cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Materials Characterization—Vital and Often Successful, Yet Still a Critical Problem

A 1967 report of the National Materials Advisory Board (NMAB) on “The Characterization of Materials” gives the definition of characterization as follows: “Characterization describes those features of the composition and structure (including defects) of a material that are significant for a particular preparation, study of properties, or use, and suffice for the reproduction of the material.”
Effect of l-Homoserine on the Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

l-Homoserine was observed to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the metabolism of M. tuberculosis, l-homoserine was found to be a precursor of threonine, isoleucine, and methionine. l-Homoserine-inhibited cells contained elevated levels of the enzyme acetohydroxy acid synthetase. In addition, washed cell suspensions of M. tuberculosis formed significant amounts of alpha-amino-n-butyric acid from supplements of l-homoserine. dl-Alpha-amino-n-butyric acid proved to be much more inhibitory for growth than l-homoserine. Growth antagonism by l-homoserine was reversed by l-lysine, l-threonine, and combinations of l-leucine with l-valine. At the cellular level, these amino acids reduced the amount of acetohydroxy acid synthetase in cells grown with l-homoserine and competed with dl-homoserine-4-14C for entrance into the extractable cell pool. l-Isoleucine also antagonized the conversion of l-homoserine to alpha-amino-n-butyric acid. Available data indicated that the effect of l-homoserine was related to its conversion to alpha-amino-n-butyric acid which subsequently inhibited growth
Surface Monitoring of Microseismicity at the Decatur, Illinois, CO2 Sequestration Demonstration Site

Sequestration of CO2 into subsurface reservoirs can play an important role in limiting future emission of CO2 into the atmosphere (e.g., Benson and Cole, 2008). For geologic sequestration to become a viable option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, large‐volume injection of supercritical CO2 into deep sedimentary formations is required. These formations offer large pore volumes and good pore connectivity and are abundant (Bachu, 2003; U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources Assessment Team, 2013). However, hazards associated with injection of CO2 into deep formations require evaluation before widespread sequestration can be adopted safely (Zoback and Gorelick, 2012). One of these hazards is the potential to induce seismicity on pre‐existing faults or fractures. If these faults or fractures are large and critically stressed, seismic events can occur with magnitudes large enough to pose a hazard to surface installations and, possibly more critical, the seal integrity of the cap rock. The Decatur, Illinois, carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration site is the first, and to date, only CCS project in the United States that injects a large volume of supercritical CO2 into a regionally extensive, undisturbed saline formation. The first phase of the Decatur CCS project was completed in November 2014 after injecting a million metric tons of supercritical CO2 over three years. This phase was led by the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) and included seismic monitoring using deep borehole sensors, with a few sensors installed within the injection horizon. Although the deep borehole network provides a more comprehensive seismic catalog than is presented in this paper, these deep data are not publically available. We contend that for monitoring induced microseismicity as a possible seismic hazard and to elucidate the general patterns of microseismicity, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) surface and shallow borehole …
Wavelength conversion using N=2 soliton decay and recovery in fiber, initiated by step changes in dispersion

The decay of N=2 solitons, initiated by a step dispersion change, is shown to form stable pulse pairs whose wavelengths are shifted to either side of the input wavelength. Partial soliton recovery is also demonstrated.
Supernumerary molars in anthropoidea, adapidae, and Archaeolemur: Implications for primate dental homologies

The model of primate dental homologies and development recently proposed by Schwartz ('75, '78) is re-evaluated in view of documented exceptions to his account of postcanine supernumerary teeth in both anthropoids and prosimians. Schwartz concluded that catarrhines and living indriids retain only two true molars in each dental quadrant. As many as six molars on one side of the jaw can develop in rare instances in catarrhines, and supernumerary molars are also known for a wide range of other primates, including Cebidae, Adapidae, and subfossil Indriidae. Polydontia cannot be explained exclusively by atavistic development. More convincing explanations regard supernumerary teeth as the result of excessive growth of the dental lamina or localized twinning of tooth buds during early development. Conventional dental formulae of catarrhines and indriids including three permanent molars remain the most plausible.
Compassion and research in compassionate use.

In this issue of American Journal of Bioethics, Walker and colleagues (2014) discuss the issue of expanded access programs, or “compassionate use” that makes it possible for patients to get access ...
Regulation of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in a newly-established human breast carcinoma cell line

Abstract UISO-BCA-1 human breast carcinoma cell lines, established and characterized in our own laboratory, were used to study both oxidative and reductive pathways of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-OH-SDH). This enzyme has been suggested to catalyze conversion of both estrone to estradiol and estradiol to estrone. In order to determine the natural preferred enzymic pathway, the enzymic activity was assayed in intact cell monolayers. In these cells, reduction of estrone to estradiol was 7-fold higher than oxidation of estradiol to estrone. For the reductive pathway, the apparent Michaelis-Menten ( K m ) was 5.5 μM, and for the oxidative pathway, it was 14.3 μM. The enzymic conversion of estrone to estradiol was enhanced by 72 h treatment with estrone, estradiol and R5020, dehydroepiandrosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. On the other hand, oxidation of estradiol to estrone was stimulated by estradiol + R5020, but inhibited by estrone treatment. The results of the kinetic study, and regulation by various steroids in the present study, indicate that oxidation of estradiol or reduction of estrone is probably mediated via different forms of 17β-OH-SDH.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Pancreatic Cancer

