cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel zein‐based electrospun fibers with the water stability and strength necessary for various applications

BACKGROUND: Some of the problems with electrospun zein fiber are that it has very low tenacities in the dry and wet states and that mats of the fiber become films when immersed in water. The fibers are therefore unusable for various applications despite their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. This research was conducted to overcome these problems by electrospinning novel fibers containing various concentrations of zein, citric acid (CA) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP) and by crosslinking the zein with CA and with SHP serving as a catalyst. RESULTS: The CA-crosslinked electrospun zein fiber has as much as 10-fold greater wet tenacity and 15-fold greater dry tenacity than regular electrospun zein fiber. The average diameter of these fibers is 451 nm, which is the smallest diameter ever reported for zein-based electrospun fiber. A mat of this fiber retains its fibrous structure when immersed in water, and the fiber retains about 70% of its tenacity after 16 days at 50 °C and 90% relative humidity. CONCLUSION: The high dry and wet tenacities, good water stability and small diameter of the novel CA-crosslinked electrospun zein fiber make it attractive for biomedical and other applications that expose zein to water or that require high surface area. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Cue enhancement and the long-term practice of breast self-examination

This study investigates the stimulus control of breast self-examination (BSE) using two methods of cue enhancement: self-managed use of calendars with sticker reminders and monthly reminder postcards. One hundred eighty-nine women patient volunteers with or without menstrual cycles (“cyclic” or “noncyclic”) were randomly assigned to experimental conditions after an initial interview and teaching session. Their monthly BSE records, returned by mail during the 6-month experimental period, constituted the major dependent measure of the study. Results indicate an overall positive effect of postcard reminders and a positive effect for self-management for the cyclic women only. In addition, noncyclic women practiced BSE at a higher rate than cyclic women. A subsequent analysis clarified these results substantially by showing that timing of the postcard and use of self-management account for these group differences. Thus, the interventions seem to be extraordinarily effective in obtaining high rates of BSE over 6 months provided only that they can be appropriately instituted. During the postexperimental period, the rate of BSE practice declined, especially in the postcard conditions. Results are discussed in terms of the applicability of behavioral analysis to intractable problems of patient compliance.
An SLA-based Framework for Estimating Trustworthiness of a Cloud

In cloud computing consumers often seek some assurance from cloud service providers (CSPs) that services will be provided according to consumers' requirements. The ''service-level-agreement'' (SLA) between a CSP and a consumer solves this issue to an extent and provides some level of assurance. However, SLAs alone do not solve the issue entirely as there is no unique rule to create an SLA. They vary in description, length, and types of information released. Therefore, consumers need a better way of estimating `trustworthiness' of a cloud (CSP). In this work we propose a framework to alleviate the above issue. Our framework estimates trustworthiness of a cloud using a quantitative model of trust. We identified and formalized several parameters that can be extracted from SLA or retrieved during the sessions and are used to estimate trust.
Dysosmia and dysgeusia presenting as depression

Disorders of taste and smell are underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. Two cases are described in which patients mistakenly thought to suffer from depression actually had unnoticed drug-induced dysosmia and dysgeusia. Also reviewed are psychiatric, neurologic, and medical disorders and drugs that cause abnormalities of taste and smell, and some behavioral aspects of food aversions. Three groups, all of whom may superficially appear depressed, must be distinguished from each other: 1) patients with dysosmia or dysgeusia, 2) patients with primary neuropsychiatric illness with olfactory or gustatory hallucinations, and 3) patients with conditioned taste aversions.
Effect of isoproterenol and aminophylline on cyclic AMP levels of guinea pig macrophages

Abstract The levels of cyclic AMP in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages can be significantly elevated by both isoproterenol and aminophylline. The response by the macrophages to each of these agents is dose related and is manifested by 5 min of incubation with levels returning to basal within 2 min. It is demonstrated that at times when the macrophage no longer manifests increased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP, the stimulating agent is still present in the culture medium. Furthermore, the addition of fresh isoproterenol to previously stimulated cultures does not produce a second elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP. While some of the excess intracellular cyclic AMP is excreted from the cell, there was no increasing accumulation of cyclic AMP in the culture medium with time. It is concluded from these results that after the initial response the macrophage is refractory to the stimulating agent.
Categorical and schematic organization and the development of retrieval strategies

Abstract This study investigated the effects of schematic and categorical organization on young children's recall. Preschool and kindergarten children recalled either a taxonomic list or a story in one of two presentation conditions: an alternate condition, in which the material was presented, children recalled it and the procedure was repeated, or a successive condition in which the material was presented twice and children recalled it twice. Although preschool children's story recall was well organized, their list recall was poorly organized, and organization did not increase over recall trials in either presentation condition. In contrast, kindergarten children's recall of both the story and the list was well organized, and their recall was better organized on the second recall trial than on the first in both presentation conditions. These results are discussed in terms of the development of retrieval strategies during the preschool years/
Optimal strategies for problems of simultaneous attack against an area defense without impact‐point prediction

