cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of MBTH and other methods for the determination of sugars and other α-glycolic derivatives

Abstract Methods for the determination of aldoses, ketoses and other α-glycolic compounds are described. The various methods are compared through their use in the determination of ribose. These methods include the direct and oxidative MBTH, and the azulene, J-acid, orcinol and pyrogallol procedures. The oxidative MBTH procedure introduced in this paper is especially sensitive for the determination of α-glycolic compounds as shown by the high molar absorptivities (e = ~100,000) obtained for ethylene glycol, glycerol and other polyols. Airborne particulates obtained from various cities contain a substantial amount of water-soluble α-glycolic compounds. In addition, a variety of dust samples have been found to contain a large quantity of water-soluble α-glycolic compounds and lesser amounts of adsorbed aliphatic aldehydes. Chromatographic media were found to be contaminated with these chemicals.
An advocacy victory: final USPSTF cervical cancer screening recommendations revised to include cotesting option

The recent reversal of the US Preventive Services Task Force decision to drop cotesting (Papicolaou test + high-risk human papillomavirus test) as an option for cervical cancer screening in women aged 30 to 65 years from their recommendations for cervical cancer screening was directly attributed to advocacy efforts by professional organizations and individuals. This communication summarizes the pathology and laboratory medicine community’s role in this advocacy effort by collaboration of all major US Pathology organizations, via the Cytopathology Education and Technology consortium.
Spatial encoded polarization dependent nonlinear optical analysis for local tensors imaging of collagenous tissue

Rapid local hyperpolarizability tensor imaging of collagenous tissue was achieved with spatially encoded polarization dependent nonlinear optical measurements. Second harmonic generation (SHG) is sensitive to polarization-dependent measurements due to its unique symmetry requirement, providing rich information of local structures for protein crystals and biological tissues. Fast polarization-dependent measurements reduce 1/f noise and suppress motion blur for in vivo imaging. In this work, spatially encoded polarization dependent SHG was used for local hyperpolarizability tensor imaging of z-cut quartz and collagenous tissue by using a single patterned microretarder array (μRA). The μRA was designed with a pattern of half-wave retardance varying spatially in the azimuthal orientation of the fast-axis. When placed in the rear conjugate plane of a beam scanning microscope, the μRA enabled spatial modulation of incident light with polarization states varied at different positions in the field of view. The ‘snapshot’ approach was available for the polarization dependent measurements of a uniform sample so that one image included a complete set of polarization modulation from different pixels. Combining with sample translation, this method was able to recover local hyperpolarizability tensor of non-uniform samples. This strategy was successfully used to extract local nonlinear optical tensors for z-cut quartz and collagenous tissue with good agreements with traditional polarization dependent measurements, providing an alternate approach for fast polarization analysis of collagen tissue with minimal modifications on current beam scanning nonlinear optical systems.
Spectral Phase and Amplitude Retrieval and Compensation for Random Access Microscopy

Programmable, two-dimensional, spatial frequency modulation linear and nonlinear imaging combined with a novel and remarkably simple, in-situ quantitative pulse compensation and measurement scheme is demonstrated for the first time. © 2019 The Author(s)
Adrenal Cortical Hyperplasia

Adrenal cortical hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in cortical cells, which usually occurs bilaterally. Adrenal cortical hyperplasia generally affects both adrenal glands and may be diffuse or nodular or show features of both patterns. Adrenal glands may show hyperplasia primarily and secondarily. Primary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent cortical hyperplasia is seen sporadically or in Carney complex. ACTH-dependent cortical hyperplasia occurs in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (adrenogenital syndrome), an autosomal recessive defect in an enzymatic step of steroid synthesis (most commonly 21-hydroxylase). The adrenal glands are enlarged as the result of continuous stimulation of the adrenal cortex by ACTH. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in children. Secondary adrenal cortical hyperplasia is caused by pituitary ACTH adenoma, often a microadenoma, or ectopic ACTH production. The adrenal glands show a diffuse and/or micronodular pattern. These specimens, however, rarely are removed and evaluated by pathologists, because removal of the pituitary tumor is the mainstay of treatment. Other ectopic sites of ACTH production may occur and may be associated with hypercortisolism.
Left versus right: Does location matter for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients in phase I clinical trials?

771Background: Location of the primary tumor is prognostic and predictive of efficacy with VEGF-inhibitors (I) vs EGFR-I given first-line to mCRC patients (pts) (ASCO 2016). However, little is known regarding the effect of location on prognosis and prediction in heavily pretreated mCRC pts. We assessed the efficacy of VEGF-I and EGFR-I in regards to location of the primary tumor in pts with refractory mCRC enrolled in early phase studies. Methods: A historical cohort analysis of mCRC pts enrolled amongst 44 phase I trials at the IDD from 3/2004 - 9/2012. Median Progression free survival (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS) were estimated from Kaplan-Meier curves and groups were statistically compared with the log rank test. The magnitude of association between dichotomous factors and survival was estimated with the hazard ratio (HR). Results: 139 pts, median age 59 (33-81), KRAS mut 20 %, wt 31 %, unknown 49 %. ≥ 3 prior lines therapy 73.9 %; Prior EGFR-I 75.5% (100% of KRAS wt). Location: Right 20.9 %, Left...
Predictors of Trauma High Resource Consumers in a Mature Trauma System.

