cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification of S-Adenosyl-1,8, diamino-3-thiooctane (AdoDATO) by Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Because polyamines are critically involved in the proliferation of neoplastic tissues, enzymes in their synthetic pathway present rational targets for the development of anticancer agents. AdoDATO is a potent and specific transition-state analog inhibitor of the key polyamine biosynthetic enzyme, spermidine synthase, and in in vitro systems leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation via polyamine depletion. In order to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness of AdoDATO, the synthesis of this inhibitor has been scaled up using the reported procedure. This paper describes the development of a preparative HPLC procedure for the purification of AdoDATO by paired-ion chromatography. This methodology could also be used to purify other strongly basic compounds that contain hydrophobic regions.
The pricing of U.S. IPOs by seasoned foreign firms

Abstract We examine the pricing of U.S. initial public offerings (IPOs) by foreign firms that are already seasoned in their domestic countries. Presumably, these equity offers have less downside risk for investors than typical IPOs since domestic share prices can be used to help establish a preoffer value for the firm's equity. In spite of the presumed diminished downside risk, we find that offers by firms from countries that impose foreign ownership restrictions and capital controls are on average underpriced, experiencing an average first-day return in the United States of 12.7%. This result stems in part from the underwriter's failure to price the issue to fully reflect the postoffer premium that often arises for the U.S. shares. In contrast, offers by firms from countries without ownership restrictions have an average first-day return of 0.0%.
Immunologic effects of cyclophosphamide/ACTH in patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis

Abstract We examined immune function and changes in T cell populations over a 1-year period in a series of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with different regimens of cyclophosphamide/ACTH as part of the Northeast Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Group. Our studies were designed to determine the effect of different cyclophosphamide/ACTH regimens on T cell populations and functional immune assays and to determine whether immune measures could be identified to predict which patients responded favorably to treatment. Cyclophosphamide/ACTH infusions significantly decreased the proportion of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells at 2, 6 and 12 months following treatment while there was a tendency for increased CD8 expression. This was associated with significant decreases of CD4 CD8 ratios at 2, 6 and 12 months following treatment compared to pretreatment. No changes in CD3+ T cells were observed while there were increased percentages of CDw26 (Ta1) positive and IL-2 positive T cells following treatment. The only T cell populations predictive of improvement were percentages of either CD3+ or CD4+ cells where increased percentages of either these populations at 2 months following cyclophosphamide/ACTH infusions were associated with improvement at both 6 and 12 months. In terms of functional immune measures, we found that cyclophosphamide/ACTH treatment decreased the level of proliferation in the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) at 2 months and of spontaneous proliferation of mononuclear cells at 12 months following therapy. Changes in spontaneous proliferation were predictive of clinical improvement at 12 months in that subjects with improved scores on the disability status scale (DSS) had decreases in spontaneous proliferation at 12 months as compared to pretreatment, whereas those stable or worse did not change significantly. Thus, our studies have demonstrated specific alterations in immune function following immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide/ACTH and suggest that certain immune measures may be linked to a positive clinical response and thus associated with disease progression in MS.
Volumetric Damage to the Femoral Physis During Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Computer Modeling Study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use computer models to evaluate the volume of femoral physeal disruption in double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in patients with open physes. Methods Ten skeletally immature patients (6 girls and 4 boys) were selected for this study. The magnetic resonance imaging scans of each patient were converted into a 3-dimensional model using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software. The software allowed the users to differentiate the epiphyseal, physeal, and metaphyseal tissues. This allowed for quantification of volume removed of each tissue type. Furthermore, we used the 3-dimensional models to simulate an anatomic double-bundle technique using 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-mm-diameter tunnels. The software method reflects an inside-out drilling technique. Results For drill holes of all diameters, the posteromedial tunnels exited the knee inferior to the physis, thus avoiding physeal damage. In contrast, all the anterolateral tunnels perforated the physis. The results for the percent of total physis removed are as follows: 6-mm tunnel, 1.79% ± 0.99%; 7-mm tunnel, 2.23% ± 1.19%; 8-mm tunnel, 3.00% ± 1.54%; and 9-mm tunnel, 3.84% ± 1.73%. Conclusions This computer modeling simulation of double-bundle PCL reconstruction in skeletally immature knees found that the posteromedial tunnel avoided disruption of the distal femoral physis. In contrast, the anterolateral tunnel did disrupt the physis with all drill hole sizes (6 to 9 mm), but all had a less than 4% volume of total physis removed. Clinical Relevance A clear understanding of the drill hole position may reduce the volume of physeal injury during double-bundle PCL reconstruction. This study shows that physeal disruption of less than the experimental 7% threshold that has been shown to cause physeal arrest may not cause arrest, but this is still speculative.
Adrenal insufficiency--an unusual cause of shock in postoperative patients.

