cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increasing optical density of single-layer multi-polymer bulk-heterojunction OPVs using CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots

Photovoltaic technology has powerful implications from commercial and national security standpoints. Due to the high material cost of silicon solar devices, inexpensive and lightweight polymer based solar is desirable to meet the demand for decentralized electrical power production in traditionally “off-grid” areas. Using a blend of Poly(3-hexylthiophene- 2,5-diyl) (P3HT), Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and the low band-gap polymer Poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2- ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta [2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), we have fabricated devices with a wide spectral response and 3% power conversion efficiency in AM 1.5 conditions. Due to low absorptivity in the peak of the solar spectra (500nm), we have blended this previous polymer system with CdSe(ZnS) core (shell) quantum dots to improve absorption, and thus power conversion efficiencies. Devices were prepared with quantum dots having a peak absorbance at 560nm and an emission wavelength of 577nm, with device loading ranging from 0% to 2.7% by weight. The relationship between quantum dot concentration and device performance is discussed, along with the impact of quantum dot concentration on thermal resistance to morphology changes.
Where does the spin reside in ferromagnetic Cu-doped ZnO?

The authors report a soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism study of the ferromagnetism in pulsed-laser-deposited Cu-doped ZnO thin films, which display robust room-temperature ferromagnetic signatures using bulk magnetization probes. In this work, the authors probe the spin asymmetries in the Cu 3d, O 2p, and Zn 3d states individually. They find a paramagnetic component originating from the Cu 3d, and no magnetic signal in the O or Zn. They find no dichroic signal consistent with ferromagnetism originating from any of these states.
Transmission electron microscopy analysis of freestanding copper nanowires grown by chemical vapor deposition with no template or seed

Copper nanowires (CuNWs) were grown by chemical vapor deposition using Cu(etac)[P(OEt) 3 ] 2 as the precursor. The structure of the CuNWs was a five-fold twinned crystal with a pentagonal-pyramid edge tip. The length of the CuNWs was around 5-10 μm and the diameter was in the range of 100-200 nm depending on the growth conditions. The phosphite ligands passivated the (001) side faces of the CuNWs and only the (111) faces grew, resulting in 1-dimensional copper wires.
Direct transfer of NADH from malate dehydrogenase to complex I in Escherichia coli

During aerobic growth of Escherichia coli, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) can initiate electron transport at either of two sites: Complex I (NDH-1 or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) or a single-subunit NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2). We report evidence for the specific coupling of malate dehydrogenase to Complex I. Membrane vesicles prepared from wild type cultures retain malate dehydrogenase and are capable of proton translocation driven by the addition of malate + NAD. This activity was inhibited by capsaicin, an inhibitor specific to Complex I, and it proceeded with deamino-NAD, a substrate utilized by Complex I, but not by NDH-2. The concentration of free NADH produced by membrane vesicles supplemented with malate + NAD was estimated to be 1 microM, while the rate of proton translocation due to Complex I was consistent with a somewhat higher concentration, suggesting a direct transfer mechanism. This interpretation was supported by competition assays in which inactive mutant forms of malate dehydrogenase were able to inhibit Complex I activity. These two lines of evidence indicate that the direct transfer of NADH from malate dehydrogenase to Complex I can occur in the E. coli system.
Long-Range Anion Relay Chemistry (LR-ARC): A Validated ARC Tactic

The design, synthesis, and validation of linchpins for Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC) capable of iterative silyl group migrations have been achieved. This tactic permits “long-range” relocation of negative charge across space, to generate reactive distal nucleophilic centers for both alkylation and palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions.
Effects of ethanol and barbiturates on Ca2+-ATPase activity of erythrocyte and brain membranes

Exposure to ethanol or pentobarbital in vitro stimulated the ATP-dependent efflux of calcium from human red blood cells (RBC) and the Ca2+-ATPase activity of RBC and rat brain synaptic plasma membranes (SPM). These effects were obtained with concentrations of ethanol (50 mM) and pentobarbital (60 microM) associated with intoxication in vivo. The enhancement of SPM Ca2+-ATPase by ethanol was due to an increase in the apparent affinity of the enzyme for calcium with no change in the maximum velocity. SPM Ca2+-ATPase was also stimulated by an unsaturated fatty acid, cis-vaccenic acid methyl ester (cis-VAME). The membrane-disordering effects of ethanol, four barbiturates and cis-VAME were evaluated in SPM using the fluorescent probe molecule 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). All the compounds decreased the fluorescence polarization of DPH, and these decreases were proportional to the increase in Ca2+-ATPase produced by these drugs. These findings suggest that the increase in Ca2+-ATPase and calcium efflux produced by ethanol and pentobarbital results from the membrane-disordering effects of these drugs.
Integrative Biomedical Informatics

