cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a series of 4-O-aryl­perfluoro­pyridines

Five new crystal structures of perfluoro­pyridine substituted in the 4-position with phen­oxy, 4-bromo­phen­oxy, naphthalen-2-yl­oxy, 6-bromo­naphthalen-2-yl­oxy, and 4,4′-biphen­oxy are reported, viz. 2,3,5,6-tetra­fluoro-4-phen­oxy­pyridine, C11H5F4NO (I), 4-(4-bromo­phen­oxy)-2,3,5,6-tetra­fluoro­pyridine, C11H4BrF4NO (II), 2,3,5,6-tetra­fluoro-4-[(naphthalen-2-yl)­oxy]pyridine, C15H7F4NO (III), 4-[(6-bromo­naphthalen-2-yl)­oxy]-2,3,5,6-tetra­fluoropyridine, C15H6BrF4NO (IV), and 2,2′-bis­[(perfluoro­pyridin-4-yl)­oxy]-1,1′-biphenyl, C22H8F8N2O2 (V). The dihedral angles between the aromatic ring systems in I–IV are 78.74 (8), 56.35 (8), 74.30 (7), and 64.34 (19)°, respectively. The complete mol­ecule of V is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis: the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and adjacent phenyl ring is 80.89 (5)° and the equivalent angle between the biphenyl rings is 27.30 (5)°. In each crystal, the packing is driven by C—H⋯F inter­actions, along with a variety of C—F⋯π, C—H⋯π, C—Br⋯N, C—H⋯N, and C—Br⋯π contacts. Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to aid in the visualization of these various influences on the packing.
Bile acid-based therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease

Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol only in hepatocytes. Bile acids circulating in the enterohepatic system act as physiological detergent molecules to help solubilize biliary cholesterol and emulsify dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins in small intestine. Bile acids are signaling molecules that activate nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and cell surface G protein-coupled receptor TGR5. FXR critically regulates bile acid homeostasis by mediating bile acid feedback inhibition of hepatic bile acid synthesis. In addition, bile acid-activated cellular signaling pathways regulate metabolic homeostasis, immunity, and cell proliferation in various metabolically active organs. In the small and large intestine, gut bacterial enzymes modify primary bile acids to generate secondary bile acids to help shape the bile acid pool composition and subsequent biological effects. In turn, bile acids exhibit anti-microbial properties and modulate gut microbiota to influence host metabolism and immunity. Currently, bile acid-based therapies including systemic and intestine-restricted FXR agonists, TGR5 agonists, fibroblast growth factor 19 analogue, intestine FXR antagonists, and intestine apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitors have been developed as promising treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These pharmacological agents improved metabolic and inflammatory disorders via distinct mechanisms of action that are subjects of extensive research interest. More recently, human and experimental alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been associated with disrupted bile acid homeostasis. In additional, new findings showed that targeting bile acid metabolism and signaling may be promising therapeutic approaches for treating ALD.
Smart technologies in wound prevention and care

Abstract When a wound fails to progress toward healing, it becomes chronic. Chronic wounds occur in all patient populations and cause significant pain and disability for affected individuals. They are also a major economic burden. Unfortunately, wound management is one of the few areas where little reduction in incidence has been seen in recent years, demonstrating that new approaches to prevention remain critically important. This chapter addresses the development and application of smart technologies in primary wound prevention and secondary wound care. Smart wound management technology as a primary prevention tool will make it possible to sense wound formation before clinical appearance, enabling proactive prevention strategies to be implemented. Smart wound care technology will enable concurrent monitoring of wound status and adaptive delivery of wound treatment. The future of wound care will be revolutionized by the application of smart technology to prevent, treat, and monitor chronic wounds.
Torsin ATPases are required to complete nuclear pore complex biogenesis in interphase

Abstract Nuclear envelope herniations (blebs) containing FG-nucleoporins and ubiquitin are the phenotypic hallmark of Torsin ATPase manipulation. Both the dynamics of blebbing and the connection to nuclear pore biogenesis remain poorly understood. We employ a proteomics-based approach to identify MLF2 as a luminal component of the bleb. Using an MLF2-based live cell imaging platform, we demonstrate that NE blebbing occurs rapidly and synchronously immediately after nuclear envelope reformation during mitosis. Bleb formation is independent of ubiquitin conjugation within the bleb, but strictly dependent on POM121, a transmembrane nucleoporin essential for interphase nuclear pore biogenesis. Nup358, a late marker for interphase nuclear pore complex (NPC) biogenesis, is underrepresented relative to FG nucleoporins in nuclear envelopes of Torsin-deficient cells. The kinetics of bleb formation, its dependence on POM121, and a reduction of mature NPCs in Torsin deficient cells lead us to conclude that the hallmark phenotype of Torsin manipulation represents the accumulation of stalled NPC assembly intermediates.
Sustainability Reporting by New Zealand Wineries

