cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linker effects on optoelectronic properties of alternate donor–acceptor conjugated polymers

In this study, three conjugated polymers (DA1, DA2 and DA3) with different linkers between an electron-rich unit (3,4-didodecylthiophene as electron donor, D) and an electron-deficient unit (benzothiadiazole as electron acceptor, A) were synthesized via Suzuki, Heck and Sonogashira polycondensation, respectively. The D and Agroups are connected in three different ways: without any linker (DA1), by a vinylene linker (DA2), and by an ethynylene linker (DA3). Among these three polymers, DA2 exhibited the lowest bandgap (Eg) at 1.65 eV and the highest planarity evidenced by the smallest dihedral angle (1°) between the donor and acceptor units. The femtosecond up-conversion fluorescence measurement showed that DA1 and DA3 exhibited a rise process for the energetically downhill excitonic energy transfer (EET) in a timescale of sub-ps to several ps, while DA2 exhibited a decay process in such downhill EET. In addition, DA2 showed the shortest time constant of ∼4.6 ps for torsional relaxation with the highest amplitude at ∼43.1% among all the three polymers. This suggested that the vinylene linker has the fastest torsional relaxation from a flexible ground-state structure to a more rigid planar geometry, which may reduce conformational defects and improve exciton migration. This work studied the linker effects between the D and A units on the alternate D–Apolymers and may shed light on the design of new D–Apolymers with improved properties.
Influence of Age on Transracial Foster Adoptions and Its Relation to Ethnic Identity Development

In the United States, ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in the foster care system and underrepresented among potential adoptive parents. The need to find permanent homes for foster children has led to an increase in the controversial practice of transracial adoption (TRA), wherein ethnic minority children are placed in adoptive homes with Caucasian parents. While many child welfare scholars and dependency stakeholders support TRA as a positive alternative to foster care, others are concerned that such adoptions may inhibit the ethnic identity development of transracially adopted children. This article documents the large number of ethnic minority children who are adopted through TRA prior to the onset of ethnic identification and how age influences which children are adopted out of foster care. The findings indicate that young ethnic minorities are significantly more likely to be adopted through TRA compared to older children, an effect especially prominent among African Americans. Impl...
Prospects for the use of transgenic approaches to improve the efficacy of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for control of the codling moth Cydia pomonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract Worldwide agriculture depends on technological innovation to increase yield and maintain high quality of food and fiber products. In the last decade advances in basic insect science and genetic engineering have presented opportunities to develop innovative approaches to control insect pests that could provide significant economic and environmental benefits. In this article I review some recent developments that demonstrate the application of transgenic methods to improve the efficacy of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). These developments provide a technical basis to address some of the operational and economic limitations of the existing SIT program used to control the codling moth Cydia pomonella Linnaeus, and suggest the possibility of an expanded future role for this approach for codling moth control.
Building a diverse geoscience workforce

Preparing Students in Two-Year Colleges for Geoscience Degrees and Careers; Tacoma, Washington, 18–21 July 2012 Building a strong and diverse geoscience workforce is a critical national challenge. An important role is played by 2-year colleges (2YCs) in increasing both the number and diversity of geoscience graduates. At the workshop, called Preparing Students in Two-Year Colleges for Geoscience Degrees and Careers, faculty from 2YCs and 4-year colleges and universities (4YCs), as well as representatives from professional organizations, discussed the successes and challenges of programs, strategies, and activities that support career preparation of 2YC students for geoscience careers, either as geotechnician graduates or geoscience majors at 4YCs. The workshop program, which includes links to presentations and specific examples of these strategies, can be found at http://serc.carleton.edu/sage2yc/workforce2012/program.html.
Skin and Meat Yields of Turkeys as Influenced by Strain

Abstract THE large scale production of the many types of turkey products from whole carcasses has focused attention on the number of servings obtained per pound of turkey purchased. Since the amount of turkey used for this purpose is measured in tons, sizable economic differences may result from factors which have gone unrecognized. McCartney (1952) reported that the meat yield from Broad Breasted Bronze (BBB) was greater than that of the Beltsville Small White (SW). Orr et al. (1956) found that dressed weight yields were significantly higher for BBB than for a Medium White (MW) and the BSW, and the MW gave a significantly higher yield than the BSW. Mortenson (1960) indicated the yield for a BBB exceeded a Broad Breasted White (BBW) by less than one percent. Additional data indicating differences between turkey strains were reported by Carlson et al. (1962). The purpose of this paper is to report that . . .
Disc electrophoresis of myosin and myosin derivatives in dilute polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract Although its large size and insolubility in dilute salt solutions have previously prevented analysis of myosin by disc electrophoresis, useful migration of this protein was obtained upon electrophoresis in dilute polyacrylamide gels containing 9 M urea. Under these conditions, substantial heterogeneity of the largest subunits was detected. Electrophoretic analyses of acetylated and succinylated myosin preparations in 2.6% (w/v) acrylamide in the presence or absence of urea also have numerous bands in addition to those previously attributed to small subunits of myosin. Although the significance of the multiple bands must still be viewed with some reservations, it is clear that electrophoresis in dilute polyacrylamide gels can achieve separations of very large polypeptide chains which appear homogeneous by other methods of analysis.
Iatrogenic ureteral injury: Can adult repair techniques be used on children?

