cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Messenger RNA Turnover Processes in Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Emerging Studies in Staphylococcus aureus

The regulation of mRNA turnover is a recently appreciated phenomenon by which bacteria modulate gene expression. This review outlines the mechanisms by which three major classes of bacterial trans-acting factors, ribonucleases (RNases), RNA binding proteins, and small noncoding RNAs (sRNA), regulate the transcript stability and protein production of target genes. Because the mechanisms of RNA decay and maturation are best characterized in Escherichia coli, the majority of this review will focus on how these factors modulate mRNA stability in this organism. However, we also address the effects of RNases, RNA binding proteins, sRNAs on mRNA turnover, and gene expression in Bacillus subtilis, which has served as a model for studying RNA processing in gram-positive organisms. We conclude by discussing emerging studies on the role modulating mRNA stability has on gene expression in the important human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
Conceptualizing the "wantedness" of women's consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences: implications for how women label their experiences with rape.

Abstract Sex is often conceptualized either as wanted and consensual or as unwanted and nonconsensual, reflecting an implicit model of wanting that is unidimensional and dichotomous and that conflates wanting and consenting. This study has three objectives: developing a multidimensional model for conceptualizing the wantedness of a sexual act, using this model to compare women's experiences with rape and consensual sex, and assessing whether wantedness is related to rape acknowledgment. Participants were college women who described their experiences with rape (n = 77) or consensual sexual intercourse (n = 87). Results supported a multidimensional model of sexual wanting and a wanting—consenting distinction. Compared with acknowledged rape victims, unacknowledged rape victims reported wanting the sexual intercourse more despite not having consented.
Metal−Olefin Bond Energies in M(CO)5(C2H4-nCln) M = Cr, Mo, W; n = 0−4: Electron-Withdrawing Olefins Do Not Increase the Bond Strength

Metal−olefin bond dissociation enthalpies have been calculated for the series of complexes M(CO)5(C2H4-nCln), M = Cr, Mo, W; n = 0−4 using density functional theory. Experimental values of the bond...
The fatty acid translocase gene CD36 and lingual lipase influence oral sensitivity to fat in obese subjects

The precise orosensory inputs engaged for dietary lipids detection in humans are unknown. We evaluated whether a common single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1761667) in the CD36 gene that reduces CD36 expression and the addition of orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, to reduce FA release from triacylglycerols (TGs), the main component of dietary fats, would attenuate fat orosensory sensitivity in humans. Twenty-one obese subjects with different rs1761667 genotypes (6 AA, 7 AG, and 8 GG) were studied on two occasions in which oleic acid and triolein orosensory detection thresholds were measured using emulsions prepared with and without orlistat. Subjects homozygous for the G-allele had 8-fold lower oral detection thresholds for oleic acid and triolein than subjects homozygous for the A allele, which associates with lower CD36 expression (P = 0.03). Thresholds for heterozygous subjects were intermediate. The addition of orlistat increased detection thresholds for triolein (log threshold = −0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1; P 0.2). In conclusion, this is the first experimental evidence for a role of CD36 in fat gustatory perception in humans. The data also support involvement of lingual lipase and are consistent with the concept that FA and not TG is the sensed stimulus.
Energy-Supply Security and Energy Intensity: Some Observations from the 1970–2005 Interval

Abstract As a consequence of the powerful changes that have occurred over the last three decades in the principal ‘drivers’ of economic change, there have been significant realignments in the global patterns of production and consumption of natural resources, as well as in the intensity of their use, in the quest to raise the level of material wellbeing throughout the world. In this paper, three large energy-consuming (and/or -producing) countries are examined – the USA, China and Russia – and the story of a generation's economic progress (or decline, as the case may be) is seen through the lens of energy consumption – the ‘stuff’ that fuels a modern ‘standard of living’. After presenting data on gross domestic product, population, the observed levels and annual growth rates of consumption and production of three fuel minerals over a 35-year interval ending in 2005 for these countries and for the world, the paper includes a description of these countries' growing import dependence (or, as the case may be,...
Patients' evaluation of a teaching booklet for arterial bypass surgery.

Abstract A descriptive survey was conducted at an urban university medical center to ascertain the opinions of patients undergoing vascular surgery to a booklet used for preoperative teaching. In the postoperative period 21 patients reported their perceived value of the booklet in modifying their feelings about the surgical event, helping them to feel in control of postoperative pain, preparing them to participate in postoperative activities, and providing them with overall preoperative preparation. Patients also identified needs that the booklet did not meet and suggested modifications that might better meet patients′ preoperative learning needs. Ninety percent of responding patients described the booklet as helpful in meeting their preoperative learning needs, and 95% said they would recommend the booklet to a friend. Patients who had discussed the booklet with a health-team member consistently described the value of the booklet more favorably than did patients who had not discussed the booklet before surgery. Nurses were identified as the health-team members who most often discussed the content of the booklet with the patient. The findings suggest that patients with no education beyond grammar school might have difficulty appreciating the value of the preoperative teaching booklet.
Parents and children in art.

