cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia, RONS and energy metabolism in articular cartilage

Summary Objective Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) occur in osteoarthritis (OA). Oxygen tension can alter the levels of RONS induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1). RONS such as nitric oxide (NO) can alter energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine if oxygen tension alters energy metabolism, in articular cartilage, in response to IL-1 or NO and to determine if cell death occurred. Design Porcine articular chondrocytes were incubated with IL-1 or the NO donor NOC-18 for 48h in either 1, 5 or 20% O 2 . Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured and immunoblots for adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were done. Protein translation was measured by S6 activation. Senescence and autophagy were determined by increased caveolin or conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II respectively. Results One percent O 2 significantly reduced ATP levels compared with 20% O 2 . Five percent O 2 significantly increased ATP levels compared with 20% O 2 . One percent O 2 significantly increased phospho-AMPK (pAMPK) protein expression compared with 5 or 20% O 2 . Oxygen tension had no effects on pS6, caveolin or LC3-II levels. IL-1-induced NO production was significantly reduced with decreased oxygen tension, and significantly reduced ATP levels at all oxygen tensions, but pAMPK was only significantly increased at 5% O 2 . IL-1 significantly reduced pS6 at all oxygen tensions. IL-1 had no effects on caveolin and significantly increased LC3-II at 20% O 2 only. NOC-18 significantly reduced ATP levels at all oxygen tensions, and significantly increased pAMPK at 5% O 2 only, and significantly decreased pAMPK at 1% O 2 . NOC-18 significantly reduced pS6 at 1% O 2 and significantly increased caveolin at 5% O 2 , and LC3-II at 1% O 2 . Conclusion Our data suggest 5% O 2 is optimal for energy metabolism and protective to some effects of IL-1 and NO. NO has the greatest effects on ATP levels and the induction of autophagy at 1% O 2 .
Functional properties of select seed flours

Abstract Proximate composition of select commercially sold cereal, oilseed, dry bean, and tree nut seeds was determined. Full fat and defatted seed flours were evaluated for their color, bulk density, Water Holding Capacity (WHC), Oil Holding Capacity (OHC), and Least Gelation Concentration (LGC). On a dry weight basis (dwb), rice, wheat, pearl millet, black gram, chickpea, and soybean flours registered higher moisture content among the tested seeds. Seed protein content (dwb) ranged from 7.79 ± 0.72 g/100 g (rice) to 31.48 ± 0.76 g/100 g (soybean). On a dwb, rice (1.23 ± 0.07 g/100 g) and macadamia (67.63 ± 0.04 g/100 g) registered the lowest and the highest amount of lipid. Defatting typically improved flour lightness as indicated by an increase in the L∗ value as compared to the corresponding full fat flour. Upon defatting, bulk density of the tested flours decreased. Under the experimental conditions, WHC of full fat flours (range 0.66 ± 0.11–2.97 ± 0.02 g/g improved upon defatting (range 1.48 ± 0.00–3.53 ± 0.02 g/g). OHC of full fat flours (range 0.64 ± 0.14–1.44 ± 0.07 g/g) increased upon defatting (range 1.00 ± 0.12–3.40 ± 0.46 g/g). LGC of the tested flours ranged from 8 g/100 mL–18 g/100 mL.
The Bingham viscometer and viscosity standards

Abstract The technique used with variable-pressure viscometers of the Bingham type for evaluating the viscosities of Standard Viscosity Samples at the National Bureau of Standards is described. Corrections for internal head, drainage and change of viscosity with pressure are accounted for or rendered negligible. A graphical solution of the equation for laminar flow in capillary tubes is employed to determine the instrument constants. The value of 0.01005 poise for the absolute viscosity of water at 20°C. is used as a primary standard in the measurement of viscosity. Sucrose solutions, Standard Viscosity Samples from the National Bureau of Standards and the American Petroleum Institute, and water in the temperature range 10 to 60°C. are discussed as liquids for the calibration of viscometers.
Nerve membrane sodium channels as the target site of brevetoxins at neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract Actions of two structurally related toxins, T-17 and brevetoxin-B, isolated from the red-tide dinoflagellate, Ptychodiscus brevis, were studied on the giant axon of the squid and the neuromuscular junctions of the frog and rat. T-17 toxin caused a large increase in the frequency of miniature endplate potentials at nanomolar concentrations. In one typical case with a frog endplate, the frequency increased from 1.9 s-1 before application of 3.5 nM T-17 to 69.3 s-1 within 5 min after application. In the rat muscle, the mean frequency increased from 1.39 s-1 in control to 11.93 s-1 after application of 23.2 nM T-17. The increase in miniature endplate potential frequency was reversed by the addition of 1 microM tetrodotoxin, and was not observed in a solution containing elevated Mg2+ and reduced Ca2+ concentrations. External or internal application of T-17 toxin (2-5 microM) or brevetoxin-B (10-30 microM) to intact or internally perfused squid axons caused a depolarization of the membrane. This depolarization was abolished by the removal of external Na+ or by addition of tetrodotoxin to the external solution. In voltage clamped squid giant axons, exposure to T-17 toxin or brevetoxin-B increased the non-inactivating component of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium current. The sodium current was activated at potentials 15 to 40 mV more negative than control. It is proposed that these toxins modify a fraction of the sodium channels to a form which opens at potentials more negative than normal and which inactivates to a lesser extent. This mechanism would predict a depolarization of the nerve membrane at the neuromuscular junction, thus explaining the increased discharge of transmitter.
Assessing Denitrification Rate Limiting Factors in a Constructed Wetland Receiving Landfill Leachate