BACKGROUND Extended hospital length of stay (LOS) is widely associated with significant healthcare costs. Since LOS is a known surrogate for cost, we sought to evaluate outliers. We hypothesized that particular characteristics are likely predictive of trauma high resource consumers (THRC) and can be used to more effectively manage care of this population. METHODS The Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database was retrospectively queried from 2003-2017 for all adult (age ≥15) trauma patients admitted to accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania. THRC were defined as patients with hospital LOS two standard deviations above the population mean or ≥22 days (p<0.05). Patient demographics, comorbid conditions and clinical variables were compared between THRC and non-THRC to identify potential predictor variables. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model controlling for age, gender, injury severity, admission Glasgow coma score, systolic blood pressure, and injury year assessed the adjusted impact of clinical factors in predicting THRC status. The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was retrospectively queried from 2014-2016 for all adult (age ≥15) trauma patients admitted to state-accredited trauma centers and likewise were assessed for factors associated with THRC. RESULTS A total of 465,601 patients met inclusion criteria [THRC: 16,818 (3.6%); non-THRC 448,783 (96.4%)]. Compared to non-THRC counterparts, THRC patients were significantly more severely injured (median ISS: 9 vs. 22, p<0.001). In adjusted analysis, gunshot wound (GSW) to the abdomen, undergoing major surgery and reintubation along with injury to the spine, upper or lower extremities were significantly associated with THRC. From the NTDB, 2 323 945 patients met inclusion criteria. In adjusted analysis, GSW to the abdomen was significantly associated with THRC. Penetrating injury overall was associated with decreased risk of being a THRC in the NTDB dataset. Those who had either GSW to abdomen, surgery, or reintubation required significantly longer LOS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Reintubation, major surgery, gunshot wound to abdomen, along with injury to the spine, upper or lower extremities are all strongly predictive of THRC. Understanding the profile of the THRC will allow clinicians and case management to proactively put processes in place to streamline care and potentially reduce costs and LOS.
Making Sense of Attitudes toward the US National Anthem Protests: Examining the Role of Empathic Concern, and Perspective-Taking

The most recent US national anthem protests started when former National Football League (NFL) player Colin Kaepernick decided not to stand during the national anthem before a preseason football ga...
On a High Resolution Ultrasonic Inspection System

With increased demand for higher resolution ultrasonic evaluation, computer-based systems or workstations now become essential. In this paper a typical high resolution ultrasonic inspection system is presented. HIRUSIS, an mnemonic for HIgh Resolution UltraSonic Inspection System, is developed primarily for the purpose of high performance hidden flaw characterization and feature-based classification. The basic system comprises a PC (Personal Computer), a Pulser/Receiver and a Digital Oscilloscope as shown in Fig. 1. The system is further supported by several customized software packages for remote control of the devices, signal acquisition and presentation, one-dimensional and multi-dimensional signal processing, pattern recognition and B-scan image reconstruction. More image processing softwares will be added in the near future.
Slowing pig growth during COVID-19, models for use in future market fluctuations

COVID-19 has provided global challenges to almost every industry. Among these challenges were positive cases of COVID-19 in employees at swine processing facilities, leading to temporary, or extended, shutdown of the facilities (Millet et al., 2020). In the United States, processing capacity is closely aligned with the number of pigs produced such that packing facility shutdowns or slowdowns rapidly results in a backlog of pigs needing to be harvested. Thus, there was no place for the pigs to go that were ready for market. Swine processing under federal inspection began to decrease in late March 2020 (Figure 1; USDA, 2020). The lowest weekly harvest occurred from April 27 to May 2, 2020, which represented a decrease of approximately 45% of normal slaughter capacity. Open in a separate window Figure 1. Estimated weekly swine harvest under federal inspection in 2020. Data adapted from USDA Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division.
Stock Market Winners: Conditional Probabilities, Elapsed Times, and Post-Event Returns

Some common stocks display extreme positive performance. Between 1973 and 2020, 3,615 U.S.-listed stocks generated at least a 5x cumulative gross return relative to a prior low point, and also had a minimum inflation-adjusted market capitalization of $500 million. Among these, 29.8% repeated the performance (to achieve a 25x multiple), 9.7% repeated twice (to achieve a 125x multiple), and 2.4% did so a third time (to achieve a 625x multiple). In general, a substantial portion of the superior performance accrued prior to the year in which the multiple was attained. However, stocks that attained these multiples showed little or no evidence of positive market-adjusted returns in subsequent months, implying that the existence of extreme positive performers does not simply reflect long horizon return momentum.
Visual Impairment and Self-Efficacy in Diabetes Management.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between visual impairment and diabetes management self-efficacy.MethodsThe present study utilized pooled cross-sectional data (2008-2...
Comparing geometric differences between Landsat Collection 1 to Collection 2 level-1 products