ABSTRACT Objective To remind physicians that adrenal insufficiency can cause postoperative shock and that the manifestations are difficult to distinguish from those of sepsis. Methods We present detailed case reports of three patients who had hyperdynamic shock in the surgical intensive-care unit and describe their response to the cosyntropin stimulation test. Results All three patients were diagnosed as having adrenal insufficiency with use of the cosyntropin stimulation test. Two of the three patients rapidly recovered; however, because of delay in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, the third patient succumbed to multisystem organ failure. Conclusion The cases presented highlight the need to exclude adrenal insufficiency as a possible cause of hyperdynamic circulatory shock, particularly when no clear-cut diagnosis exists. Early recognition of adrenal insufficiency is important and can result in reversal of shock and prevention of death. Adrenal insufficiency can be diagnosed through screening random cortisol levels and by use of the cosyntropin stimulation test. Patients in addisonian crisis often respond to the first dose of glucocorticoid with dramatic improvement in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Administration of gluco-corticoid can thus lead to improved organ perfusion and recovery of organ function. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of acute hypoadrenalism can have a fatal outcome. (Endocr Pract. 1998;4:387-390)
Nanodiamond lateral comb array field emission diode for high current applications

Abstract Nanodiamond comb-shaped lateral field emitter arrays in diode configuration were fabricated and characterized for high current field emission. Nitrogen-incorporated nanocrystalline diamond with grain size of 5–10 nm was micropatterned using RIE to realize interconnected arrays of comb structures equipped with uniformly spaced high aspect ratio lateral emitter fingers. A 9000-fingered nanodiamond lateral comb array diode with an inter-electrode spacing of 8 μm demonstrated a high emission current of ∼ 25 mA at an anode voltage of 260 V (electric field ∼ 32 V/μm) in 10 − 7 Torr vacuum. The lateral emitter configuration shows potential for higher power with no emission current saturation observed. These vacuum micro/nanoelectronic devices comprised of nanodiamond lateral field emission diodes are attractive for low-voltage operating high current electron sources, high-power and high-speed switches, and other extreme demand/extreme environment electronics.
Young driver licensing: Examination of population-level rates using New Jersey’s state licensing database

Recent surveys have provided insight on the primary reasons why US teens delay licensure but are limited in their ability to estimate licensing rates and trends. State administrative licensing data are the ideal source to provide this information but have not yet been analyzed for this purpose. Our objective was to analyze New Jersey's (NJ) licensing database to: (1) describe population-based rates of licensure among 17- to 20-year-olds, overall and by gender and zip code level indicators of household income, population density, and race/ethnicity; and (2) examine recent trends in licensure. We obtained records on all licensed NJ drivers through June 2012 from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission's licensing database and determined each young driver's age at the time of intermediate and full licensure. Data from the US Census and American Community Survey were used to estimate a fixed cohort of NJ residents who turned 17 years old in 2006-2007 (n=255,833). Licensing data were used to estimate the number of these drivers who obtained an intermediate license by each month of age (numerators) and, among those who obtained an intermediate license, time to graduation to full licensure. Overall, 40% of NJ residents-and half of those who ultimately obtained a license by age 21-were licensed within a month of NJ's minimum licensing age of 17, 64% by their 18th birthday, and 81% by their 21st birthday. Starkly different patterns of licensure were observed by socioeconomic indicators; for example, 65% of 17-year-olds residing in the highest-income zip codes were licensed in the first month of eligibility compared with 13% of residents living in the lowest-income zip codes. The younger an individual obtained their intermediate license, the earlier they graduated to a full license. Finally, the rate and timing of licensure in NJ has been relatively stable from 2006 to 2012, with at most a 1-3% point decline in rates. These findings support the growing body of literature suggesting that teens delay licensure primarily for economic reasons and that a substantial proportion of potentially high-risk teens may be obtaining licenses outside the auspices of a graduated driver licensing system. Finally, our finding of a relatively stable trend in licensure in recent years is in contrast to national-level reports of a substantial decline in licensure rates. Language: en
Mono Lake geomagnetic excursion found at Summer Lake, Oregon

A 25-cm zone of anomalous paleomagnetic directions from lacustrine sediments near Summer Lake, Oregon, has the same age and the same paleomagnetic signature as the younger part of the proposed Mono Lake geomagnetic excursion. Both field observations and rock magnetic studies support the hypothesis that the anomalous directions represent actual geomagnetic field behavior, thereby confirming the existence of the Mono Lake excursion at the Oregon site. Although confirmation of its existence at this site does not make the Mono Lake excursion any more suitable as a chronostratigraphic horizon, this excursion may now be used as an additional constraint on models of geomagnetic field behavior including those that predict the morphology of transitional geomagnetic fields.
Toward a Collaborative Model for Interdisciplinary Teaching: Business and Literature

