cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum key distribution with PRF(Hash, Nonce) achieves everlasting security

Peev et al. (Int J Quantum Inf 03:225–231, 2005) introduced a key-efficient two-step hash function for authentication in quantum key distribution (QKD). They suggested using a publicly known hash function as part of this scheme. Improving on this, Pacher et al. (Quantum Inf Process 15:327–362, 2016) suggested a method to restore information-theoretic security (ITS) by using almost universal hash functions instead of publicly known hash functions. While their scheme is a key-efficient almost-strongly universal (ASU) family, like any other ASU family, it only provides a one-time MAC. Here, we propose the use of a MAC paradigm called PRF(Hash, Nonce) for authentication in QKD. This MAC has several advantages which make it suited for QKD. In particular, unlike the above constructions, it is a many-time MAC and is also more key-efficient. In fact, PRF(Hash, Nonce) is even more key-efficient than the Wegman–Carter paradigm, the most widely used MAC scheme for authentication in QKD. Furthermore, it provides everlasting security, which means that if authentication remains unbroken during the execution of QKD, then the resulting keys retain ITS, which guarantees that the adversary cannot gain any new information on the keys even with unlimited computational power.
Reducing large datasets to improve the identification of estimated policy rules

Monetary policy rules describe how policy interest rates respond to macroeconomic developments. These rules incorporate forward-looking models that require instruments for consistent estimation. The use of standard instruments leads to weak identification of forward-looking rules. We combine principal component analysis with hard thresholding to construct new instruments based on high-dimensional macro data. Component-based instruments enhance the identification of policy rules relative to standard results. The finding is attributed to specific variables in the data.
33 Laparoscopic Malabsorption Procedures: Outcomes

The concept of malabsorption in bariatric surgery is based on the fact that those with short bowel syndrome do not absorb what is ingested, resulting in weight loss. However, in bariatric surgery, these effects have to be titrated against micronutrient deficiency, protein deficiency, and the negative sequelae of malnutrition. The original jejunal-ileal bypass did not meet this objective. With preservation of 2–3 m of total intestinal length coupled with a gastric pouch that limits the speed of gastric emptying by preserving either the pyloric valve or fundus, the majority of patients can achieve adequate nutrition and lasting weight loss. Going forward, surgeons should be more aware of total bowel length exposed to food and common channel length if they are counting on any malabsorptive effect of their procedure.
Strength Characterization and Nature of Crack Propagation in Ceramic Materials

A detailed study characterizing the strength and nature of crack propagation has been made in several high-temperature structural ceramics, namely, hot-pressed silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), Refel silicon carbide (SiC), sialons, and lithium-aluminum-silicate (LAS) glass ceramic. Fracture phenomenology was studied fractographically as a function of flaw size, temperature, and loading rate. The temperature dependence of the fracture behavior was evaluated using uncracked and precracked specimens. All the materials showed the same general characteristics of temperature dependence of both the fracture stress and crack-growth phenomena. The only variation between the different materials was the temperature regime in which the differing phenomena occurred. Two mechanistic regimes were manifest in the temperature dependence of the fracture stress. A region of fast fracture (catastrophic crack extension) existed up to a certain temperature, in which the mode of crack propagation was primarily transgranular. Above this temperature, the strength (fracture stress) decreased considerably due to the presence of subcritical or slow crack growth (SCG) prior to the final catastrophic fracture, and the extent of SCG increased with increasing temperature. Slow crack growth is a result of microplastic deformation, which occurred by grain-boundary sliding and grain separation, and the mode of crack propagation is exclusively intergranular. The influence of the loading rate on SCG and fracture stress was investigated. Generally, at a given temperature, the extent of SCG decreased with increasing loading rate until, at a sufficiently high rate, catastrophic fracture occurred directly from the initial crack with no slow crack extension. Directly analogous observations were made in stress-rupture studies in which the extent of SCG decreased with increasing stress level.
China’s Corporate Social Responsibility with National Characteristics

This chapter shows how the social and institutional organization and political culture of China have affected how Chinese corporations approach the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in general and CSR-based human rights responsibilities in particular. Part I examines the global context in which Chinese CSR is framed. Part II analyzes the Chinese political context in which CSR operates and the socio-political culture that shapes CSR choices. Notions of socialist modernization, economic development, and the importance of building social, economic and political structures with Chinese characteristics largely shape Chinese policy, drive Chinese administrative institutions, and shape the context in which Chinese enterprises approach CSR issues. Like Chinese state policy, Chinese CSR focuses on issues of economic development and prosperity rather than civil and political rights. Part III considers the effects of these substantive choices on the implementation of CSR in China. In China, the obligations of both state and enterprise are understood in terms of institutional duty to people rather than in terms of individual rights that may be asserted against institutions. That understanding shapes both the approaches to remediation and the relationship between the state and enterprise in regard to CSR compliance. The connection between (1) substance (tied to socialist modernization) and operationalization (tied to the premise that the protection of the liberties of individuals is a state obligation) and (2) the state, the Communist Party and business enterprises, frames the "Chinese Characteristics" of CSR. Only by recognizing this close connection between state policy and corporate responsibility can one understand how CSR is implemented in China and successfully translate global human rights discourse into the Chinese context.
The rat liver asialoglycoprotein receptor polypeptide must be inserted into a microsome to achieve its active conformation