In late 2020 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began the distribution of Landsat products associated with their collection 2 reprocessing of the archive. Several changes were implemented within the Landsat Product Generation System (LPGS) and the calibration parameters applied to the Landsat imagery for the collection 2 processing. When comparing between collection 1 and collection 2 products, radiometric and geometric differences will be present. One of the most substantial changes between the two collections was an adjustment to the ground control which made the control more accurate from an absolute and relative perspective. Some of the other changes associated with collection 2 processing were to the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) used in terrain correction, the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) relative gains, TIRS absolute calibration, Operational Land Imagery (OLI) absolute gain model, OLI relative gain, and OLI bias calculation to name a few. Although these changes also have an effect on the differences between the product associated with these two collections, the change in the ground control, although typically less than one 30-meter multispectral pixel in magnitude, will have the largest effect on the differences between the products. This change in ground control is also a spatially dynamic change that although is low in spatial frequency, is nonlinear and is not a change that can be modeled on a global or even on a local Worldwide Reference System-2 (WRS-2) path and row scale. The effects of these ground control changes will be discussed and demonstrated within this paper along with examples showing their effect on specific datasets. This paper demonstrates some of these geometric differences associated with the ground control through both the registration statistics created during product generation and through an example comparison of a set of collection 1 and collection 2 products.
Transcriptomic Effects of Acute Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure on Two Syntrichia Mosses.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental stressor for terrestrial plants. Here we investigated genetic responses to acute broadband UVR exposure in the highly desiccation-tolerant mosses Syntrichia caninervis and S. ruralis, using a comparative transcriptomics approach. We explored whether UVR protection is physiologically plastic and induced by UVR exposure, addressing the following questions: (1) What is the timeline of changes in the transcriptome with acute UVR exposure in these two species? (2) What genes are involved in the UVR response? and (3) How do the two species differ in their transcriptomic response to UVR? There were remarkable differences between the two species after 10 and 30 minutes of UVR exposure, including no overlap in significantly differentially abundant transcripts (DATs) after 10 minutes of UVR exposure and more than twice as many DATs for S. caninervis as there were for S. ruralis. Photosynthesis-related transcripts were involved in the response of S. ruralis to UVR, while membrane-related transcripts were indicated in the response of S. caninervis. In both species, transcripts involved in oxidative stress and those important for desiccation tolerance (such as late embryogenesis abundant genes and early light-inducible protein genes) were involved in response to UVR, suggesting possible roles in UVR tolerance and cross-talk with desiccation tolerance in these species. The results of this study suggest potential UVR-induced responses that may have roles outside of UVR tolerance, and that the response to URV is different in these two species, perhaps a reflection of adaptation to different environmental conditions.
EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF RACE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN WOMEN

EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF RACE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN WOMEN By: Leia A. Harper, MDiv A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Major Director: Scott Vrana, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Department of Psychology Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition affecting approximately 8% of the adult U.S. population with rates twice as high in women than men. Increasingly, evidence has suggested a close relationship between PTSD and increased risk of metabolic diseases. However, the literature on PTSD and metabolic disease risk factors has been limited by the lack of investigation of the potential influence of race on this relation. The current study examined the possible effect of race on the relation between PTSD and metabolic risk. Data for this study were provided from sample of that included 50 African American women and 39 Caucasian women, 56.2% and 43.8% respectively. Results support the importance of race in the relationship between PTSD and metabolic disease risk factors. Future research would benefit from analysis of cultural factors to explain how race might influence the course of metabolic disease risk and development in women with PTSD.
21 Some Unsolved Problems of Biotechnology

Publisher Summary Federal support of biotechnology research has been directed mostly toward the basic research in molecular and cell biology, with little toward the support of research in downstream bioprocessing. The ratio between money spent on basic biotechnology research, and on applied biotechnology research is 100:1. Very little has been done to correct this imbalance despite the reports issued by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Research Council (NRC), and the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) lamenting this imbalance and its threat to rapid commercialization of biotechnology. Funding bioprocess engineering research is not taken seriously at the federal funding level, but the opposite is generally true at the state level. Many have pilot plants with a strong bioprocessing research focus. Some even operate under good manufacturing practices (GMP).. Understanding cell and protein behavior is central to maximizing bioprocess efficiency. It is equally important in large-scale commercial biotechnology systems. In plant cell cultures, optimizing two-stage system in adding growth hormones is an engineering challenge. Other bioprocess engineering problems need to be solved to achieve successful plant cell culture. Furthermore, when working in small scale, one of the great difficulties is that plant cells readily adhere to glass. It is difficult to keep plant cells suspended in glass bioreactors. Alternatives to glass bioreactors must be found. In antibiotic production, one of the major problems is increasing productivity in oxygen-limited, very viscous, mycelial systems. Another chemical engineering challenges in biotechnology is a problem in monitoring and control. It would be most helpful to know the instantaneous cell concentration and activity in order to control the substrate feed rate, particularly in a fed-batch operation.
The Simplification of International Data Privacy Rules

