cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Solid‐State Forms – Applications and Examples

Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to study the polymorphism of pharmaceutical compounds for more than half of a century. The high sensitivity, short analysis time, and rich structural information available with these techniques make them well-suited for high-throughput screening. In this chapter, we will discuss a number of important applications of vibrational spectroscopy in drug development processes. The main focus will be on its use in high-throughput crystal form screening, structural characterizations of solid-state forms, and studies that establish the thermodynamic relationship between different crystal forms. Keywords: crystal-form; salt; polymorph; screening; Raman; IR; NIR; spectroscopy; pre-formulation
[N,N′‐[1,2‐bis(3,5‐dimethylphenyl)‐1,2‐ethanediyl]bis‐1,1,1‐trifluoromethanesulfonamidato)]methyl Aluminum

[160207-17-0] C21H23AlF6N2O4S2 (MW 572.51) InChI = 1S/C20H20F6N2O4S2.CH3.Al/c1-11-5-12(2)8-15(7-11)17(27-33(29,30)19(21,22)23)18(28-34(31,32)20(24,25)26)16-9-13(3)6-14(4)10-16;;/h5-10,17-18H,1-4H3;1H3;/q-2;;+2/t17-,18-;;/m0../s1 InChIKey = MMFOFSUHNHFBDI-MPGISEFESA-N (chiral Lewis acid catalyst for Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions) Preparative Methods: prepared immediately before use from the bis(triflamide) of (1S,2S)- or (1R,2R)-1,2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1,2-ethylenediamine and trimethyl aluminum.2-6 Colorless crystals can be obtained from CH2Cl2/heptane. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent must be prepared using anhydrous conditions under an inert atmosphere. It is important to remove traces of Me3Al from the reagent by thoroughly drying under vacuum, and/or via crystallization as Me3Al can also catalyze the Diels–Alder reaction. Methane gas is generated in the preparation of the reagent.
Changing inquiry practices and beliefs: the impact of an inquiry-based professional development programme on beginning and experienced secondary science teachers

This study explores how an inquiry-based demonstration classroom in-service programme impacted the beliefs and practices of 14 secondary science teachers. Both structured and semistructured interviews captured in-service programme participants' beliefs, while in-class observations of participants documented their instructional practices. An analysis of the data revealed that the in-service programme had an impact on the participants, but the impact varied among the six induction and eight experienced teachers: the induction teachers changed their beliefs more than their practices, whereas the experienced teachers demonstrated more change in their practices than their beliefs. Ultimately, the changing belief systems of beginning teachers may have resulted in the limited use of student-centred practices, whereas the established belief systems of experienced participants may have been conducive to studentcentred practices. On the basis of the findings of this study, implications for professional development ...
Perceptual Span of Poor Readersa

A model is described attributing narrow perceptual spans of poor readers to abnormally slow phonological coding speed. In a test of the model with elementary-age school boys, (1) poor readers were slower than average readers on a digit naming task; (2) perceptual span for random digits was impaired for poor readers; (3) a linear relation was found between perceptual span and naming speed; and (4) within the limits of reliability, perceptual span and naming speed accounted for the same portion of reading ability variance. Discrepant results are also presented, and possible modifications of the model are discussed.
Integration of retroposable elements in mammals: Selection of target sites

Genomic DNA fragments generated by the reverse transcription of cellular RNA are called retroposons. Because they are flanked by short repeats, mammalian retroposons are believed to integrate at staggered chromosomal breaks. Recently, a significant sequence pattern associated with the integration of Alu and ID repeats was identified (Jurka 1996). It is represented by the 5' TTAAAA consensus sequence around the 5' ends of flanking repeats of Alu, ID, as well as, of B1 and B2 retroposed elements as shown in this paper. This consensus is a potential target for enzymatic nicking which probably occurs in the complementary strand between 3' AA and the following 3' TTTT bases. The first four bases of the flanking repeats corresponding to the 3' TTTT consensus sequence show some sequence variations that may be affected by complementary base pairing between the A-rich RNA tails and the DNA target sequences prior to nicking and reverse transcription. We discuss potential evidence for such base pairing based on correlated variations in nucleotide composition of different tail and target regions.
The learning organization: motivating employees by integrating TQM philosophy in a supportive organizational culture

An organizational development model is developed to measure the constructs of a learning organization. A descriptive study was conducted investigating the relationships of total quality management, organizational culture and their impact upon a learning organization. The study investigated the attributes of a learning organization and its influence upon employee motivation. A total of 307 executives participated in the survey. The survey revealed that many executives had pursued professional development programs in TQM principles and/or in Senge’s organizational learning principles over the last four years. The executives completed a questionnaire measuring their perceptions involving the principles of a learning organization, TQM attributes, and their organizational culture. The results indicate a corporation implementing TQM principles in a supportive organizational culture has a positive and significant relationship with organizational learning compared to those executives not exposed to these constructs. Also, the findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between a learning organization and the motivational level of its business executives.
Optimization of the temple lower bound

