ms) increases the sensitivity of the rule in bradycardia, creating a safer initial screening tool.Conclusion: For a rapid and more sensitive screening evaluation of the QT interval on electrocardiograms in the ED, we propose combining use of the Half-RR rule at normal and elevated heart rates with a fixed uncorrected QT cutoff of 485 ms in bradycardia.
Non-destructive spatial analysis of phosphatase activity and total protein distribution in the rhizosphere using a root blotting method

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, but bioavailable P in soils is often limited due to immobilization resulting from pH and geochemical interactions. Understanding the dynamics of P in soils and elucidating the mechanisms by which plants access P from their environment are critical to evaluating productivity, particularly in nutrient poor environments. Phosphorus from organic matter can act as a major source of P for organisms in soil systems. Phosphatases, enzymes that liberate inorganic P from organic sources, are produced by both plants and microbes and are considered one of the most active classes of enzymes in soil. We developed a root blotting method to spatially image phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere. Proteins from the rhizosphere are transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane while retaining their enzymatic activity and two-dimensional spatial distribution. Subsequent application of a fluorogenic phosphatase indicator, DDAO phosphate, enables visualization of the distribution of phosphatase activity in the sample. The proteins can then be fixed to the membrane and treated with SYPRO® Ruby Protein Blot Stain, a fluorescent total protein stain, allowing for visualization of total protein distribution. Taken together, the images of phosphatase activity and total protein localization can be mapped back to the root architecture and provide insight into factors affecting the spatial distribution of enzymatic activity and protein accumulation in the rhizosphere. Notably, this method can be applied to plants growing in rhizoboxes containing soil or soilless growth mixtures (e.g., sand or various potting mixes) and, because of the non-destructive nature of this approach, be performed over time to track changes. We anticipate that this fluorescent indicator imaging technique on root blots can be used in diverse plant-microbe-soil systems to better understand the role of phosphatases in P acquisition and soil P cycling.
Origins of 1/f Noise in Electronic Materials and Devices: A Historical Perspective

From its discovery in 1925 by Johnson until the late 1960s, it was generally agreed that low-frequency excess (1/f) noise in electronic materials and devices is caused primarily by defects and impurities. The 1/f noise of semiconductor devices was considered to be a surface effect, ascribed by McWhorter to fluctuations in carrier number caused by surface charge trapping. After much controversy, the noise of metal films was shown to be due to mobility fluctuations caused by carrier-defect scattering. For MOSFETs and most other electronic devices, overwhelming evidence strongly supports carrier number fluctuations due to trapping effects as the origin of the observed noise. The model of Dutta and Horn allows the estimation of effective defect-energy distributions from comparative measurements of the temperature and frequency dependence of the noise. Examples are presented for MOSFETs (including those based on SiC and two-dimensional materials) that show the particular importance of O vacancy-related defects and hydrogen to the observed noise, and the importance of complementary experimental techniques and density-functional theory calculations in assisting in the identification of the defects that are primarily responsible. The low-frequency noise of GaN-based HEMTs is also discussed.
Are Women in Rural India Really Consuming a Less Diverse Diet

Background:It is widely considered that women have less diverse diets than other household members. However, it has been challenging to establish this empirically since women’s diet diversity is me...
A kT/C-Noise-Cancelled Noise-Shaping SAR ADC with a Duty-Cycled Amplifier

This paper describes an error-feedback (EF) NS-SAR ADC featuring a low-cost sampling kT/C noise cancellation (SNC) technique. It fully reuses the EF hardware with just a slight modification in the timing, while being able to realize 14b dynamic range at an OSR of 8 with only 250-fF input capacitance. Moreover, unlike prior SNC scheme that requires a constantly-on amplifier, the proposed design allows the amplifier to be duty cycled, thus minimizing the power overhead. Designed and simulated with 65-nm CMOS process, the proposed ADC consumes 105µW with a sampling rate of 10MHz, which predicts a Schreier FoM of 183.7dB.
Examining the significance of infill printing pattern on the anisotropy of 3D printed concrete