This Essay suggests that simplification will actually complicate data protection and will lead to unexpected burdens on industry along with an increase in the data surveillance of citizens. Part I begins with an examination of the global push for simplification. Part II addresses the opportunities for simplification through multiple instruments and some of the experiences with these instruments. Part III presents the obstacles to simplification. These obstacles illustrate fundamental problems with simplification. Part IV concludes with a proposal on “simplifying” technologies that calls for the development and increased use of privacy rights management technologies and technology audits to facilitate international data flows by simplifying the management of compliance across complex regulatory requirements and procedures.
Dynein: the mechanochemical coupling adenosine triphosphatase of microtubule-based sliding filament mechanisms.

Publisher Summary Biological motion dependent upon adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis is often generated by two distinct groups of proteins: (1) actin and its mechanochemical coupling ATPase myosin and (2) tubulin and its ATPase dynein. In most instances, motion associated with either of these two systems is based upon a sliding filament mechanism. F-actin and microtubules are the filamentous components used by the ATP phosphohydrolases myosin and dynein to generate movement by causing linear displacement or sliding of the filaments. The motion of the filaments is coupled to otherwise stationary structures to produce, for example, contraction of the muscle sarcomere or separation of sister chromatids. Similarly, sliding filaments are used to transduce bending moments that propel surrounding viscous environments as occurs along ciliated epithelia or among free-swimming protozoa or spermatozoa. The utilization of an active sliding filament mechanism by the microtubule arrays in cilia, flagella, and spermtails as the basis for their motion is now firmly established. Active sliding also appears to be a likely mechanism for mitotic-based motion of chromosomes.
Modern Concepts of Physical Fitness

(1980). Modern Concepts of Physical Fitness. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 51, Including Leisure Today, pp. 25-27.
Effective field equations for one-electron multi-photon stationary states

The nonperturbative Bayleigh-Ritz procedure for functionalities is applied to the quantum theory of the interaction of an electron with the electromagnetic field in certain approximations. The procedure yields effective field equations, the solutions to which enable one to evaluate quantities of physical significance. Application to Compton scattering is considered.
The Relationship Between Sexual History, Bullying Victimization, and Poor Mental Health Outcomes Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority High School Students A Feminist Perspective

This study uses a feminist theoretical framework to extend the literature on the relationship between sexual history, bullying victimization, and poor mental health outcomes. First, we examined whether an association between the sexual double standard and bullying victimization would apply to sexual minority youth the same way it applies to heterosexual youth. A second aim was to assess whether sexual minority boys, typically stereotyped as effeminate, would report the highest odds of bullying victimization. A third and final aim of our study was to look at the joint effect of sex and sexual intercourse on depression and suicidal ideation. Our analytic sample (N = 9,300) was from the 2009, 2011, and 2013 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Findings demonstrated that heterosexual girls who engaged in sexual intercourse had significantly higher adjusted odds of bullying victimization than heterosexual boys who engaged in the same behavior. Similar results were not found for sexual minority adolescents...
Optimization of a TiN/TiSi2 p+ Diffusion Barrier Process

The TiN/TiSi2 structure, formed by rapid thermal nitridation of a sputter-deposited titanium film, has been demonstrated to be effective as a diffusion barrier and as a low resistance contact material for VLSI submicron metallization. An optimization experiment, designed using the RS/Discover software package, was used to identify a metallization process that minimized p+ resistance as well as maximized barrier capability. Source/drain implant doses, as-deposited titanium film thickness, and rapid thermal processing parameters were the factors varied in the experiment. Of particular significance is a comparison of the effects of a two-step versus one-step rapid thermal anneal on control of the TiN/TiSi2 thickness ratio. A TiN layer of sufficient thickness for barrier integrity and adequate consumption of implant damage in the formation of the TiSi2 layer are desired. Electrical and thermal stability measurements of the resultant AlSiCu/TiN/TiSi2 p+ contact system are presented.
Reversible Visible-Light Photooxidation of an Oxomanganese Water-Oxidation Catalyst Covalently Anchored to TiO2 Nanoparticles†