The focus of this research was to investigate denitrification in constructed wetlands to improve the nitrogen treatment capabilities of these systems. A free water surface flow constructed wetland located at the New Hanover County Solid Waste Management Facility, near Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, was used for this research. Field water sampling in conjunction with a laboratory acetylene block method was used to quantify nitrogen removals in the wetland. Background denitrification rates as well as potential denitrification rates using sodium acetate and sodium phosphate were measured in the laboratory. According to field measurements, average nitrate nitrogen loading and removal rates in the constructed wetland during 1997 were 11.1 ± 3.4 g N/m3/d and 4.5 ± 2.2 g N/m3/d, respectively. Denitrification rates measured in the laboratory with the addition of sodium acetate were higher than background denitrification rates while the addition of sodium phosphate had no effect on the denitrification rates. Results suggested denitrification in the wetland was limited by the availability of easily degradable sources of organic carbon. Background denitrification rates measured using the laboratory method were comparable to the nitrate nitrogen removal rates measured by field water sampling.
Trimmed Least Squares Estimation in the Linear Model

Abstract We consider two methods of defining a regression analog to a trimmed mean. The first was suggested by Koenker and Bassett and uses their concept of regression quantiles. Its asymptotic behavior is completely analogous to that of a trimmed mean. The second method uses residuals from a preliminary estimator. Its asymptotic behavior depends heavily on the preliminary estimate; it behaves, in general, quite differently than the estimator proposed by Koenker and Bassett, and it can be inefficient at the normal model even if the percentage of trimming is small. However, if the preliminary estimator is the average of the two regression quantiles used with Koenker and Bassett's estimator, then the first and second methods are asymptotically equivalent for symmetric error distributions.
Large solutions of coupled sublinear/superlinear elliptic equations

We show that large positive solutions exist for the semilinear elliptic equation Δu = p(x)u α + q(x)v β on bounded domains in R n , n ≥ 3, for the superlinear case 0 1, but not the sublinear case 0 < α ≤ β ≤ 1. We also show that entire large positive solutions exist for both the superlinear and sublinear cases provided the nonnegative continuous functions p and q satisfy certain decay conditions at infinity. Existence and nonexistence of entire bounded solutions are established as well.
Development and Structure of the Root Cortex in Caltha palustris L. and Nymphaea odorata Ait.

Structural features of the mature root cortex and its apoplastic permeability to dyes have been determined for two dicotyledonous wetland plants of differing habitats: Nymphaea odorata, growing rooted in water and mud, and Caltha palustris, growing in temporal wetlands among cattails. In mature roots, movement of the apoplastic dyes, berberine and safranin, into the roots was blocked at the hypodermis, indicating the presence of an exodermis. A hypodermis with an exodermis, i.e. Casparian bands in the outermost uniseriate layer plus suberin lamellae, is present in both species. In N. odorata, hypodermal walls are further modified with cellulosic secondary walls. Roots of N. odorata and C. palustris have an endodermis with Casparian bands only. A honeycomb aerenchyma is produced by differential expansion in N. odorata and includes astrosclereids and diaphragms, while roots of C. palustris have no aerenchyma, but some irregular lacunae are found in old roots. These aspects of cortex structure are related to an open meristem organization, with unusual patterns of cell divisions in certain ground meristem cells (called semi-regular hexagon cells) of N. odorata. The correlation between aerenchyma pattern and hypodermal structure appears to be related to habitat differences.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(pyrazolyl)borate tantalum amide complexes and their reactivities toward oxygen

Reaction of TaCl(NMe2)4 (1) with KTp* [Tp* = tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borohydride] yields two products: Tp*Ta(NMe2)4 (2), in which one N atom of the Tp* ligand binds to Ta, and [Tp*Ta(NMe2)4]·2KTp* (3) where three N atoms of the Tp* ligand in [Tp*Ta(NMe2)4] (2a) bind to Ta. Addition of excess 1 to 3 did not exclude KTp*. Further reaction of 2 with oxygen affords Tp*BH(NMe2) (4). TpTa(NMe2)4 (5) has been synthesized by a similar procedure through the reaction of 1 with TpK [Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)borohydride]. Reactions of 3 and 5 with oxygen were also studied. 2, 4, and 5 were characterized by NMR, EA, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Three isoaccepting forms of leucyl transfer RNA in mitochondria

