cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Particle Transtort Through Carbon Nanotube Wires: Effect of Defects and Polyhedral Cap

The ability to manipulate carbon nanotubes with increasing precision has enabled a large number of successful electron transport experiments. These studies have primarily focussed on characterizing transport through both metallic and semiconducting wires. Tans et al. demonstrated ballistic transport in single-wall nanotubes for the first time, although the experimental configuration incurred large contact resistance. Subsequently, methods of producing low contact resistances have been developed and two terminal conductances smaller than 50 k-ohms have been repeatably demonstrated in single-wall and multi-wall nanotubes. In multi-wall nanotubes, Frank et al. demonstrated a resistance of approximately h/2e(exp 2) in a configuration where the outermost layer made contact to a liquid metal. This was followed by the work of de Pablo et al. where a resistance of h(bar)/27e(exp 2) (approximately 478 ohms) was measured in a configuration where electrical contact was made to many layers of a multi-wall nanotube. Frank et al. and Pablo et al. note that each conducting layer contributes a conductance of only 2e(exp 2)/h, instead of the 4e(exp 2)/h that a single particle mode counting picture yields. These small resistances have been obtained in microns long nanotubes, making them the best conducting molecular wires to date. The large conductance of nanotube wires stems from the fact that the crossing bands of nanotubes are robust to defect scattering.
A Cytological and Genetical Study of Triploid Maize.

McClintock's Ph.D. thesis on a triploid maize plant was published in 1929 as this long article. It was the culmination of her work previewed three years earlier in "Polyploidy in Zea Mays L.," with Lowell "Fitz" Randolph.
Radiology practice in Latin America: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE To discover the status and structure of radiology in Latin America with respect to the health care systems it is part of, the effects of socioeconomics, the equipment and technology used, technologists and their training, accreditation, and professional organizations. METHODS Health-related databases and Google Scholar were searched for articles concerning radiology practice in Latin America. Articles were selected based on relevance to the research scope. DISCUSSION Many regions in Latin America offer little to no access to radiology. Where there is access, the equipment often is old or not functioning, with limited and costly service and maintenance. Most trained technologists live in urban areas. There are no standardized accreditation practices in Latin America. However, forming professional organizations would help promote the practice of radiology and accreditation standards. International cooperative organizations enhance radiology by providing resources and opportunities for cooperation between countries. CONCLUSION The current status of radiology in Latin America must be determined. This knowledge will help us discover opportunities for cooperation and ways to improve radiology practice. The main need in Latin America is to extend coverage to the underserved population.
Adaptive image filtering using run-time reconfiguration

In adaptive image filtering, the coefficients of the filtering window can change in response to local conditions as the window moves from pixel to pixel over an image. This appears to preclude a solution approach involving run-time reconfiguration (RTR), as efficient use of RTR depends on a sufficient stretch of computing time between reconfiguring phases. This paper applies RTR to solve the adaptive image filtering problem by capitalizing on the regular appearance of each pixel in multiple filtering windows. We describe our approach and present simulation results demonstrating its merit.
The Inner Life of Bursts

In the thalamus, bursts and single spikes are elicited by distinct visual stimuli, suggesting distinct visual functions. In this issue of Neuron , Wang et al. make use of intracellular recordings of thalamic neurons in vivo to provide a clear, detailed explanation of how natural stimuli are converted into a neural code that uses both bursts and single spikes.
The nature of the trophic action of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, des(1-3)-insulin-like growth FACTOR-1, and basic fibroblast growth factor on mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons developing in culture

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and des(1-3)-insulin-like growth factor-1, a brain specific form of insulin-like growth factor-1, were analysed, in the rat, for their influence on survival, morphological growth, and transmitter-specific differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in vitro . Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, des-insulin-like growth factor-1, and basic fibroblast growth factor were found to differentially regulate development of dopaminergic cells. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulated survival, the formation of primary neurites and dopamine uptake activity. des-insulin-like growth factor-1 was most effective in promoting survival, stimulated dopamine uptake less effectively than brain-derived neurotrophic factor and did not alter the morphology of dopaminergic cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor produced comparatively mild increases in survival and dopamine uptake, and slightly reduced neurite growth of the cells. None of the factors stimulated the expression of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene. These findings suggest that (i) effective growth factors may stimulate different, but partially overlapping, molecular pathways during developmental differentiation (ii) none of the factors stimulates dopaminergic cell differentiation comparable to the pronounced trophic action of nerve growth factor on peripheral sympathetic or basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, and (iii) localization and effects of none of the factors are compatible with a role as target-derived survival-regulating neurotrophic factor.
Regulation of hematopoiesis by the BMP signaling pathway in adult zebrafish.