Abstract Objective Iatrogenic ureteral injury in children is a rare occurrence, with sparse literature available regarding optimal repair techniques. We reviewed our experience in the management of iatrogenic pediatric ureteral injuries, particularly with respect to initial versus delayed diagnoses. Methods All pediatric iatrogenic ureteral injuries repaired by a single surgeon during 1986–2007 were reviewed. Results Ten injuries were repaired over 20 years. Median patient age was 12 years. Injuries occurred during five open tumor resections, three laparoscopic procedures and two ureteroscopies. Diagnosis was immediate in four patients. Median ureteral defect length was 4 cm (range 2–5). All underwent ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch Boari flap. Median follow up was 1 year, with no obstruction noted. Diagnosis was delayed in six patients by a median of 21 days. Five children (83%) were managed by temporary percutaneous nephrostomy tube and one (17%) by ureteral stent. Delayed repair was performed 1–3 months later. In the patients with laparoscopic or ureteroscopic injuries the median ureteral defect length was 4 cm (range 3–6). All underwent ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch Boari flap. Median follow up was 1 year, with no obstruction noted. One child had a proximal ureteral defect 8 cm long; delayed ileal ureter was performed with good results 4 years postoperatively. Conclusions Pediatric iatrogenic ureteral injuries are rare and may be repaired by both immediate and delayed techniques as circumstances demand. Standard techniques used in the adult population may be employed in children with the expectation of good long-term results.
Topological field theory and the discovery of topological materials

Topological field theory (TFT) describes universal low-energy properties of topological states of quantum matter. It also predicts exact quantization effects that can be experimentally measured. Recently, TFT has directly led to the theoretical prediction of topological materials. In this paper, I shall briefly review these recent developments.
OBSERVATIONS UPON THE FILTERABILITY OF BACTERIA, INCLUDING A FILTERABLE ORGANISM OBTAINED FROM CASES OF INFLUENZA.

1. The isolation of a filter-passing diplococcus from the blood of certain cases of influenza by means of a special cultural medium is described. The experimental effects of this organism, while in the filterable state, upon rabbits, is discussed. 2. A procedure is formulated for inducing at will both a filterable and a non-filterable state in bacteria. Mention is made of a series of experiments in which both the filterable and the non-filterable state has thus been induced in a series of well-known bacteria comprising a variety of types. 3. It is postulated that a majority, if not all, known bacteria can and do exist in a filterable and in a non-filterable state. 4. A preliminary report of the isolation of microbes in the blood, not only of cases of influenza, but also from common cold, rheumatic fever, arthritis, from Staphylococcus bacteriophage and Besredka9s Staphylococcus Antivirus is presented in evidence of the ubiquity of the procedure. 5. An explanation of the chemical basis for the existence of bacteria, both in the filterable and non-filterable states, in the animal and human body, and in culture, is proferred. 6. The relation of this chemical concept to microbic infection, and the state of microbes in the body during infection is discussed. In conclusion, it is a privilege as well as a pleasure to inscribe here my appreciation for the courteous cooperation of Dean Irving S. Cutter, Doctors Charles A. Elliott, Paul Starr, James G. Carr, Walter Nadler, Howard Alt and Herbert Barker, of the department of medicine, and to Northwestern University for the generous facilities and unrestricted opportunity for research which have contributed immeasurably to this investigation.
Contextual Awareness in Long-Term Partnerships Builds Adaptive Capacity for Conservation

Partnerships between local people and conservation organizations can make significant contributions to long-term success in conserving biological diversity, and managing resources sustainably. Stro...
Meta‐management of virtual organizations: toward information technology support

Electronic commerce enables organizations to form virtual organizations. Shifting between different linkages of the partners for satisfying a need is the major characteristic of the virtual organization, and meta‐management beyond the individual organizational level must be applied in order to optimize the benefit for the entire organizational network. This paper proposes a meta‐management support system to support the meta‐management in virtual organizations. Object‐oriented organization modeling and virtual value chain analysis are used to implement the proposed meta‐management support system.
Predicting polaronic defect states by means of generalized Koopmans density functional calculations

