cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of biological perchlorate reduction and pH effect

Abstract Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the kinetics of perchlorate reduction by heterotrophic and mixed perchlorate-reducing bacteria. Substrate-utilizing and cellular maintenance models were employed to fit the experimental data for microbial perchlorate reduction. The half saturation constant, K s , obtained in this study was below 0.1 mg/L, which indicated that perchlorate-reducing bacteria are effective at utilizing low concentrations of perchlorate. The effect of pH on the kinetics of microbial perchlorate reduction was also studied. Perchlorate reduction occurred throughout the pH range from 5.0 to 9.0. Nevertheless, the rates of perchlorate removal by a unit mass of bacteria were significantly different at various pHs with a maximum rate at pH 7.0. The variation of q max with pH was described well with a Gaussian peak equation. This equation is expected to be applicable for practical purposes when pH effects need to be considered.
A cyclic phosphonamidate analogue of glucose as a selective inhibitor of inverting glycosidases

Recent work in the synthesis of cyclic phosphonate analogues of glucose [Darrow, J.W.; Drueckhammer, D.G. (1994) J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 2976] has been extended to the synthesis of a corresponding phosphonamidate analogue. A phosphonate salt, phosphonate methyl ester, and phosphonamidate analogue were tested as inhibitors of two inverting alpha-glycosidases, (trehalase and glucoamylase), and two retaining glycosidases, (alpha-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase). No inhibition of any of these enzymes was observed with the phosphonate salt or methyl ester. However, the phosphonamidate gave moderate competitive inhibition of the two inverting glycosidases and the retaining alpha-glucosidase but no inhibition of beta-glucosidase. The phosphonamidate showed enhanced binding relative to a simple monosaccharide only with the inverting glycosidases. This enhanced binding is believed to be due to hydrogen bonding interactions between the phosphonamidate group and two active site carboxylate residues implicated in catalysis. The selectivity toward inverting glycosidases is consistent with differences in distance of an active site carboxylate from the anomeric carbon of the glycoside substrate for the inverting versus the retaining glycosidases.
The Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition: Prologue

This paper presents an introduction to the initial scientific results of the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE), as well as data from other atmospheric experiments and analyses carried out during the Arctic polar winter of 1989. Mission objectives of the AASE were to study the mechanisms of ozone depletion and redistribution in the northern polar stratosphere, including the influences of Arctic meteorology, and polar stratospheric clouds formed at low temperatures. Some major aspects of the AASE are described including: logistics and operations, meteorology, polar stratospheric clouds, trace composition and chemistry, and ozone depletion. It is concluded that the Arctic-89 experiments have provided the scientific community with a wealth of new information that will contribute to a better understanding of the polar winter stratosphere and the critical problem of global ozone depletion.
A Procedure for Learning Students' Names

A technique for learning students' names is described. The procedure involves jotting down distinguishing characteristics for each student. These notes serve as memory cues. Students are given a writing assignment to work on in class, while the notes are used to study students' names and faces. Most names can be learned by the end of the first class period. The student essays are an added bonus.
Holey metallic lens for light focusing

It is experimentally demonstrated that subwavelength holes milled in a metallic film as a set of concentric circular rings can focus linearly polarized light in the visible range.
Correlation between molecular recoil and molecular orientation in collisions of symmetric top molecules with hot hydrogen atoms

Abstract Nascent Doppler profiles are measured for hot H-atom—molecule collisions in numerous rotational sublevels of two symmetric tops. Linewidths for CDF 3 molecules due to hot H-atom collisions increase with the quantum number K . In contrast, linewidths for CD 3 F molecules due to hot H-atom collisions decrease with the quantum number K . A simple model is proposed to explain the K dependent linewidths.
Participation of the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system in immune complex nephritis

Participation of the myeloperoxidase-H 2 o 2 -halide system in immune complex nephritis. Neutrophils (PMNs) mediate injury in experimental glomerulonephritis (GN) in part via the release of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Recent kidney perfusion studies demonstrate that H 2 O 2 can cause glomerular injury by reaction with halides in the presence of the PMN cationic enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) to form oxidants which can oxidize and halogenate tissue. We sought evidence for participation of the MPO system in a model of PMN-mediated immune complex (IC) GN. A PMN-dependent model of GN was developed in rats by perfusing the renal artery with concanavalin A followed by anticoncanavalin A antibody. PMN depletion abolished glomerular PMN infiltration and significantly reduced proteinuria (35 ± 7 mg/day vs. 113 ± 10, p 125 I (5.0 µ Ci) three and six hours following disease induction had more 125 I incorporation in glomeruli and GBM at 48 hours than similarly treated rats that were PMN depleted (1200 cpm vs. 88 cpm, p 2 0 2 -halide system, which may participate in mediating glomerular injury.
Diffusion kinetics of Bi and Pb–Bi monolayer precursing films on Cu(1 1 1)