Several polynuclear transition-metal complexes, including our own dinuclear di-μ-oxo manganese compound [H(2)O(terpy)Mn(III)(μ-O)(2)Mn(IV)(terpy)H(2)O](NO(3))(3) (1, terpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), have been reported to be homogeneous catalysts for water oxidation. This paper reports the covalent attachment of 1 onto nanoparticulate TiO(2) surfaces using a robust chromophoric linker L. L, a phenylterpy ligand attached to a 3-phenyl-acetylacetonate anchoring moiety via an amide bond, absorbs visible light and leads to photoinduced interfacial electron transfer into the TiO(2) conduction band. We characterize the electronic and structural properties of the 1-L-TiO(2) assemblies by using a combination of methods, including computational modeling and UV-visible, IR, and EPR spectroscopies. We show that the Mn(III,IV) state of 1 can be reversibly advanced to the Mn(IV,IV) state by visible-light photoexcitation of 1-L-TiO(2) nanoparticles (NPs) and recombines back to the Mn(III,IV) state in the dark, in the absence of electron scavengers. Our findings also indicate that a high degree of crystallinity of the TiO(2) NPs is essential for promoting photooxidation of the adsorbates by photoinduced charge separation when the TiO(2) NPs serve as electron acceptors in artificial photosynthetic assemblies. The reported results are particularly relevant to the development of photocatalytic devices for oxidation chemistry based on inexpensive materials (e.g., TiO(2) and Mn complexes) that are robust under aqueous and oxidative conditions.
Photochemistry of quinone diazides. Intramolecular oxygen transfer and carbenoid addition during photolysis of N-allylsulfonamido quinone diazides

Abstract An indole quinone diazide, 5-(N-allylsulfonamido)-4-diazo-3-methyl-4,-7-dihydroindol-7-one, which is a potential precursor of a spiro -cyclopropane-indol-7-one structure has been prepared. A study of its photolysis and that of a model compound has identified oxygen transfer from the sulfonamido substituent as a process which competes with intramolecular carbenoid addition.
Vaccination with vif-deleted feline immunodeficiency virus provirus, GM-CSF, and TNF-α plasmids preserves global CD4 T lymphocyte function after challenge with FIV

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) DNA vaccine approaches that included a vif-deleted FIV provirus (FIV-pPPRΔvif) and feline cytokine expression plasmids were tested for immunogenicity and efficacy by immunization of specific pathogen free cats. Vaccine protocols included FIV-pPPRΔvif plasmid alone; a combination of FIV-pPPRΔvif DNA and feline granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression plasmids; or a combination of FIV-pPPRΔvif and feline interleukin (IL)-15 plasmids. Cats immunized with FIV-pPPRΔvif, GM-CSF and TNF-α plasmids demonstrated an increased frequency of FIV-specific T cell proliferation responses compared to other vaccine groups. Immunization with FIV-pPPRΔvif and IL-15 plasmids was distinguished from other vaccine protocols by the induction of antiviral antibodies. Suppression of virus loads was not observed for any of the FIV-pPPRΔvif DNA vaccine protocols after challenge with the FIV-PPR isolate. However, prior immunization with FIV-pPPRΔvif, GM-CSF, and TNF-α plasmids resulted in preservation of CD4 T cell functions, including mitogen-induced cytokine expression and antigen-specific proliferation upon infection with FIV. These findings justify further examination of cytokine combinations as adjuvants for lentiviral DNA vaccines.
Laser processing of plasma-sprayed coatings

Abstract Laser processing of plasma-sprayed Stellite coatings has been shown to produce microstructural changes which results in improved wear and corrosion performance. Detailed microstructural and microchemical studies of coatings before and after laser processing shown enhancement of coating chemical homogeneity and strength, elimination of coating oxide content and porosity, and development of metallurgical bonding at the coating-substrate interface for better coating adhesion. The laser-processing-microstructure relationships and the implications of these microstructural changes with respect to the properties of the coating are discussed.
Direct analysis of blood, urine, sea water, filter paper, and polyethylene by atomic absorption spectrometry with the "hollow-T" atomizer.

Abstract The hollow-T atomizer developed for atomic absorption spectrometry greatly reduce chemical interferences and background absortion. The widespread utility of the atomizer has been demonstrated by carrying out direct analyses on untreated samples of blood, urine, polyethylene, filter paper and sea water.
A new method for the measurement of brain surface movement. Technical note.

✓ An easily used, sensitive, and highly accurate method of measuring movement of the exposed brain surface is described. The technique may be useful to both neurophysiologists and neurosurgeons.
Stimulation of efferent olivocochlear bundle causes release from low level masking.

PREVIOUS physiological study of the olivocochlear bundle, or bundle of Rasmussen—a major part of the extensive efferent system innervating the cochlea—has provided no convincing evidence of the function of this system. By contrast, behavioural experiments have shown that the crossed component of the olivocochlear bundle (COCB) is involved in the perception of pitch1 and in the discrimination between complex auditory stimuli in the presence of noise2.
Electrospun Nanopaper and its Applications to Microsystems