Affinity chromatography on galactose-Sepharose has been utilized to demonstrate that rat liver asialoglycoprotein receptor synthesized in vitro in a reticulocyte lysate system is capable of binding carbohydrate ligand only when dog pancreas microsomes are present during translation. Analysis of receptor isolated from tunicamycin-treated rat hepatocytes indicates that glycosylation is not necessary for receptor activity. Genetically engineered receptor derivatives in which the natural membrane anchor is either deleted entirely or replaced with a cleavable signal sequence derived from dog preproinsulin have been used to demonstrate that: (a) inactive receptor made in the absence of membranes does not result from incorrect nucleation of folding around the hydrophobic portion of the polypeptide which is normally buried in the membrane and (b) the carbohydrate-binding domain of the receptor does not need to be tethered to the luminal side of the membrane to fold correctly. These results suggest that factors within the lumen of the microsomes are essential to establish the native conformation of the binding domain.
Human Head Modeling and Personal Head Protective Equipment: A Literature Review

Human head is the most important but fragile part of human body. In order to design the head-gear and study the sophisticated capabilities of human head, the head models have been developing for decades. There are two types of human head models: digital headform and finite element model (biomechanical head model). The complexity of head structure makes these attempts very difficult until the invention of the high-speed computers and the modern medical devices like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Head modeling also has widely potential use in the design process of personal head and face protective equipment (PHFPE). Hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants are encountered daily for workers. Those hazards are capable of causing injury or illness through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. PHFPE includes helmets, masks, eye protection and hearing protection. This study attempts to review different kinds of head models and PHFPE, such as respirators, helmets and goggles. It mainly focuses on the historical developments.
First-Generation Latino College Students, Parental Support and its Effects

An issue that persists within education is the fact that there are few first-generation college students enrolling into our universities. The problem appears worsened when minorities are analyzed. The focus for this paper lies solely on first-generation Latino college students and issues that arise as related to their parents. The issue that was focused on was finding out the level of support parents had for their child. If a lack of support is shown, there is a possibility to inhibit the child's potential future by resulting in a lack of desire to enter college. To collect data, an online survey was conducted to gather a population. Snowball sampling, word of mouth, and advertisements on the Indiana University South Bend bulletin boards were used as well. Eight participants of Latino background were then interviewed. It was found that most of the Latino population had a form of parental support. While some of the student's responses about their parents revealed that they felt a great amount of support, others seemed to have less enthusiastic support. Support seems to be reinforced through witnessing the end result of some family members as well as options given to the child which then motivates them to attend college. The results found through this study do not give a definitive answer, likely because the population was small. Further research needs to be done with a larger population in order to find out the true answer to why first-generation Latino students are not enrolling at a higher percentage.
Atrial Cardiopathy and Cryptogenic Stroke: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study

Background There is increasing evidence that left atrial dysfunction or cardiopathy is associated with ischemic stroke risk independently of atrial fibrillation. We aimed to determine the prevalence of atrial cardiopathy biomarkers in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Methods We included consecutive patients with ischemic stroke enrolled in the New York Columbia Collaborative Specialized Program of Translational Research in Acute Stroke registry between December 1, 2008, and April 30, 2012. Medical records were reviewed and patients with a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke were identified. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as at least one of the following: serum N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level greater than 250 pg/mL, P -wave terminal force velocity in lead V1 (PTFV1) on electrocardiogram (ECG) greater than 5000 µV⋅ms, or severe left atrial enlargement (LAE) on echocardiogram. We compared clinical, echocardiographic, and radiological characteristics between patients with and without atrial cardiopathy. Results Among 40 patients with cryptogenic stroke, 63% had at least one of the biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy; 49% had elevated NT-proBNP levels, 20% had evidence of increased PTFV1 on ECG, and 5% had severe LAE. Patients with atrial cardiopathy were more likely to be older (76 versus 62 years, P = .012); have hypertension (96% versus 33%, P P = .05), or coronary heart disease (28% versus 0%, P = .033); and less likely to have a patent foramen ovale (4% versus 40%, P = .007). Conclusion There is a high prevalence of biomarkers indicative of atrial cardiopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether these patients may benefit from anticoagulation to prevent stroke.
Knowledge Management and Comparative International Strategies on Vertical Information Flow in the Global Food System

ground beef products and other microbiological contamination scares in the food industry, and the recent StarLink crisis have led to rising public concern worldwide for food safety. The events on 11 September 2001 added a dimension of biosecurity, or intentional contamination in comparison with "accidental" contamination (Jones, 2002b). The impact of these scares on consumers, and the reaction of government and private industry to these crises, have significant implication for how food ingredients are assembled, produced, distributed, and marketed domestically and worldwide.
Development of 1 MWe Supercritical CO2 Test Loop