The Temple formula is perhaps the most common method used in the uncommon endeavor of calculating a lower bound to the ground-state energy of an atomic or molecular system. We generalize the Temple formula by introducing a parameter that can be varied to optimize the lower bound. This generalization does not require any information that is not already used for the traditional Temple lower bound. Examples with the helium cation and neutral atom show that improvement is greatest when the approximate wave function poorly approximates the true ground-state wave function. The examples also show that in some cases the traditional Temple lower bound may already be optimal so that our generalization gives no improvement.
A hazard-based analysis of airport security transit times

Airport security screening, and the amount of time it costs travelers, has been a persistent concern to travelers, airport authorities, and airlines – particularly in recent years where changes in perceived threats have resulted in changes in security procedures that have caused great uncertainty relating to security transit times. To gain a better understanding of the factors influencing travelers' security transit times, determinants of security transit times are studied by using anonymous Bluetooth media access control address matching to determine the actual security travel times of individual passengers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. These transit-time data are then analyzed using a random-parameters hazard-based duration model to statistically explore the factors that affect airport security transit times. The estimation results reveal, as expected, that a wide variety of factors affect security transit times including the number of enplaning seats (reflecting flight schedules), weather conditions, day of week, as well as obvious variables such as traveler volume and the number of open security lanes. The detailed statistical findings show that current security procedures are reactive instead of proactive, and that substantial reductions in security transit times could be attained by optimizing security operations using a statistical model such as the one estimated in this paper.
The Impact of Regulatory Focus, Temporal Orientation, and Fit on Consumer Responses to Health-Related Advertising

This research examines the effects of message framing of health advertisements and individual differences in temporal orientation on consumer risk perceptions, attitude, and behavioral intentions. Results from two between-subjects experiments indicate that consumers' temporal orientation moderates ad-framing effects related to goal pursuit strategies (GPS). In Study 1, a GPS manipulation in the ad message has a significant influence on consumers' attitude toward the ad; this effect is moderated by temporal orientation, however. Also, results suggest that consumer risk perceptions mediate the interaction effect. Study 2 demonstrates that a "fit" between a GPS manipulation in the ad and consumers' chronic regulatory focus increases the effectiveness of the advertisement, but the regulatory fit effect is moderated by temporal orientation. Implications are offered for theory, as well as for creators of public service advertising campaigns.
Fostering improved anatomy and physiology instructor pedagogy

Despite widespread calls for reform in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, effecting lasting change in instructor practice is challenging to achieve. This art...
Treatment of asthma in children with triamcinolone acetonide aerosol

Triamcinolone acetonide aerosol, 100 microgram qid, was administered for 8 wk to 5 steroid-dependent asthmatic children and 10 who had not previously required continual corticosteroid treatment. Symptomatic control and pulmonary function improved in all 15 children despite discontinuation of oral corticosteroids in 3 of the steroid-dependent children. Determination of morning plasma cortisol concentrations disclosed no evidence of substantial adrenal suppression. Satisfactory symptomatic control has subsequently been maintained for 6 to 32 mo with doses of 100 microgram bid to 300 microgram qid without more extreme changes in plasma cortisol concentrations than were observed during the first 8 wk.
Log step and clast interactions in mountain streams in the central Cascade Range of Washington State, USA

article i nfo Field surveys of log steps in high-gradient streams investigate the interactions between log steps and clasts to assesswhethersecond-growthwoodcanformlogstepscapableof diverting flowandactingassignificant rough- ness elements similar to those formed by old-growth wood. We measure the functional log diameter and step height, as well as visually estimate the clast size in the step of 102 log steps in 15 high-gradient streams in the centralCascadeRangeofWashington,USA.Wecomparestepheightdatatomeasurementsofmaximumbankfull depthtomeasurethe capability of log steps to divert flowrelativeto theirclastsizeand log diameter. Stepheight positively correlates with functional log diameter (p b 0.001) and clast size. Additionally, a threshold clast size exists above which functional log diameter more strongly correlates with step height, indicating that clast size can limit step height. We find that steps with cobble or larger (N64 mm) clasts in the step are 3.7 times more likely to reach or exceed bankfull depth than steps with smaller than cobble clasts in the step. We conclude that it is necessary for steps formed by small logs to have large clasts in the step in order to reach bankfull depth, act as significant roughness elements, and create flow diversions, implying that the potential for second-growth forests to maintain log steps similar to those formed by old-growth logs depends on the size of bed material.
Jointly evaluating the Federal Reserve’s forecasts of GDP growth and inflation