Objective The zebrafish is an established model system for studying the embryonic emergence of tissues and organs, including the hematopoietic system. We hypothesized that key signaling pathways controlling embryonic hematopoiesis continue to be important in the adult, and we sought to develop approaches to test this in zebrafish, focused on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Functions for this pathway in adult hematopoiesis have been challenging to probe in other models. Materials and Methods Several approaches tested the function of BMP signaling during adult zebrafish hematopoiesis. First, we evaluated steady-state hematopoiesis in adult fish that are heterozygous for mutant alleles of Smad5, or are homozygous for mutant alleles, and rescued to adulthood by injection of RNA encoding Smad5. Second, we tested the relative ability of smad5 mutant fish to recover from hemolytic anemia. Third, we generated a transgenic line that targets the expression of a dominant-negative BMP receptor to adult-stage Gata1 + progenitor cells. Results Adult fish with a strong mutant smad5 allele are anemic at steady state and, in addition, respond to hemolytic anemia with kinetics that are altered compared to wild-type fish. Fish expressing a mutant BMP receptor in early Gata1 + definitive progenitors generate excessive eosinophils. Conclusions Our study provides proof of principle that regulation of adult hematopoiesis can be studied in zebrafish by altering specific pathways. We show that the BMP signaling pathway is relevant for adult hematopoiesis to maintain steady state erythropoiesis, control the erythropoietic response following stress anemia, and to generate normal numbers of eosinophils.
Do installed stream logjams change benthic community structure

Abstract Installed logjams constructed of wood are commonly used in stream restoration projects to provide habitat for lotic organisms. Macroinvertebrate densities are known to increase on logjam surfaces; however, less is known about the influence logjams have on benthic organisms inhabiting the surrounding streambed. To examine this, we conducted a before-after-control-impact (BACI) study in a stream in northern Minnesota, USA, to determine how an installed logjam affected the richness and abundance of three insect orders commonly used in biotic indices, the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (i.e., EPT taxa). A spanning logjam composed of three logs bound together was installed perpendicular to stream flow at the impact site. Initial sampling of the impact site and an upstream control found no differences among the ETP taxa. A year after installation, the logjam accumulated woody debris and altered flow so that near-bed current at the impact site was faster and more heterogeneous than at the control site. Although the richness and abundance of the macroinvertebrate community as a whole did not differ between sites after one year, it did for the Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera at the impact site. By contrast, Trichoptera richness and abundance did not change. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that installed logjams may enhance stream habitat not only by providing colonization surfaces for macroinverbrates, but also by altering the benthic environment of the surrounding habitat.
Effects of Dynamics, Halves of Exercise, and Trial Sequences on Tempo Accuracy

Twenty subjects performed a short exercise, containing two dynamic levels, twice. Each subject listened to a metronomic tempo before performing the exercise, which was subsequently timed to the nearest .01 second. Timings were compared to discover the influence of the total sequence of dynamics and trials, the first and second half of the exercise, the first and second trial, and the interaction of the first three factors. Significant differences were produced between the first and second halves of the exercise and between the two trials on the exercises, indicating a tendency for subjects to increase tempo during the performance. The sequence factor and all interactions were nonsignificant, indicating that the total sequence of dynamics did not influence total performance time by subjects and that dynamic levels did not influence total performance time.
Non-thermal particles in the interplanetary medium

During the past few years we have found that the MeV ion populations from a variety different of solar and interplanetary sources have quite distinct abundances and spectra. Particles from impulsive flares are electron rich, have 3He/4He enhancements of up to 104, and enhancements in heavy elements like Fe/C by factors of 10, relative to coronal abundances. The high ionization state of Fe, +20, indicates heating of the material to temperatures up to ∼20 MK (1 MK = 106 K). The enhancements are probably produced by selective absorption of plasma waves in these events. In contrast, particles from gradual solar events have strong proton enhancements at high energies, but element abundances and ionization states are more typical of ambient coronal material. The abundances, time profiles, and extended longitude distribution of gradual events indicate that particles are accelerated from the ambient corona and solar wind by a shock wave that is driven by a coronal mass ejection.
Identifying nondominated alternatives with partial information for multiple-objective discrete and linear programming problems

The problem addressed is that of reducing the set of finite (discrete) multiple-criteria alternatives to a subset of alternatives based on three assumptions: that the (multiattribute) utility function is additive over attributes; that single-attribute functions are known; and that scaling constants are not known exactly but are specified by a set of linear equalities through interactions with the decision-maker (DM). Definitions, theories, and computationally efficient procedures are developed to determine whether an alternate is worthy of further consideration, should be eliminated, or is the most preferred alternative for the given partial information. The concepts of convex and tradeoff nondominancy are defined. All ensuing problems can be solved by linear programming. A computationally efficient algorithm is discussed. Other uses for the concepts developed are presented. It is shown that multiattribute discrete problems can be formulated as multiple-objective linear programming (MOLP) problems. >
Large structural change in isolated synaptic vesicles upon loading with neurotransmitter.