Many organisations have realised the need to engage in sustainable practices, and the benefits from doing so. This engagement includes communicating sustainable practices with stakeholders through web pages. The quantity of web page reporting varies by winery and by reporting category, as does the ease of reading (i.e. readability). This chapter discusses sustainability reporting and sustainability in the New Zealand wine industry, introducing readers to the nine key focus areas of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), of which only one focuses on social sustainability. The quantity and readability of web page reporting of 433 New Zealand wineries are examined with differences found between the four reporting categories—social sustainability reporting, environmental sustainability reporting, social and environmental sustainability reporting, and sustainability reporting. There is room for improvement in the readability scores of all the reporting categories, although social sustainability reporting is slightly more readable.
Phase I study of rapamycin (R) in combination with CYP3A4 modifier, ketoconazole (K), in patients with advanced malignancies

3061 Background: R is currently FDA approved for the treatment of renal allograft rejection but mTOR is a relevant target in several cancer types. K, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases the area under th...
Wireless Transmission and Logging of Measurement Data Through Cellular Networks

We report a software and hardware solution for collection, wireless transmission, and storage of measurement data (logIT). logIT allows end-users with only elementary knowledge of engineering and c...
Feasibility of Fluciclovine PET-CT Imaging of Endometrial, Cervical, and Ovarian Cancers: Preliminary Findings.

558 Objectives: 18F- fluciclovine (fluciclovine) is a synthetic amino acid PET radiotracer that is transported via amino acid transporters, including LAT1 which has been shown to be upregulated in endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer cells. Compared to FDG, fluciclovine has low urinary bladder excretion allowing better target to background ratios for viewing pelvic structures. Fluciclovine is currently FDA approved for imaging PSA recurrent prostate cancer. The utility of fluciclovine in PET/CT imaging of gynecological (GYN) cancers is yet to be explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the uptake characteristics of fluciclovine in PET/CT imaging of endometrial, cervical and ovarian GYN cancers and its feasibility for potential use in clinical imaging. Methods: This is a prospective clinical study enrolling 30 women with biopsy proven endometrial (n=10), cervical (n=10), and ovarian (n=10) GYN cancer (initial or recurrence) prior to therapy. After the IV injection of average dose of 8.7 (±0.8) mCi fluciclovine, dual time point fluciclovine PET/CT scans were acquired from the proximal thigh to the skull base using 2 mins/bed position at 4 min (early) and at 24 mins (delay) post injection. Fluciclovine uptake was then quantified in target lesions using SUVmax and compared to SUVmean of background structures; abdominal aorta (at the bifurcation), bone marrow (L3), and liver. In relation to background structures, all lesions with sustained moderate (≥ marrow but < liver) to intense (≥ liver) uptake from early to delay images were considered positive for disease. The tumor SUVmax and background (bone marrow) SUVmean were recorded and analyzed. Results: The initial 4 women enrolled with an average age (range) of 62 (42-71) years had a total of 5 biopsy proven lesions. Details of location and histology findings can be found in Table 1. All lesions demonstrated down trending time activity curve from early to delay images. However, uptake was constantly higher than background. Average SUVmax (early, delay) was highest in endometrial (7.7, 7.2) followed by cervical (7.2, 6.3) and ovarian cancers (7.2, 6.3). The average ratios (±SD) of tumor SUV max to marrow SUV mean across early and delay time points are 1.9 (±0.2), 2.3 (±0.8) for endometrial, 1.7 (±0.7), 1.6 (±0.4) for cervical, and 1.7, 1.6 for ovarian cancers. Conclusions: Initial data on fluciclovine uptake in known endometrial, cervical and ovarian GYN cancer demonstrates sustained higher uptake above background over time. Further prospective feasibility and uptake characterization studies are currently ongoing.
Proteome-Wide Analysis using SOMAscan Identifies and Validates Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1 as a Risk and Disease Marker of Delirium Among Older Adults Undergoing Major Elective Surgery

Background Delirium (an acute change in cognition) is a common, morbid, and costly syndrome seen primarily in aging adults. Despite increasing knowledge of its epidemiology, delirium remains a clinical diagnosis with no established biomarkers to guide diagnosis or management. Advances in proteomics now provide opportunities to identify novel markers of risk and disease progression for postoperative delirium and its associated long-term consequences (e.g., long term cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease [AD]). Methods In a nested matched case-control study (18 delirium/no-delirium pairs) within the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery study (N=556), we evaluated the association of 1,305 plasma proteins preoperatively [PREOP] and on postoperative day 2 [POD2]) with delirium using SOMAscan. Generalized linear models were applied to ELISA validation data of one protein across the full cohort. Multi-protein modeling included delirium biomarkers identified in prior work (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 [IL6]). Results We identified chitinase-3-like-protein-1 (CHI3L1/YKL-40) as the sole delirium-associated protein in both a PREOP and a POD2 predictor model, a finding confirmed by ELISA. Multi-protein modeling found high PREOP CHI3L1/YKL-40 and POD2 IL6 increased the risk of delirium (relative risk [95% confidence interval] Quartile [Q]4 vs. Q1: 2.4[1.2-5.0] and 2.1[1.1-4.1], respectively). Conclusions Our identification of CHI3L1/YKL-40 in postoperative delirium parallels reports of CHI3L1/YKL-40 and its association with aging, mortality, and age-related conditions including AD onset and progression. This highlights the type 2 innate immune response, involving CHI3L1/YKL-40, as an underlying mechanism of postoperative delirium, a common, morbid, and costly syndrome that threatens the independence of older adults.
An Analytical Model for Dual Gate Piezoelectrically Sensitive ZnO Thin Film Transistors