Abstract Additive manufacturing relies on the deposition of layers of material upon existing ones. The nature of this method disadvantages materials such as concrete due to the rheological changes of the material over time, the lack of standardization of the printing process, and the nature of the deposition process. This paper examines the significance of infill printing patterns on the anisotropic properties of 3D printed concrete. The rheological properties, the compressive strength, and the interlayer and interfilamentous bond strength of the 3D printed concrete were characterized. We show that there is a directional dependency on all the infill patterns. The specimens show lower compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity in the Z (extrusion) direction compared with the X and Y directions but insignificant difference of the strength and modulus between the X and Y directions. However, no directional dependency was found for the strain at failure. On the other hand, no significant difference in the mechanical properties of 3D printed concrete was observed or can be attributed to the infill printing patterns. The results also show that the 3D printed concrete shows higher compressive strength, for two out of the three testing directions (X and Y) than conventionally cast concrete. This is due to the compactness associated with the printing process that is strongly dependent on the printing parameters.
Two Alternative Proofs of the GrÃ¼ss Inequality

The classical GrA¼s inequality has spurred a range of improvements, generalizations, and extensions. In this article, we provide new functional bounds that ultimately lead to two elementary proofs of the inequality that might be of interest. Our results are motivated by the extreme cases where the equality is reached, namely step functions of equal support. Our first proof is based on the standard Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and a simple bound on the variance of a function. Its simplicity would be of particular interest to those who are new to the study of functional inequalities. Our second proof utilizes non-intuitive and novel bounds on functionals defined on Lâˆž(0, 1). As a result, we provide a detailed and new insight into the nature of the GrA¼ss inequality.
Qualitative Prediction of Ligand Dissociation Kinetics from Focal Adhesion Kinase Using Steered Molecular Dynamics

Most early-stage drug discovery projects focus on equilibrium binding affinity to the target alongside selectivity and other pharmaceutical properties. Since many approved drugs have nonequilibrium binding characteristics, there has been increasing interest in optimizing binding kinetics early in the drug discovery process. As focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an important drug target, we examine whether steered molecular dynamics (SMD) can be useful for identifying drug candidates with the desired drug-binding kinetics. In simulating the dissociation of 14 ligands from FAK, we find an empirical power–law relationship between the simulated time needed for ligand unbinding and the experimental rate constant for dissociation, with a strong correlation depending on the SMD force used. To improve predictions, we further develop regression models connecting experimental dissociation rate with various structural and energetic quantities derived from the simulations. These models can be used to predict dissociation rates from FAK for related compounds.
Roadmap to Biodegradable Plastics—Current State and Research Needs

Plastics, with their ubiquitous presence in our daily lives and environment, pose an uncomfortable conundrum. Producers and consumers are aware of the value of these organic ingredients in material...
Changing the Carburetor Without Changing the Plugs: The Intersection of Stock Car Racing With Mechanically Assisted Circulation.

This Editorial Comment is dedicated to those “who think the last four words of the national anthem are ‘Gentlemen, start your engines'” (Jeff Foxworthy) [(1)][1]. Summer in the South is filled with sweltering heat, the sweet smell of magnolias, lazy summer weekends, and afternoons at the
Chapter 17 Replica Plating of Animal Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights replica plating of animal cells with emphasis on features of the technique that have emerged since its original description. Replica plating as used in microbial genetics permits the identification of relatively rare mutants without resorting to direct selections based on resistance to drugs and inhibitors. By preparing replica plates at different growth temperatures or in the absence of specific nutrients, temperature-sensitive mutants and nutrient auxotrophs can be isolated. Animal cell colonies grow onto various supports, including filter paper and cloth of woven polyester. This strategy permits the identification of mutants by classic replica plating, in situ enzyme assays, and colony autoradiography. Replica plating of animal cells was originally devised for isolating mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, an immortal cell line that has favorable genetic properties and growth characteristics. CHO cells have a stable karyotype, and the phenotypes of mutants persist through many cell generations. These features make it possible to isolate mutants clonally and to examine the biochemical and physiological effects of mutations in vitro and in vivo. Animal cell replica plating is based on the observation that cells attached to plastic substrata grow into overlying disks of filter paper. When overlaid with grades of Whatman filter paper that have smooth surfaces, cells from each colony grow up into the disk.
UNDERSTANDING OF DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF Pb0.2Sr0.8TiO3-MgO COMPOSITE FROM NUMERICAL APPROACH

