cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apple juice composition: sugar, nonvolatile acid, and phenolic profiles.

Apples from Michigan, Washington, Argentina, Mexico, and New Zealand were processed into juice; the 8 samples included Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Granny Smith, and McIntosh varieties. Liquid chromatography was used for quantitation of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol), nonvolatile acids (malic, quinic, citric, shikimic, and fumaric), and phenolics (chlorogenic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF]). Other determinations included pH, 0Brix, and L-malic acid. A number of compositional indices for these authentic juices, e.g., chlorogenic acid content, total malic - L-malic difference, and the HMF:chlorogenic ratio, were at variance with recommended standards. The phenolic profile was shown to be particularly influenced by gelatin fining, with peak areas decreasing by as much as 50%. The L-malic:total malic ratio serves as a better index for presence of synthetic malic acid than does the difference between the 2 determinations. No apparent differences in chemical composition could be attributed to geographic origin.
Abstract B37: The role of IGF-II in estrogen independent tumors in African American breast cancer cells

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In 2008, an estimated 180,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer while approximately 40,000 will die from this disease. Breast cancer has been found to affect different ethnic groups disproportionately. Estrogen receptor negative (ER-) tumors are more common in AA women, when compared to Caucasian women. These aggressive tumors are more common at every age and stage of breast cancer, which causes increased mortality rate. A comprehensive approach to understand the biological factors associated with poorer outcomes among AA patients is urgently needed. We are addressing this need by investigating the role of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) in the survival disparity gap observed in AA women. ProIGF-II is a fetal growth factor regulated by estrogen to promote proliferation, prevent apoptosis and regulate energy production by signaling through the IGF-I (IGF-IR) and Insulin Receptors (IR). Methods: In our studies we used obtained four breast cancer cell lines from ATCC: AA ER−/PR− and HER2/Neu− (CRL-2335), AA ER+/PR− and Her2/Neu− (CRL-2315), Caucasian ER−/PR− and Her2/Neu+ (HS578t) and Caucasian ER+/PR+ and Her2/Neu+ (MCF-7). We evaluated the phosphorylation and subcellular localization of ER-α and ER-β, with and without proIGF-II treatment, using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. Results and Discussion: We have demonstrated that not only do these cell lines express ER-α and ER-β, but also the ERs become phosphorylated/activated and translocate to other cellular compartments when treated with precursor Insulin-like growth factor II (proIGF-II). Our study demonstrates that proIGF-II binding to the IGF-IR and IR can phosphorylate and activate the ER in cell membranes to stimulate a rapid non-genomic response. This activation of the estrogen receptor does not require estrogen. We report here, for the first time, that ER-α negative breast cancer cells express significant levels of ER-α and ER-β in the cytosol, membranes and mitochondria. When treated, with proIGF-II, ER-α and ER-β shifted from its predominant localization in the cytosol to the membrane/organelles and nucleus. Thus, without the requirement of estrogen binding, IGF-II can stimulate estrogen-like responses. Conclusion: We propose that proIGF-II mediates estrogen actions in these cells by phosphorylating/activating both ERs to promote estrogen independent growth and control mitochondrial and nuclear function to provide energy and cell survival proteins. Thus, IGF-II contributes to the survival disparity observed among AA breast cancer patients, because it promotes higher activation/phosphorylation of the IGF-1R and ERs. This independent activation of ERs promotes estrogen independent breast cancer cell survival and chemoresistance characteristic of triple-negative (ER−-/PR− and HER2/neu-) tumors.
2D MoS 2 /glassy carbon based electrochemical sensor for pico-molar detection of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid

This study reports the synthesis of a ultra-sensitive biosensor for free radical (hydrogen peroxide) and hypochlorous acid detection at the physiological level and below. The polyacrylonitrile derived glassy carbon electrode was modified with liquid exfoliated 2D MoS 2 nanoparticles. Biosensor works for wide range of potential and performs multi-role detection eliminating the use of specific compound dedicated electrodes.
Disease quantification on PET/CT images without object delineation

The derivation of quantitative information from images to make quantitative radiology (QR) clinically practical continues to face a major image analysis hurdle because of image segmentation challenges. This paper presents a novel approach to disease quantification (DQ) via positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images that explores how to decouple DQ methods from explicit dependence on object segmentation through the use of only object recognition results to quantify disease burden. The concept of an object-dependent disease map is introduced to express disease severity without performing explicit delineation and partial volume correction of either objects or lesions. The parameters of the disease map are estimated from a set of training image data sets. The idea is illustrated on 20 lung lesions and 20 liver lesions derived from 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-PET/CT scans of patients with various types of cancers and also on 20 NEMA PET/CT phantom data sets. Our preliminary results show that, on phantom data sets, “disease burden” can be estimated to within 2% of known absolute true activity. Notwithstanding the difficulty in establishing true quantification on patient PET images, our results achieve 8% deviation from “true” estimates, with slightly larger deviations for small and diffuse lesions where establishing ground truth becomes really questionable, and smaller deviations for larger lesions where ground truth set up becomes more reliable. We are currently exploring extensions of the approach to include fully automated body-wide DQ, extensions to just CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone, to PET/CT performed with radiotracers other than FDG, and other functional forms of disease maps.
Mechanical strength of welding zones produced by polymer extrusion additive manufacturing