We report the experimental realization of piezoelectric ZnO dual-gate thin film transistors (TFTs) as highly sensitive force sensors and discuss the physical origins of its electrically tunable piezoelectric response using a simple analytical model. A dual gate TFT is fabricated on a polyimide substrate using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering of piezoelectric ZnO thin film as a channel. The ZnO TFTs exhibited a field effect mobility of ~ 5 cm2/Vs, Imax to Imin ratio of 107, and a subthreshold slope of 700 mV/dec. Notably, the TFT exhibited static and transient current changes under external force stimuli, with varying amplitude and polarity for different gate bias regimes. To understand the current modulation of the dual-gate TFT with independently biased top and bottom gates, an analytical model is developed. The model includes accumulation channels at both surfaces and a bulk channel within the film and accounts for the force-induced piezoelectric charge density. The microscopic piezoelectric response that modulates the energy-band edges and correspondent current-voltage characteristics are accurately portrayed by our model. Finally, the field-tunable force response in single TFT is demonstrated as a function of independent bias for the top and bottom gates with a force response range from -0.29 nA/mN to 22.7 nA/mN. This work utilizes intuitive analytical models to shed light on the correlation between the material properties with the force response in piezoelectric TFTs.
Experimental evidence that halogen bonding catalyzes the heterogeneous chlorination of alkenes in submicron liquid droplets

A key challenge in predicting the multiphase chemistry of aerosols and droplets is connecting reaction probabilities, observed in an experiment, with the kinetics of individual elementary steps that control the chemistry that occurs across a gas/liquid interface. Here we report evidence that oxygenated molecules accelerate the heterogeneous reaction rate of chlorine gas with an alkene (squalene, Sqe) in submicron droplets. The effective reaction probability for Sqe is sensitive to both the aerosol composition and gas phase environment. In binary aerosol mixtures with 2-decyl-1-tetradecanol, linoleic acid and oleic acid, Sqe reacts 12-23× more rapidly than in a pure aerosol. In contrast, the reactivity of Sqe is diminished by 3× when mixed with an alkane. Additionally, small oxygenated molecules in the gas phase (water, ethanol, acetone, and acetic acid) accelerate (up to 10×) the heterogeneous chlorination rate of Sqe. The overall reaction mechanism is not altered by the presence of these aerosol and gas phase additives, suggesting instead that they act as catalysts. Since the largest rate acceleration occurs in the presence of oxygenated molecules, we conclude that halogen bonding enhances reactivity by slowing the desorption kinetics of Cl2 at the interface, in a way that is analogous to decreasing temperature. These results highlight the importance of relatively weak interactions in controlling the speed of multiphase reactions important for atmospheric and indoor environments.
Priest, Irwin G. 1886–1932

Irwin Priest was born on January 27, 1886, in the small town of Loudonville, OH. He attended Ohio State University from 1904 to 1907 where he graduated with a B.A. degree. He obtained a position as a laboratory assistant, moving up to assistant physicist, at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington where he remained until his premature death on July 19, 1932, [Priest biography, www.osa.org/en-us/history/biographies/irwin-g-priest/, accessed 20 Apr 2015, 1].
Him, her, them, or none: misgendering and degendering of transgender individuals

Across three studies people miscategorised transgender individuals through degendering (abstention of pronouns) and misgendering (using gender inconsistent pronouns). Participants described and eva...
How Do We Learn from the Lives of Others

My life has mirrored the lives of those around me. I find myself becoming like the people I am exposed to. I imitate their actions and attitudes. I can, however, only rarely recall making a conscious decision to imitate or be like these people in any way. One of my teachers, I recall, was such a towering presence that he radically changed the direction of my life, although I was only dimly aware of his influence at the time. Only long after did I see his imprimatur on everything from my occupational decisions, my views about religion and spirituality, and my opinions about where to go for lunch. When I think about this influence, I wonder how it happened and whether it has, on the whole, been a good thing for me to have learned in this imitative way. This paper is, among other things, a very personal attempt to formulate questions about how I became who I am.
Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of Bayer 73 in fish, aquatic invertebrates, mud, and water

A gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) method is described for determining residues of Bayer 73 (2-aminoethanol salt of 2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide) in fish muscle, aquatic invertebrates, mud, and water by analyzing for 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline (CNA), a hydrolysis product of Bayer 73. Bayer 73 residues are extracted from fish muscle tissue, invertebrates, and mud with acetone-formic acid (98+2), and partitioned from water samples with chloroform. After sample cleanup by solvent and acid-base partitioning, the concentrated extract is hydrolyzed with 2N NaOH and H2O2 for 10 min at 95 degrees C. The CNA is then partitioned into hexane-ethyl ether (7+3) and determined by electron capture GLC. Average recoveries were 88% for fish, 82% for invertebrates, 82% for mud, and 98% for water at 3 or more fortification levels.
The Adenosine System Selectively Inhibits TLR-Mediated TNF-α Production in the Human Newborn