Abstract As team teachers of a self-designed interdisciplinary course, we often use literature to illustrate business principles. Because one of us teaches English and the other teaches business management, it was a challenge to overcome the biases of our own disciplines. Discussed here is what we have learned from planning the course, from developing curriculum and pedagogy, and, most important, from our experience in the classroom. The objectives are to provide guidance for interdisciplinary teaching, to present a model for bridging business and literature, and to outline features of a collaborative interdisciplinary model that can be extended to other disciplines. This model is the outgrowth of a course we have designed to bridge business management and literature. Offered as a sophomore-level special topics course, it is cross listed in the Departments of English and Business Management Technology.
A measurement-informational discussion of fuzzy union and intersection

The question of obtaining fuzzy membership grades is discussed. It is then shown that Zadeh's max and min operations are the only possible extension of the classic union and intersection operations which are meaningful in the face of ordinal information on degrees of membership. A discussion of ratio type information-meaningful operations is also presented.
Setting the Stage for Identity, Learning, and the Liberal Arts

This chapter argues that liberal learning can be transformative and foster students' intellectual and ethical development only if we consider its development underpinnings and pedagogic strategies that illustrate that the skills of academic inquiry are the skills of personal development.
The fermentation stoichiometry of Thermotoga neapolitana and influence of temperature, oxygen, and pH on hydrogen production.

The hyperthermophilic bacterium, Thermotoga neapolitana, has potential for use in biological hydrogen (H2) production. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the fermentation stoichiometry of Thermotoga neapolitana and examine H2 production at various growth temperatures, (2) investigate the effect of oxygen (O2) on H2 production, and (3) determine the cause of glucose consumption inhibition. Batch fermentation experiments were conducted at temperatures of 60, 65, 70, 77, and 85°C to determine product yield coefficients and volumetric productivity rates. Yield coefficients did not show significant changes with respect to growth temperature and the rate of H2 production reached maximum levels in both the 77°C and 85°C experiments. The fermentation stoichiometry for T. neapolitana at 85°C was 3.8 mol H2, 2 mol CO2, 1.8 mol acetate, and 0.1 mol lactate produced per mol of glucose consumed. Under microaerobic conditions H2 production did not increase when compared to anaerobic conditions, which supports other evidence in the literature that T. neapolitana does not produce H2 through microaerobic metabolism. Glucose consumption was inhibited by a decrease in pH. When pH was adjusted with buffer addition cultures completely consumed available glucose. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Propagation in Vertebrate Visceral Smooth Muscle

Abstract Smooth muscle cells behave electrically as if their interiors were directly connected without an intervening extracellular space. Although both light and electron microscope studies indicate that they do not comprise a true syncytium, regions of contact between the membranes of two cells have been described. This special kind of contact could account for all the present data and it is suggested the term “nexus” be applied to this structure because of its functional significance.
The challenge of discovering patient-level cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease

The goal of developing a CKD-specific cardiovascular risk score remains elusive and difficult. One approach to develop such a score is to evaluate conventional cardiovascular risk factors in an outcomes model. Nontraditional risk factors such as albuminuria can then be tested to evaluate the predictive value of these markers over and above traditional risk factors for patient-level decision making.
Microstructural Stability and Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified Alumina/YAG Eutectic Monofilaments

Abstract Fiber strength retention and creep currently limit the use of polycrystalline oxide fibers in ceramic matrix composites making it necessary to develop single crystal fibers. Two-phase alumina/YAG single crystal structures in the form of monofilaments show that the room temperature tensile strength increases according to the inverse square root of the microstructure size. Therefore, microstructure stability will play a significant role in determining the ‘use temperature’ of these fibers along with its creep resistance. In this work, the effects of temperature on microstructural stability and the creep behavior of directionally solidified alumina/YAG eutectic monofilaments were studied. Microstructural stability experiments were conducted in air from 1200 to 1500°C and creep tests at temperatures of 1400 to 1700°C. Inherent microstructure stability was found to be very good, however, extraneous impurity-induced heterogeneous coarsening was significant above 1400°C. The creep strength of monofilaments with aligned microstructures were superior to ones with low aspect ratio morphologies. Mechanisms for microstructural coarsening and creep behavior are discussed.
Role of scattering amplitudes in frequency-dependent current fluctuations in small conductors.