As more manufacturing processes and research institutions adopt customized manufacturing as a key element in their design strategies and finished products, the resulting mechanical properties of parts produced through additive manufacturing (AM) must be characterized and understood. In material extrusion (MatEx), the most recently extruded polymer filament must bond to the previously extruded filament via polymer diffusion to form a "weld". The strength of the weld limits the performance of the manufactured part and is controlled through processing conditions. Under-standing the role of processing conditions, specifically extruder velocity and extruder temperature, on the overall strength of the weld will allow optimization of MatEx-AM parts. Here, the fracture toughness of a single weld is determined through a facile "trouser tear" Mode III fracture experiment. The actual weld thickness is observed directly by optical microscopy characterization of cross sections of MatEx-AM samples. Representative data of weld strength as a function of printing parameters on a commercial 3D printer demonstrates the robustness of the method.
Kinetic characterizations of diallyl sulfide analogs for their novel role as CYP2E1 enzyme inhibitors.

Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a selective inhibitor of CYP2E1, has shown protective effects against alcohol- and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in many studies. However, DAS is also a CYP2E1 substrate that on metabolism produces toxic metabolites and causes cytotoxicity. The objective of this study was to find a potent DAS analog as a CYP2E1 inhibitor and has the characteristic of producing less toxic metabolites. We selected seven commercially available compounds that are similar to DAS (DAS analogs). First, we performed ligand-CYP2E1 docking study to determine the binding mode and binding energy. The analysis suggested a relative potential for these DAS analogs as CYP2E1 inhibitor. We then performed a comprehensive inhibition kinetics of DAS analogs and determined the relative IC50 , Ki , and types of inhibition compared to that of DAS. The results showed that compared to DAS, diallyl ether and allyl methyl sulfide have lower Ki values (3.1 and 4.4 μmol/L, respectively, vs. 6.3 μmol/L for DAS) and IC50 values (6.3 and 11.4 μmol/L, respectively, vs. 17.3 μmol/L for DAS). However, allyl methyl sulfide and thiophene showed similar inhibitory capacities to that of DAS, and four other DAS analogs showed lower potency than DAS. In conclusion, we have found relatively more potent inhibitors of CYP2E1, which have lower toxicity than DAS. These compounds can replace DAS not only as a tool for in vitro and in vivo studies that involve CYP2E1 inhibition, but also can lead the way for their use in preventing CYP2E1-mediated hepatic toxicity of alcohol and acetaminophen.
The pursuit of virtual happiness: Exploring the social media experience across generations

Abstract Social media environments can transform and reinforce life experiences, influencing self-concept and providing happiness. The goal of this research is to examine social media networking as an experiential phenomenon, wherein consumers pursue virtual happiness by satisfying the self-determination theory (SDT) needs of relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Beginning with the memory connection to self-concept, the study proposes an experiential outcome circle for social media to virtual happiness. A circle depicts the idea that self-concept motivates social media behavior, which influences the self-concept. Happiness, or affect balance, is a potential outcome of this connection. The study analyzes n = 504 social media networking participants using generational cohorts with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). This study suggests the metaphors for each generation based on the following SDT recipes: (1) “we” for generation Y with relatedness and competence, (2) “me” for generation X, with autonomy and competence, and (3) “be” for baby boomers with competence.
Tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide thin film based tunable antenna

Abstract Since vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a phase change material that shows a metal to insulator transition behavior at a temperature near 68℃, it has many potential applications in the areas of science and engineering. In this study, tungsten (W) -doped VO2 thin films were synthesized by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique with a metallic vanadium target and W-wires which were simply attached on the surface of the vanadium target. Also, bowtie RF antenna structures were fabricated by using the films to check the frequency tunability. The experimental results show a decrease of the transition temperature and a broadening of the phase transition as the atomic percentage of W increases in the film structure. The results also reveal that the W-doped VO2 thin film based RF antenna was fully functional with the successful frequency tuning capability.
Plerixafor hydrochloride: a novel agent for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells.