Human newborns are susceptible to microbial infection and mount poor vaccine responses, yet the mechanisms underlying their susceptibility are incompletely defined. We have previously reported that despite normal basal expression of TLRs and associated signaling intermediates, human neonatal cord blood monocytes demonstrate severe impairment in TNF-α production in response to triacylated (TLR 2/1) and diacylated (TLR 2/6) bacterial lipopeptides (BLPs). We now demonstrate that in marked contrast, BLP-induced synthesis of IL-6, a cytokine with anti-inflammatory and Th2-polarizing properties, is actually greater in neonates than adults. Remarkably, newborn blood plasma confers substantially reduced BLP-induced monocyte synthesis of TNF-α, while preserving IL-6 synthesis, reflecting the presence in neonatal blood plasma of a soluble, low molecular mass inhibitory factor (<10 kDa) that we identify as adenosine, an endogenous purine metabolite with immunomodulatory properties. The neonatal adenosine system also inhibits TNF-α production in response to whole microbial particles known to express TLR2 agonist activity, including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli (that express BLPs), and zymosan particles. Selective inhibition of neonatal TNF-α production is due to the distinct neonatal adenosine system, including relatively high adenosine concentrations in neonatal blood plasma and heightened sensitivity of neonatal mononuclear cells to adenosine A3 receptor-mediated accumulation of cAMP, a second messenger that inhibits TLR-mediated TNF-α synthesis but preserves IL-6 production. We conclude that the distinct adenosine system of newborns polarizes TLR-mediated cytokine production during the perinatal period and may thereby modulate their innate and adaptive immune responses.
Energy Security in Europe (A): Nord Stream

Russian and German energy firms initiated the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline project with strong political support from their home governments but encountered resistance from other states. Although the pipeline would connect Russia with Germany directly, the project was not simply a bilateral matter. First, a need to secure construction permits in multiple jurisdictions around the Baltic Sea involved other countries. And second, Germany's membership in the European Union entailed compliance with goals and values of the entire union, which stressed the imperative of collective action in energy matters and dangers of succumbing to "national reflexes." Thus the implications of the project became a matter of concern to the entire European Union but Europeans struggled to articulate the meaning of Nord Stream: was it a "separate peace" between Russia and Germany to the detriment of the rest, or was it a pan-European deal to the benefit of all? As the case chronicles, the success of Nord Stream depended on the ability of its creators to ensure that latter view prevailed over the former.Learning Objective: To analyze the political, economic, and managerial implications of the natural gas trade between Russia and Europe; to explore alternate pipeline routes for the delivery of Russian natural gas.
Child Behavior and Development a Behavioral Analysis

Abstract L'A. prente une analyse behavioriste du developpement de l'enfant, qui est I'application a un domaine specialise d'une approche behavioriste de la psychologie generale. Il montre tout d'abord ce qu'est l'analyse behavioriste, en examinant successivement quelle philosophie de la sdence elle implique, et quels en sont les concepts, les principes, les bases methodologiques essentielles et les applications pratiques. Il evoque, ensuite, comment se posent dans une telle perspective, les problemes que l'on retrouve constamment dans I'etude du developpement de l'enfant: liaison entre heredite et milieu, nature psychologique de l'enfant, stades du developpement, recherches des moyennes par [acaron]ge ou recherches longitudinales. Il termine par un bref bilan des contributions de l'analyse behavioriste a l'etude du developpement de l'enfant, en s'attachant particulierement au fait qu'elle a fait progresser les methodes de recherche, permis de preciser et de completer les concepts et les principes, et demo...
Absolute measurement of very low sodium-vapor densities using laser resonance fluorescence*

By use of a cw dye laser, the resonance-fluorescence method is used to make absolute density measurements of sodium vapor from 102 atoms/cm3 at −28 °C to 1011 atoms/cm3 at 144 °C. The results are compared with other measurements at higher temperature by a thermodynamic analysis. A new vapor-pressure curve is derived, which is slightly different from previous curves based on the higher-temperature measurements. The application of laser resonance fluorescence to other species is also discussed. In particular, a scheme for detecting sodium-quark atoms, if they exist, with a sensitivity of nq/nB ~ 10−15, is proposed.
Polar Metabolites Synergize the Activity of Prostaglandin F2α in a Species-Specific Hormonal Sex Pheromone Released by Ovulated Common Carp