Abstract This paper presents the evidence that Tetrahymena pyriformis mitochondria contain three isoaccepting leucyl tRNA species differing in (1) charging responses to the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic leucyl tRNA synthetases, (2) melting temperatures of hybrids between tRNA Leu species and mitochondrial DNA and (3) codon recognition patterns. Reversed-phase column chromatography of whole-cell tRNA from Tetrahymena resolves at least six isoaccepting leucyl tRNA species. Out of these, three species (II, V and VI) are found in mitochondria and preferentially charged by the mitochondrial leucyl tRNA synthetase. Species II and VI are not acylatable with the cytoplasmic enzyme, while species V can be charged with this enzyme. Three individual tRNA Leu species form stable hybrids with mitochondrial DNA, whose melting temperatures ( T m ) are: 44 °C (II), 52 °C (V) and 51·5 °C (VI) in 50% formamide, 0·30 m -NaCl, 0·03 m -sodium citrate, 0·05 m -ammonium acetate. Competitive hybridization between these tRNAs and DBAE-cellulose chromatography of RNase T 1 digests of three tRNA Leu species indicate the existence of considerable sequence homology at their —CCA terminal regions. Binding studies of individual tRNA Leu species to six leucine triplets and polynucleotides, poly(U), poly(U 2 C) and poly(U 7 G), showed that three mitochondrial and two cytoplasmic tRNA Leu species all responded to different leucine codons. The significance of these findings in relation to the function and transcriptional origin of mitochondrial tRNA is discussed.
Simultaneous Estimation of Overall and Domain Abilities: A Higher-Order IRT Model Approach.

Assessments consisting of different domains (e.g., content areas, objectives) are typically multidimensional in nature but are commonly assumed to be unidimensional for estimation purposes. The different domains of these assessments are further treated as multi-unidimensional tests for the purpose of obtaining diagnostic information. However, when the domains are disparate, assuming a single underlying ability across the domains is not tenable. Moreover, estimating domain proficiencies based on short tests can result in unreliable scores. This article presents a higher-order item response theory framework where an overall and multiple domain abilities are specified in the same model. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, the overall and domain-specific abilities, and their correlations, are estimated simultaneously. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model are investigated under varied conditions in a simulation study and illustrated using actual asse...
The evolution of subharmonic edge wavepackets on a sloping beach

Abstract A study is made of the temporal and spatial development of subharmonic edge wavepackets which are resonantly excited by a wavetrain normally incident and reflected on a mildly sloping beach. The nonlinear evolution equations of the wavepacket envelopes are solved numerically for a variety of initial conditions. It is shown that, under certain conditions, large-scale modulations of edge waves are generated and undergo a recurrence phenomenon. These findings lend support to the belief that modulational instabilities of edge wavepackets could be related to certain long-period oscillatory phenomena observed on natural beaches.
Comparative performance of multiview stereoscopic and mammographic display modalities for breast lesion detection

Purpose: Mammography is known to be one of the most difficult radiographic exams to interpret. Mammography has important limitations, including the superposition of normal tissue that can obscure a mass, chance alignment of normal tissue to mimic a true lesion and the inability to derive volumetric information. It has been shown that stereomammography can overcome these deficiencies by showing that layers of normal tissue lay at different depths. If standard stereomammography (i.e., a single stereoscopic pair consisting of two projection images) can significantly improve lesion detection, how will multiview stereoscopy (MVS), where many projection images are used, compare to mammography? The aim of this study was to assess the relative performance of MVS compared to mammography for breast mass detection. Methods: The MVS image sets consisted of the 25 raw projection images acquired over an arc of approximately 45 deg. using a Siemens prototype breast tomosynthesis system. The mammograms were acquired using a commercial Siemens FFDM system. The raw data were taken from both of these systems for 27 cases and realistic simulated mass lesions were added to duplicates of the 27 images at the same local contrast. The images with lesions (27 mammography and 27 MVS) and the imagesmore » without lesions (27 mammography and 27 MVS) were then postprocessed to provide comparable and representative image appearance across the two modalities. All 108 image sets were shown to five full-time breast imaging radiologists in random order on a state-of-the-art stereoscopic display. The observers were asked to give a confidence rating for each image (0 for lesion definitely not present, 100 for lesion definitely present). The ratings were then compiled and processed using ROC and variance analysis. Results: The mean AUC for the five observers was 0.614{+-}0.055 for mammography and 0.778{+-}0.052 for multiview stereoscopy. The difference of 0.164{+-}0.065 was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.0148. Conclusions: The differences in the AUCs and the p-value suggest that multiview stereoscopy has a statistically significant advantage over mammography in the detection of simulated breast masses. This highlights the dominance of anatomical noise compared to quantum noise for breast mass detection. It also shows that significant lesion detection can be achieved with MVS without any of the artifacts associated with tomosynthesis.« less
The in‐flight sensitivity of Gold‐Tube NOy converters to HCN