Abstract Plerixafor is a novel small molecule that inhibits CXCR4 binding to SDF-1, an interaction that is a principal regulator of hematopoietic stem cell trafficking. Phase I studies demonstrated that a single plerixafor hydrochloride dose results in a marked increase in white blood cell count and circulating CD34(+) stem cells. Subsequent single-arm and randomized clinical trials have established the efficacy of plerixafor for autologous stem cell mobilization, both combined with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and as a single agent. In December 2008 the FDA approved plerixafor in combination with G-CSF for autologous stem cell mobilization in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma. Plerixafor is also effective for stem cell mobilization in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and in those who have failed a prior cytokine or chemotherapy mobilization. Preliminary studies of plerixafor in sibling donors demonstrate its efficacy for allogeneic stem cell mobilization, without any observed increase in graft failure or graft versus host disease. This review will summarize clinical trials, current use for autologous stem cell mobilization and future directions for plerixafor.
Shepherding and Strength: Teaching Evolution in American Christian Schools

Evolution is often a difficult topic to teach, and issues of faith can make it even more difficult for students and their teachers. Many faith-based schools in the U.S. face a cultural disapproval of the learning of evolution, particularly from the churches their students attend. What would the teaching of evolution look like if teachers in faith-based schools targeted the teaching of evolution and the nurturing of their students’ faith? This chapter reports interviews with 12 teachers who have determined to do both. They teach evolution as accepted science, and they actively shepherd their students through difficult issues arising at the nexus of faith and science. These teachers show how a pastoral approach in the science classroom can successfully intertwine the teaching of evolution with the care of children’s souls.
Peer Relationship Problems

Publisher Summary Healthy peer relations contribute greatly to a child's social and emotional development, and the influences of those peers become greater throughout childhood. When peer relationship problems exist, a child's risk increases for a variety of poor outcomes that can persist well into adulthood. The most common peer relationship problems are bullying and being victimized by others, which are often accompanied by additional psychosocial problems, such as depression and conduct disorders. Because some of these problems are often covert, adults should look for subtle indications, such as isolation from peer groups and aggressive/dominant behavior toward others. Often, children who present with conditions of anxiety, depression, or academic difficulty and school refusal have some type of relationship problem as a functional contributing variable. Schools should consider conducting screening of all children for potential relationship problems, and clinicians should screen for relationship problems when assessing or treating other psychosocial conditions. A variety of measures of peer relationship functioning have been developed, primarily for research purposes; however, these scales might also be clinically useful in identifying children with peer relationship problems. In addition, these tools may be helpful in selecting target behaviors for treating relationship problems.
Abstract 4067: Toll-like receptor 2 deficiency enhances KRAS-driven lung cancer

Chronic infection and inflammation have been suggested to have a strong association with lung cancer in clinical and epidemiologic studies. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mediates inflammatory response and is essential in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. TLR2 has also been reported to play either pro-tumorigenesis or tumor-suppressive role depending on the oncogenic driver mutations and cell types. However, the role of TLR2 in lung cancer, especially in the lung adenocarcinoma harboring KRAS mutations, remains unknown. In an analysis using human lung adenocarcinoma cohort (TCGA RNAseq dataset), our results revealed that KRAS-mutant lung tumors showed lower TLR2 mRNA expression than the paired adjacent normal lung tissue. Furthermore, lung adenocarcinoma patients with lower TLR2 expression displayed worse survival outcome. To functionally test the role of TLR2 during KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis, we generated a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma mutated for K-ras, with and without TLR2 inactivation (K-rasG12D/+ TLR2-/- and K-rasG12D/+TLR2+/+, respectively). Interestingly, the tumor number and tumor area significantly increased in K-rasG12D/+ TLR2-/- mice compared to K-rasG12D/+TLR2+/+ mice. In addition, the inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), especially the alveolar monocytes, significantly increased in K-rasG12D/+ TLR2-/- mice. Microdissected lung tumors from K-rasG12D/+ TLR2-/- mice showed significantly higher inflammatory chemokines and cytokines gene expression (Ccl1, Ccl2, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl5, Csf1, IL-6, Tnf) than those from K-rasG12D/+TLR2+/+mice. Additionally, Cxcl1 was significantly higher in K-rasG12D/+ TLR2-/- when BAL fluid was analyzed for cytokines/chemokines by Luminex assays. Our results suggest that TLR2 deficiency may promote KRAS-mutation driven lung tumorigenesis through increased cancer-related inflammation. Furthermore, the expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for which the lower TLR2 expression is associated with worse survival outcome in lung adenocarcinoma patients with KRAS mutation. Citation Format: Chia-Hsin Liu. Toll-like receptor 2 deficiency enhances KRAS-driven lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4067.
Characterization of shared repertoires in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

e24149Background: There is a high degree of interest in understanding the biology of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The extent of T cell receptor (TCR) sequence sharing between TILs and cir...
Total Dose Testing Methodology for Bipolar Circuits Operating in the Jovian Radiation Environment