Lattice defects in semiconductors and wide-gap materials which create deep levels in an open-shell electronic configuration can give rise to so-called defect bound small polarons. This type of defects present a challenge for electronic structure methods because the localization of the defect state and the associated energy levels depend sensitively on the ability of the total-energy functional to satisfy the physical condition that the energy E(N) must be a piecewise linear function of the fractional electron number N. For practical applications the requirement of a linear E(N) is re-cast as a generalized Koopmans condition. Since most functionals do nnt fulfill this condition accurately, we use parameterized perturbations that cancel the non-linearity of E(N) and recover the correct Koopmans behavior. Starting from standard density functionals, we compare two types of parameterized perturbations, i.e., the addition of on-site potentials and the mixing of non-local Fock exchange in hybrid-functionals. Surveying a range of acceptor-type defects in II―VI and III―V semiconductors, we present a classification scheme that describes the relation between hole localization and the lattice relaxation of the polaronic state.
Restoration of kidney function after prolonged renal artery occlusion

An 11-month-old child developed renal artery occlusion (RAO) and anuric renal failure following an unsuccessful transluminal renal artery angioplasty of a solitary kidney. Despite the prolonged period of anuria, kidney viability was suspected based upon preservation of kidney length and the absence of glomerulosclerosis. At 19 months of age, revascularization of the kidney was performed. During the 7 months following revascularization, renal function gradually improved so that dialysis was no longer necessary. This improvement occurred in spite of significant tubular atrophy. Kidney viability may have been preserved, despite prolonged ischemia, as a result of the decreased renal oxygen consumption that existed during subfiltration glomerular perfusion pressures. The low normal blood erythropoietin level may have reflected the lack of renal hypoxia. The ability of the kidney to adapt to chronic ischemia underscores the importance of considering vascular reconstruction in all patients with RAO despite a long period of non-function.
Nuclear thyroid hormone receptor binding to chromatin subunits: implications from digestion studies with micrococcal nuclease.

Abstract Nuclear thyroid hormone receptors are putative regulatory proteins which copurify with chromattn components and remain associated with chromatin following hydrodynamic shear. Rat liver chromatin containing bound receptors labeled in vivo with 125 I-labeled L-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) is cleaved by micrococcal nuclease at 2°C into a series of nucleosomes or chromatin subunits. After velocity sedimentation of these subunits in glycerol gradients, receptors remain associated with oligomeric subunits but not with monomers. In studies with isolated nuclei, thyroid hormone receptors are concentrated in a particulate ehromatin fraction prepared by low temperature digestion of rat liver nuclei with micrococcal nuclease and isolation of the unsheared ‘core’ chromatin. On brief incubation at 37°C, core chromatin is digested by residual nuclease, yielding monomer subunits. Thyroid hormone receptors dissociate from nucleoprotein binding sites during this incubation. These observations with two different chromatin preparations suggest that receptor binding sites are preserved in nuclease-generated chromatin oligomers but not in monomer subunits. It is proposed that receptors bind to DNA segments linking monomer subunits, rather than to the subunits.
Thermodynamic properties of the benzene-phenol dimer in dilute aqueous solution

Precise vapor pressure-solubility measurements have been obtained for dilute solutions of benzene and phenol in water at 15, 25, 35 and 45°C. All of the results are consistent with a mass action model that attributes deviations from ideal solution behavior to the formation of benzene dimers and hetero-dimers between benzene and phenol. The benzene-phenol dimer forms endothermically at 25°C, with a very large negative heat capacity, and a formation constant that reaches a maximum value of 0.66 l-mol−1 at approximately 35°C. Thermodynamic properties of the benzene-phenol dimer are reported and compared with those of other aggregates that are believed to be stabilized primarily by hydrophobic interactions.
Expanded endonasal approach for olfactory groove meningioma

We were greatly interested to read the paper by Gazzeri et al. “Giant olfactory groove meningioma: ophtalmological and cognitive outcome after bifrontal microsurgical approach” published in the November 2008 issue of Acta Neurochirurgica [2]. The authors are to be particularly commended for completing a routine assessment of cognitive function preoperatively, 1-month, and 1-year postoperatively. The article nicely illustrates that visual and cognitive dysfunction does improve after surgery and that most of the improvement occurs within the first month. As a conclusion, the authors stated that the bifrontal approach may be considered the most appropriate for these tumors. Olfactory groove meningiomas arise in the midline along the dura of the cribiform plate and occupy the anterior cranial fossa extending from the crista galli to the tubercullum sellae. Expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) have been developed in an attempt to eliminate brain retraction as well as improve ophthalmological outcomes by approaching anterior skull base tumors from anteromedial and inferior trajectory [4]. At our institution, olfactory groove meningiomas are routinely treated using an EEA transcribiform module. Advantages of this endoscopic minimally invasive approach include removal of involved bone and dura as a part of the approach (facilitating Simpson Grade I resections), early tumor devascularization (anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries are eliminated during the exposure), direct tumor access without any brain exposed, absolute avoidance of brain retraction, and complete bilateral optic canal decompression. Perhaps the most important potential advantage is the avoidance of manipulation of edematous and engorged frontal lobes, as well as ischemic, compressed optic apparatus [1]. Although initial CSF leak rate after EEAs was as high as 40%, with the current use of the pedicled nasoseptal flap for reconstruction the overall CSF leak rate has been reduced to 5.4% [3, 5]. In our experience, the main concern of EEA for an olfactory groove meningioma is the risk of vascular injury to A2 segments and frontopolar arteries as they are often draped over the posterior surface of large tumors. We believe that lesions with potential for such vascular injury should probably be managed only after significant EEA experience has been gained with other pathology and approaches. Unfortunately, presumably because of its limited reports, the EEA as a feasible treatment for olfactory groove meningiomas was not mentioned in the Gazzeri et al. article. This article is exciting as it emphasizes cognitive outcomes for these tumors that we believe to be critical outcome measures. EEA may hold potential to maximize these outcomes by eliminating even minimal brain retraction, the effect of which is poorly understood, especially in the setting of already compromised function.
Spinning fibres and fibre blends of an electrically conductive polymer