Many species of teleost fish detect and release F prostaglandins (PGFs), but the specific identities of these compounds and how they function as species-specific pheromones have yet to be resolved. This study addressed these questions in the common carp. An initial set of experiments established that mature male common carp were attracted to chemicals released by ovulated conspecifics, whereas the odor of female goldfish, a close relative, was less attractive. Tests of fractionated holding water from ovulated carp revealed that only the non-polar fraction was attractive on its own. Mass spectrometry and immunoassay next demonstrated that the non-polar fraction contained large quantities of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), 15keto-prostaglandinF2α, and 13,14-dihydro-15keto-prostaglandin F2α (100 g fish released over 1 μg of all 3 PGFs per h at a ratio of 1.0: 1.7: 0.7). Ovulated goldfish released the same three PGFs but at a slightly greater rate and in a different ratio. Tests of synthetic mixtures of these PGFs revealed that the carp-specific mixture attracted male carp but was no better than the goldfish-specific mixture or PGF2α alone and that PGF2α was just as attractive as mixture of all three PGFs. A final set of attraction tests revealed that although PGF2α could explain all of the activity of the non-polar portion of female carp holding water, it could not explain the entire activity of female water but that a mixture of PGFs and the polar fraction could. We conclude that ovulated female carp release a multi-component sex pheromone complex that is comprised of PGF2α and unknown species-specific polar compound(s) that synergize the activity of the former. The pheromone also might be useful in controlling this invasive species. The observation that a fish hormonal sex pheromone incorporates bodily metabolites in addition to relatively common hormonal products demonstrates a mechanism by which species specificity may be conferred to this common type of sex pheromone.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Hot‐Boning on Physical Changes, Cooking Time and Losses, and Tenderness of Beet Roasts

Beef semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles were removed prerigor (1 hr postmortem) and postrigor (7 days postmortem) after one-half of the left and right sides were electrically stimulated. The influence of electrical stimulation and hot-boning upon physical changes; cooking losses; shear force; taste panel evaluation; and time required to heat product to an internal temperature of 63°C was studied. There was no consistent influence of electrical stimulation upon physical changes of prerigor muscles or upon tenderness of pre– or postrigor roasts. Hot-boned and precooked roasts were less tender than cold-boned counterparts. Cooking yields were not altered by electrical stimulation. Prerigor roasts had 9% higher yields than postrigor roasts. Prerigor roasts from electrically stimulated sides required a longer time to cook to 63°C than roasts from the control sides. Hot-boning reduced the length of time of cooking (95 min/kg to 72 mm/kg of raw weight).
Critical Rigor vs. Juridical Pragmatism: How Legal Theorists and Hadīth Scholars Approached the Backgrowth of Isnāds in the Genre of ' Ilal al-Hadīth

Modern scholarship has accepted the 'backgrowth of isnāds' in the early hadīth tradition, but this phenomenon did not occur without controversy among classical Muslim scholars. Hadīth critics were aware that material was being pushed back to the Prophet, a phenomenon they approached through the lens of ziyāda (addition). By examining works devoted to criticizing hadīth narrations ('ilal) from the 3rd/9th to the 8th/14th centuries, we will see that the original non-Prophetic versions of many hadīths survived alongside their Prophetic counterparts well into the 5th/11th century. More importantly, certain hadīth scholars from the 3rd/9th to the 7th/13th centuries believed that Prophetic reports in the canonical hadīth collections were actually statements of other early Muslims. The position of these critics, however, was marginalized in the 5th/11th century, when mainstream Sunni jurists chose to accept the Prophetic versions categorically. Although the jurists' position became dominant in Sunni Islam, criticism of the backgrowth of isnāds has continued in the work of select hadīth scholars until today.
Oxygen and aroma barrier properties of edible films: A review

Interest in maintaining food quality while reducing packaging waste has encouraged the exploration of the oxygen and aroma transport properties of edible films. This review article introduces the theoretical basis for oxygen and aroma barrier property determination and presents a brief historical per- spective of the development of barrier polymers. The effects of structure and composition on mass transport in edible films are examined and compared with those of the more thoroughly investigated synthetic polymers. A survey of edible film oxygen and aroma barrier research is presented; areas re- quiring additional investigation are suggested, for applications as well as basic research. The potential of edible films and coatings to provide excellent aroma retention and superior oxygen barrier properties makes this quite a promising area of research for both food and packaging scientists.
Onset of diffraction-like angular distributions in the 40Ca(13C, 12C)41Ca reaction

Abstract The angular distribution of the 40 Ca( 13 C, 12 C) 41 Ca(g.s.) reaction has been measured at incident energies of 60 and 68 MeV. Oscillations in the differential cross section were observed at these energies but not at previously measured, lower energies of 40 and 48 MeV. Arguments are presented which indicate that diffraction-like angular distributions are a systematic feature of heavy-ion reactions.
Persistence Length of Human Cardiac α-Tropomyosin Implies Near-Neighbor Cooperative Activation of Cardiac Thin Filaments