A total dose testing methodology for qualifying bipolar analog circuits for the Europa Clipper (EC) mission is presented. The method leverages the unique mission dose rate profile to bound device performance and reduces qualification test time from 1 year to 80 days. In addition, a new testing approach that simulates the mission dose profile revealed interesting information about the nature of radiation-induced defects in these “rad-hard” bipolar process lines. Results show that unlike bipolar parts from older generations (very sensitive to enhanced low dose rate sensitivity), these new processes seem to be dominated by oxide traps ( $\text{N}_{\mathrm {ot}}$ ) and not interface traps ( $\text{N}_{\mathrm {it}}$ ). This appears to be consistent with the mitigation used by vendors for reducing hydrogen (H2) contamination in their processing steps.
Family structure and past-30 day opioid misuse among justice-involved children.

AbstractBackground: To prevent opioid-related overdose among high risk youth, research on the predictors of opioid misuse (OM) initiation among justice-involved children (JIC) is needed. Living in ...
Modeling the Effects of Intracellular Anions on Membrane Potential: An Active-Learning Exercise

In biological membranes that are permeable to water and ions but impermeable to other solutes, the diffusible ions cannot reach a concentration equilibrium. Instead, a state of electroneutrality is achieved on each side of the membrane, which requires that the diffusible ions be found in different concentrations on either side of the membrane. The Donnan equilibrium is a major contributing factor to the polarized state of cells, and appreciating it is vital to the understanding of neuronal physiology. This article presents a nonmathematical active-learning exercise that will help AP and college biology students understand how the Donnan equilibrium is achieved.
Numerical investigation of elasto-inertial particle focusing patterns in viscoelastic microfluidic devices

Abstract Viscoelastic microfluidic devices are promising for various microscale procedures such as particle sorting and separation. In this study, we perform three dimensional computational investigation of a particle in a viscoelastic channel flow by considering combined inertial and elastic effects. We calculate equilibrium positions of the particle in the microchannel for a wide range of Reynolds and Weissenberg numbers, which are important in the design of microfluidic devices. The results provide an insight into the motion of cells and particles and explain the findings of previous experiments. Furthermore, we suggest new particle behaviors that have not been found before. Ultimately, a phase diagram is provided to predict the particle dynamics under a wide range of inertial and elastic effects.
Impact of angiotensin II-mediated stimulation of sodium transporters in the nephron assessed by computational modeling

Angiotensin II (ANG II) raises blood pressure partly by stimulating tubular Na+ reabsorption. The effects of ANG II on tubular Na+ transporters (i.e., channels, pumps, cotransporters, and exchanger...
Methods for combining multiple correlated biomarkers with application to the study of low-grade inflammation and muscle mass in senior horses

Abstract The simplest analysis of biomarker data is based on a series of single biomarker hypothesis tests, followed by correction for multiple testing. However, it is intuitively plausible that a joint analysis of multiple biomarkers will have higher statistical power and promise improved discrimination over tests based on single markers. In this article, we study analytical properties of the approach for joint analysis of correlated summary statistics based on the test for quadratic forms (TQ). Based on the derivation of the TQ-distribution, we proposed a scale-location approximation of the TQ statistic, which we call approximate TQ. We show that the approximate TQ has very similar power to the traditional TQ test under varying correlation structures among biomarkers. Our application of both the TQ and the approximate TQ test to data on biomarkers for inflamm-aging – an age-related low-grade chronic inflammation – reveals an association between the percentage of IFNγ positive lymphocytes and overall muscle condition in senior horses.
Advancing the Reference Narrative: Assessing Student Learning in Research Consultations

Abstract Objective – As reference services continue to evolve, libraries must make evidence based decisions about their services. This study seeks to determine the value of reference services in relation to student learning acquired during research consultations, by soliciting students’ and librarians’ perceptions of consultation success and examining the degree of alignment between them. Methods – The alignment of students’ learning outcomes (reported skills and knowledge acquired) with librarians’ expectations for student learning during consultations was assessed. An online questionnaire was conducted to gather responses from students who had sought consultation services; 20 students participated. In-person interviews took place with eight librarians who had provided these consultations. The online questionnaire for students included questions about students’ assessments of their self-identified learning goals through consultation with a librarian and their success at applying the knowledge and skills gained. Librarian interviews elicited responses about students’ prior research experience, librarians’ objectives for student learning, librarians’ perceptions of student learning outcomes, and perceived consultation success. The responses of both the students and the librarians were coded, matched, and compared. Results – Students and librarians both considered the consultation process to be successful in advancing learning objectives and research skills. All students reported that the consultations met their expectations, and most reported that the skills acquired were applicable to their projects and significantly improved the quality of their work. Librarians expressed confidence that students had gained competency in the following skill sets: finding sources, search strategy development, topic exploration, specific tool use, and library organization and access. A high degree of alignment was observed in the identification by both students and librarians of “finding sources” as the skill set most in need of enhancement or assistance, while some disparity was noted in the ranking of “search strategy development,” which librarians ranked second and students ranked last. Conclusion – The data demonstrate that both students and librarians perceived individual research consultations as an effective means to meet student learning expectations. Study findings suggest that as reference models continue to change and reference desk usage declines, research consultations remain a valuable element in a library’s service model and an efficient use of human resources. AcknowledgmentThis project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (RE-95-17-0104-17).
Women Advising Women: Socializing Doctoral Students into a Culture of Sacrifice.

