cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efflux of protons from acidic vesicles contributes to cytosolic acidification of hepatocytes during ATP depletion.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cytosolic pH and vesicular pH during ATP depletion. Using digitized video microscopy and single, cultured rat hepatocytes, cytosolic pH and vesicular pH were quantitated by ratio imaging of BCECF (2′, 7′ biscarboxyethyl-5, 6-carboxyfluorescein) fluorescence and fluoresceindextran fluorescence, respectively. Basal value for cytosolic pH was 7.26 and basal value for vesicular pH was 4.86. During ATP depletion by metabolic inhibition with KCN plus iodoacetic acid or antimycin A, cytosolic pH decreased 0.71 units to 6.55. In separate experiments under identical conditions, vesicular pH increased 1.59 units to 6.45, suggesting that protons were leaking from acidic vesicles during ATP depletion. Fluorescein-dextran fluorescence remained punctate, indicating that the rise in vesicular pH was due to an efflux of protons from vesicles and not loss of vesicle integrity. To determine whether efflux of protons from acidic vesicles can acidify cytosolic pH, we used two maneuvers that result in leakage of protons from acidic vesicles without significantly decreasing cellular ATP: (a) hypotonic stress in K+ free media and (b) exposure of the cells to the H+ -ATPase inhibitor NBD-Cl. Both hypotonic stress and NBD-Cl decreased cytosolic pH 0.4 units to 6.86 and increased vesicular pH 2.0 units to 6.76, resulting in near-equilibration of cytosolic pH and vesicular pH. Thus an efflux of protons from intracellular compartments will acidify cytosolic pH of hepatocytes (pH 6.86), but not to the same degree as ATP depletion (pH 6.55). Calculations based on buffering capacities and relative volumes of the cytosol and acidic compartments suggest that efflux of protons from acidic compartments into the cytosol may account for up to 20% of the decrease of cytosolic pH during the ATP depletion of anoxia observed in hepatocytes. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:626–633.)
Maintenance of a female-limited polymorphism in Ischnura ramburi (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Abstract Colour polymorphisms can be maintained in a population if all morphs have equal fitness on average, if fitness is frequency dependent or if fitness functions cross for some environmental or social variable. We studied female-limited colour polymorphism in the Rambur's forktail damselfly, Ischnura ramburi, in which one female morph looks like the male. The most commonly cited hypotheses to explain this polymorphism involve an advantage to andromorphs of avoiding costly matings through male mimicry. An alternative hypothesis argues that males learn the most common morph and that the polymorphism is maintained by a rare-morph advantage of mating avoidance, irrespective of male mimicry. We tested predictions of the male mimicry hypothesis, learned mate recognition hypothesis (LMR) and two new hypotheses. We used censuses and a mark–resight study to estimate density, sex ratio, morph frequency and mating frequencies. We observed interactions to test for male mimicry and female competition and to evaluate the frequency of mating attempts. Andromorphs were less likely than gynomorphs to receive mating attempts in encounters with males, but did not mate less frequently, or attack males or interrupt oviposition by other females more frequently. Contrary to the LMR hypothesis, the rarer morph was more likely to receive mating attempts. Andromorph frequency was greater in older females than in younger females, suggesting higher mortality or dispersal of gynomorphs. Our results support a modification of the male mimicry hypothesis, the signal detection hypothesis. Together with past studies, our results suggest that the female morphs may be alternative mating avoidance strategies.
Design of an amide N-glycoside derivative of β-glucogallin: a stable, potent, and specific inhibitor of aldose reductase

β-Glucogallin (BGG), a major component of the Emblica officinalis medicinal plant, is a potent and selective inhibitor of aldose reductase (AKR1B1). New linkages (ether/triazole/amide) were introduced via high yielding, efficient syntheses to replace the labile ester, and an original two-step (90%) preparation of BGG was developed. Inhibition of AKR1B1was assessed in vitro and using transgenic lens organ cultures, which identified the amide linked glucoside (BGA) as a stable, potent, and selective therapeutic lead toward the treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Kinetic resonance Raman spectroscopy of carotenoids: a sensitive kinetic monitor of bacteriorhodopsin mediated membrane potential changes.

Abstract A rapid (14 – 22 μs) light-induced, bacteriorhodopsin mediated membrane potential has been detected using the technique of kinetic resonance Raman spectroscopy and the model system of β-carotene incorporated into reconstituted vesicles containing bacteriorhodopsin. Our data demonstrate that the kinetic resonance Raman spectrum of β-carotene is an extremely sensitive monitor of kinetic alterations in membrane potential with micron spatial resolution in a highly scattering medium. In addition, our Raman results indicate that the potential sensitivity of β-carotene is an excited state property of the molecule, thus making it an electrochromic monitor of membrane potential. We feel the techniques illustrated in this paper have the advantage of being a native probe of kinetic membrane potential changes and will be applicable to a wide variety of biological systems without the perturbing side-effects which often accompany the use of non-biological, potential-sensitive dyes.
IgG subclass and heavy chain domains contribute to binding and protection by mAbs to the poly γ-D-glutamic acid capsular antigen of Bacillus anthracis.

