cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback stabilizability in Hilbert Spaces

This paper is divided in four sections. In the first one, we recall the main notions related to the infinite dimensional control system such as the controllability and stability notions. The second section is devoted to a brief survey of the literature relevant to this paper. In the third section, we concentrate on the weak stabilizability of semigroups which are similar to contraction semigroups. The result presented here, which is believed to be new is that: IfA generates a semigroup which is similar to aC 0 contraction semigroup, the system $$\dot x = Ax + Bu$$ is weakly stabilizable if and only if the weakly unstable states of the system are approximately controllable. Finally, in the last section, we present two counterexamples showing the limitations of the weak stabilizability approach and discuss its possible extensions in view of some other fundamental problems.
Nitric oxide stimulates insulin release in liver cells expressing human insulin.

The establishment of surrogate islet β cells is important for the treatment of diabetes. Hepatocytes have a similar glucose sensing system as β cells and have the potential to serve as surrogate β cells. In this report, we demonstrate that infection of Hepa1–6 liver cells with a lentivirus expressing the human insulin cDNA results in expression and secretion of human insulin. Furthermore, we show that l-arginine at low levels of glucose significantly stimulates the release of insulin from these cells, compared to exposure to high concentration of glucose. The arginine-induced insulin release is via the production of nitric oxide, since treatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, blocks insulin secretion induced by l-arginine. These results indicate that nitric oxide plays a role in l-arginine-stimulated insulin release in hepatocytes expressing the human insulin gene, and provides a new strategy to induce insulin secretion from engineered non-β cells.
The effects of a maxillary speech-aid prosthesis for the combined tongue and mandibular resection patient

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a protocol for the fabrication of a prosthesis that would improve speech in individuals who have undergone complete removal of the tongue and mandible. A 60-year-old man was suffering from severe xerostomia and was unable to produce intelligible speech. Speech analysis without the prosthesis revealed a profound articulatory disorder. With the prosthesis, xerostomia was eliminated and the subject had fewer articulatory errors of severity. Improvement in speech intelligibility was significant at p
Applications of surface-grafted macromolecules derived from post-polymerization modification reactions

Abstract The formation of functional polymers by implementing small-molecule organic chemistry reactions to homopolymers has attracted great attention lately due to an increasing number of novel potential applications. This post-polymerization modification (PPM) approach circumvents a number of problems associated with direct polymer synthesis and enables the creation of polymeric systems that are difficult or impossible to produce otherwise. This holds especially true in the field of polymer brushes where the tethering of the polymer chains to a surface complicates direct polymerization of bulky monomers. The advantages of PPM reactions do not stop with polymer synthesis. This review highlights a variety of innovations that stem directly from this approach. A selection of these applications includes modified barrier properties, catalysis, surface patterning, separations, and biologically active substrates.
Factors influencing the positional specificity of soybean lipoxygenase.

1. 1. The positional specificity of hydroperoxidation of two isoenzymes (lipoxygenases-1 and -2) of the lipoxygenase (linoleate: O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.13.1.13) from soybean has been investigated under a number of experimental conditions, i.e. temperature, substrate, pH, O2 tension, and presence or absence of Ca2+. 2. 2. Values for the ratio of 9- and 13-hydroperoxide isomers were calculated after combined gas-liquid chromatographic-mass spectral analysis of the corresponding 9- and 13-hydroxymethyl stearates derived from the hydroperoxides by chemical modification. 3. 3. The results show that not only are the experimental conditions under which the enzyme is incubated important in determining the position oxygenated but also the composition of the lipoxygenase preparation with regard to its isoenzyme content. 4. 4. Results obtained with methyl linoleate as substrate indicate that the variation in values for isomer ratios is not unique to the linoleic acid substrate.
The dipeptide permease of Escherichia coli closely resembles other bacterial transport systems and shows growth‐phase‐dependent expression

Summary The dipeptide permease (Dpp) of Escherichia coli transports peptides consisting of two or three L-amino acids. The periplasmic dipeptide-binding protein (DBP), encoded by the dppA gene, also serves as a chemoreceptor. We sequenced the dpp locus, which comprises an operon of five genes, dppABCDE. Its organization is the same as the oligopeptide permease (opp) operon of Salmonella typhimurium and the spo0K operon of Bacillus subtilis. The dpp genes are also closely related to the hbpA gene, which encodes a haem-hinding lipoprotein, and four other genes in an unlinked operon of unknown function in Haemophilus influenzae. Each Dpp protein has an Opp, Spo0K and H. influenzae homologue. Transcription of the dpp operon initiates 165 bases upstream of the predicted dppA start codon. The start site for transcription is preceded by potential −35 and −10 regions of a σ70 promoter. During exponential growth in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth, the level of dpp mRNA increases in two steps, one between A590 0.2 and 0.4 and one between A590 0.7 and 1.0. The 310 nucleotides between dppA and dppB include a RIP (repetitive IHF-binding palindromic) element, whose deletion from a multi-copy plasmid causes fivefold and 10-fold reductions in the levels of upstream and downstream dpp mRNA, respectively.
Reunification from foster care: Informing measures over time