ABSTRACT (Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3-MgO composite system has been studied by Somiya et al. At room temperature, attractive relative permittivities (over 100) were obtained with an addition of MgO in (Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3. At the same time, low relative dielectric losses, tan(δ), in the range of 10− 4 to 10− 3 were observed in the frequency range from kHz to 4 GHz, respectively. In this study, finite element method with Monte Carlo simulation is conducted for the composition x (Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3: (1−x) MgO from x = 0 to 1 in the paraelectric phase (from −50°C to 200°C), and the results are computed and compared with the experimental data. The temperature dependence of the relative permittivity of composites was well predicted up to 35.5% volume fraction of (Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3. The simulation results show little discrepancy as MgO volume fraction increases. Several possible factors resulting in the differences between experimental results and simulations are discussed.
Accounting for baryonic effects in cosmic shear tomography: determining a minimal set of nuisance parameters using PCA

Systematic uncertainties that have been subdominant in past large-scale structure (LSS) surveys are likely to exceed statistical uncertainties of current and future LSS data sets, potentially limiting the extraction of cosmological information. Here we present a general framework (PCA marginalization) to consistently incorporate systematic effects into a likelihood analysis. This technique naturally accounts for degeneracies between nuisance parameters and can substantially reduce the dimension of the parameter space that needs to be sampled. As a practical application, we apply PCA marginalization to account for baryonic physics as an uncertainty in cosmic shear tomography. Specifically, we use CosmoLike to run simulated likelihood analyses on three independent sets of numerical simulations, each covering a wide range of baryonic scenarios differing in cooling, star formation, and feedback mechanisms. We simulate a Stage III (Dark Energy Survey) and Stage IV (Large Synoptic Survey Telescope/Euclid) survey and find a substantial bias in cosmological constraints if baryonic physics is not accounted for. We then show that PCA marginalization (employing at most 3 to 4 nuisance parameters) removes this bias. Our study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain robust, precise constraints on the dark energy equation of state even in the presence of large levels ofmore » systematic uncertainty in astrophysical processes. We conclude that the PCA marginalization technique is a powerful, general tool for addressing many of the challenges facing the precision cosmology program.« less
Child mortality and public spending on health: How much does money matter?

The authors use cross-national data to examine the impact on child (under 5) and infant mortality of both nonhealth (economic, cultural, and educational) factors and public spending on health. They come up with two striking findings: 1) Roughly 95 percent of cross-national variation in mortality can be explained by a country's per capita income, the distribution of income, the extent of women's education, the level of ethnic fragmentation, and the predominant religion. 2) Public spending on health has relatively little impact, with a coefficient that is numerically small and statistically insignificant at conventional levels. Independent variations in public spending explain less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the observed differences in mortality across countries. The estimates imply that for a developing country at average income levels, actual public spending per child death averted is $50,000 to $100,000. This contrasts markedly with a typical range of estimates for the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions to avert the main causes of child mortality of $10 to $4,000. They outline three possible explanations for this divergence between the actual and apparent potential of public spending: the allocation of public spending, the net impact of additional public supply, and public sector efficacy.
A novel approach to the modelling and control of flexible robot arms

A general dynamic model of a two-link Euler-Bernoulli beam flexible robot arm is presented in the form of partial-differential-integral equations. Observations are made on important properties of the dynamic model. The resulting infinite-dimensional system is then input-output decoupled and partially linearized by a diffeomorphic state transformation and nonlinear state feedback. The local stability issue is addressed for a one-link flexible robot arm. >
Religiosity, socio-economic development and work values: a cross-national study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use international survey data to investigate the effects of religiosity, religious denomination, communist heritage, and socio-economic development on work values. Design/methodology/approach – First, religiosity and work values are conceptualized. Next, the relationships among these concepts are discussed and the hypotheses, variables, and data are presented. Finally, the results of the empirical tests are presented and the theoretical and managerial implications, as well as avenues for future research, are discussed. Findings – It is found that socio-economic development negatively, whereas religiosity and communist heritage positively, influence extrinsic work values. Further analysis reveals that religiosity has a quadratic relationship with intrinsic work values. Conspicuously, after controlling for the effects of religiosity, no significant association is found between religious denominations and work values. Research limitations/implications – The current a...
Vibrating RF MEMS technology: fuel for an integrated micromechanical circuit revolution?