It is an honour to have been asked to contribute to this volume that commemorates the life and work of Spyros Doxiadis. Spyros was, and is still, a vital and stimulating influence on those of us who were fortunate enough to have been his colleague in all phases of his life. My period of closeness to him was when he was working in Sheffield with Ronald Illingworth. At that time (now over 40 years ago) he and Katherine were having their children and my wife and I was having ours. Then words like “bonding” had not become commonplace as today, but the functional patterns of family relationships were something about which we were intensely aware. I particularly remember a summer when we were holidaying on a tidal estuary between Anglesey and Holy Island and recall a moment when Spyros and I were sitting on a grass topped sandbank watching our children and wives at the water's edge “messing around” with a boat. We watched and discussed the beauty of the postures and poses of our womenfolk with the children and the children with each other. It was the memory of that conversation that stimulated me to propose the topic of this essay in Spyros' memory.
The Use of Salted Pastes of Soil Colloids for X-Ray Analysis

A new technique for the x-ray analysis of soil colloids is proposed based on the finding that the interlayer swelling of montmorillonite persists in the presence of salt solutions and that the x-ray reflection representing the d(001) spacings becomes intensified in salted gels. The technique consists in flocculating the colloid from a suspension with sodium chloride, removing the “free” Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2 by means of a solution of sodium citrate and sodium hydrosulfite, separating the cleaned colloid from the solution as a salted paste, and as such subjecting it to x-ray analysis. The method is not only more rapid than other recommended methods for x-ray analysis of soil colloids, but also — and which is of the utmost importance — yields a much more accurate picture of the mineralogical composition, particularly with respect to the content of the mica and the montmorillonite-type clays.
Hemodynamic and hormonal effects of high-dose transdermal nitroglycerin in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

Abstract The hemodynamic effect of a large dose of nitroglycerin (NTG) (90 mg) given transdermally using a reservoir system was studied in 10 patients with severe, long-standing congestive heart failure. Serial hemodynamic measurements over 24 hours revealed a mild decrease in mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure. However, the change from baseline was significant only at 2 hours (19 ± 9 vs 27 ± 6 mm Hg). Mean right atrial pressure fell 1 hour after initiation of therapy, from 12 ± 7 to 8 ± 5 mm Hg. However, the change from control was not statistically significant. No significant changes were noted in heart rate, mean blood pressure, cardiac index, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. Individual analysis of the effect of transdermal NTG on pulmonary artery wedge pressure demonstrated at 20% or greater reduction in 8 of 10 patients. However, persistent effect (longer than 8 hours) was seen in only 4 patients. Removal of NTG patches at 24 hours did not result in hemodynamic rebound. Serum catecholamine levels and renin concentration did not change 2 hours and 24 hours after initiation of NTG therapy or after removal of NTG patches. Thus, a large dose (90 mg) of transdermal NTG using a reservoir system results in mild and mostly statistically insignificant hemodynamic effect in patients with chronic severe congestive heart failure. Although a reduction in pulmonary artery wedge pressure is seen in most patients, rapid attenuation of this response is found in many patients and the effect only rarely lasts for 24 hours. The lack of hemodynamic rebound after discontinuation of therapy in addition to the absence of changes in serum catecholamine levels and renin concentration suggest that hemodynamic attenuation is not a result of activation of vasoconstrictive mechanisms during continuous NTG therapy.
Analysis of developmentally homogeneous neural crest cell populations in vitro. IV. Cell proliferation and synthesis of glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) have been implicated as regulators of morphogenesis and differentiation. We have cultured two different homogeneous populations of quail trunk neural crest cell with different predictable phenotypes after equivalent times in culture, and used these populations to distinguish changes in GAG synthesis before and after cell differentiation from changes that depend on time in culture, and that thus may reflect a non-specific response to in vitro culture conditions. Cells derived from the outgrowths surrounding explanted neural tubes remained undifferentiated. These crest cells showed a decrease in [3H]glucosamine incorporation into total GAG with time in culture. A similar decrease in total GAG, and, in addition, a slight decrease in the proportion of hyaluronic acid (HA) was observed in cultures of cluster-derived cells that homogeneously differentiated into melanocytes. Putative mouse neural crest cells that did not form melanin under the present culture conditions showed, similarly to the quail neural crest cells, a high incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into HA relative to sulfated GAG. The proportion of HA did not decrease with time in culture in these mouse crest cells. When pigment granules appeared in avian crest cells, the proliferation rate decreased drastically, whereas the proliferation rate of cells that did not form pigment granules remained constant. The results indicate that time in culture rather than either a differentiation per se or a change in the rate of proliferation, is largely responsible for the observed changes in GAG synthesis.
Verbal Reinforcement and Attitude Change

The effects of two types of verbal reinforcement on attitude change were studied in the context of a structured interview. Positive verbal reinforcement led to significant long-term affect change, ...
The effects of floral display on pollinator visitation vary among populations ofPhacelia linearis (Hydrophyllaceae)