In-flight measurements of the HCN conversion efficiency of three gold-tube NOy converters were made during the recent TOTE/VOTE and SUCCESS aircraft projects. While sampling ambient air and with the upstream addition of 500 ppmv H2O, two converters had HCN conversion efficiencies averaging about 5%. The H2O addition was a routine part of the NOy measurement procedure for these projects. A third converter showed much higher HCN conversion, about 30%. Conversion efficiencies determined while sampling synthetic air were significantly higher than those measured while sampling ambient air. The dependence of conversion efficiency on ambient H2O and O3 was minimal, at least with respect to the variability of the measured values over the course of the missions.
Input purchasing advantages associated with farm size.

A random sample of Ohio farm operators was queried about the price discounts received on seed, fertilizer, pesticides, and machinery. Analysis of the survey data found that, consistent with the findings of previous studies, large farmers (1000 + acres) received higher discounts than smaller farmers. Significantly, the analysis also found that the average discount increased over all farm sizes investigated. Therefore, not just the largest farm operators reported significant discounts. Lastly, substantial variation was found in the discounts reported by farm operators with the same size operation.
The design of binary cranks with revolute, cylindric, and prismatic joints

Abstract Using screw-axis geometry, the synthesis of cranks with prismatic joints is discussed and equations are derived for the design of spatial cranks with one revolute and one cylindric joint, or two revolute joints. These new formulations, coupled with previous work on the multi-position synthesis of cylindric-cylindric links [1], complete and unify the design theory for all binary cranks with joints that are either revolutes, sliders, or cylinders. All such binary cranks are designed to be compatible with a specified set of finitely separated positions of a rigid body which they couple to a fixed link. It has been previously shown [2] that results of this type are applicable to a large number of different multi-position spatial synthesis problems.
Capillary biosensor for glutamate.

We have developed and characterized a novel glutamate biosensor which allows biological transduction of glutamate signal during transport of analyte from the sampling site to the detector. This biosensor exploits the high surface-to-volume ratio found in small-diameter fused silica capillaries. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was attached to the inner surface of a 75 μm i.d. capillary using biotin−avidin chemistry. In the presence of excess nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), GDH converts glutamate to α-ketoglutarate while simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Detection of NADH was accomplished using laser-induced fluorescence. Perfusion with 30 μM glutamate in the presence of 3 mM NAD+ resulted in a strong increase in fluorescence, with a response time of 450 ms. This effect was abolished upon exclusion of NAD+ from the buffer. The limit of detection is 3 μM (S/N = 3), with a linear working range from 3 to 300 μM. Efficiency of the GDH-modified capillary ranged between 20% and 92% and was positively ...
The functional role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in epileptiform activity induced by 4-aminopyridine in the rat amygdala slice.

Abstract The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist, (RS)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 500 μM), was tested on intracellularly recorded epileptiform activity induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in amygdala neurons. Superfusing 4-AP (1 mM) produced interictal spiking followed by ictal bursting. MCPG prevented the progressive transition from interictal spiking to ictal bursting but affected neither induction of interictal spiking nor maintenance of ongoing ictal bursting. These data suggest that mGluRs may be involved in the induction of ictal seizure events.
Electrocatalysis of Guanine Oxidation in Polyethylene Glycol Solutions: The Interplay of Adsorption and Reaction Rate

Catalytic guanine oxidation using Ru(bpy)32+ as a mediator (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine) has been investigated electrochemically in viscous solutions containing high concentrations of poly(ethylene glyco...
Mindfulness Based Interventions for Youth

Application of mindfulness based interventions for youth is growing exponentially within clinical and educational settings. Proponents emphasize benefits in reduction of a wide range of psychopathology including internalizing and externalizing disorders, as well as enhancement of functioning and skills in attentional focus and concentration, emotion regulation, social and academic performance, adaptive coping, frustration tolerance, self-control, and self-esteem. Findings to date are encouraging, though research design reflects the nascent nature of the field and continues to be insufficient to confirm treatment efficacy or mechanisms of change. This article is aimed at providing the clinical practitioner with a review of the current state of the field with regard to application of mindfulness for youth, placing it in context of the broader history of the CBT movement. Specifically mindfulness based stress reduction, mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy treatments for youth are critically reviewed, and mindfulness as a technique and as a unifying mechanism of action in “third-wave” youth psychotherapies discussed. Developmental considerations are highlighted, and the application of mindfulness as a universal preventative health measure versus tertiary treatment intervention examined, with consideration for future directions.
A METHOD FOR FORMALIZING SUBJECTIVE NOTIONS ABOUT THE EFFECT OF NON‐RESPONDENTS IN SAMPLE SURVEYS