Recent studies have demonstrated that sCO2 in a closed-loop recompression. Brayton cycle offers equivalent or higher cycle efficiency when compared with supercritical- or superheated-steam cycles at temperatures relevant for CSP applications. With funding under the SunShot initiative, the authors are developing a high-efficiency sCO2 turbo-expander for the solar power plant duty cycle profile and novel compact heat exchangers for the sCO2 Brayton cycle. However, no test loop exists to test the turbine and heat exchangers under development. Therefore, a customized test loop is being developed at Southwest Research Institute that will accommodate the full test pressures (80 to 280 bar) and temperatures (45 to 700°C) of the proposed Brayton cycle. The paper describes the design methodology to predict the pipe flow behavior and thermal growths as well as material selection. A customized natural gas fired heater is currently being designed, since no heater like it is available currently.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder. There is evidence for a genetic component in PCOS based on familial clustering of cases. The majority of the evidence supports an autosomal dominant form of inheritance. Steroidogenesis has been shown to be upregulated in PCOS theca cells, suggesting that the genetic abnormality in PCOS affects signal transduction pathways controlling the expression of a family of genes. Although a number of candidate genes have been proposed, the putative PCOS gene(s) has yet to be identified. Linkage and association studies implicate a region near the insulin receptor gene at chr 19p13.3. New genetic approaches, such as microarray technology, hold promise for elucidation of the pathophysiology underlying PCOS.
Trends in Contraceptive Use Among Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

OBJECTIVE:: To estimate trends in contraceptive use especially long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and condoms among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and HIV-seronegative women. METHODS:: Human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive and HIV-seronegative women in a multicenter longitudinal cohort were interviewed semiannually between 1998 and 2010 about sexual behaviors and contraceptive use. Trends in contraceptive use by women aged 18-45 years who were at risk for unintended pregnancy but not trying to conceive were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS:: Condoms were the dominant form of contraception for HIV-seropositive women and showed little change across time. Less than 15% of these women used no contraception. Between 1998 and 2010 LARC use increased among HIV-seronegative women from 4.8% (6 of 126) to 13.5% (19 of 141 P=.02) but not significantly among seropositive women (0.9% [4 of 438] to 2.8% [6 of 213] P=.09). Use of highly effective contraceptives including pills patches rings injectable progestin implants and intrauterine devices ranged from 15.2% (53 of 348) in 1998 to 17.4% (37 of 213) in 2010 (P=.55). Human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative but not HIV-seropositive LARC users were less likely than nonusers to use condoms consistently (hazard ratio 0.51 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.81 P=.004 for seronegative women; hazard ratio 1.09 95% CI 0.96-1.23 for seropositive women). CONCLUSION:: Although most HIV-seropositive women use contraception they rely primarily on condoms and have not experienced the increase in LARC use seen among seronegative women. Strategies to improve simultaneous use of condoms and LARC are needed to minimize risk of unintended pregnancy as well as HIV transmission and acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: II.
Cancer stem cells are enriched in Fanconi anemia head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients have an increased risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) at a higher rate with no apparent risk factors. HNSCC of FA patients is an aggressive tumor characterized by multifocal origin, early metastases and frequent recurrences. Given that cancer stem cells (CSC) drive tumorigenesis, tumor recurrence and metastasis, in this study, we characterized the CSC population in FA and sporadic HNSCC. The Aldefluor assay was used to characterize and isolate CSC with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity (ALDHpos) in cell lines derived from FA and sporadic HNSCC. Isolated ALDHpos and ALDHneg cells were examined for the expression of stemness genes using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array. Tumor cell-derived FA and sporadic HNSCC were examined for their ability to form tumorspheres in vitro. Stem-like cell population in FA and sporadic HNSCC in human and mouse xenograft tumors were evaluated using ALDH isoform 1 (ALDH1) immunohistochemistry. FA‑HNSCC cell lines harbor a greater proportion of ALDHpos cells (15-31%) compared to sporadic HNSCC (10%). Expression of Nanog, Oct-3/4 and Stella, molecular markers of undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells were detected in the ALDHpos FA‑HNSCC cells and not in the ALDHneg cells. FA‑HNSCC cell lines revealed enhanced in vitro tumorsphere formation compared to sporadic HNSCC cells. A higher percentage of ALDH1pos tumor cells are noted in the human and mouse xenograft tumors of FA‑HNSCC compared to sporadic HNSCC tumors. FA‑HNSCC are highly enriched for CSC and may serve as a model to develop CSC-targeted therapies for HNSCC.
Stabilization of a degradable protein by its overexpression in Escherichia coli