Acid solutions of [Si(Pc)O]n(Pc = phthalocyaninato), with or without an added ‘aramid’ polymer can be wet-spun to yield, after halogen doping, air-stable fibres with thermally activated conductivities as high as 2 Ω–1 cm–1.
Appropriateness Fit and Criterion-Related Validity

Unmotivated or suspicious test takers in con current validation studies can cause numerous problems for test users. The effects of these problems, however, have not been carefully examined. This st...
Medical care at the 1982 US festival

The 1982 US Festival, a three-day outdoor rock music festival, attracted close to 410,000 people. Through a private contractor, a group of physicians participated in the design, administration, and implementation of medical care for this event. Basic ambulatory care was provided by a multitiered approach, using emergency medical technicians, registered nurses, medical health counselors, and physicians. A total of 2,623 encounters required examination and evaluation by health professionals. Thirty-eight percent (1,014 cases) involved minor surgical trauma. Extreme environmental conditions, including temperatures exceeding 114 F, high winds, and unusually high dust concentrations, were thought to be responsible for 361 (13.6%) cases of reactive airway disease and 184 (7%) cases of heat exhaustion. There were 91 transports, of which 12 were classified as major casualties; there were no deaths.
The dependence of ferroelectric and fatigue behaviors of PZT films on microstructure and orientation

Abstract Microstructure of PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 films about 0.2 μm thick was studied as a function of annealing temperature and time using TEM and SEM. The films were heat treated in the temperature range 550–650°C for times from 10 minutes to 4 hours. The features characterized were crystal structure of individual PZT particles, PZT grain size and shape, porosity, and grain boundaries. The films were prepared by the metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) process which produced films amorphous to x-rays after pyrolysis. A growth mechanism of PZT particles from the amorphous film is discussed. It was found that at mild annealing conditions (i.e., low temperature and short annealing times), agglomerates of microcrystallites of perovskite, and probably pyrochlore, were formed. As the temperature was increased, the microcrystallites grew into porous submicron perovskite single crystals. With excessive heating, intraparticle pores were found to migrate and became pinned at the grain boundaries, causing widening of bo...
The choice of technology and associated changes in prices in the U.S. economy

Abstract A cost-minimization criterion for choosing among alternative technologies is incorporated into an 85-sector static input-output model of the U.S. economy. For each of two time periods, one past and one future, we distinguish several groups of sectors including those for which new technologies would be cost-saving only in the presence of technological changes in other sectors. On the basis of the results, the paper sketches the steps for making a formal representation of the choice of technology endogenous within the framework of a dynamic input-output model.
A catalytically and genetically optimized β-lactamase-matrix based assay for sensitive, specific, and higher throughput analysis of native henipavirus entry characteristics

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are the only paramyxoviruses requiring Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) containment. Thus, study of henipavirus entry at less than BSL-4 conditions necessitates the use of cell-cell fusion or pseudotyped reporter virus assays. Yet, these surrogate assays may not fully emulate the biological properties unique to the virus being studied. Thus, we developed a henipaviral entry assay based on a β-lactamase-Nipah Matrix (βla-M) fusion protein. We first codon-optimized the bacterial βla and the NiV-M genes to ensure efficient expression in mammalian cells. The βla-M construct was able to bud and form virus-like particles (VLPs) that morphologically resembled paramyxoviruses. βla-M efficiently incorporated both NiV and HeV fusion and attachment glycoproteins. Entry of these VLPs was detected by cytosolic delivery of βla-M, resulting in enzymatic and fluorescent conversion of the pre-loaded CCF2-AM substrate. Soluble henipavirus receptors (ephrinB2) or antibodies against the F and/or G proteins blocked VLP entry. Additionally, a Y105W mutation engineered into the catalytic site of βla increased the sensitivity of our βla-M based infection assays by 2-fold. In toto, these methods will provide a more biologically relevant assay for studying henipavirus entry at less than BSL-4 conditions.
Effects of glucagon and prostacyclin in acute occlusive and postocclusive canine mesenteric ischemia