Abstract We have used Auger electron spectroscopy to study the diffusive spreading and adsorption of pure Bi and Pb–11 at.%Bi precursing films on Cu(1 1 1) surfaces, from droplets of the respective materials. The Bi diffusion coefficient ( D Bi ) increases with Bi-coverage. However, in the intermediate coverage range, D Bi remains approximately constant, which is presumably due to the formation of an ordered Bi hexagonal overlayer. In the case of Pb–Bi alloy spreading, the presence of Bi slows down the Pb diffusion kinetics significantly. The kinetics of Bi spreading are also slower in the presence of Pb, but the effect is less marked. The equilibrium concentrations both at the Pb–Bi drop surface, and in the surrounding precursing film, were found to be Bi-enriched.
Detection of tetramerization domains in vivo by cooperative DNA binding to tandem λ operator sites

Abstract Chimeric proteins comprising the N-terminal DNA binding domain of λ repressor fused to a fragment of a foreign protein have been used to detect oligomerization of the latter. Fusions containing dimeric and tetrameric leucine zipper domains can be distinguished based on their in vivo repressor activities on a pair of cat-lacZ reporter strains. Repressor fusions are unable to efficiently repress transcription from a synthetic promoter that overlaps a weak operator site; repression by tetrameric, but not dimeric, fusion proteins is increased by the presence of a strong, upstream operator site. To construct reporters we developed a shuttle system that allows rapid construction of single-copy operon fusions in E. coli , with both cat and lacZ as reporters.
Improving small farmer participation in export marketing channels: perceptions of US fresh produce importers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify important elements of a strategy to facilitate small farmer participation in international supply chains for fresh produce.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs survey data collected from a national sample of US fresh produce importers. Their concerns and suggestions regarding potential for transactions with small Mexican farmers were assessed, with factor analysis providing a thematic summary of their perspectives.Findings – Results of the study reveal that US importers are not uniformly pessimistic about the ability of small farmers to meet their demands. On the contrary, almost one‐third said they probably would work with small farmers in the near future. In general, importers are interested in transactions in which the product meets consumer and government expectations and is grown on the buyer's terms, the grower is reliable over time, the transaction is simplified, and the grower handles transportation. Importers rate small farmers poorly ...
Determination of the Level and Position of Substitution in Hydroxypropylated Starch by High-Resolution1H-NMR Spectroscopy ofAlpha-limit Dextrins

Abstract Eleven hydroxypropylated starch samples were thinned by bacterial alpha -amylase at 80 °C prior to 1 H-NMR analysis on a 400 MHz instrument. Hydroxypropyl (HP) levels were calculated from the intensity of the HP methyl signal (1·18 ppm) compared with that of the methylene and methine (HCO) multiplet (3·2–4·1 ppm). HP values determined by 1 H-NMR correlated well with those determined by the colorimetric Johnson procedure. Anomeric proton signals in the spectra of alpha -limit dextrins were used to identify the positions of HP substitution. Methyl 2-O-, 3-O- and 6-O-hydroxypropyl-α- d -glucopyranosides were synthesized, and only the 2-ether shifted the H-1 signal. Eight HP starches with a molar substitution of 0·05–0·23 had 67–78% HP on O-2, 15–29% on O-3 and 2–17% on O–6.
Curing and Smoking Poultry Products

(1978). Curing and Smoking Poultry Products. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 107-111.
Comparison of attached and suspended growth methanogenesis in a two phase system

Abstract Performance of an attached growth methane phase was compared to that of a completely mixed methane phase in a two‐phase anaerobic process. An anaerobic rotating biological contactor (AnRBC) and a completely mixed stirred tank reactor (CSTR) were used to study the attached growth and suspended growth phase systems, respectively. In the methane phase, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was varied from 10 to 72 hours and the pH was maintained either at 6.0 or at 7.5. The attached growth methane system was observed to be more efficient than the suspended growth methane process In methane production per gram of total organic carbon (TOC) removed.
Physical activity and risk of hot flashes among women in midlife.

Objective: Hot flashes commonly affect women during menopause and are among the primary menopausal complaints for which women seek medical treatment. Recent evidence of the potential risks posed by hormone therapies has led to interest in nonhormonal interventions, including physical activity. Studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of physical activity for relief of hot flashes have been limited by small sample size, problems with hot flash classification, and assumptions regarding the timing of risk and effect. The current study evaluated the association between physical activity prior to the time of the last menstrual period (LMP) and hot flashes in a large sample maintaining an appropriate sequence of physical activity and menopausal symptoms. Methods: This study included 512 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who participated in a population-based study of midlife health in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Questionnaires assessed self-reported physical activity levels at various ages as well ...
Increasing Children’s Physical Activity During the School Day