α-Tropomyosin (αTm) is the predominant tropomyosin isoform in adult human heart and constitutes a major component in Ca2+-regulated systolic contraction of cardiac muscle. The mechanical flexibility of αTm is an important parameter governing its regulatory function, including the spanning range of cooperative activation of striated muscle thin filaments. Previous persistence length (Lp) estimates of different isoforms of WT Tm range from 50-170 nm, or one to four contour lengths (Lc) of the molecule, in different temperatures. We present here highly consistent Lp measurements from multiple large populations of single molecules of human cardiac αTm in room temperature using our previously reported direct probe imaging technique. Bacterially-expressed, human cardiac αTm was incubated and adsorbed on poly-lysine coated mica at 25oC. The adsorption is an irreversible and diffusion limited process with diffusion coefficient of ∼10−7cm2/s. A total of 199-1950 molecules (typically greater than 500) per independently prepared sample were imaged using atomic force microscopy and their contours were analyzed. Analysis of tangent correlation along molecular contours yielded average Lp of 41-48 nm for WT αTm, consistent in various incubation times from 30s to 900s. Variation across multiple WT αTm samples independently prepared at identical conditions is ∼5 nm. Similar analyses for three independent samples of the familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC)-related αTm E180G mutant prepared in identical conditions yielded Lp of 24-31 nm. The marked, 38% decrease of measured Lp likely provides an important mechanistic link between the E180G mutation of human cardiac αTm and cardiac hypertrophy in FHC. Our measurements also suggest WT human cardiac αTm is a semi-flexible molecule with Lp comparable to Lc, consistent with previous results that cooperative activation of vertebrate striated muscle thin filaments spans 1-2 structural regulatory units.
Mechanism of interdigestive migrating motor complex in conscious dogs

Background The migrating motor complex (MMC) is well characterized by the appearance of gastrointestinal contractions in the interdigestive state. This study was designed to clarify the mechanisms of gastric MMC (G-MMC) and intestinal MMC (I-MMC) in conscious dogs.
Creating passion to engage versus enrage consumer co‐creators with agency co‐conspirators: unleashing creativity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on how new interactive media trends affect the creative process in agencies and engage consumers as co‐creators, based on recently published research and observation.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews, participant observation, and secondary analysis of recently published qualitative and quantitative research (1996‐2008) by the author and leading scholars in the field is used in this offering. A review of emerging trends and conceptual thinking in this area prompts the suggested perspective along with an empirical longitudinal global study on what drives creativity in advertising ADCRISP©.Findings – This contribution illustrates examples of how a passionate approach drives creativity and change for an iconic brand. Ethnographic methods are suggested for reconnecting with changing consumers and environments. This viewpoint recognizes the potential of engaging the consumer and unleashing creativity while pointing out potential pitfalls of ...
Adverse effects of topical papaverine on auditory nerve function

Papaverine hydrochloride is a direct-acting vasodilator used to manage vasospasm during various neurosurgical operations. Transient cranial nerve dysfunction has been described in a few cases with topical papaverine. This study supports previous reports and provides neurophysiological evidence of an adverse effect on the auditory nerve. We conducted a retrospective review of 70 consecutive microvascular decompression operations and studied those patients who received topical papaverine for vasospasm. Topical papaverine was used as a direct therapeutic action to manage vasospasm in a total of 11 patients. The timing of papaverine application and ongoing operative events was reviewed relative to changes in neurophysiological recordings. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were routinely used to monitor cochlear nerve function during these operations. A temporal relationship was found between topical papaverine and BAEP changes leading to complete waveform loss. The average temporal delay between papaverine and the onset of an adverse BAEP change was 5 min. In 10 of 11 patients, BAEP waves II/III–V completely disappeared within 2 to 25 min after papaverine. Eight of these 10 patients had complete loss of BAEP waveforms within 10 min. One patient showed no recovery of later waves and a delayed profound sensorineural hearing loss. The average recovery time of BAEP waveforms to pre-papaverine baseline values was 39 min. Topical papaverine for the treatment of vasospasm was associated with the onset of a transient disturbance in neurophysiological function of the ascending auditory brainstem pathway. The complete disappearance of BAEP waveforms with a consistent temporal delay suggests a possible adverse effect on the proximal eighth nerve. Recommendations to avoid potential cranial nerve deficits from papaverine are provided.
Induction of sister chromatid exchanges by benzidine in rat and human hepatoma cell lines and inhibition by indomethacin

The genotoxic activity of benzidine was studied in two cell lines derived from rat (H4) and human (HepG2) hepatomas which have been shown to be capable of activating certain promutagens. The responses were compared to results in two lung-derived fibroblast lines (IMR-90 and V79) which appear to have little or no metabolizing capability. Benzidine was found to induce sister chromatid exchanges in the two liver-derived cell lines in a dose-dependent fashion but failed to induce sister chromatid exchanges in the fibroblast lines. Since one proposed pathway for benzidine activation involves prostaglandin-mediated metabolism, we tested the effect of pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of this metabolic pathway. Indomethacin was highly effective in inhibiting benzidine-induced sister chromatid exchanges in both H4 and HepG2 cells. These results suggest that some DNA damage may occur in the livers of fast acetylating species such as the rat without prior N-acetylation and that some amount of DNA damage may occur in the livers of slow acetylating species, even when the liver is not the target organ for carcinogenesis.
GaN Schottky barrier and metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors with in situ SiNx nano-network