Individual plants in gynodioecious populations ofPhacelia linearis (Hydrophyllaceae) vary in flower gender, flower size, and flower number. This paper reports the effects of variation in floral display on the visitation behaviour of this species' pollinators (mainly pollen-collecting solitary bees) in several natural and three experimental plant populations, and discusses the results in terms of the consequences for plant fitness. The working hypotheses were: (1) that because female plants do not produce pollen, pollen-collecting insects would visit hermaphrodite plants at a higher rate than female plants and would visit more flowers per hermaphrodite than per female; and (2) that pollinator arrival rate would increase with flower size and flower number, the two main components of visual display. These hypotheses were generally supported, but the effects of floral display on pollinator visitation varied substantially among plant populations. Hermaphrodites received significantly higher rates of pollinator arrivals and significantly higher rates of visits to flowers than did females in all experimental populations. Flower size affected arrival rate and flower visit rate positively in natural populations and in two of the three experimental populations. The flower size effect was significant only among female plants in one experimental population, and only among hermaphrodites in another. The effect of flower number on arrival rate was positive and highly significant in natural populations and in all experimental populations. In two out of three experimental populations, insects visited significantly more flowers per hermaphrodite than per female and visited more flowers on many-flowered plants than on few-flowered plants, but neither effect was detected in the third experimental population. Because seed production is not pollen-limited in this species, variation in pollinator visitation behaviour should mainly affect the male reproductive success of hermaphrodite plants. These findings suggest that pollinator-mediated natural selection for floral display inP. linearis varies in space and time.
Seedlings ofsolanum tuberosum L. as indicator plants for potato leafroll virus

Potato seedlings grown from seed ofS. tuberosum L., var. Earlaine, were tested as indicator plants for potato leafroll virus. Signs of potato leafroll disease appeared as early as four days after inoculation and consisted of rolled leaves, followed by stunting. For this reason, potato seedlings of the Earlaine variety appear to be excellent indicator plants for the leafroll virus.
A Clinician's Guide to PTSD Treatments for Returning Veterans

What options are available to mental health providers helping clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? In this paper we review many of the current pharmacological and psychological interventions available to help prevent and treat PTSD with an emphasis on combat-related traumas and Veteran populations. There is strong evidence supporting the use of several therapies including prolonged exposure (PE), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapies (CPT), with PE possessing the most empirical evidence in favor of its efficacy. There have been relatively fewer studies of non-exposure based modalities (e.g., psychodynamic, interpersonal, and dialectical behavior therapy perspectives), but there is no evidence that these treatments are less effective. Pharmacotherapy is promising (especially paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine), but more research comparing the relative merits of medication vs. psychotherapy and the efficacy of combined treatments is needed. Given the recent influx of combat-related traumas due to ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is clearly an urgent need to conduct more randomized clinical trials research and effectiveness studies in military and Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD samples. Finally, we provide references to a number of PTSD treatment manuals and propose several recommendations to help guide clinicians’ treatment selections.
Fatigue of LIGA nickel

Several applications of metallic MEMS devices require that the component can endure cyclic stresses. Mechanisms for fatigue failure may be altered at length scales where the size of the component becomes comparable with the microstructure. For this reason, it is necessary to characterize the fatigue performance of MEMS-scale structures and understand the role of microstructure on potential failure modes. A new specimen configuration has been designed which allows for simple gripping and actuation using a fixed-free beam in bending. The cross-section of the beam is tapered to create a finite width gage section of constant maximum stress, as can be derived from elastic beam theory. This method has been applied to characterize the fatigue behavior of LIGA Nickel with a nominal cross-section of 26×260 microns, replicating the dimensions of a potential accelerometer device. The common stress-life approach was used to characterize the number of cycles to failure for a range of applied cyclic stresses. We found that the stress-life curve was similar to what has been observed for conventional Nickel. The endurance limit (defined in this study as the stress required to cause failure in ~10M cycles, below which the device has practically infinite life) was found to be 35-40% of the ultimate tensile strength. The surface condition of specimens at various stages in the fatigue life, characterized by scanning electron microscopy, revealed that failure initiated as microcracks within localized persistent slip bands (PSBs).
Low energy sputtering of eutectic Ag/Cu alloys

Abstract Experiments were carried out on the sputtering of a eutectic Ag/Cu (NAg/NCu = 1.5) alloy by normally incident 110 eV Ar+ ions. The collected sputtered flux was analyzed by Rutherford backscattering (RBS). Material sputtered normal to the surface at a fluence of 7 × 1019 Ar/cm2 was stoichiometric (NAg/NCu ≈ 1.5), but became increasingly Cu rich at larger angles of ejection up to 75° at which NAg/NCu was about 1.09. The overall ejection was slightly Cu rich (NAg/NCu ≈ 1.3). RBS analysis of the sputtered alloy surfaces indicated they were Cu rich to a depth of about 1500 A, with the greatest Cu content at about 450 A depth (up to 56% Cu), the effect depending on the fluence of the bombarding Ar+ ions. Scanning electron micrographs of the sputtered alloy surfaces showed dense microtopographic formations.
Dynamic nuclear polarization with an inhomogeneously broadened ESR line. I. Theory