Insufficient levels of daily physical activity (PA) among children in the USA and worldwide have profound implications for pediatric obesity and children's health and well-being more generally. Public health recommendations highlight the central role that schools play in providing equitable opportunities for PA for all children. This review identifies evidence-based approaches for increasing children's PA throughout the school day and discusses multilevel factors that support implementation of such approaches. Opportunities to increase school-day PA span not only in-school time (e.g., quality recess and physical education, classroom activity breaks) but also time before school (e.g., active commuting initiatives) and after school (e.g., intramural and interscholastic sports programs). For such approaches to impact children's PA, dimensions of implementation such as adoption, fidelity, penetration, implementation costs, and sustainability are critical. Multilevel factors that influence implementation include policies, school environment and organizational factors, teacher and classroom factors, child and family characteristics, and attributes of the PA approach itself. Research and field observations reinforce the importance of understanding challenges specific to working with schools, including multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, limited facilities and staff capacity, and heterogeneity of students. Thus, while schools hold promise as promoters and equalizers of PA engagement for all children, more research is needed on the levers that influence implementation of effective school-based PA policies and programs.
Reactions in water: alkyl nitrile coupling reactions using Fenton's reagent.

The coupling reaction of water-soluble alkyl nitriles using Fenton’s reagent (Fe(II) and H2O2) is described. The best metal for the reaction is iron(II), and the greatest yields are obtained when the concentration of the metal is kept low. Hydrogen-atom abstraction is selective, preferentially producing the radical α to the nitrile. In order to increase the production of dinitrile, in situ reduction of iron(III) to iron(II), using a variety of reducing agents, was investigated.
Analysis of income inequality measures on human immunodeficiency virus mortality: a spatiotemporal Bayesian perspective

Summary Social, economic, environmental and behavioural factors impacting health are well recognized in the literature. We consider the use of various income inequality measures in addition to a poverty measure and investigate their effects on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mortality. In doing so, we make use of models that can capture zero inflation and spatiotemporal effects. The research is motivated by the lack of studies from an inference and modelling perspectives in explaining HIV mortality by using measures that take into account socio-economic status as well as time and location. Such a study can help policy makers to identify cases of environmental injustice and areas of outstanding health risk to assist in resource allocation problems. In our numerical example, we make use of mortality data obtained for the state of New York, estimate model parameters from a Bayesian inference perspective and discuss the implications and interpretations of various income inequality measures. The methodological novelty of our study is the introduction of a zero-inflated Poisson model that can account for both spatial and temporal effects across 5 years (2000–2004). The practical novelty of our study is its attempt to find inequality measures which can improve our understanding of HIV mortality risk. Our results indicate that, for the data at hand, if inequality is calculated on the basis of county-specific income shares rather than the whole state, HIV mortality can be better explained. In addition, accounting for temporal and spatial effects was found to contribute to our understanding of HIV mortality risk.
Conductance of graphene: Role of metal contact, charge puddles and differential gating

We demonstrate how several experiments on graphene transport can be explained semi-quantitatively within a Non-Equilibrium Green's Function (NEGF) formalism. The key features are controlled by-(i) the boundary potential established at a metal-graphene interface,(ii) charge puddles that help the conductivity in the ballistic limit and hurt in the diffusive limit and (iii) alignment of the local Dirac points in a multiply gated segment. Simulations reveal that at the ballistic limit, the conductance depends on the aspect ratio which controls tunneling from source to drain and across the metal-graphene interface. We show that the boundary potential V B at the interface together with Metal Induced Doping (MID) are critical to graphene transport-specifically, the maximum conductance achievable with a given metal contact, the electron-hole asymmetry (EHA) and the peak device resistance. The boundary potential is formed due to in-plane charge transfer from metal covered graphene to graphene on substrate [1] and may produce an additional smooth pn junction, typically ignored in existing models. In the experiments however, the contact resistance heavily depends on the fabrication procedure [2], varying from hundreds of Ω- μm to several thousands of Ω- μm [3]. A rigorous model of the performance limits of several contacts and change of carrier transport from ballistic to diffusive regime is lacking. We report the upper limit of the performance of various metal-graphene contacts and compare with the best available experimental values. To reach experimental dimensions, we use tight-binding real space calculations as well as the powerful KSF-RGFA approach (combination of K Space Formalism (KSF) and Recursive Green's Function Algorithm (RGFA) [4]), which allows us to simulate devices as large as microns in size.
Necessary conditions for a meandering-river avulsion