Background Somatic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are increasingly being recognized in many human cancers, but automated sequencing of 16.5 kb of DNA poses an onerous task. We have recently described an oligonucleotide microarray (MitoChip) for rapid and accurate sequencing of the entire mitochondrial genome (Zhou et al., J Mol Diagnostics, 8: 9_14, 2006), greatly facilitating the analysis of mtDNA mutations in cancer. In this report, we perform a comprehensive cataloging of somatic mutations in the mitochondrial genome of human pancreatic cancers using our novel array-based approach.
Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88-dependent Transcriptional Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression by CpG DNA: ROLE OF NF-κB AND p38

CpG DNA induces macrophage cyclooxgenase-2 (Cox-2) production. In this study, we have investigated a biochemical signaling pathway and transcription factors responsible for transcriptional regulation of the Cox-2 gene expression induced by CpG DNA. CpG DNA-induced Cox-2 promoter activity was completely inhibited by an endosomal acidification inhibitor (chloroquine), a TLR9 antagonist inhibitory CpG DNA, or overexpression of a dominant negative (DN) form of MyD88. In contrast, overexpression of DN-IRAK1 or DN-TRAF6 only partially inhibited CpG DNA-induced Cox-2 promoter activity and NF-κB activation, indicating the presence of additional signaling modulators downstream of MyD88. CpG DNA-induced Cox-2 promoter activity was substantially suppressed in cells overexpressing super-suppressive IκB (IκB-arachidonic acid), DN-p38, or DN-CREB. In addition, Cox-2 promoter-luciferase reporters with alterations in predicted cis-acting transcriptional regulatory elements revealed that C/EBP, Ets-1, NF-κB, and CREB-binding sites are essential for optimal Cox-2 expression in response to CpG DNA. Conclusively, these results demonstrate that endosomal DNA processing and TLR9/MyD88-dependent activation of NF-κB and p38 are required for transcriptional regulation of Cox-2 expression induced by CpG DNA, and suggest that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase and/or TRAF6 may be a diverging point for NF-κB activation in response to CpG DNA in RAW264.7 cells.
Superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics but not MAP kinase inhibitors are neuroprotective against oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced neuronal death in hippocampus

Although oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) has been widely used as a model of ischemic brain damage, the mechanisms underlying acute neuronal death in this model are not yet well understood. We used OGD in acute hippocampal slices to investigate the roles of reactive oxygen species and of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in neuronal death. In particular, we tested the neuroprotective effects of two synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics, EUK-189 and EUK-207. Acute hippocampal slices prepared from 2-month-old or postnatal day 10 rats were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation for 2 h followed by 2.5 h reoxygenation. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in the medium and propidium iodide (PI) uptake were used to evaluate cell viability. EUK-189 or EUK-207 applied during the OGD and reoxygenation periods decreased LDH release and PI uptake in slices from 2-month-old rats. EUK-189 or EUK-207 also partly blocked OGD-induced ATP depletion and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) dephosphorylation, and completely eliminated reactive oxygen species generation. The MEK inhibitor U0126 applied together with EUK-189 or EUK-207 completely blocked ERK1/2 activation, but had no effect on their protective effects against OGD-induced LDH release. U0126 alone had no effect on OGD-induced LDH release. EUK-207 had no effect on OGD-induced p38 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase dephosphorylation, and when the p38 inhibitor SB203580 was applied together with EUK-207, it had no effect on the protective effects of EUK-207. SB203580 alone had no effect on OGD-induced LDH release either. In slices from p10 rats, OGD also induced high-LDH release that was partly reversed by EUK-207; however, neither OGD nor EUK-207 produced significant changes in ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. OGD-induced spectrin degradation was not modified by EUK-189 or EUK-207 in slices from p10 or 2-month-old rats, suggesting that their protective effects was not mediated through inhibition of calpain activation. Thus, both EUK-189 and EUK-207 provide neuroprotection in acute ischemic conditions, and this effect is related to elimination of free radical formation and partial reversal of ATP depletion, but not mediated by the activation or inhibition of the MEK/ERK or p38 pathways, or inhibition of calpain activation.
Rapid seismic reflection imaging at the Clovis period Gault site in central Texas

