cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite element analysis of adaptive-stiffening and shape-control SMA hybrid composites

The usage of shape memory materials has extended rapidly to many fields, including medical devices, actuators, composites, structures and MEMS devices. For these various applications, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are available in various forms: bulk, wire, ribbon, thin film, and porous. In this work, the focus is on SMA hybrid composites with adaptive-stiffening or morphing functions. These composites are created by using SMA ribbons or wires embedded in a polymeric based composite panel/beam. Adaptive stiffening or morphing is activated via selective resistance heating or uniform thermal loads. To simulate the thermomechanical behavior of these composites, a SMA model was implemented using ABAQUS' user element interface and finite element simulations of the systems were studied. Several examples are presented which show that the implemented model can be a very useful design and simulation tool for SMA hybrid composites.
Cold flow mixing rates with recirculation for pulverized coal reactors

The mixing of particles and gases in confined, coaxial jets in the presence of recirculation was studied. Particle and gas mixing rates were measured for conditions simulating processes involving pulverized coal combustion and entrained gasification. The effects of mixing chamber diameter, gas velocity, particle size, and particle loading level on mixing rates were determined from particle mass flux and gas tracer measurements. In every case, the gas mixed much faster than did the particles. Introduction of an expanded mixing chamber of larger diameter (with recirculation zone) significantly increased both gas and particle mixing rates over that for a smaller mixing chamber without recirculation. However, this observed increase was not strongly dependent upon the diameter of the larger mixing chamber. Increasing secondary velocity also increased mixing rates significantly.
Teicoplanin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus expresses a novel membrane protein and increases expression of penicillin-binding protein 2 complex.

Abstract In the recent clinical trials of teicoplanin therapy of endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, at least one instance of the emergence of teicoplanin-resistant strains during therapy has been reported (G.W. Kaatz, S. M. Seo, N. J. Dorman, and S. A. Lerner, J. Infect. Dis 162:103-108, 1990). We have confirmed, using conventional electrophoresis of EcoRI-digested chromosomal DNA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of SmaI-digested chromosomal DNA, that the resistant strain (12873) (MIC, 16 micrograms/ml) is genetically very similar to the susceptible parent (12871) (MIC, 4 micrograms/ml). Kaatz et al. were able to select spontaneous teicoplanin-resistant mutants (10(-9)), suggesting that a single gene might be involved. We have shown that the mutation is highly stable during growth in the absence of teicoplanin. Using Tn551, we have selected insertion mutants of 12873 that become teicoplanin susceptible. We have examined a number of aspects of cell wall physiology in strains 12871 and 12873 and the teicoplanin-susceptible Tn551 mutants of 12873. 12873 was more susceptible to lysostaphin lysis than 12871 and the susceptible Tn551 derivatives of 12873. Autolysis in phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) and cell wall turnover rates were similar in 12871 and 12873. An analysis of membrane proteins revealed the expression of a ca. 35-kDa protein and increased expression of both polypeptides of penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 2 (PBP2) in 12873 relative to 12871 and the Tn551 mutants of 12873. This increased expression was not related to PBP2', since both strains were susceptible to oxacillin in 2% NaCl (MIC, < or = 0.25 microgram/ml) and cellular DNA from neither strain hybridized with a specific mec gene probe. Two independent Tn551 inserts have been mapped to a ca. 117-kb SmaI fragment of the chromosome. These data suggest the possibility that the mutation resulting in resistance to teicoplanin involves the regulation of expression of both polypeptides of PBP2 and a 35-kDa membrane protein.
Management of complications with hand fractures

Both operative and nonoperative treatment of hand fractures can result in numerous complications, including stiffness, malunion, nonunion, arthritis, infection, and complex regional pain syndrome. These complications are frequently encountered and are often challenging to treat. This article systematically outlines the diagnosis and treatment of each of these complications to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient's overall hand function.
Early maturation of sinus rhythm dynamics in high-risk fetuses.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac dynamics of high-risk and low-risk fetuses using beat to beat variability. Study Design This study obtained 214 fetal magnetocardiography recordings from a group of high-risk fetuses with maternal conditions associated with placental insufficiency with the risk of developing intrauterine growth restriction or were already diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction. For purpose of comparison, another 136 recordings were obtained from low-risk fetuses. The cardiac beat-to-beat intervals computed as RR intervals were analyzed from both groups using the mean and median interval, standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, root mean square of the successive differences, and the fraction of the normal-to-normal intervals (pNNx) that differ by more than the chosen tolerance level of ‘x' milliseconds from the previous normal-to-normal intervals. Tests for significance between high-risk and low-risk fetuses were calculated using an independent samples t test within the following gestational age groups, 27-30 weeks, 31-35 weeks, and 36-40 weeks. Results The root mean square of the successive differences, and the pNNx showed a significant difference between the low-risk and high-risk fetuses in the 31-35-week and the 36-40-week divisions. In the 31-35-week age division, low-risk fetuses had significantly lower root mean square of the successive differences, and pNN values than the high risk, but in the 36-40-week division, the low-risk fetuses had significantly higher root mean square of the successive differences, and pNN values. Conclusion Cardiac dynamics for fetuses of mothers at risk for placental insufficiency mature quicker than fetuses not at risk for placental insufficiency.
Is evidence guiding practice? Reported versus observed adherence to contact precautions: A pilot study