Despite positive changes in relation to gender, academic culture continues to be characterized by patriarchal attitudes, behaviors, and structures. Twelve cisgender women doctoral students were int...
Characterization of risk management practices among strawberry growers in the southeastern United States and the factors associated with implementation

Abstract Strawberries, the fifth most preferred fresh fruit in the United Sates, are one of several fresh produce commodities in the U.S. linked to outbreaks of foodborne disease. However, the industry is not well characterized. Additionally, in the southeastern U.S. (SEUS), very small strawberry-growing operations are particularly common, presenting unique challenges to implementation of risk management practices (RMP). A 45-item survey was developed to collect data regarding each strawberry grower's location, farm characteristics, and RMP. The majority of SEUS growers in this study harvested strawberries on less than 5 acres with 2.00–4.99 acres being most common (41%) and reported a revenue based on strawberry production of US$25,001–250,000 (63%). Implementation of a pre-harvest policy and animal intrusion monitoring were both highly prevalent whereas testing of pre-harvest agricultural water was least common. Growers also reported using RMP but were less likely to document them. For example, 76.6% of growers reported their employees had attended food safety training; meanwhile, only 38.9% had documented training. The frequency of use and documentation of RMP were also found to be impacted by certain farm characteristics, most notably acreage, revenue, presence of third-party audit, and presence of a written food safety plan. Based on these results, strawberry growers, particularly in the SEUS, may benefit from additional education tailored to align with farm scale that includes instruction on documentation.
Identifying a Typology of New York City Schools Through Teacher Perceptions of Organizational Capacity: A Latent Class Analysis

The purpose of this study is to identify a typology of school organizational capacities using teachers’ perceptions of school organizational context. Employing a sample of New York City schools ser...
Signal Transduction and Molecular Regulation in Fatty Liver Disease.

Significance: Fatty liver disease is a major liver disorder in the modern societies. Comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms is essential for the prevention and ...
Cannabis use among cancer survivors in the United States: Analysis of a nationally representative sample.

Background Research on cannabis use among those with a history of cancer is limited. Methods Prevalence of past-year cannabis use among individuals with and without a cancer history and predictors of use within these 2 groups were determined using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, a nationally representative, longitudinal survey conducted in the United States (waves 1-4; 2013-2018). Discrete time survival analyses were used to estimate baseline (wave 1) predictors (physical health status, mental health status, pain, and demographic variables) on past-year engagement with cannabis within individuals who reported a cancer diagnosis at wave 1 (n = 1022) and individuals who reported never having cancer at any wave (n = 19,702). Results At the most recent survey, 8% of cancer survivors reported past-year cannabis use, compared with 15% of those without a cancer history. Across 4 time points, an estimated 3.8% of cancer survivors engaged with cannabis, as compared to 6.5% of those without a cancer history. Across both groups, older age and having health insurance were associated with lower likelihood of engaging in cannabis use, whereas greater levels of pain were associated with higher likelihood of engaging in cannabis use. Among those without a cancer history, being female, White, and having better mental health status were associated with lower likelihood of engaging in cannabis use. Conclusions Although cannabis use prevalence is lower among cancer survivors, the reasons for use are not markedly different from those without a cancer history. Continued monitoring of use, reasons for use, and harms or benefits is warranted. Lay Summary Results from this study, which uses data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, indicate that cannabis use is generally increasing across cancer survivors and those without a history of cancer. Cancer survivors are using cannabis at slightly lower rates than those without a history of cancer. Factors related to pain seem to be more prevalent in cancer populations relative to the general population, and could be contributing to cannabis use within cancer survivor populations.
Post-wildfire hydrologic recovery in Mediterranean climates: A systematic review and case study to identify current knowledge and opportunities