There is as yet no rational basis for predicting the conditions leading to avulsion of a meandering river. Here we present a conceptual model and quantify it under simplifying assumptions as a first step toward the construction of a stability diagram for avulsion initiation. It is assumed initially that a rectangular crevasse channel of arbitrary depth is cut into the levee of a meandering river. Because the water entering the crevasse channel is derived from relatively high in the main flow, it contains low concentrations of suspended solids. Consequently, the crevasse flow is under capacity and the entrance is eroded. Deepening of the entrance increases the crevasse-channel discharge, and the concentration of suspended solids supplied, because more sediment-laden waters are tapped from the deeper flow in the main channel. The crevasse entrance is predicted to deepen until its sediment-carrying capacity is satisfied by the suspended solids entering from the main channel. Whether an avulsion will occur for a particular combination of initial conditions depends upon whether there exists steady-state hydraulic and sediment-transport conditions for crevasse channel depths that are equal to or less than the main-channel depth. This conceptual model is quantified by writing the unsteady, gradually varied, one-dimensional conservation of mass and momentum equations for water and sediment transport through a main and crevasse channel. Sediment transport is computed as the integral of a cross-sectional mean velocity and a Rouse concentration profile. Solutions show that stable crevasse channels exist only for particular combinations of the initial height of the crevasse bed relative to the water depth in the main channel and the ratio of initial crevasse bed slope to main-channel slope.
Analysis of absorption, scattering, and hemoglobin saturation using phase-modulation spectroscopy

Previously, Chance and coworkers have demonstrated the use of time- resolved spectroscopy to detect changes in deoxy- and oxy-hemoglobin concentrations in brain, muscle, and tumors. In this study, we examine the potential to quantitate hemoglobin saturation and tissue oxygenation from steady-state, dual-wavelength measurements in the frequency domain. Frequency-resolved spectroscopy depends upon monitoring light which emerges a known distance away from an incident light beam whose intensity is sinusoidally modulated. The phase-shift, (theta), of the emergent light with respect to the incident light is related to the light pathlengths traveled due to the scattering and absorption properties of the homogeneous medium. Using the diffusion approximation to describe the transport of photons through a highly scattering medium, we demonstrate the ability to detect changes in absorption and scattering properties from measurements of (theta) in model system if Intralipid/India ink and polystyrene microsphere suspensions using phase modulation spectroscopy. In addition, from measurements of (theta) at wavelengths that straddle the isosbestic point of hemoglobin, we demonstrate the ability to quantitatively follow changes in of absorption properties due to oxy- and deoxy- hemoglobin in an Intralipid/hemoglobin model. The advantages of using phase-modulation spectroscopy as an analytical tool in the clinic as well as the remaining problems associated with its use are discussed.
Sleep disorders in Parkinson’s disease

The sleep disturbances observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other parkinsonian disorders cover a wide range. The nighttime sleep disturbances include sleep fragmentation caused by recurrent PD symptoms, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements during sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Excessive daytime sleepiness may result from these nocturnal sleep disturbances, be caused by the medications used to treat PD, or be intrinsic to PD itself. Treatment of sleep disturbances in PD is complex and often requires multiple therapeutic strategies.
Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia: Seeing Is Believing

Pediatric Neurology - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since jeudi 23 avril 2015
Biodiversity of Aspergillus section Flavi in Europe in relation to the management of aflatoxin risk.

Aflatoxins and the producing fungi Aspergillus Section Flavi are widely known as the most serious and dangerous mycotoxin issue in agricultural products. In Europe, before the outbreak of aflatoxins on maize (2003-2004) due to new climatic conditions, their contamination was confined to imported foods. Little information is available on molecular biodiversity and population structure of Aspergillus Section Flavi in Europe. Preliminary reports evidenced the massive presence of A. flavus L-morphotype as the predominant species in maize field, no evidence of the highly toxigenic S-morphotype and of other aflatoxigenic species are reported. The risk of a shift in traditional occurrence areas for aflatoxins is expected in the world and in particular in South East of Europe due to the increasing average temperatures. Biological control of aflatoxin risk in the field by atoxigenic strains of A. flavus starts to be widely used in Africa and USA. Studies are necessary on the variation of aflatoxin production in populations of A. flavus to characterize stable atoxigenic A. flavus strains. The aim of present article is to give an overview on biodiversity and genetic variation of Aspergillus Sect. Flavi in Europe in relation to the management of aflatoxins risk in the field.
An experimental comparison of the head/disk interface dynamics in 51/4- and 8-inch disk drives

A laser Doppler vibrometer is used to measure the head/disk interface dynamics in computer disk drives. The stability of the head under steady operating conditions is compared between a 5/14-inch and two different 8-inch "Winchester" drives. In the larger drives, high-frequency vibrations (between 5 and 10 kHz) are detected on the slider which are not present in the smaller drive. These vibrations have amplitudes on the order of magnitude of the head/disk spacing and are related to the rolling and pitching modes of the slider. The vibrations of the disk, suspension, and actuator arm are also investigated and correlated with the results obtained on the slider.
Three-dimensional ray theory of astigmatic Bragg diffraction image formation with anastigmatic illumination.

We analyze and demonstrate Bragg diffraction imaging with convenient anastigmatic (e.g., spherical) illumination and find that this technique results in separately located horizontal and vertical images of the sound field with different magnification and resolution. Results of physical experiments show good agreement with theory and demonstrate that the insertion of one relatively weak cylinder lens makes the images coincide.
The horn fly. 1. Seasonal incidence of diapause in Mississippi.