Background Hospital-acquired infections are a major patient safety issue. We examined staff members' knowledge, attitudes, reported and observed adherence to guidelines, and perceptions of barriers to use of contact precautions. Methods A survey and nonparticipant observation study was used to examine knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and actual behavior of staff on 3 medical/surgical units at a 600-bed Magnet-designated academic medical center (MDAMC) and a 110-bed community medical center (CMC) in the southeastern United States. Results Correct knowledge answers ranged from 75% (CMC) to 100% (MDAMC). CMC participants were less likely to perceive time as a barrier (5% vs 25%; P = .050); more MDAMC participants were motivated by supervisors' recognition (87% vs 33%; P = .001). No statistically significant differences existed between groups on reported behaviors. Upon observation, fewer CMC participants demonstrated 4 of 5 evidence-based contact precaution behaviors compared with MDMC participants ( P Conclusions Despite a decade of focus on improving patient safety, low adherence to evidence-based practice guidelines for implementation of contact precautions remains. Ongoing efforts are needed both at the system and practitioner level to improve practice adherence.
Protein structure paintings.

When artist Steve Miller met Nobel Laureate Rod MacKinnon at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, MacKinnon was investigating protein structures: specifically, how potassium ions move across cell membranes. Miller became fascinated with the visual tools MacKinnon used to grapple with the problem: 3D computer models of proteins, graphical equations and diagrams in the scientist’s notebook, and even the architecture of X-ray crystallography equipment. These are all reminders of the role visual tools play in the act of discovery, understanding, and investigation. Steve Miller, Blackboard Jungle, 2005; dispersion and silkscreen enamel on canvas, 36 × 34 inches. Image courtesy of the artist and the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences. Artists have always gravitated toward the ideas and technology of their time as source material. As a result, the artist’s work serves as a form of documentation and preservation of those ideas, while asking the viewer to consider a different perspective, perhaps personal or cultural in nature. The exhibition Crossing the Line, previously on view at the National Academy of Sciences and curated by Marvin Heiferman, is a result of translating imagery of the scientist from the laboratory to an art exhibition space. The curator’s selection of paintings draws parallels between MacKinnon’s examinations of ions moving across the barrier of cell membranes and Miller’s own exploration of moving imagery from the context of one discipline to another. By doing so, the juxtaposition invites the viewer to consider the aesthetic quality of the tools of science. Far from the didactic or illustrative purposes often associated with exhibiting scientific imagery, Miller asks us to consider the creative thought processes of the scientist in parallel with that of the artist. How does the human mind traverse the terrain of ideas to solve problems, and what is the role that visual tools play in that process? Artists, of course, have a different set of problems they are attempting to answer, which are often more aesthetic in nature. Many of the paintings in the exhibit are large in scale, engulfing the viewer’s peripheral vision, thus creating an almost immersive environment. Imagine notebooks transformed into six-foot canvases. Layers of silk-screened images, photographs, and textured paint create areas of visual exploration that encourage a different perspective of the work of both scientist and artist, reminding us that each scientist’s work is, at its core, creative and inventive in nature.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of unsaturated fatty acids in a recombinant inbred population of soybean

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important oilseed crop which produces about 30 % of the world’s edible vegetable oil. The quality of soybean oil is determined by its fatty acid composition. Soybean oil high in oleic and low in linolenic fatty acids is desirable for human consumption and other uses. The objectives of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for unsaturated fatty acids and to evaluate the genetic effects of single QTL and QTL combinations in soybean. A population of recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of SD02-4-59 × A02-381100 was evaluated for fatty acid content in seven environments. In total, 516 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism markers, 477 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers and three GmFAD3 genes were used to genotype the mapping population. By using the composite interval mapping and/or the interval mapping method, a total of 15 QTLs for the three unsaturated fatty acids were detected in more than two environments. Two QTLs for oleic acid on linkage groups G [chromosome (Chr) 18] (qOLE-G) and J (Chr 16) (qOLE-J), three QTLs for linoleic acid on linkage groups A1 (Chr 5) (qLLE-A1) and G (Chr 18) (qLLE-G-1 and qLLE-G-2), and five QTLs for linolenic acid on linkage groups C2 (Chr 6), D1a (Chr 1), D1b (Chr 2), F (Chr 13) and G (Chr 18) were consistently detected in at least three individual environments and the average data over all environments. Significant QTL × QTL interactions were not detected. However, significant QTL × environment interactions were detected for all the QTLs which were repeatedly detected. Some QTLs reported previously were confirmed, and seven new QTLs (two for oleic acid, two for linoleic acid and three for linolenic acid) were identified in this study. Comparisons of two-locus and three-locus combinations indicated that cumulative effects of QTLs were significant for all the three unsaturated fatty acids. QTL pyramiding by molecular marker-assisted breeding would be an appropriate strategy for the improvement of unsaturated fatty acids in soybean.
Further observations on serotype 2 Marek's disease virus-induced enhancement of spontaneous avian leukosis virus-like bursal lymphomas in ALVA6 transgenic chickens