The National Center for Integrative Biomedical Informatics (NCIBI) is one of seven National Centers for Biomedical Computing in the NIH Roadmap. NCIBI is based at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and Dr. Brian D. Athey is the founding director and principal investigator for the NCIBI. NCIBI is aimed to facilitate scientific exploration of complex disease processes on a much larger scale than is currently feasible. NCIBI develops and interactively integrates analytical, computational and modeling technologies to acquire or create context-appropriate molecular biology information from emerging experimental data, genomic databases and the published literature. The NCIBI supports information access and data analysis workflow of collaborating biomedical researchers, enabling them to build computational and knowledge models of biological systems validated through focused work on specific diseases. The NCIBI allows scientists to easily explore and understand complex diseases by building a user-centric environment containing integrated biomedical information. NCIBI is organized in a problem-centric style that harnesses the power of genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, pathways and integrated systems. It provides customizable workflow environments and biomedical literature text mining. Knowledge environments being developed at NCIBI are allowing researchers to repeat this type of analysis in the many context-dependent variations that the investigation may invoke. NCIBI computing systems automate and drive these analyses to much larger scales than the researcher can accomplish. This plenary keynote lecture focus on the interactive research of NCIBI.
Behavior Modification for Children and Youth with Exceptionalities Application of Best Practice Methods

Behavior modification is clearly one of the most efficacious tools available to professionals who work with children and youth with special needs. However, this widely used tool is often implemented in an incorrect or less-than-optimal fashion. In response to this problem, the present article identifies essential features of behavior modification programs relative to their use with children with exceptionalities.
Synthetic oligonucleotides recruit ILF2/3 to RNA transcripts to modulate splicing

We describe a new technology for recruiting specific proteins to RNA through selective recognition of heteroduplexes formed with chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Typically, ASOs function by hybridizing to their RNA targets and blocking the binding of single-stranded RNA-binding proteins. Unexpectedly, we found that ASOs with 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro (2'-F) nucleotides, but not with other 2' chemical modifications, have an additional property: they form heteroduplexes with RNA that are specifically recognized by the interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 and 3 complex (ILF2/3). 2'-F ASO-directed recruitment of ILF2/3 to RNA can be harnessed to control gene expression by modulating alternative splicing of target transcripts. ILF2/3 recruitment to precursor mRNA near an exon results in omission of the exon from the mature mRNA, both in cell culture and in mice. We discuss the possibility of using chemically engineered ASOs that recruit specific proteins to modulate gene expression for therapeutic intervention.
On dynamic arbitrage pricing and information: the case of the US broiler sector

The paper investigates the nature of arbitrage price dynamics and expectations formation in the US broiler market. The analysis provides evidence of heterogeneous expectations among market participants. A significant part of broiler pricing is found to be consistent with quasi-rational expectations where future prices are anticipated on the basis of their observed historical patterns. However, most of the market is found to be associated with naive expectations, where future prices are anticipated on the basis of the last observed price. Copyright 1999 by Oxford University Press.
Studies of tyrosine phosphorylation and Src family tyrosine kinases in the lens epithelium.

PURPOSE. Tyrosine phosphorylation regulates many aspects of cell function; thus, cells that have different roles often display different patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation. Because there is interest in differential function of the anterior and equatorial regions of the lens epithelium, studies were conducted to compare tyrosine phosphorylation in the two zones. METHODS. Anterior and equatorial regions of the porcine lens epithelium were collected. Using Western blot analysis, tissue homogenates were probed for tyrosine kinase proteins, phospho-Src, phosphotyrosine, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS. Phosphotyrosine immunoblots revealed a marked difference between the pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in anterior and equatorial regions of the epithelium. Many more bands were detected in the equatorial region, and band density was greater. The abundance of total and active Src family kinases was higher at the equator than at the anterior epithelium. Src kinase activity, which was measured directly by quantifying phosphorylation of a synthetic target peptide using 32 P--ATP, was detectable only at the equator. In organ-cultured lenses, PP2, a specific inhibitor of the Src kinase family, reduced the density of the phosphotyrosine protein bands. The abundance of PCNA, a protein expressed in proliferating cells, also was reduced in PP2-treated lenses. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that the higher Src family kinase activity at the equator contributes to the higher degree of protein phosphorylation observed in this region. The ability of PP2 to suppress PCNA expression suggests a possible link between the activity of Src family kinases and cell proliferation. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:2076‐2081) DOI:10.1167/ iovs.04-1199
Complications of the endovascular management of acute ischemic stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is a significant source of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Currently, the only US Food and Drug Administration approved medical treatment of acute ischemic stroke is intravascular (IV) alteplase. While IV thrombolysis has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality from acute ischemic stroke, it is limited in both its efficacy in certain types of stroke, as well as in its generalizability. It has been shown that time to revascularization is one of the most important predictors of outcomes in acute ischemic stroke, and thus clinicians have turned to endovascular options in efforts to improve outcomes from stroke. Direct intra-arterial thrombolysis was one of the first of such efforts to improve efficacy rates and increase the timeline for thrombolytic therapy. More recently, investigators and clinicians have turned to newer endovascular options in attempts to further improve recanalization rates. Many different endovascular techniques have been employed and are growing exponentially in use. Examples include stenting, as well as mechanical thrombectomy with both older-generation devices and newer stent retrieval technology. While the majority of the literature focuses on the effectiveness of different techniques, such as recanalization rates and major overall outcomes such as death and disability, there is very little literature on the complications of the different techniques. The purpose of this article is to review the different forms of endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke and their associated complications.
The design of an interface for student note annotation in a networked electronic classroom