Having produced devices with sufficient Q, thermal stability, and manufacturability, for component-level use in present-day wireless handsets, vibrating RF MEMS technology is now poised to take its next logical steps: higher levels of circuit complexity and integration. In particular, as vibrating RF MEMS devices are perceived more as circuit building blocks than as standalone devices, and as the frequency processing circuits they enable become larger and more complex, the makings of an integrated micromechanical circuit technology begin to take shape, perhaps with a functional breadth to rival that of integrated transistor circuits. This paper suggests the mechanical circuit element properties that ensure a broad functional range for integrated micromechanical circuits.
Natural Orifice Surgery (NOTES)

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery is a new surgical paradigm combining many facets of advanced therapeutic endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. Much of the groundbreaking work in NOTES surgery is centered on transoral/transgastric approaches. Transanal NOTES, however, has many potential advantages over transoral approaches in selected situations. Surgeons have long since utilized the transanal route to remove sigmoid colon specimens during laparoscopic left colon surgery. Transanal total mesorectal excision has several appealing benefits and is being investigated as the first major transanal NOTES procedure.
Aqueous membranes for the separation of gaseous mixtures

Abstract Gas mixture separation characteristics of aqueous surfactant films were studied. Permeation constants of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and propane through aqueous films of 2 wt% Ivory Liquid and of 2 wt% Duponol WN were determined. Binary gas mixtures of carbon dioxide-nitrogen and carbon dioxide-propane were enriched in one of the components using a thermally induced driving force.
Recent progress in biopolymer nanoparticle and microparticle formation by heat-treating electrostatic protein–polysaccharide complexes

Functional biopolymer nanoparticles or microparticles can be formed by heat treatment of globular protein-ionic polysaccharide electrostatic complexes under appropriate solution conditions. These biopolymer particles can be used as encapsulation and delivery systems, fat mimetics, lightening agents, or texture modifiers. This review highlights recent progress in the design and fabrication of biopolymer particles based on heating globular protein-ionic polysaccharide complexes above the thermal denaturation temperature of the proteins. The influence of biopolymer type, protein-polysaccharide ratio, pH, ionic strength, and thermal history on the characteristics of the biopolymer particles formed is reviewed. Our current understanding of the underlying physicochemical mechanisms of particle formation and properties is given. The information provided in this review should facilitate the rational design of biopolymer particles with specific physicochemical and functional attributes, as well as stimulate further research in identifying the physicochemical origin of particle formation.
The effects of firms' advertising disclosures as a reflection of CSR practices on consumer responses

Purpose – This research aims to probe the relevance of CSR by testing the relations among consumers' attitudes toward firms' advertising disclosures, attitudes toward CSR practices, perceived trust toward firms, attitudes toward firms, and behavioral intentions.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses an online survey with a convenient sampling consisting of college students. In particular, this study uses mobile phone companies' advertising disclosures in general as the focus of its survey questions.Findings – The results reveal that consumers' positive attitudes toward firms' advertising disclosures enhance their attitudes toward firms' CSR practices and perceived trust toward firms, whereas consumers' attitudes toward CSR practices mediate the effect of their attitudes toward advertising disclosures on enhancing their perceived trust toward firms. Moreover, consumers' attitudes toward firms mediate the effect of their perceived trust toward firms on enhancing their behavioral intentions.Practical ...
RNA SYNTHESIS IN THE MITOTIC CYCLE OF PHYSARUM POLYCEPHALUM.