Abstract In this paper we jointly evaluate the Federal Reserve staff forecasts of U.S. real output growth and the inflation rate, assuming that the forecasts are to be used as inputs for the Taylor rule. Our simple methodology generates “policy forecast errors” which have a direct interpretation for the impact of forecast errors on the target interest rate given by the Taylor rule. Without interest rate smoothing, we find that, on average, the Taylor rule target interest rate would have been approximately a full percentage point away from the intended target because of errors in forecasting output growth and inflation. Our results are robust to changes in the forecast horizon and to changes in the weights on the variables in the policy rule.
New clues about T-cell antigen receptor complex function

The emerging picture of the T-cell antigen receptor complex is that of an extraordinarily elaborate structure. The best-understood subunit is the Ti heterodimer, con- sisting of integral membrane glycoproteins bearing substantial structural and functional similarity to immunoglobulins 1. Somatic cell fusion and gene transfer experiments have shown that, in cells expressing the more common '~13' receptor, antigen specificity is deter- mined by the polymorphic Ti oLl~ subunit 2-4. While the function of the '~/~' form of the receptor is unknown, presumably its ligand reactivity is also specified by the Ti ~/~ subunit. Both types of Ti subunits are expressed on their respective cells in noncovalent association with an array of invariant proteins collectively referred to as the CD3 (formerly T3) complex. It is the function of the CD3 portion of the antigen receptor complex that remains a subject of speculation. The CD3 complex comprises at least four, and possibly five, different integral membrane proteins 1.s. The human CD3 complex contains the ~/, 6, e and disulfide-linked chains. The murine complex contains homologous com- ponents that are proposed to assemble as a ~/~e~2 complex6; an alternate form, comprising the ~/, a, e and chains with another component, p21 (in a disulfide- linked p21-~ dimer), has been observed in low abund- ance on a murine hybridoma 7. From their studies of the biosynthesis and assembly of the rnurine CD3-Ti complex, R. Klausner and colleagues have proposed that the ~/, ~ and e chains are produced in large excess, and that the ~ chain is the limiting compo- nent in the completion of an expressable CD3 complex 6. Their recent molecular cloning of the ~ chain has sug- gested a transmembrane topology that places most of the molecule on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, with a hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a short, highly charged extracellular segment 8. The other recognized CD3 chains appear to have prominent cytoplasmic and extracellular domains. The large intra- cellular portions of CD3 chains compared to the Ti chains (which have only 5-12 intracellular amino acids) have been suspected to allow CD3 to perform transmembrane signalling activities for the antigen-binding Ti subunit. In the absence of attractive alternatives, this hypothesis is widely held to be the correct interpretation of CD3 function, one that merely awaits experimental confirma- tion. What this model fails to address is the function of the large extracellular domains of the CD3 ~/, a and e chains, which could be envisaged interacting with Ti or binding a nonpolymorphic ligand provided by the antigen-presenting cell. The best-characterized signal transduction response to binding of ligands to the CD3-Ti complex is the acti- vation of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) second messenger system 9, in which hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5- bisphosphate yields the second messengers diacyl- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Division of Rheumatology/Im- munology, University of California San Francisco, 3rd and Parnassus Avenues, San Frar~cisco, CA 94143-0724, USA.
Nondestructive testing of microstructures by picosecond ultrasonics

We describe a new method we have developed which can be used to make ultrasonic measurements with picosecond time resolution, and give examples of its application to the study of the acoustic and mechanical properties of microstructures.
Review: Near infra-red analysis of food

Summary Near infra-red (NIR) analysis has been developed over the last 20 years into a routine method for many agricultural commodities and food constituents. The theoretical and statistical framework, which has made this possible, is reviewed and the extent of the applications presented. The development of a NIR method is demonstrated and the difficulties and limitations of the method are discussed. On-line methods of using NIR analysis are being developed and this is expected to be one of the most important applications for the future use of NIR in the food industry.
Price Movements, Information, and Liquidity in the Night Trading Market

Forward Links to Citing Articles Erratum. The Financial Review 41: 2, 305. Online publication date: 11-Apr-2006. Abstract Night trading provides an ideal laboratory to assess the behavior of stock markets when institutional liquidity providers are less active. The evidence indicates that extreme positive (winner) and negative (loser) stock-price movements during night sessions are followed by reversals the next day. The reversals are more pronounced following extreme stock-price movements that are associated with less trading volume and lower liquidity. Within-the-night sample reversals are less pronounced for stocks of companies issuing earnings announcements.
Individual differences in intentional and incidental learning.