The size of a synaptic vesicle (SV) is generally thought to be determined by the amount of lipid and membrane protein it contains. Once formed, it is thought to remain constant in size. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and cryogenic electron microscopy, we show that glutamatergic vesicles reversibly increase their size upon filling with glutamate. The increase (∼25% in diameter) corresponds to an increase in surface area of ∼50% and in volume of ∼100%. This large size increase implies a large structural change in the SV upon loading with neurotransmitters. Vesicles lacking SV protein 2A (SV2A) did not manifest a change in size after loading with glutamate, indicating that SV2A is required for this phenomenon.
An optimization problem in hydrodynamic lubrication theory

If an arbitrary film profile is given, then we show how to find a film profile which will support more weight than the given profile. We do this for a discrete problem-our methods may be used on a digital computer-and we establish convergence results. The problem of finding a film profile which will support more weight than any other profile is also discussed.
How do I recommend extended adjuvant hormonal therapy

Estrogen-dependent growth of some breast cancers was a key observation, which led to the development of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Tamoxifen and AIs have different modes of action and side-effect profiles. Based on evidence, both in laboratory models and clinical trials, longer duration of hormone suppression therapy is beneficial. The most important factor deciding their use is “menopausal status.” Sometimes, defining menopause might be challenging in clinical practice. Measuring serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels are helpful when in doubt. Tamoxifen should be offered to those women with normal FSH and estradiol levels even with cessation of menstruation. Once menopause is defined, it is relatively clear to decide about the endocrine therapy. Premenopausal women should be treated with tamoxifen and postmenopausal women with AIs. Perimenopausal women should be treated with tamoxifen initially and later switched to AIs once they become postmenopausal. With current recent evidence, premenopausal women should be treated with 10 years of tamoxifen. Current evidence also supports 5 years of an AI alone or 5 years of tamoxifen followed by 5 years of an AI; studies evaluating longer duration of AI treatment are in progress (Figure 1). Compliance with long-term use of these adjuvant endocrine therapies depends on screening for and management of side effects. Patients taking tamoxifen should be clinically screened for thromboembolism and for endometrial cancer if abnormal bleeding occurs. Patients on AI should pay careful attention to management of other chronic health disorders. They also should be screened for optimal bone health. Management of vasomotor symptoms also helps with adherence to long-term treatment for both tamoxifen and AIs.
Comments on "Dynamic Window-Constrained Scheduling of Real-Time Streams in Media Servers

For original paper see R. West et al., ibid., vol.53, no.6, p.744-759, (2004). This short report clarifies the behavior of DWCS with respect to Theorem 3 in our previously published paper and describes an alternative approach to make guarantees for arbitrary window-constraints
Multiple Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

Abstract Over the past decade, a multiple small-angle neutron scattering (MSANS) formalism has been developed to enable researchers to derive microstructural parameters from multiply-scattered small-angle neutron data. The MSANS formalism is particularly useful in ceramic science and materials research because it is applicable to samples that are thicker (> 2 mm) and have larger scattering volume fractions (> 2%) than are commonly used in small-angle neutron scattering studies. At the same time, the microstructural size range within which microstfuctures are determined is extended from 10–1000 A for small-angle neutron scattering to 800 A-10 μm for MSANS. This extended size range is precisely the size regime where significant materials microstructure exists. Finally, the rapidity with which MSANS data can be accumulated (on the order of minutes) compared to the typical time for small-angle neutron scattering data accumulation (on the order of hours) offers an opportunity to explore the kinetics of micro-s...
Increasing the resistance of vacuum treatment unit linings abroard

On passe en revue les methodes permettant d'augmenter la duree de vie des revetements refractaires pour unites de traitement sous vide de l'acier
A simple method of maintaining chilled saline in the prehospital setting.

Abstract Objective Mild therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve neurologic outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia should be started as soon as return of spontaneous circulation occurs. However, saline is difficult to keep chilled in the prehospital environment. We sought to determine whether a cooler and ice packs could keep saline cold under prehospital conditions. Methods In phase 1 of the experiment, two 1000-mL bags of prechilled 0.9% normal saline were placed in a cooler with 3 ice packs. An additional bag of 1000-mL 0.9% normal saline remained outside the cooler as a control. Over 9 consecutive days, we measured the ambient air temperature and the temperature of each bag of saline every 4 hours. In phase 2 of the experiment, the cooler was kept sealed, and the temperature of the saline was measured after 24 hours. Results The mean temperatures over 24 hours ranged as follows: ambient temperature, 24°C to 27.2°C; bottom bag, 0.6°C to 3.5°C; top bag, 1.4°C to 5.7°C; and control bag, 9.8°C to 26.8°C. A t test was used to compare the chilled saline against the control bag. Statistical significance ( P Conclusions Our data demonstrate that saline can be kept chilled in ambulances for 24 hours using ice packs and coolers. The estimated cost is less than $50.00 per ambulance. Using coolers and ice packs is an inexpensive way for emergency medical service agencies to initiate prehospital hypothermia.
Recent Experimnts on Forming Electron Rings at Berkeley