Abstract The rate of uptake of [ 3 H]uridine into RNA has been studied in synchronous cultures of Physarum polycephalum . RNA synthesis was reduced at mitosis and again in mid-interphase, and sharply increased following each of these periods. The maximum increase early in interphase coincided with the time of nucleolar reconstruction and DNA synthesis, while the second maximum occured at the time of nucleolar swelling. Such swelling is the first cytological indication of the approaching mitosis. Pretreatment with actinomycin D reduced the postmitotic synthesis one half and completely eliminated premitotic synthesis. These results suggest a different physical or chemical nature of some of the RNA's made during the two periods of synthesis.
INGESTION OF SOLUBLE FERRITIN-ANTIFERRITIN COMPLEXES BY PHAGOCYTIC CELLS.

SummaryThe ingestion of soluble ferritin-antiferritin complexes was studied by parallel immunofluorescent, electron microscopic and isotope trace labeled antigen methods. The complexes were ingested by guinea pig spleen cells or mouse peritoneal macrophages. The degree of cellular activity demonstrated by these techniques was dependent on the degree of antigen excess used in preparation of the complexes, the source of antisera and the particular methodology applied.
Soot Evolution With Cyclic Crank-Angle-Resolved Two-Color Thermometry in an Optical Diesel Engine Fueled With Biodiesel Blend and ULSD

Biodiesel is a desirable alternative fuel for the diesel engine due to its low engine-out soot emission tendency. When blended with petroleum-based diesel fuels, soot emissions generally decrease in proportion to the volume fraction of biodiesel in the mixture. While comparisons of engine-out soot measurements between biodiesel blends and petroleum-based diesel have been widely reported, in-cylinder soot evolution has not been experimentally explored to the same extent. To elucidate the soot emission reduction mechanism of biodiesel, a single-cylinder optically-accessible diesel engine was used to compare the in-cylinder soot evolution when fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to that using a B20 biodiesel blend (20% vol./vol. biodiesel ASTM D6751-03A). Soot temperature and KL factors are simultaneously determined using a novel two-color optical thermometry technique implemented with a high-speed CMOS color camera having wide-band Bayer filters. The crank-angle resolved data allows quantitative comparison of the rate of in-cylinder soot formation. High-speed spray images show that B20 has more splashing during spray wall impingement than ULSD, distributing rebounding fuel droplets over a thicker annular ring interior to the piston bowl periphery. The subsequent soot luminescence is observed by high-speed combustion imaging and soot temperature and KL factor measurements. B20 forms soot both at low KL magnitudes over large areas between fuel jets, and at high values among remnants of the fuel spray, along its axis and away from the bowl edge. In contrast, ULSD soot luminescence is observed exclusively as pool burning on the piston bowl surfaces resulting from spray wall impingement. The soot KL factor evolution during B20 combustion indicates earlier and significantly greater soot formation than with ULSD. B20 combustion is also observed to have a greater soot oxidation rate, which results in lower late-cycle soot emissions. For both fuels, higher fuel injection pressure led to lower late-cycle soot KL levels. The apparent rate of heat release (ARHR) analysis under steady skip-fire conditions indicates that B20 combustion is less sensitive to wall temperature than that observed with ULSD due to a lesser degree of pool burning. B20 was found to have both a shorter ignition delay and shorter combustion duration than ULSD.
Strategies for referent tracking in electronic health records

The goal of referent tracking is to create an ever-growing pool of data relating to the entities existing in concrete spatiotemporal reality. In the context of Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) the relevant concrete entities are not only particular patients but also their parts, diseases, therapies, lesions, and so forth, insofar as these are salient to diagnosis and treatment. Within a referent tracking system, all such entities are referred to directly and explicitly, something which cannot be achieved when familiar concept-based systems are used in what is called "clinical coding." In this paper, we describe the components of a referent tracking system in an informal way and we outline the procedures that would have to be followed by healthcare personnel in using such a system. We argue that the referent tracking paradigm can be introduced with only minor--though nevertheless ontologically important--technical changes to existing EHR infrastructures, but that it will require a radically different mindset on the part of those involved in clinical coding and terminology development from that which has prevailed hitherto.
Nicholas reactions with carboxylic acids for the synthesis of macrocyclic diolides.