A 3-year study of overwintering of Haematobia irritans (L.), initiated in 1966, indicated that October was the principal time for the development of diapausing individuals. Token numbers also were produced during September and November of each year. The last day suitable for fall adult emergence was Nov. 17, 16, and 14, respectively, for each year of the study. Adult flies were found on pastured cattle as late as Dec. 8, 1966 and 1967, and on Dec. 7, 1968, in the area of State College, Miss. The population entering diapause was the largest during 1966 in comparison with the following 2 years. Diapausing individuals were able to develop in the Held for a period of 62, 64, 49 days, respectively, for each testing season. Percentages of the sampled population entering diapause at each caging date were established. Diapause was found to be facultative, and adult emergence ceased in the field when temperatures dropped below 60°F. The 1st spring emergence occurred in March during 1967 and 1968 but was delayed until early April in 1969.
A CMOS uncooled heat-balancing infrared imager

In this paper, we report the fabrication, design, and testing of an uncooled 8/spl times/8 infrared imager based on an active pixel heat balancing technique. The imager is fabricated using a commercial CMOS process plus a simple electrochemical etch stop releasing step. The basic active pixel detector structure consists of a simple cascode CMOS amplifier in which the PMOS devices are built inside a thermally isolated floating n-well. The intrinsic coupling of the cascode currents with the self-heating of the well forms an electrothermal feedback loop that tends to maintain the well temperature constant, By employing the heat balance between incoming infrared radiation and the PMOS device power dissipation, the responsivity of the detector is controlled by the cascode biasing current. Measurements show responsivities between 0.3-1.2/spl times/10/sup 6/ V/W when the infrared source is chopped at 20 Hz and a detectivity D*=3/spl times/10/sup 7/ cm/spl radic/(Hz)W/sup -1/ at 30 Hz. Noise measurements suggest that a D* of 10/sup 8/ cm/spl radic/(Hz)W/sup -1/ is achievable in this design.
The Relationship Between Gray Matter Morphometry and Neuropsychological Performance in a Large Sample of Cognitively Healthy Adults

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to examine the relationship between gray matter (GM) volume and performance on two commonly used clinical neuropsychological measures of frontal lobe or executive function, the Trail Making Test part B (TrailsB) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) in 221 cognitively healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 84. We hypothesized that these measures would be associated with GM volume in the dorsolateral frontal lobes. Voxel-based multiple regression was used to correlate cognitive function with modulated GM probability maps while controlling for age, education, gender, and total intracranial volume. A relationship with TrailsB was found in bilateral lateral inferior frontal gyri and left basal ganglia. A relationship with COWAT was found in the left lateral inferior and middle frontal gyri. Lesion studies have long implicated the importance of these regions for executive function. The present results confirm and extend those prior findings to healthy adults.
Supplemental oxygenation of electric generating station cooling water

The Delaware River Basin Commission established the requirement that the Philadelphia Electric Eddystone Generating Station shall add 5000 pounds (≈2.3 tonnes) of dissolved oxygen (DO) per day to the Delaware River as a condition for increased use of cooling water at this station. It has been found that the Eddystone Station normally adds from ≈1 to 3 tonnes per day of DO to the river arising from entrainment of air into the cooling water discharge tunnel. Further additions can readily be accomplished by bleeding air into the condenser tailpipe. The Delaware River Basin Commission's requirements can readily be met without significant expenditure of funds and without altering normal plant operating conditions.
Dynamic Sensor Self-Organization for Distributive Moving Target Tracking

To support distributive tracking of moving targets in a wireless sensor network, sensors that receive signal from the same target must collaborate to facilitate collaborative, distributed target tracking. We present an efficient dynamic sensor self-organizing algorithm that clusters sensors into groups without requiring a centralized control. Extensive simulations are conducted to verify the performance improvement as well as the communication reduction for the proposed methods.
Analysis of oligomeric peroxides in synthetic triacetone triperoxide samples by tandem mass spectrometry.

Oligomeric peroxides formed in the synthesis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) have been analyzed by mass spectrometry utilizing both electrospray ionization (ESI) and chemical ionization (CI) to form sodiated adducts (by ESI) and ammonium adducts (by CI and ESI). Tandem mass spectrometry and deuterium isotopic labeling experiments have been used to elucidate the collision-induced dissociation (CID) mechanisms for the adducts. The CID mechanisms differ for the sodium and ammonium adducts and vary with the size of the oligoperoxide. The sodium adducts of the oligoperoxides, H[OOC(CH3)2]nOOH, do not cyclize under CID, whereas the ammonium adducts of the smaller oligoperoides (n < 6) do form the cyclic peroxides under CID. Larger oligoperoxide adducts with both sodium and ammonium undergo dissociation through cleavage of the backbone under CID to form acyl- and hydroperoxy-terminated oligomers of the general form CH3C(O)[OOC(CH3)2]xOOH, where x is an integer less than the original oligoperoxide degree of oligomerization. The oligoperoxide distribution is shown to vary batch-to-batch in the synthesis of TATP and the post-blast distribution differs slightly from the distribution in the uninitiated material. The oligoperoxides are shown to be decomposed under gentle heating. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide mapping by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after cleavage at aspartyl-prolyl peptide bonds in sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing buffers☆

