cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a lead hyperaccumulator shrub, Sesbania drummondii.

Lead phytoextraction can be economically feasible only when the developed systems employ high biomass plants that can accumulate greater than 1% Pb in their shoots. In this study Sesbania drummondii, a leguminous shrub occurring in the wild, was used to demonstrate its capability for greater than 1% Pb accumulation in shoots when grown in a Pb-contaminated nutrient solution. Shoot concentrations of >4% Pb were obtained from Sesbania plants grown on modified Hoagland's solution containing 1 g Pb(NO3)2/L. The accumulation of Pb in the tissue was found to be dependent on the concentration of Pb in the nutrient solution. Addition of EDTA (100 μM) in the medium containing 1 g Pb(NO3)2/L increased uptake by 21%. Lower pH also favored Pb translocation to shoot. Results also indicate the path of Pb transport through root tissues. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the distribution of Pb granules in the cells from epidermis to the central axis, indicating both apoplastic and symplastic modes of transport. Trans...
Series Introduction: JAK-STAT signaling in human disease

Cytokines, a large family of extracellular ligands, stimulate biological responses in virtually all cell types. One important subfamily of cytokines, the hematopoietins, evolved largely to regulate host responses to exogenous stresses, especially infection with pathogens. They stimulate these responses by binding to and activating a family of structurally and functionally conserved receptors. As is the case for many types of receptor families, downstream signaling entails tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the activation of the Janus kinases (Jaks) and their downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) proteins is both characteristic of and unique to this hematopoietin family. This signaling paradigm first appeared in invertebrates and has continued to grow in complexity through vertebrate and mammalian evolution. There are about 50 members of the hematopoietin family in mammals, and they transduce their signals through four Jaks and seven Stats. Consistent with their identity as ILs, many of these ligands play a critical role in regulating leukocyte maturation and activity. Others regulate more central aspects of cellular homeostasis, reflecting the role Stats play in invertebrates. This Perspective series will provide an overview of the Jak-Stat pathway (reviewed in more detail in refs. 1‐4) and will explore the important role this pathway plays in regulating immune responses and cellular homeostasis in human health and disease. The series will explore human ailments affected by this pathway, including immunodeficiency, asthma, and cancer. It will also examine the role Stats play in regulating innate immunity and the unique role Stat3 plays in regulating cellular homeostasis.
Valuing Massachusetts' Fixed Assets: A Contemporary Solution To An Historical Problem

The “Miracle of Massachusetts” is a slogan of the past. The FY 1992 deficit was projected to be over one billion dollars. In this article the authors describe the efforts of a dedicated group of government employees who created innovative solutions to long-standing problems. Massachusetts' financial statements could not obtain a “clean” audit opinion because the state's fixed asset records were unauditable. The group developed and implemented an acceptable method for valuation of those assets. This required inventorying all the fixed assets of the state, then valuing each of these items in accordance with either an historical cost or an acceptable surrogate.
Novel ZIP kinase isoform lacks leucine zipper

Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIP kinase) has been thought to be involved in apoptosis and the C-terminal leucine zipper motif is important for its function. Recent studies have revealed that ZIP kinase also plays a role in regulating myosin phosphorylation. Here, we found novel ZIP kinase isoform in which the C-terminal non-kinase domain containing a leucine zipper is eliminated (hZIPK-S). hZIPK-S binds to myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1(MYPT1) similar to the long isoform (hZIPK-L). In addition, we found that hZIPK-S as well as hZIPK-L bind to myosin. These results indicate that a leucine zipper is not critical for the binding of ZIP kinase to MYPT1 and myosin. Consistently, hZIPK-S localized with stress-fibers where they co-localized with myosin. The residues 278-311, the C-terminal side of the kinase domain common to the both isoforms, is involved in the binding to MYPT1, while the myosin binding domain is within the kinase domain. These results suggest that the newly found hZIPK-S as well as the long isoform play an important role in the regulation of myosin phosphorylation.
Incretin-based therapies: therapeutic rationale and pharmacological promise for type 2 diabetes.