This study investigates the role of linguistic habits in the intentional and incidental learning of verbal materials. Linguistic habits determine the differential responses made to the stimulus materials during practice. The stronger the differential responses evoked by the stimulus items the better they are recalled. Similarly, individual differences in amount of recall reflect variations in the strength (conventionality) of differential responses. These relationships are more pronounced when learning is incidental than when it is intentional, and also are stronger with nonsense than with meaningful learning materials.
Resistin-like molecule α enhances myeloid cell activation and promotes colitis

Background Resistin-like molecule (Relm) α is a secreted protein and a hallmark signature gene for alternatively activated macrophages. Relm-α is highly induced by allergic inflammatory triggers and perceived to promote tissue repair. Yet the function of Relm-α remains unknown. Objective We sough to determine the role of Relm-α in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)–induced colonic injury. Methods The cellular source of Relm-α was determined after oral DSS-induced colitis. Retnla −/− mice were generated, subjected to DSS treatment, and monitored for disease progression (clinical and histopathologic features). Cytokine production in the supernatants of ex vivo colon cultures, and of LPS-stimulated macrophages incubated with Relm-α was assessed. Relm-α was administered intraperitoneally, and the cellular recruitment to the peritoneum was assessed. Results After innate intestinal stimulation with DSS, Relm-α was highly expressed by eosinophils and epithelial cells. Retnla gene–targeted mice were protected from DSS-induced colitis (eg, decreased diarrhea, rectal bleeding, colon shortening, disease score, and histopathologic changes). Relm-α coactivated IL-6 and TNF-α release and inhibited IL-10 release from LPS-activated bone marrow–derived macrophages. Consistent with these finding, colon cultures of DSS-treated Retnla −/− mice produced decreased IL-6 and increased IL-10 ex vivo . Furthermore, Retnla −/− mice had substantially decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation in vivo . In vivo administration of Relm-α initiated cellular recruitment to the peritoneum, and Relm-α was able to induce eosinophil chemotaxis in vitro . Conclusions These findings demonstrate a central proinflammatory role for Relm-α in colonic innate immune responses, identifying a novel pathway for regulation of macrophage activation.
Activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase and decline of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase activity during brain aging

Mitochondrial dysfunction is often associated with aging and neurodegeneration. c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and its translocation to mitochondria increased as a function of age in rat brain. This was associated with a decrease of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity upon phosphorylation of the E(1alpha) subunit of PDH. Phosphorylation of PDH is likely mediated by PDH kinase, the protein levels and activity of which increased with age. ATP levels were diminished, whereas lactic acid levels increased, thus indicating a shift toward anaerobic glycolysis. The energy transduction deficit due to impairment of PDH activity during aging may be associated with JNK signaling.
Social competence at home and at school

(1979). Social competence at home and at school. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 18, Communicating with Young Children, pp. 234-243.
A multivariate time series approach to modeling and forecasting demand in the emergency department

Study objective: The goals of this investigation were to study the temporal relationships between the demands for key resources in the emergency department (ED) and the inpatient hospital, and to develop multivariate forecasting models. Methods: Hourly data were collected from three diverse hospitals for the year 2006. Descriptive analysis and model fitting were carried out using graphical and multivariate time series methods. Multivariate models were compared to a univariate benchmark model in terms of their ability to provide out-of-sample forecasts of ED census and the demands for diagnostic resources. Results: Descriptive analyses revealed little temporal interaction between the demand for inpatient resources and the demand for ED resources at the facilities considered. Multivariate models provided more accurate forecasts of ED census and of the demands for diagnostic resources. Conclusion: Our results suggest that multivariate time series models can be used to reliably forecast ED patient census; however, forecasts of the demands for diagnostic resources were not sufficiently reliable to be useful in the clinical setting.
A novel cardiac magnetic resonance imaging technique to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background The temporal and spatial resolution of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows precise tracking of the left ventricle (LV) atrioventricular junction (AVJ) throughout the cardiac cycle. Similar to tissue Doppler imaging in echocardiography, AVJ motion assessed by CMR reflects diastolic LV function. A prior study by our group demonstrated significant differences in the displacement and velocity of the AVJ during diastole in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction compared to normal hearts. In the current study we hypothesized that diastolic left ventricular function defined by AVJ motion is abnormal in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a group known to have altered LV relaxation properties. Methods We retrospectively identified 24 patients with known or suspected HCM and normal ejection fractions who underwent CMR as part of their clinical assessment and 14 normal control subjects. The longitudinal motion of the lateral and septal AVJs was tracked at 25 times through the cardiac cycle using the 4-chamber cine CMR view . The baseline position of the AVJ was defined at end diastole and its longitudinal displacement was measured relative to a reference line drawn between the LV apex and the midpoint of the mitral annnulus. The displacement of the AVJ in relation to its starting position at end diastole was normalized by LV length. Based on the resulting plots of AVJ position versus time in the cardiac cycle (see figure below) five motion variables were calculated: maximum longitudinal displacement (MD) of the AVJ, maximum velocity during early diastole (MVED), velocity at half-maximal displacement during early diastole (VHMDED), slope of the best fit line of displacement in diastasis (VDS), and the ratio of VDS/MVED. Data obtained in HCM patients were compared to normal control subjects using the Student t-test. Results Means and standard deviations were calculated for each of the AVJ motion variables (MD, VHMDED, MVED, VDS, VDS/MVED) for the septal (S) and lateral walls (LW) of HCM patients and normal control subjects. Lateral and septal AVJ data were directly compared to the corresponding walls in patients and controls. We found highly statistically significant differences in MD and the four CMR correlates of diastolic LV function (VHMDED, MVED, VDS, VDS/MVED) in patients with HCM compared to normal controls, as noted in the table below. Conclusions Novel CMR correlates of diastolic left ventricular function are markedly abnormal in patients with HCM. Measured at the AVJ, patients with HCM had significantly less maximal displacements, slower velocities during early diastolic filling, and higher velocities during diastasis compared to normal control subjects. The evaluation of AVJ motion by CMR may provide a new method to assess diastolic function.
Effects of cation substitution and temperature on the interaction between thermal barrier oxides and molten CMAS