Abstract Post-fire hydrologic research typically focuses on the first few years after a wildfire, leading to substantial uncertainty regarding the longevity of impacts. The time needed for hydrologic function to return to pre-fire conditions is critical information for post-fire land and water management decisions. This is particularly true in Mediterranean climates, where water is scarce and in high demand, and the severity and area burned by wildfires are increasing. In part, uncertainty about hydrologic recovery is due to lack of a consistent definition or interpretation of what constitutes “recovery.” Here, we systematically reviewed empirical studies from Mediterranean climates with at least three years of post-fire hydrologic data with the objectives of (a) assessing the recovery period, (b) identifying a definition of post-fire hydrologic recovery, (c) demonstrating a simple analytical approach to aid in assessment of recovery, and (d) outlining research needs and opportunities to better quantify post-fire recovery. We assessed the hydrologic effects reported in 38 sites that were monitored for 3–20 years. Eighteen sites were considered recovered within seven years; however, the recovery time was inconsistent across sites and was not related to location, response variable, or study design. The likelihood of recovery within the study period also decreased with increasing proportion of the watershed area burned. Importantly, we have also proposed a standardized definition and an approach to quantifying hydrologic recovery that may facilitate cross-study comparisons and a deeper understanding of recovery. Specifically, we propose hydrologic recovery has occurred when a specific post-fire hydrologic function or condition of interest returns to the 95% confidence interval of the pre-fire condition. In support of this definition, we have demonstrated applying this simple approach to assess recovery and presented future research topics to improve our understanding of long-term post-fire catchment responses. In addition to the need for more studies that quantify hydrologic responses farther into the post-fire period, understanding post-fire changes in soil structural and hydraulic properties through time will improve our mechanistic understanding of post-fire hydrologic responses and recovery.
The oncoprotective fever hypothesis: Have antibiotics, antimalarials and antipyrectics contributed to the global rise in cancer over the past century?

Abstract The adaptive and therapeutic nature of fever has been recognized for centuries and both local and systemic thermotherapy are now used to enhance the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. We propose that the success of antiseptic, antibiotic, antipyretic and antimalarial strategies and medications over the past century and a half may have had the unintended effect of releasing precancerous growths and neoplastic foci from the inhibitory effects of intermittent fever. This may be a previously unrecognized factor in the overall rise in cancer rates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Characterization of Ferromagnetic Precipitates in Glasses by Ferromagnetic Resonance

Ferromagnetic phases precipitated from iron-containing silicate glasses have been identified and characterized by studying the integrated intensity of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) as a function of sample temperature. The data show a completely different character for metallic iron precipitates and ferric iron spinel precipitates — a result which is important because these phases may be indistinguishable in conventional magnetic experiments such as FMR lineshape, Mossbauer, static magnetic analysis, etc. The different behaviors make it possible to determine the relative amounts of the two phases if they are co-present in one sample. The data also show that the temperature variation of the microwave skin depth provides a way to estimate particle sizes for the precipitates.
Silicon Carbide Crystals — Part II: Process Physics and Modeling

Publisher Summary The vapor transport growth of silicon carbide crystals involves induction heating, electromagnetic field, radiative and conductive heat transfer, sublimation and condensation, chemical reaction, stoichiometry, mass transport, thermal stresses, as well as defect and micropipe generation and propagation. The irregular geometry, complicated boundary conditions, and lack of information on thermophysical properties at high temperatures make this process very difficult to understand, model, and control. As defects and micropipes in silicon carbide (SiC) crystals are directly related to transport phenomena, it is critical to develop better understanding of these phenomena to grow crystals of higher quality and larger size and to examine the effects of various parameters individually and collectively. Modeling and simulation has been widely used in industry to optimize the system geometry and growth processes. The components of the growth system can be redesigned in order to grow crystals with low thermal stresses. Industry has used the model to design the furnace for growing 50–100 mm diameter SiC crystals. It is observed that a convex shape of interface can ensure an outward growth to expand a small size seed into a large diameter crystal.
Novel integratable notch filter implementation for 100 dB image rejection

This paper describes a novel technique to realize a high-Q, integratable notch filter for image frequency rejection in superheterodyne receivers. This integratable filter can be realized using either active and/or passive components. The primary advantage of this notch filter design is its relative insensitivity to the Q values of the passive reactive components. By simple tuning of a passive component, the filter shows a high-Q notch for any value of inductor and capacitor Q. The technique is also applicable to poly-phase (complex) filters. Example filters are simulated and results are shown to validate the concept. Simulation results at 2.5 GHz show more than 100 dB of image rejection ratio (IRR) for a system with an intermediate frequency (IF) of 300 MHz. This is an improvement of 20 dB over any reported results thus far for similar frequency specifications.
A Low Power Electro-Pneumatic Servovalve Design

An electropneumatic converter is described which converts a voltage of ± 7v into a blocked pressure difference of ± 1.72 kPa (0.25 psi). It uses a piezoelectric blender., squeeze-film damping and laminar proportional amplifiers to provide a 90° phase log frequency of 130 Hz with no resonances below that frequency.
Harish-Chandra’s Plancherel theorem for \frak-adic groups

Let G be a reductive p-adic group. In his paper, “The Plancherel Formula for Reductive p-adic Groups”, Harish-Chandra summarized the theory underlying the Plancherel formula for G and sketched a proof of the Plancherel theorem for G. One step in the proof, stated as Theorem 11 in Harish-Chandra’s paper, has seemed an elusively difficult step for the reader to supply. In this paper we prove the Plancherel theorem, essentially, by proving a special case of Theorem 11. We close by deriving a version of Theorem 11 from the Plancherel theorem.
Structure of the KcsA channel intracellular gate in the open state.