An area to be defended consists of separated point targets. These targets are subject to an attack in which the offensive weapons are assumed to arrive simultaneously. The defense has area defenders, each of which is capable of intercepting any attacker. The defense has no impact-point prediction; that is, it has no knowledge of any attacker's destination prior to allocation of area interceptors. For a given attack, the defense wishes to allocate its interceptors to maximize the total expected survival value of the targets. For a given attack size, the offense seeks a strategy to minimize total expected surviving value against best defense. We determine an optimal defensive strategy directly and develop an algorithm to determine an optimal attack and the optimal value of the min-max problem. A dynamic programming technique is used to obtain integer solutions, and illustrative computational results are provided.
Interactions between ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors regulate cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in cultured striatal neurons

The striatum is a key structure of basal ganglia controlling extrapyramidal motor activity and processing addictive plasticity of abused substances. Glutamatergic transmission that is enriched in the striatum regulates a variety of striatal neuronal activities via selective activation of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). In this study, the interaction between N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5 subtypes) in activating a phosphorylation cascade to a transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was investigated in primary cultures of E18 or postnatal day 1 striatal neurons. We found that activation of NMDA receptors with NMDA rapidly and concentration-dependently increased the number of neurons expressing phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) as revealed by immunocytochemistry. The increased pCREB expression by NMDA was sensitive to an NMDA antagonist MK801. Co-incubation of a subthreshold dose of a group I mGluR agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) that itself did not alter basal pCREB expression augmented NMDA-induced CREB phosphorylation. The mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride blocked the DHPG augmentation of NMDA-induced CREB phosphorylation, while the mGluR1 antagonist 7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester did not. Interestingly, the protein kinase C inhibitors chelerythrine and Go6983 also prevented DHPG from enhancing CREB phosphorylation induced by NMDA. Whereas a low dose of the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate mimicked the DHPG potentiation. These results indicate a facilitatory regulation of an NMDA cascade to CREB phosphorylation by concurrent glutamatergic tone on mGluR5, which is probably processed via an intracellular signaling pathway involving protein kinase C.
Non-B DNA Conformations, Genomic Rearrangements, and Human Disease

The history of investigations on non-B DNA conformations as related to genetic diseases dates back to the mid-1960s. Studies with high molecular weight DNA polymers of defined repeating nucleotide sequences demonstrated the role of sequence in their properties and conformations (1). Investigations with repeating homo-, di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide repeating motifs revealed the powerful role of sequence in molecular behaviors. At that time, this concept was heretical because numerous prior investigations with naturally occurring DNA sequences masked the effect of sequence (1). It may be noted that these studies in the 1960s predated DNA sequencing by at least a decade. Early studies were followed by a number of innovative discoveries on DNA conformational features in synthetic oligomers, restriction fragments, and recombinant DNAs. The DNA polymorphisms were a function of sequence, topology (supercoil density), ionic conditions, protein binding, methylation, carcinogen binding, and other factors (2). A number of non-B DNA structures have been discovered (approximately one new conformation every 3 years for the past 35 years) and include the following: triplexes, left-handed DNA, bent DNA, cruciforms, nodule DNA, flexible and writhed DNA, G4 tetrad (tetraplexes), slipped structures, and sticky DNA (Fig. 1). From the outset, it was realized (1, 2) that these sequence effects probably have profound biological implications, and indeed their role in transcription (3) and in the maintenance of telomere ends (4) has recently been reviewed. However, in the past few years dramatic advances from genomics, human genetics, medicine, and DNA structural biology have revealed the role of non-B conformations in the etiology of at least 46 human genetic diseases (Table I) that involve genomic rearrangements as well as other types of mutation events.
Neuropsychological correlates of central monoamine function in chronic schizophrenia: relationship between CSF metabolites and cognitive function

Schizophrenia is associated with multiple cognitive deficits which in turn may be related to abnormal dopamine (DA) function. To examine possible associations between cognitive dysfunction and central DA activity in schizophrenia, neuropsychological measures (visuospatial and verbal recall; performance on the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST); visuospatial perception) were examined in 17 drug-free male schizophrenic patients and related to cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of the metabolites of dopamine (homovanillic acid (HVA)), serotonin, and norepinephrine. CSF HVA concentrations were correlated with the ability to recall visuospatial information, with attention to verbal tasks, and with WCST performance (low CSF HVA concentrations predicting poor performance on these tests) but not with the ability to recall verbally presented material and visuospatial perception. These data are consistent with earlier results suggesting that (cortical) DA function is associated with recall and retrieval of visuospatial information and with WCST performance.
A blackboard-based process planning system for the surface mount manufacture of PCBs