The frequency dependence of the current-current fluctuations is expressed in terms of energy-dependent amplitudes of the scattering matrix of the conductor. The frequency-dependent noise spectrum at equilibrium depends on the reflection amplitudes of the conductor. The theory is illustrated by considering a number of differing conductors with long-lived states. Special attention is paid to the case of a double-barrier structure in the presence of a current.
Identification and purification of cellular proteins that specifically interact with the RNA constitutive transport elements from retrovirus D.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encodes a transacting protein, Rev, which interacts with an RNA element (RRE) to mediate nuclear export of unspliced viral mRNA. Recently, the RNA constitutive transport elements (CTE) from Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) and simian retrovirus type I (SRV-1) were shown to render Rev-independent expression of gag, pol, or env genes in subgenomic constructs of HIV-1 and to support replication of HIV-1 mutants lacking RRE and Rev. Since CTEs act incis,in the absence of any viral regulatory proteins, it is widely believed that they interact directly with the cellular export machinery by means of RNA–protein interaction. In this report, Electrophoretic mobility shift and UV-crosslinking assays were carried out to identify nuclear proteins that interact specifically with CTEs from both MPMV and SRV-1. Two of the four proteins (65 and 40 kDa, respectively) that bound CTE RNA did not interact in the same assays with RNA of a nonfunctional CTE mutant generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Both proteins have been partially purified. The nature of these proteins and their roles in RNA intracellular trafficking are currently under investigation.
Management of Cholesteatoma: Status of the Canal Wall

Objective/Hypothesis Management of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma remains controversial. The purpose of the study is to examine factors associated with the surgical approach to manage cholesteatoma. Study Design A retrospective review. Methods A retrospective review was made of all primary cases of mastoid surgery for cholesteatoma performed at an otological center between 1995 and 2000. During the study period, 486 ears underwent surgery for cholesteatoma. Data included procedures performed, location and extent of the disease, residual and recurrent disease, complications, reasons for staging the surgery, and duration of follow-up. Results The canal wall remained intact in 68.5% of ears. The majority of the remainder of the patients underwent a canal wall down technique with mastoid obliteration. Residual cholesteatoma was found in 26.9% of second procedures and in 2.7% of third procedures. Conclusions The majority of patients with cholesteatoma can be adequately managed with a canal intact tympanomastoidectomy with staging. Otolaryngologists should consider a two-staged procedure as a viable management approach for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma.
Trends in annual sales and current use of cigarettes, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, pipes, and smokeless tobacco among US adults, 2002–2012

Introduction Regulatory imbalances exist in the treatment of cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco products in the USA. We assessed whether declines in cigarette consumption during 2002–2012 were offset by increased use of non-cigarette tobacco products—cigars, pipes, roll-your-own (RYO) and smokeless tobacco. Methods Industry-reported taxable removals (actual sales) were converted into packs for cigarettes and cigarette pack equivalents (CPEs) for loose tobacco (RYO plus pipe tobacco) and moist snuff. Cigars were not converted to CPEs because of their heterogeneity in size/tobacco content. Per capita sales were calculated for the US adult population aged ≥18 years based on the US Census Bureau data. Self-reported data on current (past 30-day) tobacco use among US adults aged ≥18 years were from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Joinpoint and logistic regression were used to assess linear trends during 2002–2012. Results During 2002–2012, cigarette sales declined from 96.91 to 59.85 cigarette packs per capita; increases occurred for sale of cigars (30.51–57.42 cigars per capita), loose tobacco (2.50–5.63 CPEs per capita) and moist snuff (10.64–14.58 CPEs per capita; all p Conclusions The increase in non-cigarette tobacco consumption is a public health concern because all tobacco products are harmful. Eliminating imbalances in tax structure and regulations between cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco products may help reduce aggregate tobacco consumption.
SSSS Presidential address: Principles for creating AIDS/sexuality education messages for youth

The content and presentation of AIDS/sexuality education messages affect the influence of the program. The messages will be more successful in reaching desired program outcomes if specific principles of message construction are followed. Authors of AIDS/sexuality education material for youth often face challenges that make the development of appropriate messages difficult. I suggest eight principles for authors to follow in writing specific messages.
Symmetries, inversion formulas, and image reconstruction for optical tomography.

We consider the image recostruction problem for optical tomography with diffuse light. The associated inverse scattering problem is analyzed by making use of particular symmetries of the scattering data. The effects of sampling and limited data are analyzed for several different experimental modalities, and computationally efficient reconstruction algorithms are obtained. These algorithms are suitable for the reconstruction of images from very large data sets.
Social Entrepreneurship in the Mondragon Co-operative Corporation and the Challenges of Successful Replication

The literature on entrepreneurship typically distinguishes two types of entrepreneurship: traditional business entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. The traditional entrepreneur takes risks...
Implicit guidance to stable performance in a rhythmic perceptual-motor skill.