Groupware that supports shared work surfaces generally adheres to the WYSIWIS (What You See Is What I See) paradigm which means that each user has the same view of the shared work surface at all times. We present a variation of the standard WYSIWIS paradigm which we call WYSIWISOW (What You See Is What I See, One Way) which has been found to be more appropriate than WYSIWIS for certain applications. The paradigm is motivated by describing an application that helps students and teachers share written information during class sessions using an electronic whiteboard and pen-based computers that communicate through a network. We next present a problem, which we call the collision problem, which is inherent to the new paradigm but not to the standard WYSIWIS paradigm. Several solutions to the collision problem are proposed, and our implementation of one of these solutions is described.
Computerized Threshold Determination for Automated AB0/Rh Tests

. Automated microplate blood-grouping systems rely on a pair of thresholds to determine whether reactions are positive or negative. The determination of these thresholds is a critical step in the quality control process for automated microplate blood grouping. A simple method has been developed for automatically setting these thresholds. A more sophisticated method, which required substantial computational complexity, was also tried. The more complex method did not perform better than the simple method described here.
Enhanced bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli in calves fed Morinda citrifolia (Noni) puree.

Background: Although adequate colostrum intake and properly used antibiotics can provide much protection for the bovine neonate, increased antibiotic scrutiny and consumer demand for organic products have prompted investigations of natural immunomodulators for enhancing calf health. One plant-based immunomodulator, Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit, is a well-recognized natural product that has a broad range of immunomodulatory effects. Hypothesis: Neonatal calves fed noni puree would demonstrate whole blood phagocytic capacity in Gram-negative and Gram-positive in vitro assays. Animals: Blood samples from 18 neonatal Holstein bull calves. Methods: Calves were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 comprised control calves, whereas Group 2 received 30 mL of noni puree twice a day in milk replacer. Day 0 blood samples were obtained between 36 and 48 hours of age before the first feeding of puree. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulated blood was collected from each calf on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Bactericidal assays were performed to estimate the percentage killing of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Results: Blood samples from noni puree-fed calves displayed significantly more E. coli bacterial killing than did controls on day 14, and although differences were not significant on days 0, 3, and 7, bacterial killing progressively increased over time. There was no significant difference between the groups for S. epidermidis killing. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The immunomodulatory effect of noni puree may prove valuable in the future as production animal antibiotic use becomes more restricted. Additional clinical trials are warranted to investigate the clinical application of noni puree in promoting calf health.
A Lightweight Secure Scheme for Detecting Provenance Forgery and Packet DropAttacks in Wireless Sensor Networks

Large-scale sensor networks are deployed in numerous application domains, and the data they collect are used in decision-making for critical infrastructures. Data are streamed from multiple sources through intermediate processing nodes that aggregate information. A malicious adversary may introduce additional nodes in the network or compromise existing ones. Therefore, assuring high data trustworthiness is crucial for correct decision-making. Data provenance represents a key factor in evaluating the trustworthiness of sensor data. Provenance management for sensor networks introduces several challenging requirements, such as low energy and bandwidth consumption, efficient storage and secure transmission. In this paper, we propose a novel lightweight scheme to securely transmit provenance for sensor data. The proposed technique relies on in-packet Bloom filters to encode provenance. We introduce efficient mechanisms for provenance verification and reconstruction at the base station. In addition, we extend the secure provenance scheme with functionality to detect packet drop attacks staged by malicious data forwarding nodes. We evaluate the proposed technique both analytically and empirically, and the results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the lightweight secure provenance scheme in detecting packet forgery and loss attacks.
Junction Formation in Silicon Using a Phosphorus Vapor Source and Rapid Thermal Drive-In