This paper describes a real-time computer-aided process planning (CAPP) system for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly using surface mount technology. The prototype, dynamic, realtime CAPP system described uses a blackboard to integrate multiple knowledge sources (knowledge bases) in implementing the process planning procedure. The CAPP system is implemented using the expert system environment (ESE) and structured query language (SQL). The system uses two subsystems (knowledge bases). They are a planning subsystem which performs the static process planning task and a dynamic information processing subsystem which considers the real-time changes on the shop floor and routes the PCB assembly flow. The integrated system developed generates process plans that can be implemented in real time. The use of the blackboard concept for CAPP architecture is unique and well suited for this task.
Kingship and Ancestral Cult in the Northwest Palace at Nimrud

Built in the early 9th century BCE, the Northwest Palace at Nimrud presented a new “imperial” architecture and iconography that was related to Assyrian expansionism at this time. Yet it also contained specific points of contact with the past via the royal Assyrian ancestors. A monument in the throneroom, the “center” of the state, provided the “public” view of this ideology, while one of the palace’s more secluded wings was devoted to the performance of ancestral cult. Through these and other means, rapid and fundamental socio-political change was accompanied by the idea of a logical and direct continuity with the history of Assyria.
Effect of light-collection geometry on reconstruction errors in Abel inversions

The Abel inversion, used to reconstruct axisymmetric radial profiles from line-of-sight intensity measurements, is increasingly used to make spatially resolved combustion measurements. An Abel deconvolution is valid only when incoming rays are parallel, whereas most practical optical setups used for emission imaging consist of single-lens and multilens systems that collect light in a cone, over a nonzero solid angle. A ray-tracing simulation was performed to aid in understanding how optical collection geometry affects measured intensity signals and the resultant reconstructed emissivity profiles. Simulation results are compared with emission tomography measurements performed on an axisymmetric laminar diffusion flame.
Nonaffine correlations in random elastic media

Materials characterized by spatially homogeneous elastic moduli undergo affine distortions when subjected to external stress at their boundaries, i.e., their displacements from a uniform reference state grow linearly with position , and their strains are spatially constant. Many materials, including all macroscopically isotropic amorphous ones, have elastic moduli that vary randomly with position, and they necessarily undergo nonaffine distortions in response to external stress. We study general aspects of nonaffine response and correlation using analytic calculations and numerical simulations. We define nonaffine displacements as the difference between and affine displacements, and we investigate the nonaffinity correlation function and related functions. We introduce four model random systems with random elastic moduli induced by locally random spring constants (none of which are infinite), by random coordination number, by random stress, or by any combination of these. We show analytically and numerically that scales as where the amplitude is proportional to the variance of local elastic moduli regardless of the origin of their randomness. We show that the driving force for nonaffine displacements is a spatial derivative of the random elastic constant tensor times the constant affine strain. Random stress by itself does not drive nonaffine response, though the randomness in elastic moduli it may generate does. We study models with both short- and long-range correlations in random elastic moduli.
Phosphoglycerate kinase from young and old Turbatrix aceti

Abstract Phosphoglycerate kinase (ATP:3-phospho- d -glycerate-1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.2.3) from young and old Turbatrix aceti has been purified to homogeneity. The “old” enzyme exhibits a marked reduction in specific activity both in crude homogenates and in pure form when compared to preparations from young nematodes. The specific activities for pure “young” and “old” enzymes are 650–750 and 300–400 units/mg, respectively. All other properties of “young” and “old” enzymes were nearly identical, including molecular weight (43 000), K m , behavior on columns, thermal stability and mobility during gel electrophoresis at three pH values. The results are discussed in terms of the possible mechanism of formation of “altered” enzymes. In addition, certain properties of the nematode phosphoglycerate kinase are compared with those of the enzyme from yeast and rabbit muscle.
Lower bounds for the first eigenvalue of certain M-matrices associated with graphs

Abstract We give lower bounds for the smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian of corresponding undirected connected multigraphs in terms of the expansion coefficients and norm estimates. Upper bounds for the convergence rate of certain nonnegative irreducible symmetric matrices and irreducible diagonally symmetrizable stochastic matrices are given.
Two-dimensional Ising transition of epitaxial Fe films grown on Ag(100).