Bacterial capsules are common targets for antibody-mediated immunity. The capsule of Bacillus anthracis is unusual among capsules because it is composed of a polymer of poly-γ-d-glutamic acid (γdPGA). We previously generated murine IgG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to γdPGA that were protective in a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. IgG3 antibodies are characteristic of the murine response to polysaccharide antigens. The goal of the present study was to produce subclass switch variants of the γdPGA mAbs (IgG3→IgG1→IgG2b→IgG2a) and assess the contribution of subclass to antibody affinity and protection. Subclass switch antibodies had identical variable regions but differed in their heavy chains. The results showed that a switch from the protective IgG3 to IgG1, IgG2b or IgG2a was accompanied by i) a loss of protective activity ii) a change in mAb binding to the capsular matrix, and iii) a loss of affinity. These results identify a role for the heavy chain constant region in mAb binding. Hybrid mAbs were constructed in which the CH1, CH2 or CH3 heavy chain constant domains from a non-protective, low binding IgG2b mAb were swapped into the protective IgG3 mAb. The IgG3 mAb that contained the CH1 domain from IgG2b showed no loss of affinity or protection. In contrast, swapping the CH2 or CH3 domains from IgG2b into IgG3 produced a reduction in affinity and a loss of protection. These studies identify a role for the constant region of IgG heavy chains in affinity and protection against an encapsulated bacterial pathogen.
The information content of analysts reports and bankruptcy risk measures

We evaluate the information content of analysts’ reports and bankruptcy risk quantities towards each other, and examine whether differences arise between low- and high-risk firms and between stock recommendations and earnings forecasts. We reveal that past changes in analysts’ reports convey valuable information towards future developments in default risk measures, analysts’ outcome rely upon lagged modifications in corporate creditworthiness, and the predictive power in both directions is more pronounced among high risk enterprises. Furthermore, default likelihoods and analysts’ recommendations and forecasts Granger cause each other, generating a significant feedback system. Moreover, earnings forecasts portray more profound relations to credit risk quantities than stock recommendations.
Cutting Force Variation Due to Wear of Multi-Layer Ceramic Coated Tools

Cutting forces were measured during turning AISI 4340 steel with uncoated, two-layer coated (TiC/Al 2 O 3 , and three-layer coated (TiC/Al 2 O 3 /TiN ) cemented WC-Co inserts possessing chip-breaker grooves in order to investigate the progression of tool wear. The variations of cutting force signals are interpreted in light of predominant wear mechanisms. A characteristic feature of wearing coated tools is shown to be the rapid increase of the radial and axial cutting forces when the tool life is reached. This behavior is associated with both the increase of the real contact area on the nose and the flank face due to coating delamination and the relatively less severe wear on the rake face. Normalizing the cutting forces by those of unworn tools yields a single curve for each cutting force. The instant at which either the radial or the axial force deviates from these curves determines the wear life of coated tools. The good agreement between results for the wear life of coated tools obtained from cutting force and nose wear measurements suggests that the wear life of multi-layer ceramic coated tools can be accurately determined by monitoring the cutting force response.
Skillful control under uncertainty via direct reinforcement learning

Complexity and uncertainty in modern robots and other autonomous systems make it difficult to design controllers for such systems that can achieve desired levels of precision and robustness. Therefore learning methods are being incorporated into controllers for such systems, thereby providing the adaptibility necessary to meet the performance demands of the task. We argue that for learning tasks arising frequently in control applications, the most useful methods in practice probably are those we call direct associative reinforcement learning methods. We describe direct reinforcement learning methods and also illustrate with an example the utility of these methods for learning skilled robot control under uncertainty.
CREMA-D: Crowd-Sourced Emotional Multimodal Actors Dataset

People convey their emotional state in their face and voice. We present an audio-visual dataset uniquely suited for the study of multi-modal emotion expression and perception. The dataset consists of facial and vocal emotional expressions in sentences spoken in a range of basic emotional states (happy, sad, anger, fear, disgust, and neutral). 7,442 clips of 91 actors with diverse ethnicbackgrounds were rated by multiple raters in three modalities: audio, visual, and audio-visual. Categorical emotion labels andreal-value intensity values for the perceived emotion were collected using crowd-sourcing from 2,443 raters. The human recognition of intended emotion for the audio-only, visual-only, and audio-visual data are 40.9, 58.2 and 63.6 percent respectively. Recognition rates are highest for neutral, followed by happy, anger, disgust, fear, and sad. Average intensity levels of emotion are rated highest forvisual-only perception. The accurate recognition of disgust and fear requires simultaneous audio-visual cues, while anger andhappiness can be well recognized based on evidence from a single modality. The large dataset we introduce can be used to probe other questions concerning the audio-visual perception of emotion.
Ethical Issues in the Use of Spiritually Based Interventions in Social Work Practice: What Are We Doing and Why