Purpose To highlight the therapeutic promise of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the consequent rationale for therapies acting through GLP-1-mediated pathways in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the emerging clinical role of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Data sources The PubMed database was searched (using terms including incretins, GLP-1, GIP, DPP-4), along with recent ADA and EASD abstracts. Conclusions Many traditional drugs used for T2DM fail to achieve and maintain glycemic control, and possess limitations such as risk for hypoglycemia and weight gain. GLP-1 is a gut-derived hormone that glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion while simultaneously reducing gastric emptying and appetite. Other physiological actions of GLP-1 may benefit the cardiovascular system and beta-cell function. Recently developed drug therapies that mimic or prolong the action of this hormone, therefore, have great promise in the treatment of T2DM. Implications for practice The GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors are incretin-based therapies that are now becoming established as effective therapies for T2DM to be used either as monotherapy or added to other antidiabetes drugs. They enable improvements to be made in glycemic control without weight gain, with a low risk for hypoglycemia, and with potential additional clinical benefits.
The parathyroid hormone-regulated transcriptome in osteocytes: Parallel actions with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to oppose gene expression changes during differentiation and to promote mature cell function

Although localized to the mineralized matrix of bone, osteocytes are able to respond to systemic factors such as the calciotropic hormones 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH. In the present studies, we examined the transcriptomic response to PTH in an osteocyte cell model and found that this hormone regulated an extensive panel of genes. Surprisingly, PTH uniquely modulated two cohorts of genes, one that was expressed and associated with the osteoblast to osteocyte transition and the other a cohort that was expressed only in the mature osteocyte. Interestingly, PTH's effects were largely to oppose the expression of differentiation-related genes in the former cohort, while potentiating the expression of osteocyte-specific genes in the latter cohort. A comparison of the transcriptional effects of PTH with those obtained previously with 1,25(OH)2D3 revealed a subset of genes that was strongly overlapping. While 1,25(OH)2D3 potentiated the expression of osteocyte-specific genes similar to that seen with PTH, the overlap between the two hormones was more limited. Additional experiments identified the PKA-activated phospho-CREB (pCREB) cistrome, revealing that while many of the differentiation-related PTH regulated genes were apparent targets of a PKA-mediated signaling pathway, a reduction in pCREB binding at sites associated with osteocyte-specific PTH targets appeared to involve alternative PTH activation pathways. That pCREB binding activities positioned near important hormone-regulated gene cohorts were localized to control regions of genes was reinforced by the presence of epigenetic enhancer signatures exemplified by unique modifications at histones H3 and H4. These studies suggest that both PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3 may play important and perhaps cooperative roles in limiting osteocyte differentiation from its precursors while simultaneously exerting distinct roles in regulating mature osteocyte function. Our results provide new insight into transcription factor-associated mechanisms through which PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3 regulate a plethora of genes important to the osteoblast/osteocyte lineage.
An improved apparatus and analysis for surface rheological measurements

Abstract An improved surface rheological technique, based on the viscous-traction concept, is described. In the proposed geometry, an annular canal is formed by two concentric cylinders. A moving floor supplied the motive force for flow without a pressure gradient, and provisions are made for maintaining an almost perfectly flat gas/liquid interface. Equations are derived for the flow of two immiscible fluids separated by an interface that may possess the properties of Newtonian surface viscosity or rigidity. Measurements with different solvents were used to verify the basic hydrodynamical assumptions, and very close agreement (98.7% ± 0.4%) was obtained between the measured and calculated surface flow of uncontaminated liquids. The residual error of approximately 1% has been accounted for by the small gap between the canal walls and the floor. These results justify the technique of making surface rheological measurements of a solution relative to the pure solvent; however due consideration must be given to the basic assumptions of the analysis in order to avoid anomalous results.
Tunneling density of states in cuprate and bismuthate superconductors

Abstract SIN and SIS tunnel junction characteristics in the energy gap region are reported for several superconducting oxides including Ba 1±x K x BiO 3 (BKBO), Nd 2±x Ce x CuO 4 (NCCO). and the 2212 and 2201 phases of the BiSrCaCuO (BSCCO) system. A pattern has emerged which suggests that the tunneling density of states of cuprates has a broadened BCS shape, but with distinctive features which cannot be explained by the addition of an imaginary term, Γ, to the BCS quasiparticle energy. A particular feature is a dip in the density of states at E>Δ which, in the case of 2212 BSCCO, agrees with the dip found in photoemission data. While such features may be suggestive of a novel pairing state, we also observe structures in the high bias data of NCCO which have the characteristics of conventional phonon effects. The measured α 2 F(ω) displays peaks and valleys which are in good agreement with F(ω) from neutron scattering.
Overflow Networks: Approximations and Implications to Call Center Outsourcing