Fe(100) films and wedges between 2 and 4 monolayers thick were grown onto a Ag(100) single-crystal substrate. High- and low-energy electron-diffraction observations confirm the epitaxy. The magnetic phase transition near the Curie temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{C}}$ was investigated in situ by means of the surface magneto-optic Kerr effect. The temperature dependence of the magnetization follows a universal power law of M(T)\ensuremath{\propto}(1-T/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{C}}$${)}_{\mathit{c}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}$ with an effective value of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}1/8(0.124\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002), which indicates that the phase transition is two-dimensional Ising class. This and the observed perpendicular easy axes are attributed to the surface magnetic anisotropy.
Caste and purity: A study in the language of the Dharma literature:

The caste system, according to the currently prevalent view, is based on purity, each caste being located on a hierarchical gradation of purity, a thesis laid out most compellingly by Louis Dumont....
The distribution of nuclear genetic variation and historical demography of sea otters

The amount and distribution of population genetic variation is crucial information for the design of effective conservation strategies for endangered species and can also be used to provide inference about demographic processes and patterns of migration. Here, we describe variation at a large number of nuclear genes in sea otters Enhydra lutris ssp. We surveyed 14 variable microsatellite loci and two genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in up to 350 California sea otters Enhydra lutris nereis, which represents ∼10% of the subspecies' population, and 46 otters from two Alaskan sites. We utilized methods for detecting past reductions in effective population size to examine the effects of near extinction from the fur trade. Summary statistic tests largely failed to find a signal of a recent population size reduction (within the past 200 years), but a Bayesian method found a signal of a strong reduction over a longer time scale (up to 500 years ago). These results indicate that the reduction in size began long enough ago that much genetic variation was lost before the 19th century fur trade. A comparison of geographic distance and pairwise relatedness for individual otters found no evidence of kin-based spatial clustering for either gender. This indicates that there is no population structure, due to extended family groups, within the California population. A survey of population genetic variation found that two of the MHC genes, DQB and DRB, had two alleles present and one of the genes, DRA, was monomorphic in otters. This contrasts with other mammals, where they are often the most variable coding genes known. Genetic variation in the sea otter is among the lowest observed for a mammal and raises concerns about the long-term viability of the species, particularly in the face of future environmental changes.
Mechanical contact frequency response measurements

This paper presents friction frequency response measurements taken from a planar steel contact subjected to controlled random broadhand normal vibration. Data are included from both dry and various lubricated contact conditions under different vibration input levels and different sliding velocities. Frequency response data for dry contacts are found to have nearly steady magnitude and negligible phase lag over a relatively wide range of frequencies. This suggests a coefficient of friction, independent of frequency but dependent on levels of normal acceleration and sliding velocity, may adequately define the dry contact frequency response. The frequency response data for lubricated contacts are mixed. For example, with MoS 2 grease the frequency response may adequately be defined by a constant, as with dry conditions. However, frequency response data for contacts with pure mineral oils, mineral oils with additives, and lithium grease are found to he dependent on frequency.
Efficacy of an Extract of Blue-Green Algae in Amelioration of Lameness Caused by Degenerative Joint Disease in the Horse

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis in the equine is largely a result of biomechanical stressors that result in inflammation within the joint, which with continual exposure, leads to progressive degeneration. A myriad of therapies are available for treatment of horses with DJD including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physiological modifiers, and biological therapies. C-phycocyanin, a protein-bound pigment found in blue-green algae, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is available as a diet supplement in people, dogs, and horses. Forty-one horses with naturally occurring lameness as a result of DJD were selected for this study. In a blinded study, horses were randomly assigned to either the commercial or placebo product that was fed once daily for 12 months. At selected time points, lameness evaluation was performed through objective gait analysis. Previous medical records for management of lameness were reviewed for all enrolled horses. No statistically significant differences existed within or between the two groups when gait was evaluated objectively nor within individual horses between time points. Review of medical records found that five treated horses had a decreased in frequency of intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. Although this study did not find statistically significant improvement of lameness with oral daily supplementation of C-phycocyanin in equine athletes, there appeared to be a trend of improvement in lameness during the loading period and a decrease in frequency of administration of intra-articular corticosteroids. Further investigations using a higher dose seem warranted.
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CLVIII electron impact promoted fragmentation of triphenylmethyl ethers†‡

The triphenylmethyl (trityl) moiety is frequently used for the protection of alcohols but the mass spectra of such trityl ethers have hitherto escaped scrutiny. It has now been found that triphenylmethyl derivatives of primary alcohols yield abundant molecular ions which permit the determination of the isotopic purity of the parent alcohol. Upon electron impact the triphenyl-methyl entity directs the fragmentation of trityl ethers as demonstrated by a detailed study of n-pentyl trityl ether and its deuterated analogs. Ions formed by migration of phenyl groups were observed in the mass spectra of the trityl ethers investigated as well as in the spectrum of triphenyl-methane itself.
Gas dispersion measurements in mechanical flotation cells: Industrial experience in Chilean concentrators