Synthesis of proteins in Escherichia coli using recombinant DNA methodology has become an important tool for isolating and studying proteins. However, the E. coli protein degradation systems can interfere with the expression of cloned genes. To examine the effect of protein degradation, we have cloned the X90 allele of the E. coli lacZ gene. The X90 allele, an ochre mutant, codes for beta-galactosidase lacking approx. 12 amino acids from the carboxyl terminus. The X90 protein is rapidly degraded in wild-type E. coli. Randomly sheared DNA fragments from lambda placZ-X90 were inserted into the EcoRI site of the plasmid pOP203-UV5-3, a derivative of pMB9 containing the lactose operator-promoter region. Recombinant plasmids that carry the lacZ-X90 gene were identified by the Lac+ phenotype of their transformants in an ochre-suppressor-containing host and the Lac- phenotype in Su degrees or supE hosts. One recombinant plasmid, p41, with an insert of 7.6 kb codes for the synthesis of the X90 promoter at a quantity equal to or greater than 50% of the total cellular protein of several strains. In contrast to the normal situation, the X90 molecules synthesized in great excess from the plasmid are stable in Su degrees hosts and can be recovered primarily from the 10 000 X g pellets of sonication lysates. The surprising stability of the overproduced X90 protein may be due to the formation of proteinaceous aggregates.
Corticosterone binding to hippocampus: Immediate and delayed influences of the absence of adrenal secretion

Summary Binding of [ 3 H]corticosterone to soluble (cytosol) and cell nuclear binding sites in hippocampus of rat brain was studied in relationship to the presence or the short-term and long-term absence of endogenous corticosterone secretion. (1) Saturable binding is detectable in vivo in normal rats, but endogenous hormone, including secretion evoked by stress of injecting [ 3 H]corticosterone, can interfere with measurement of binding in vivo by both competing for binding sites and displacing bound hormone from binding sites. (2) After bilateral adrenalectomy, there is a rapid increase in available in vivo corticosterone binding sites for up to 2 h, as endogenous corticosterone levels fall, followed by a longer-term increase in total binding capacity which approaches a plateau over several days after the operation. (3) In vitro studies of uptake of [ 3 H]corticosterone both to hippocampal cell nuclei in tissue slices and to cytosol binding proteins in hippocampal homogenates also show the two post-adrenalectomy increases. The second increase begins more than 11 h after adrenalectomy, so that [ 3 H]corticosterone binding capacity either 2 or 11 h after the operation appears to reflect the capacity in intact rats in the absence of endogenous hormone. (4) Thyroidectomy and hypophysectomy, which prevent increases in serum corticosterone binding activity which follows adrenalectomy, fail to block increases in hippocampal corticosterone binding. (5) Long-term increases in hippocampal binding capacity are found in vivo as well as in vitro in both the cytosol and cell nuclear fractions. Thus, while separate mechanisms governing entry of the hormone into the cell nuclei are entirely possible, they are not required to explain the present results. (6) The in vivo dose of corticosterone in adrenalectomized rats which half-maximally saturated the hippocampal cell nuclear binding sites is estimated to be around 15 μg. This dose produces serum corticosterone levels at 10 min after injection which are in the range of resting morning levels of corticosterone in normal rats. It is concluded that the hippocampal corticosterone binding system operates within the normal daily range of endogenous corticosterone.
Experimental observation of competing pathways in the relaxation of ICl* in a He supersonic expansion

Differing caging mechanisms of electronically excited ICl within He⋯ICl complexes are investigated using laser-induced fluorescence and two-laser, pump–probe spectroscopy. A continuum signal is observed in laser-induced fluorescence spectra recorded with excitation energies that access regions above the I 2P3/2 + Cl 2P3/2 dissociation limit. We show that this signal is associated with transitions of the He⋯ICl(X,v″ = 0) complex with a linear equilibrium geometry to the continuum of states correlating with the repulsive, inner wall of the ICl(A 3Π1) potential. The dissociating ICl(A) molecule within the complex undergoes kinematic one-atom caging, ejecting the weakly bound He atom, and re-stabilizing the molecule in high lying vibrational levels within the A electronic state with very little rotational excitation. At higher excitation energies, weak LIF features superimposed on the continuum fluorescence signals are observed in preliminary investigations. When fixing an excitation laser on one of these features, at 18 012 cm−1, I35Cl(B,v′ = 2,3) vibrational levels are formed with little rotational excitation. This feature is associated with transitions of the linear He⋯I35Cl(X,v″ = 0) complex to intermolecular states associated with the ICl(B) diabat that are coupled with those in the ICl(B′) adiabat formed by an avoided curve crossing. The I35Cl(B,v′) products are formed via a non-adiabatic one-atom caging mechanism of ICl* molecules within linear He⋯I35Cl* complexes.
Corneal Endothelial Changes After Argon-Laser Iridotomy and Panretinal Photocoagulation

We performed argon-laser peripheral iridotomies on the right eyes of eight cynomolgus monkeys and administered panretinal scatter photocoagulation to the left eyes of the same monkeys. Both eyes of each monkey were photographed and studied with a slit lamp, pachymetry, and direct and indirect specular microscopy. After follow-up periods of 0 to 31 days, the monkeys were killed and the enucleated eyes studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the changes observed by specular microscopy were deposits on the endothelium. Only minimal damage occurred and there were no significant changes in endothelial cell density after either treatment.
KINETIC ANALYSIS OF RADIATION-INITIATED COPOLYMERIZATION REACTIONS OF WATER- SOLUBLE VINYL MONOMERS WITH CELLULOSE.