A new method of preparing Nylon-66 nanopaper using electrospun nonwoven nanofiber and fiber fusing is presented. The fusing temperature for Nylon-66 nanofiber was found to be 190°C. Both carbon and glass fiber reinforced nanopapers were prepared. The unreinforced Nylon-66 nanopaper of areal density 4.5 g/m2 had a modulus and strength of 681 MPa and 92.8 MPa, respectively, while the unfused nanopaper had 430 MPa and 59.3 MPa, respectively. This increase was attributed to fusing of randomly oriented fibers. Several types of insect wings, namely FlyTech dragonfly and Deadalus flight system wings, were fabricated and tested for their flyability. Vibration test was conducted to measure the wing stiffness by matching the measured first natural frequency to the stiffness.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa L.) Seed Storage Proteins

Brazil nut storage proteins, 2S albumin, 7S vicilin, and an 11S legumin, were purified using column chromatography. Analytical ultracentrifugation of the purified albumin, vicilin, and legumin proteins, respectively, registered sedimentation coefficients of 1.8, 7.1, and 11.8 S. Under reducing conditions, the major polypeptide bands in 2S albumin were observed at 6.4, 10−11, and 15.2 kDa. The 7S globulin was composed of one 12.6 kDa, two ∼38−42 kDa, and two ∼54−57 kDa polypeptides, whereas the 11S globulin contained two major classes of polypeptides: ∼30−32 and ∼20−21 kDa. The 7S globulin stained positive when reacted with Schiff reagent, indicating that it is a glycoprotein. The estimated molecular mass and Stokes radius for 2S albumin and 7S and 11S globulins were 19.2 kDa and 20.1 A, 114.8 kDa and 41.1 A, and 289.4 kDa and 56.6 A, respectively. Circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis indicated the secondary structure of the three proteins to be mainly β-sheets and turns. Emission fluorescence spectra...
On the Control of Prolactin and Growth Hormone Synthesis in Rat Pituitary Glands

Pituitary gland prolactin and growth hormone content are decreased in rats bearing certain hormone-secreting pituitary tumors. The present study shows that this is the result of decreased hormone synthesis and not increased release of pituitary gland hormones. Pituitary glands were incubated in vitro in tissue culture Medium 199 containing leucine-4,5-3H. Aliquots from pituitary gland homogenates and incubation medium were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the optical density and radioactivity in the protein bands measured. The synthesis of hormones was observed for varying time periods up to 21 hr. Labeled prolactin appears in the medium promptly and is not retained in the gland, whereas growth hormone is largely retained in the gland. Both hormones are synthesized at comparable rates. Glands from rats with tumors MtTW5, StW5 or 7315a synthesized prolactin at a rate approximately 50% that found in control glands. No change in the pattern of prolactin release was found in glands from tum...
Effect of exercise on the factor VIII complex: a correlation of the Von Willebrand antigen and factor VIII coagulant antigen increase.

Abstract Ten volunteers ran 3/4 miles as fast as possible and blood was drawn prior to and immediately following the exercise. Plasma factor VIII coagulant activity rose an average of 187% while the factor VIII coagulant antigen rose only an average of 107% and correlated better with the two-stage clotting assay (102%) and the von Willebrand factor antigen (115%). It is concluded that the disproportionate rise in factor VIII procoagulant activity above the von Willebrand factor is observed only when using the one-stage factor VIII clotting assay.
Phasic alterations in dopamine metabolites following continuous administration of amphetamine.

Abstract Rats were treated with slow-release (+)-amphetamine pellets for 7 days and then sacrificed at various times following pellet removal. Pellet-treated animals had decreased dopamine levels in caudate but not nucleus accumbens, with no recovery even 30 days after pellet removal. In both caudate and accumbens the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were decreased at the time of pellet removal, then increased shorly after pellet removal, and were again decreased at 10 and 30 days after pellet removal. These fluctuations may reflect cyclical alterations in dopamine receptors following continuous amphetamine.
Calcium accumulation in apple fruit infected with Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Wint

Abstract The effect of infection by the apple scab fungus Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Wint. on calcium accumulation in apple fruit was evaluated. Although water loss from scab-infected apples was greater than that from non-infected fruit, calcium accumulation was not found to be related to such water movement. The calcium content of plugs of fruit tissue under scab infections was found to be greater than that of adjoining uninfected tissue. The respiration rate of scab-infected tissue was found to be higher than that of adjoining uninfected tissue. Histochemical studies of scab-infected tissue showed greater calcium accumulation in cork cells produced as a result of the infection.
Human Operators and Supply Chain Disruptions: A Longitudinal Study of Truck Driver Accidents

Large-truck accidents disrupt supply chain flows, and often result in devastating losses including personal injuries, deaths, and property damage. In this study, we hypothesize four managerially co...
Evapotranspiration Crop Coefficients for Cattail and Bulrush