Feedback about error or reward is regarded essential for aiding learners to acquire a perceptual-motor skill. Yet, when a task has redundancy and the mapping between execution and performance outcome is unknown, simple error feedback does not suffice in guiding the learner toward the optimal solutions. The present study developed and tested a new means of implicitly guiding learners to acquire a perceptual-motor skill, rhythmically bouncing a ball on a racket. Due to its rhythmic nature, this task affords dynamically stable solutions that are robust to small errors and noise, a strategy that is independent from actively correcting error. Based on the task model implemented in a virtual environment, a time-shift manipulation was designed to shift the range of ball–racket contacts that achieved dynamically stable solutions. In two experiments, subjects practiced with this manipulation that guided them to impact the ball with more negative racket accelerations, the indicator for the strategy with dynamic stability. Subjects who practiced under normal conditions took longer time to acquire this strategy, although error measures were identical between the control and experimental groups. Unlike in many other haptic guidance or adaptation studies, the experimental groups not only learned, but also maintained the stable solution after the manipulation was removed. These results are a first demonstration that more subtle ways to guide the learner to better performance are needed especially in tasks with redundancy, where error feedback may not be sufficient.
Algorithm for balancing both continuous and categorical covariates in randomized controlled trials

Minimization as proposed by Pocock and Simon for balancing categorical covariates in clinical trials with individual-level, consecutive randomization has been increasingly used. An extension of the method exists that uses the symmetric Kullback-Leibler divergence index to balance both categorical and continuous covariates, albeit for two-arm randomized controlled trials only. To date, the algorithm has not been made widely available to researchers via publicly accessible software.We adapted Endo et al.'s algorithm to randomized trials with two or more arms. In addition, our algorithm incorporates Efron's biased coin method to decrease the predictability of assignment even when a predefined threshold of difference in the numbers of subjects between treatment arms is reached, whereas Endo et al.'s algorithm assigns the next subject to the treatment of smaller size with certainty. We developed code in the free statistical software R to make the algorithm readily available to trialists. While there are no definitive answers regarding the optimal choices for certain statistical parameters that must be defined prior to algorithm application (Pk, Dn, and p_Dn), we provide guidance on these.We conducted simulations with actual data from a three-arm randomized trial to compare the modified algorithm and R code to another published biased coin minimization method that can accommodate continuous and categorical covariates in multi-arm trials. The three-arm trial used three categorical covariates (sex, race/ethnicity, and online personal health record access) and four continuous covariates (age, fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and waist circumference). All of the continuous and categorical covariates were well balanced, and the results were comparable to the comparison method.
Distributions of Fines during Percolation Segregation for Varying Bed Depths in Binary Size Mixtures of Potash

The distribution profiles of percolated fines in binary size mixtures of blended fertilizer were evaluated during shear motion. Of the three main constituents used for preparing fertilizer blends, urea (near spherical shape), phosphate (somewhat aspherical), and potash (angular), potash was selected for experimentation because it is much more prone to segregation due to its angular shape. Based on particle size distribution of low analysis blends (such as 10-10-10), which are known to segregate, two absolute coarse size ranges of potash 3,500–4,000 μm and 2,800–3,500 μm, and three fine size ranges 2,000–2,360 μm, 1,700–2,000 μm, and 1,400–1,700 μm, were used to prepare binary mixtures. In all three different mixing proportions (coarse:fine = 67:33, 50:50, and 33:67) by weight of size ratios (coarse:fine particle size) 2.4, 2.0, 1.7, and 1.4 were formulated. The binary mixtures were tested for three bed depths (85 mm, 65 mm, and 42 mm) using the second-generation primary segregation shear cell (PSSC-II) at...
Linear Dynamics and Stability Analysis of a Two-Craft Coulomb Tether Formation

The linearized dynamics and stability of a two-craft Coulomb tether formation is investigated. With a Coulomb tether the relative distance between two satellites is controlled using electrostatic Coulomb forces. A charge feedback law is introduced to stabilize the relative distance between the satellites to a constant value. Compared to previous Coulomb thrusting research, this is the first feedback control law that stabilizes a particular formation shape. The two craft are connected by an electrostatic tether that is capable of both tensile and compressive forces. As a result, the two-craft formation will essentially act as a long, slender near-rigid body. Interspacecraft Coulomb forces cannot influence the inertial angular momentum of this formation. However, the differential gravitational attraction can be exploited to stabilize the attitude of this Coulomb tether formation about an orbit nadir direction. Stabilizing the separation distance will also stabilize the in-plane rotation angle, whereas the out-of-plane rotational motion remains unaffected. The Coulomb tether has been modeled as a massless, elastic component. The elastic strength of this connection is controlled through a spacecraft charge control law.
Venous Thromboembolic Disease

Venous thromboembolic disease is extremely common. Conventional treatment with anticoagulation alone aims to impede the progression of thrombus, and prevent recurrence and the development of pulmonary embolism. This is appropriate for most patients. However, in certain patient populations, this alone does not address the long-term complications of venous thromboembolic disease. Surgeons should be familiar with the surgical techniques that have been demonstrated to improve outcomes with low risk. Recent studies of catheter-directed thrombolysis have demonstrated its safety, efficacy, and possibly the superiority over standard treatment alone.
Characterization of a water radiofrequency plasma - An experimental investigation