Motivated by call center cosourcing problems, we consider a service network operated under an overflow mechanism. Calls are first routed to an in-house (or dedicated) service station that has a finite waiting room. If the waiting room is full, the call is overflowed to an outside provider (an overflow station) that might also be serving overflows from other stations. We establish approximations for overflow networks with many servers under a resource-pooling assumption that stipulates, in our context, that the fraction of overflowed calls is nonnegligible. Our two main results are (i) an approximation for the overflow processes via limit theorems and (ii) asymptotic independence between each of the in-house stations and the overflow station. In particular, we show that, as the system becomes large, the dependency between each in-house station and the overflow station becomes negligible. Independence between stations in overflow networks is assumed in the literature on call centers, and we provide a rigorous support for those useful heuristics.
Hertzian dipole radiating over a lossy earth or sea: some early and late 20th-century controversies

This paper presents a contemporary solution to the problem of radiation from a vertical Hertzian dipole over a lossy earth. Sommerfeld's 1909 solution to the problem is re-examined. It is demonstrated that a change in sign in the square root of the numerical distance is mathematically not allowed. Thus, the sign error that has been claimed in the technical literature for more than 65 years is a myth. Recent work by King and Sandier is also examined. It is found that due to an incorrect asymptotic expansion of the complementary error function for the problem of a lossy earth or sea covered with a thin dielectric layer, a trapped surface wave was missed in their solution.
Continuous removal of radioactive cobalt from water

More than 99% of radioactive cobalt can be removed from water by precipitation as cobalt/III/ hydroxide. The process is continuous and uses either sodium hypochlorite or oxygen and calcium sulfite to oxidize the cobalt. Carbonate and phosphate interfere with cobalt removal, but the process has potential for other applications such as thallium removal and sewage treatment.
Intralesional infusion of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) for the treatment of patients with malignant brain tumor.

Twenty patients with supratentorial, intracerebral lesions defined by computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging were treated by surgery and adoptive immunotherapy with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and recombinant Interleukin-2 (rIL-2, Cetus). Seventeen patients had glioblast
Precedent Autonomy and Subsequent Consent

Honoring a living will typically involves treating an incompetent patient in accord with preferences she once had, but whose objects she can no longer understand. How do we respect her “precedent autonomy” by giving her what she used to want? There is a similar problem with “subsequent consent”: How can we justify interfering with someone's autonomy on the grounds that she will later consent to the interference, if she refuses now? Both problems arise on the assumption that, to respect someone's autonomy, any preferences we respect must be among that person's current preferences. I argue that this is not always true. Just as we can celebrate an event long after it happens, so can we respect someone's wishes long before or after she has that wish. In the contexts of precedent autonomy and subsequent consent, the wishes are often preferences about which of two other, conflicting preferences to satisfy. When someone has two conflicting preferences, and a third preference on how to resolve that conflict, to respect his autonomy we must respect that third preference. People with declining competence may have a resolution preference earlier, favoring the earlier conflicting preference (precedent autonomy), whereas those with rising competence may have it later, favoring the later conflicting preference (subsequent consent). To respect autonomy in such cases we must respect not a current, but a former or later preference.
The threshold for random k-SAT is 2k (ln 2 - O(k))

Let Fk(n,m) be a random k-SAT formula on n variables formed by selecting uniformly and independently m out of all possible k-clauses. It is well-known that for r ≥ 2k ln 2, Fk(n,rn) is unsatisfiable with probability 1-o(1). We prove that there exists a sequence tk = O(k) such that for r ≥ 2k ln 2 - tk, Fk(n,rn) is satisfiable with probability 1-o(1).Our technique yields an explicit lower bound for every k which for k > 3 improves upon all previously known bounds. For example, when k=10 our lower bound is 704.94 while the upper bound is 708.94.
Mars Rover Sample Return Orbiter design concepts

The observational orbiter of the Mars Rover Sample Return mission will observe the (10x10 km) landing sites and provide data that will be used in the decision to commit the landing vehicles to a landing at a chosen site. To provide observational data from orbit at a surface resolution consistent with the hazard tolerance of the landing vehicles, the orbiter imaging subsystem must be capable of 0.25 meters resolution per picture element (pixel). The design of the imaging, pointing, and data subsystems capable of providing this capability has been completed in this study. The rationale for these requirements and the more detailed derived requirements affecting the spacecraft design are discussed.
Determination of nitrate and nitrite by high-pressure liquid chromatography: comparison with other methods for nitrate determination.