We have developed a new strategy for the preparation of diolides using a cascade of Nicholas reactions. The carboxylic acid nucleophiles in these reactions are virtually unstudied participants in transformations of this type. Using this methodology, a 16-membered cobalt-complexed cyclic diyne is available in 28% yield over eight steps (an average of 85% per step). We can also easily access the uncomplexed diolide in one additional step.
Vulnerabilities and Caregiving in an Ethnically Diverse HIV-Infected Population

The current study aimed to identify the primary informal caregivers of a group of urban HIV+ adults (n = 250) and to determine relationships between demographic, medical, and substance use characteristics and caregivers types. Reported caregiver types included 36.8% familial, 22.4% significant other, and 22.8% institutional or other caregiver relationships. The remaining 18% of the sample reported having no individual that rendered informal care. Factors associated with the absence of an informal caregiver included African American race and low education. Hispanic participants reported the highest frequency of family caregivers while participants with a history of substance disorder were less likely to identify a significant other as a caregiver. This study demonstrates the evolving nature of informal caregiving in HIV, race- and education-related disparities in the absence of primary caregivers, and the importance of sociocultural and demographic factors in the study of HIV caregiving.
On higher order mode cutoff frequencies in elliptical step index fibers

Cutoff frequencies of the first 12 odd and even higher-order modes in a two-layer elliptical fiber are computed from a rigorous analysis of the boundary value problem. Cutoff characteristics of modes in rectangular and elliptical fibers in the literature are reviewed. Mode correspondence, field symmetries, and physical considerations are invoked to establish confidence in previously published results on the first higher-order mode cut off in elliptical fibers. Very large birefringence fibers are shown to have low values for the first higher-order mode cut off; hence, their usefulness in single-mode applications is limited. >
In vivo CH3(CH2)11SAu SAM electrodes in the beating heart: in situ analytical studies relevant to pacemakers and interstitial biosensors.

To study in vivo modification of the SAM equivalent circuit when a highly ordered SAM is used as a bioelectrode, dodecanethiolate SAM–Au intramuscular electrodes were studied in living rat heart in a challenging in situ perfused rat model by impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and neutron activation analysis (NAA). The SAM layer experienced disintegration in vivo biological system, as NAA detected the presence of Au atoms that had leached into the surrounding living tissue. Therefore, the underlying Au surface became exposed during biological implant. Study by impedance spectroscopy, however, revealed perfect capacitive behavior for the SAM, similar to in vitro behavior. Electrodes showed a pure capacitive Nyquist plot with 86.1–89.4° near-vertical line segments as the equivalent circuit locus, as for a parallel plate capacitor. Impedance magnitude varied linearly with 1/ω excluding diffusionally limited ionic charge transport. There was no diffusional conductive element ZW∞ or spatially confined Warburg impedance ZD. The effect of in vivo exposure of a highly ordered SAM is a ‘sealing over’ effect of new defects by the binding of proteinaceous or lipid species in the biological milieu, a fact of significance for SAM electrodes used either as pacemaker electrodes or as a platform for in vivo biosensors.
Improving bedside to departure care in air transport of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a 2-year retrospective study of performance.

Abstract Introduction Rapid treatment after the initial diagnosis of an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is critical to ensure positive outcomes. The objective of the study was to evaluate time-sensitive indicators adversely affecting performance during helicopter transport of STEMI patients from remote areas to a percutaenous coronary intervention (PCI) facility. A particular focus was to examine confounding factors that affected the time from arrival at bedside/event to the time of departure to a PCI facility. Methods A 24-month retrospective chart audit of STEMI cases was undertaken. Data from initial liftoff to return of the patient from a referring facility were tracked for time-sequencing and patterns of events that lead to delayed transport. The standard deviation was used to assess abnormal variances. Results No deaths were recorded from any of the 32 cases identified for inclusion in the study, and survival analysis was unobtainable. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.613, P = .0001) between time spent on the ground stabilizing the patient and total mission time. The need for the transport team to initiate vasopressor therapy was the most cited reason for delay in liftoff to the receiving facility. Conclusion Time from arrival at remote bedside and subsequent transfer to a PCI facility had the most variability. Enhancing communication times between referring agency and air medical personnel and stabilizing the patient before transport may be the most significant components in reducing transfer times and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Beyond robot fan-out: Towards multi-operator supervisory control