Protein samples prepared for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are preferentially cleaved at aspartyl-prolyl peptide bonds upon heating at 110 degrees C. The presence of aspartyl-prolyl peptide bonds in a protein can therefore be detected by gel electrophoresis of heated samples and the resulting peptides mapped. The method of heat cleavage also works well with proteins in bands cut from electrophoresed gels using modified stacking conditions in the second electrophoresis. An immunoblotting procedure for peptide mapping of nanogram quantities of specific proteins in complex mixtures is demonstrated. Peptide maps produced by aspartyl-prolyl peptide bond cleavage of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases from different sources show the effectiveness of the above techniques and suggest a conservation of aspartyl-prolyl peptide bonds in pig kidney and mouse and rat liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases.
On the Need of Convexity in Patchworking

Viro's construction of real smooth hypersurfaces uses regular (also called convex or coherent) subdivisions of Newton polytopes. Nevertheless, Viro's construction, sometimes calledpatchworking, can be applied as well to arbitrary subdivisions as a purely combinatorial procedure. Are the schemes coming from nonregular subdivisions, still topological types of some real smooth hypersurfaces? In the first part of this paper we prove a combinatorial version of Hilbert's Lemma (a consequence of Bezout's Theorem) that bounds the depth of nests in aT-curve, and we use this result and a previous work by I. Itenberg to answer the question affirmatively forT-curves of degree less than 6.According to V. A. Rokhlin, a real algebraic scheme has complex orientation of type I (alternatively of type II) if any curve with this real scheme divides (does not divide) its complexification. A real algebraic scheme hasindefinite typeif there are type I and type II curves with that particular scheme. In the second part of this paper, we describe a combinatorial algorithm, due to I. Itenberg and O. Viro, that allows one to determine the type of aT-curve. We then present a partial list of indefinite schemes forT-curves of degrees 7 and 8.
The stress-activated c-Jun protein kinase (JNK) is stimulated by lipoxygenase pathway product 12-HETE in RIN m5F cells

Abstract Cytokine induced pancreatic β-cell destruction seen in Type 1 diabetes and islet graft rejection involves multiple intracellular signaling pathways that directly or indirectly lead to inflammatory damage or programmed cell death. IL-1β has been shown to stimulate the 12-lipoxygenase pathway product 12-HETE, in RIN m5F cells; however, the precise role of 12-LO activation in mediating cytokine effects is not clear. Since the stress-activated protein kinase, JNK, has been linked to cytokine mediated inflammatory actions, we studied the effect of two LO products, 12-HETE and 15-HETE, on JNK activity. We demonstrate that 1 nM 12-HETE stimulates JNK activity, while 1 nM 15-HETE, the 15-lipoxygenase pathway product, does not. These results suggest 12-HETE is a novel upstream signal for IL-1β induced JNK activation in RIN m5F cells.
Correlations in classical ground states

It is a major unsolved problem to understand the cause of spatial symmetry (specifically crystalline symmetry) in low-temperature bulk matter.(1 5) The essence of the problem--why energy ground states tend to be periodic--has been essentially solved for one-dimensional models, (6'71 but there are what could be interpreted as "counterexamples" in two and three dimensions, (8-1~ i.e., simple models which have quasiperiodic, but no periodic, ground states. Periodic configurations are special in many ways. They exhibit long range order in that the configuration in one region determines the configuration even in very distant regions. Also, they are homogeneous in the sense that the configuration is essentially identical in any two congruent regions much larger than the period. We will show that energy ground states tend to have this homogeneity property, at least in an average sense. This seems to be the first general, qualitative result on the spatial symmetry of ground states for dimensions higher than one.
White Phosphors from a Silicate-Carboxylate Sol-Gel Precursor That Lack Metal Activator Ions

Highly emissive (with an external quantum yield exceeding 35 percent at a 365-nanometer excitation wavelength) broadband phosphors can be synthesized from a tetraalkoxysilane sol-gel precursor and a variety of organic carboxylic acids. The air-stable phosphors were synthesized at low temperatures (less than 300°C) and displayed broad visible photoluminescence spectra that appeared white to the eye. Water-soluble phosphors can be prepared by the substitution of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane for tetraalkoxysilane in the synthesis. These materials are the most efficient extrinsic phosphors that do not contain activator metal ions.
Effect of the source and detector configuration on the detectability of breast cancer.