Effects of glucagon and prostacyclin (PGI2) were studied in anesthetized dogs during sequential occlusive and postocclusive mesenteric ischemia induced by 90 min of tourniquet stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). After 30 min of SMA stenosis, glucagon (1 microgram/kg/min, n = 7), PGI2 (30 ng/kg/min, n = 7), or saline (1 ml/min, n = 3) was infused intravenously for 30 min, followed by 30 min of continued ischemia. SMA flow and distal SMA pressure ( SMAP ) decreased 76% with SMA stenosis (P less than 0.01). Ileal wall flow measured by radiolabeled microspheres decreased from 45 to 13 ml/min/100 g (P less than 0.01); mesenteric AV O2 difference ( AVDO2 ) increased from 5.1 to 10.1 ml/dl (P less than 0.01); and mesenteric O2 consumption (VO2) decreased by 48% (P less than 0.05). Glucagon infusion caused a further decrease in ileal wall flow, to 10 ml/min/100 g (P less than 0.05), and an increase in AVDO2 to 11 ml/dl (P less than 0.05), despite a 22% increase in cardiac output. PGI2 caused a similar decrease in ileal wall flow and an increase in AVDO2 , although these were not statistically significant. Saline infusion caused no change in measured variables. In the second phase of this study, SMA blood flow was restored by tourniquet release. After animals had stabilized for 30 min, a repeat 30-min drug infusion was studied. In this postocclusive period, persistent gut ischemia was indicated by a reduction in VO2 to 76% of original baseline, associated with a 50% decrease in both CO and SMAQ . Intravenous infusion of glucagon at this time increased SMAQ by 195% (P less than 0.05) and resulted in a return of VO2 to its original baseline level. PGI2 infusion caused a 21% increase in SMAQ and a 16% decrease in AVDO2 (NS), but had no significant effect on VO2. Glucagon was effective in the management of postocclusive mesenteric ischemia but appeared to have a detrimental effect on ileal blood flow in severe occlusive ischemia.
Using manipulability to bias sampling during the construction of probabilistic roadmaps

Probabilistic roadmaps (PRMs) are a popular representation used by many current path planners. Construction of a PRM requires the ability to generate a set of random samples from the robot's configuration space, and much recent research has concentrated on new methods to do this. In this paper, we present a sampling scheme that is based on the manipulability measure associated with a robot arm. Intuitively, manipulability characterizes the arm's freedom of motion for a given configuration. Thus, our approach is to sample densely those regions of the configuration space in which manipulability is low (and therefore the robot has less dexterity), while sampling more sparsely those regions in which the manipulability is high. We have implemented our approach, and performed extensive evaluations using prototypical problems from the path planning literature. Our results show this new sampling scheme to be quite effective in generating PRMs that can solve a large range of path planning problems.
Neural crest specification and migration independently require NSD3-related lysine methyltransferase activity

Neural crest precursors express genes that cause them to become migratory, multipotent cells, distinguishing them from adjacent stationary neural progenitors in the neurepithelium. Histone methylation spatiotemporally regulates neural crest gene expression; however, the protein methyltransferases active in neural crest precursors are unknown. Moreover, the regulation of methylation during the dynamic process of neural crest migration is unclear. Here we show that the lysine methyltransferase NSD3 is abundantly and specifically expressed in premigratory and migratory neural crest cells. NSD3 expression commences before up-regulation of neural crest genes, and NSD3 is necessary for expression of the neural plate border gene Msx1, as well as the key neural crest transcription factors Sox10, Snail2, Sox9, and FoxD3, but not gene expression generally. Nevertheless, only Sox10 histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation requires NSD3, revealing unexpected complexity in NSD3-dependent neural crest gene regulation. In addition, by temporally limiting expression of a dominant negative to migratory stages, we identify a novel, direct requirement for NSD3-related methyltransferase activity in neural crest migration. These results identify NSD3 as the first protein methyltransferase essential for neural crest gene expression during specification and show that NSD3-related methyltransferase activity independently regulates migration.
Pharmacological activities in thermal proteins: relationships in molecular evolution

The model of protobiological events that has been presented in these pages has increasing relevance to pharmacological research. The thermal proteins that function as key substances in the proteinoid theory have recently been found to prolong the survival of rat forebrain neurons in culture and to stimulate the growth of neurites. A search for such activity in thermal proteins added to cultures of modern neurons was suggested by the fact that some of the microspheres assembled from proteinoids rich in hydrophobic amino acids themselves generate fibrous outgrowths.
A Comparison of the Effect of a Low to Moderately Demanding Cognitive Task on Simulated Driving Performance and Heart Rate in Middle Aged and Young Adult Drivers

The goal of this study was to assess heart rate and driving performance while middle age and younger adults engaged in a naturalistic hands free phone task that was structured to place objectively equivalent cognitive demands on all participants. Although heart rate measures have been used in evaluating driver workload, prior studies had not compared responses in middle age and younger adults. Younger and middle age subjects performed equally well on the cellular telephone task. Middle age subjects drove more slowly overall and, as a group, did not demonstrate heart rate acceleration in response to the phone conversation that was seen in younger drivers. Both age groups showed a drop in speed control during the task. Late middle age adults appear as capable as young adults of managing the additional workload of a low to moderately demanding cognitive task while driving.
Profiling drug-like properties in discovery research