In the initial electron-ring experiments with a new high-current, 2 MeV electron injector an efficient method of trapping of the injected beam was developed, and a suitable compression cycle was found in which betatron amplitude growth on single-particle resonances is negligible. The ring behavior is satisfactory during the compression cycle at low intensity (Ne 1012 electrons a longitudinal (negative mass) instability causes particle loss and radial spreading of the electron rings. Increasing the energy spread in the beam has raised the threshold for several phenomena observed in connection with this instability. The effects of changing the electromagnetic environment of the electron rings to suppress this instability are being investigated.
The potential of the digital library as a platform

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail the experiences of creating a digital library service registry and to explore the need for a complete digital library technical platform.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an experiential commentary.Findings – If digital libraries are looked upon not as individual systems, but as collections of services on top of a common platform then progress may be made to move beyond the limitations that current standards uphold.Originality/value – This paper talks about digital libraries as platforms as opposed to individual services/systems. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.
Stabilizing roles of residual structure in the empty heme binding pockets and unfolded states of microsomal and mitochondrial apocytochrome b5

The microsomal (Mc) and mitochondrial (OM) isoforms of mammalian cytochrome b5 are the products of different genes, which likely arose via duplication of a primordial gene and subsequent functional divergence. Despite sharing essentially identical folds, heme-polypeptide interactions are stronger in OM b5s than in Mc b5s due to the presence of two conserved patches of hydrophobic amino acid side chains in the OM heme binding pockets. This is of fundamental interest in terms of understanding heme protein structure–function relationships, because stronger heme–polypeptide interactions in OM b5s in comparison to Mc b5s may represent a key source of their more negative reduction potentials. Herein we provide evidence that interactions amongst the amino acid side chains contributing to the hydrophobic patches in rat OM (rOM) b5 persist when heme is removed, rendering the empty heme binding pocket of rOM apo-b5 more compact and less conformationally dynamic than that in bovine Mc (bMc) apo-b5. This may contribute to the stronger heme binding by OM apo-b5 by reducing the entropic penalty associated with polypeptide folding. We also show that when bMc apo-b5 unfolds it adopts a structure that is more compact and contains greater nonrandom secondary structure content than unfolded rOM apo-b5. We propose that a more robust β-sheet in Mc apo-b5s compensates for the absence of the hydrophobic packing interactions that stabilize the heme binding pocket in OM apo-b5s.
ROD1, a Novel Gene Conferring Multiple Resistance Phenotypes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Glutathione-dependent detoxification reactions are catalyzed by the enzyme glutathione S-transferase and are important in drug resistance in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. The yeast Issatchenkia orientalis expresses a glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein that is induced when the GST substrate o-dinitrobenzene (o-DNB) is added to the culture. In this study, we show that overproduction of the I. orientalis GST in Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads to an increase in o-dinitrobenzene resistance in S. cerevisiae cells. To recover genes that influence o-DNB resistance in S. cerevisiae, a high copy plasmid library was screened for loci that elevate o-DNB tolerance. One gene was recovered and designated ROD1 (resistance to o-dinitrobenzene). This locus was found to encode a novel protein with no significant sequence similarity with proteins of known function in the data base. An epitope-tagged version of Rod1p was produced in S. cerevisiae and shown to function properly. Subcellular fractionation experiments indicated that this factor was found in the particulate fraction by differential centrifugation. Overproduction of Rod1p leads to resistance to not only o-DNB but also zinc and calcium. Strains that lack the ROD1 gene are hypersensitive to these same compounds. Rod1p represents a new type of molecule influencing drug tolerance in eukaryotes.
Regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in mouse brain by adrenal glucocorticoids.

The effects of glucocorticoid hormone on the metabolism of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were studied in mice. A single injection of hydrocortisone acetate (HCA; 20 mg/kg, i.p.) accelerated the accumulation of 5-HT in whole brain after inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by paragyline. The hormone did not appear to change brain tryptophan hydroxylase or 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase activity. However, tryptophan levels in brain were elevated by 50% within 1 h after treatment with HCA. The effect of HCA on brain tryptophan levels was localized mainly in the nerve endings. In vitro synaptosomal preparations, HCA at 10(-5)-10(-7)M or corticosterone at 10(-5) M was found to stimulate the uptake of L-[3H]-tryptophan by the synaptosomes while androgenic and progesterone-like steroids were ineffective. These results demonstrate that glucocorticoids may directly act on nerve terminals in the regulation of 5-HT synthesis through an action on the uptake of tryptophan.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Therapies in DynaMed