Abstract Children's paths through the child welfare system to permanency (adoption, reunification or guardianship) are complicated. Currently, federal policy and the child welfare literature point to reunification with the birth parents as the preferred type of permanent exit. The time it takes to move children towards a permanent exit is an important metric for child welfare. Traditionally, survival analysis was the method utilized when examining exits over time. One of the primary assumptions necessary for survival analysis is that the censoring be uninformed (i.e. that there is no underlying mechanism driving the censoring events). This assumption is violated when the probability of one event occurring is not independent of another outcome. A multi-step statistical model was developed to overcome the informative censoring present in the analysis of child welfare exits to permanency. Results suggest that, for reunification, the standard survival analysis model overestimates the amount of time children spend in care prior to reunification by not accounting for informative censoring. Overestimating the time children spend in care could lead to incorrect caseload projection, inaccurate fiscal projections, and imprecise measurements of time to reunification.
The relationship between oxidation stability and antioxidant depletion in turbine oils formulated with Groups II, III and IV base stocks

Using simple turbine oil formulations, we studied the effects of different antioxidant systems on oxidation behaviour. Fourier transform infrared was used as a sensitive probe to monitor the depletion of different antioxidant types present in turbine oils based on Group II, III and IV base stocks. It was found that the depletion of alkylated diphenylamine antioxidants from turbine oil systems is generally slower when hindered phenolics are present in the formulation. Furthermore, the type of hindered phenolic used in the formulation is critical for preserving this amine activity, with the bis-phenolic 4,4-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) showing superior performance over a phenolic ester of approximately the same molecular weight. This effect was explained by the higher hindered phenolic activity of the bis-phenolic relative to the phenolic ester. The ability of the bis-phenolic to preserve or protect the amine antioxidant, combined with its higher hindered phenolic activity, was shown to improve the oxidation resistance of turbine oils. The results also showed a surprisingly high oxidation stability for turbine oils formulated with Group III base stock, with the oxidation resistance of the Group III systems exceeding that of the equivalent Group II and Group IV systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Another psychobiological view of sexual differentiation

Abstract The major psychobiological theory of sex differences is based on the hypothesis that hormones induce sex differences in neural organization. Hormonally masculinized or feminized brains are thought to underlie subsequent behavioral sex differences. This theory and the constructs, arguments, and evidence used in its support are closely examined. Some conceptual problems with widely used arguments are identified and discussed. Behavioral, physiological, and anatomical evidence from studies of animal sexual behavior is reviewed. It is concluded that the evidence fails to support generally accepted views that early hormones affect behavior through direct effects on brain differentiation and that behavioral differences must be located in the brain. It is argued instead that hormones coact and interact with other factors throughout development, that brain differences may result from as well as cause functional differences, and that hormone-based sources of sex differences may be located throughout the body and in the social surround. Directions for new research are suggested and implications for interpretation of human sex differences are discussed.
Exponential stability and a systematic synthesis of a neural network for quadratic minimization

Abstract A continuous-time network with piecewise linear neuron input-output characteristics is proposed for optimization applications. Certain qualitative properties of the network of fundamental importance in these applications, such as the uniqueness of equilibrium conditions and the global exponential stability with any arbitrarily prescribed degree of this equilibrium, are analytically investigated. Deriving guidance from the obtained analytical results, a systematic synthesis procedure is outlined for identifying the network parameters and the bias inputs to employ the neural network for efficiently solving the important class of optimization problems where the objective is to minimize a specified quadratic function in the decision variables. For demonstrating the versatility of the solution procedure, three illustrative applications, namely synthesis of a class of spatial filters popularly employed in image recognition, the design of an associative memory by a master-slave formulation and the estimation of parameters of a linear system by a least squares procedure are outlined and the superiority of the present approach over the existing results is indicated. Some of the present results concerning the characterization of the network equilibrium conditions and the network scaling for confining the equilibrium to desired operational ranges are of basic interest and are useful in other applications of the neural network besides the specific applications to solve optimization problems discussed in this paper.
A World-Wide Web radiology teaching file server on the Internet.