Measurement and application of compound properties for candidate selection and optimization is an emerging trend. Property-based design supplements successful activity-based strategies to produce drug-like candidates. High-throughput screening hits are evaluated for integrity and aggregation to ensure quality leads. Solubility data assures accurate activity assays and predicts absorbance. Cellular and artificial membrane permeability assays indicate compound penetration through membranes in cells, intestine and blood-brain barrier. Lipophilicity and pK(a) provide fundamental structure design elements. Stability in liver, plasma and buffer evaluates compound lifetime. Drug-drug interaction is predicted using CYP inhibition assays. Drug-like properties are vital to successful drug candidates and enhance drug discovery.
Nucleotide Variation of the Est-6 Gene Region in Natural Populations of Drosophila melanogaster

We have investigated nucleotide polymorphism in the Est-6 gene region in four samples of Drosophila melanogaster derived from natural populations of East Africa (Zimbabwe), Europe (Spain), North America (California), and South America (Venezuela). There are two divergent sequence types in the North and South American samples, which are not perfectly (North America) or not at all (South America) associated with the Est-6 allozyme variation. Less pronounced or no sequence dimorphism occurs in the European and African samples, respectively. The level of nucleotide diversity is highest in the African sample, lower (and similar to each other) in the samples from Europe and North America, and lowest in the sample from South America. The extent of linkage disequilibrium is low in Africa (1.23% significant associations), but much higher in non-African populations (22.59, 21.45, and 37.68% in Europe, North America, and South America, respectively). Tests of neutrality with recombination are significant in non-African samples but not significant in the African sample. We propose that demographic history (bottleneck and admixture of genetically different populations) is the major factor shaping the nucleotide patterns in the Est-6 gene region. However, positive selection modifies the pattern: balanced selection creates elevated levels of nucleotide variation around functionally important (target) polymorphic sites (RsaI-/RsaI+ in the promoter region and F/S in the coding region) in both African and non-African samples; and directional selection, acting during the geographic expansion phase of D. melanogaster, creates an excess of very similar sequences (RsaI- and S allelic lineages, in the promoter and coding regions, respectively) in the non-African samples.
A New Method of Preparing Monolayers on Silicon and Patterning Silicon Surfaces by Scribing in the Presence of Reactive Species

Here we describe a new and simple method for preparing alkyl monolayers on silicon, which consists of mechanically scribing oxide-coated silicon while it is wet with 1-alkenes or 1-alkynes (neat or in inert solvents) under ambient conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, wetting data, and stability tests suggest covalent bonding of unsaturated species to exposed silicon surfaces. Enclosures (hydrophobic corrals) made by scribing silicon that is wet with unsaturated hydrophobic species hold droplets of water and liquids with substantially lower surface tensions. Wetting tests suggest that 1-alkynes make better hydrophobic corrals than 1-alkenes, and theoretical results suggest it should be more difficult for alkyl chains of chemisorbed 1-alkenes to pack than those of 1-alkynes. Underivatized interior regions of hydrophobic corrals are functionalized with polyelectrolyte multilayers. Theoretical energies for water and methanol droplets (gravitational and surface) in hydrophobic corrals are calculated, and a model of failure of liquid droplets in hydrophobic corrals is presented.
Contribution of BKCa channels to local metabolic coronary vasodilation: effects of metabolic syndrome

This investigation was designed to examine the hypothesis that impaired function of coronary microvascular large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels in metabolic syndrome (MetS) significa...
All About Phase

While students generally demonstrate an intuitive understanding of transfer function magnitude terms such as low pass and band pass, they are often bewildered by the concepts of phase and its relationship to delay. We find that although students can easily learn the formulas and demonstrate the computer commands necessary to produce phase plots, they frequently cannot explain what the plot means, or how they might determine whether or not their implementation of a particular filter matches the theoretical phase response. To address this gap in student learning, we are experimenting with a set of lecture notes and corresponding hands-on laboratory experiments specifically dealing with system phase and delay relationships. Our preliminary results indicate that this special treatment of phase is both effective and efficient for increasing student confidence and ability in handling phase-related engineering questions.
1 Past is Present: The Production and Consumption of Archaeological Legacies in Mexico

The material expressions of the powerful symbols and cultural traditions of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations have long played vital roles in constructing social and political discourses, collective identities, and worldviews in the Mexican present. In this chapter, we provide the theoretical background for this volume, highlighting the early history of archaeological representation and patrimony in Mexico prior to the 20th century and situating these studies within the current phase of anthropological research in the related areas of public archaeology, heritage studies, and community (engaged) archaeology.
The Value of a Hospitalist Service: Efficient Care for the Aging Population?