Breeders of the 2009 generation of Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory transgenic chicken line ALVA6, known to be resistant to infection with subgroups A and E avian leukosis virus (ALV), were vaccinated at hatch with a trivalent Marek's disease (MD) vaccine containing serotypes 1, 2, and 3 Marek's disease virus (MDV) and were maintained under pathogen-free conditions from the day of hatch until 75 weeks of age. Spontaneous ALV-like bursal lymphomas, also termed lymphoid leukosis (LL)-like lymphomas, were detected in 7% of the ALVA6 breeders. There was no evidence of infection with exogenous and endogenous ALV as determined by virus isolation tests of plasma and tumour tissue homogenates. For the next three generations, serotype 2 MDV was eliminated from the trivalent MD vaccine used. Results show, for the first time, that removal of serotype 2 MDV from MD vaccines eliminated spontaneous LL-like lymphomas within 50 to 72 weeks of age for at least three consecutive generations. Two experiments were also conducted to determine the influence of in ovo vaccination with serotype 2 MD vaccines on enhancement of spontaneous LL-like lymphomas in ALVA6 chickens. Chickens from the 2012 generation were each inoculated in ovo or at hatch with 5000 plaque-forming units of serotype 2 MDV. Results indicate that by 50 weeks of age the incidence of spontaneous LL-like lymphomas in chickens inoculated in ovo with serotype 2 MDV was comparable with that in chickens inoculated with virus at hatch, suggesting that the augmentation effect of serotype 2 MDV is independent of age of vaccination.
Fluid–structure interaction modelling of parachute soft-landing dynamics

Soft landing of a payload with the aid of a retraction device is an important aspect in cargo parachute operations. Accurate simulation of this class of parachute operations with a computer model that takes into account the fluid–structure interactions involved would complement drop tests and support the design of cargo parachute systems. We describe the computational methods developed for this purpose, demonstrate how the computational model works in investigation of different soft-landing conditions, and show a good correlation between the data from our simulations and drop tests. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total ionization cross section for electron-hydrogen scattering using a time-dependent close-coupling method

A time-dependent close-coupling method is combined with a time-independent distorted-wave method to calculate the electron ionization cross section for hydrogen. A second-order differencing of the time propagator for the close-coupled equations is found to be very efficient. Low partial-wave close-coupling results are added to high partial-wave distorted-wave results to yield total ionization cross sections in excellent agreement with experiment between 30- and 50-eV incident electron energy. The distorted-wave method found most suitable for the high partial waves is based on a mixture of {ital V}{sup {ital N}} and {ital V}{sup {ital N}{minus}1} scattering potentials. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
New images of asteroid Vesta

Observations from NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which entered orbit around asteroid Vesta in July, show that the asteroid “is one of the most colorful objects in the solar system,” according to Vishnu Reddy of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany. Vesta, one of the largest asteroids in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, has a surface that is heavily weathered and covered with many impact craters. The new images, in both visible and infrared light, show that Vesta has a variety of rock and mineral types, including iron-containing pyroxene. Other asteroids do not have as much variety.
Analysis of stimulus-response chains using nonlinear dynamics.

Abstract Stimulus chains represent those series of coupled biochemical events through which receptor occupation is transformed into physiological or pharmacological responses. These events are commonly modeled as sets of sequential hyperbolic responses that may be treated mathematically as an iterative process. Methods used in the analysis of iterated map functions such as bifurcation analysis and graphical iteration are applied to the stimulus sequence to understand the dynamics of the process. Examples are given to illustrate determination of fixed points of the map as well as techniques for determining their stability. When present, a central repelling fixed point reveals the existence and location of a stimulus threshold, while the upper attracting fixed point determines the size of the terminal stimulus (S Ω ) in the signaling pathway. Estimates of S Ω are used to develop equations for predicting changes in agonist EC 50 s at each point in the stimulus chain. Similarly, Lyapunov exponents are found to provide a link between changes in cell or tissue parameters and changes in the rate of stimulus amplification and agonist maximal response. These findings demonstrate that techniques of nonlinear dynamics when combined with biochemical studies of cellular signaling, provide useful new approaches for quantitative and qualitative analysis of drug action.
"The Orientation of Newspaper Endorsements in U.S. Elections, 1940-2002