Interrelated energy and climate challenges are among the most important global issues of today. The existing supplies of fossil fuels will deplete based on the current rate of consumption; and the increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions as a result of burning fossil fuels challenges the sustainability of our planet. Therefore, the need to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and a transition into an economy less dependent on hydrocarbons is urgently necessary. On this quest to find alternative energy sources, one proposed solution is to use another secondary energy source besides electricity - hydrogen. Hydrogen as an energy carrier can fulfill a portion of the energy demand, particularly in the transportation sector when used in fuel cells. However, less than four percent of the world's hydrogen is produced via renewable methods, primarily through “clean” electrolysis. The remaining 96% is produced from non-renewable methods including methane steam reformation and coal gasification, with an energy efficiency much higher than that of electrolysis. This project investigates the potential use of a radio-frequency plasma source to dissociate water molecules into their constituent parts, hydrogen and oxygen, for hydrogen production application.
Using Excel's Solver Function to Facilitate Reciprocal Service Department Cost Allocations.

The reciprocal method of service department cost allocation requires linear equations to be solved simultaneously. These computations are often so complex as to cause the abandonment of the reciprocal method in favor of the less sophisticated and theoretically incorrect direct or step-down methods. This article illustrates how Excel's Solver Function can be used to greatly simplify the reciprocal cost allocation method. Solver Function users will be pleased to see how easy it is to let Excel do the mathematics once the linear equations are formulated.
Rapid and transient response of soil respiration to rain

The influence of rainstorm on soil respiration of a mixed forest in southern New England, USA was investigated with eddy covariance, rain simulation and laboratory incubation. Soil respiration is shown to respond rapidly and instantaneously to the onset of rain and return to the prerain rate shortly after the rain stops. The pulse-like flux, most likely caused by the decomposition of active carbon compounds in the litter layer, can amount to a loss of 0.18tCha � 1 to the atmosphere in a single intensive storm, or 5‐10% of the annual net ecosystem production of midlatitude forests. If precipitation becomes more variable in a future warmer world, the rain pulse should play an important part in the transient response of the ecosystem carbon balance to climate, particularly for ecosystems on ridge-tops with rapid water drainage.
Glutamate, Dopamine, and Schizophrenia

The fundamental pathological process(es) associated with schizophrenia remain(s) uncertain, but multiple lines of evidence suggest that this condition is associated with (1) excessive stimulation of striatal dopamine (DA) D2 receptors, (2) deficient stimulation of prefrontal DA D1 receptors and, (3) alterations in prefrontal connectivity involving glutamate (GLU) transmission at N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This chapter first briefly discusses the current knowledge status for these abnormalities, with emphasis on results derived from clinical molecular imaging studies. The evidence for hyperstimulation of striatal D2 receptors rests on strong pharmacological evidence and has recently received support from brain imaging studies. The hypothesis of deficient prefrontal cortex (PFC) D1 receptor stimulation is almost entirely derived from preclinical studies. Preliminary imaging data compatible with this hypothesis have recently emerged. The NMDA hypofunction hypothesis originates mainly from indirect pharmacological data. The interactions between DA and GLU systems relevant to schizophrenia are then reviewed. Animal and imaging data supporting the general model that the putative DA imbalance in schizophrenia (striatal excess and cortical deficiency) might be secondary to NMDA hypofunction in the PFC and its connections are presented. Equally important are the potential consequences of this DA imbalance for NMDA function in the striatum and the cortex, which are subsequently discussed. In conclusion, it is proposed that schizophrenia is associated with strongly interconnected abnormalities of GLU and DA transmission: NMDA hypofunction in the PFC and its connections might generate a pattern of dysregulation of DA systems that, in turn, further weakens NMDA-mediated connectivity and plasticity.
Value and Growth Investing: Review and Update

A great deal of academic empirical research has been published on value and growth investing. We review and update this literature, discuss the various explanations for the performance of value versus growth stocks, review the empirical research on the alternative explanations, and provide some new results based on an updated and expanded sample. The evidence suggests that, even after taking into account the experience of the late 1990s, value investing generates superior returns. Common measures of risk do not support the argument that the return differential is a result of the higher riskiness of value stocks. Instead, behavioral considerations and the agency costs of delegated investment management lie at the root of the value–growth spread.
Excrescence of neurotransmitter glutamate from disc material has nociceptive qualities: evidence from a rat model.