Using a modified seismic reflection imaging system with rapid translation of receivers, stratigraphic profiles were collected at the Gault site in central Texas. For rapid data collection, spikeless geophone receivers were placed in sand-filled bags at tight spacing, and these receivers were rapidly pulled along the ground surface between shots. Shots were produced by a small hammer strike to a vertical pipe at 20-cm intervals. High quality ultrashallow seismic reflection profiles were collected at a rate of 25 m h−1, significantly faster than what is possible with conventional seismic reflection imaging using individually planted geophones. Ground-penetrating radar was attempted, but abandoned owing to the poor penetration of the radar signals in the clay soils present at the Gault site. Electromagnetic induction grids were collected surrounding each seismic reflection profile, and provided information on near-surface ground water. Seismic reflection images of Gault site stratigraphy provided greater depth penetration than accessible from backhoe trenching and coring, and helped to better outline the site geological context. Seismic images reveal coherent reflections at shallow depths (0–2.5 m), and extensive scattering at deeper levels (2.5–8 m), underlain by reflection-free zones. These data are interpreted as clay and gravel layers overlaying palaeostream channels carved into the limestone bedrock. Where comparative data were available, the geophysical findings were corroborated by observations of site stratigraphy in archaeological excavation units, backhoe trenches and cores. Seismic reflection studies at the Gault site revealed a palaeochannel filled with pre-Clovis age sediments. Pre-Clovis age sediments are not known to occur at other locations within the Gault site. They provide a unique opportunity to test for cultural remains of great antiquity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective pneumogram recordings in preterm infants with and without clinical apnea and bradycardia

Recordings of breathing movements and heart rate (pneumograms) were obtained prospectively in 89 preterm infants at 0-28 days of age to determine if those who develop apnea and/or bradycardia with cyanosis (Group 1) differ from those who do not (Group 2). The 148 pneumograms were blindly analyzed for periodic breathing, bradycardia, longest apnea, and quiet time. Pneumograms were compared between groups at weekly intervals during the first 4 weeks. Significant differences were found among infants who had pneumograms recorded during the 1st week of life. Although mean gestational age and mean postconceptional age at recording were similar, birthweight and weight at recording were significantly lower in Group 1 infants. Total time spent in periodic breathing and the longest episode of periodic breathing were significantly greater in Group 1 infants. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant independent relationships between birthweight and periodic breathing at less than or equal to 7 days of age and the occurrence of symptomatic apnea and/or bradycardia. It is concluded that preterm infants who develop apnea and/or bradycardia with cyanosis have a lower mean birthweight and mean weight at recording at less than or equal to 7 days of age than similar asymptomatic preterm infants. Periodic breathing at less than or equal to 7 days of age is associated with the occurrence of clinical symptoms of apnea and/or bradycardia. Normal pneumogram values for groups of 6-21 asymptomatic preterm infants are provided for the first 4 weeks of life.
Mass and momentum transfer in hollow fibre blood oxygenators

Abstract Mass transfer and friction factor correlations for microporous hollow fibre blood oxygenators (BOs) have been determined experimentally. Water and glycerol water solutions were used as a substitute for blood. The diffusion of oxygen into and out of water and glycerol water solutions has been studied. The liquid stream flowed outside and across bundles of woven hollow fibres while the gas stream flowed inside the fibres. In previous studies, it has been assumed that the Sherwood number varies with the one-third power of the Schmidt number. By conducting experiments using various glycerol water mixtures the kinematic viscosity of the liquid and the diffusivity of oxygen in the liquid phase have been varied. The results obtained here experimentally confirm the dependence of the Sherwood number on the Schmidt number raised to the one-third power. The experimental mass transfer and friction factor results for hollow fibre BOs are compared to the j factor analysis presented by Chilton and Colburn. These results may be used to further optimize the design of BOs.
Stress from crystallization of salt

The thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing crystallization pressure are reviewed for cases including capillary rise and evaporation, cyclic wetting and drying, and hydration of cement. Under equilibrium conditions, where the crystal is surrounded by a film of solution, high stresses are expected only in small pores, but when that film is discontinuous (as may occur during drying), high stresses can arise even in large pores. High crystallization pressure requires a substantial supersaturation of the pore liquid. In the case of sodium sulfate, supersaturation results from the difference in solubility between the anhydrate and decahydrate phases; for ettringite, supersaturation may develop following the cooling from elevated temperatures. During the hydration of Portland cement, crystallization pressure may result from the growth of ettringite and/or calcium hydroxide.
A pseudo-genetic algorithm suited to compositional data

Genetic algorithms can solve least-squares problems where local minima may trap more traditional methods. Although genetic algorithms are applicable to compositional as well as noncompositional data, the standard implementation treats compositional data awkwardly. A need to decode, renormalize, then reincode the fitted parameters to regain a composition is not only computationally costly, but may thwart convergence. A modification to the genetic algorithm, described here, adapts the tools of reproduction, crossover, and mutation to compositional data. The modification consists of replacing crossover with a linear mixture of two parents and replacing mutation with a linear mixture of one of the members of the breeding population and a randomly generated individual. By using continuously evolving populations, rather than discrete generations, reproduction is no longer required. As a test of this new approach, a mixture of four Gaussian functions with given means and variances are deconvolved to recover their mixing proportions.
The Common A467T Mutation in the Human Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase (POLG) Compromises Catalytic Efficiency and Interaction with the Accessory Subunit