Radiology departments have traditionally used film-based collections of interesting cases for teaching purposes. Film-based files are expensive to create and duplicate, and they physically occupy considerable space. As one solution to these problems, our department created an on-line radiology teaching file in digital format.Our teaching file resides on a Macintosh Quadra 700 computer that is connected to the Internet, a worldwide network of interconnected computers, via our campus Ethernet network. Our digital teaching file images and text are composed in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and are made available to the world with Webserver software known as MacHTTP. These teaching files are accessed using World-Wide Web (WWW) client software such as Mosaic, MacWeb, or Netscape.Our digital teaching file is available at no charge to anyone in the world with access to the Internet and WWW client software. Our radiology residents can access this file via several workstations in our department. Mosaic is an eas...
Observation of strong backward THz wave by mixing two infrared laser beams in GaSe

For the first time, we observed a backward THz wave by mixing two infrared laser beams in a GaSe crystal, which is one step closer to backward parametric oscillation
Enantiopure C1-Symmetric Bis(imino)pyridine Cobalt Complexes for Asymmetric Alkene Hydrogenation

Enantiopure C1-symmetric bis(imino)pyridine cobalt chloride, methyl, hydride, and cyclometalated complexes have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes are active as catalysts for the enantioselective hydrogenation of geminal-disubstituted olefins.
Phase solubility analysis employing solubility product relationships: purity determination of monobasic amines and their salts.

The application of phase solubility analysis has been extended to monobasic amines and their salts. The analyses are carried out in aqueous buffered solutions by in situ formation of slightly soluble picrate salts, whose solubility is determined by a solubility product relationship. Both a theoretical discussion and experimental testing of the method are presented. The experimental results indicate that the method is at least comparable in both sensitivity and accuracy to currently employed phase solubility techniques. In addition, the new method is applicable to systems that are not amenable to the widely used current method.
Laser Synechialysis to Prevent Membrane Recurrence on Silicone Intraocular Lenses

Purpose To determine whether laser posterior synechialysis will prevent recurrence of pigmented membranes that can form on the anterior surface of silicone intraocular lenses. Methods Three patients (four eyes) had posterior synechiae and silicone intraocular lens surface membranes that required long-term corticosteroid treatment. Posterior synechiae were lysed by an Nd:YAG laser (1 to 2 mj per burst; 148 to 485 applications; total energy, 296 to 896 mj). Results All four eyes remained free of recurrence from 12 to 14 months. Conclusions Silicone intraocular lens surface membranes emanated from posterior synechiae. The Nd:YAG laser synechialysis prevented recurrence and allowed discontinuation of corticosteroids.
Dynamical supersymmetry breaking and gauge anomalies

Some aspects of supersymmetric gauge theories and discussed. It is shown that dynamical supersymmetry breaking does not occur in supersymmetric QED in higher dimensions. The cancellation of both local (perturbative) and global (non-perturbative) gauge anomalies are also discussed in supersymmetric gauge theories. We argue that there is no dynamical supersymmetry breaking in higher dimensions in any supersymmetric gauge theories free of gauge anomalies. It is also shown that for supersymmetric gauge theories in higher dimensions with a compact connected simple gauge group, when the local anomaly-free condition is satisfied, there can be at most a possibleZ2 global gauge anomaly in extended supersymmetricSO(10) (or spin (10)) gauge theories inD=10 dimensions containing additional Weyl fermions in a spinor representation ofSO(10) (or spin (10)). In four dimensions with local anomaly-free condition satisfied, the only possible global gauge anomalies in supersymmetric gauge theories areZ2 global gauge anomalies for extended supersymmetricSP(2N) (N=rank) gauge theories containing additional Weyl fermions in a representation ofSP(2N) with an odd 2nd-order Dynkin index.
Color Centers in CsCl-Type Alkali Halides

A study of x-ray-induced color centers in the CsCltype alkali halides is made at room, liquid nitrogen. and liquid helium temperatures. The gross features of this coloration are similar to those observed in NaCl-type halides, namely a principal absorption band in the visible portion of the spectrum with other absorptions at both longer and shorter wavelengths. The absorption spectra observed vary with the temperature of irradiation; the bands show characteristic thermal shtfting and broadening, bleach under both thermal and optical excitation, and demonstrate much of the usual color-center behavior. At the same time some characteristics of the cesium halides appear to be unique, in particular the multiplicity in structure which makes its appcarance in the principal absorption bands of CsCl and CsBr at liquid helium temperature. Since the principal absorption gives evidence of being associated with the F center, one possible explanation of the component structure is that it arises from higher excited states of the F center. (auth)
The elastic stiffness coefficients of iron-aluminum alloys—I experimental results and thermodynamic analysis

Abstract The adiabatic elastic stiffness coefficients of twelve iron-aluminum alloy single crystals in the composition range from 4 to 40 at.% Al have been determined by the ultrasonic pulse superposition technique in the temperature interval from 77° to 300°K. These determinations show that for disordered alloys the addition of aluminum to iron decreases (C 11 –C 12 ) 2 and the bulk modulus, and increases C44. Although the positions of the ordered phase fields are not explicitly determined by these experiments, the presence of the ordered structures are evidenced by maxima in C44 and the bulk modulus and a minimum in (C 11 – C 12 ) 2 all of which coincide with the Fe3Al composition. Debye temperatures calculated from the measured elastic constants were used to estimate the vibrational contribution to the entropy of mixing. A comparison of estimates of the vibrational, configurational, and magnetic contributions to the mixing entropy indicates that in the region from 5 to 35 at.% Al these terms are insufficient to account for the large negative values of this quantity as reported by Radcliffe et al.
Breaking the taboo: an exploration of female university students' experiences of attending a feminist‐informed sex education course