This article provides a review of the literature regarding social workers' use of spiritually based interventions, factors predictive of such use, research on ethical issues, and findings related to educational preparation for spiritually sensitive practice. Results show that both social work practitioners and students are utilizing a substantial number of spiritually based interventions, that workers' personal spirituality is influential in intervention use, that there is no evidence of adherence to specific ethical guidelines, and that the majority of social workers receive little or no instruction on religion and spirituality in their professional programs. Recommendations for social work education, research, and practice are proposed for meeting the ethical challenges suggested by these findings.
Directional Sexual Selection Cannot Explain Variation in Song Repertoire Size in the New World Blackbirds (Icterinae)

Hypotheses that song repertoire evolves by way of directional sexual selection for large repertoires were examined with a comparative study of the avian subfamily Icterinae (Passeriformes: Emberiznae). Song repertoire size varies between closely related icterine species, so phylogenetic effects cannot explain repertoire size variation. Overall, song repertoire is not associated with polygyny or with presence or absence of territoriality. Different associations of repertoire with mating system are observed in different icterine groups. Either the directional hypotheses do not apply to the evolution of song repertoire in the Icterinae, or different processes of directional sexual selection have occurred in different icterine groups.
Formation of two-dimensional mixed crystals on graphite observed by scanning tunneling microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a powerful tool for observing organic molecules in real space. In this study, five similar ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials (four unsaturated isomers and the saturated parent) adsorbed on graphite were examined by scanning tunneling microscopy as neat compounds and as mixtures. The unit cells of adsorbed monolayers formed by the mixtures showed distinct differences from the unit cells of the pure compounds, suggesting that mixed monolayers were formed. The saturated compound formed two structures having different unit cells, and it appeared that the difference in energies was very small. Changing the location of the double bond had no observable effect on the adsorbed monolayers, and the isolated double bonds were not observed.
Motivation, learning, and transformative experience: A study of deep engagement in science

This study investigated the prevalence of transformative experiences, antecedents of transformative experience, and the relation between transformative experience and deep-level learning (conceptual change and transfer) for high school biology students (N = 166). Results suggested that the high school students in our sample typically engaged in low levels of transformative experience with respect to biology, but those students who strongly identified with science and who endorsed a mastery goal orientation were more likely to report engagement in higher levels of transformative experience. Furthermore, a higher level of engagement in transformative experience was positively associated with (a) conceptual change in understanding the concept of natural selection, but not inheritance, at the post- and follow-up assessments and (b) transfer at the follow-up assessment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed94:1–28, 2010
Transient simulation of a tubular packed bed solar receiver for hydrogen generation via metal oxide thermochemical cycles

Abstract Theoretical performance of a 4 kW multiple tube solar receiver is evaluated for a two-step thermochemical redox cycle using a transient computational fluid dynamics model coupling radiative transfer with fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer and chemical reaction kinetics. The solar receiver consists of an array of tubular absorbers, each containing a packed bed of active material and situated within an insulated outer cavity with a small aperture. Tubular array configurations amenable to either temperature swing or isothermal operation are included, though calculations predict temperature separation of at most 150–200 K between reduction and oxidation tubes positioned within a single well-insulated reaction vessel. Sensitivity of receiver performance to parameters describing material properties, operating conditions, cycle time, solar profile shape, tube dimensions, and tubular array configuration is assessed. Simulations indicate that receiver performance is most sensitive to aperture size with emission losses accounting for more than 50% of the solar input. An array consisting of a large number of small-diameter tubes is preferred, though performance is minimally impacted by the physical positions of these tubes within the receiver cavity. Time-averaged solar-to-chemical efficiency as high as 14% is predicted after accounting for energy necessary for O2 separation and steam vaporization.
Sensitivity analysis for atmospheric chemistry models via automatic differentiation

Abstract Automatic differentiation techniques are introduced and applied in the sensitivity analysis of atmospheric chemistry studies. Specifically, ADIFOR software is used to calculate the sensitivity of ozone with respect to all initial concentrations (of 84 species) and all reaction rate constants (178 chemical reactions, for six different chemical regimes, varying from the marine boundary layer to continental boundary layers with and without isoprene, to the upper troposphere, including plumes with and without non-methane hydrocarbons. Numerical aspects of the application of ADIFOR are also presented. Automatic differentiation is shown to be a powerful tool for the application of sensitivity analysis to atmospheric chemistry problems.
Discursive “Policy Logics” of Mergers in US Higher Education: Strategy or tragedy?