Abstract This technical note presents results of gas dispersion measurements carried out in industrial mechanical flotation cells from Chilean concentrators. Results showed that superficial gas rate, gas holdup and bubble size were within ranges found in literature. The bubble surface area fluxes (SB) were computed using the superficial gas rates and the Sauter mean diameters, obtaining approximate SB ranges from 20 m2/s/m2 to 60 m2/s/m2 for both self-aerated and forced-air flotation cells. Despite the different cell types, sizes and wide range of operating conditions, an exponential relationship between superficial gas rate (JG) and Sauter mean diameter (D32) was obtained: D 32 = D 0 · e γ · J G , D 0 = 0.77 ± 0.11 , γ = 0.77 ± 0.09 This result allows predicting D32 as a function of JG. Data on gas holdup (eG) as a function of Sauter mean diameter were also presented: For JG 1.2 cm/s, gas holdup decreases as D32 increases, indicating a predominant effect of bubble coalescence.
Detection of Nonstructural Protein 6 in Murine Coronavirus-Infected Cells and Analysis of the Transmembrane Topology by Using Bioinformatics and Molecular Approaches

Coronaviruses encode large replicase polyproteins which are proteolytically processed by viral proteases to generate mature nonstructural proteins (nsps) that form the viral replication complex. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) replicase products nsp3, nsp4, and nsp6 are predicted to act as membrane anchors during assembly of the viral replication complexes. We report the first antibody-mediated Western blot detection of nsp6 from MHV-infected cells. The nsp6-specific peptide antiserum detected the replicase intermediate p150 (nsp4 to nsp11) and two nsp6 products of approximately 23 and 25 kDa. Analysis of nsp6 transmembrane topology revealed six membrane-spanning segments and a conserved hydrophobic domain in the C-terminal cytosolic tail.
Writing science and engineering for the lay reader

NCSA's (National Center for Supercomputing Applications) monthly newsletter, Access, is described. This newsletter is NCSA's major external communication to inform users, potential users, and sponsoring agencies about multidisciplinary research and technology produced through the NCSA's facilities; it also describes the Center's activities, services, and products. Since the newsletter audience ranges widely in background, a modified feature style of writing aimed at the lay reader is used. Thus, readers can keep abreast of developments in supercomputing and computational science and engineering. It is argued that, in environments that offer daily contact with technical workers and concepts where technical professionals review newsletter articles, nontechnical professionals degreed in journalism or English can explain science and engineering to the lay reader. >
Inhibition of hepatitis C virus NS5A by fluoro-olefin based γ-turn mimetics

Abstract The HCV non-structural protein NS5A has been established as a viable target for the development of direct acting antiviral therapy. From computational modeling studies strong intra-molecular hydrogen bonds were found to be a common structural moiety within known NS5A inhibitors that have low pico-molar replicon potency. Efforts to reproduce these γ-turn-like substructures provided a novel NS5A inhibitor based on a fluoro-olefin isostere. This fluoro-olefin containing inhibitor exhibited picomolar activity (EC50 = 79 pM) against HCV genotype 1b replicon without measurable cytotoxicity. This level of activity is comparable to the natural peptide-based inhibitors currently under clinic evaluation, and demonstrates that a peptidomimetic approach can serve as a useful strategy to produce potent and structurally unique inhibitors of HCV NS5A.
Methods of H-reflex evaluation in the early stages of Parkinson's disease

Differentiating the early stages of Parkinson's disease from the normal consequences of aging or from other common neurologic conditions can be diagnostically problematic. The purpose of this study was to compare methodologies for measuring motor neuron excitability of Parkinson's disease patients with a control group. H-reflexes were monitored in 16 patients diagnosed in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr stages I and II) compared with 30 subjects who were disease free. Methods of measurement included H-reflex latencies, the relative values of maximum H-reflexes to maximum direct motor responses (H-to-M ratio), the relative values of H-reflex amplitudes during vibration compared with control H-reflex amplitudes (Hv-to-Hc ratio), and double-stimulation H-reflex recovery curves using different interstimulus interval parameters. No significant differences were observed for the H-to-M or Hv-to-Hc ratios, or for the H-reflex latencies. The H-reflex recovery curves for the patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrated significantly greater ratio amplitudes than the control group during the double-stimulus responses between the 150-msec and 700-msec interstimulus intervals. Although comparisons of simple H-reflexes and H-reflexes during vibration did not differentiate the patients in the early stages of Parkinson's disease from the control group, the double-stimulation paradigm was a sensitive method for detecting early diagnoses of this disease.
Teacher Accountability: Negative and Positive

Misconceptions of what teacher accountability really is are explored here, along with some valid expectations of the concept.
Acquired resistance to echinostomes in four Biomphalaria glabrata strains.