This article presents the results of a qualitative interview study of nine young women who attended a feminist‐informed human sexuality course as undergraduate students at a US university located in the ‘Bible belt’. The course focused on messages of desire and empowerment, rather than romance or fear, and was designed to encourage students to think critically about current sexual discourses. Results indicate that participants' information on sexual issues prior to taking the course was limited and largely negative. Experiences of the course are described in themes including owning sexual desire, improved body image, reduced guilt and fear, and increased confidence as a woman. It is concluded that sex education may be used to help empower female students and enrich their quality of life; current educational practices should therefore be examined for ways in which they are oppressive to development.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FALICOV-KIMBALL MODEL

We calculate the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the Falicov-Kimball model for a mixed-valent system within the self-consistent mean-field approximation. Second-harmonic generation can only occur if the mixed-valent state has a built-in coherence between the itinerant d-electrons and the localized f-holes. By contrast, second-harmonic generation cannot occur for solutions of the model with f-site occupation as a good quantum number. As an experimental test of coherence in mixed-valent compounds we propose a measurement of the dynamic second-order susceptibility.
Oxygen isotope fractionation of dissolved oxygen during reduction by ferrous iron

Abstract The oxygen isotope fractionation factor of dissolved oxygen gas has been measured during inorganic reduction by aqueous FeSO 4 at 10−54 °C under neutral (pH 7) and acidic (pH 2) conditions, with Fe(II) concentrations ranging up to 0.67 mol L −1 , in order to better understand the geochemical behavior of oxygen in ferrous iron-rich groundwater and acidic mine pit lakes. The rate of oxygen reduction increased with increasing temperature and increasing Fe(II) concentration, with the pseudo-first-order rate constant k ranging from 2.3 to 82.9 × 10 −6 s −1 under neutral conditions and 2.1 to 37.4 × 10 −7 s −1 under acidic conditions. The activation energy of oxygen reduction was 30.9 ± 6.6 kJ mol −1 and 49.7 ± 13.0 kJ mol −1 under neutral and acidic conditions, respectively. Oxygen isotope enrichment factors ( e ) become smaller with increasing temperature, increasing ferrous iron concentration, and increasing reaction rate under acidic conditions, with e values ranging from −4.5‰ to −11.6‰. Under neutral conditions, e does not show any systematic trends vs. temperature or ferrous iron concentration, with e values ranging from −7.3 to −10.3‰. Characterization of the oxygen isotope fractionation factor associated with O 2 reduction by Fe(II) will have application to elucidating the process or processes responsible for oxygen consumption in environments such as groundwater and acidic mine pit lakes, where a number of possible processes (e.g. biological respiration, reduction by reduced species) may have taken place.
A case of mistaken identity: theory, practice and the marketing textbook

Purpose – One field in business where there is a purported gap between theory and practice is in marketing. This paper aims to examine one area of the debate, the degree of congruence between the established textbook theories of marketing and the practical activity of marketing managers.Design/methodology/approach – Phenomenological interviews were carried out with senior marketing managers from a diverse range of organisations. The aim was to establish what types of factors inform manager's approaches to practice. Meaningful comparisons were made possible, as a range of marketing texts were also examined.Findings – Textbook theories represent a flawed view of the practitioner's world. Many texts are very similar, based on an implicitly systems based paradigm. Universal truths are seen as indispensable modes of representational language. In contrast, the interviews with managers show that marketing is a locally contingent activity, occupying a discursive space separate from that of textbook theory.Researc...
Ability of calcitonins to alter food and water consumption in the rat.

Abstract Synthetic salmon calcitonin (sCT) given SC (30 MRC U/kg) or ICV (1.4 U, 300 ng) inhibited 24-hr food consumption in the rat by 50–100%. Furthermore, ICV doses of sCT ranging from 75 ng (0.35 U) to 300 ng (1.4 U) lowered both food and water intake in a dose-dependent manner. Use of various forms of CT give an apparent order of potency of salmon>porcine≥human with sCT being at least 40 fold more potent than the mammalian forms. Measurement of food and water intake over a brief (30–90 min) period showed that ICV sCT was effective in reducing food and water consumption regardless of whether it had been given 1, 12, or 23 hr previously. Daily administration of sCT for 5 days caused marked suppression of food and water intake for 2 days; thereafter, consumption returned toward normal, becoming equivalent to vehicle injected controls by day 3 or 4 despite continued daily injections of sCT. The results show that CT can act centrally to modify certain types of behavior and are of special interest since CT-like peptides have been described in the pituitary and hypothalamus and since CT receptors have been reported in hypothalamic and other brain regions.
The reflected impulse response of a Lorentz medium