Abstract A fast, simple, and very sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of nitrate and nitrite was developed by coupling the high ultraviolet absorbance of these compounds with their separation from one another and from components of media and cell extracts by high-pressure anion-exchange liquid chromatography. This method permits rapid determination of as little as 50 pmol of nitrate and 200 pmol of nitrite in volumes from 5 to 500 μl. The effects of alterations in the flow rate, pH, and ionic strength of the mobile phase, changes in the injection volume, and use of guard columns were investigated, and use of the method for determining some organic compounds was examined. The method was compared with other methods for nitrate determination.
A sex recognition glycoprotein is encoded by the plus mating-type gene fus1 of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Abstract Sexual fusion between plus and minus gametes of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii entails adhesion between plus-specific and minus-specific "fringe" proteins displayed on the plasma membrane of gametic mating structures. We report the identification of the gene (fus1) encoding the plus fringe glycoprotein, which resides in a unique domain of the mating-type plus (mt+) locus, and which was identified by transposon insertions in three fusion-defective mutant strains. Transformation with fus1+ restores fringe and fusion competence to these mutants and to the pseudo-plus mutant imp11 mt-, defective in minus differentiation. The fus1 gene is remarkable in lacking the codon bias found in all other nuclear genes of C. reinhardtii.
Body image in patients with body dysmorphic disorder: evaluations of and investment in appearance, health/illness, and fitness

Body image is an important aspect of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) which has received little investigation. Ninety-two BDD participants who participated in one of three BDD pharmacotherapy studies completed the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, which assesses attitudinal body image, specifically evaluations of and investment in appearance, health/illness, and physical fitness. Scores were compared to population norms. Compared to norms, BDD participants were significantly less satisfied with their appearance. Less satisfaction was associated with more severe BDD and greater delusionality. Men with BDD were significantly more invested in their appearance compared to male population norms. Compared to population norms, males and females with BDD felt less physically healthy and females were less invested in a healthy lifestyle. However, compared with population females, females with BDD were less alert to being ill. These findings suggest that patients with BDD differ from population norms in a number of important aspects of body image.
UV-Shifted Durable Silver Coating for Astronomical Mirrors

Silver has the highest reflectance of all of the metals, but it tarnishes in the presence of sulfides, chlorides, and oxides in the atmosphere. Also, the silver reflectance is very low at wavelengths below 400 nm making aluminum more desirable mirror coating for the UV region. They have found a way to prevent silver tarnishing by sandwiching the silver layer between two thin layers of NiCrN{sub x}, and to extend the metal's high reflectance down to 200 nm by depositing the (thin) Ag layer on top of Al. Thus, the uv is transmitted through the thin Ag layer below 400 nm wavelength, and is reflected from the Al layer underneath. This UV-shifted durable coating provides a valuable alternative to the aluminum coating for telescope mirror coatings where high throughput and durability are important considerations. The throughput for a telescope with, say, six reflections from silver coatings is (0.97){sup 6} = 83% compared to (0.92){sup 6} = 60% for aluminum coatings, or 28% less. The use of silver coatings allows more photons to be collected by primary mirror. Aluminum also has a reflectance dip at 850 nm caused by inter-band transitions which is eliminated by placing the thin Ag layer on top. This paper describes a non-tarnishing silver coating having high reflectance down into the UV region. The average specular reflectance is 70%-97% in the near-UV, 95%-99% in the visible region, and {ge} 99% in the infrared region covering the total wavelength range 200 nm to 10,000 nm. Figure 1 compares the reflectance of the UVHR-LLNL silver coating to bare silver and aluminum over-coated with magnesium fluoride over the wavelength range 300 nm to 2000 nm.
Unidirectional and bidirectional intimate partner violence among White, Black, and Hispanic couples in the United States.

This article describes the rates and risk factors of unidirectional and bidirectional intimate partner violence (IPV) among White, Black and Hispanic couples in the US. Subjects constitute a multistage area probability sample representative of married and cohabiting couples from the 48 contiguous United States. Results indicate that most couples reporting violence engage in bidirectional IPV. Blacks are more likely than Whites to report bidirectional IPV. In addition, severe unidirectional and bidirectional IPV are more common among Blacks and Hispanics. The results also indicate that predictors of IPV vary depending on whether it is unidirectional or bidirectional. Unidirectional female-to-male IPV and bidirectional IPV are more associated with the characteristics of the female. In contrast, the occurrence of unidirectional male-to-female IPV is associated with a single risk factor, male childhood physical abuse. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing different types of IPV and have important epidemiological and prevention implications. Language: en
Giant magnetic fluctuations at the critical endpoint in insulating HoMnO3.