Abstract Background context The authors have previously demonstrated that herniated human lumbar disc is rich in free glutamate from degradation of aggrecan. Prior data have suggested that free glutamate could contribute to a nociceptive state. Purpose Previous behavioral experiments suggested glutamate-related nociception by comparing pre- and postglutamate infusion responses only. This indirectly suggested nociceptive effects of epidural glutamate but was not a definitive evidence. Now, by using larger numbers of subjects, we have demonstrated that lumbar epidural glutamate infusion causes significant left-to-right differences in hind paw response during treatment, demonstrating more directly the focal nociceptive effects of glutamate. Study design Behavioral studies and immunohistochemistry were used to assess for evidence of a nociceptive state. All researchers were blinded to infusion solution. Methods Via an implanted mini osmotic pump, the epidural space of rats was infused with 0.02 mM glutamate or normal saline for 72 hours. Signs of nociception were assessed by von Frey and plantar thermal stimulation testing and by glutamate receptor expression in the corresponding dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion. Results Both von Frey mechanical and plantar thermal stimulations showed differences in hind paw reactivity depending on whether it was on the ipsilateral or contralateral side of glutamate infusion. Saline infusion had no significant behavioral effects. Dorsal horn expression of 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid and N -methyl- d -aspartic acid receptors was significantly increased in glutamate-infused animals, further indicative of a nociceptive state related to glutamate infusion. Conclusions Elevated epidural glutamate concentrations caused a focal hyperesthetic state. Increased epidural glutamate concentration could be a driving force or “chemical” component of disc-related radiculopathy.
Connexin43 Cardiac Gap Junction Remodeling: Lessons from Genetically Engineered Murine Models

Sudden cardiac death is responsible for several hundred thousand deaths each year in the United States. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that perturbation of gap junction expression and function in the heart, or what has come to be known as cardiac gap junction remodeling, plays a key mechanistic role in the pathophysiology of clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias. Here we review recent studies from our laboratory using genetically engineered murine models to explore mechanisms implicated in pathologic gap junction remodeling and their proarrhythmic consequences, with a particular focus on aberrant posttranslational phosphorylation of connexin43.
Loss of cannabinoid receptor 1 accelerates intestinal tumor growth

Although endocannabinoid signaling is important for certain aspects of gastrointestinal homeostasis, the role of the cannabinoid receptors (CB) in colorectal cancer has not been defined. Here we show that CB1 expression was silenced in human colorectal cancer due to methylation of the CB1 promoter. Our genetic and pharmacologic studies reveal that loss or inhibition of CB1 accelerated intestinal adenoma growth in ApcMin/+ mice whereas activation of CB1 attenuated intestinal tumor growth by inducing cell death via down-regulation of the antiapoptotic factor survivin. This down-regulation of survivin by CB1 is mediated by a cyclic AMP–dependent protein kinase A signaling pathway. These results indicate that the endogenous cannabinoid system may represent a potential therapeutic target for prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(15):6468–76]
Testing a model of delinquency with Samoan adolescents

•Summary: This study uses an integrative framework that includes various theories on delinquency to explain the relative contribution of factors on delinquency among Samoan adolescents and their overrepresentation in the Juvenile Justice System. Some 275 Samoan adolescents were recruited for the study from the states of Hawaii and Washington. Structural equation modeling was employed for the analysis.•Findings: Two models were analyzed. One model tested all the factors regardless of economic status. The full model fits the data well. The other model utilized economic conditions as a moderating factor (multigroup model). The multigroup invariance shows that the measurement model appears to fit better with the higher income group rather than the lower income group. The results suggest that while acculturative stress has a direct impact on delinquency, family cohesion can be a deterrent to high acculturative stress on delinquency particularly for the higher income group. The major hypothesis was confirmed by...
Solar Array "Hot-Spot" Testing and Analysis

w.dB The environmental testing techniques used in evaluating a space solar array operating under simulated failure modes are discussed. These failure modes cause a local heating phenomenon of solar arrays known as a "hot spot" and are major design obstacles. The empirically derived surface temperature of the solar array is compared to the time-dependent thermal analysis. Special attention is given to the calibration of the infrared scanner used to monitor the solar array surface and the interpretation of its data into meaningful temperatures of a surface with an emittance less than one.
Two Puzzles from the Postscript

Conversions occur in legal theory about as often as they do in religion, which is to say rarely—so rarely that they fascinate as much for the fact that they happen at all as for the reasons they happen. It should not surprise, then, that the Postscript to H.L.A. Hart's famous work on jurisprudence reveals “the outstanding English philosopher of law of the twentieth century” reaffirming, rather than revising in any significant way, the two central tenets that distinguish his theory from that of both classical natural law theorists and modern “new naturalists” like Ronald Dworkin: (1) There is no necessary connection between law and morality; and (2) judges inevitably confront cases where the decision is “not dictated by the law” and the judge “must act as a conscientious legislator would by deciding according to his own beliefs and values” (p. 273).
Local Health Department Engagement in Community Physical Activity Policy