A method is given for estimating, in a subjective sense, the effect of non-respondents in a sample survey. The method is based on Bayesian techniques and yields a “confidence interval” for the value of the average response in the survey if all non-respondents had responded. Background information which is recorded for both respondents and non-respondents plays an important role although is not needed. The technique is illustrated with real survey data of 660 schools; 488 had 80 dependent variables recorded, 172 had no dependent variables recorded, and all 660 had 35 background variables recorded. On the basis of this example, it appears as if the method can be useful in practical problems. The general idea, of which the method presented here is only a specific example, can be applied to any problem with non-respondents and/or missing data.
How well do poor language scores at ages 3 and 4 predict poor language scores at age 6

The purpose of this study was to describe findings and associations at the group level, and predictive accuracy at the individual level, for three measures of language obtained from a single prospective cohort of US children assessed at three ages during another investigation. Participants comprised all children (n = 414) who had a score at each of three ages (3, 4, and 6 years) on three language measures: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT); mean length of utterance in morphemes (MLU); and total percentage of phonemes correct (TOTPPC) in a nonword repetition task. At the group level, mean differences and correlations over ages were calculated. At the individual level, the extent to which low scores (1.5 SDs or more below the sample mean) at an earlier age increased the relative risk (R’) of low scores at a later age was calculated. At the group level, scores on all measures increased significantly with age. Earlier and later scores on each measure were significantly correlated; r2 values were ...
Predictors of complete pathological response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer

Abstract Background The aim of the current study was to identify predictors of pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant therapy. Methods From 2000 to 2007, 518 breast cancer patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Data were compared using χ 2 and Fisher's exact tests and multivariate analysis of variance, as appropriate. Results Of 518 breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy, 81 (16%) had pCR (77 of 456 [17%] with chemotherapy, 4 of 62 [6%] with endocrine therapy; P P = .015), lack of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression ( P P = .025), and negative lymph node status ( P Conclusions Patients with ER-negative and PR-negative and HER2/neu-amplified breast cancer phenotypes are more likely to experience pCR to neoadjuvant therapy. Although pCR is more frequently observed following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it is rare following neoadjuvant endocrine therapy.
Use of an Orientation Clinic to Reduce Failed New Patient Appointments in Primary Care

Patients who fail to attend initial appointments reduce clinic efficiency. To maximize attendance by newly referred outpatients, we introduced a mandatory group orientation clinic for all new patients and determined its effects on no-show rates. Orientation clinic also provided health care screening and opportunities for patient feedback. The new patient noshow rate for initial provider visits decreased significantly from 45% before institution of orientation clinic to 18% aftewards (P<.0001). The total no-show (patients who failed to attend orientation clinic or an initial provider visit) rate of the postintervention group was 51% (P=.28, compared with before the intervention). This intervention improved the efficiency and minimized the wasted time of our clinicians.
Can transrectal needle biopsy be optimised to detect nearly all prostate cancer with a volume of ≥0.5 mL? A three-dimensional analysis.

Objective To investigate whether transrectal needle biopsy can be optimised to detect nearly all prostate cancer with a tumour volume (TV) of ≥0.5 mL. Materials and Methods Retrospectively analysed 109 whole-mounted and entirely submitted radical prostatectomy specimens with prostate cancer. All tumours in each prostate were outlined on whole-mount slides and digitally scanned to produce tumour maps. Tumour map images were exported to three-dimensional (3D) slicer software (http://www.slicer.org) to develop a 3D-prostate cancer model. In all, 20 transrectal biopsy schemes involving two to 40 cores and two to six anteriorly directed biopsy (ADBx) cores (including transition zone, TZ) were simulated, as well as models with various biopsy cutting lengths. Detection rates for tumours of different volumes were determined for the various biopsy simulation schemes. Results In 109 prostates, 800 tumours were detected, 90 with a TV of ≥0.5 mL (mean TV 0.24 mL). Detection rate for tumours with a TV of ≥0.5 mL plateaued at 77% (69/90) using a 12-core (3 × 4) scheme, standard 17-mm biopsy cutting length without ADBx cores. In all, 20 of 21 (95%) tumours with a TV of ≥0.5 mL not detected by this scheme originated in the anterior peripheral zone or TZ. Increasing the biopsy cutting length and depth/number of ADBx cores improved the detection rate for tumours with a TVof ≥0.5 mL in the 12-core scheme. Using a 22-mm cutting length and a 12-core scheme with additional volume-adjusted ADBx cores, 100% of ≥0.5 mL tumours in prostates ≤ 50 mL in volume and 94.7% of ≥0.5 mL tumours in prostates > 50 mL in volume were detected. Conclusions Our 3D-prostate cancer model analysis suggests that nearly all prostate cancers with a TV of ≥0.5 mL can be detected by 14–18 transrectal needle-biopsy cores. Using longer biopsy cutting lengths and increasing the depth and number of ADBx cores (including TZ) according to prostate volume are necessary as well.
PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PEANUT HULL AS A POTENTIAL FIBER ADDITIVE