Although abundant research has focused recently on the quantum criticality of itinerant magnets, critical phenomena of insulating magnets in the vicinity of critical endpoints (CEP's) have rarely been revealed. Here we observe an emergent CEP at 2.05 T and 2.2 K with a suppressed thermal conductivity and concomitant strong critical fluctuations evident via a divergent magnetic susceptibility (e.g., ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}(2.05\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T},2.2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K})/{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}(3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T},2.2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K})\ensuremath{\approx}23,500%$, comparable to the critical opalescence in water) in the hexagonal insulating antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{HoMnO}}_{3}$.
Relative negations in non-commutative fuzzy structures

In this paper we investigate the properties of the relative negations in non-commutative residuated lattices and their applications. We define the notion of a relative involutive FL-algebra and we generalize to relative negations some results proved for involutive pseudo-BCK algebras. The relative locally finite IFL-algebra is defined and it is proved that an interval algebra of a relative locally finite divisible IFL-algebra is relative involutive. Starting from the observation that in the definition of states, the standard MV-algebra structure of [0, 1] intervenes, there were introduced the states on bounded pseudo-BCK algebras, pseudo-hoops and residuated lattices with values in the same kind of structures and they were studied under the name of generalized states. For the case of commutative residuated lattices the generalized states were studied in the sense of relative negation. We define and study the relative generalized states on non-commutative residuated lattices. One of the main results consists of proving that every order-preserving generalized Bosbach state is a relative generalized Riea?an state. Some conditions are given for a relative generalized Riea?an state to be a generalized Bosbach state. Finally, we develop a concept of states on IFL-algebras.
Data needed for improving the health of minorities

Identified needs for minority health data, obstacles in obtaining the data, and potential solutions are reviewed. Vital statistics for whites and blacks have been available by states for many years. Recent revisions provide data on Hispanics, and new resolutions will provide data on Asian and Pacific Islander subgroups. But limitations persist in providing accurate statistics for minority subgroups. A major obstacle is the inadequacy of census denominator estimates, due to differential undercounts, paucity of postcensal estimates for states and localities, and the validity of the race and ethnicity data. Important issues revolve around quality, comparability, and intraperson variability of self-identification in determining race and ethnicity, versus external assessment. National survey data have oversampled for black and Hispanic minorities, but not others. The Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990 provides some solutions, including an extramural grants program to strengthen minority statistics, which the National Center for Health Statistics has implemented to improve minority health assessment at all levels.
Direct intercalation of alkali metal ions in FeOCl

Abstract The direct intercalation of Li + , Na + , K + and their crown ether complexes has been observed when FeOCl reacts with the respective methoxide salts of these ions. The lattice parameters of the compounds formed are reported. The intercalation process is interpreted in terms of oxidation of the methoxide ion accompanied by a partial reduction of the Fe(III) in the FeOCl, with the intercalation of the alkali metal ion in the lattice for charge compensaion.
Maximizing parallelism and minimizing synchronization with affine transforms

This paper presents the first algorithm to find the optimal affine transform that maximizes the degree of parallelism while minimizing the degree of synchronization in a program with arbitrary loop nestings and affine data accesses. The problem is formulated without the use of imprecise data dependence abstractions such as data dependence vectors. The algorithm presented subsumes previously proposed program transformation algorithms that are based on unimodular transformations, loop fusion, fission, scaling, reindexing and/or statement reordering.
Three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of mesospheric airglow structures using two-station ground-based image measurements

A new methodology is presented to create two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tomographic reconstructions of mesospheric airglow layer structure using two-station all-sky image measurements. A fanning technique is presented that produces a series of cross-sectional 2D reconstructions, which are combined to create a 3D mapping of the airglow volume. The imaging configuration is discussed and the inherent challenges of using limited-angle data in tomographic reconstructions have been analyzed using artificially generated imaging objects. An iterative reconstruction method, the partially constrained algebraic reconstruction technique (PCART), was used in conjunction with a priori information of the airglow emission profile to constrain the height of the imaged region, thereby reducing the indeterminacy of the inverse problem. Synthetic projection data were acquired from the imaging objects and the forward problem to validate the tomographic method and to demonstrate the ability of this technique to accurately reconstruct information using only two ground-based sites. Reconstructions of the OH airglow layer were created using data recorded by all-sky CCD cameras located at Bear Lake Observatory, Utah, and at Star Valley, Wyoming, with an optimal site separation of ∼100 km. The ability to extend powerful 2D and 3D tomographic methods to two-station ground-based measurements offers obvious practical advantages for new measurement programs. The importance and applications of mesospheric tomographic reconstructions in airglow studies, as well as the need for future measurements and continued development of techniques of this type, are discussed.
LEARNING ABOUT GRIEF FROM NORMAL FAMILIES: SIDS, STILLBIRTH, AND MISCARRIAGE*