n+-n and n+-p junctions were formed on n-type and p-type Si using a thin film of phosphorus obtained from a simple vapor source, and driving in the dopant atoms in a rapid thermal processing (RTP) system. The vapor treatment consisted of heating powdered red phosphorus in a nitrogen ambient and allowing the resulting phosphorus vapor to deposit on the Si samples. This was done in an inexpensive apparatus constructed from flasks and test tubes. Following the vapor treatment, an SiOxfilm was sputtered over the phosphorus coating in order to serve as a capping layer during subsequent RTP drive-in that forms the junction. The junction properties were characterized by spreading resistance and electrical (IV and CV) measurements after deposition of metal contacts layers.
New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Purpose of Review Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder of disrupted lymphocyte homeostasis, resulting from mutations in the Fas apoptotic pathway. Clinical manifestations include lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmune cytopenias. A number of new insights have improved the understanding of the genetics and biology of ALPS. These will be discussed in this review.
Urea Versus True Protein as Supplement for Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Grain Plus Mixtures of Alfalfa and Corn Silages

Abstract In trial 1, 12 cows averaging 36 kg/d of milk were fed 15.4 to 15.7% CP diets containing 30% corn silage, 26% alfalfa silage with 60% DM, and 32 to 40% corn grain. Four CP supplements were fed in 4 × 4 Latin squares: 1) 1.5% urea, 2) 9.3% soybean meal, 3) 8.2% meat and bone meal, or 4) 4.7% soybean meal and 4.1% meat and bone meal. Except for greater BW gain and lower milk protein on diet 3, production traits did not differ. True protein in the diet lowered plasma urea but did not alter essential AA in plasma. In trial 2, 16 cows averaging 38 kg/d of milk were fed 16.2 to 16.4% CP diets containing 27% corn silage, 27% alfalfa silage with either 39 or 59% DM, and 35 to 43% corn grain. Diets fed in 4 × 4 Latin squares were the following: 1) 1.8% urea, or 2) 5.5% soybean meal plus 5.1% meat and bone meal, fed with 39% DM alfalfa silage; or 3) 1.8% urea, or 4) 5.4% soybean meal plus 5.0% meat and bone meal. fed with 59% DM alfalfa silage. The DMI was greater on diets 2, 3, and 4; BW gain was greater with diets 2 and 4. Yields of milk and milk components were greatest on diet 2 and greater on diet 2 than on diet 1. Yields of milk and protein were not different between diets 3 and 4, but yields of fat and FCM were greater on diet 4 than on diet 3. Lower ruminal ammonia and urea in milk and blood were consistent with lower degradability of the protein meals. Results indicated that dietary true protein increased milk yield when low, but not high, DM alfalfa silage was fed with corn silage as half of the forage.
Arcadia's Inferno: Cervantes' attack on pastoral

Denis de Rougemont placed Cervantes at the end of the historical development of an interpretation of love which originated in the twelfth century and dominated the European imagination until the en...
Rapid Identification of Intact Whole Bacteria Based on Spectral Patterns using Matrix‐assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization with Time‐of‐flight Mass Spectrometry

Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was investigated as a method for the rapid identification of whole bacteria, either by comparison with archived reference spectra or by co-analysis with cultures of known bacteria. Bacteria were sampled from colonies on an agar plate, mixed with the matrix, air-dried, and introduced in batches into the mass spectrometer for analysis. In the first experiment, both bacterial strains that had been previously analyzed to obtain reference spectra and other strains that had not been analyzed were blind-numbered and their spectra were obtained. Those strains that matched reference spectra were found to be correctly identified. A second experiment involved co-analysis of reference strains and bind-numbered strains under identical conditions; species-specific identification was demonstrated by comparison of spectra of the blind-numbered strains with those of the standards. In all of the spectra obtained in these experiments, each bacterial strain showed a few characteristic high-mass ions which are thought to be derived from bacterial proteins. This work represents the first reported instance of successful bacterial chemotaxonomy by MALDI-TOFMS analysis of whole cells. For the strains tested, the method is rapid and simple.
The incidence of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers: population-based estimates from the marshfield epidemiologic study area (MESA)

Purpose The occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the general population is not well quantified. Further, common disease coding systems do not distinguish between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area (MESA) is an established resource for population-based research. Nearly all inpatient and outpatient health events in the region in Wisconsin are captured by a single medical care system. The 77,000 residents are fairly representative of U.S. whites. Our goal was to estimate the incidence and nationwide burden of NMSC, with separate estimates for BCC and SCC. Methods Incident cases of NMSC from 1992 to 2001 were identified through archived International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9), codes 173 through 173.9. Cases from 2000 to 2001 were further classified into BCC and SCC through an extensive lexicon system used for all recent medical charting. Rate calculations employed MESA person-time denominators. The 2000 U.S. standard population was used for direct age adjustment. Validation efforts included sample medical chart review and estimation of melanoma incidence for comparison with published rates. Results With 2287 incident cases of NMSC, the overall age-adjusted incidence rate was 282/100,000 person-years (py) (95% confidence interval CI = 270–293). Incidence increased strongly with age and was about 40% higher for men than women, particularly after age 60. At 189/100,000 py (95% CI = 169–209), BCC was more common than SCC, at 53/100,000 py (95% CI = 43–64). The specificity of NMSC diagnosis codes was high (>90%). The melanoma rate estimate for MESA (23.6/100,000 py) was similar to the published rate for whites in the United States (23.9/100,000 py). Conclusion Projecting from these data, there may be about 660,000 U.S. whites with incident NMSC each year, including 500,000 with BCC. The total burden of NMSC, including recurrent lesions, would be even larger and can be expected to grow as the population ages. Systematic methods for continued monitoring of this condition should be considered.
Friends in High Places