Among the nearly 50 disease mutations in the gene for the catalytic subunit of human DNA polymerase gamma, POLG, the A467T substitution is the most common and has been found in 0.6% of the Belgian population. The A467T mutation is associated with a wide range of mitochondrial disorders, including Alpers syndrome, juvenile spinocerebellar ataxia-epilepsy syndrome, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia, each with vastly different clinical presentations, tissue specificities, and ages of onset. The A467T mutant enzyme possesses only 4% of wild-type DNA polymerase activity, and the catalytic defect is manifest primarily through a 6-fold reduction in kcat with minimal effect on exonuclease function. Human DNA polymerase gamma (pol gamma) requires association of a 55-kDa accessory subunit for enhanced DNA binding and highly processive DNA synthesis. However, the A467T mutant enzyme failed to interact with and was not stimulated by the accessory subunit, as judged by processivity, heat inactivation, and N-ethylmaleimide protection assays in vitro. Thermolysin digestion and immunoprecipitation experiments further indicate weak association of the subunits for A467T pol gamma. This is the first example of a mutation in POLG that disrupts physical association of the pol gamma subunits. We propose that reduced polymerase activity and loss of accessory subunit interaction are responsible for the depletion and deletion of mitochondrial DNA observed in patients with this POLG mutation.
Mutagenesis of the E1 Domain of Sindbis Virus Glycoprotein Alters its pH-Dependent Fusion

Sindbis virus pathogenesis can be affected by mutations at residues 75 and 237, individually or in combination, of the E1 domain of the viral glycoprotein. To understand the changes in fusion properties driven by these mutations, we constructed three new fusogen molecules (FMs) derived from the Sindbis virus glycoprotein (G75D, S237A and G75DS237A), and investigated their fusion activity using lentiviral nanovectors. The co-expression of FMs and antibodies on the viral particles, were shown to mediate viral transduction on targeted cells. We found that the G75D mutation enhances the transduction efficiency by broadening the pH range required for fusion. Conversely, the S237A mutation impairs infectivity; however, adding the G75D site mutation to this molecule (G75DS237A) was able to partially restore infectivity. We further demonstrate that G75D can initiate virus fusion in both the early and the late endosomes, while S237A requires that the virus be functionally transported to the late endosomes for fusi...
Intragenic TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in CICN4, between the loci for X linked ocular albinism (OA1) and microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome (MLS)

A TaqI RFLP was detected within the C1CN4 gene, which lies between the loci for OA1 and MLS. There were no observed recombinations between this RFLP and the OA1 mutation in three informative families. Thus, the marker will be useful for genetic counseling in OA1.
Release of Alzheimer Amyloid Precursor Derivatives Stimulated by Activation of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Altered processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a central event in the formation of amyloid deposits in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. To investigate whether cellular APP processing is controlled by cell-surface neurotransmitter receptors, human embryonic kidney (293) cell lines were transfected with the genes for human brain muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Stimulation of m1 and m3 receptor subtypes with carbachol increased the basal release of APP derivatives within minutes of treatment, indicating that preexisting APP is released in response to receptor activation. Receptor-activated APP release was blocked by staurosporine, suggesting that protein kinases mediate neurotransmitter receptor-controlled APP processing.
Effectiveness of the PECS Phase III app and choice between the app and traditional PECS among preschoolers with ASD

Abstract We investigated the efficacy of a tablet-computer-based Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) application for use with three preschoolers with ASD and investigated participant preference for the app versus traditional PECS (i.e., with a physical communication book) once the participants demonstrated minimal levels of mastery of both. We implemented a single-case multiple baseline design to determine the efficacy of the app. Results indicated that participants rapidly demonstrated above-chance level mastery of the app. Following mastery, two participants demonstrated a preference for the app, while the other preferred the traditional PECS communication book.
Effects of propargylic substitution and annelation on the cycloaromatization of a Bicyclo[7.3.1] enediyne

The cycloaromatization kinetics of two bicyclo[7.3.1] enediynes are presented. Silyl protection of a propargylic alcohol positioned on the enediyne core was found to moderate enediyne cycloaromatization. However, the presence of multiple fused ring systems exerts geometrical constraints that prevent cycloaromatization of the otherwise facile cyclization previously observed for the core system.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: technical advances and expanding applications.