Theoretical investigations of the dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{n}$ in diamagnetic dielectric crystals diluted with electron paramagnetic impurities are reported here. The steady-state DNP enhancement ${E}_{\mathrm{ss}}$ and the DNP pump time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{DNP}}$ are calculated for the solid effect (SE), the cross effect (CE), and DNP by the electron dipole-dipole reservoir (EDDR), assuming (i) a predominantly inhomogeneously broadened (IHB) ESR line with uniform spin-packet widths (for SE and CE, but not EDDR DNP), (ii) rapid nuclear spin diffusion, (iii) the electron and nuclear high-temperature limit, (iv) no phonon bottleneck, and (v) isotropic electron impurities or axially symmetric electrons whose symmetry axis ($c$ axis) is aligned parallel to the applied magnetic field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{0}$ DNP results for IHB SE, which include DNP leakage factors, predict ${E}_{\mathrm{ss}}$ comparable to the ideal enhancement in favorable cases, with ${E}_{\mathrm{ss}}$ vs ${H}_{0}$ curves not proportional to the ESR line-shape derivative at high microwave powers, contrary to early theories of IHB SE. The effects of electron jumps between spin packets are discussed. DNP and ${T}_{n}$ are calculated for the cross effect for both the well-resolved and unresolved limits. We get larger SE DNP and smaller CE DNP for the unresolved CE than do Hwang and Hill, and consider CE DNP leakage factors they omitted. The inequality $\frac{{T}_{n}}{2}\ensuremath{\le}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{DNP}}\ensuremath{\le}{T}_{n}$ is found for the well-resolved CE, while ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{DNP}}\ensuremath{\approx}{T}_{n}$ is estimated for the unresolved CE, different from the general SE case where ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{DNP}}\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{n}$ often occurs. DNP by EDDR is extended from the pure homogeneously broadened (HB) ESR limit to the IHB case with fast spectral diffusion, as suggested by Abragam and Borghini, and is further extended from electronic isotropy to axially symmetric electrons with the $c$ axis parallel to ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{0}$ Various limits of ${E}_{\mathrm{ss}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{DNP}}$ are compared and contrasted for SE, CE, and EDDR DNP, to enable experimenters to differentiate these three DNP mechanisms, if possible. We propose a three-spectral-region model for wide ESR lines, which may exhibit IHB behavior in the wings of the line, HB EDDR effects near the ESR absoption peak, and CE effects in between.
Early Complications of High-dose-rate Brachytherapy in Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Comparison With Traditional External-beam Radiotherapy

Background Radiotherapy and surgery are routinely utilized to treat extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Multiple radiation modalities have been described, each with advantages and disadvantages, without one modality demonstrating clear superiority over the others.
Noncontact Trephination of the Cornea Using a Pulsed Hydrogen Fluoride Laser

We used a pulsed hydrogen fluoride infrared laser and a specially designed axicon lens to perform circular corneal trephinations in ten eye bank eyes. This noncontact system focused each laser pulse into an annulus on the cornea. Corneal perforation was achieved in seven to nine seconds at a repetition rate of 10 Hz, using a laser output energy of 100 mJ per pulse. A trephination, 90% of corneal thickness, 6.5 mm in diameter, was produced with 70 pulses.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy: Assessing the Relevance of Preclinical Models

The modern laboratory mouse has become a central tool of for biomedical research with a notable influence in the field of hematopoiesis. Application of retroviral-based gene transfer approaches to mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has led to a sophisticated understanding of the hematopoietic hierarchy in this model. However, the assumption that gene transfer methodologies developed in the mouse could be similarly applied to human HSCs for the treatment of human diseases left the field of gene therapy in a decade-long quandary. It is not until more relevant humanized xenograft mouse models and phylogenetically related large animal species were used to optimize gene transfer methodologies that unequivocal clinical successes were achieved. However, the subsequent reporting of severe adverse events in these clinical trials cast doubts on the predictive value of conventional preclinical testing, and encouraged the development of new assays for assessing the relative genotoxicity of various vector designs.
Binding of Neutralizing Antibodies Results in Distinct Quaternary Conformations of Trimeric HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins

The HIV surface glycoprotein, Env, initiates HIV infection by binding to cell-surface CD4 and a co-receptor molecule on T cells. Understanding the interactions of these molecules with native, trimeric Env is crucial for effective vaccine design. using cryo-electron tomography of intact HIV, we show that binding to either the co-receptor mimic 17b or soluble CD4 is sufficient for formation of an open quaternary conformation of Env. In contrast, binding of the broadly neutralizing, CD4-binding-site antibody, VRC01, locks Env in the native, closed conformation, preventing 17b binding and formation of the open Env conformation. The CD4-binding-site antibody, b12, requires a partial opening in the quaternary structure of Env and cannot bind in the conformation that binds to the VRC antibodies due to steric clashes. Our results show that, despite general similarities in regions of the HIV-1 gp120 polypeptide that contact CD4, VRC01 and b12, important differences exist in the quaternary structures of these complexes. These findings shed new mechanistic insight into the HIV entry process and potentially explain differences in the neutralizing breadth and potency of antibodies with similar specificities.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Nortropacocaine Hydrochloride Conformation in Aqueous and Hydrophobic Media

The nortropacocaine hydrochloride PMR spectra in deuterium oxide and in deuterochloroform differed markedly. A detailed conformational analysis using vicinal 1H-1H coupling constants revealed the molecular conformation to be identical in both solvents. The preferred conformation was one in which the piperidine component existed as a deformed chair. The spectral differences were due to a decreased de-shielding of the protonated nitrogen on the neighboring bicyclic ring protons, resulting in chemical shift changes.
The effect of SBE4-β-CD on i.v. methylprednisolone pharmacokinetics in rats: Comparison to a co-solvent solution and two water-soluble prodrugs

Abstract The i.v. pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone (20 mg/kg) in six rats were studied after administration in a co-solvent (60:12:28 PEG 400/ethanol/water) mixture, a 0.075 M SBE4-β-CD solution (a sulfobutyl ether derivative variably substituted on the 2-, 3- and the 6-positions of β-cyclodextrin) and as its two water-soluble prodrugs, the 21-phosphate ester, disodium salt and the 21-hemisuccinate ester, monosodium salt. The aim of the work was to assess what effect the SBE4-β-CD would have on methylprednisolone pharmacokinetics while the comparison to the prodrugs would provide some insight into a formulation versus a chemical approach to the parenteral delivery of a sparingly water-soluble drug. The plasma concentration-time curves and the pharmacokinetic parameters of methylprednisolone from the SBE4-β-CD solution and co-solvent mixture were not significantly different. For example, the AUC ± S.E. values from zero to infinity of methylprednisolone from the co-solvent and the SBE4-β-CD solutions were 326.7 ± 20.6 and 317.4 ± 15.4 μ g min ml −1 , respectively. The AUC values of methylprednisolone from its 21-phosphate and 21-hemisuccinate esters were 59.2 ± 4.4 and 33.17 ± 5.3% of that from the co-solvent, respectively. These results confirm that i.v. administered drugs such as methylprednisolone, appear to be rapidly and quantitatively released from SBE4-β-CD inclusion complexes. Modified cyclodextrins such as SBE4-β-CD may provide an alternative to the use of co-colvents, and possibly even prodrugs, for the parenteral delivery of sparingly water-soluble drugs such as methylprednisolone.
Exposure to Short Day Photoperiod During the Dry Period Enhances Mammary Growth in Dairy Cows

Abstract Exposure to short day photoperiod (SD; 8h light:16h dark) during the dry period increased milk yield of cows in the subsequent lactation. We hypothesized that this effect is due to increased growth of mammary cells in response to enhanced prolactin signaling to influence the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Multiparous Holstein cows were dried off 60 d before parturition and assigned to long day photoperiod (LD; 16h light:8h dark) or SD during the dry period. Mammary biopsies were obtained at approximately −40, −20, −10 and +10 d relative to expected calving. Expression of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF binding protein-5 mRNA was assessed by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In SD cows, incorporation of [ 3 H]-thymidine in vitro increased from −40 d to −20 d and was greater at −20 d than in LD cows. A later increase in proliferation was observed at −10 d in LD cows. For both groups, cell proliferation decreased during lactation. Analysis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling revealed that the apoptotic index in mammary epithelial cells was less in SD cows than in LD cows. Expression of IGF-II mRNA increased during the dry period and into lactation and was greater in SD cows. Expression of IGF binding protein-5 mRNA increased during lactation, but was unaffected by day length. Expression of IGF-I did not differ over time or between treatments. We concluded that exposure to SD during the dry period enhanced mammary growth relative to LD, and this may be related to increased expression of IGF-II. Treatment differences in the temporal pattern of proliferation indicated the existence of a critical period wherein photoperiod affects mammary gland development during the dry period.
Non-isolated individual MPP trackers for series PV strings through partial current processing technique

Novel individual power extraction topologies through partial current processing (PCP) technique are proposed for series connected photovoltaic panels. In the presented PCP technique only the mismatch currents between the series connected panels are processed. Both of the proposed current fed and voltages fed topologies process the mismatch currents without the need for an isolation transformer. These features increase the system efficiency while decreasing the ratings of the power electronics interface. The simulation and experimental results are presented in this paper to confirm the validity of the proposed configurations, and to verify its effectiveness.
Predictors of adoption and maintenance of physical activity in a community sample