Ion channels catalyze the selective transfer of ions across the membrane in response to a variety of stimuli. These channels gate by controlling the access of ions to a centrally located water-filled pore. The crystal structure of the Streptomyces lividans potassium channel (KcsA) has allowed a molecular exploration of this mechanism. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies have uncovered significant conformational changes at the intracellular end of the second transmembrane helix (TM2) upon gating. We have used site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and EPR spectroscopy in an attempt to quantify the structural rearrangements of the KcsA TM2 bundle underlying the transition from the closed to the open state. Under conditions favoring the closed and open conformations, 10 intersubunit distances were obtained across TM2 segments from tandem dimer constructs. Analysis of these data points to a mechanism in which each TM2 helix tilts away from the permeation pathway, towards the membrane plane, and rotates about its helical axis, supporting a scissoring-type motion with a pivot point near residues 107–108. These movements are accompanied by a large increase in the diameter of the vestibule below the central water-filled cavity.
Fundamental Flow Patterns

THE accompanying flow pictures arc selected from those used to illustrate the lecturer's notes in a course dealing with viscous fluids. The use of the pictures saves an astonishing amount of lecture time in those categories of study where the real flow patterns agree reasonably with the classical rationalized concepts. This time is profitably used in those regions of sharp departure of the real pattern from the classical concepts: in boundary layer transition, in leading edge separation with subsequent rejoining, in the mechanism of circulation growth accompanying rapid change of angle of attack, in wake survey for drag determination and in many others.
Challenges in implementing e-learning

Today's technology affords many new options to design and deliver educational and training content. However, the adoption rate, cost, features, and infrastructure supporting these technologies can inhibit e-learning effectiveness. This paper draws from the literature and from recent uses of e-learning technologies in engineering management courses to identify ways of teaching and learning more effectively.
The neoliberal turn in environmental governance in the Detroit River Area of Concern

This article explores the transition from state-centric environmental governance to neoliberalization through a historical examination of environmental remediation efforts in the Detroit River. I analyze the social and environmental impacts of these governance changes through a focus on three dimensions of neoliberalization: marketization, privatization, and quantification. I find that contemporary public involvement in the Detroit River resulted in both social and environmental contradictions: a narrower band of civil society, through nongovernmental organizations, has assumed a more central role in governance and an emphasis on quantifiable progress has shifted attention away from pressing, but intractable challenges in favor of those most easily classified as remediated.
Coupled-channels analysis of proton inelastic scattering to the -vibrational band in Mg24

Results are presented of coupled-channels analyses of proton inelastic scattering data for the nucleus /sup 24/Mg, in which the 2/sup +//sub 2/, 4.24 MeV, 3/sup +/, 5.2 MeV, 4/sup +//sub 2/, 6.01 MeV, and 5/sup +/(.), 7.8 MeV states of the ..gamma..-vibrational band are excited, at incident proton energies of 20.3, 40, and 800 MeV. Previous coupled-channels analyses of proton and ..cap alpha.. particle inelastic scattering data for these states in /sup 24/Mg have completely failed to account for the shapes and magnitudes of the 3/sup +/, 4/sup +//sub 2/, and 5/sup +/ inelastic cross sections. In the present analysis, the inclusion of an additional nuclear vibrational multipole which permits a direct transition from the ground state to the 4/sup +//sub 2/, 6.01 MeV state is shown to provide a tremendous improvement in the theoretical description of the inelastic cross sections of all the members of the ..gamma..-vibrational band, at each of the three incident proton energies considered. The same nuclear structure parameters are used at all three incident energies, along with phenomenological optical potentials specific to each energy. The new results for the 3/sup +/, 5.2 MeV state also shed light on the energy dependence of the direct spin-flipmore » mechanism in proton inelastic scattering.« less
Use of Bacteriophage-resistant Mutants to Study the Nature of the Bacteriophage Receptor Site of Staphylococcus aureus