Abstract Four strains of Biomphalaria glabrata showed a distinctive pattern of acquired resistance to each of 3 echinostome species. Juvenile albino B. glabrata from our laboratory NIH stock developed a strong resistance to Echinostoma lindoense but only a weak one to E. paraensei and a moderate one to E. liei . Juvenile B. glabrata 10-R2 strain developed a strong acquired resistance to E. lindoense but a weak one to E. paraensei and E. liei . Juvenile B. glabrata M-RLc strain developed a strong acquired resistance to E. lindoense and a moderate one to E. paraensei and E. liei . Juvenile B. glabrata 641 strain developed a moderate acquired resistance to E. lindoense , a weak one to E. liei and no measurable resistance to E. paraensei .
The development of molecular orientation and morphological texture in thermotropic copolyesters

Liquid crystalline polymers can be processed to form high strength/modulus materials. In processing these materials, it is apparent that molecular orientation is an important factor in determining the physical strength of the processed materials. In this study a systematic investigation was carried out to determine how a thermotropic copolyester of parahydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) responds to two basic types of flows: shear and extensional flow. This was accomplished by preparing sheared and extended samples under controlled conditions of temperature and flow history. Sheared disks were prepared using a disk and plate geometry of a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer (RMS model 605), while extended ribbons were prepared using a slit die attached to an Instron capillary rheometer. Two copolymerer compositions of 60 mole percent and 80 mol percent PHB were investigated. The sheared disks and extended ribbons were investigated for molecular orientation and morphological textures using wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, respectively. It was found that extensional flow has a greater capacity for orienting such materials than shear flow. Samples annealed at their softening points for 1 minute (240°C for the 60 mole percent PHB/PET copolymer and 300°C for the 80 mole percent PHB/PET copolymer) showed no significant loss of orientation, indicating that once orientation is produced it may remain in the melt for a long period of time. Sheared samples prepared by shearing the sample while cooling showed significantly higher degrees of orientation than those not cooled while being sheared. This may indicate that a minimum stress level exists for the production of orientation in shear flow.
Hydraulic Permeability of Food Tissues

Pressure driven flow can arise in a food process due to various reasons such as rapid internal evaporation in microwave heating of a food. Whether intended or unintended, pressure driven flow can be a very significant mode of transport of water, vapor, and other components. The physics of pressure driven flow cannot be lumped into effective diffusivity type formulation in general. Permeability, a material property that is needed to properly describe this physics of pressure driven flow using mechanistic models and is generally unavailable. For the first time, intrinsic permeability of potato and muscle tissues to water were measured by making water flow through the samples under pressure and measuring the flow rate in a dedicated commercial setup for measuring permeability. Intrinsic permeability values were found to be in the range of 10−17 – 10−19 m2. Permeability of soft food materials change significantly with pressure, however, electron microscope pictures showed no change in structure in potato tissue.
Follicular Thyroid Cancer with Pulmonary Metastasis Presenting as Toxic Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodule

ABSTRACT Objective: We report the case of a patient in whom a toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN) turned out to be an aggressive follicular carcinoma with pulmonary metastases and subclinical hyperthyroidism. Methods: In this case study, we review the presentation, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of an aggressive follicular carcinoma presenting as an AFTN with hyperthyroidism. We also reviewed potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of this rare presentation of thyroid cancer when following the current standards of care in managing thyroid nodules. Results: An 85-year-old female with atrial fibrillation was seen for an enlarging right thyroid nodule. Biochemical testing revealed subclinical hyperthyroidism. An enlarged, 4.2 × 3.4 × 4.1-cm right thyroid lobe nodule was noted on ultrasound and confirmed to be an AFTN by thyroid scintigraphy. Incidental pulmonary nodules were noted on computed tomography (CT) and found to be fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid on positron emission tomography (PET). She was treated with total thyroidectomy, and pathologic analysis confirmed the presence of a unifocal follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with lymphovascular invasion. Postoperatively, she was also treated with radioactive iodine and levothyroxine suppressive therapy. Subsequent progression of metastasis ensued, and she died approximately 4 years after diagnosis. Conclusion: Hyperthyroidism resulting from a functioning thyroid tumor is exceedingly rare. Flexibility in the approach to functioning thyroid nodules is essential. Our case demonstrates that thyroid malignancy in an AFTN should be suspected in elderly patients with rapidly growing nodules. Abbreviations: AFTN autonomously functioning thyroid nodule CT computed tomography FDG fluorodeoxyglucose FNA fine needle aspiration FTC follicular thyroid carcinoma 131-I radioactive iodine PET positron emission tomography Tg thyroglobulin TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone
Synergistic effect of calcium and bicarbonate in enhancing arsenate release from ferrihydrite