Purpose of reviewTo review the foundations, recent technical advances, and increasing number of applications for in-vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).Recent findingsPGD is an important technique for reducing the burden of genetic disease. Studies have shown that the di
Two-photon absorption cross-sections of common photoinitiators

Recent interests in and applications of two-photon absorption (2PA) induced photopolymerization have afforded advanced opportunities to perform three-dimensionally resolved polymerization, resulting in intricate microfabrication and imaging. Many of the reported 2PA-induced polymerizations make use of commercially available photoinitiators, and a key parameter to consider is the two-photon absorption cross-section (δ) of the initiator. To date, there has been no comprehensive investigation of two-photon absorptivity of commercial photoinitiators, though a few studies presenting novel photoinitiators for two-photon polymerization have appeared. Herein, we report the 2PA properties of common, commercially available photoinitiators typically utilized in conventional radiation curing science and technologies, and often used in 2PA-based polymerizations. Z-scan and white-light continuum (WLC) pump–probe techniques were utilized to obtain two-photon absorption cross-sections ( δ). The results for most compounds were found to yield good agreement between the two methods. Most of the photoinitiators studied possess low δ, except Irgacure OXE01, indicating a need for the development of new photoinitiators with improved properties optimized for 2PA applications. A compound prepared in our laboratories exhibits high 2PA and was useful as a two-photon free-radical photoinitiator. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Status of NIF mirror technologies for completion of the NIF facility

The 1600 mirrors required for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are now coated with the last optics currently being installed. The combined surface area of the NIF mirrors is almost 450 square meters, roughly 3.4 times greater than the surface area of the two Keck primary mirrors. Additionally, the power handling specification of NIF mirrors is 19 orders of magnitude greater than that of the Keck mirrors. The NIF laser will be at least 40× greater energy than the previous LLNL fusion laser called NOVA. To manufacture these mirrors, a number of new technologies (electrolytic in-situ dressing, ion figuring, source stabilization) were used that were not available for previous fusion laser optics. Post deposition technologies designed to increase laser resistance (off-line laser conditioning, solarization, air knives) have also been utilized. This paper summarizes the differences in technologies used to manufacture NIF mirrors from those used for previous fusion lasers and examines potential future technologies that would enable higher fluence operations and extend lifetimes.
Increased compliance near vascular anastomoses.

Abstract Mismatch in mechanical properties (compliance mismatch) between host artery and prosthetic graft has been suggested as a cause of graft failure, but no mechanism linking the two has been identified. With the use of a simplified model based on isocompliant arterial grafts, pulsed ultrasound was used to generate detailed longitudinal profiles of diameter and compliance near the anastomoses. These longitudinal profiles revealed that although arterial diameter decreases monotonically to a minimal level at an anastomosis, arterial compliance first increases by approximately 50% before decreasing to 60% of the control value. This para-anastomotic hypercompliant zone (PHZ) is centered 3.6 mm from the anastomosis. PHZ also occurs in the artery adjacent to compliant or stiff grafts and is probably caused by transmitted effects of the suture line on the arterial wall. PHZ adds to any mismatch in compliance that already exists between artery and graft and can produce a compliance mismatch even between an artery and a nominally isocompliant prosthetic graft. It is hypothesized that PHZ, a region of increased cyclic stretch, promotes subintimal hyperplasia near anastomoses and may thus be a link between the mechanical properties of arteries and the failure of bypass grafts. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:419-23.)
'You're So Fat!': Exploring Ojibwe Discourse

'You're So Fat!': Exploring Ojibwe Discourse. Roger Spielmann. Toronto, Buffalo, and London: University of Toronto Press, 1998. xi. 280 pp.
Thermal characteristics of polylactic acid/wheat gluten blends

The interaction between polylactic acid (PLA) and wheat gluten (gluten) has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and phase contrast microscope. The primary DSC thermogram of gluten showed one glass transition (Tg) at 63C. Neat (pure) PLA also showed a Tg around the same temperature range followed by crystallization (Cry) and a melting (Mel) transition. Different PLA : gluten blends (20:80, 50:50, 80:20) showed a Tg followed by PLA Cry and immediate Mel transitions. However, subsequent heating-cooling cycling of the blend demonstrated a decrease in PLA Cry and Mel transitions and the appearance of a second Tg. The presence of gluten reduced the number of cycles needed to change PLA Cry structure to mostly amorphous. The low PLA Cry indicates an interaction between the two polymers. The TGA data showed slower PLA degradation compared with gluten, where 10% was degraded at 316C while 10% of the gluten degraded at 254C. Solid-state FTIR showed that amide I and II peaks significantly decreased signifying gluten-heat degradation. A strong peak, corresponding to ester formation between gluten and hydrolyzed gluten molecules, appeared at 1750/cm. The esterification increased in the presence of PLA. The phase contrast microscope demonstrated that the melting of PLA starts at 150C, which means that the continuous phase between 150 and 250C was the melted PLA. At 220C, gluten formed a thin layer; and at about 245C, it aggregated.
Short-Term Outcomes and Medical and Surgical Interventions in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Objective The aim of this study is to characterize medical and surgical therapies and short-term outcomes in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Study Design Retrospective analysis of CDH infants admitted to 27 children's hospitals submitting data to Children's Hospital Neonatal Database (CHND) from 2010 to 2013, stratified by gestational age, birth weight, and survival. Results A total of 572 infants were identified, 508 (89%) born ≥ 34 weeks' gestation and ≥ 2 kg. More mature infants had higher APGAR scores, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and were more likely to receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Overall, mortality for the cohort was 29%, with mortality lower in infants born ≥ 34 weeks' gestation and ≥ 2 kg (26 vs. 50%, p Conclusion Infants with CDH have a high risk of morbidity and mortality, and for preterm infants with CDH those risks are amplified. Patterns of respiratory and circulatory support appeared to be different for survivors. In addition to established data registries, this consortium of regional neonatal intensive care units provides a new collaborative effort to describe short-term outcomes for infants referred with CDH.
OXIRANYLCARBINYL REARRANGEMENT: THE EFFECT OF PRECURSOR STEREOCHEMISTRY