We study newspaper endorsements in state and federal elections, using a new data set with two samples. One sample focuses on big-city newspapers in the United States from 1940 to 2002. A second sample examines 92 newspapers, representing all regions of the country, over the period 1986 to 2002. We document two important features of newspaper endorsements. First, newspapers have shifted from strongly favoring Republicans in the 1940s and 1950s, to dividing their editorial endorsements roughly equally between the parties. Today, Democratic candidates are about 10% more likely to receive an endorsement than Republican candidates. Second, newspaper editorials have come to favor heavily those already in office. Incumbents today receive the endorsement about 90% of the time. In the 1940s, incumbents received endorsements only about 60% of the time.
The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Monitoring Elections: Lessons Learned for the New Egypt

The purpose of this research article is to contribute to a better future for a New Egypt, after the January 25, Revolution of 2011, by focusing on how best to monitor elections by domestic civil society organizations (CSOs) through adopting an output, outcome, and impact model. It assesses comparatively the role of CSOs in monitoring elections in Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Nigeria, and derives lessons learned for Egypt. Through analyzing Egyptian CSOs websites and qualitative discussions and surveys with activists, proposed strategies for enhancing effectiveness are identified, including building wider coalitions and more use of new technology.
Examining the determinants of public environmental concern: Evidence from national public surveys

Abstract Early research showed that citizens’ environmental concern in the United States was linked to three individual-level factors: socio-demographic variables, political orientations, and personal beliefs or worldviews about human-nature relations. Given many changes in the American society over the last several decades, one important, yet unanswered question is whether these factors still drive public environmental concern in the United States today, and if so, to what extent. This study, drawing from extant theoretical and empirical studies, aims to reinvestigate the determinants of citizens’ environmental concern by employing three national public surveys conducted in 2004, 2007, and 2013. Our data analyses confirm and expand the findings of previous research on the significance and importance of political ideology, fundamental beliefs about human-nature relations, and certain socioeconomic factors such as gender and race in explaining citizens’ environmental concern. More specifically, political liberals, people with higher New Ecological Paradigm values, females, and Non-Whites tend to be more concerned about environmental problems than their counterparts are. Our data analyses also reveal some interesting findings when compared to many previous studies: first, our data indicate a positive relationship between age and environmental concern, suggesting that older people in the United States are more concerned about the environment than younger adults; second, unlike most past research showing a positive Education-Environmental Concern relationship, our study suggests that education level seems to have little effect in explaining citizens’ environmental concern measured in this study. Key implications for environmental policymaking and recommendations for future research are discussed in the conclusion.
TU‐C‐103‐04: Comprehensive Characterization of Iterative Reconstruction in a Radiation Oncology Setting

Purpose: Iterative reconstruction (IR) reduces noise, thereby allowing dose reduction in CT while maintaining comparable image quality to filtered back‐projection (FBP). We sought to characterize image quality metrics necessary for integration of IR into treatment planning.Method and Materials: CTs (Brilliance Big Bore v3.6, Philips Healthcare) were acquired of several phantoms using 120 kVp and 25‐800 mAs. IR was applied at levels corresponding to noise reduction of 0.89‐0.55 with respect to FBP. CT to electron density (CT‐ED) curves were generated over all IR levels. Uniformity, spatial and low contrast resolution were quantified via the CATPHAN. Modulation Transfer Functions (MTFs) of a point source module characterized spatial frequency. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was quantified. Line profile and region of interest (ROI) analyses were conducted via scripting functions to quantify boundary changes and noise. Contouring differences were quantified via overlap indices (OI) and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and dose calculation was assessed. Imaging dose reduction was determined. Results: No appreciable changes were observed for CT‐ED curves between FBP and IR levels (maximum difference ∼6.7 HU for bone). For uniformity, differences were 200%) were observed, corresponding to ∼70% dose reduction. Conclusion: IR meets the criteria needed for treatment planning. Slight degradation in object edges was observed, however this did not impact contouring ability or dosimetric parameters. IR substantially reduced imaging dose, and a prospective trial is warranted to optimize settings for each anatomical site. The submitting institution holds research agreement with Philips Healthcare.
Potentiation of the immune response to non-adsorbed antigens by aluminum-containing adjuvants