Predictors of changes in three measures of physical activity over 1 year were examined in a community sample of 1,411 California adults. Five percent of women and 11% of men adopted vigorous activities (e.g., running), and 26% of men and 34% of women adopted regular moderate activity (e.g., walking). About 50% of vigorous exercisers and 25-35% of moderate exercisers dropped out in 1 year. About 9% reported large 1-year increases in globally rated activity level, while about 7% reported decreases in global activity. In multivariate analyses, adoption of vigorous activity was predicted by young age, male gender, and self-efficacy. Maintenance of vigorous activity was predicted by attitudes toward physical activity. Adoption of moderate activity was predicted by health knowledge, and maintenance was predicted by specific exercise knowledge, female gender, and self-efficacy.
Discrete Fourier transforms and their application to the pulse chromatography method

A new method for estimating model parameters from pulse chromatography experiments was developed. Discrete and fast Fourier transforms were employed to analyze the discrete experimental data acquired with a computer-automated system. The Kubin-Kucera model was used to describe dispersion and intraparticle diffusion in a single pellet string reactor and the model parameters were obtained by solving a minimization problem in the Fourier domain. Results from effective diffusivity measurements are presented and the advantages of the new method are discussed.
Antibiotic resistance: where do ketolides fit?

Burgeoning resistance to antibiotics among common respiratory pathogens poses a very real risk to public health. A need therefore exists for new antibiotics that not only target all common respiratory pathogens, including problematic strains such as penicillin- and macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, but also resist resistance. The ketolides are a new class of antibiotics, of which telithromycin is the first to undergo clinical evaluation, designed to address such issues. These agents possess several innovative structural modifications that not only confer activity against common respiratory pathogens, irrespective of their β-lactam or macrolide susceptibility, but also minimize the risk of emergent resistance. Ketolides such as telithromycin therefore represent important new options for the empiric treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections in an era of increasing resistance. They may be especially useful in areas where macrolide resistance among S. pneumoniac is common because current macrolide treatments against such pathogens are far from optimal.
Laser-induced fluorescence of atomic hydrogen in an arcjet thruster

A diagnostic has been developed to measure gas kinetic temperature and velocity in a 1 kW hydrogen fueled arcjet thruster. The technique is based on laser-induced fluorescence of the Balmer alpha transition (656 nm) in atomic hydrogen. A narrowband CW ring dye laser scans the excitation spectrum, permitting accurate determination of the atomic line shape and position. The velocity is inferred from the Doppler shift of the transition while the temperature is obtained from the shape. Near the exit plane, measured axial velocity varies between 4 and 14 km/s; measured radial velocity varies from 0 to 4 km/s. Temperatures were measured in the range from 1000 K near the edge of the plume to 5000 K at the centerline. Relevant broadening mechanisms are discussed.
Representation of Topography in Spectral Climate Models and Its Effect on Simulated Precipitation.

Abstract Spectral climate models are distinguished by their representation of variables as finite sums of spherical harmonics, with coefficients computed by an orthogonal projection of the variables onto the spherical harmonics. Representing the surface elevation in this manner results in its contamination by Gibbs-like truncation artifacts, which appear as spurious valleys and mountain chains in the topography. These “Gibbs ripples” are present in the surface topographies of spectral climate models from a number of research institutions. Integrations of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) climate model over a range of horizontal resolutions indicate that the Gibbs ripples lead to spurious, small-scale extrema in the spatial distribution of precipitation. This “cellular precipitation pathology” becomes more pronounced with increasing horizontal resolution, causing a deterioration in the fidelity of simulated precipitation in higher resolution models. A method is described for reducing the Gib...
Analysis and Occurrence of 14 Sulfonamide Antibacterials and Chloramphenicol in Honey by Solid-Phase Extraction Followed by LC/MS/MS Analysis

A method was developed for the analysis of 14 sulfonamide antibiotics and chloramphenicol in honey. These antibiotics have been banned for use in food-producing animals; yet, their residues were found in many samples, illustrating the need for a multiresidue analysis for these antibiotics in honey. The method described here uses an acid hydrolysis step to liberate the sugar-bound sulfonamides followed by a solid-phase extraction to remove potential interferences. Analysis was by liquid chromatography--electrospray ionization--tandem mass spectrometry in negative mode for all 15 analytes. This MRM method generated two structurally significant transitions per compound, and it was designed to conform to U.S. Food and Drug Administration MS confirmation guidelines. It also provides 4-EU identification points. One hundred sixteen samples from 25 countries were analyzed, and 38% were found to contain at least one target antimicrobial. Five different target compounds were found in honey from 13 different countries.
Optimal trajectory design for well-conditioned parameter estimation