Friends in High Places. Directed by Lindsey Merrison. 2001. 86 minutes (56 minute version available), color. Distributed by Documentary Educational Resources, 101 Morse Street, Watertown, MA 02472, www.der.org.
Prediction of giant χ (3) values from a calculation of excitonic nonlinear optical properties in rectangular GaAs quantum-well wires

Exciton and biexciton binding energies, wave functions, and oscillator strengths are calculated variationally for rectangular GaAs quantum-well wires in an effective-mass approximation. The Coulomb interaction terms are treated exactly in their full three-dimensional form throughout the calculation, especially in the case of the biexciton, which is a more physically realistic procedure than was employed in previous calculations which used effective one-dimensional potentials. Our treatment is unique in the use of a two-dimensional Fourier expansion of the Coulomb potential, which removes the numerical difficulty with the 1/r singularity and considerably reduces the computational effort. As an intermediate step, we calculate the linear absorption coefficients at the exciton resonance as a function of the wire dimensions. The results compare favorably with those of Suemune and Coldren [IEEE J. Quantum Electron. QE-24, 1778 (1988)]. Using the results of the exciton and biexciton calculation, we then estimate the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility for near-resonant excitonic absorption by using the approach of Ishihara [Phys. Status Solidi 159, 371 (1990)]. We obtain ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}^{(3)}$'s on the order of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$--1 esu for various wire dimensions.
A Mutually Facilitative Relationship between Learning Names and Learning Concepts in Preschool Children: The Case of Artifacts.

Two studies investigated the relationship between learning names and learning concepts in preschool children. More specifically, we focused on the relationship between learning the names and learning the intended functions of artifacts, given that the intended function of an artifact is generally thought to constitute core conceptual information about an artifact's category. We asked whether learning the intended function of a novel artifact facilitates retention of its name and whether learning the name of a novel artifact prompts the search for information about its intended function. In Experiment 1, 3- and 4-year-old children better retained the names of novel artifacts when the intended functions of these artifacts were revealed. The comparison condition involved providing perceptually relevant and conceptually irrelevant information about the objects. In Experiment 2, 4-year-old children who were provided with the names of novel artifacts were more likely to seek out information about the objects' f...
Weed control and cover crop management affect mycorrhizal colonization of grapevine roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spore populations in a California vineyard

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi naturally colonize grapevines in California vineyards. Weed control and cover cropping may affect AM fungi directly, through destruction of extraradical hyphae by soil disruption, or indirectly, through effects on populations of mycorrhizal weeds and cover crops. We examined the effects of weed control (cultivation, post-emergence herbicides, pre-emergence herbicides) and cover crops (Secale cereale cv. Merced rye, × Triticosecale cv.Trios 102) on AM fungi in a Central Coast vineyard. Seasonal changes in grapevine mycorrhizal colonization differed among weed control treatments, but did not correspond with seasonal changes in total weed frequency. Differences in grapevine colonization among weed control treatments may be due to differences in mycorrhizal status and/or AM fungal species composition among dominant weed species. Cover crops had no effect on grapevine mycorrhizal colonization, despite higher spring spore populations in cover cropped middles compared to bare middles. Cover crops were mycorrhizal and shared four AM fungal species (Glomus aggregatum, G. etunicatum, G. mosseae, G. scintillans) in common with grapevines. Lack of contact between grapevine roots and cover crop roots may have prevented grapevines from accessing higher spore populations in the middles.
Conceptually New Low-Calcemic Oxime Analogues of the Hormone 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Synthesis and Biological Testing

New chemical entities 16-ene-25-ketone 2b and the corresponding oxime 3b and oxime ether 4b, analogues of natural calcitriol (1), were rationally designed and synthesized on a milligram scale. Chemical introduction of the oxime ether functionality in analogue 4b was successful via direct oximation of an intact vitamin D conjugated triene system. Even though all three analogues are at least as antiproliferative in vitro as calcitriol (1) even at physiologically relevant low nanomolar concentrations, only side chain ketone 2b is more transcriptionally potent than calcitriol (1). Although oxime O-methyl ether 4b lacks the traditional side chain hydrogen bond-donating OH group of the natural hormone and lacks also the oxime-NOH group of analogue 3b, surprisingly, oxime ether 4b retains 20% of the transcriptional potency of natural calcitriol (1). In terms of in vivo toxicity (hypercalcemia), ketone 2b is strongly calcemic in rats, whereas oxime 3b and oxime ether 4b are considerably less calcemic (i.e., safer) than calcitriol (1).
Brainstem noradrenergic system depression by cyclobenzaprine.