The degree of antigen adsorption by aluminum-containing adjuvants is considered an important characteristic of vaccines that is related to immunopotentiation by the adjuvant. This study examined immunopotentiation by aluminum phosphate adjuvant in three model vaccines in which the antigen was not adsorbed in the vaccine formulation nor when mixed in vitro with interstitial fluid. In the first model vaccine, aluminum phosphate adjuvant was pre-treated with 0.5 M KH2PO4 to minimize the adsorption of dephosphorylated alpha casein. The second model vaccine was composed of aluminum phosphate adjuvant and ovalbumin that was dephosphorylated by treatment with potato acid phosphatase. The third model vaccine consisted of aluminum phosphate adjuvant and lysozyme (LYS). In order to prevent adsorption of lysozyme, the aluminum phosphate adjuvant was pre-treated with fibrinogen, a protein present in interstitial fluid that binds strongly to aluminum phosphate adjuvant. Immunopotentiation was evaluated by measuring antibody production in mice. It was found that all three model vaccines induced antibody titers that were statistically higher than induced by a solution of antigen without adjuvant and similar to vaccines in which the antigens were adsorbed by aluminum phosphate adjuvant. Confocal microscopy experiments suggested that the antigens used in these experiments, even though not adsorbed to the aluminum phosphate adjuvant, were trapped in void spaces within the adjuvant aggregates, resulting in uptake of antigen by dendritic cells.
Determination of adsorption isotherm of species adsorbed on roughened silver electrodes from in situ quantitative surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract In situ surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been used to determine quantitatively coverages of hemin and/or its reduced counterpart irreversibly adsorbed on roughened silver electrodes as a function of the applied potential in aqueous electrolytes. Analyses of spectral data recorded at pH 3 over a wide voltage region made it possible to obtain potential dependent adsorption isotherms, from which the standard redox potential was found to be −0.12 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE), in excellent agreement with data reported in the literature for hemin adsorbed on other substrates. Similar measurements performed at pH 7 not only revealed significant deviations from ideal Nernstian behavior, but the inflection point of the isotherm, i.e. −0.22 V versus SCE, was found to be more positive than that believed to be associated with the μ-oxo derivative of hemin, expected to be the majority species at this pH. Both these effects could be accounted for by invoking a fast pre-equilibrium between the electrochemically active (monomer) and electrochemically inactive (μ-oxo dimer) forms of hemin in the potential region in question. The value of E °=−0.21 versus SCE at pH 7 estimated from fits to the SERS data based on this model was in line with that for the monomeric rather than the dimeric form of hemin.
Integration of topology and shape optimization for design of structural components

This paper presents an integrated approach that supports the topology optimization and CAD-based shape optimization. The main contribution of the paper is using the geometric reconstruction technique that is mathematically sound and error bounded for creating solid models of the topologically optimized structures with smooth geometric boundary. This geometric reconstruction method extends the integration to 3-D applications. In addition, commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), optimization, and application software tools are incorporated to support the integrated optimization process. The integration is carried out by first converting the geometry of the topologically optimized structure into smooth and parametric B-spline curves and surfaces. The B-spline curves and surfaces are then imported into a parametric CAD environment to build solid models of the structure. The control point movements of the B-spline curves or surfaces are defined as design variables for shape optimization, in which CAD-based design velocity field computations, design sensitivity analysis (DSA), and nonlinear programming are performed. Both 2-D plane stress and 3-D solid examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed approach.
High resolution CT mammography of surgical biopsy specimens

Our goal was to assess the performance of high resolution CT on breast biopsy specimens before considering the reevaluation of refined CT techniques in patients with breast abnormalities. High resolution CT was done in 44 surgical biopsy specimens following conventional X-ray specimen mammography. The specimens comprised 38 palpable and nonpalpable soft tissue abnormalities with mean size of 19 mm and 6 specimens with clustered microcalcifications only. There were 21 carcinomas, 10 fibroadenomas, and 13 other benign conditions. Evaluation of CT and conventional images was done separately, and a feature-grading list was used to compare the two modalities. In fatty specimens, grading of morphologic features of masses and the confidence to detect a soft tissue abnormality were equal with both techniques. CT significantly improved the confidence to detect a mass in 17 specimens with dense tissue: On a scale of 0-10, the mean score for detection was 3.8 with radiography and 5.8 with CT (p < 0.008). For clustered microcalcifications, X-ray was superior to CT. The mean CT attenuation of 18 malignant masses (82 HU) was significantly lower than the mean attenuation of 10 fibroadenomas (131 HU; p = 0.003). CT scans of the American College of Radiology test phantom metmore » the requirements for X-ray accreditation. For soft tissue abnormalities, CT specimen mammography performed equally as or better than specimen radiography. These in vitro results suggest potential advantages for increased sensitivity and specificity with CT and justify further investigations. 25 refs., 4 figs.« less
Elucidation of Lignin Structure through Degradative Methods: Comparison of Modified DFRC and Thioacidolysis

Milled wood and milled wood lignin (MWL) samples were subjected to DFRC and thioacidolysis. Despite the fact that both methods selectively cleave aryl ether bonds, substantial differences in results were obtained. Lignin thioacidolysis gave total molar yields of degradation monomer products in the range of 3.5−7 mol % higher than DFRC. GPC analysis showed that the thioacidolysis-treated lignin was degraded to a lower average molecular weight than that treated by DFRC. Contrary to results reported for lignin model compounds, these results indicate that the DFRC method does not completely or efficiently degrade the lignin polymer. In fact, the DFRC-degraded lignin retained much of the characteristics of the original MWL. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of bromine in the DFRC-treated lignin, and two-dimensional 1H−13C HMQC NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of β-O-4 linkages in the DFRC-treated lignin. No β-O-4 interunit linkages were detected in the thioacidolysis-treated lignin. These results ar...
Importance of plant size, distribution of egg masses, and weather conditions on egg parasitism of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis by Trichogramma ostriniae in sweet corn