Mergers are part of the historical fabric of US higher education. However, the current economic recession and other policy issues have experts and academicians predicting an increase in higher education mergers in the USA. Consequently, this study analysed the discursive “policy logics” surrounding merger negotiations in US higher education. The study employs a qualitative textual‐content analysis using an initial review of 32 media accounts of higher education mergers followed by a thorough investigation of institutions’ official documents for 18 selected merger negotiations. Results indicate that merging related to higher education institutions is a social construction or deconstruction of meaning and discourse; perceptions about them are expressed in discursive ways using metaphorical and symbolic vernacular. Decision‐makers’ expressed discursive perceptions about them can often determine their success or failure while having a great impact on the institution as a whole.
A method for isolating human lung macrophages and observations of fluorescent phagocytes from the lungs of habitual cigarette smokers

We report the development of a simple, efficient, expedient, and inexpensive procedure for isolating a large and relatively pure population of macrophages (Mphi) from residual (i.e., non-tumor) lung tissue obtained from lung cancer patients undergoing either a lobectomy or pneumonectomy. The proposed technique was founded on observations by fluorescent microscopy of fresh, non-fixed, and non-stained human lung tissue. Examinations of 74 specimens from different patients revealed that most of the Mphi reside as non-adherent cells within the sponge-like lung stroma. Very few Mphi were observed in the lungs of nonsmokers. In contrast, many Mphi were visible in the lungs of habitual smokers. For most specimens from smokers, a few of the Mphi were present as randomly distributed single cells; the majority of the Mphi, however, were in clusters that ranged from a dozen to several hundred cells. The Mphi could be released readily by different mechanical techniques. In the procedure reported herein, pulmonary leukocytes (> 75% Mphi) were dislodged easily from lung tissue with the use of an inexpensive, hand-operated, tissue grinder. The grinder consisted of a glass mortar and Teflon pestle that provided sufficient clearance between the mortar and pestle so as to avert damaging the displaced leukocytes. The leukocytes were then segregated by centrifugation on a density gradient. Further purification was achieved by harvesting Mphi that had been allowed to adhere to serum-coated polystyrene culture dishes (> 90% Mphi). In most experiments, the Mphi yield (approximately 5 x 10(6) Mphi /gr of lung) and Mphi viability (> 85%) were good. A significant advantage of this technique is that it avoids jeopardizing the cells to the hazards associated with enzymes that have been used in techniques employed previously for isolating Mphi from the lung and other organs. Thus, the proposed method provides numerous lung Mphi for detailed studies of their morphology, phenotype, and function. Moreover, lung Mphi were cultured as non-adherent, single cells in a serum- and cytokine-free tissue culture medium for more than 6 weeks. Lung Mphi from habitual smokers displayed a high level of fluorescence that was readily apparent when viewed with a fluorescence microscope that had been configured with either a fluorescein or rhodamine filter. Serial sections of single, living Mphi obtained with the use of a confocal laser scanning microscope revealed that the fluorescence originated from cytoplasmic inclusions. Relative fluorescence intensity was measured by cytometry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Unscrambling Scintillation Spectrometer Data

It is well known that the pulse height distribution from a scintillation spectrometer may differ considerably from the spectrum of the incident radiation because the radiation may interact in several different ways with the crystal. Statistical variations in the pulses produce an additional distortion. These facts greatly complicate the quantitative analysis of continuous spectra or discrete spectra with more than a few different energies. Although it is not possible to calculate the exact "unscrambled spectrum," it is possible to obtain a "best estimate" of the incident spectrum and to assign meaningful errors to the result. A clarifying point of view based on Fourier techniques is introduced. Methods for numerical calculation are then described.
Effect of nifedipine on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility in man.

Nifedipine, a calcium-blocking agent, inhibits smooth muscle contractions in various organs including gastric muscle in vitro. Despite this, nifedipine has been found to have no effect on gastric emptying in man. We have investigated the effect of nifedipine on gastric emptying of liquids and solids and on gastrointestinal motility in six healthy subjects. For this, isotopic techniques and manometric methods were used. We confirm that nifedipine 30 mg per os does not modify gastric emptying of liquids or solids. By contrast, antra motility was significantly inhibited (P<0.05) and duodenal motility increased. These results could be interpreted as (1) gastroduodenal motility changes are not severe enough to alter emptying or (2) isotopic techniques are not sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in gastric emptying.
Signal processing techniques for heterodyne differential absorption lidar

Different methods of energy estimation for a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia are investigated in this paper. The system is a 2- mm wavelength coherent Doppler lidar called VALIDAR that has been traditionally used for measuring wind. Recent advances in laser wavelength control have allowed the new use of this lidar for measuring atmospheric CO 2 concentration by a DIAL technique. In order to realize accurate DIAL measurements, optimal signal processing techniques are required to represent the energy of the heterodyned backscatter signals. The noise energy was estimated by minimizing the mean square error in its estimate and was used to normalize its adverse influence on accurate estimation of the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere. The impact of different methods on the statistics of CO 2 concentration measurements is compared.
Macrophages and Pregnancy