Abstract Many groundwater systems contain anomalously high arsenic concentrations, associated with less than expected retention of As by adsorption to iron (hydr)oxides. Although carbonates are ubiquitous in aquifers, their relationship to arsenate mobilization is not well characterized. This research examines arsenate release from poorly crystalline iron hydroxides in abiotic systems containing calcium and magnesium with bicarbonate under conditions of static and dynamic flow (pH 7.5–8). Aqueous arsenic levels remained low when arsenate-bearing ferrihydrite was equilibrated with artificial groundwater solution containing Ca, Mg, and HCO 3 − . In batch titrations in which a solution of Ca and HCO 3 − was added repeatedly, the ferrihydrite surface became saturated with adsorbed Ca and HCO 3 − , and aqueous As levels increased by 1–2 orders of magnitude. In columns containing Ca or Mg and HCO 3 − , As solubility initially mimicked titrations, but then rapidly increased by an additional order of magnitude (reaching 12 μM As). Separately, calcium chloride and other simple salts did not induce As release, although sodium bicarbonate and lactate facilitated minor As release under flow. Results indicate that adsorption of calcium or magnesium with bicarbonate leads to As desorption from ferrihydrite, to a degree greater than expected from competitive effects alone, especially under dynamic flow. This desorption may be an important mechanism of As mobilization in As-impacted, circumneutral aquifers, especially those undergoing rapid mineralization of organic matter, which induces calcite dissolution and the production of dissolved calcium and bicarbonate.
Convergence acceleration for vector sequences and applications to computational fluid dynamics

Some recent developments in acceleration of convergence methods for vector sequences are reviewed. The methods considered are the minimal polynomial extrapolation, the reduced rank extrapolation, and the modified minimal polynomial extrapolation. The vector sequences to be accelerated are those that are obtained from the iterative solution of linear or nonlinear systems of equations. The convergence and stability properties of these methods as well as different ways of numerical implementation are discussed in detail. Based on the convergence and stability results, strategies that are useful in practical applications are suggested. Two applications to computational fluid mechanics involving the three dimensional Euler equations for ducted and external flows are considered. The numerical results demonstrate the usefulness of the methods in accelerating the convergence of the time marching techniques in the solution of steady state problems.
Status of free electron lasers in 1994

Abstract Eighteen years after the first operation of the short wavelength free electron laser (FEL) at Stanford University, there have been many significant accomplishments. FEL research in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelength regimes is discussed.
Geometric Tailoring: A Design for Manufacturing Method for Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling

The goal of fabricating functional prototypes quickly is hindered by a mismatch of material properties between production materials and those used in rapid prototyping (RP) machines, such as stereolithography. Even when rapid tooling (RT) technologies are utilized for injection molded parts, differences in mold materials cause differences in molded part properties. To compensate for these material and process differences, a design for manufacturing (DFM) method is introduced, called geometric tailoring. The idea is to modify dimensions of prototype parts to match key characteristics of production parts, such as stress and deflection behaviors. For RP parts, the geometric tailoring DFM method integrates two sub-problems, one for achieving functional requirements by matching part behaviors, and one for RP process planning to incorporate manufacturing capabilities and limitations. For parts fabricated by RT, an additional sub-problem is integrated, namely injection molding process planning. Problem decomposition is critical due to the coupled nature of the sub-problems. A problem decomposition and solution procedure is presented. The geometric tailoring method is shown to enable the matching of prototype to production part behaviors, while improving manufacturability.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Pan-cadherin as a high level phenotypic biomarker for prostate cancer.

Purpose: High level phenotypic biomarkers such as cadherins are needed to identify individuals at risk for biologically active prostate cancer and determine which individuals with elevated prostate specific antigen or a prostate nodule are candidates for re-biopsy. Cadherins are a high level phenotypic biomarker associated with decreased cell adhesion, which is a cardinal event in carcinogenesis. Recently we reported that G-actin and tissue transglutaminase type II are potential biomarkers for prostate cancer. In this study we present cadherins as a potential third component of the biomarker profile.Materials and Methods: Prostate tissues from 38 patients with cancer and 33 controls with a 10-year prostate cancer-free followup were labeled for pan-cadherin by immunohistochemical testing. Immunoreactivity was quantified using a Pathology Workstation (Autocyte Inc., Elon College, North Carolina).Results: Visually benign glands from controls generally expressed cadherins, whereas regions of adenocarcinoma we...
Incomplete Data in Generalized Linear Models