Accurate estimates of evapotranspiration from constructed wetlands are required to establish design flow estimates and to assess the effectiveness of wetland water quality amelioration. Water consumption by two wetland plant species, Typha latifoilia (broadleaf cattail) and Scoenoplectus acutus (hardstem bulrush), was measured in a greenhouse for eight months. Measurements of actual evapotranspiration (ETC) from replicates of both plant treatments were related to potential evaporation (ET0) as approximated by evaporation from saturated gravel beds. Ratios of ETC to ET0 were used to develop crop coefficients (Kc) for each plant species. The relationship between cattail ETC/ET0 and the ratio of vegetative to open water surface area (SV/S0) agreed with previous investigations. A linear relationship was used to account for advective energy fluxes due to peripheral canopy area. Cattail crop coefficients were scaled according to this relationship. The resulting scaled crop coefficient curve may be transferable ...
Pricing of Bandwidth and Communication On-Demand Services

Technology is available to provide bandwidth-on-demand services. These services enable a host of new applications that users value and they should generate new revenues for the network operators.
MITOCHONDRIA, GLUTAMATE NEUROTOXICITY AND THE DEATH CASCADE

Abstract This review focuses on two questions: the role of mitochondria in excitotoxic neuronal death and the connection of mitochondria with the apoptotic death cascade. The goal is to highlight the regulatory role of mitochondrial channels on the mitochondrial membrane potential, Δψ, and their involvement in determining neuronal survival or death. A hypothesis is developed centered on the notion that protein–protein interactions between members of the Bcl-2 family of death suppressor and promoter proteins lead to the selective elimination of depolarizing currents that, in turn, collapse Δψ and set in motion the irreversible pathway of cell death. The model considers the remarkable propensity of Bcl-2 family proteins to dimerize or oligomerize and thereby restrict the localization of partner molecules to mitochondrial membrane contact sites. The fundamental principle invoked here is that through a concerted set of protein–protein interactions, information is exchanged by specific heterodimers, one of the partners acting as a toxic protein and the second as its antidote. The review concludes with the elaboration of a speculative model about cellular mechanisms for the prevention of cell destruction as triggered by extracellular signals which may be conserved in its molecular design from bacteria to eukaryotes.
Radiographic studies of Sitophilus zeamais Mots. in wheat kernels

Abstract Ninety-nine wheat kernels infested by Sitophilus zeamais Mots., were radiographed daily, to study development from egg to adult and behavior of the insects within the kernels. Enlarged photographic prints were prepared from these radiographs to facilitate interpretation. Instars were identified by examining prints and by measuring the widths of tunnels on radiographs and also by measuring the widths of the head capsules of the larvae dissected from kernels. On hatching, each larva was observed to increase the width of the tunnel for a few days, then for 1–3 days the width of the tunnel remained static after which it was again widened. There were four periods of tunnel widening. Since there were four corresponding distinct sizes of head capsules for larvae dissected from kernels, we conclude that the four periods of tunnel widening represent the periods of larval growth and that the periods of static tunnel width define the time of moulting. The average widths of tunnels were successively 0·33, 0·55, 0·90 and 1·49 mm. The mean developmental periods for stadia 1–4 at 27°C and 69 ± 3% r.h. were 3·6, 4·7, 4·8 and 5 days, respectively. Average developmental periods for prepupa, pupa and pre-emerged adult stages were 1, 5·3 and 5·3 days. The average length of the developmental cycle from the start of a 3-day oviposition period to emergence of the adult was 36·3 days. Of the eggs in dissected kernels, 42, 37 and 21 per cent were deposited in endosperm, germ perimeter, and germ center of the kernels, respectively. Of 26 emerged adults, 6 prepared the pupal chamber in one side of the kernel; 8 diagonally across the crease; and 12 parallel to the crease but occupying portions of both kernel halves. Data obtained from these studies are compared with data from previous radiographic studies of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and S. granarius (L.).
Children's schooling and parents' behavior: Evidence from the Head Start Impact Study

Abstract Parents may have important effects on their children, but little work in economics explores whether children's schooling opportunities crowd out or encourage parents' investment in children. We analyze data from the Head Start Impact Study, which granted randomly chosen preschool-aged children the opportunity to attend Head Start. We find that Head Start causes a substantial increase in parents' involvement with their children—such as time spent reading to children, math activities, or days spent with children by fathers who do not live with their children—both during and after the period when their children are potentially enrolled in Head Start.
Electron channelling effects at high incident angles in convergent beam reflection high energy electron diffraction

Abstract The continuous arcs which occur near the region of the zero Laue zone in CB-RHEED patterns have been observed from TiO 2 (100) and (110) surfaces with the electron beam at relatively high incident angles and oriented at nearly zero azimuthal directions with respect to the principal zone axes of the crystal surfaces. These arcs follow the traces of a series of confocal parabolas and are interpreted as arising from two-dimensional channelling effects associated with the excitation of waves propagating along the lattice planes perpendicular to the crystal surfaces. Investigations have been made on the behaviors of these arcs as a function of convergence angle, incident angle and azimuthal angle of the electron beam. These experiments, carried out on a Zeiss 912 transmission electron microscope operated at 120 kV with an Omega energy filter, show that the arcs are produced from the elastic scattering of primary electrons, rather than from the inelastic plasmon scattering or thermal diffuse scattering. The continuity of these arcs and their relative intensities provide evidence that there is no interference between the electrons channelling in adjacent lattice planes.
A Perspective on the Use of Semi-Infinite Optimization in Control System Design