During implantation, apoptosis is critical for the appropriate tissue remodeling of the maternal decidua and invasion of the developing embryo. Yet the regulation of apoptosis is also imperative for a successful pregnancy. The quick and effective removal of apoptotic cells by tissue macrophages represents an essential process, which prevents the release of self-antigens and, in the case of pregnancy, paternal alloantigens. Recent studies have shown that the process of apoptotic cell clearance is not a neutral event, but rather an active one which induces macrophage production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and survival factors. Therefore, apoptotic cell clearance is necessary for the resolution of inflammatory conditions, which during pregnancy could have lethal consequences. The function of the maternal immune system during implantation and throughout pregnancy is, thus, an important area of investigation. This review will discuss the role of decidual macrophages in apoptotic cell clearance during pregnancy.
Efficient synthesis of viral nucleic acids following monocyte infection by HIV-1

Abstract The replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in mononuclear phagocytes (blood monocytes, tissue macrophages,and dendritic cells) is an important feature of HIV-1 pathogenesis. Although most primary HIV-1 isolates are able to productively infect monocytes, some reports suggest that rates of viral DNA synthesis and virus replication are reduced in HIV-1-infected monocytes as compared to infected T cells. In this study we compare kinetics of viral DNA synthesis in CD4 + T cells and monocytes following HIV-1 infection. Our results indicate that reverse transcription of viral nucleic acids following infection of monocytes occurs at rates equal to or greater than that observed following infection of T cells. These studies reveal no postentry restrictions to HIV-1 replication following infection in monocytes. Moreover, the results support the notion that both monocytes and CD4 + T cells are equally permissive for virus replication in infected individuals.
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibits Cytochrome P450 Epoxygenases Interaction Between Two Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factors

The cytochrome P450 epoxygenase (CYP)-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) both function as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs) in the human coronary microcirculation. However, the relative importance of and potential interactions between these 2 vasodilators remain unexplored. We identified a novel inhibitory interaction between CYPs and H2O2 in human coronary arterioles, where EDHF-mediated vasodilatory mechanisms are prominent. Bradykinin induced vascular superoxide and H2O2 production in an endothelium-dependent manner and elicited a concentration-dependent dilation that was reduced by catalase but not by 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (EEZE), 6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanoic acid, sulfaphenazole, or iberiotoxin. However, in the presence of catalase, an inhibitory effect of these compounds was unmasked. In a tandem-bioassay preparation, application of bradykinin to endothelium-intact donor vessels elicited dilation of downstream endothelium-denuded detectors that was partially inhibited by donor-applied catalase but not by detector-applied EEZE; however, EEZE significantly inhibited dilation in the presence of catalase. EET production by human recombinant CYP 2C9 and 2J2, 2 major epoxygenase isozymes expressed in human coronary arterioles, was directly inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion by H2O2 in vitro, as observed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); however, EETs were not directly sensitive to oxidative modification. H2O2 inhibited dilation to arachidonic acid but not to 11,12-EET. These findings suggest that an inhibitory interaction exists between 2 EDHFs in the human coronary microcirculation. CYP epoxygenases are directly inhibited by H2O2, and this interaction may modulate vascular EET bioavailability.
Rethinking Modernity: Space and Factory Discipline in China

The search for the modem is the zeitgeist, if there is one, of China's recent period of economic reform (1978-89).' This is but an intensification of a process that has marked at least the entire 20th century in China. One of the most telling ways to examine this process is through changing representations of urban space. Spatial relations, as cultural, political, and economic practices, have featured prominently in discussions of modernity (Davis 1990; Harvey 1989; Holston 1989; Rabinow 1989). Urban design is, arguably, the epitome of modernity (Rabinow 1988:361). How can we evaluate this project in China? As the Chinese party-state rather self-consciously claims to be borrowing at least selected Western practices, can we therefore conclude that modernity there is like that described for "the West"? Most important, do various people's struggles with modernity in China present a confirmation of, or a challenge to, recent discussions in the United States and Europe that have been rethinking this category? In what follows, I argue that hegemonic transnational flows of commodities and values create a powerful discourse on modernity spreading out of the West, but we must nonetheless remain wary of creating unified readings out of local Euro-American practices and allowing those to overpower interpretations elsewhere.2
Reemergence Mechanisms for North Pacific Sea Ice Revealed through Nonlinear Laplacian Spectral Analysis

AbstractThis paper studies spatiotemporal modes of variability of sea ice concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Pacific sector in a comprehensive climate model and observations. These modes are obtained via nonlinear Laplacian spectral analysis (NLSA), a recently developed data analysis technique for high-dimensional nonlinear datasets. The existing NLSA algorithm is modified to allow for a scale-invariant coupled analysis of multiple variables in different physical units. The coupled NLSA modes are utilized to investigate North Pacific sea ice reemergence: a process in which sea ice anomalies originating in the melt season (spring) are positively correlated with anomalies in the growth season (fall) despite a loss of correlation in the intervening summer months. It is found that a low-dimensional family of NLSA modes is able to reproduce the lagged correlations observed in sea ice data from the North Pacific Ocean. This mode family exists in both model output and observations and i...
Correlation between cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in reduced nephron mass and expression of kidney injury molecule-1 and aquaporin-2 gene.