Abstract This article examines incomplete data for the class of generalized linear models, in which incompleteness is due to partially missing covariates on some observations. Under the assumption that the missing data are missing at random, it is shown that the E step of the EM algorithm for any generalized linear model can be expressed as a weighted complete data log-likelihood when the unobserved covariates are assumed to come from a discrete distribution with finite range. Expressing the E step in this manner allows for a straightforward maximization in the M step, thus leading to maximum likelihood estimates (MLE's) for the parameters. Asymptotic variances of the MLE's are also derived, and results are illustrated with two examples.
Development-related effects of an acanthocephalan parasite on pairing success of its intermediate host

The acanthocephalan parasite, Acanthocephalus dirus , undergoes larval development in the aquatic isopod, Caecidotea intermedius , before completing its life cycle in the intestine of a fish (e.g. sunfish). Inside C. intermedius , the parasite develops through noninfective acanthor and acanthella stages and into the cystacanth stage, which is infective to definitive hosts. Research has shown that individual A. dirus induce phenotypic changes in C. intermedius that increase conspicuousness to definitive hosts, and that the level of modification is most pronounced when the parasite has developed into the cystacanth stage. We examined whether development into the cystacanth stage also correlated with changes in mating behaviour of the host. Using a field survey, we quantified the pattern of development of larval A. dirus to identify specific periods when either infective (cystacanth) or noninfective (acanthor, acanthella) stages dominated. Males infected with cystacanth-stage larvae had lower pairing success than males infected with larvae in the noninfective stages. To identify the behavioural mechanisms underlying this relation (i.e. male response to females, female resistance), we used a field-based experiment to examine the relation between parasite development and mating interactions between males and females. Cystacanth-infected males were less likely to initiate mating attempts with females than were acanthor/acanthella-infected males, and this effect could explain the population-level mating pattern. We discuss the results in the context of both adaptive and nonadaptive mechanisms underlying parasite-mediated changes in mating behaviour.
The changing faces on TV: A demographic analysis of network television's new seasons, 1966–1992

Prior investigations of television's demography often relied upon programs sampled across varying periods of time to describe character populations. Results are sometimes conflicting and it is difficult to generalize these independent findings to longitudinal trends. This study examines a census of 1,757 major characters added to broadcast network lineups through new season programming from 1966 to 1992. New characters are examined in terms of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and occupational patterns occurring across 27 years of network program activity.
Physical description of nuclear materials identification system (NMIS) signatures

Abstract This paper describes all time and frequency analysis parameters measured with a new correlation processor (capability up to 1 GHz sampling rates and up to five input data channels) for three input channels: (1) the 252 Cf source ionization chamber; (2) a detection channel; and (3) a second detection channel. An intuitive and physical description of the various measured quantities is given as well as a brief mathematical description and a brief description of how the data are acquired. If the full five-channel capability is used, the number of measured quantities increases in number but not in type. The parameters provided by this new processor can be divided into two general classes: time analysis signatures and their related frequency analysis signatures. The time analysis signatures include the number of time m pulses occurs in a time interval, that is triggered randomly, upon a detection event, or upon a source fission event triggered. From the number of pulses in a time interval, the moments, factorial moments, and Feynmann variance can be obtained. Recent implementations of third- and fourth-order time and frequency analysis signatures in this processor are also briefly described. Thus, this processor used with a timed source of input neutrons contains all of the information from a pulsed neutron measurement, one and two detector Rossi- α measurements, multiplicity measurements, and third- and fourth-order correlation functions. This processor, although originally designed for active measurements with a 252 Cf interrogating source, has been successfully used passively (without 252 Cf source) for systems with inherent neutron sources such as fissile systems of plutonium. Data from active measurements with an 18.75 kg highly enriched uranium (93.2 wt%, 235 U ) metal casting for storage are presented to illustrate some of the various time and frequency analysis parameters. This processor, which is a five-channel time correlation analyzer with time channel widths as small as 1 ns, was developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant where it is in use for verification and confirmation of weapons components and other fissile materials in storage and for receipts from other Department of Energy and Department of Defense Facilities.
The effect of vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation on LDL oxidizability and neutrophil respiratory burst in young smokers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E and/or vitamin C supplementation on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidizability and neutrophil (PMN) superoxide anion production in young smokers.Methods: Thirty smokers with a <5 pack-year history were randomly assigned to take placebo; vitamin C (1 g/day); vitamin E (400 IU/day); or both vitamins in a double-blind fashion. Subjects took the supplements for 8 weeks. At weeks 0 and 8, blood was collected for isolation of LDL and PMN, and for antioxidant vitamin analysis. LDL was oxidized with a copper (Cu) catalyst, and oxidation was measured by formation of conjugated dienes over a 5-hour time course. Lag times and maximum oxidation rates were calculated from the time course data. PMN superoxide anion release was assessed by respiratory burst after stimulation with phorbol ester and opsonized zymosan, and their ability to oxidize autologous LDL following treatment with the above stimuli was measured with the conjugated diene as...