ABSTRACT In this paper, we investigated Schottky and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) pho todetector structures fabricated on GaN templates with in situ SiN x nanonetwork, which were shown to reduce the dislocation densities significantly in the overgrown material. The GaN layers were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The peak responsivity of the Schottky photodetectors on templates with SiN x nanonetwork was measured to be 0.16 A/W, significantly larger than that for the control samples (0.09 A/W). The MSM photodetectors on templates with SiN x nanonetwork also showed significantly enhanced photoresponsivity (100 A/W) when compared to the control sample without any SiN x (30 A/W) and photoconductive gain. The improvement in the photoresponsivity in both Schottky and MSM photodetector structures with the use of SiN x nanonetwork is due to the reduction of dislocation densities. Keywords : GaN, MOCVD, UV detector, MSM, Schottky, SiN x . 1. INTRODUCTION Al x Ga 1-x N (x=0-1) is the most promising materi al for fabricating solar-blind ultravio let (UV) detectors and light emitters due its direct wide bandgap. Recently, various type UV detectors have been reported, including p-n junction photodiodes,
Influence of Food on Aspirin Absorption from Tablets and Buffered Solutions

After a standard meal, 12 normal volunteers received three aspirin dosage forms in a single-dose, complete crossover study. The three dosage forms were an unbuffered tablet, an effervescent solution with 16 meq of buffer, and an effervescent solution with 34 meq of buffer. Plasma and urine aspirin, salicylic acid, and salicyluric acid were measured for 10 hr. Significant differences in the absorption kinetics of aspirin were observed, with aspirin from the two solutions being absorbed faster than from the tablet. Urine pH and renal clearance for all three acid compounds were influenced by the buffer during the first 2 hr only. Area under the curve (AUC) and urine accumulation comparisons suggest that 15-20% more aspirin reaches the general circulation after the tablet, but that the total salicylate absorbed is not different. Comparison with an earlier study indicates the solution with 34 meq of buffer is virtually unaffected by the presence of the meal while the solution with 16 meq buffer and the tablet are more slowly absorbed in the nonfasted state.
Gaze as a biometric

Two people may analyze a visual scene in two completely different ways. Our study sought to determine whether human gaze may be used to establish the identity of an individual. To accomplish this objective we investigated the gaze pattern of twelve individuals viewing still images with different spatial relationships. Specifically, we created 5 visual “dotpattern” tests to be shown on a standard computer monitor. These tests challenged the viewer’s capacity to distinguish proximity, alignment, and perceptual organization. Each test included 50 images of varying difficulty (total of 250 images). Eye-tracking data were collected from each individual while taking the tests. The eye-tracking data were converted into gaze velocities and analyzed with Hidden Markov Models to develop personalized gaze profiles. Using leave-one-out cross-validation, we observed that these personalized profiles could differentiate among the 12 users with classification accuracy ranging between 53% and 76%, depending on the test. This was statistically significantly better than random guessing (i.e., 8.3% or 1 out of 12). Classification accuracy was higher for the tests where the users’ average gaze velocity per case was lower. The study findings support the feasibility of using gaze as a biometric or personalized biomarker. These findings could have implications in Radiology training and the development of personalized e-learning environments.
Computational intelligence and neuromorphic computing potential for geospatial research and applications

In today's highly mobile, networked, and interconnected internet world, the flow and volume of information is overwhelming and continuously increasing. Therefore, it is believed that the next frontier in technological evolution and development will rely in our ability to develop intelligent systems that can help us process, analyze, and make-sense of information autonomously just as a well-trained and educated human expert. In computational intelligence, neuromorphic computing promises to allow for the development of computing systems able to imitate natural neuro-biological processes that will form the foundation for intelligent system architectures. This is achieved by artificially re-creating the highly parallelized computing architecture of the mammalian brain. As an interdisciplinary technology inspired from biology, artificial neural systems have been successfully utilized in many applications, such as control systems, signal processing, pattern recognition, vision systems, and robotics etc. In addition, the emerging neuromorphic computing field can also exploit the characteristic behavior of novel material systems with advanced processing techniques to achieve very large scale integration with highly parallel neural architectures for the fabrication physical architectures. This talk will focus on the technological challenges that we are seeking to overcome to enable intelligent parallel neuromorphic computing systems.
The Effect of Increased Nonprotein Energy on Protein Kinetics during Parenteral Nutrition in ELBW Infants • 1564

Adequate amino acid availability is crucial in achieving positive protein balance in parenterally fed ELBW infants; maximal accretion of protein may additionally depend on a critical level of energy intake. We hypothesized that additional nonprotein energy intake would promote protein accretion in these infants. To assess this, we measured the endogenous rates of appearance (Endog Ra) of the essential amino acids leucine (LEU) and phenylalanine (PHE) (each reflecting proteolysis), utilization of PHE for protein synthesis (PS), PHE hydroxylation (OH) (reflecting irreversible loss of PHE), and the rate of urea production in seven clinically stable, ventilated ELBW infants in the first few days of life (27±0.8 wks gestation, 1006±81 gms birth wt, 980±70 gms study wt, 2±0.3 days of age) during a graded increase in nonprotein substrate (70 and 90 kcal/kg/d). Protein intake was held constant at 3.5 gm/kg/d (Aminosyn PF) and a balanced ratio of caloric intake from glucose and lipid was maintained throughout the 5.5 hour study. Kinetics are shown below in mean±SE in μmol/kg/h; *p≤0.05.
Spheres, hemispheres and DISCS as high-performance fins for boiling heat transfer