A kinetic analysis of the radiation-initiated copolymerization reactions of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), and methacrylic acid (MAA) from water, methanol (MeOH), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethysulfoxide (DMSO), and combinations of these solvents with irradiated fibrous cellulose I and II was made. The maximum extent of copolymerization of HEMA and HPMA with irradiated cellulose occurred from water solutions. When organic solvents were added to the water solution, while the concentration of monomer was kept constant, the extent of copolymerization decreased. The maximum extent of copolymerization of MAA with irradiated cellulose occurred from mixtures of MeOH (15–30 vol-%) and water (85–70 vol-%) solutions rather than from water. After initiation of the copolymerization reactions, they were apparently diffusion controlled and exhibited second-order kinetics. The relative concentrations of grafted polymer and homopolymer formed with irradiated cellulose from aqueous solutions depended primarily on the concentration of water in the solutions. From MeOH (60 vol-% or less)–water (40 vol-% or more) solutions, about 60% of poly(MAA) formed was apparently grafted polymer; from solutions containing less water, the fraction of grafted polymer decreased to about 40%.
Chromatography of Milk Proteins on Anion-Exchange Cellulose

Summary A rapid and highly reproducible method of fractionating milk proteins on anion exchange cellulose (DEAE) is described. Gradients of NaCl concentration were employed for elution in phosphate buffer between pH 7.0 and pH 6.6. Separation of the whey protein fraction from the casein fraction by DEAE cellulose chromatography was complete and clear-cut, without overlapping peaks. Whey protein components were eluted in the range of 0 to 0.2 M NaCl. Casein components began to emerge from the column when the concentration of NaCl in the eluting buffer exceeded 0.2 M . Ten, and possibly 11, chromatographic components were obtained from the casein fraction, and at least eight from the whey fraction. The method can be used for identifying components in a mixture of proteins, as was illustrated by chromatographic identification of β -lactoglobulins. By chromatographing purified preparations of α-lactalbumin, α-casein, β -casein, κ -casein, and lactoglobulin their positions on the chromatogram of dialyzed skimmilk were identified. The resolving power obtained was higher than with conventional electrophoresis and, furthermore, it appears to be superior to other methods in establishing the kind and extent of contamination of a given preparation with other protein components. The method allows isolation of protein components of milk under very mild conditions, and should be especially useful for isolating and purifying milk protein components when enzymatic and other biological activities are to be preserved.
Privacy-preserving similarity measurement for access control policies

The emergence of global-scale infrastructures for outsourcing data and content to service providers (e.g., cloud computing) creates unprecedented opportunities for data owners to expand their operations and increase their customer base. On the other hand, each data owner (DO) has a certain set of access control policies, which may be different than those of the service providers (SP). Therefore, to enable effective outsourcing, it is important for the DOs to choose SPs with similar access control policies.Several techniques that measure policy similarity have been proposed in previous work, but they assume that policies are publicly accessible. However, in a global-scale environment without well-established relationships of trust, participants may not be willing to reveal their policies to every other stakeholder. Therefore, the need arises to perform policy similarity in a privacy-preserving manner. Specifically, we propose a technique that allows similarity evaluation of encrypted policies. Our technique relies on an existing encryption method for numerical data called asymmetric scalar product-preserving encryption (ASPE). ASPE allows answering of nearest-neighbor queries without the need to reveal the plaintext contents of either the query or the data. We adapt ASPE to support access control policies, and we present a case study of how private policy similarity evaluation is performed within our proposed framework.
Interference of ATP and acidity in the determination of inorganic phosphate by the Fiske and Subbarow method

Abstract The influences of ATP and trichloroacetic acid on the color development of molybdenum blue in the Fiske and Subbarow method for the determination of inorganic phosphate were investigated. From these results optimum concentrations of ATP and trichloroacetic acid were recommended. Satisfactory results were obtained in the determination of the ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle.
Biomass pyrolysis and combustion integral and differential reaction heats with temperatures using thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract Integral reaction heats of switchgrass, big bluestem, and corn stalks were determined using thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). Iso-conversion differential reaction heats using TGA/DSC pyrolysis and combustion of biomass were not available, despite reports available on heats required and released. A concept of iso-conversion differential reaction heats was used to determine the differential reaction heats of each thermal characteristics segment of these materials. Results showed that the integral reaction heats were endothermic from 30 to 700 °C for pyrolysis of switchgrass and big bluestem, but they were exothermic for corn stalks prior to 587 °C. However, the integral reaction heats for combustion of the materials followed an endothermic to exothermic transition. The differential reaction heats of switchgrass pyrolysis were predominantly endothermic in the fraction of mass loss (0.0536–0.975), and were exothermic for corn stalks (0.0885–0.850) and big bluestem (0.736–0.919). Study results provided better insight into biomass thermal mechanism.
7-alkylcarbonyl and 7-alkyloxycarbonyl prodrugs of theophylline.