Abstract Rigid, bisected oxiranylcarbinyl mesylates solvolyzed via an apparent oxiranylcarbinyl cation which rearranged to a 2-oxahomoallyl cation, while the perpendicular isomers gave displacement with inversion.
Constitutive λ DNA replication by λc17, a regulatory mutant related to virulence

Abstract λc17 is a mutant of λ originally recognized by Pereira da Silva because of its nearly clear plaque morphology on a sensitive host and its ability to give virulence when combined in cis with certain cI mutations. Experiments are presented which show that c17 confers on the chromosome which carries it two unique and distinct properties: constitutive function of genes O and P and loss of normal sensitivity to replication inhibition. These properties lead to constitutive replication of λc17 DNA in the immune host and to host killing, even though λc17 does not lyse an immune host and release progeny phage unless it also carries a cI mutation. A model is presented to explain λc17cI virulence that proposes that those λc17 genes which are subject to cI repression in the immune host can be derepressed if phage replication produces too many phage chromosomes for the cI repressor to control. It is proposed that this derepression can occur only if the replicating element is unable to augment the level of free repressor produced by the prophage, i.e., if it contains a cI mutation.
Tumor growth patterns in multiple myeloma

Serial changes in tumor mass were evaluated in 61 patients with multiple myeloma who had received intermittent courses of melphalan-prednisone until death. The variations in the kinetics of tumor reduction and relapse could be explained by a mathematical model based on two cell populations, one sensitive to and one resistant to chemotherapy. For all responding patients, the median tumor halving-time was 1.3 months and the median doubling time was 2.9 months. The duration of a constant tumor mass during remission was brief in most patients. A larger fraction of resistant cells prior to therapy was associated with a slower tumor doubling-time during relapse. With a constant fractional reduction of sensitive cells and a tumor halving-time of one month or less, all cells sensitive to alkylating agents would be eliminated with 3 years of uninterrupted intermittent therapy.
Urodynamic Effects of Once-Daily Tadalafil in Men with LUTS Secondary to Clinical BPH

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common and increase with age in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Erectile dysfunction (ED) also increases with age and is often a comorbid condition with BPH. Treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors aimed at decreasing breakdown of nitric oxide (NO) is a mainstay of treatment for ED. Because NO has been found to mediate male prostatic and urinary function in multiple ways, there is increasing interest in PDE5 inhibitors addressing concomitant LUTS. Several studies have shown significant improvement in LUTS after treatment with PDE5 inhibitors; however, concern exists that PDE5 inhibitors exert their beneficial effects through impairment of bladder function. Because limited invasive urodynamic data exist to address these queries, tadalafil’s impact on bladder function was recently evaluated. Results indicate that tadalafil treatment had no negative impact on bladder function, as measured by detrusor pressure at maximum flow or any other urodynamic parameter assessed.
Vapor growth and characterization of Cr-doped CdS0.8Se0.2 single crystals

Abstract CdS0.8Se0.2 crystals doped with Cr2+ at a level of ∼1.2×1018 ions/cm3 were grown by the self-seeded physical vapor transport technique in vertical configuration. The ternary compound was synthesized from a stoichiometric mixture of vacuum sublimed CdS and CdSe. The growth temperature was 950°C and it produced a single crystal free of cracks and precipitates. The absorption peak maximum for Cr2+ ion was found to be at 1.85 μm and its intensity was used to determine the dopant concentration and its axial distribution. The axial and radial uniformity of the S/Se ratio were determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and found to be uniform throughout the ingot and practically identical to the composition of the source.
Human spumavirus replication in human cells