Trichogramma ostriniae (Hym: Trichogrammatidae), an egg parasitoid of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lep: Pyralidae), were released into sweet corn (Zea mays L.) fields to study the effects of weather, plant size and distribution of egg masses on egg parasitism by the wasp. Sentinel European corn borer eggs were stapled onto leaves located in the upper, middle and lower third of sweet corn plants 5 to 35 meters away from the wasp release point in either a radial or grid manner. Weather conditions and plant architecture were monitored during the experiments. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that percentage of eggs parasitized was negatively related to an increase in leaf area as well as an increase in distance eggs were located from the point of release of wasps. Eggs distributed on plants at different directions from the release point received different levels of parasitism. Eggs that were stapled onto leaves in the upper third of a corn plant received much less parasitism than those on the middle and lower third of the plant. Higher mean temperature adversely affected the level of parasitism during hotter times of the season and conversely, lower temperatures (<17 °C ) reduced the egg parasitism during cooler times of the season. The longer the exposure of eggs to wasps, the higher the level of egg parasitism. However, the levels of egg parasitism for 2 day's exposure were almost the same as that for 3 day's exposure due to the limited longevity and egg-laying behavior of the wasp. These results suggest that inundative releases of T. ostriniae should be made every two to three days, with multiple release points per hectare. In addition, weather conditions and plant architecture, especially temperature, plant height and leaf area must be taken into consideration to optimize levels of parasitism.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of azulenes

Abstract The photoelectron spectra of azulene and ten of its derivatives (halo-, methyl-, phenyl-, acetyl- and benzoylazulenes) are presented and assigned. Assignments based on a composite-molecule view are validated by computations (CNDO/S). Conjugative interactions in the phenylazulenes lead to an inversion of the usual order of the two phenyl group e 1g component orbitals. Many of the azulenes have very low ionization energies, and it is suggested that they constitute a class of excellent π-electron donor molecules.
Poly-l-lysine templated silicas: Using polypeptide secondary structure to control oxide pore architectures

Utilizing polypeptide secondary structure as a means for controlling oxide pore architectures is explored. Poly-l-lysine is used as a model polypeptide as its folding behavior is well understood and compatible with the sol−gel chemistry of silica. Here, we show that silicas synthesized with poly-l-lysine in a α-helix conformation possess cylindrical pores that are approximately 1.5 nm in size, whereas silicas synthesized with poly-l-lysine in a β-sheet conformation possess larger pores, the size of which are a function of the poly-l-lysine concentration, or in other words the size of the aggregate. In both cases, highly porous materials are obtained. In-situ circular dichroism measurements of the synthesis mixtures show that the poly-l-lysine secondary structure is not perturbed during synthesis. Infrared spectroscopy of the as-synthesized materials is consistent with the poly-l-lysine retaining its secondary structure. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations were also performed to validate the interpretation of the experimental adsorption results. The experimental isotherms are consistent with simulated isotherms of cylindrical pores 1.3−1.7 nm in size, in good agreement with expected values. Our results suggest a new avenue for synthesizing porous oxides with highly tuneable pore sizes and shapes under mild conditions.
Opportunistic and Cooperative Wireless Networks

This paper will focus on developing fundamentally new methods to design the next generation of wireless networks. The proposed top-down cross-layer approach will address spectrum sharing, medium access, cooperative and adaptive link management, and opportunistic access and information routing. The proposed techniques will enable vast new application areas beyond traditional communications including medical monitoring and diagnosis, mobile e-commerce, sensing and security and much more.
A multiple-scale model for compressible turbulent flows

A multiple-scale model for compressible turbulent flows is proposed. It is assumed that turbulent eddy shocklets are formed primarily by the 'collisions' of large energetic eddies. The extra straining of the large eddy, due to their interactions with shocklets, enhances the energy cascade to smaller eddies. Model transport equations are developed for the turbulent kinetic energies and the energy transfer rates of the different scale. The turbulent eddy viscosity is determined by the total turbulent kinetic energy and the rate of energy transfer from the large scale to the small scale, which is different from the energy dissipation rate. The model coefficients in the modeled turbulent transport equations depend on the ratio of the turbulent kinetic energy of the large scale to that of the small scale, which renders the model more adaptive to the characteristics of individual flow. The model is tested against compressible free shear layers. The results agree satisfactorily with measurements.
Benefit of sentinel lymphadenectomy for patients with nonulcerated cutaneous melanomas in the Breslow range between 0.76 and 1 mm: A follow‐up study of 148 patients