The wave reflected from a Lorentz medium when illuminated by a transverse electric polarized plane wave with impulsive time dependence is expressed as an infinite sum of spherical Bessel functions. This solution is useful in numerical calculation for small and intermediate values of time. For small values of time the Lorentz medium solution simplifies to the result for the impulse response of a cold plasma.
MOOCs and Serials

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are becoming increasingly common (and controversial) as platforms for course delivery. Paul Bond shares his insights on MOOCs from the perspectives of class participant and librarian.
Dependence of the persistent photoconductivity in doping-modulated a-Si: H multilayers on the exposure temperature

Abstract We find that the photo-induced excess conductivity (persistent photoconductivity, PPC) in doping-modulated hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) is thermally activated for exposure temperatures above 220 K in agreement with Kakalios and with Hundhausen and Ley. However, we find a temperature regime between 80 and 220 Kin which the PPC measured at 300 K is independent of excitation temperature. Whether the PPC is excited in the thermally activated regime above 220 K or in the temperature-independent regime, the annealing occurs at 410 K. The pre-exponential factor and the activation energy of PPC are related by the Meyer-Neldel rule independent of the excitation temperature.
Business Intelligence opportunities for research

Summary form only given. Business Intelligence, whether or not we explicitly realize it, is rooted in the field of Knowledge Management. This is a field characterized by knowledge resources, knowledge processors, and knowledge processes. The design, implementation, and application of business intelligence (BI) can benefit from a consideration of knowledge management (KM). When we consciously ground our BI activity in a deep understanding of KM, we can begin to cultivate and nurture BI in unforeseen ways that enhance its yield. No longer is it overrun in a tangle of confused or inconsistent visions and strategy. It is no longer as prone to wither in droughts of shallow perspective. Mindful appreciation of KM helps nourish the practice and study of business intelligence, giving it more of an opportunity to flourish for the benefit of host organizations. Against this background, we examine fundamentals of a knowledge management ontology and examine their relevance to BI practices and technologies. Further, we develop a simple taxonomy of four knowledge-intensive categories of problem solving, each of which is a candidate for BI application. Finally, we ponder how knowledge chain theory connects BI to four key avenues available for enhancing an organization's performance or competitiveness: productivity, agility, innovation, and reputation. This connection solidifies the important role that BI can play in researchers' development of a science of competitiveness.
Gender Imbalance: The Male/Female Sex Ratio Determination

The aim of this paper is to develop a rational choice model for male/female sex ratio determination. The equilibrium sex ratio at birth is determined by the preference for sons and birth rates. The conventional theory predicts that low birth rate will increase the disparity between male and female births. However, our model predicts that low birth rate will decrease the sex ratio at birth. The argument has relevance both for positive and normative aspects of demographic composition, as well as other applications.
Wafer Capping of MEMS with Fab-friendly Metals

Inertial MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) sensors are normally sealed in hermetic enclosures. Some are assembled in hermetic packages but wafer level packaging has become much more important in recent years. Anodic bonding can be used to achieve wafer level seals between silicon and glass but most suppliers of inertial sensors screen print glass frit onto silicon cap wafers. After removing the organic vehicle, these patterned cap wafers are sealed to the device wafer prior to wafer singulation and plastic packaging. Anodic and glass frit bonding are both cost-effective. However, they impose size, quality and performance limitations. Wafer level sealing with a metal removes some of these limitations but introduces other concerns. This paper will review the current wafer level hermetic processes followed by a description of a thermocompression metal seal technology that is compatible with IC fabrication.
Student Outcomes and State Policy in Public Higher Education

Looks at the relationship between funding and accountability in US higher education. Discusses the shift in emphasis from financial accountability to holding institutions accountable for student outcomes, and the resultant impact on academic and admissions policies.
Continuous wave measurements of acoustic attenuation in an oil/polymer mixture

Abstract Acoustic attenuation measurements were performed on test objects composed of a mixture of mineral oil and a polymer developed by the 3M Company. The attenuation values, which were measured at 20, 30, 37, and 40°C over the frequency range 1.0–3.5 MHz, fell between the values for castor oil and mineral oil. The frequency dependence of the attenuation is f 5 3 . During one year of laboratory use in and out of water, the test objects showed no tendency to deteriorate. This material appears to be a good candidate for use as a simulated tissue in ultrasound research.
The Emergence of Order from Disorder as a Form of Self Organization