DynaMed is a useful point-of-care reference work that outlines information relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of patients and evaluates the level of evidence supporting clinical interventions, including complementary and alternative interventions. The integration of conventional, complementary, and alternative therapies in DynaMed and other point-of-care tools has implications for clinical practice, consumer health, the design of clinical reference works, and the classification of therapies.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) coatings for controlled drug release. II. Mechanism of the crosslinking reaction in emulsion

Earlier work focused on the crosslinking of hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) particles in a stable latex suitable for spraying onto drug tablets, and established the conditions for eliminating the usual toxic catalysts that would be unacceptable in such pharmaceutical coating materials. Use of these coatings for controlling the rate of release of a drug, however, requires a better understanding of their properties and thus clarification of the mechanism through which the crosslinking occurs. The present study approaches this goal by documenting the effects of anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants at various concentrations, and in acidic, neutral, or basic media. FTIR spectroscopy was used to monitor the transportation of crosslinker from the water phase into the hydrophobic PDMS phase. The results suggest a possible mechanism for the crosslinking in sufficient detail to be used to optimize the coatings for drug-release applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2186–2194, 2004
Retinal Thickness Normative Data in Wild-Type Mice Using Customized Miniature SD-OCT

Objective To report normative data for retinal thickness in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse utilizing a miniature SD-OCT system. Methods Thirty adult mice (range: 3–5 months) were anesthetized and secured into the Bioptigen Spectral Domain Ophthalmic Imaging System. Right eye SD-OCT images were standardized by centralizing the optic nerve head (ONH) prior to image acquisition. Global and quadrant total retinal thickness (TRT) values were measured from retinal nerve fiber layer to retinal pigment epithelial layer. Posterior segment analyses also included the outer retinal layer (ORL) and inner retinal layer (IRL). Further sublayer analyses of four layers from the ORL and three layers comprising the IRL were also performed. Results The overall mean±SD global TRT in a C57BL/6 mouse model was 204.41±5.19 µm. Quadrant mean TRT values were 204.85±5.81 µm inferiorly, 204.97±6.71 µm nasally, 205.08±5.44 µm temporally, and 202.74±4.85 µm superiorly. Mean±SD thickness for ORL, and IRL were 126.37±10.01 µm, and 107.03±10.98 µm respectively. The mean±SD estimates for the four layers of the ORL were 18.23±2.73 µm, 26.04±4.21 µm, 63.8±6.23 µm, and 19.22±4.34 µm. Mean±SD values for the three IRL sublayers were 27.82±4.04 µm, 59.62±6.66 µm and 19.12±3.71 µm. Conclusion This study established normative values for the total retinal thickness and sublayer thickness for the wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, it provides a standard of retinal morphology, in a commonly used animal model, for evaluating therapeutic interventions and retinal disease pathophysiology.
A Study of the Quenching Properties of Alcohols in Liquid Scintillator Solutions

Abstract A study has been made of the quenching properties of alcohols inliquid scintillator solutions. Sixteen alcohols, n-C-1-n-C-10, and branched chain alcohols up to C-5 were studied in two of the more common scintillator solutions (toluene and dioxane base), using carbon-14 and tritium. Irrespective of the composition of the scintillator and independent of the activity, the quenching decreased with increasing molecular weight of the quenching agent when expressed on a volume basis. The converse is true when the composition is expressed on a molar basis. Branched chain alcohols show a decreasing quenching ability with increasing substitution on the alpha-carbon. Quenching properties of binary mixtures of alcohols are intermediate between the quenching curves of the pure alcohols. The quenching behavior of the alcohols was compared with that of compounds containing the same number of carbons but different functional groups. Quenching is dependent not only upon the number of molecules but also on the st...
Enhanced sensitivity to plastoquinone inhibitors of ferredoxin photoreduction by photosystem II in inside-out chloroplast vesicles.

Summary New evidence is presented in support of the concept that reducing power for photosynthesis is generated solely by photosystem II (the oxygenic photosystem) when it transfers electrons from water to ferredoxin without the collaboration of photosystem I, the anoxygenic photosystem responsible for cyclic photophosphorylation. Membrane vesicles of opposite sidedness were prepared from spinach chloroplasts by the two-phase partition method: inside-out-vesicles greatly enriched in photosystem II and right-side-out vesicles containing both photosystems and having the same sidedness orientation as unfractionated chloroplast membranes. In both types of vesicles, plastoquinone analogues were used to inhibit light-induced electron transport from water to ferredoxin and from water to native photosystem I acceptors, the membrane-bound iron-sulfur centers A and B. In right-side-out vesicles the photoreduction of iron-sulfur centers A and B was more sensitive to plastoquinone inhibitors than the photoreduction of ferredoxin, whereas the converse was found in inside-out vesicles in which a greatly enhanced sensitivity of ferredoxin reduction to plastoquinone inhibitors was detected: the photoreduction of ferredoxin was about 80% inhibited at low concentrations of plastoquinone inhibitors that had practically no effect on the photoreduction of iron-sulfur centers A and B. These findings appear to exclude the possibility that these photosystem I contaminants were involved in the photoreduction of ferredoxin by the PSII-enriched inside-out vesicles.
Dense Iodine‐Rich Compounds with Low Detonation Pressures as Biocidal Agents