Abstract The effectiveness of candidate rare earth (RE) bearing oxides to mitigate degradation of thermal barrier coatings by molten silicates is determined by the constitution and crystallization kinetics of the reaction products. The relationships between the oxide composition, test temperature, and reaction product constitution were investigated using sintered pellets of hafnates or zirconates containing YbO1.5, GdO1.5, or LaO1.5. The results suggest that the composition of the reprecipitated ZrO2- or HfO2-based phase, typically fluorite, is a useful indicator of the effectiveness of the silicate crystallization reactions. Meanwhile, the composition of the primary crystalline reaction product, typically a RE oxy-apatite, is relatively insensitive to the experimental variables considered herein. The observed trends indicate that the larger RE cations are more potent in rapidly crystallizing the silicate melt and that their relative effectiveness increases with the REO1.5 concentration in the coating material.
Hobos, Hustlers, and Backsliders: Homeless in San Francisco

Based on 10 years of ethnographic research in San Francisco, Gowan's book exemplifies and problematizes the discourses shaping homelessness in urban America. It offers a heavily theorized account o...
740 STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS IN ILEAL EPITHELIUM INDUCED BY L-TRYPTOPHAN

Alterations in ileal epithelium and villus structure during L-tryptophan(Trp) exposure were studied in vivo in rat ileal loops. The mucosal surface of 20 cm loops was infused for 2.5 and 30 min with isotonic Tris buffer ( pH 7.3 ) and NaCl( 140 mM ) containing either 20 mM Trp, 20 mM glycine ( Gly ) or no amino acid, phenol red was used to monitor water transport. Horseradish peroxidase ( HRP ) was added in the lumen or i.v. 5 min prior to the experimental treatment. Tissue was then examined by light and electron microscopy. After 2.5 min in Trp there were numerous large vacuoles seen in the serosal side of the apical epithelial cells. The vacuoles appeared as if derived from basolateral plasma membrane; many vacuoles were labeled with HRP injected i.v. prior to luminal Trp and there was detachment of membrane from the basal lamina. By contrast,the mucosal side of the cells was unaffected and the barrier to luminal HRP was intact. Villi and epithelium in Gly and buffer controls were unaltered. After 30 min of luminal Trp, there was marked extrusion of epithelium from the apical villus region and the luminal permeability barrier to HRP was lost. Net water transport was also inhibited by Trp( Trp=.190±.09 ul/minxcm;Gly=1.03±.11 p<.01;buffer=.947±.09 p<.01). Overall, our observations indicate that Trp alters the ileal apical epithelium and induces water malabsorption. The transport change may be linked to intemalization of basolateral membrane, thereby removing transport proteins from their normal loci.
Neural network modeling supports a theory on the hierarchical control of prehension

A theory on the hierarchical organization of the control of human prehension (grasping and manipulation of a hand-held object) was tested by comparing the performances of neural networks of different designs. The inputs into the networks were external torque, handle width, and thumb location, and the outputs were the individual digit forces. The networks differed only in their architecture: N1 was a classical three-layer network; N2 was a hierarchical two-tier network with single projections, in which the outputs of the first tier were used as inputs for the second tier, that yielded the individual digit forces; and N3 was a hierarchical two-tier network with dual projections, where the inputs to the second tier were the outputs of the first tier—as in N2—plus the inputs into the first tier (external torque, handle width, and thumb location). Each tier of N2 and N3 consisted of one three-layer network. The N3 network showed the best performance, supporting the idea that the control of prehension is hierarchically organized.
On error bounds for successive approximation methods

This note considers a class of contraction mappings and the successive approximation method for obtaining the associated fixed points. Some error bounds are provided which generalize and strengthen those given by McQueen [1] and Denardo [2] for dynamic programming algorithms.
The Plato IV CAI System: Where is it Now? Where Can it Go?:

The University of Illinois' PLATO IV system is an exciting, versatile computer-aided instruction (CAI) system. However, it needs more development before it can grow from an experiment into a widely accepted teaching aid, used day-to-day in the schools. Cost is a major obstacle in the path of PLATO's growth.This article studies each component of the PLATO system—the computer hardware, the courseware, the student terminal, and the distribution network. The discussions of each component point out cost-determining factors. One component which offers an opportunity for cutting costs is the distribution network.
Nanostructured silver-based surfaces: new emergent methodologies for an easy detection of analytes.