Abstract Five members (6–10) of an homologous series of 7-alkyloxycarbonyltheophylline (7-AOC-Th) and four members (2–5) of a homologous series of 7-alkylcarbonyltheophylline (7-AC-Th) prodrugs have been synthesized by known methods and characterized. All of the members in both series were much more soluble in isopropyl myristate (SIMP) (10–200 times) and in each series, at least one member was more soluble in pH 4.0 buffer (SAQ) than Th. However, in the 7-AC-Th series, only the acetyl member, 2, which exhibited about 90% of the SAQ of Th, was sufficiently stable to be evaluated — it gave four times the flux of Th/IPM (isopropyl myristate). In the 7-AOC-Th series, all the members were sufficiently stable to be evaluated but the member which exhibited the greatest SAQ, 6 (methyloxycarbonyl), did not exhibit the greatest flux. Instead, 8 (propyloxycarbonyl), which exhibited the second greatest SAQ (about 80% of the SAQ of Th), but exhibited over ten times the SIPM of 6 gave the greatest flux — two times the flux of Th/IPM. Thus, good biphasic solubility was the best predictor of increased flux. All of the prodrugs delivered only Th through the mouse skin. Only 2/IPM actually delivered more Th into the skin than Th/IPM which correlated with its ability to increase the flux of Th through the skin.
Prokineticin 2 transmits the behavioural circadian rhythm of the suprachiasmatic nucleus

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) controls the circadian rhythm of physiological and behavioural processes in mammals. Here we show that prokineticin 2 (PK2), a cysteine-rich secreted protein, functions as an output molecule from the SCN circadian clock. PK2 messenger RNA is rhythmically expressed in the SCN, and the phase of PK2 rhythm is responsive to light entrainment. Molecular and genetic studies have revealed that PK2 is a gene that is controlled by a circadian clock (clock-controlled). Receptor for PK2 (PKR2) is abundantly expressed in major target nuclei of the SCN output pathway. Inhibition of nocturnal locomotor activity in rats by intracerebroventricular delivery of recombinant PK2 during subjective night, when the endogenous PK2 mRNA level is low, further supports the hypothesis that PK2 is an output molecule that transmits behavioural circadian rhythm. The high expression of PKR2 mRNA within the SCN and the positive feedback of PK2 on its own transcription through activation of PKR2 suggest that PK2 may also function locally within the SCN to synchronize output.
Constructions of the Tongue: Language, Nationalism, and Identity in South Asia

Speaking Like a State: Language and Nationalism in Pakistan. By Alyssa Ayres. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2009. 217 Pages. Hardcover, $102.00. The Social Space of Language: Vernacula...
TACE/ADAM-17 enzymatic activity is increased in response to cellular stimulation

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM-17) is a metalloprotease disintegrin that cleaves a variety of membrane proteins, releasing ("shedding") their extracellular domains from cells. Most TACE-mediated shedding events occur at low basal rates that are enhanced by treatment of cells with a variety of stimuli. To study the mechanism of induced shedding, we developed a peptide-cleavage assay that measures the cellular TACE activity. In unstimulated cells, cleavage of a TNFalpha processing-site peptide was mediated mainly by enzymes other than TACE. However, stimulation of cells with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) increased peptide cleavage in a TACE-dependent manner. PMA treatment did not increase the amount of TACE on the cell surface. Moreover, the cytoplasmic domain of TACE was not required for the induced activity. Based on these observations, induction of TACE-mediated shedding events occurs at least in part via an increase in the enzymatic activity of cellular TACE, independent of its cytoplasmic domain.
Resistance training enhances components of the insulin signaling cascade in normal and high-fat-fed rodent skeletal muscle.

Our laboratory recently reported that chronic resistance training (RT) improved insulin-stimulated glucose transport in normal rodent skeletal muscle, owing, in part, to increased GLUT-4 protein co...
Improved 16mm Projector for Research Films

The flicker-free, slow-motion and single-frame projector described in the November 1954 issue of the SMPTE Journal has been completely redesigned to give more reliable and smoother operation. In the transition from cine to single-frame projection, the 5-blade shutter is shifted to one side, leaving a single 42° blade to occult the film aperture during film transport. An electrical interlock in the push-button-triggering circuit excludes any possibility of overrun and assures uniform registration of successive frames. Also described is an experimental version of the projector with a 10-blade shutter and 12° pulldown. It provides relatively flicker-free projection at speeds from 5 to 3 frames/sec.
An electron-microscopic and cytochemical study of follicular ameloblastoma.