Breast cancer causes the death of more than 150 000 women in the United States each year. Pregnant women cannot undergo mammography due to its dangerous side effects and, for younger women, a mammogram does not differentiate tumor from their dense breast tissue. Breast tumors usually become a localized absorber in the near infrared (NIR) wavelength region, because of the increased hemoglobin concentration around the area of the tumor. Therefore, NIR has a high potential to detect breast cancer without side effects. A computer simulation solving the photon transfer equation was used to study the detectability of various tumor sizes embedded in the breast model at various depths, for both reflectance and transmittance. Previous reflectance studies demonstrated that increasing the S-D separation does not necessarily allow the photons to penetrate deeper in the medium. The optimum S-D separation for breast tissue was found to be 3.0 cm, where the light penetrates up to 1.7 cm. Studies on the photon path in transmittance demonstrate that, at high modulation frequencies, (e.g. 1.0 GHz), the photon path becomes more coherent. Therefore, for transmittance measurements, high modulation frequencies can be useful to localize deep tumors. Multi frequency, multi- S-D separation reflectance can be used to provide information on tumor depth.
Oncogenic herpesviruses of nonhuman primates.

Abstract The in vitro and in vivo properties of oncogenic herpesviruses from New World and Old World primates are briefly reviewed in this communication. The epidemiological, immunological and biochemical characteristics of oncogenic herpesviruses derived from New World monkeys are compared with those derived from Old World monkeys. A spontaneous lymphoma outbreak in a rhesus monkey colony is also discussed, since it provides an excellent model for human lymphoma in terms of epidemiologic, genetic, time-space clustering and environmental factors. Finally, the New and Old World primate oncogenic herpesviruses are comprehensively compared with the Epstein-Barr virus of man to stimulate further research in simian oncogenic herpesviruses as models for human neoplastic disease.
Infrared spectroscopy of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide on palladium(111) in aqueous solution: unexpected adlayer structural differences between electrochemical and ultrahigh-vacuum interfaces

Abstract Coverage-dependent infrared reflection-absorption spectra (IRAS) measured for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide adlayers dosed onto Pd(111) in acidic aqueous solution are examined in comparison with IRAS and other adlayer structural data available on Pd(111) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). Unlike most other ordered Pt-group surfaces, the coverage-dependent spectral fingerprints for both electrochemical adlayers on Pd(111) are markedly different from their UHV-based counterparts. These disparities are magnified after allowance is made for the differences in surface potentials, and hence interfacial electrostatic fields, between the electrochemical and UHV-based systems. Specifically, at low dosed CO coverages ( θ CO ν CO) band is obtained at ca. 1830–1880 cm −1 , consistent with threefold-hollow coordination, which is replaced at higher coverages up to saturation ( θ CO =0.75) by a pair of bands at 1940–1960 and 1890–1920 cm −1 , suggestive of ‘bridging-like’ along with hollow CO binding. Unusually similar θ CO -dependent infrared spectra were obtained upon sequential partial electrooxidation of a saturated layer, indicating that any CO islands thereby forming are largely dissipated. While the infrared spectra are qualitatively similar to the behavior in UHV at low coverages, the electrochemical ν CO frequencies are significantly (30–40 cm −1 ) higher than expected, and the higher-frequency ν CO feature seen for θ CO >0.4 has no obvious counterpart at the Pd(111)/UHV interface. These behavioral differences can be partly, yet not entirely, rationalized in terms of water coadsorption. Dosed NO adlayers exhibit largely a single NO stretching ( ν NO ) band blueshifting by ca. 30 cm −1 up to ca. 1750 cm −1 at saturation, suggestive of largely atop NO coordination. The absence of the markedly lower-frequency ν NO bands seen at low dosages on Pd(111) in UHV is ascribed to partial segregation of NO and coadsorbed water, yielding higher local NO coverages. These unexpected ν CO and ν NO spectral properties at Pd(111) electrodes with respect to the corresponding UHV-based systems are also discussed in comparison with corresponding IRAS behavior for CO and NO adlayers on other low-index Pt-group surfaces. The coadsorption of CO and NO on Pd(111) is also briefly considered. The form of the ν CO / ν NO spectra indicate the presence of some CO segregation as well as CO/NO molecular intermixing.
Differential incidence of procrastination between blue-and white-collar workers

The present study compared chronic procrastination tendencies claimed by “whitecollar” working adults (n = 141) with rates reported by Harriott and Ferrari ( 1996) of “blue-collar” working adults (n - 211). Participants completed reliable and valid measures of everyday procrastination tendencies (decisional, arousal, and avoidant), and socio-demographic items at one of several public forums. Results showed no significant difference between classes of working adults on age, gender, marital status, or the number of children, although “white-collar” workers claimed higher levels of education than “blue-collar” workers. “White-collar” workers also reported significantly higher scores on all three forms of chronic procrastination than “blue-collar” workers. It seems that professional employees report procrastination more frequently than unskilled workers. Further research is needed to explore the causes and consequences associated with differences in chronic procrastination by occupational group.
A feasibility study of parametric response map analysis of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans of head and neck cancer patients for providing early detection of therapeutic efficacy.