In this work, we describe how to realize a new sensing platform for an easy and fast detection of analytes. In particular, we utilized enhanced fluorescence emission on silver island films (SIFs) coupled to the total internal reflection fluorescence mode (TIRF) to develop a new assay format for the detection of target analytes. Here, as an example, we report on the detection of the toxic peptides present in gliadin (Gli). Our assay was performed as follows: (1) gliadin was first captured on surfaces coated with anti-Gli antibodies; (2) the surfaces were then incubated with fluorophore-labeled anti-Gli antibodies; (3) the signal from the fluorophore-labeled anti-Gli antibody bound to the antigen was detected by TIRF. The system was examined on glass surfaces and on SIFs. We observed a relevant enhancement of the signal from SIFs compared to the signal from the glass substrate not modified with a SIF. In addition, the estimated detection limit (EDL) of our methodology was 60 ng/mL (or lower). This limit is ...
Development of microsatellite markers for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and cross‐species amplification in two other esocids

AbstractWe report the development of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskellunge ( Esoxmasquinongy ) using an unenriched subgenomic library. Polymorphic loci exhibited 2–11alleles with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.190 to 0.917 ( n = 24). All seven lociamplified by their respective primer pairs resulted in monomorphic products in northernpike ( E. lucius ) whereas three loci amplified monomorphic products in grass pickerel( E. americanus americanus ); these results imply conservation of flanking sequence butloss of polymorphism between these closely related species. Only one of six microsatelliteprimers developed in a previous study in northern pike amplified polymorphic productsin muskellunge. Keywords : Esox , grass pickerel, microsatellite, muskellunge, northern pike Received 17 February 2003; revision received 14 May 2003; accepted 14 May 2003 The muskellunge ( Esox masquinongy ) is a large predatoryfish common to lakes and large rivers in northern USand Canada. Despite the important ecological role that themuskellunge plays as the apex predator in many fresh-water ecosystems and the value of the species to recre-ational fisheries there has been very little investigationof the genetic population structure of this species. In theonly published study of muskellunge genetic variationKoppleman & Philipp (1986) found significant variation atseveral allozyme markers between muskellunge fromwidespread localities within North America. The potentialfor genetic stock structure may be of particular importanceconsidering the widespread stocking of muskellungethroughout North America. Microsatellites have beenisolated for the northern pike (
Electrical conductivity model evaluation of carbon fiber filled liquid crystal polymer composites

Electrically conductive resins may have applications as fuel cell bipolar plates. The current trend in this technology is a thermosetting polymer as the matrix containing high concentrations of various types of fillers. These fillers are carbon based and electrically conductive powders, particles, or fibers. In this study, we utilized two composite formulations of polyacrylonitrile fibers (Fortafil 243 and Panex 30) in a liquid crystal polymer (Vectra A950RX) with increasing concentrations. Electrical conductivity tests were performed and modified Mamunya and additive models were applied to the experimental data. These models fit the entire range of data for each composite tested. Four alternate models were also produced: linear, quadratic, exponential, and geometric, with a restricted range of electrical conductivity data greater than 10−2 S/cm. The exponential and the geometric resulted in the best fits over this restricted data range. These particular models may allow researchers to extrapolate beyond the maximum filler concentrations studied here. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Energy Dynamics of Three Low-Order Southeast Alaska Streams: Allochthonous Processes

ABSTRACT Allochthonous processes of three low-order southeast Alaska streams, exhibiting a range of riparian vegetation and successional stages occurring before and after logging, were compared. Leaf-litter traps were used to estimate annual litter input. Leaf processing rates were measured by confining known amounts of leaf material in litter bags. Instream woody debris and stored and transported organics were also estimated. Annual litter inputs ranged from 52 g AFDW-m−2 on a clearcut watershed to 295 g AFDW.m−2 on a logged and deciduously revegetated watershed. All deciduous species tested (red alder—Alnus rubra, black cottonwood—Populus trichocarpa, salmonberry—Rubrus spectabilis) had fast post-leaching processing rates (k > 0.01), while western hemlock (Tsuqa heterophylla) was processed slowly (k < 0.005). The logged watersheds contained the largest amount of woody debris. Stored particulate organic matter (POM) was generally 2 or more times greater in depositional than erosional areas. Seasonal chan...
Hematocrit Does Not Indicate Condition in Nestling or Adult European Starlings