Dried, ground peanut hulls were found to contain 34.56% lignin, 39.42% cellulose, 73.98% acid detergent fiber and 86.16% neutral detergent fiber. The hulls bound 2-3g HOH/g sample, exchanged 1.55 meq cations/g sample, and bound 2.28 + 0.87 μM sodium taurocholate/ 100 mg sample.
Glycolate excretion by Rhodospirillum rubrum

Glycolate can be measured in the supernatant fraction after incubation of butyrate-grown cells of Rhodospirillum rubrum either colorimetrically by the Calkins method or enzymatically using glycolate oxidase. Under optimal conditions, half-maximal excretion occurs at 11% O2 and the maximal rate is 6.9 nmol of glycolate min-1 mg protein-1 at 30°C. The pH and temperature optima are 7.6 and 30°C and light intensity is saturating in the range of 2–10×104 lux. Carbon dioxide inhibits glycolate excretion and exogenous butyrate stimulates. Glycolate excretion is maximal by butyrate-light grown cells harvested in the early stationary phase and under all conditions is proportional to the cellular content of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase.
DnaK expression in response to heat shock of Streptococcus mutans

The oral pathogen, Streptococcus mutans, persistently colonizes human hosts and initiates oral disease despite extreme variations in environmental conditions. To begin to investigate the role of the stress protein, DnaK (Hsp70), in environmental stress responses by S. mutans, pulse-chase experiments were initially used to establish that a functional heat shock response existed in this organism. A C-terminal fragment of the S. mutans dnaK gene was cloned and engineered to be expressed with a histidine tag. Using the recombinant DnaK protein that had been purified by nickel affinity chromatography, an antibody specific for the S. mutans DnaK protein was generated to analyse DnaK expression under homeostatic and heat shock conditions. Western blot analysis indicated that the anti-recombinant DnaK antibody specifically recognized a protein (molecular mass approx. 68 kDa) which was induced in response to thermal stress. Elucidating the role of DnaK in responses by S. mutans to various environmental stressors will provide a better understanding of how DnaK is involved in survival of extreme environments and the contribution of the DnaK protein to the virulence of S. mutans.
An approximate SCF MO theory of molecules based on slater's Xα method

A new approximate SCF MO theory is constructed for molecular systems based on the Xα method. The proposed theory is suited especially for potential surface calculations. Atomic “core” is separated and no adjustable parameters appear in the theory. Many quantities in the theory can be determined by the undistorted atomic electron densities. Explicit expressions for the separation energy and the model potential are given.
Robust decentralized exciter control with linear feedback

A new strategy is developed for the design of robust decentralized exciter control in power systems. The method is computationally attractive and the resulting feedback is linear, which allows for easy implementation. Experiments on the IEEE 39 bus system demonstrate that such a control is robust with respect to the fault location and to variations in the system operating point.
Transcriptional control of cell fate in the stomatal lineage

The Arabidopsis stomatal lineage is a microcosm of development; it undergoes selection of precursor cells, asymmetric and stem cell-like divisions, cell commitment and finally, acquisition of terminal cell fates. Recent transcriptomic approaches revealed major shifts in gene expression accompanying each fate transition, and mechanistic analysis of key bHLH transcription factors, along with mathematical modeling, has begun to unravel how these major shifts are coordinated. In addition, stomatal initiation is proving to be a tractable model for defining the genetic and epigenetic basis of stable cell identities and for understanding the integration of environmental responses into developmental programs.
Animal experimentation: The legacy of Claude Bernard

Abstract Claude Bernard, the father of scientific physiology, believed that if medicine was to become truly scientific, it would have to be based on rigorous and controlled animal experiments. Bernard instituted a paradigm which has shaped physiological practice for most of the twentieth century. In this paper we examine how Bernard's commitment to hypothetico‐de‐ductivism and determinism led to (a) his rejection of the theory of evolution; (b) his minimalization of the role of clinical medicine and epidemiological studies; and (c) his conclusion that experiments on non‐human animals were, “entirely conclusive for the toxicology and hygiene of man”. We examine some negative consequences of Bernardianism for twentieth century medicine, and argue that physiology's continued adherence to Bernardianism has caused it to diverge from the other biological sciences which have become increasingly infused with evolutionary theory.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibition Attenuates Stored Blood-Induced Neutrophil Activation: A Novel Adjunct to Blood Transfusion