Fifteen iodo compounds and six iodyl compounds with an iodine content between 45.3 and 89.0 % were prepared. The mono, di, and triiodyl compounds were obtained from the corresponding iodo compound by employing Oxone. All the compounds were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The impact sensitivity was measured by using BAM (Bundesamt fur Materialforschung) methodology. Based on the calculated heats of formation and experimental densities, the detonation properties and detonation products were predicted by employing Cheetah 6.0. A total percentage of iodine-containing species in wt % (I2, HI, and I in gas phase) ranged from 46.7 (21) to 88.94 % (11) was found in the detonation products. The high concentration and easy accessibility of iodine and/or iodine-containing species is very important in developing materials suitable as Agent Defeat Weapons (ADWs).
Small-Firm Strategic Research Partnerships: The Case of Biotechnology

This paper provides an overview of the theoretical motivation and the empirical literature on small firm strategic alliances in biotechnology, an industry where these alliances have proliferated. We begin by examining the alliance strategy for knowledge-based small firms in general and then turn our attention to the case of biotech.
An AC/DC voltage doubler with configurable power supply schemes for vibrational energy harvesting

This paper presents an ac/dc voltage doubler, where the output dc voltage is twice the input ac voltage amplitude. Two configurable power supply schemes are explored for the voltage doubler in vibrational energy harvesting applications. An `input-powered' power supply scheme eliminates standby power consumption of the circuit when the harvester is not active. Alternatively, a `cross-connected' power supply scheme reduces the minimum input voltage without additional circuit cost. Implemented in On Semi 3M-2P 0.5 μm CMOS technology, the circuit is first benchtop characterized with a signal generator and then also demonstrated with a vibrational energy harvester. A maximum power efficiency of 87% is achieved using the input-powered scheme for a 1.5 V ac input amplitude and 960 μW of output power. In the cross-connected scheme, the circuit is able to rectify input voltage amplitudes as low as 400 mV, below the transistor threshold voltage of 700 mV.
Regulation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells in stably transfected Jurkat cell clones.

Abstract Two Jurkat cell clones have been stably transfected with a reporter vector for the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Upon stimulation, they express high levels of secreted heat stable placental alkaline phosphatase. With these clones, we demonstrated that NFAT activation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin was inhibited by both cyclosporin A (CsA) (IC 50 = 8 nM) and FK506 (IC 50 = 160 pM), presumably by inhibition of calcineurin activity. Selective phosphatase inhibitors for protein phophatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) that do not inhibit calcineurin, such as okadaic acid and calyculin A, also inhibited NFAT activation with IC 50 s of 87 nM and 4 nM, respectively, suggesting that okadaic acid and related inhibitiors may block NFAT activation through the inhibition of PP1, instead of PP2A. NFAT activation was also inhibited by agents that increase cAMP concentrations such as dibutyryl cAMP, forskolin and prostaglandin E 2 . These stable Jurkat cell clones proved a convenient and sensitive tool to study NFAT regulation.
Automatic generation of web survey for assessment purposes in computer science

This paper discusses the development and implementation of an engine that automatically creates web survey tool pages from course documents. Issues related to assessment practices in computer science are addressed and the benefits of this new assessment mechanism are presented.
Influence of carbonate ions on the micellization behavior in triblock copolymer solution

SANS was used to investigate the micellization behavior of triblock copolymers (F68, F88 and F108) as functions of carbonate ion concentration and temperature. SANS data were fitted to determine the sizes of the core and corona, inter-micelle distance, association number and the volume fraction of the micelles. As the polymer molecular weight increases, the core radius and the radius of gyration (Rg) of the corona and the inter-micelle distance increase. The carbonate ion concentration and polymer molecular weight have dramatic influence on the temperatures at which the micellization and spherical-to-cylindrical micelle transformation occur. The mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs in these solutions is through a gradual dehydration of polymers with increasing carbonate concentration and/or temperature.
Importance of anisotropic bending stiffnesses on buckling of symmetrically laminated composite plates loaded in compression

The differential equation governing buckling of symmetrically laminated composite plates loaded in compression is presented in nondimensional form. From this equation, nondimensional material coefficients are obtained and a nondimensional parameter is presented that is used to assess when anisotropic bending stiffnesses can be neglected in a buckling analysis. Results obtained using finite element analyses are presented that show how boundary conditions, aspect ratio, fiber orientation, stacking sequence, and thickness affect the importance of the anisotropic bending stiffnesses.
Effects of the calcium influx inhibitor carboxyamido-triazole on the proliferation and invasiveness of human prostate tumor cell lines.