Parametric optimization is a powerful tool for the selection of favorable values for design variables, which is being used more and more extensively in various engineering disciplines. In linear control system design, unconstrained parametric optimization has been used for at least twenty years, or more precisely, at least since the introduction of the linear-quadratic regulator problem. However, the fact that parametric optimization was being used was obscured by the derivation of the solution to the linear quadratic regulator problem by means of optimal control theoretic tools, rather than mathematical programming theoretic tools. Nevertheless, it is true that the optimal gain matrix for the linear-quadratic regulator problem is a solution to an unconstrained parametric optimization problem of the form min f(K) (1.1) KRn×Rn where f (K) is the largest eigenvalue of a symmetric matrix of the form ?? 0 exp[t(A+BK]T (Q+KT RK)exp[t(A+BK]dt (1.2) with Q symmetric and positive semi-definite and R symmetric and positive definite. In keeping with the state of the art in constrained optimization of the sixties (see e.g., [Ath.1, Kwa.1]), the cost function f(K), in the linear quadratic regulator problem, expresses a penalty function approach to the satisfaction of performance requirments. The use of penalty functions in the linear quadratic regulator setting severely limits the designer's ability to satisfy complex time and frequency domain performance requirements. Over the last decade a much more powerful approach has become possible with the development of semi-infinite optimization algorithms for engineering design (see e.g., [Gon.1, Pol.1, Pol.2, Pol.3]).
Synthesis of nanoscale mesoporous silica spheres with controlled particle size

A simple one-step procedure is described for the synthesis of spherical mesoporous silica, in which the size of the particles is controlled over a range of diameters from 65 to 740 nm by varying the initial silicate/surfactant concentration under dilute conditions. The particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and liquid nitrogen adsorption. Synthesis using a charged template, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, under aqueous conditions yielded particles of irregular spherical shape with highly ordered mesoporous channels. Synthesis under ethanol/water cosolvent conditions yielded smooth spheres with a starburst mesopore structure extending from the center of the particle to the circumference. All materials were thermally stable and exhibited two steps in their liquid nitrogen isotherms corresponding to reversible channel filling and non-reversible adsorption between particles. Mesopore volumes varied from 0.64 to 0.93 cm3 g-1 and surface areas varied from 917 to ...
Reinventing the Inca Past: The Kingdom of Quito, Atahualpa and the Creation of Ecuadorian National Identity

This article examines the efforts of historians and archeologists to rethink the role of pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations in the Ecuadorian past in the context of the ambiguity over the Inca legacy generated by rising nationalist tensions with Peru. The article focuses on the debate over the Kingdom of Quito, argued by the Jesuit Priest Juan de Velasco in his classic 18th-century text to have been a culturally advanced and technologically sophisticated civilization that occupied the territory north of Quito for centuries prior to the arrival of the Inca, and to have ferociously resisted their invasion. The idea of the Kingdom of Quito formed a key part of nationalist mythology during the 19th century, but came under scientific attack in the early 20th century as archeological methods advanced. This challenge to the foundational legend came at the very moment that the conflict with Peru over the Amazonian border made it more politically important than ever to trace resistance to Peruvian encroachment...
The Novelist as Heroine in Mansfield Park A Study in Autobiography

Mansfield Park is Jane Austen’s Vanity Fair. Almost everyone in it is selfish: self-absorbed, self-indulgent, and vain. This helps make it her most unpleasant novel — and her most controversial. For years critics have exercised themselves trying to explain, justify, expound, or attack its moral slant. Misreadings of the book by otherwise sensible men and women are legion: Mansfield Park “continually and essentially holds up the vicious as admirable,” says Kingsley Amis.1 Commentators complacently discuss the expulsion of wit and scourging of irony in Mansfield Park, pronounce Fanny Price a failure, and conclude that the novel as a whole must be one too. The book is supposed somehow to be “different” — not at all, really, Jane Austen’s sort of thing, and thus requiring a good deal of explanation.
Evaluation of the Stress Adjustment and Adaptation Model Among Families Reporting Economic Pressure

ABSTRACT This research evaluates the Stress Adjustment and Adaptation Model (double ABCX model) examining the effects resiliency resources on family functioning when families experience economic pressure. Families (N = 128) with incomes at or below the poverty line from a rural area of a southern state completed measures of perceived economic pressure, family hardiness, social support, and the McMaster Family Assessment device. The family resiliency model was evaluated using regression and two path analyses. Results of the model evaluation indicate that when family resiliency resources are introduced economic pressure is not a significant stressor influencing family functioning. Family resiliency is a key to the healthy functioning of the family unit moderating distress and decreasing the negative effects associated with economic pressure. Implications for social work practice to enhance family resiliency using community and personal supports are discussed.