Abstract Hematocrit, the percentage of packed red blood cells in blood, has been used as a measure of avian condition. We investigated the relationship between hematocrit and condition in a wild, breeding population of adult European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and their nestlings (at 5- and 11-days post hatch). Hematocrit was not correlated with condition in adults or nestlings at either 5- or 11-days post-hatch. Adult males and females had similar hematocrit values. Hematocrit increased with age; adults had significantly higher hematocrit than both 5- and 11-day old nestlings, and 11-day old nestlings had significantly higher hematocrit than when they were 5 days of age. Hematocrit was not correlated with sampling date, ambient temperature, or relative humidity level, but was positively correlated with sampling time in the day for nestlings (but not adults). Our findings caution against using hematocrit as a measure of condition in birds.
Causality conditions and dispersion relations. I. Boson fields

The dispersion relations of Kramers and Kronig as generalized for charged and neutral Bose particles with finite rest mass are derived in a new way using the formalism of quantum field theory. The alternative forms of dispersion relations obtained by making various assumptions on the high-frequency limit of total cross sections are used to obtain information about the high-frequency behavior of the total cross section for the scattering of γ rays by electrons.
New five-circle κ diffractometer for reference-beam diffraction studies

A compact five-circle κ-geometry diffractometer has been designed and implemented at CHESS for automated reference-beam X-ray diffraction (RBD) experiments. The details of the diffractometer design are presented, along with its geometry calculations, and its alignment and control algorithm. An outline of the overall RBD experimental procedure has been developed based on this κ diffractometer. Measured RBD interference profiles from a lysozyme crystal demonstrate that efficient triplet-phase data collection is possible using this new device in a modified crystallography oscillation setup.
Nodulated soybean enhances rhizosphere priming effects on soil organic matter decomposition more than non-nodulated soybean

The phenomenon that rhizosphere processes significantly control soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, also termed rhizosphere priming effect (RPE), is now increasingly recognized as significant as the effects of soil temperature and moisture on SOM decomposition. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for RPE remain largely unknown. Particularly, some reports have suggested that the quality of rhizodeposits may play a significant role in causing different levels of RPE among various plant species. However, direct evidence for the “rhizodeposit quality hypothesis” has been lacking. Here we tested the hypothesis by investigating RPE on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization of two soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) isolines differing only in their ability to form nodules and to fix N2, and thus differing in tissue N concentration and rhizodeposit quality. We used a continuous 13C-labeling method for measuring RPE on soil organic C decomposition, and employed an N-budgeting method for quantifying RPE on soil net N mineralization. We found that the rhizodeposits from nodulated soybean produced a stronger RPE (53% vs. 26%) on soil organic C decomposition than the rhizodeposits from non-nodulated soybean at the maturity stage when nodulated soybean had significantly higher plant tissue N concentration but similar plant biomass, while both soybean isolines produced a similar RPE (33–34%) at the vegetative stage when there was no difference in plant tissue N concentration or plant biomass. The levels of RPE on soil net N mineralization were similar between the two isolines, ranging from 25% at the vegetative stage to 38–46% at the maturity stage. Moreover, RPE on soil organic C decomposition was not linearly proportional to RPE on soil net N mineralization. These results indicate that higher rhizodeposit quality is one of the most likely causes to the higher RPE of the nodulated soybean compared to the non-nodulated soybean. Further investigations of rhizodeposit quality and quantity between the two soybean isolines are warranted to further test this rhizodeposit quality hypothesis.
Levels of expression of the genes for glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and CuZn-superoxide dismutase in rat lens and liver.

Abstract Oxidative mechanisms are thought to play a major role in several biological phenomena, including cataract formation. In the following studies we determined the relative levels of expression of the genes for the mRNAs for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR). CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and catalase, in both the rat lens and liver. Northern blot hybridization methods were used to determine the mRNA size. The RNase protection method was used to determine levels of expression for these mRNAs plus levels of expression for αA-crystallin and γ-crystallin mRNAs in the lens, and γ-actin mRNAs in both the lens and the liver; using [ 32 P]-labeled specific cRNA probes transcribed from the various cDNA clones for the mRNAs being studied. The data was normalized relative to the level of expression of αA-crystallin and γ-actin mRNAs in the lens, and to γ-actin mRNA in the liver. We find the levels of the mRNAs in the lens fall in the following descending order: GPx > GR > CuZn-SOD > catalase, in the same order as has been reported for the activities of the enzymes in the lens. In the liver, levels of these mRNAs were as follows: GPx > CuZn-SOD > GR > catalase. In the liver, CuZn-SOD mRNA was expressed at about four times the level found in the lens, GPx at three times, catalase at three times and GR at about the same level. The ratio of GPx mRNA to CuZn-SOD mRNA in the lens was about 2·0, while in the liver it approached 1·0; the concentration of catalase mRNA in the liver was about three times that found in the lens.
Central nervous system AIDS