Abstract Sirolimus (SRL) has been shown to exacerbate cyclosporine (CsA)–induced nephrotoxicity. The expression of the kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is markedly upregulated in the postischemic rat kidney. We sought to correlate drug-induced nephrotoxicity and the expression of KIM-1 and aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) in male PVG rats with 2 kidneys (2K), 1 kidney (1K), and half a kidney (1/2K) treated with SRL alone, CsA alone, or a combination of both (SRL-CsA). After 7 days of treatment, the 2K group treated with SRL-CsA showed a significant decrease in creatinine clearance compared with the 2K SRL alone and 2K CsA alone groups (1.2 vs 2.47 vs 2.46 mL/min; P P = .02). The AQP-2 expression was comparable in the 3 groups. After 1 week of treatment washout, the 2K, 1K, and 1/2K groups treated with SRL alone demonstrated a significantly higher creatinine clearance rate than did the groups treated with SRL-CsA ( P = .04, P = .02, and P = .004). The expression of KIM-1 and AQP-2 was similar among the treatment groups. SRL-CsA–induced nephrotoxicity resulted in overexpression of KIM-1, suggesting injury to the proximal tubule. Treatment with SRL alone may enable earlier reversal of tubular injury.
Properties of interlayer for organic photovoltaics

Interfacial materials play an important role in determining the efficiency of an organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell. They are not only responsible for establishing ohmic contact, but also determining different device parameters such as the internal electric field, the film morphology, and the carrier recombination rate which are important to the device performance. Here, we will present the material properties and requirements for these interlayers used in high efficiency OPV cells. This paper aims to reveal the different roles of interlayers, introduce techniques for characterizing their properties, and provide an insight into the future development of novel interlayers for high efficiency organic photovoltaic cells.
Therapists' and Clients' Perceptions of the Occupational Performance History Interview

SUMMARY The Occupational Performance History Interview-Second Version (OPHI-II) is a semi-structured interview that gathers life history information. The interview data is used to score three rating scales and complete a narrative slope. Previous research has primarily examined the validity of the scales. This qualitative study sought to understand from the perspectives of therapists and clients how they experienced the interview process and narrative slope of the OPHI-II. Clients and therapists agreed that the OPHI-II interview built rapport, generated insights into the client's life experiences, and was helpful in planning goals and services and both groups generally found the narrative slope valuable. Both therapists and clients indicated the importance of tailoring the interview process and the narrative slope to each client's unique perspective and needs. Study findings both support the usefulness of the OPHI-II and provide suggestions for how it can be used most effectively.
AGENT-BASED SUPPORT FOR DISTRIBUTED AIR/GROUND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SIMULATION RESEARCH

NASA researchers are extending a large-scale distributed simulation to assess the feasibility, benefits, and scalability of Distributed Air/Ground Traffic Management (DAG-TM) concepts. This paper describes applications of software agents to support these efforts. This paper identifies applications ranging from assistants to replacements for human confederate participants and support personnel. The applications span air traffic control positions, flight simulators, pseudoaircraft control stations, and simulation support functions. The paper first provides an overview of the DAG-TM simulation, including the Multi Aircraft Control System (MACS), and describes the responsibilities of various participants. It then discusses agent applications that address problems and leverage capabilities demonstrated in previous research. Of particular interest are agents that can control air traffic and pilot aircraft, implemented within the MACS framework. Agents provide a means for focusing required subject training, reducing variability and problems attributable to human confederates, supporting partially staffed and part-task studies within the full simulation environment, and enabling fast-time simulations to investigate DAG-TM concept scalability. The paper concludes with a discussion that emphasizes the importance of interplay between complementary human-in-the-loop and agent-based simulations. This research constitutes one facet of the Distributed Air/Ground Traffic Management element of the NASA Aviation System Capacity Program Advanced Air Transportation Technologies project.
Kinetic and electrophoretic studies of human erythrocytes deficient in pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase.