The ultrastructural and enzyme cytochemical features of two follicular ameloblastomas were investigated. The peripherial cells of the follicular areas in both lesions had several types of tall columnar cells which were highly polarized and showed varying degrees of cellular differentiation. These polarized cells had their nuclei situated away from the basal lamina, and often contained dilated strands of endoplasmic reticulum in the subnuclear cytoplasm. Some of these cells also contained dense-cored secretory granules, condensing granules and coated vesicles in the cytoplasm adjacent to the basal plasma membrane. These cells bore a striking resemblance to pre-ameloblasts and early secretory ameloblasts. Alkaline phosphatase and ATPase cytochemistry supported these morphologic observations. Interestingly, the central cells of the follicular areas were consistently negative for alkaline phosphatase activity as were the peripheral cells, while both cell types had ATPase activity demonstrable at their cell surface.
Monte Carlo calculations of premixed turbulent flames

Calculations of turbulent premixed propane/air flames are presented and compared with the experimental data of Robinson1. The flames are stabilized behind a perforated plate in a constant diameter tube and the effects of flame-holder solidity and equivalence ratio are studied. Good agreement is found between the measured and calculated concentrations of CO and NO. The calculations are based on the transport equation for the joint probability density function (pdf) of three species−C3H8, CO and NO. This equation2 takes proper account of turbulent transport and mixing while allowing the chemical kinetics to be treated without approximation. Since the joint pdf is a function of five variables (three species, one space dimension, and time) its solution by finite-difference techniques is not feasible. However, the equation is readily solved by a Monte Carlo method.3 In general the calculated concentrations of CO and NO are in good agreement with the measurements although, for the weakest mixture, the reaction rates appear to be underestimated. The calculations clearly demonstrate that the Monte Carlo method can be used to solve the joint pdf equation for inhomogeneous turbulent flows.
Proton spin relaxation in the halomethanes

Abstract T 1 proton relaxation times were measured for the halomethanes (CH 2 Cl 2 , CH 3 ,Cl, CH 2 Br 2 , CH 3 ,Br, CH 2 I 2 , CH 3 I) at room temperature as a function of concentration in CS2. The data were extrapolated to infinite dilution. Experimental dipolar correlation times were computed from the extrapolated relaxation times assuming the intramolecular dipolar mechanism. In contrast to previous results for the chloroethanes, the experimental correlation times did not increase with increasing halogen substitution for corresponding halides. Temperature-dependent T 1 studies on CS 2 solutions of CH 3 Br and CH 2 Br 2 showed that the spin-rotation mechanism is an important relaxation mechanism at room temperature. After correctly accounting for the spin-rotation contribution to relaxation, the resulting dipolar correlation times increased with increasing halogen substitution. The experimental results indicated that the methylene halide reorientation can be described by a diffusional model, whereas the methyl halide reorientation can best be described by an inertial model.
Differential susceptibility of phytanyl and palmityl ester bonds to enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract 1. 1.The differential susceptibility of phytanyl ester bonds and palmityl ester bonds to hydrolysis by adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, pancreatic lipase and snake venom phospholipase A 2 was examined using synthetic mixed glyceryl ester substrates. 2. 2.Glycerides containing more than one residue of esterified phytanic acid were not hydrolyzed to a measurable degree. In all substrates tested and with all enzymes tested, esterified phytanic acid was more resistant to hydrolysis than was palmitic acid.
Production of a constitutive, extracellular levansucrase from Erwinia herbicola NRRL B-1678

Levansucrase (E.C. 2.4.1.10), which has long been known to be produced intracellularly byErwiniaherbicola, was found in relatively high concentrations in the extracellular culture fluid of bacteria grown in various media. Sucrose was not required for enzyme secretion. A medium consisting of corn steep liquor and sorbitol or mannitol gave the highest yields of enzyme.
Gamma-ray spectral unfolding by the stepwise statistical method

Abstract The principle of the stepwise statistical method is applied to the gamma-ray spectral analysis of a mixture of several radionuclides. During the multiple regression procedure the F -level tests are given sequentially for entering and removing the nuclides from a set of library spectra. The spectrum is unfolded when a best-fit is obtained. The computer program is written in FORTRAN 4 language for the IBM 7040 computer and has the capacity to resolve a mixture containing up to 99 nuclides. Provisions are made to correct the spectrometric gain settings and the channel drift by employing the calibration sources at each run. The flexibility of data gathering and the advantages of the stepwise principles make this method suitable for experimental analysis of mixed gamma spectra.
Follow-up study of immune defects in patients with dysmorphic disorders.