When attempting to estimate parameters in a dynamical system, it is often beneficial to systematically design the experimental trajectory. This paper presents a method of generating trajectories using an extension of a nonlinear, infinite-dimensional, projection-based trajectory optimization algorithm. A reformulated objective function is derived for the algorithm to minimize the condition number of the Hessian of the batch-least squares identification method. The batch least-squares method is then used to estimate parameters of the nonlinear system. A simulation example is used to demonstrate that an arbitrarily designed trajectory can lead to an ill-conditioned Hessian matrix in the batch-least squares method, which in turn leads to a less precise set of identified parameters. An example using Monte-Carlo simulations of both trajectories shows a reduction in the variance of identified parameters for an example cart-pendulum system.
SU-FF-T-48: A QA Device to Perform End-To-End Spatial Accuracy Tests of Target Irradiation in Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: To ensure the sub‐millimeter accuracy of Radiosurgerytreatments, it is imperative to evaluate and monitor the errors associated with the whole treatment process. We have designed a QA Phantom that makes it possible to perform such accuracy testing.Method and Materials: Our plastic phantom was designed such that it can be mounted in the same stereotactic frame which is fixed on the patient during imaging and irradiation. Small targets at several locations in the phantom can be interchanged depending on the imaging modality used for imaging. Targets made out of Cu are used for CTimaging, or a drop of dilute copper sulfate in a small absorbent medium for MRI. The phantom in the frame and the localization box with the fidutial system is imaged simulating a patient. The images are reconstructed in the treatment planning system and the irradiation set up data for the targets are used for positioning the phantom in the radiation unit. During the irradiation the target is replaced by Gafchromic film, the exact location of the target is marked on the film with a pinhole that was designed to mark the film at the same location as the imaged target. By irradiating the phantom with small cross section beams focused at the target a spot is created on the film. The accuracy of the irradiation given at the target location is evaluated by the deviation of center of the spot on the film from the pinhole. Results & Conclusions: Several end‐to‐end tests were performed for our Gamma Knife unit to demonstrate overall accuracy of the process. Our phantom provides a direct test of the variation in the target irradiation as resulted by possible variations introduced in all the stages of the process of the stereotactic treatment such as imaging,treatment planning, and radiation delivery.
Simin Behbahani: Iran's National Poet

Though Simin Behbahani's poems differ in their command of language, versatility of themes, and originality of images, they are unified from beginning to end by common traits. This poet has consistently been an advocate of individual rights, regardless of gender, class, religion, political affiliation, or ethnicity. She has transformed a conventional and mainly masculine poetic form—the ghazal. With her skillful mastery of poetic devices and techniques, she has integrated a classical genre with a modern vision, blending the old and the new, the masculine and the feminine. She has brought together the discourses of modernity and tradition, which, rather than competing in her work, complement, restructure and reconstruct each other. Hers is high art with popular appeal. This is all the more remarkable because Behbahani's adherence to the prosodic rules of the classical ghazal, her multifaceted outlook, her repeated allusions to prophets, philosophers, writers, literary characters, make great demands on her r...
Severe neurological manifestations in four children receiving compazine (prochlorperazine)

Summary 1. Severe neurological manifestations in four children receiving Compazine are reported. 2. These dramatic reactions consist of recurrent episodes of marked drowsiness and lethargy, oculogyric crises, retraction of the neck, at times with torticollis, trismus, opisthotonos, sometimes flexor rigidity, and hyperreflexia. 3. The amount of the drug given was clearly excessive in two cases and unknown in one, in which the child took the medication accidentally. However, the most severe reaction of all occurred in the child who received the usually recommended dosage. 4. All children recovered rather rapidly without any specific treatment being required and no aftereffects were observed over the brief period of one month.
Guest editors' introduction: Nanoscale Memories Pose Unique Challenges

This special issue presents seven articles that examine the characteristics, capabilities, and challenges of various embedded memories, especially those designed in emerging technologies. The articles address the intricacies and trade-offs required by designers when faced with scaling and power constraints.
Evolution kinetics of interstitial loops in irradiated materials: A phase-field model

Interstitial loops are one of the principal evolving defects in irradiated materials. The evolution of interstitial loops, including spatial and size distributions, affects both vacancy and interstitial accumulations in the matrix, hence, void formation and volumetric swelling. In this work, a phase-field model describing the growth kinetics of interstitial loops in irradiated materials during aging is developed. The diffusion of vacancies and interstitials and the elastic interaction between interstitial loops and point defects are accounted in the model. The effects of interstitial concentration, chemical potential, and elastic interaction on the growth kinetics and stability of interstitial loops are investigated in two and three dimensions. It is found that the elastic interaction enhances the growth kinetics of interstitial loops. The elastic interaction also affects the stability of a small interstitial loop adjacent to a larger loop. The model predicts linear growth rates for interstitial loops that is in agreement with the previous theoretical predictions and experimental observations.
Local glutamate release in the rat ventral lateral thalamus evoked by high-frequency stimulation

Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is proven therapy for essential tremor, Parkinson's disease and Tourette's syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that high-frequency electrical stimulation results in local thalamic glutamate release. Enzyme-linked glutamate amperometric biosensors were implanted in anesthetized rat thalamus adjacent to the stimulating electrode. Electrical stimulation was delivered to investigate the effect of frequency, pulse width, voltage-controlled or current-controlled stimulation, and charge balancing. Monophasic electrical stimulation-induced glutamate release was linearly dependent on stimulation frequency, intensity and pulse width. Prolonged stimulation evoked glutamate release to a plateau that subsequently decayed back to baseline after stimulation. Glutamate release was less pronounced with voltage-controlled stimulation and not present with charge balanced current-controlled stimulation. Using fixed potential amperometry in combination with a glutamate bioprobe and adjacent microstimulating electrode, the present study has shown that monophasic current-controlled stimulation of the thalamus in the anesthetized rat evoked linear increases in local extracellular glutamate concentrations that were dependent on stimulation duration, frequency, intensity and pulse width. However, the efficacy of monophasic voltage-controlled stimulation, in terms of evoking glutamate release in the thalamus, was substantially lower compared to monophasic current-controlled stimulation and entirely absent with biphasic (charge balanced) current-controlled stimulation. It remains to be determined whether similar glutamate release occurs with human DBS electrodes and similar charge balanced stimulation. As such, the present results indicate the importance of evaluating local neurotransmitter dynamics in studying the mechanism of action of DBS.
Technical Note-Solution of the Value-Independent Knapsack Problem by Partitioning

The value-independent knapsack problem is solved by considering a related problem in the theory of partitions of numbers. The solution technique is compared to standard algorithms for the knapsack problem.
A networked expert system framework for economic policy analysis

Abstract Economists have traditionally undertaken mathematical analysis of policy alternatives prior to their implementation. To fully understand the potential impact of policy, market participants must understand both the microeconomic operating rules of the market and the likely policy choices of the competitors. Typically, policy choices depend upon specific quantitative measures, the specific market environment, and participant heuristics. To succesfully model the market interactions and outcomes, one needs to capture not only the quantitative aspects of the policy but also necessary qualitative heuristic information. A tool which can enable such modelling is expert systems. In this paper we explore modelling the microeconomic environment as a network of expert systems. The rules of the market are modelled as one expert system. Other expert systems model quantitative and heuristiv policy implementation rules of market participants.
Ferric citrate reductase activity in laccaria laccata, an ectomycorrhizal fungus

Abstract We have assessed iron acquisition by Laccaria laccata ATCC 42217 growing in defined medium with adequate levels of iron to support growth. A series of enzyme tests were conducted with mycelium to establish optimum conditions for ferric citrate reductase activity and to assess enzyme ihibition by divalent cations and by redox‐active metal oxyanions. Greatest reduction of ferric ion by these fungal cells was observed at pH 6.0 when NADH and FMN were added. Riboflavin was found to be a suitable replacement for FMN and NADPH can be used as a substitute for NADH. The apparent Km for ferric citrate, NADH and FMN was 1.9 nMm, 0.4 μM and 0.1 MM, respectively. We observed that salts of Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, TeO3 2−, CrO4 2−, SeO3 2− and SeO4 2− inhibited the reduction of Fe3+ by the fungal cells.
Interparticle potential and sedimentation behavior of cement suspensions: Review and results from paste

Abstract A fundamental theory in colloid science is the DLVO theory (named after the four contributors: Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek). This theory and relevant basic concepts are reviewed and applied to cement systems to determine the state of flocculation for cement pastes. Both theoretical and experimental evidence suggest that normal, neat cement suspensions are either flocculated or coagulated. Because of the high ionic strength in the aqueous phase, the degree of flocculation or coagulation is not sensitive to the variation of the zeta potential, for zeta potentials between −20 mV and 20 mV.
Model of drug-loaded fluorocarbon-based micelles studied by electron-spin induced (19)f relaxation NMR and molecular dynamics simulation.

R_f-IPDU-PEGs belong to a class of fluoroalkyl-ended poly(ethylene glycol) polymers (R_f-PEGs), where the IPDU (isophorone diurethane) functions as a linker to connect each end of the PEG chain to a fluoroalkyl group. The R_f-IPDU-PEGs form hydrogels in water with favorable sol−gel coexistence properties. Thus, they are promising for use as drug delivery agents. In this study, we introduce an electron-spin induced ^(19)F relaxation NMR technique to probe the location and drug-loading capacity for an electron-spin labeled hydrophobic drug, CT (chlorambucil-tempol adduct), enclosed in the R_f-IPDU-PEG micelle. With the assistance of molecular dynamics simulations, a clear idea regarding the structures of the R_f-IPDU-PEG micelle and its CT-loaded micelle was revealed. The significance of this research lies in the finding that the hydrophobic drug molecules were loaded within the intermediate IPDU shells of the R_f-IPDU-PEG micelles. The molecular structures of IPDU and that of CT are favorably comparable. Consequently, it appears that this study opens a window to modify the linker between the R_f group and the PEG chain for achieving customized structure-based drug-loading capabilities for these hydrogels, while the advantage of the strong affinity among the R_f groups to hold individual micelles together and to interconnect the micellar network is still retained in hopes of maintaining the sol−gel coexistence of the R_f-PEGs.