The retrovirus that causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has two targets: the immune system and the nervous system. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of AIDS are protean. This review describes the opportunistic infections and malignancies that affect the nervous system in AIDS, and discusses the syndromes resulting from primary infection of the CNS by the AIDS virus. Possible mechanisms of CNS injury are cited as well as potential predictors of neurologic expression of AIDS.
Forward and reverse mutations affecting the kinetics and apparent molecular weight of mammalian HGPRT

Chinese hamster cells selected for resistance to 8-azaguanine following mutagenesis have hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT; E.C. 2.4.2.8) with characteristics compatible with different mutations in the structural gene for that enzyme. Using immunopurification and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis, mutants producing antigenically active forms of the enzyme can be analyzed for changes in the molecular weight of HGPRT. Enzyme subunits from mutants RJK3 and RJK39 are reduced in molecular weight by an estimated 4 and 2%, respectively. HGPRT activity is not detectable in RJK39. The enzyme from RJK3 is active but has altered substrate binding properties. Enzymes from two other mutants with altered kinetic properties, RJK44 and RJK47, have normal molecular weights. The genetic alterations of RJK44 and 47 are probably missense mutations, while RJK3 and 39 might contain either deletions or mutations causing premature peptide chain termination. Somatic cell hybridization between RJK39 and a revertant of that strain with HGPRT of normal molecular weight revealed that the revertant probably arose by intragenic mutation rather than extragenic mutation or suppression.
Can State Hazardous Waste Regulation Be Reconciled With Economic Development Policies?: An Empirical Assessment of the Goetze-Rowland Model

This article critically assesses the usefulness of an approach developed by David Goetze and C. K. Rowland (1985) which places the analysis of hazardous waste regulation within a larger political a...
Medical Bottle Detecting System Based on Machine Vision

This paper presents a medical bottle detecting system based on machine vision, and completing the tightness detection task for the installation of vial and cap. The first step is experimental platform building; secondly, using MATLAB software for operations such as histogram equalization, image enhancement, image segmentation and boundary signature; finally, finalizing the design of the system software with MATLAB GUI. The systems can significantly reduce testing cost, improve detection quality, speed up the system efficiency and realize non-contact real-time detection in industrial field.
A mammalian 2-5A system functions as an antiviral pathway in transgenic plants

Abstract Resistance to virus infections in higher vertebrates is mediated in part through catalysis of RNA decay by the, interferon-regulated 2-5A system. A functional 2-5A system requires two enzymes, a 2-5A synthetase that produces 5'-phosphorylated, 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) in response to double-stranded RNA, and the 2-5A-dependent RNase L. We have coexpressed these human enzymes in transgenic tobacco plants by using a single plasmid containing the cDNAs for both human RNase L and a low molecular weight form of human 2-5A synthetase under control of different, constitutive promoters. Expression of the human cDNAs in the transgenic plants was demonstrated from Northern blots, by specific enzyme assays, and by immunodetection (for RNase L). Infection of leaves, detached or in planta, of the coexpressing transgenic plants by tobacco mosaic virus, alfalfa [correction of alfafa] mosaic virus, or tobacco etch virus resulted in necrotic lesions. In contrast, leaves expressing 2-5A synthetase or RNase L alone and leaves containing the plasmid vector alone produced typical systemic infections. While alfalfa mosaic virus produced lesions only in the inoculated leaves regardless of the concentration of virus in the inoculum, high, but not low, levels of tobacco etch virus inoculum resulted in escape of virus to uninoculated leaves. Nevertheless, there was a substantial reduction of tobacco etch virus yield as measured by ELISA assay in the coexpressing transgenic plants. These results indicate that expression of a mammalian 2-5A system in plants provides resistance to virus infections.
Identification of Major Sporulation Proteins of Myxococcus xanthus Using a Proteomic Approach

Myxococcus xanthus is a soil-dwelling, gram-negative bacterium that during nutrient deprivation is capable of undergoing morphogenesis from a vegetative rod to a spherical, stress-resistant spore inside a domed-shaped, multicellular fruiting body. To identify proteins required for building stress-resistant M. xanthus spores, we compared the proteome of liquid-grown vegetative cells with the proteome of mature fruiting body spores. Two proteins, protein S and protein S1, were differentially expressed in spores, as has been reported previously. In addition, we identified three previously uncharacterized proteins that are differentially expressed in spores and that exhibit no homology to known proteins. The genes encoding these three novel major spore proteins (mspA, mspB, and mspC) were inactivated by insertion mutagenesis, and the development of the resulting mutant strains was characterized. All three mutants were capable of aggregating, but for two of the strains the resulting fruiting bodies remained flattened mounds of cells. The most pronounced structural defect of spores produced by all three mutants was an altered cortex layer. We found that mspA and mspB mutant spores were more sensitive specifically to heat and sodium dodecyl sulfate than wild-type spores, while mspC mutant spores were more sensitive to all stress treatments examined. Hence, the products of mspA, mspB, and mspC play significant roles in morphogenesis of M. xanthus spores and in the ability of spores to survive environmental stress.