Elaboration of individuation is one of the trends in primate evolution. Individuation makes it more difficult to maintain group coherency. Individuation as it occurs in the phylogenetic shift from the Cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys) to African pongids, especially Pan, appears to have passed a threshold with Pan reverting to smaller, less coherent groups of males and females as a way to deal with increased individuation. In contrast, hominid evolution displays a pattern of group coherency and cooperative behavior that arose in conjunction with the mental construction of relations among individuals that we refer to as genealogical relations. Genealogical relations transcend the limitation of biological kinship as a basis for group coherency, but the combinatorial complexity of all possible genealogical relations becomes problematic with increase in group size. The latter was resolved, it is argued, through the construction of a computational system—a kinship terminology—whose conceptual complexity is independent of the size of a group. This shift to a conceptual/cultural foundation for group coherency changed the dynamics of societal change away from biologically grounded processes of change.
Differential roles of OxyR‐controlled antioxidant enzymes alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpCF) and catalase (KatB) in the protection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa against hydrogen peroxide in biofilm vs. planktonic culture

The role of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa OxyR-controlled antioxidants alkyl hydroperoxide reductase CF (AhpCF) and catalase B (KatB) was evaluated in biofilm vs. planktonic culture upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide. AhpCF was found to be critical for survival of biofilm bacteria while KatB was more important for survival of planktonic free-swimming organisms.
Water temperature preference shifts during hydration

Abstract Thirsty rats chose cool water over warm water at the beginning of daily 2 choice drinking sessions, but after 6–8 min of drinking their preference shifted to warm water. The temperature preference shift persisted when the rats were hyperthermic, thus ruling out thermoregulation as an explanatory mechanism. Hydration, not thermoregulation, appears to mediate the shift in water temperature preference. When only cool water was available at the end of the drinking session (nonpreferred) total water intake was suppressed. The same amount of cool water at the beginning of the drinking session (preferred) did not suppress water intake. Thus the cool to warm water temperature preference shift explains how cool water can be both rewarding and satiating.
Continuous lactic acid fermentation using a plastic composite support biofilm reactor.

An immobilized-cell biofilm reactor was used for the continuous production of lactic acid by Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus (ATCC 11443). At Iowa State University, a unique plastic composite support (PCS) that stimulates biofilm formation has been developed. The optimized PCS blend for Lactobacillus contains 50% (wt/wt) agricultural products [35% (wt/wt) ground soy hulls, 5% (wt/wt) soy flour, 5% (wt/wt) yeast extract, 5% (wt/wt) dried bovine albumin, and mineral salts] and 50% (wt/wt) polypropylene (PP) produced by high-temperature extrusion. The PCS tubes have a wall thickness of 3.5 mm, outer diameter of 10.5 mm, and were cut into 10-cm lengths. Six PCS tubes, three rows of two parallel tubes, were bound in a grid fashion to the agitator shaft of a 1.2-l vessel for a New Brunswick Bioflo 3000 fermentor. PCS stimulates biofilm formation, supplies nutrients to attached and suspended cells, and increases lactic acid production. Biofilm thickness on the PCS tubes was controlled by the agitation speed. The PCS biofilm reactor and PP control reactor achieved optimal average production rates of 9.0 and 5.8 g l–1 h–1, respectively, at 0.4 h–1 dilution rate and 125-rpm agitation with yields of approximately 70%.
Evaluation of a New Reproductive Toxicology Protocol Using Diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a Positive Control Compound

A new National Toxicology Program (NTP) reproductive toxicology assay designated Fertility Assessment by Continuous Breeding was evaluated using trans-diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a positive control compound. The testing scheme employs young adult CD-1 male and female mice and is comprised of 5 possible tasks: task 1, 14-day dose-finding (repeated or continuous dosing); task 2, continuous breeding; task 3, determination of affected sex; task 4, offspring assessment; task 5, hormone patterns. Only tasks 2 and 3 were performed in the present study. Task 2 employed dietary levels of 0, 1, 10, and 50 ppb DES (99% pure). Task 3 used the control and high dose parental mice from task 2 in a crossover mating trial (control x treated) to determine whether one or both sexes in the F0 generation were adversely affected. Continuous exposure of F0 mice to 50 ppb DES in the diet during task 2 significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the proportion of pairs that produced at least 1 litter as compared to pairs continuously expo...
Regulation of human DNA polymerase delta in the cellular responses to DNA damage.