Bacteriophage-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus H were isolated after mutagenesis with N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Cell walls isolated from about half of these resistant strains were incapable of inactivating phages and were shown to lack N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) in their cell wall teichoic acid. Apart from the lack of GlcNAc, two of these mutant strains were deficient in cell wall phosphorus and ester-linked d-alanine. These two strains were also found to be resistant to both phage K and a host-range mutant isolated from the parent phage. These two phages could lyse the other phage-resistant mutants which lacked GlcNAc in their teichoic acid. Cell walls from the remaining phage-resistant mutant strains did inactivate phages and were found to have normal cell wall teichoic acid. Although GlcNAc in teichoic acid was required for phage inactivation, no difference in phage inactivation ability was detected with cell walls isolated from strains of S. aureus having exclusively α- or exclusively β-linked GlcNAc in their cell wall teichoic acid.
La metáfora de la luz como expresión del alma en “Livia y los sueños” de Jesús Gardea

En el presente articulo exploramos la expresion artistica de la idea de alma a traves de la metafora de la luz tal y como aparece en “Livia y los suenos.” Para ello, nos basaremos en los postulados filosoficos de Maria Zambrano referentes a las concepciones de alma, ser humano y destino. En nuestra investigacion tambien abordaremos la forma como tiempo y espacio en la obra de Gardea integran un cronotopo especifico, como base donde la idea de alma puede desplegarse en toda su plenitud.
Design of oxide aperture profile within selectively oxidized VCSELs

Summary form only given. We show that the profile of buried oxide apertures within selectively oxidized AlGaAs VCSELs is influenced by the composition of surrounding layers, which in turn affects the VCSEL performance.
Analysis of factors influencing the annual energy production of photovoltaic systems

The most relevant basis for designing photovoltaic systems is their annual energy production, which is also the best metric for monitoring their long-term performance. An accurate array performance model based on established testing procedures is required to confidently predict energy available from the array. This model, coupled with the performance characteristics of other balance-of-system components, provides the tool necessary to calculate expected system performance and to compare actual versus expected energy production. Using such a tool, this paper quantifies the effect of the primary factors influencing the DC-energy available from different photovoltaic module technologies, and contrasts these influences with other system-level factors that often result in significantly less AC-energy delivered to the load than the array is capable of providing. Annual as well as seasonal energy production is discussed in the context of both grid-tied and stand-alone photovoltaic systems.
Respiratory disease in relation to patient residence near to hazardous waste sites

We have examined rates of hospitalization for respiratory diseases in relation to residences in zip codes with hazardous waste sites, as well as socio-economic status. Chronic bronchitis and chronic airway obstruction were elevated in persons who live in zip codes containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (PCBs and persistent pesticides) as compared to "clean" zip codes without hazardous waste sites or zip codes with hazardous waste sites containing other kinds of wastes, but the differences could be due to socio-economic status and behavioral risk factors since these are also important risk factors for respiratory diseases. Therefore, we investigated rates of hospitalization for individuals living in zip codes along the Hudson River, because here the average per capita income is higher than in the rest of the state, and there is less smoking, better diet and more exercise. We found a similar elevation of chronic bronchitis and chronic airway obstruction along the Hudson. These observations are consistent with the possibility that living near a POPs-contaminated site poses a risk of exposure and increased risk of chronic respiratory disease, probably secondary to suppression of the immune system.
On the solution of a complex eigenvalue problem of Sturm—Liouville Type and application to periodic internal turbulent flow

Abstract Complex eigenvalue problems are encountered in the solution of many engineering problems; but no work appears to be available for solving such problems directly in the complex domain. In this study, a methodology is presented for solving such problems directly in the complex domain by utilizing a shooting approach along with the Runge-Kutta method. To illustrate the application, the problem of transient forced convection to an incompressible fully developed turbulent flow in the thermal entrance region inside a smooth parallel-plate duct is solved for the case of periodic variation of the inlet temperature.
Alteration of the substrate specificity of mouse 2A P450s by the identity of residue-209: steroid-binding site and orientation.

Mouse steroid 7α- and 15α-hydroxylases (P450c7 and P450c15) and coumarin 7-hydroxylase (P450coh) are structurally similar. To study the structural basis of the substrate specificities of these enzymes, we constructed a series of the mutant P450s, expressed in COS-1 and yeast cells, and studied them spectroscopically as well as enzyme-kinetically. A single amino acid mutation of residue-209 is sufficient to alter the substrate specificity of the P450s from xenobiotics to steroids and subsequently, from testosterone to corticosterone. Moreover, residue-209, when it is asparagine, appears to bind directly to the 11β-hydroxyl of corticosterone. The mutations also after the spin equilibrium of P450 depending on the hydrophobicity and size of residue-209. We conclude, therefore, that residue-209 resides close to the 6th ligand of heme in the mouse 2A subfamily and is located at a critical site of the substrate-binding pocket. As a result, the identity of the residue-209 plays a key role in determining the substrate specificity.