Introduction This study assessed correlates of self-reported local health department (LHD) participation in community policy/advocacy activities that support physical activity. Methods In 2014, cross-sectional data from the nationally representative 2013 National Profile of Local Health Departments study administered by the National Association of County and City Health Officials were analyzed. Outcomes were participation in policy/advocacy activities related to urban design/land use, active transportation, and access to recreational facilities. Independent variables included structural characteristics, performance improvement efforts, and collaboration. Multivariate logistic regression models were computed. Results Representatives of 490 LHDs participated (79% response rate). Respondents reported similar participation in urban design/land use (25%); active transportation (16%); and recreational facility access (23%) policy/advocacy. LHDs with populations of ≥500,000 were more likely to report urban design/land use ( p =0.004) as well as active transportation policy/advocacy participation ( p =0.007) compared with those with populations of ≤50,000. LHDs with a community health improvement plan were more likely to participate in urban design/land use policy/advocacy ( p =0.001). LHDs who regularly use the Community Guide were more likely to report policy/advocacy activity on active transportation ( p =0.007) and expanding access to recreation facilities ( p =0.009). LHDs engaged in a land use partnership were more likely to report urban design/land use ( p p =0.001) policy/advocacy participation. Conclusions Participation in community physical activity policy/advocacy among LHDs was low in this study and varied by LHD characteristics. Intervention opportunities include assisting smaller LHDs and promoting performance improvement efforts and evidence-based practice resources.
Interaction of Lipocalin 2, Transferrin, and Siderophores Determines the Replicative Niche of Klebsiella pneumoniae during Pneumonia

ABSTRACT Pathogenic bacteria require iron for replication within their host. Klebsiella pneumoniae and other Gram-negative pathogens produce the prototypical siderophore enterobactin (Ent) to scavenge iron in vivo. In response, mucosal surfaces secrete lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), an innate immune protein that binds Ent to disrupt bacterial iron acquisition and promote acute inflammation during colonization. A subset of K. pneumoniae isolates attempt to evade Lcn2 by producing glycosylated Ent (Gly-Ent, salmochelin) or the alternative siderophore yersiniabactin (Ybt). However, these siderophores are not functionally equivalent and differ in their abilities to promote growth in the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and serum. To understand how Lcn2 exploits functional differences between siderophores, isogenic mutants of an Ent+ Gly-Ent+ Ybt+K. pneumoniae strain were inoculated into Lcn2+/+ and Lcn2−/− mice, and the pattern of pneumonia was examined. Lcn2 effectively protected against the iroA ybtS mutant (Ent+ Gly-Ent− Ybt−). Lcn2+/+ mice had small foci of pneumonia, whereas Lcn2−/− mice had many bacteria in the perivascular space. The entB mutant (Ent− Ybt+ Gly-Ent−) caused moderate bronchopneumonia but did not invade the transferrin-containing perivascular space. Accordingly, transferrin blocked Ybt-dependent growth in vitro. The wild type and the iroA mutant, which both produce Ent and Ybt, had a mixed phenotype, causing a moderate bronchopneumonia in Lcn2+/+ mice and perivascular overgrowth in Lcn2−/− mice. Together, these data indicate that Lcn2, in combination with transferrin, confines K. pneumoniae to the airways and prevents invasion into tissue containing the pulmonary vasculature. IMPORTANCE Gram-negative bacteria are a common cause of severe hospital-acquired infections. To cause disease, they must obtain iron and secrete the small molecule enterobactin to do so. Animal models of pneumonia using Klebsiella pneumoniae indicate that enterobactin promotes severe disease. Accordingly, the host defense protein lipocalin 2 exploits this common target by binding enterobactin and disrupting its function. However, pathogenic bacteria often make additional siderophores that lipocalin 2 cannot bind, such as yersiniabactin, which could make this host defense ineffective. This work compares the pattern and severity of pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae based on which siderophores it produces. The results indicate that enterobactin promotes growth around blood vessels that are rich in the iron-binding protein transferrin, but yersiniabactin does not. Together, transferrin and lipocalin 2 protect this space against all types of K. pneumoniae tested. Therefore, the ability to acquire iron determines where bacteria can grow in the lung.
Visualizing social connections in the humanities: Beyond bibliometrics

Editor's Summary Reflecting the formal record of scholarly communication, bibliometrics in the humanities may inaccurately represent scholars as solitary, making limited references to colleagues. Bibliometric methods are derived from scientific and technical literature, where joint authorship and co-citation are more common than in the humanities. Yet the influence of social connections among humanities scholars is strong and lasting, especially through chains of personal relationships. The most significant social connections among academics are those between student and teacher, among departmental colleagues and, to a lesser extent, among conference participants and association members. Documenting the connections includes acknowledgments and citations but largely goes beyond bibliometrics, drawing on dissertation front matter, attendance records and departmental rosters. Visualization of these connections can disclose invisible colleges and spheres of influence, useful in the humanities as well as other fields.