Background: We studied patients of a hospitalist teaching service and patients receiving routine private care (control subjects). We sought to evaluate whether inpatients cared for by an academic hospitalist service had lower lengths of stay and resource utilization rates. Methods: Using monthly hospital census data, 477 hospitalist cases and 1,160 control cases were selected by explicit criteria from the Medicaid population of a large, university-affiliated, community medical center between July 1, 1996, and June 30, 1997. Outcomes in hospitalist faculty patients were compared to those of control patients under the care of private providers. Results: Median length of stay was 4 days for control subjects and 3 days for the hospitalist service (p 65 years old showed statistically significant reductions in both length of stay (p 65 years old, especially in the control group (p 5 0.001). No significant differences in mortality, 30-day readmissions, or interfacility transfers were observed. Conclusions: Patients cared for by an academic hospitalist service that includes actively participating medical residents appear to have lower lengths of stay, total costs, and consultation rates than patients receiving routine private care. The reductions are largely observed among patients > 65 years old. (CHEST 2001; 119:580 ‐589)
Acid–base equilibria in aqueous solutions of 2-aminopurine radical cations generated by two-photon photoionization

The acid–base equilibria of the nucleic acid analogue 2-aminopurine (2AP) and 2-aminopurine riboside (2-APr) radicals generated by two-photon photoionization of the 2AP residues with intense 308 nm XeCl excimer laser pulses (fwhm = 12 ns, ca. 70 mJ cm−2 pulse−1) have been investigated using transient absorption spectroscopy techniques. It is of interest to investigate the properties of these radicals as a function of pH because of their abilities to undergo proton-coupled electron transfer reactions with other nucleic acid bases. Pronounced differences in the 2AP and 2APr radical absorption bands are observed in the 330–550 nm spectral region within the pH range of 1 to 12. These differences are attributed to the deprotonation of the 2AP and 2APr radical cations, 2AP·+(pKa1r = 2.8 ± 0.2), and 2APr·+(pKa1r = 2.7 ± 0.2), with the concomitant formation of the neutral radicals, 2AP(−H)· and 2APr(−H)·. At higher pH values, the 2AP(−H)· radical (pKa2r = 9.5 ± 0.2) loses a second proton at the N9 position to form the radical anion 2AP(−2H)·−; this deprotonation reaction does not occur in the case of the 2APr(−H)· radical because of the ribofuranosyl substitution at the N9 position.
CopR of Sulfolobus solfataricus represents a novel class of archaeal-specific copper-responsive activators of transcription.

In trace amounts, copper is essential for the function of key enzymes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Organisms have developed sophisticated mechanisms to control the cytosolic level of the metal, manage its toxicity and survive in copper-rich environments. Here we show that the Sulfolobus CopR represents a novel class of copper-responsive regulators, unique to the archaeal domain. Furthermore, by disruption of the ORF Sso2652 (copR) of the Sulfolobus solfataricus genome, we demonstrate that the gene encodes a transcriptional activator of the copper-transporting ATPase CopA gene and co-transcribed copT, encoding a putative copper-binding protein. Disruption resulted in a loss of copper tolerance in two copR-knockout mutants, while metals such as zinc, cadmium and chromium did not affect their growth. Copper sensitivity in the mutant was linked to insufficient levels of expression of CopA and CopT. The findings were further supported by time-course inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry measurements, whereby continued accumulation of copper in the S. solfataricus mutant was observed. In contrast, copper accumulation in the wild-type stabilized after reaching approximately 6 pg (µg total protein)–1. Complementation of the disrupted mutant with a wild-type copy of the copR gene restored the wild-type phenotype with respect to the physiological and transcriptional response to copper. These observations, taken together, lead us to propose that CopR is an activator of copT and copA transcription, and the member of a novel class of copper-responsive regulators.
In Memoriam: Dr. Noboru Wakai [Propagation Corner]

Recounts the life and career of Dr. Noboru Wakai, a leader in the propagation community, who passed away at the age of 81.
Effect of oral contraceptive steroids on jejunal pyruvate kinase and adenyl cyclase activities.

Castrate female rats were intubated with physiologic sex steroids and oral contraceptive synthetic steroids to determine whether these substances produced adaptive changes in the activity of jejunal pyruvate kinase and the membrane-bound enzyme adenyl cyclase. Rats received 100 mcg test substances/100 gm body weight in 3 ml propylene glycol for 1 day and were sacrificed 16 hours later. Pyruvate kinase was assayed according to Bucher and Pfleiderer. Adenyl cyclase activity was measured by method of Krishna. Oral 17beta-estradiol and various estrogenlike oral contraceptives produce significant (p less than .01) adaptive increases in activity of jejunal pyruvate kinase and adenyl cyclase. Progesterone and progesteronelike oral contraceptives have no effect on pyruvate kinase activity while only Provera effected the adenyl cyclase causing a decrease in activity.
Three-dimensional graphene-based composites for energy applications

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based composites have drawn increasing attention for energy applications due to their unique structures and properties. By combining the merits of 3D graphene (3DG), e.g., a porous and interconnected network, a high electrical conductivity, a large accessible surface area, and excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability, with the high chemical/electrochemical activities of active materials, 3DG-based composites show great promise as high-performance electrode materials in various energy devices. This article reviews recent progress in 3DG-based composites and their applications in energy storage/conversion devices, i.e., supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, dye-sensitized solar cells, and fuel cells.
Translating questions for use with Samoan adults: lessons learned.