Background Activated neutrophils play a central role in the pathogenesis of ARDS and multiple organ failure (MOF). Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) is an independent risk factor in the development of ARDS and MOF. It has been postulated that factors present in the supernatant of PRBCs activate neutrophils. The magnitude of neutrophil activation is dependent on the age of the stored blood. Our laboratory and others have reported that pentoxifylline (PTX), a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, decreases neutrophil activation. We hypothesized that adding PTX to PRBCs would attenuate blood transfusion-induced neutrophil activation. Study design Peripheral blood was obtained from healthy human volunteers. Oxidative burst, CD11b, and CD35 expression were measured by flow cytometry using a whole blood preparation. Whole blood was incubated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) (1 μM) alone and 42-day-old PRBC supernatant + fMLP with or without PTX (2mmol/L). Results N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine alone caused a significant increase in neutrophil oxidative burst (100%). The exposure of whole blood to PRBC supernatants + fMLP led to a 1.3-fold increase in neutrophil oxidative burst as compared with fMLP alone, indicating that PRBC supernatants prime neutrophils for oxidative burst by 75%. More importantly, PTX decreased neutrophil oxidative burst by 114% in supernatant + fMLP-stimulated whole blood (p Conclusions Our results suggest that adding PTX to PRBC supernatant markedly decreases neutrophil activation. The lack of successful treatment strategies to effectively modulate the inflammatory response after blood transfusion indicates the need for novel therapies. Because the deleterious effects of blood transfusion on end-organ injury and MOF are associated with neutrophil activation, the adjunct use of PTX to blood transfusion may have therapeutic potential.
Experiments to define plasma-propellant interactions

A series of experiments has been performed to contribute to the process of fully characterizing the interaction between a hot plasma igniter and gun propellant such as occurs in electrothermal-chemical (ETC) guns. Diagnostics include pressure generation records for different interaction geometries and chemical analysis of residual propellants following plasma exposure. It is found that ignition times vary substantially by propellant even within similar classes of materials. Subsurface chemical activity has been recorded.
Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) represses the expression of CCL4 in murine macrophages.

Abstract Acute expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (also known as CCL4) promotes beneficial leukocyte recruitment to infected tissues, but chronic expression of this chemokine contributes to inflammatory disease. CCL4 expression is controlled largely at the transcriptional level and an ATF/CRE sequence located in the promoter (−104 to −97 bp, relative to the transcriptional start site) has been identified as a critical cis -acting element. The trans -acting binding proteins that influence CCL4 transcription via this site are largely unknown. We investigated whether activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a member of the ATF/CREB family of transcription factors, binds to the CCL4 ATF/CRE site in macrophages. Using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we found that ATF3 binds to the ATF/CRE site within the CCL4 promoter in untreated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that CCL4 mRNA levels in elicited peritoneal macrophages from ATF3 −/− mice are significantly higher than in congenic ATF3 +/+ macrophages under both unstimulated and LPS-stimulated conditions, suggesting that ATF3 represses transcription of the CCL4 gene. Consistent with the higher gene expression, ATF3-deficient macrophages secreted more CCL4 protein than ATF3 +/+ macrophages. Similar results were obtained in bone-marrow-derived macrophages treated with Toll-like receptor 2, 3, 4 and 5 agonists. Thus, we conclude that ATF3 constitutively binds to the ATF/CRE site in the CCL4 promoter where it represses basal and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-stimulated transcription. Consequently, ATF3 appears to be part of a control mechanism that limits the amount of CCL4 released by macrophages, preventing excessive inflammation.
Transient, but Not Persistent, Adult Food Insecurity Influences Toddler Development

In this study, we examined characteristics associated with experiencing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity and how persistent and transitional adult food insecurity influences toddler cognitive and motor development, along with toddler's weight and health status. Using the first 2 waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, 4 mutually exclusive variables capturing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity were created to capture those adults that experience adult food insecurity in the following: both waves, in 1 wave (at 9 or 24 mo after birth), and never experience food insecurity. We used logistic regression models to estimate characteristics associated with the likelihood of experiencing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate how persistent and transitional adult food insecurity influences toddler development. Similar factors influenced one's likelihood of experiencing adult transitional and persistent food insecurity; individuals who experienced any food insecurity were more economically disadvantaged. Thus, outreach efforts do not need to vary by duration of food insecurity. Whereas negative effects of food insecurity on school-aged children are found in the literature, it appears toddlers are buffered from the effects of persistent adult food insecurity. Our findings suggest that toddlers residing with a temporarily food-insecure adult compared with a never food-insecure adult experienced immediate, but small, negative effects on their development. Hence, outreach and assistance may lessen immediate impacts of food insecurity on toddler development.
Disasters and Population Health

Events of mass trauma are relatively common global phenomena with widespread impact on human health. We conducted this systematic literature review using the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database. We investigated the effect of disasters on six main topic areas of interest: injury and mortality, health systems and infrastructure, mental health, infectious disease, chronic disease, and health behavior. This review covers 182 articles on both natural and man-made disasters, excluding war. We present the results by topic area, across disaster type. This work highlights the scope and heterogeneity of disaster research today, providing a contextual background in which to formulate interventions and disaster planning efforts.
An improved full-ZVS-range hybrid DC-DC converter with low filter requirement capable of adding and subtracting the controlled and uncontrolled sections

A new hybrid configuration for DC-DC power converters featuring zero-voltage-switching over the full load-range and reduced filter requirement was proposed by R. Ayyanar et al. (1999). In this paper, an improved configuration, capable of adding and subtracting the outputs of its uncontrolled and controlled sections is proposed. The new configuration achieves further significant reduction in the filter requirement and improved ZVS characteristics. Though the number of switches is more than in the conventional converters, the combined VA ratings of all the switches together is the same. Experimental results from a 500 W prototype switching at 100 kHz are presented.
Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of southern flying squirrels in southeast Georgia.