The p12 subunit of polymerase delta (Pol δ) is degraded in response to DNA damage induced by UV, alkylating agents, oxidative, and replication stresses. This leads to the conversion of the Pol δ4 holoenzyme to the heterotrimer, Pol δ3. We review studies that establish that Pol δ3 formation is an event that could have a major impact on cellular processes in genomic surveillance, DNA replication, and DNA repair. p12 degradation is dependent on the apical ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) kinase and is mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Pol δ3 exhibits properties of an “antimutator” polymerase, suggesting that it could contribute to an increased surveillance against mutagenesis, for example, when Pol δ carries out bypass synthesis past small base lesions that engage in spurious base pairing. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and examination of the spatiotemporal recruitment of Pol δ to sites of DNA damage show that Pol δ3 is the primary form of Pol δ associated with cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer lesions and therefore should be considered as the operative form of Pol δ engaged in DNA repair. We propose a model for the switching of Pol δ with translesion polymerases, incorporating the salient features of the recently determined structure of monoubiquitinated proliferating cell nuclear antigen and emphasizing the role of Pol δ3. Because of the critical role of Pol δ activity in DNA replication and repair, the formation of Pol δ3 in response to DNA damage opens the prospect that pleiotropic effects may ensue. This opens the horizons for future exploration of how this novel response to DNA damage contributes to genomic stability. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Financial Risk Management in the Planning of Energy Recovery in the Total Site

A two-stage stochastic formulation to plan the implementation of heat integration in the total site over a long-term horizon is presented. Uncertainty in the price of heating utility and the operational level of the plants is considered. Financial risk is introduced and its management is discussed and incorporated into the model. Finally, a multiperiod model for the detailed heat-exchanger location planning is presented.
Selective breeding for increased pheromone production in the boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The male boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, uses an aggregating pheromone to attract females, after which mating often occurs. Sterile boll weevil release programs depend upon this phenomenon to produce sterile matings with feral females. In an effort to increase the effectiveness of the individual sterile male and thereby reduce the number of sterile males required per hectare, a selective-breeding system was used to increase the total pheromone produced by individual male boll weevils. This breeding program increased the total pheromone production by individual male boll weevils to 4.5 times that of the parent population. After irradiation-induced sterilization, there remained 2.2 times more pheromone produced by the selected strain. Therefore, these sterile weevils should be about 2.2 times more attractive to feral females than the parent weevils now in use, and they have the potential to reduce the number of sterile males required in a sterile release program.
Testing the Landau Fermi-liquid description of the fractional quantum Hall effect

We study theoretically the dispersion of a single quasiparticle or quasihole of the fractional quantum Hall effect, obtained by injecting or removing a composite fermion. By comparing to a free fermion system, we estimate the regime of validity of the Landau Fermi-liquid-type description and deduce the Landau mass.
Disease Progress of Black Dot on Tomato Roots and Reduction in Incidence with Foliar Applied Fungicides

ABSTRACT Progression of black dot caused by Colletotrichum coccodes was determined at regular intervals on roots of processing tomatoes growing in a naturally infested field. In 1993 and 1994, C. coccodes was first isolated from tomato roots 30 and 37 days after transplanting, respectively, which corresponded to the opening of flowers in the first flower clusters. Black dot incidence increased rapidly from the time when large green fruit were present to production of mature red fruit. In both years, C. coccodes was isolated from the roots of 97% of the plants at the postharvest sampling date (162 days after transplanting). Areas under the incidence disease progress curves were not significantly different in the 2 years of study (1993 = 83.5, 1994 = 86.9). Root decay was severe at the postharvest sampling, and sclerotia of C. coccodes were abundant on the roots. C. coccodes was isolated from 38 and 44% of the root segments in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Areas under the disease progress curves for infected...
Genomewide Analysis of Inherited Variation Associated with Phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Proteins

While there exists a wealth of information about genetic influences on gene expression, less is known about how inherited variation influences the expression and post-translational modifications of proteins, especially those involved in intracellular signaling. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway contains several such proteins that have been implicated in a number of diseases, including a variety of cancers and some psychiatric disorders. To assess whether the activation of this pathway is influenced by genetic factors, we measured phosphorylated and total levels of three key proteins in the pathway (AKT1, p70S6K, 4E-BP1) by ELISA in 122 lymphoblastoid cell lines from 14 families. Interestingly, the phenotypes with the highest proportion of genetic influence were the ratios of phosphorylated to total protein for two of the pathway members: AKT1 and p70S6K. Genomewide linkage analysis suggested several loci of interest for these phenotypes, including a linkage peak for the AKT1 phenotype that contained the AKT1 gene on chromosome 14. Linkage peaks for the phosphorylated:total protein ratios of AKT1 and p70S6K also overlapped on chromosome 3. We selected and genotyped candidate genes from under the linkage peaks, and several statistically significant associations were found. One polymorphism in HSP90AA1 was associated with the ratio of phosphorylated to total AKT1, and polymorphisms in RAF1 and GRM7 were associated with the ratio of phosphorylated to total p70S6K. These findings, representing the first genomewide search for variants influencing human protein phosphorylation, provide useful information about the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and serve as a valuable proof of concept for studies integrating human genomics and proteomics.
Markers of systemic exposures to products of intestinal bacteria in a dietary intervention study