It was previously reported that the replication of the human syncytium-forming virus (HSFV), a spumavirus, occurred only in fibroblast-like cell lines (human fetal diploid lung #645 [HFDL]) but not in epithelial-like lines (recovered amnion) [RA]. Factors that may be involved in such a phenomenon were the subject of this investigation. While both permissive (HFDL) and nonpermissive (RA) cell lines supported the replication of several representative animal viruses and adsorbed HSFV equally well, immunofluorescent staining of HSFV antigens revealed markedly fewer fluorescing cells in nonpermissive cultures. Infectious center assays of infected nonpermissive cells indicated the formation of significantly fewer infectious centers. The rate of DNA synthesis was markedly greater in the permissive cell lines. In addition, in the permissive cell line, the amount of proviral DNA revealed by the Hirt procedure and isopycnic banding in CsCl was significantly increased and was infectious as determined by the calcium phosphate-DMSO transfection assay. These results indicate that resistance of HSFV infection in nonpermissive cell cultures is probably an intracellular event.
Fabrication and mechanical characterization of a force sensor based on an individual carbon nanotube

We demonstrate the design and calibration of an individual carbon nanotube (CNT) based mechanical force sensor for measuring cell wall compliance. The device fabrication and in situ mechanical characterization were carried out using a micromanipulator inside a scanning electron microscope. This simple device acts as a micro-cantilever beam and consists of a tungsten probe with a CNT attached to its tip, while the other end of the CNT supports a polystyrene microsphere. We have calculated the bending modulus of individual multi-walled carbon nanotubes from the calibration tests. These values agree with those available in the literature.
Surface materials: The frontier of solid state chemistry

Abstract Atomic scale studies of surfaces over the past 30 years greatly increased our knowledge of the chemical, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of surfaces. As a result, new technologies developed using these properties of surfaces, creating wealth, new scientific knowledge, and the need for new surface instrumentation with ever increasing time resolution, spatial and energy resolution. Over 60 techniques have been developed, most recently, those that can scrutinize, on the molecular level, the buried interfaces, solid–high pressure gas, solid–liquid, and solid–solid. The surface may be treated as a separate phase with different structure, composition and electronic properties. The new concepts of molecular surface science that were discovered include clean surface reconstruction, adsorbate induced restructuring, the high mobility of surface atoms at high pressures, and the unique importance of surface defects in controlling surface phenomena ranging from adsorption to heterogeneous catalysis. Future directions include studies of electrode surface under external potential conditions, polymer surfaces, studies of biomaterials, and studies of nanoclusters produced by chemical means or by electron beam lithography.
Spelling as a Cognitive-Developmental Linguistic Process:

In spelling we need to create a situation where the student has the opportunity to utilize all the cognitive tools at his disposal.
Deep Presidency: Toward a Structural Theory of an Unsustainable Office in a Catastrophic World—Obama and Beyond

Modern and postmodern theories of the presidency tend to place the American president on a continuum of power, asserting the need for either a more active or less active chief executive. From the seminal work of Richard Neustadt, celebrating the assertive president seeking to maximize power and leadership, through the contrasting view of historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and others who sought to restrict the reach of the executive, scholars have battled over the appropriate balance of power—particularly the executive-legislative scale. From an alternative critical/structural view of the office, this expansive-restrictive debate, while important, misses the central point that regardless of party, personality, or management style, all presidents seek the same structural goals. If, as Theodore Lowi has argued, the president is the “state personified,” then we need to ask how the capitalist state shapes and constrains the imperatives presidents must pursue, given our political economy and the ideology that su...
Comparision of Direct Quenching and Reheat Quenching Process on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a High Strength Steel

The effects of direct quenching and tempering (DQ-T) process and conventional reheat quenching and tempering (RQ-T) processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a high strength low alloy steel were investigated. In the as-quenched DQ steel, prior austenite grains are elongated parallel to the rolling direction, whereas the as-quenched RQ steel mainly consists of equiaxed grains; The DQ process was found to enhance the hardenability of steel effectively. The tensile strength and yield strength of DQ specimen, were higher than that of RQ specimen. In contrast, low temperature toughness of DQ-T specimen was generally inferior to that of RQ-T specimen.
Budget‐constrained high‐quality procurement strategies subject to risk

Addresses important logistical considerations in the distribution of a seasonal food product. While most organizations recognize that quality affects both demand and cost, the degree of uncertainty in the distribution channel itself, which impacts quality through management’s efforts to procure adequate stock of product during peak demand, must also be considered. Develops a stochastic dynamic programming formulation from which budget‐constrained order quantities may be determined. Shows that the distribution and timing of orders impacts on quality, which is measured by the shortage probability over the multiple period planning horizon. Provides a numerical example from which optimal solutions are obtained. Provides a basic framework from which decision support tools may be developed to assist in procuring a product in a distribution channel where receipt quantities are probabilistic.
Development of Novel Pharmacotherapeutics for Tobacco Dependence: Progress and Future Directions