Abstract A possible mechanism for CBZ's depressant action on the brainstem noradrenergic system was investigated in precollicularly decerebrated cats immobilized with Flaxedil (2 mg/kg, i.V.). Phenoxybenzamine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) was consistently observed to antagonize CBZ's suppression of both the flexor and extensor MSRs. Subsequent evidence for the brainstem noradrenergic system mediating the CBZ effect was established by extracellular recordings. Unitary discharges of LC neurons identified histologically were demonstrated to be inhibited chiefly by CBZ (1 mg/kg, i.V.). In some instances, the inhibition of spontaneous coerulear activity was found to parallel temporally the MSR response following CBZ administration. Coerulospinal neurons characterized by physiological criteria also revealed diminished activities following CBZ (0.5 mg/kg, i.V.). A decreased neuronal somatic excitability was also observed by the antidromically driven coerulospinal neurons following CBZ. It is concluded that CBZ's depressant action is mediated, at least in part, by the noradrenergic coerulospinal system. Other possible mechanisms of CBZ action are also discussed.
Self-reported smoking and related health behaviors in South Carolina: A geographic analysis of incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers

Purpose Smoking is associated with increased risk of adverse health effects, including increased risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and premature mortality. Smoking cessation is touted as the best method to prevent these negative health outcomes. However, the rate of current smokers has not significantly declined in the last fifteen years in South Carolina. This study assesses current smoking and related health behaviors and investigates any possible association with incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers in South Carolina. Methods Responses regarding current smoking behavior and voluntary seeking of medical care to the 2003 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey conducted in South Carolina were obtained through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) website. Incidence rates of all cancers for 1996 through 2000 were also obtained through the SC-DHEC website. Smoking-attributed cancers were classified based upon Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classification. Both smoking attributed and nonsmoking attributed cancer incidence rates were categorized according to counties. An analysis was conducted using Arc View Geographical Information System software. Results Geographic analysis identified Marlboro and Dillon counties has having the highest age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rates in South Carolina (Dillon – 118.9 and Marlboro – 135.0 per 100,000) while also having the largest percentage of current smokers (69.3%) and the largest percentage of smokers not seeking medical care (30.7%). These counties had the third and fourth highest rate differences between total 1996 to 2000 incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers and the incidence rates of cancers not attributable to smoking. Conclusion Marlboro and Dillon counties have high smoking-attributable cancer incidence rates and the largest percentage of current smokers not seeking medical care. Ongoing surveillance such as BRFSS should be combined with health education in these at-risk counties.
Catalysis: the art of splitting water.

Plants produce oxygen from water, but the same chemical reaction is hard to achieve synthetically. A new family of catalysts could breathe fresh life into the quest for artificial photosynthesis.
An Integrated Model for Bidding Behavior in Internet Auctions: Whether, Who, When, and how Much:

Abstract The authors develop a general parametric modeling framework for bidding behavior in Internet auctions. Toward this end, they incorporate four key components of the bidding process under their framework: whether people bid on an auction, (if so) who bids, when they bid, and how much they bid over the entire sequence of bids in an auction. This integrated framework is based on a single, latent, time-varying construct of consumer willingness to bid, which bidders have and update for a particular auction item over the course of the auction duration. Using a database of notebook auctions from one of the largest Internet auction sites in Korea, the authors demonstrate that this general (yet parsimonious) model captures the key behavioral aspects of bidding behavior. Furthermore, the authors provide a valuable tool for managers at auction sites to conduct their customer relationship management efforts, which require them to evaluate the “goodness” of the listed auction items (whether people bid) and the...
Mean square error and efficiency of the least squares estimator over interval constraints

We derive the mean square error of an interval constrained least squares estimator (INCLS) for a regression model. We then show that the INCLS estimator dominates, in mean square error, the unconstrained least squares estimator provided the regression residuais are normally distri'iiuted and Ynat Yrie imposed coii- straint is satisfied or nearly satisfied.
The construction of free–free flexibility matrices for multilevel structural analysis