Purpose Systemic exposures to intestinal bacteria may play a role in the etiology of the chronic, low-grade inflam mation that is associated with western diets. Production of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is one biomarker of increased exposures to intestinal bacteria. This study evaluated whether changes in diet quality could affect serum LBP. Methods This was a randomized, controlled trial of Mediterranean and Healthy Eating diets over 6 months in 120 healthy subjects at increased risk of colon cancer. Blood samples obtained before and after intervention were analyzed for LBP, branched-chain fatty acids characteristic of intestinal bacteria, micronutrients and cytokines. Data were analyzed for changes in LBP over time and for predictors of LBP. Results Serum concentrations of branched-chain bacterial fatty acids declined significantly in both diet groups. How ever, there was no significant change in mean serum LBP concentrations with either diet intervention. In serum, LBP
Physician volume response to price controls.

The need to contain escalating health care costs is one of the major challenges facing health care systems today. It is often argued that price control is an effective tool for reducing both the level and the rate of growth in health spending. However, experience suggests that these savings may be partially offset by volume increases. These are initiated by providers, particularly physicians, who attempt to provide more health care goods and services in order to recapture lost revenues. This phenomenon is called the behavioral offset or volume response. This paper examines the physician behavioral response to the fee reductions at the practice level using the data from the U.S. Medicare program in 1989 and 1990. This is the most recent data currently available at the practice level for the Medicare program at this writing. This period of time corresponds to the fee reductions mandated by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (OBRA89). The results show that the volume of services whose fees were cut by OBRA89 increased by 3.7% for every 10% fee reduction. This means that, for every dollar cut in their fees, physicians would recoup 37 cents by increasing volume. The presence of a volume response suggests that price control alone is not sufficient to cap rising health care costs. This indicates that additional or other tools must be considered if cost containment is to be attained.
Recognizability of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Finite Automata-Homomorphic Images

An intuitionistic fuzzy finite automaton with a unique membership transition on an input symbol is considered. It is shown that, if h : Γ* → Σ* is a morphism and h-1(1) = 1, then the image of a recognizable subset of Γ* is a recognizable subset of Σ* and if h is fine, then the inverse image of recognizable subset of Σ* is recognizable. It is also proved that the shuffle product of any two recognizable sets is recognizable.
E and ID proteins branch out

E and inhibitor of DNA binding (ID) proteins are transcriptional regulators that function in many developmental processes in vertebrates and invertebrates. One subset of E proteins, the E2A proteins, have a central role in the transcriptional regulatory networks that promote commitment to and differentiation of the B- and T-cell lineages, and their function in these lineages is modulated by ID proteins. In this Review, I discuss recent studies that reveal a more extensive role for E and ID proteins in the transcriptional networks that drive the differentiation of many lymphoid lineages, as well as new functions for these proteins in haematopoietic stem cells and their multipotent, but lymphoid-primed, progeny.
Schizophrenia: A diencephalic syndrome

The writer defines schizophrenia as a diencephalic syndrome. Its symptoms are attributed to dysfunctions of the ganglion cell in the nuclear masses forming the thalamus, hypothalamus and metathalamus.
Ureteral injury associated with lumbar disk surgery.

Abstract A case of ureteral injury during lumbar laminectomy treated successfully by retrograde endoscopic ureteral stenting is reported. This case and a review of previously reported cases support the use of ureteral stents for the treatment of partial ureteral transection occurring during lumbar laminectomy.
Argon laser panretinal photocoagulation in ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. A 10-year prospective study.

We conducted a prospective, planned study of argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) over a 10-year period in 123 eyes. On comparing the lasered eyes versus the nonlasered eyes, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of development of angle neovascularization (NV), neovascular glaucoma (NVG), retinal and/or optic disc NV, or vitreous hemorrhage, or in visual acuity. Our study, however, did show a statistically significant (P= 0.04) difference in the incidence of iris NV between the two groups, with iris NV less prevalent in the laser group than in the nonlaser group, butonly when the PRP was performed within 90 days after the onset of CRVO. The other parameter which showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups was the peripheral visual fields — the laser group suffered a significantly (P≤0.03) greater loss than the non-laser group. We discuss the implications of these findings in light of the natural history of ischemic CRVO and of ocular NV. Since the original rationale for advocating PRP in ischemic CRVO was the proven beneficial effect of PRP on ocular NV in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, we also discuss the disparities in the disease process between ischemic CRVO and proliferative diabetic retinopathy and in their responses to PRP.
Shear elegance: regulation of thrombus growth by shear stress

A new study by Shida et al provides an elegant explanation for how vessel wall injuries are repaired without occluding the vessel. The hemostatic repair of damaged endovasculature resembles an intricate symphony orchestrated by platelets and a variety of plasma proteins, all tightly regulated to