Abstract The prediction of the performance of high-performance spines for heat transfer to boiling liquids can be calculated logically by means of the local assumption for the heat transfer coefficient. The maximum heat duty is predicted adequately by a 1-dimensional conduction analysis. Accuracy in predicting the accompanying base temperature favors a 2-dimensional conduction model. Fins with discontinuities in the surface shape require trial and error for optimization. A 3-disc fin has been developed which exceeds the performance of the best cylinder by a factor of 4.9 and the turnip shape by a factor of 3.6.
A Conceptualization of Parenting

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for examining the parenting process. Tasks, roles, rules, communication, resources, and relationships are described as essential components of parenting. The conceptualization of parenting is not tied to a particular family structure or type. Rather, parenting is examined as a process undertaken with the goal of ferrying children from conception and birth through developmental challenges and life events to adulthood. As a bridge between the conceptualization of parenting and its application to single parent families, questions are raised concerning what it takes to parent adequately. Notions of the successful or good enough parent are derived from facets of the conceptual framework. The challenge of providing adequate parenting for single parent families is presented. Single parent families are not described as automatic at risk situations for children. However, identification of the ingredients needed for adequate parenting provides a useful fra...
Enhanced Polymer Discrimination By Infrared Microtransmission And Microreflectance Spectroscopy

The infrared microsampling technique has dramatically influenced the polymer analysis field. Polymeric single fibers and small particles are obvious applications for qualitative microanalysis. Recent advances in methodology have addressed the characterization of otherproperties of polymeric materials whose size exceeds that of traditional microsamp pleps (10-50 micrometers). Specific layers of a laminate film may be identified by analyzing a thin microtome cross-section by microtransmission. The influence of stretching upon a polymer film may be studied in-situ by polarized microtransmission. The mechanism of polymeric deformation may be defined as a function of the degree of draw or by the satial distribution of relaxation. Molded polymer products may be non-invasively characterized by microreflectance analysis. Automated spectral imagin experiments may be performed upon many polymeric systems to associate the disg tribution of specific infrared absorptions to visually-identified sample anomalies.
Reliability, Construct Validity, and Response- Set Bias of the Revised Learning-Style Inventory (LSI-1985)

This research investigated the internal consistency and construct validity of the revised Learning-Style Inventory (LSI-1985). In particular, the study examined the possibility of a response-set bias based on the single-scale-per-column format of the instrument. Order effects were considered as well. To study the possible response set, two versions of the instrument were administered: (a) the standard LSI-1985 and (b) a scrambled version. Estimates of scale consistency were less in the scrambled version suggesting the presence of a response set for the standard LSI-1985. Factor analyses failed to support the construct validity of the revised instrument and also seemed to indicate the presence of a response set. In addition, completing the LSI after the administration of a second instrument seemed to affect the reliabilities of some scales. Further research is needed to clarify the effects of the psychometric properties and underlying assumptions of the LSI-1985.
THE TRANSPORT OF CALCIUM and OTHER CATIONS IN SUBMERGED AQUATIC PLANTS

SUMMARY Photosynthetic bicarbonate assimilation and cation transport by aquatic plants are reviewed. It is suggested that these two processes stand in a causal relation to one another. A number of observations of cation transport not directly associated with photosynthesis are also reviewed, and are related to current concepts of active transport in the plant kingdom. These characteristics of cation transport have been observed in many submerged aquatic plants: 1 Cations are transported through the leaves in the light but not in the dark. 2 Cations are accumulated at the abaxial leaf surface from the contiguous external medium and are excreted from the adaxial surface into the medium. Therefore accumulation and excretion can be studied separately. A new theory of cation transport in bicarbonate-assimilating aquatic plants is presented. The theory entails the following propositions: 1 Two active membranes pump cations through the leaf in the light. The membrane on the abaxial leaf surface pumps cations into the leaf; that on the adaxial surface pumps cations out of the leaf. 2 The cell plasma membranes on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces form these two active membranes. 3 In the light–i.e. when the transport mechanism is functioning–the biochemical reactions of transport reach steady-state levels. These levels are determined by the rates of reaction between the constituents. One can therefore alter the steady-state levels by suitably altering the conditions of one or more of these reactions. 4 In the dark–i.e. when the transport mechanism is not functioning–the biochemical constituents reach equilibrium levels. The equilibria can be altered by changing the environment of the leaf. 5 The reactions of transport supply links of a respiratory chain. 6 The reactions of transport synthesize a bicarbonate-accepting compound at the plasma membrane. Evidence for each of these propositions is discussed. The theory is considered applicable, with appropriate modification, to cation transport in a variety of cells.