Introduction: The vast majority of tobacco smokers seeking to quit will relapse within the first month of abstinence. Currently available smoking cessation agents have limited utility in increasing rates of smoking cessation and in some cases there are notable safety concerns related to their use. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop safer and more efficacious smoking cessation medications. Methods: Here, we provide an overview of current efforts to develop new pharmacotherapeutic agents to facilitate smoking cessation, identified from ongoing clinical trials and published reports. Results: Nicotine is considered the major addictive agent in tobacco smoke, and the vast majority of currently available smoking cessation agents act by modulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) signaling. Accordingly, there is much effort directed toward developing novel small molecule therapeutics and biological agents such as nicotine vaccines for smoking cessation that act by modulating nAChR activity. Our increasing knowledge of the neurobiology of nicotine addiction has revealed new targets for novel smoking cessation therapeutics. Indeed, we highlight many examples of novel small molecule drug development around non-nAChR targets. Finally, there is a growing appreciation that medications already approved for other disease indications could show promise as smoking cessation agents, and we consider examples of such repurposing efforts. Conclusion: Ongoing clinical assessment of potential smoking cessation agents offers the promise of new effective medications. Nevertheless, much of our current knowledge of molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction derived from preclinical studies has not yet been leveraged for medications development.
Communication of gender from human breath odors: Relationship to perceived intensity and pleasantness

Abstract During five consecutive daily test sessions, 10 men and women rated the relative intensity and pleasantness of breath odors from 14 males and 19 females on a no-oral-hygiene regimen. In addition, the likely gender of the donor of each odor was also estimated. The breath odors of males were rated, on the average, as more intense and less pleasant than the breath odors of females. Women consistently gave lower pleasantness ratings to the odors than did men. Both the male and female judges assigned the breath odors to the correct gender classes at a frequency unlikely due to chance, although the females were more accurate in this regard. An inverse relation between breath odor intensity and pleasantness was noted. Systematic changes in the rated intensity and pleasantness of the odors were present across the 5 days of the study period. These data suggest that differences exist between the breath odors of men and women, and that humans, like many other mammals, may be capable of assessing gender from oral odors. However, such assignments conceivably reflect the strategy of assigning stronger and less pleasant odors to the male category, and weaker and less unpleasant odors to the female category, regardless of the true sex of the odor donor.
INELASTIC P - ALPHA AND ALPHA-ALPHA REACTIONS AT THE ISR

Abstract Results from the from the ISR alpha run of 1980 are presented for inelastic alpha-alpha and p-alpha collisions in the central rapidity region. Features of the second ISR run of Aug '83 are discussed.
TCP with Variance Control for Multihop IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks

In this paper we argue that a cause of poor performance of TCP NewReno in wireless ad hoc networks is the use of packet drop as feedback for window adjustment. While packets can be dropped because of wireless congestion/interference, it is true however that these losses are typically recovered by link level retransmissions before they affect TCP. Eventually, the link level gives up after a maximum number of retransmissions and TCP detects a loss. But, at this time, congestion in the wireless medium has already built up. Thus, this feedback "comes too late". To overcome the problem, we propose a more reactive feedback mechanism, driven by the variance in achieved rate rather than by packet drop. This choice is motivated by the observation that MAC retransmissions lead to fluctuations in achieved rate and increased rate variance. Most important, the change in variance can be detected by the TCP source well before packet loss. The result is TCP-VAR (TCP with Variance Control), a novel congestion control algorithm for TCP. TCP-VAR implements rate-based scheduling where the source adapts the outgoing packet rate based on the feedback on achieved rate variance. The latter is measured from the rate of returning ACKs. Simulation studies confirm that TCP-VAR reacts more promptly to wireless congestion than TCP NewReno, with substantial improvements in efficiency while maintaining fairness. An important implementation advantage of TCP-VAR is the fact that it requires "source only" modifications of TCP, without any dependence on low layer support.
Assessing academic researchers.

On a recent trip to China and India, I had the opportunity to discuss with many young researchers at various universities about the expectations that they must meet in order to succeed professionally. Many of them thought that the road to success was measured in various forms of “scientometric” data, such as h-index factors and the number of publication citations. I do think that scientometric data have their uses, but I am appalled at the overuses and abuses. These discussions encouraged me to share the criteria for making tenure at Stanford University s Chemistry Department, where I was the department chair for six years. I am not necessarily advocating that anyone adopt our ways, which reflect the current American tenure system, but I do think that a careful study of our criteria might be helpful. I am aware of the problems embedded in the American tenure system. I am also very much mindful of the arrogance of foreigners when they are not sensitive to another country s culture and ways. Still, let me dare to offer some advice.
Half range completeness and orthogonality for the Fokker-Planck equation with general boundary conditions. II

Abstract Let us consider the stationary one-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation in the semi-infinite medium x > 0. The solvability of this equation under the family of boundary conditions (BC) was analyzed in detail in Ref. 1. Here S and g are prescribed functions and c is a constant to be determined. We refer to Ref. 1 for the general discussion, notation, more detailed statements, and proofs. The aim of this note is to supplement these results in two ways.