Sentinel lymphadenectomy (SLNE) is now internationally accepted for the primary treatment of melanomas thicker than 1 mm. But it is still controversial whether also patients with nonulcerated melanomas in the Breslow range between 0.76 and 1 mm should be included. At the authors' department, 87 of such patients (Group A) underwent SLNE in combination with wide local excision (WLE) of their primary melanomas in the years 1995 to 2001. SLN micrometastases were found in 10 of these patients (11.5%). Radical completion lymph node dissections (CLND) were added in 4 of the 10 patients without revealing any further nodal metastases. All the 87 Group A patients remained free from recurrent disease at a median follow-up time of 74 months. The control Group B from the same department encompassed 61 consecutive stage Ia patients with melanomas in the identical Breslow range, who had undergone only WLE of their primaries without SLNE in the years 1987 to 1993 (median follow-up time 115 months). Five of these 61 patients (8.2%) developed melanoma metastases within 12 to 68 (median 19) months of follow-up, 3 of them initially in regional lymph nodes. Four of the 5 individuals died because of the final distant dissemination of the melanoma. Kaplan–Meier comparisons between Groups A and B with log-rank testing showed a significantly worse outcome of Group B with respect to recurrence-free survival (p = 0.01), regional nodal progression (p = 0.041), distant metastasis (p = 0.023) and melanoma-related mortality (p = 0.03). The overall survival was not significantly different, because expiries not related to melanoma predominated in both groups. Our data suggest that SLNE seems to nearly completely eliminate the risk of melanoma recurrences in patients with melanomas between 0.76 and 1 mm thick. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Taxonomy and Ecology of the Central American Toads of the Genus Crepidophryne (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract We review the taxonomic status of all known populations of toads referred to Crepidophryne epiotica from Costa Rica and Panama and summarize what little is known about their distribution and ecology. Morphological comparisons of museum specimens indicate the existence of at least three species in this complex. We use these morphological data to describe two new species and offer a redescription of C. epiotica (sensu stricto). Based on the few records available, these species appear to be allopatrically distributed among the Cordillera de Guanacaste and Cordillera Central of Costa Rica and Cordillera de Talamanca of Costa Rica and adjacent areas in Panama.
Hymenolepis microstoma: lactate and malate dehydrogenases of the adult worm.

Abstract Lactate and malate dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.27 and EC 1.1.1.37, respectively) were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, redissolved in 100 m M phosphate buffer, and the kinetic parameters of each enzyme determined. Lactate dehydrogenase: The enzyme preparation had a specific activity of 0.35 μmole NADH oxidized/min/mg protein for pyruvate reduction, and 0.10 μmole NAD reduced/min/mg protein for lactate oxidation. K m values for the substrates and cofactors were as follows: pyruvate = 0.51, m M ; lactate = 3.8 m M ; NADH = 0.011 m M ; and NAD = 0.17 m M . NADPH, NADP, or d (−)-lactate would not replace NADH, NAD, or l (+)-lactate, respectively. The enzyme was relatively stable at 50 C for 45 min, but much less stable at 60 C; repeated freezing and thawing of the enzyme preparation had little effect on LDH activity. Both p -chloromercuribenzoate ( p -CMB) and N -ethylmaleimide (NEM) significantly inhibited LDH activity. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of at least two LDH isoenzymes in the unpurified enzyme preparation. The molecular weight was estimated at 160,000 by gel chromatography. Malate dehydrogenase: The enzyme preparation had a specific activity of 6.70 μmole NADH oxidized/min/mg protein for oxaloacetate reduction, and 0.52 μmole NAD reduced/ min/mg protein for malate oxidation. K m values for substrates and cofactors were as follows: l -malate = 1.09 m M ; oxaloacetate = 0.0059 m M ; NADH = 0.017 m M ; and NAD = 0.180 m M . NADP and NADPH would not replace NAD and NADH, respectively, d -malate was oxidized slowly when present in high concentrations (>100 m M ). Significant substrate inhibition occurred with concentrations of l -malate and oxaloacetate above 40 m M and 0.5 m M , respectively. The enzyme was unstable at temperatures above 40 C, but repeated freezing and thawing of the enzyme preparation had little effect on MDH activity. Only p -CMB inhibited MDH activity. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of at least three MDH isoenzymes in the unpurified enzyme preparation, and the molecular weight was estimated at 49,000 by gel chromatography.
Step-decorated ferromagnetic Fe nanostripes on Pt(997)