The purpose of this article was to present the process of translating questions about perceived risk for diabetes into Samoan and describe important cultural adaptations to the modified Brislin’s translation model for cross-cultural research. With the assistance of a culture broker and several Samoan translators, 14 questions were translated into the Samoan language. Cultural adaptations included using a group approach, working with a matai, and following protocols such as fa’alavelave. Questions were back-translated and then pilot tested. Results from the pilot testing supported the use of these cultural modifications in the translation model.
Problems in Psychiatric Genetic Research: A Reply to Faraone and Biederman.

Abstract A previous paper (Joseph, 2000) discussed the lack of evidence supporting genetic influences on behaviors given the label “attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD). Faraone and Biederman (2000) subjected this paper to a critical analysis, writing that Joseph's review “is based on errors in scientific logic compromised by an incomplete review of relevant data.” The present paper answers the most important criticisms by Faraone and Biederman. It is reiterated that possible genetic and environmental influences in both ADHD family and twin studies are confounded, and therefore no inferences about genetic factors can be drawn from these studies. In addition, several invalidating flaws of ADHD adoption studies are briefly reviewed. Problems with ADHD segregation analyses and molecular genetic studies are also highlighted. These studies were mentioned by Faraone and Biederman in the context of Joseph's alleged “incomplete literature review.” Additional topics include the appropriateness of using psychotropic drugs to treat children diagnosed with ADHD, past social and political misuse of the findings of genetic research, and alternative explanations for ADHD-type behavior. It is concluded that Joseph's previous position—that the available evidence does not support a genetic basis for ADHD—is sustained.
Contributions of Frequency Distribution Analysis to the Understanding of Coronary Restenosis A Reappraisal of the Gaussian Curve

Background Clinical restenosis after balloon angioplasty can be categorized by use of dichotomous terms based on the presence or absence of recurrent myocardial ischemia. In contrast, recent investigations have concluded that late luminal renarrowing, documented through angiographic imaging, occurs to a variable extent in nearly all stenoses. This process has been characterized by a gaussian or normal frequency distribution, with restenosis simply representing an extreme form of this delayed remodeling. In the current study, frequency distribution analysis was used to examine the process of coronary restenosis in a large cohort of patients at risk. Methods and Results Quantitative coronary angiographic analysis was applied to 9279 cineangiograms obtained in 3093 patients before and immediately after angioplasty and after 6-month follow-up. Late loss, defined as the change in minimum lumen diameter of the target stenosis from postdilation to follow-up, did not statistically conform to a normal distribution...
Post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance: possible relationship to microgravity-induced plasticity in the vestibular system.

Even after short spaceflights, most astronauts experience at least some postflight reduction of orthostatic tolerance; this problem is severe in some subjects. The mechanisms leading to postflight orthostatic intolerance are not well-established, but have traditionally been thought to include the following: changes in leg hemodynamics, alterations in baroreceptor reflex gain, decreases in exercise tolerance and aerobic fitness, hypovolemia, and altered sensitivity of b-adrenergic receptors in the periphery. Recent studies have demonstrated that signals from vestibular otolith organs play an important role in regulating blood pressure during changes in posture in a 1-g environment. Because spaceflight results in plastic changes in the vestibular otolith organs and in the processing of inputs from otolith receptors, it is possible that another contributing factor to postflight orthostatic hypotension is alterations in the gain of vestibular influences on cardiovascular control. Preliminary data support this hypothesis, although controlled studies will be required to determine the relationship between changes in the vestibular system and orthostatic hypotension following exposure to microgravity. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Swallowing function following postchemoradiotherapy neck dissection: review of findings and analysis of contributing factors.

Objective. This study assesses swallowing function following chemoradiotherapy and neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients and investigates clinical, treatment, and neck dissection factors associated with dysphagia.Study Design. Case series with chart review.Setting. Tertiary care center.Subjects and Methods. Eighty-eight patients undergoing neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer were reviewed. Dysphagia outcome measures included weight loss, diet, gastrostomy tube (GT) dependency, and video swallow findings of aspiration or stenosis. In addition, the researchers created a Diet/GT Scale, with scores ranging from 1 to 5. Univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical, treatment, or neck dissection factors potentially associated with dysphagia outcome measures was undertaken.Results. Peak mean weight loss was 17% at 6 months after chemoradiotherapy. At 12 months, a soft/regular diet was taken by 78 of 88 patients (89%), and only 1 of 88 patients (1%) was nil per...