The mutant enzyme of a patient with hereditary pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase deficiency was analyzed biochemically. Partially purified by DEAE-Sephadex and concentrated by ultrafiltration, the enzyme had a high Km for the substrate uridine monophosphate. Utilization of the substrate cytidine monophosphate was normal, but utilization of adenosine monophosphate was greatly increased. The enzyme was stable to heat; the pH optimum was acidic. Electrophoresis of the enzyme revealed a very faint, slower than normal band.
Hydrogel-Encapsulated Microfabricated Haircells Mimicking Fish Cupula Neuromast

In contrast, active sonar systemsare widely used for a variety of civil and military applicationsin underwater environment. However, passive sensor systemssimilar to fish provide a huge advantage in “silent” observa-tion of the environment which does not reveal the source anddoes not interfere with moving vehicles and various lifeforms.
Physician Demography and Policy Implications

This 28-year retrospective analysis of 1980-2008 U.S. Census data found increases in Ohio's physicians, minority physicians, ages, work hours, and a consistent shortage of physicians in rural underserved areas. Ohio was below the national ratios of physicians per 100,000 people, with less than 6% of physicians in non-metropolitan areas. In 1980, only 13% of physicians were females. By 2008, about 31% of physicians were females. In 1980, less than 21% of physicians were members of an ethnic minority group, and this figure rose to 29% in 2008. The proportion of African American physicians approximately doubled, from less than 3% in 1980 to about 6% in 2008. To ensure the adequate capacity of the future physician workforce, physician demography should approximate the population served. Long-term investment in the rural practice environment is recommended for attracting and retaining rural practice physicians. Increasing the hiring of physician assistants can support the development of an integrated rural primary care workforce.
The “Two Percent Students”: Considerations and Consequences of Eligibility Decisions

Since the 2001–02 school year, the accountability provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) have shaped much of the work of public school teachers and administrators in the United States. NCLB explicitly prohibits schools from excluding students with disabilities from the accountability system and requires not only participation of all students in statewide accountability assessments but also reporting of the results for students with disabilities along with other students and as a disaggregated group. From the beginning of these requirements, lawmakers recognized that there would be a small group of students with disabilities for whom the regular assessment, even with accommodations, would not be appropriate and they authorized states to develop an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS) for this group of students. More recently, responding to pressures from the field, additional flexibility has been granted to develop an additional alternate assessment based on mod...
Dissociation Barriers for Odd-Numbered Acyclic Nitrogen Molecules N9 and N11

Molecules containing only nitrogen atoms have been extensively studied as possible candidates for high energy density materials (HEDMs). An all-nitrogen molecule Nx can dissociate to N2 with the release of a large quantity of energy. To be a viable HEDM, a molecule must resist dissociation well enough to serve as a stable fuel. Recent studies of acyclic N8 and N10 molecules suggest that these even-numbered molecules lose N2 too easily to be HEDMs. However, another study of acyclic N9 suggests that N9 may be stable enough. In the current study, the dissociation pathways of acyclic N9 and N11 are examined extensively by theoretical calculations to determine the stability of these acyclic odd-numbered Nx molecules. Dissociation barriers for N9 and N11 are calculated using Hartree−Fock (HF) theory, perturbation theory (MP2 and MP4), and coupled-cluster (CCSD and CCSD(T)) theory. The correlation-consistent basis sets of Dunning are employed. The results indicate that N9 and N11 can dissociate as easily as N8 a...
An examination of the properties of SSC Phase II R&D strands

The authors summarize a detailed characterization of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) Phase II R&D billets, samples of which were supplied to the University of Wisconsin (UW). An important part of the SSC Phase I and II strand R&D programs was an extensive sampling scheme that covered the entire fabrication process of the strand. Samples were sent to UW, where complete microstructural and physical property analysis could be performed. In addition, sufficient extruded pre-heat-treatment multifilamentary material was provided to OW so that parallel processing to strand could be performed. In Phase I material it was found that the 2 vol% Nb diffusion barrier thickness was insufficient to prevent extrinsic limitation of the critical current density (J/sub c/). This contrasted with the Phase II strand which incorporated 4% barriers and showed intrinsic behavior. The intrinsic nature of the Phase II conductor has made it possible to probe the basic microstructure property relationships of the strand and provide insight into improvements in future processing. >
Multilayer thin-film substrate for multichip packaging

Multilayer thin-film module technologies for high-performance multiple-chip module (MCM) packaging were developed and integrated. The technologies, which feature four copper layers, polyimide dielectric, controlled impedance-transmission lines, and solder-bump assembly, were demonstrated on a variety of vehicles including a 4K RAM module operating above 10-MHz clock frequency. The generic MCM substrate technology is described. The process can be designed to be compatible with a number of substrate materials. >
Wellness promotion in the schools: Enhancing students' mental and physical health

Wellness promotion addresses both the reduction of disorder and disease and the enhancement of mental and physical health. There is increasing evidence of a strong and reciprocal relationship between mental and physical health, and linking these two areas may be particularly useful for promoting positive youth development in school contexts. This article discusses the relationship between mental and physical health in children and adolescents, and how to promote both within schools. Topics discussed include the benefits of (a) hope and optimism, (b) structured extracurricular activities, and (c) sport and exercise psychology for school-based health and wellness promotion. These topics are linked in that each has the potential to positively affect both mental and physical health in children and adolescents in schools. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DESCRIPTION OF HAKKA, A NEW GENUS OF JUMPING SPIDER (ARANEAE, SALTICIDAE) FROM HAWAII AND EAST ASIA