This paper explores multi-operator supervisory control (MOSC) of multiple independent robots using two complementary approaches: a human factors experiment and an agent-based simulation. The experiment identifies two task and environment limitations on MOSC: task saturation and task diffusion. It also identifies the correlation between task specialization and performance, and the possible existence of untapped spare capacity that emerges when multiple operators coordinate. The presence of untapped spare capacity is explored using agent-based simulation, resulting in evidence which suggests that operators may be more effective when they operate at less than maximum capacity.
Ketone body usage by mammals. Acetoacetate substrate inhibition of coa transferase from various rat tissues

Abstract Succinyl-CoA: acetoacetate CoA transferases from rat kidney, heart, brain, and skeletal muscle display substrate inhibition by acetoacetate that is characterized by an “inversion concentration” of 4–6 mM acetoacetate, i.e., at acetoacetate concentrations greater than 5 mM inhibition is detectable. A similar effect is manifested with intact, uncoupled kidney mitochondria, suggesting that mitochondrial oxidation of ketone bodies can reflect CoA transferase kinetic properties with regard to acetoacetate inhibition. Since acetoacetate substrate inhibition of rat CoA transferase becomes apparent at concentrations that correspond to the plasma concentrations of total ketone bodies found during pathological ketosis, this substrate inhibotory effect may play a role in establishing the disturbed metabolic pattern of ketone bodies in diabetic animals.
Comparative Mucigenic Responses of T-Cells and B-Cells in Spleens of Mice of Varying Age

Mouse spleen cell mitogenic responses to Phytohemagglutmin (PHA), conconavalin A (con A), staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were studied as a function of age. In CD-1 mice, spleen cell DNA synthesis in response to stimulation by PHA, con A and SEB varied from 181 - 33% of adult values for the first 3 weeks of life. By 6 weeks, the PHA response was 63% of the adult response and achieved adult values by 8 weeks of life. In contrast to these T-cell responses, DNA spleen cell synthesis in response to LPS was approximately that of adults as early as 7 days after birth. When spleen cell mitogenic responses were studied in C57B1/6J mice a similar pattern emerged. C57 spleen cell responses to PHA, con A and SEB varied from 241 - 54% of adult values for the first 3 weeks of life. By 4 weeks, spleen cell responses to PHA and con A were approximately those of adults. Again, C57 spleen cell responses to LPS were equivalent to adult values as early as 7 days after birth.
Infrared transmission study of lanthanide füllendes SmxC60 prepared by metal vapor synthesis

Abstract Lanthanide fullende Sm x C 60 films were prepared by metal vapor synthesis and the valence state of the C 60 cage in the films was investigated by infrared transmission spectroscopy. Three films with different doping contents of Sm showed red-shift frequencies of F iu (4) at 1347, 1362 and 1392 (1411) cm −1 , respectively, indicating that the major phase with corresponding valence state n ≈ −5, −3 and −1 might exist in the films. The other major additional feature of activated pentagonal pinch mode A g (2) was observed at 1445 or 1448 cm −1 in the films, which suggested that the Sm atoms might bond to the five-membered ring of the C 60 cage and ferrocene-like Sm x C 60 complexes might be formed.
Volatile non-metallic elements in tektites

Abstract The concentrations of chlorine, sulfur, fluorine and carbon have been determined by pyrohydrolytic-ion chromatographic analysis in tektites. The concentrations in tektites from different localities with the exception of Muong Nong showed chemical similarities for F, Cl and S. Median values were 32 ppm, F, 10 ppm Cl and 3 ppm S. Muong Nong tektites contained 230 ppm F, 170 ppm Cl and 10 ppm S. Carbon values were more variable ranging from 50 to 160 ppm in nine tektite samples. The abundance of these elements is much lower than in Earth crustal materials indicating that their production from such materials requires a severe loss of volatiles.