Abstract This article considers a generalization of the classical structural flexibility matrix. It expands on previous papers by taking a deeper look at computational considerations at the substructure level. Direct or indirect computation of flexibilities as “influence coefficients” has traditionally required pre-removal of rigid body modes by imposing appropriate support conditions, mimicking experimental arrangements. With the method presented here the flexibility of an individual element or substructure is directly obtained as a particular generalized inverse of the free–free stiffness matrix. This generalized inverse preserves the stiffness spectrum. The definition is element independent and only involves access to the stiffness generated by a standard finite element program and the separate construction of an orthonormal rigid-body mode basis. The free–free flexibility has proven useful in special application areas of finite element structural analysis, notably massively parallel processing, model reduction and damage localization. It can be computed by solving sets of linear equations and does not require processing an eigenproblem or performing a singular value decomposition. If substructures contain thousands of d.o.f., exploitation of the stiffness sparseness is important. For that case this paper presents a computation procedure based on an exact penalty method, and a projected rank-regularized inverse stiffness with diagonal entries inserted by the sparse factorization process. These entries can be physically interpreted as penalty springs. This procedure takes advantage of the stiffness sparseness while forming the full free–free flexibility, or a boundary subset, and is backed by an in-depth null space analysis for robustness.
Determination of the absolute saturation coverage of hydrogen on Ru(001)

Abstract We describe here a general methodology for the indirect relative determination of absolute fractional surface coverages. The saturation fractional coverage of hydrogen on Ru(001) has been evaluated in particular. In this case, we used H2CO as a bridge to lead us from the known reference point of the saturation fractional coverage of CO to the unknown reference point of the fractional coverage of hydrogen on Ru(001), which is then used to determine accurately the saturation fractional coverage of hydrogen. We find that θsatH = 1.02 ± 0.05, i.e. the surface stoichiometry is Ru:H = 1:1. The relative nature of the method, which cancels systematic errors, together with the utilization of a glass envelope around the mass spectrometer, which reduces spurious contributions in the thermal desorption spectra, results in high accuracy in the determination of absolute fractional coverages.
Gd(DOTAla) – A single amino acid Gd-complex as a modular tool for high relaxivity MR contrast agent development

MR imaging at high magnetic fields benefits from an increased signal-to-noise ratio; however T1-based MR contrast agents show decreasing relaxivity (r1) at higher fields. High field, high relaxivity contrast agents can be designed by carefully controlling the rotational dynamics of the molecule. To this end, we investigated applications of the alanine analogue of Gd(DOTA), Gd(DOTAla). Fmoc-protected DOTAla suitable for solid phase peptide synthesis was synthesized and integrated into polypeptide structures. Gd(III) coordination results in very rigid attachment of the metal chelate to the peptide backbone through both the amino acid side chain and coordination of the amide carbonyl. Linear and cyclic monomers (GdL1, GdC1), dimers (Gd2L2, Gd2C2), and trimers (Gd3L3, Gd3C3) were prepared and relaxivities were determined at different field strengths ranging from 0.47 to 11.7 T. Amide carbonyl coordination was indirectly confirmed by determination of the hydration number q for the EuL1 integrated into a peptid...
Human mesenchymal stem cells as an in vitro model for human adipogenesis.

Objective: To validate the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a new in vitro model for the study of human adipogenesis, to develop the optimal protocol for the differentiation of hMSCs into adipocytes, and to describe effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase on hMSC differentiation into adipocytes. Research Methods and Procedures: hMSCs, obtained commercially, were differentiated by exposure to insulin, dexamethasone, indomethacin, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine three times for 3 days each. Various differentiation conditions were examined to optimize differentiation as measured by Oil Red O staining. The gene expression during adipogenic conversion was assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Results: hMSCs differentiated into adipocytes to a different extent depending on the experimental conditions. We have found that differentiation medium based on medium 199 and containing 170 nM insulin, 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 0.2 mM indomethacin, 1 μM dexamethasone, and 5% fetal bovine serum was optimal. However, the replacement of fetal bovine serum with rabbit serum (15%) led to further enhancement of differentiation. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation also facilitated adipogenic conversion of hMSCs. The pattern of genes expressed during hMSC differentiation into adipocytes (adipsin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β, GLUT4, and leptin) was similar to that observed in other in vitro adipocyte models. Discussion: hMSCs are renewable sources of noncommitted precursors that are able to differentiate into mature adipocytes under the proper hormonal and pharmacological stimuli. Thus, hMSCs represent a new model for the study of human adipogenesis.
Stigma as a Barrier to Substance Abuse Treatment Among Those With Unmet Need An Analysis of Parenthood and Marital Status

Substance use (SU) stigma is one factor contributing to unmet need for SU treatment. Additionally, theory suggests that women and single parents who use substances experience enhanced stigma because they do not adhere to normative social expectations. This study examines differences in perceived stigma by gender and parenthood among those with unmet need for SU treatment using the 2003-2010 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (N = 1,474). Results indicate that women are more likely to report stigma as a barrier to treatment compared with men, though the interaction between gender and parenthood is not significant. We find that married parents report the highest level of stigma. We situate our findings in past health-related stigma research. We suggest that these results shed a light on stigma, particularly as it relates to family status, as a contributing factor to differences regarding SU treatment utilization. Finally, we raise a provocative question concerning social status and anticipated stigma.
Disenfranchisement Through Divorce? Estimating the Effect of Parental Absence on Voter Turnout