We describe a new genus for a jumping spider that was originally placed in the large genus Menemerus Simon 1868, from which the new genus is clearly different. They were later reclassified as Icius, then as Pseudicius, and still later as Salticus. These initial classifications were repeated by a number of authors. The distinctive features of the male, and somewhat ambiguous features of the female, do not fit any known genus; and this species is here assigned to the new genus Hakka.
Psychophysiological responsivity and the type A behavior pattern

Abstract Studies were reviewed in which the psychophysiological responses of Type A and B subjects were studied in various contexts. It appears that Type A's manifest greater psychophysiological arousal than Type B's in solitary as well as interpersonal situations in which there is a moderate external incentive to accomplish something. and there is an intermediate probability of failing to accomplish that something. Further, Type A's appear to manifest greater psychophysiological arousal than Type B's in interpersonal situations in which another person annoys or harasses the subject. Why Type A's respond in these situations with greater psychophysiological arousal was discussed in terms of the possibilities that (a) these situations may engage some defining characteristic(s) of Type A's, (b) Type A's may fear and therefore try to avoid failure more vigorously than Type B's, and (c) Type A's may be more motivated to gain and maintain control over important environmental events and therefore are more aroused by threats to such control than Type B's.
Response to Stove and colleagues concerning newborn screening of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency in dried blood spots.

Reply: We appreciate the interest in our report on newborn screening for succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency by Drs. Stove, Ingels, and Lambert [1]. We are also grateful for their highlighting of excellent GCMS methods for determining gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in dried blood spots (DBS) for use in toxicology or forensics [2,3]. Our method was developed to screen DBS of newborns for the very high elevations of GHB found in the blood of patients with the inherited disorder, SSADH deficiency [4]. It utilized LC-MS/MS which is currently available in most newborn screening laboratories. Our method was not intended for toxicology use, or for the accurate determination of low endogenous levels in DBS of newborns not affected with SSADH deficiency. Nevertheless it does permit establishing a screening cut-off for GHB above which a deficiency of SSADH is likely. As with most newborn screening tests, elevations of GHB in DBS above the cut-off would need to be followed up with diagnostic tests to determine the final diagnosis, which could include accurate tests for GHB levels in blood or urine, urine organic acid analysis for GHB levels in biochemical genetics laboratories, or sequencing DNA for mutations in the ALDH5A1 gene. With this report our goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, the manuscript was not intended as a detailed method development and/or validation paper; accordingly, only a brief description of the validation was summarized in the results. The letter to the editor correctly points out that the GHB concentrations were μM, which was an oversight on our part. We believe our report is an important contribution to the prospect of widespread newborn screening for SSADH deficiency, for which potential specific therapy is currently in clinical trials.
Visual-field asymmetry in face recognition as a function of face discriminability and interstimulus interval

Reaction times were measured for recognizing laterally presented faces as a function of two levels of face discriminability and three interstimulus-interval lengths between pairs of successively presented faces. Contrary to many face-recognition studies, no left visual-field/right-hemisphere advantage was observed for the recognition task. Instead, a right visual-field/left-hemisphere advantage occurred at the longest interstimulus interval (500 msec.) on trials on which faces were different and at the shortest interstimulus interval (5 msec.) on trials on which the faces were identical. It appears that visual-field asymmetries in face recognition may vary due to the characteristics of the stimuli and procedures used in face-recognition studies.
Simultaneous determination of aloin A and aloe emodin in products containing Aloe vera by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of aloin A and aloe emodin in products labeled to contain Aloe vera has been developed and validated. This analytical procedure involved extracting a test portion of the product in acetonitrile : water (40 : 60, v/v), followed by centrifugation and filtration through a 0.2 μm PTFE filter. Quantitation was achieved using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative mode. The separation was carried out using a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column; 2.1 mm × 50 mm; 1.7 μm particle size. A five-minute gradient program was optimized at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min−1. Both water with 0.5% acetic acid and methanol with 0.5% acetic acid were used as mobile phases. The linear range was from 5.0 to 1000 ng mL−1 for aloin A and from 1.0 to 500 ng mL−1 for aloe emodin, with r ≥ 0.995 for both analytes. Since serious matrix effects (both ion suppression and ion enhancement) were eliminated by dilution for all samples, the recoveries for aloin A and aloe emodin ranged from 89–118%, and 74–108%, respectively, in the matrices tested. The method has been successfully applied to various products labeled to contain Aloe vera including liquids, capsules, soft gels and tabs. The amount of aloin A and aloe emodin in the samples ranged from none detected to 160.0 mg g−1 and from none detected to 3.8 mg g−1, respectively.