The parametric response map (PRM) was evaluated as an early surrogate biomarker for monitoring treatment-induced tissue alterations in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was performed on 15 patients with HNSCC at baseline and 3 weeks after treatment initiation of a nonsurgical organ preservation therapy (NSOPT) using concurrent radiation and chemotherapy. PRM was applied on serial apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps that were spatially aligned using a deformable image registration algorithm to measure the tumor volume exhibiting significant changes in ADC (PRMADC). Pretherapy and midtherapy ADC maps, quantified from the DWIs, were analyzed by monitoring the percent change in whole-tumor mean ADC and the PRM metric. The prognostic values of percentage change in tumor volume and mean ADC and PRMADC as a treatment response biomarker were assessed by correlating with tumor control at 6 months. Pixel-wise differences as part of PRMADC analysis revealed regions where water mobility increased. Analysis of the tumor ADC histograms also showed increases in mean ADC as early as 3 weeks into therapy in patients with a favorable outcome. Nevertheless, the percentage change in mean ADC was found to not correlate with tumor control at 6 months. In contrast, significant differences in PRMADC and percentage change in tumor volume were observed between patients with pathologically different outcomes. Observations from this study have found that diffusion MRI, when assessed by PRMADC, has the potential to provide both prognostic and spatial information during NSOPT of head and neck cancer.
Application of the Cost – Risk Network method to the thermal protection system of the Space Shuttle

This paper discusses the application of the Cost – Risk Network (CRN) to a real world problem. The case study involves the thermal protection system (TPS) of the Space Shuttle's Orbiter used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The CRN for the TPS focuses on decisions affecting the operation and maintenance of the components of the TPS. The decisions and data needed to construct the CRN for the TPS was gathered from a variety of sources including previous studies regarding the TPS, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board reports, NASA documents, and published articles, as well as knowledgeable estimates where necessary. Using the CRN method to analyse the decisions, both the cost and risk associated with the TPS were reduced.
Extraction and Characterization of Starch from Alkaline Cooked Corn Masa

ABSTRACT Starch granules undergo structural and morphological changes during food processing unit operations as they interact with other food ingredients. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize starch granules from corn masa. A proteolytic enzyme, thermolysin, was effective in separating and isolating starch granules from endosperm proteins present in masa. The efficiency of starch extraction using thermolysin was 74% (w/w), and subsequent analyses showed that the isolated granules were free of contaminants. Starch samples were characterized using light microscopy, SEM, DSC, and XRD. Starch granules isolated from masa had undergone internal structural changes and some granules (≈40%) lost birefringence during nixtamalization. These internal changes occurred, in most cases, without visible alterations in general granular morphology. Nixtamalized granules underwent changes mostly consistent with a “heat-moisture treatment” process.
Validation of an Online Orientation Seminar to Improve Career and Major Preparedness

Career planning and development for undergraduates is a goal for our field, yet the majority of psychology departments do not offer a course to meet this goal. This article examines an online psych...
SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF PERTECHNETATE AND PERRHENATE IONS FROM NITRATE-RICH ACIDIC AND ALKALINE AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

ABSTRACT Solvent extraction studies of 99TcO4 − and its nonradioactive congener ReO4 − into 1,3-diisopropylbenzene and several other organic solvents containing the 0.200 M Aliquat-336 nitrate (which is predominantly methyltrioctylammonium nitrate) from a variety of aqueous solutions led to the following conclusions: (i) ReO4 − is a suitable solvent extraction surrogate for 99TcO4 − under conditions that model nuclear waste streams at the DOE Hanford site; (ii) distribution ratios (D values) greater than 100 can be achieved for TcO4 − extraction from aqueous solutions containing a mixture of 1 M NaOH and 1.5 M NaNO; (iii) the addition of 1.5 M NaNO2 or 0.14 M K2CrO4 to the aqueous phase containing a mixture of 1 M NaOH and 1.5 M NaNO3 does not significantly affect D(TcO4 −); (iv) D(TcO4 −) values were larger by a factor of 3-5 when ketone solvents with flash points above 60°C were substituted for 1,3-diisopropylbenzene. Initial and final concentrations of TcO4 −- in the organic and aqueous phases were det...
Generation of arbitrary moire contours for automated inspection

We have developed a method of creating arbitrary moire patterns from any arbitrary diffusely reflecting object that does not require any physical grating fabrication. The moire patterns can be made in any form, from equal depth contours, to error maps, to any pattern that would aid in automated or machine aided inspection or sorting. We first generate the desired output moire pattern, either in the computer or by capturing the image of the desired pattern. We then use a Michelson interferometer to generate and project variable spatial frequency gratings on the perfect target and capture the image of these distorted gratings. We next compute the shape of a filter (transmission or viewing) grating that would cause the desired output from the perfect target input. The computer filter shapes are then converted to NTSC composite video and mixed with the video signal from the target camera. If the target seen matches the perfect target, the desired moire output pattern is produced.