Background In a previous study, we noted immunologic abnormalities in 46 (54.8%) of 84 individuals with dysmorphic disorders. Objective To reevaluate patients with dysmorphic disorders and immunologic abnormalities 2 to 3 years after an initial study to determine any changes in those abnormalities. Methods Information was gathered regarding significant infections during the previous 12 months. Blood samples were drawn for the immunologic tests that were previously performed (IgG, IgA, and IgM level determinations; complete blood cell count; and lymphocyte subset enumeration) and for determination of IgG subclasses and T-cell activation by CD69 expression. Results In the 21 patients available, 26 (63.4%) of the previously noted 41 low immunologic values were still present. In 5 patients, all previously noted immunologic abnormalities resolved. Of the 17 low values noted in 6 patients with Down syndrome, 12 (70.6%) were still present. Also, the 2 patients with Turner syndrome continued to have low IgA and IgM levels. Two patients had a low IgG4 level. A history of significant clinical infections within the previous 12 months was noted in 10 (58.8%) of 17 patients; 8 (47%) had current immune defects. There was a significantly lower T-cell response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B than in healthy controls. The T-lymphocyte activation response was low in 8 (38.1%) of the 21 patients. Conclusions Our study revealed a high rate of immune defects in patients with dysmorphic disorders, both during the initial study and 2 to 3 years later, which may contribute to their increased susceptibility to infections. This association was most obvious in patients with Down syndrome and Turner syndrome. The findings should alert for early immunologic evaluation when such patients have infections.
Optical Absorption of Natural Garnets from 1000 to 30 000 Wavenumbers

The optical absorption coefficient of five different natural garnet crystals has been measured at 300 K over the wavenumber range from 1000 to 30 000 cm−1. Peaks in the absorption spectrum associated with OH, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cr3+ ions have been identified. Pure Mg3Al2Si3O12 and Ca3Al2Si3O12 appear to have an intrinsic absorption coefficient below 1 cm−1 in the wavenumber range 3000–30 000 cm−1. There are intrinsic multiphonon lattice peaks at wavenumbers of about 1790 and 2600 cm−1 in all five garnets.
An essay on measurement and factorial invariance.

Background:Analysis of subgroups such as different ethnic, language, or education groups selected from among a parent population is common in health disparities research. One goal of such analyses is to examine measurement equivalence, which includes both qualitative review of the meaning of items a
Rapid dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride and chloroform by extracellular agents in cultures of Methanosarcina thermophila

Previous experiments in the laboratory suggested the existence of an excreted biomolecule from Methanosarcina thermophila, capable of rapid carbon tetrachloride (CT) and chloroform (CF) transformation. Batch experiments with filtered supernatants from M. thermophila cultured in the presence and absence of elemental iron (Fe{sup 0}) were performed to determine if such a molecule existed. Filtering the supernatant with a 0.22 {micro}m filter did not alter the CT or CF transformation rate or pattern. Supernatants from cultures grown in medium without Fe{sup 0} were able to facilitate rapid CT transformation, but could not catalyze subsequent CF transformation. However, when the organisms were cultured in the presence of high concentrations of Fe{sup 0} (10 g/L), the filtered supernatant catalyzed rapid CT and CF transformation. Autoclaving the supernatant did not significantly alter the CT transformation rate or pattern; however, heat treatment decreased CF transformation. The extracellular factor appeared to have a high transformation capacity for CT; upon dechlorinating 82 {micro}m CT, the rate of transformation did not decrease.
Unmet Health Care Needs Among Children Evaluated for Sexual Assault

Objectives To determine in a population of children who underwent a medical examination after alleged sexual assault the proportion who had unmet medical or psychiatric needs. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting A referral center for alleged child victims of sexual assault in Houston, Tex, from December 1, 2003, through April 30, 2004. Participants Four hundred seventy-three children (81% girls). Nine children refused all or part of the medical evaluation. Main Outcome Measure Diagnoses that warranted intervention at the time of the medical evaluation. Results A medical or psychological diagnosis that required intervention as judged by the examiner was made in 123 children (26%) (95% confidence interval, 22%-30%). In 39 children (8% of the total study population) (95% confidence interval, 6%-11%), the diagnosis had the potential to result in significant patient morbidity if not immediately addressed. In contrast, 44 children (9%) (95% confidence interval, 7%-12%) had probable or definite physical or laboratory evidence that supported the allegation of sexual assault. Conclusion Among children undergoing a medical evaluation after an alleged sexual assault, important unmet health care needs are at least as common as forensic findings.
MOISTURE MIGRATION IN A POTATO STARCH PATTY DURING POST-FRYING PERIOD

The change in crispness of the crust region of a fried food due to water migration was studied duringfrving and post-frying period. Moisture distribution was determined immediately after frying and at different times during storage. A restructured starch system consisting of potato starch and distilled water 16 was prepared in the shape of a patty. the moisture distribution in the patty was determined during fiying and post-frying period. Experiments were conducted for two dfferent flying times, 10 and 20 mm, using an oil temperature of 180G. Moisture distribution also was determined in patties fried for 10 mm and stored at 4C in a sealed container for 0.5, 3, and 4.5 h. The experimental moisture profiles were compared with those obtained with a mathematical model, based on the one-dimensional heat and mass transfer in the core and crust regions of an infinite slab. Changes in the moisture content were correlated with changes in the mechanical properties of the crust during storage.