Does growing up without both parents decrease voter turnout? I extend and improve upon earlier answers to this question. First, I estimate the long-term effects on voter turnout via analysis of a nationally representative sample of adults. Second, I exploit the quasi-natural experiment of parental death to correct for non-random selection into parental absence. Contrary to previous research, I find no evidence that growing up in an absent-parent household effects white voter turnout. I also present evidence suggesting the negative effects are limited to black voters.
Recovery from ECS-produced amnesia following a reminder

Rats were trained to drink from a water tube and were then shocked at the tube. ECS was delivered 5 sec after escape into another chamber. Controls received only training to drink, and ECS. All Ss were then tested one day later for readiness to drink, and there was little tendency to avoid in either condition. Half the FS-ECS and all the ECS-only animals were then given a mild reminder shock, and all animals were retested. Footshock-ECS reminded animals showed a greatly increased tendency to avoid the drinking box, while non-reminded FS-ECS and ECS-only controls showed very little avoidance.
RATE-TYPE CREEP LAW OF AGING CONCRETE BASED ON MAXWELL CHAIN

It is shown that the linear creep law of concrete can be characterized, with any desired accuracy, by a rate-type creep law that can be interpreted by a Maxwell chain model of time-variable viscosities and spring moduli. Identification of these parameters from the test data is accomplished by expanding into Direchlet series the relaxation curves, which in turn are computed from the measured creep curves. The identification has a unique solution if a certain smoothing condition is imposed upon the relaxation spectra. The formulation is useful for the step-by-step time integration of large finite element systems because it makes the storage of stress history unnecessary. For this purpose a new, unconditionally stable numerical algorithm is presented, allowing an arbitrary increase of the time step as the creep rate decays. The rate-type formulation permits establishing a correlation with the rate processes in the microstructure and thus opens the way toward rational generations to variable tempeature and water content. The previously developed Kelvin-type chain also permits such a correlation, but its identification from test data is more complicated.
Fatty Acid Transport Protein 1 Can Compensate for Fatty Acid Transport Protein 4 in the Developing Mouse Epidermis

Fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 4 is one of a family of six FATPs that facilitate long- and very-long-chain fatty acid uptake. Mice lacking FATP4 are born with tight, thick skin and a defective barrier; they die neonatally because of dehydration and restricted movements. Mutations in SLC27A4, the gene encoding FATP4, cause ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS), characterized by premature birth, respiratory distress, and edematous skin with severe ichthyotic scaling. Symptoms of surviving patients become mild, although atopic manifestations are common. We previously showed that suprabasal keratinocyte expression of a Fatp4 transgene in Fatp4 mutant skin rescues the lethality and ameliorates the skin phenotype. Here we tested the hypothesis that FATP1, the closest FATP4 homolog, can compensate for the lack of FATP4 in our mouse model of IPS, as it might do postnatally in IPS patients. Transgenic expression of FATP1 in suprabasal keratinocytes rescued the phenotype of Fatp4 mutants, and FATP1 sorted to the same intracellular organelles as endogenous FATP4. Thus, FATP1 and FATP4 likely have overlapping substrate specificities, enzymatic activities, and biological functions. These results suggest that increasing expression of FATP1 in suprabasal keratinocytes could normalize the skin of IPS patients and perhaps prevent the atopic manifestations.
New spectroscopy of free radicals produced by the reactions of fluorine and chlorine with diborane

We report the first resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectra of the boron-centered free radicals, BF, BCl, B2, BF2 and atomic boron. These spectra were observed between 300 and 380 nm by two photon resonances with previously unreported Rydberg states that reside between 58000 and 65600 cm-1. The radicals were produced by chain reactions of fluorine and chlorine atoms in a flow reactor and ion signals were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The REMPI spectra BF, BCl, B2, and BF2 originate from 3s and 4s Rydberg states. The spectrum of boron atoms arises from a new np Rydberg series and from a nf Rydberg series.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Discrimination of restrictions in sequentially-encoded auditory displays: Block designs

Sequential constraints, in the form represented by equal frequencies within blocks, were imposed upon finite-state statistical generators. The sequences were encoded in the form of interval-coded pulse trains and were transduced to sound by earphones. In discrimination tests, interval thresholds between the finite states provided a measure of the relative discriminability between different sequential constraints. These thresholds are shown to be quantitatively related to the difference in uncertainty in specification of the sequences. To a first approximation: Equal interstate interval thresholds are associated with equal differences in uncertainty.