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) from southeastern Georgia were examined for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths. Ten species of ectoparasites were recovered, including 3 species of sucking lice (Hoplopleura trispinosa, Microphthirus uncinatus, and Neohaematopinus sciuropteri), 1 species of flea (Orchopeas howardi), 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma maculatum and Ixodes scapularis), 3 species of mesostigmatid mites (Androlaelaps casalis, A. fahrenholzi, and Haemogamasus ambulans), and 1 species of chigger (Leptotrombidium peromysci). Only the sucking lice and fleas were common on this host. M. uncinatus is reported for the first time from eastern North America. The 2 most commonly collected ectoparasites, N. sciuropteri (prevalence = 63%) and O. howardi (prevalence = 47%), have previously been shown to be vectors of the rickettsial zoonotic agent that causes sporadic epidemic typhus. Also, 3 nematodes (Citellinema bifurcatum, Strongyloides robustus, and Syphacia thompsoni), 1 unidentified...
Update on the imaging of malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas)

Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are a histologic group of mesenchymal neoplasms that share a distinctive histological phenotype, the perivascular epithelioid cell. These tumors are known for their perivascular distribution. Malignant PEComas have a female predominance and are associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis, making timely diagnosis critical to management. Imaging features of malignant PEComas are nonspecific and mimic other benign and malignant neoplasms. Surgery is the mainstay in the management of malignant PEComas. Promising novel molecular targeted therapies like m-TOR inhibitors have been shown to be effective in the metastatic setting. The aim of this review is to familiarize radiologists with the imaging appearances of and potential therapies for primary and metastatic malignant PEComa.
Industrial Location in the Information Age

Information technology (IT) has become a popular means to attain goals for entities such as businesses, governments, communities, and even individuals. While the effects of IT are frequently prophesized, IT is invisible and its hard-to-measure nature stymies most systematic attempts to unravel the causal process. Given the difficulty of studying IT, the central premise of the research is to examine whether IT has the effect on firms that popular literature has noted. Consequently, this chapter investigates how IT affects firms with a theoretical and empirical analysis of industrial location.
Latino/a professionals as entrepreneurs: how race, class, and gender shape entrepreneurial incorporation

ABSTRACTThis paper examines how race, class, and gender intersect to shape professional Latinos’ entrepreneurial incorporation, as observed by the conditions that prompt professional Latinos to start a business, including access to capital and experiences with discrimination. In-depth interviews with professional Latino business owners in Los Angeles reveal that individual human capital – via resources and wealth accrued through corporate careers – facilitates entrepreneurial activity. Race, ethnicity, and gender, as intersectional social group identities, combine with class to shape variegated impacts on access to capital and business experiences by gender and target market. Ethnicity is a resource for those serving the coethnic community and is more significant in shaping business ownership experiences for men who target a racially/ethnically diverse clientele, whereas gender and race are more salient for women outside the coethnic community. This study contributes to the ethnic enterprise literature by...
Solution Growth and Optical Characterization of Thin Films with ZnO1-xSx and ZnO Nanorods in Core-Shell like Nanostructure for Solar Cell Application

ZnO films with a nanostructure dominated by 150–200 nm size highly c-axis oriented nanorod arrays were deposited by hydrothermal synthesis over surface activated quartz substrates. Sulfur infiltration and growth of ZnO1-xSx over ZnO nanorods was carried out by chemiplating process using slow hydrolysis of thiourea solution at 95°C. Formation of ZnO1-xSx nanocrystals of 20–30 nm size over (0001) facets of the ZnO rods is shown. With progressive growth of ZnO1-xSx nanocrystal and full ZnO nanorod coverage, the formation ZnO/ZnO1-xSx core–shell nanostructure is realized. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows chemical shifts in O1s and S2p spectra confirming the formation of ZnO1-xSx (0.1≤x≤0.2) nanocrystal shell. Reduction in optical band gap from a 3.24 eV for ZnO nanorod core to 2.78 eV for the ZnO1-xSx shell is consistent with the band gap bowing effect due to sulfur addition over the ZnO nanorod surface.
Species of Cercospora on Trifolium, Medicago, and Melilotus

(1929). Species of Cercospora on Trifolium, Medicago, and Melilotus. Mycologia: Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 304-312.