We investigate the step decoration growth and magnetic properties of Fe grown on a Pt(997) vicinal single crystal by means of reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and the surface magneto-optical Kerr effect (SMOKE). Pt(997) has 2 nm wide, (111)-oriented terraces separated by ordered, monoatomic steps along the $[1\overline{1}0]$ direction. The Fe is grown at room temperature as wedges with thickness ranging from 0 to 4 monolayers (ML). RHEED and STM show that Fe stripes form at low coverage due to step decoration. SMOKE data taken along a wedge indicate that the Fe is ferromagnetic above 0.2 ML with its magnetic easy axis canted from surface normal direction. As temperature is increased near the Curie temperature, there is an irreversible spin reorientation to the perpendicular out-of-plane direction. The canting can be understood as arising from a competition between an in-plane, step-induced magnetic anisotropy and a perpendicular surface anisotropy associated with extended terraces due to the polarization of the proximal Pt. Above 1.7 ML the perpendicular easy axis reorients to in-plane, along the step direction, due to the dominance of the shape anisotropy. The magnetic anisotropy energy is extracted by fitting the temperature dependence of the coercivity data.
Feedback Inhibition of CREB Signaling Promotes Beta Cell Dysfunction in Insulin Resistance

Although persistent elevations in circulating glucose concentrations promote compensatory increases in pancreatic islet mass, unremitting insulin resistance causes deterioration in beta cell function that leads to the progression to diabetes. Here, we show that mice with a knockout of the CREB coactivator CRTC2 in beta cells have impaired oral glucose tolerance due to decreases in circulating insulin concentrations. CRTC2 was found to promote beta cell function in part by stimulating the expression of the transcription factor MafA. Chronic hyperglycemia disrupted cAMP signaling in pancreatic islets by activating the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1)-dependent induction of the protein kinase A inhibitor beta (PKIB), a potent inhibitor of PKA catalytic activity. Indeed, disruption of the PKIB gene improved islet function in the setting of obesity. These results demonstrate how crosstalk between nutrient and hormonal pathways contributes to loss of pancreatic islet function.
Eukaryotic DNA replication origins: reconciling disparate data.

In this issue of Cell, Anglana and coworkers provide new insight into the nature of mammalian replication origins that helps to reconcile the divergent views that emerged over the past decade. Taken together with other studies, we can see how replication origins have evolved in response to the demands of animal development.
Time Inconsistency and the Long-Run Effects of Inflation ∗

Recent work by Laibson (1997) identifies that individuals’ time discount factors evolve over time. This leads to a time-inconsistency problem in which savings are distorted. This paper studies the long-run effects of inflation in the presence of a time-inconsistency problem.
Abortive infection of Japanese quail cells with avian sarcoma viruses.

Abstract The replication of Prague strains of Rous sarcoma virus (PR RSV) and avian sarcoma virus B77 in Japanese quail cells is abortive in a quantitative sense. Although efficient infection of quail cells, as evidenced by transformation, was obtained with these viruses, the yield of progeny was suppressed by 102-fold or more relative to the chick cell host, and for many clones of transformed quail cells tested, no yield could be detected. Infectious center assays, however, indicated that each transformed cell produces a small yield of progeny. The yield of progeny can be enhanced by prior infection of quail cells with avian leukosis viruses or rescued by superinfection with avian sarcoma viruses inoculated at higher multiplicity than the initial infecting virus. B77-transformed, abortively infected quail cells synthesize viral envelope proteins as evidenced by the complementation of the defective Bryan high titer strain of Rous sarcoma virus (BH RSV); the dominant progeny species of such complementation is, however, genotypically BH RSV. The possibility that the replication of the B77 genome in quail cells is inefficient is suggested.
Optical pumping via incoherent Raman transitions

An optical pumping scheme is presented that uses incoherent Raman transitions to prepare a trapped cesium atom in a specific Zeeman state within the 6S1/2, F=3 hyperfine manifold. An important advantage of this scheme over existing optical pumping schemes is that the atom can be prepared in any of the F=3 Zeeman states. We describe an experimental implementation of the scheme and show that a fraction 0.57±0.02 of the total population can be prepared in the desired state, with the remaining population distributed fairly uniformly among the six other states. We demonstrate the scheme in the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics, but the technique is equally applicable to a wide variety of atomic systems with hyperfine ground-state structure.
The reflective properties of a volume Bragg grating exposed to a high power laser beam

The material in which a volume Bragg grating is made will always have some absorption at the grating's design wavelength. Thus, when exposed to a high power laser beam the grating will absorb some power, be heated such that a temperature gradient is formed and, consequently, become distorted. We developed an accurate model to calculate the reflection of a high power laser beam by a volume Bragg grating that experiences such distortion. We used the beam propagation method (BPM) to calculate the laser beam propagation in the grating numerically, and the BPM calculations are iterated to account for the counter propagation of the laser beam in the volume Bragg grating. We devised a new method to assure convergence in the iteration of the BPM calculations when the grating diffraction strength is very large. We also established a new formulation of the wave equation to include the grating period distortion in the BPM formulation. The surface distortion and temperature induced background index change are also included in the model. This model has been validated to be correct and very accurate. We applied it to calculate the reflection of a high power laser beam by a distorted volume Bragg grating which has large diffraction strength. Our calculation shows that a small amount of grating structure distortion could introduce significant changes of both the phase and intensity patterns of the reflected laser beam. Understanding such changes is critical to the application of volume Bragg grating to high power laser systems.