Aberrant cellular signaling is a central feature of malignant cells and a potential target for anti-cancer therapy. Carboxy-amido-triazole (CAI) is a calcium influx inhibitor that alters calcium-sensitive signal transduction pathways and suppresses the proliferative and metastatic potential of malignant cells. We have examined the effects of CAI on several tumor-associated parameters in human prostate cancer cell lines to evaluate the potential of CAI as a signal-transduction therapy agent for advanced-stage prostate cancer. Measuring anchorage-dependent cell growth, continuous application of CAI inhibited the growth of DU-145, PPC-1, PC3 and LNCaP tumor cells with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging 10–30 μM. Direct cell enumeration assays revealed that the growth-suppressing activity of CAI toward DU-145 cells was reversible, indicating a cytostatic effect of the drug on tumor cells. The drug also inhibited the proliferation of several immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell lines. The proliferation of HaCaT- and RHEK-1-immortalized keratinocyte cell lines was relatively insensitive to CAI. Additionally, invasion by DU-145, PC3 and PPC-1 cells through Matrigel in vitro was reduced approximately 60–70% by 10 μM CAI. Other cellular effects of CAI included an attenuation of the elevation of intracellular free calcium in response to bombesin and carbachol in PC3 cells and a marked dose-dependent inhibition of prostate-specific antigen secretion in LNCaP cell cultures. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A single re-implanted ventral root exerts neurotropic effects over multiple spinal cord segments in the adult rat

Spinal cord injuries, particularly traumatic injuries to the conus medullaris and cauda equina, are typically complex and involve multiple segmental levels. Implantation of avulsed ventral roots into the spinal cord as a repair strategy has been shown to be neuroprotective and promote axonal regeneration by spinal cord neurons into an implanted root. However, it is not well known over what distance in the spinal cord an implanted ventral root can exert its neurotropic effect. Here, we investigated whether an avulsed L6 ventral root acutely implanted into the rat spinal cord after a four level (L5–S2) unilateral ventral root avulsion injury may exert neurotropic effects on autonomic and motor neurons over multiple spinal cord segments at 6 weeks postoperatively. Using retrograde labeling techniques and stereological quantification methods, we demonstrate that autonomic and motor neurons from all four lesioned spinal cord segments, spanning more than an 8 mm rostro-caudal distance, reinnervated the one implanted root. The rostro-caudal distribution suggested a gradient of neurotropism, where the axotomized neurons closest to the implanted site had the highest probability of root reinnervation. These results suggest that implantation of a single ventral root may provide neurotropic effects to injured neurons at the site of lesion as well as in the adjacent spinal cord segments. Our findings may be of translational research interest for the development of surgical repair strategies after multi-level conus medullaris and cauda equina injuries, in which fewer ventral roots than spinal cord segments may be available for implantation.
Cancer survivorship training: a pilot study examining the educational gap in primary care medicine residency programs

Background Cancer survivors need high-quality follow-up care that addresses long-term problems related to cancer and their treatment. With growing numbers of cancer patients transitioning from oncological treatment to survivorship care, primary care physicians (PCPs) will play a major role in the delivery of survivorship care.
Potential of an Insulating Disk Irradiated by an Electron Beam

Thin insulating films on satellites are known to charge to kilovolt potentials in space due to irradiation by charged particles. The electrostatic fields which develop on their surface are shown to be governed by emission limited charging. It is unnecessary to consider surface or bulk conductivity to explain the charging of the two-dimensional surfaces except, perhaps, extremely close to the edge of the dielectric.
Stochastic homogenization of Hamilton-Jacobi equations in stationary ergodic spatio-temporal media

This paper considers the problem of homogeniza- tion of a class of convex Hamilton-Jacobi equations in spatio-temporal stationary ergodic environments. Special attention is placed on the interplay between the use of the Subadditive Ergodic Theorem and continuity estimates for the solutions that are independent of the oscillations in the equation. Moreover, an inf-sup formula for the effective Hamiltonian is provided.
Depicting the Use and Purpose of Documents to Improve Information Retrieval

In this paper we discuss a new kind of information system that helps people be ready for information work and locate documents. This system differs from a traditional information retrieval system by relying extensively on descriptions of both how a document is used and the purposes it is used for. These descriptions are gathered as the document is electronically used and manipulated (e.g., by a word processor or e-mail system). A formal language represents this information.
Turning Experience into Competency Statements

Women who aspire to administrative jobs in education often do not even make it past the resume-screening stage because most of their managerial experience has been in volunteer/unpaid jobs, and this experience does not appear on the traditional resume, which documents paid work only. A portfolio of volunteer/unpaid administrative experiences has demonstrated validity and reliability in presenting skills to prospective employers. This article outlines the development of a self-directed manual to aid in building portfolios, and reports on the evaluation of portfolios' effectiveness in presenting competencies.
Examining the physical foundation of continuum theories from the viewpoint of phonon dispersion relation

An overview of crystal types and their interatomic force models are given and the basic feature of the dynamics of atoms in crystal is introduced. Elastic waves described by classical continuum theory, phonon dispersion relations by micromorphic theory, micropolar theory, couple stress theories and nonlocal theory are calculated and presented. The physical foundation and the applicability are examined from the viewpoint of phonon dispersion relation. Two physical examples, including the apparent change of material constants at different length scales and the macroscopic phenomenon of piezoelectricity are discussed.
Effect of substrate shades on the color of ceramic laminate veneers

Statement of problem Ceramic laminate veneers are generally fabricated with varying thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 1 mm, depending on the need to mask discolored teeth or slightly correct the contour of malpositioned teeth. Clinical color reproduction poses a challenge because of color interaction with the underlying substrate, whether tooth structure or esthetic restorative material. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to measure the effect of color change resulting from applying 2 shades of ceramic material, translucent (T1) and opaque (O2), to 2 shades of composite resin substrate material, light (A3) and dark (C4), on the overall color of ceramic laminates. Material and Methods Forty disks were fabricated. Twenty disks (15 × 0.5 mm) were cut from pressed ceramic, 10 disks for each shade (translucent and opaque). Additionally, 20 disks (15 × 4.0 mm) were fabricated from light-polymerized composite resin material, 10 disks for each shade (light and dark). The ceramic disks were bonded to the composite resin disks with clear resin cement. The specimen combinations were divided into 4 groups (n=5). Color measurements were done with a colorimeter (Minolta Chroma Meter CR-200b) configured with diffuse illumination/0-degree viewing geometry. Mean CIE lightness (L*), chroma (C* ab ), and hue angle (h ab ) values were obtained. A 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means and standard deviations between the different color combinations (α=.05), followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test for significant interactions. Results The 2-way ANOVA showed significant differences ( P ab , and h ab for a change in the composite resin substrate, regardless of the ceramic material shade. There was significant color change from dark to light substrate ( P =.044). The mean h ab (SD) of dark substrate/opaque veneer was 89.62 (1.5), while the mean h ab of light substrate/translucent veneer was 81.23 (1.7). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, the selected color of a 0.5 mm ceramic laminate veneer was significantly affected by the change in color of the supporting substrate.
Information and the law

Information laws are looked at as they operate with analogue media, and then with digital services. The changes in law are related to use patterns and a solution proposed to improve access. This requires the development of a legal equity of access to information. Conditions in which this would apply are outlined. The areas of law considered are intellectual property rights, rights relating to personal information, and law protecting against breaches of confidence.
Seasonal response to drought and rewatering in Portulacaria afra (L.) Jacq.

Gas exchange characteristics of droughted and rewatered Portulacaria afra were studied during the seasonal shift from CAM to C3 photosynthesis. 14CO2 uptake, stomatal conductance, and total titratable acidity were determined for both irrigated and 2, 4, and 7.5 month waterstressed plants from summer 1984 to summer 1985. Irrigated P. afra plants were utilizing the CAM pathway throughout the summer and shifted to C3 during the winter and spring. Beginning in September, P. afra plants shifted from CAM to CAM-idling after 2 months of water-stress. When water-stress was initiated later in the fall, exogenous CO2 uptake was still measurable after 4 months of drought. After 7.5 months of stress, exogenous CO2 uptake was absent. The shift from CAM to CAM-idling or C3 in the fall and winter was related to when water stress was initiated and not to the duration of the stress. Gas exchange resumed within 24 h of rewatering regardless of the duration of the drought. In the winter and spring, rewatering resulted in a full resumption of daytime CO2 uptake. Whereas during the summer, rewatering quickly resulted in early morning CO2 uptake, but nocturnal CO2 uptake through the CAM pathway was observed after 7 days. Gas exchange measurements, rewatering characteristics, and transpirational water loss support the hypothesis that the C3 pathway was favored during the winter and spring. The CAM pathway was functional during the summer when potential for water loss was greater. Our investigations indicate that P. afra has a flexible photosynthetic system that can withstand long-term drought and has a rapid response to rewatering.
Environmental policy‐making in the USSR: The role of industrial and environmental interest groups

(1976). Environmental policy‐making in the USSR: The role of industrial and environmental interest groups. Soviet Studies: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 570-589.