Family therapists can learn a great deal that would be of utility to them in their clinical work from normal families grieving over the death of an infant. When a baby dies, families begin a long and difficult journey, a search for security and meaning in a world that for them has gone insane. The researcher discusses 10 probing, extremely difficult questions family members commonly pose in the aftermath of an infant death and offers guidelines that could be helpful to family therapists hoping to be of service to families in the process of healing and growing through this tragedy.
Models of psychological inequity

Abstract The predictive utility of three mathematical models of psychological inequity was competitively tested with survey data obtained from a sample of employed graduate students. Index values of inequity, which were generated from the three models, were examined for curvilinear association with affective outcomes. In terms of satisfying the criterion of displaying an invertedU association (such that overcompensation and undercompensation were associated with greater negative affect relative to equitable compensation), a power-function weighting scheme was identified as a modestly successful algebraic representation of psychological inequity. The study represents the first attempt at explicitly examining mathematical models of individual psychological inequity.
Reaction landscape of a pentadentate N5-ligated MnII complex with O2˙− and H2O2 includes conversion of a peroxomanganese(III) adduct to a bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(III,IV) species

Herein we describe the chemical reactivity of the mononuclear [MnII(N4py)(OTf)](OTf) (1) complex with hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. Treatment of 1 with one equivalent superoxide at −40 °C in MeCN formed the peroxomanganese(III) adduct, [MnIII(O2)(N4py)]+ (2) in ∼30% yield. Complex 2 decayed over time and the formation of the bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(III,IV) complex, [MnIIIMnIV(μ-O)2(N4py)2]3+ (3) was observed. When 2 was formed in higher yields (∼60%) using excess superoxide, the [MnIII(O2)(N4py)]+ species thermally decayed to MnII species and 3 was formed in no greater than 10% yield. Treatment of [MnIII(O2)(N4py)]+ with 1 resulted in the formation of 3 in ∼90% yield, relative to the concentration of [MnIII(O2)(N4py)]+. This reaction mimics the observed chemistry of Mn-ribonucleotide reductase, as it features the conversion of two MnII species to an oxo-bridged MnIIIMnIV compound using O2− as oxidant. Complex 3 was independently prepared through treatment of 1 with H2O2 and base at −40 °C. The geometric and electronic structures of 3 were probed using electronic absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), variable-temperature, variable-field MCD (VTVH-MCD), and X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. Complex 3 was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed the N4py ligand bound in an unusual tetradentate fashion.
Fluorescence intensity measurements with display screen as excitation source

Several new techniques are emerging to use digital display devices as new type of light source for analytical purpose. We demonstrate the use of a liquid crystal display (LCD) computer screen as excitation light source for determining gaseous oxygen contents over a relatively large area. Meso-scale device platforms are prepared with glass plates incorporating fluidic channels and commercial oxygen sensor patches. Fluorophores are excited by blue wavelength range from the LCD computer screen. The sensor signals exhibit a good linear relationship with respect to the oxygen content. The display devices, with a capability of uniform illumination over a large area for variable wavelengths, have a great potential as light source for high-throughput, multiple-analyte, quantitative chemical analysis.
Import Quotas in the United States

Introduction, 37.— Establishment of import quotas in the United States, 39.— Administrative provisions, 44.— Size of quotas, 47.— Effects of import quotas, 51: (1) Quotas which were not filled, 52; (2) Tariff quotas which were filled, 54; (3) Absolute quotas which were filled, 54.— Conclusions, 62.
Introduction to computer use: Curriculum development

In this paper, we report on philosophical and practical elements that have been collected or developed, and on their influence on a project: a minicurriculum and supporting materials aimed at providing a rapid and effective introduction to computers. A videotape now under development may be the key to this heretofore difficult task.
ET-Kyoto Ductal Injection and Density-Adjusted Purification Combined With Potent Anti-Inflammatory Strategy Facilitated Single-Donor Islet Transplantation: Case Reports

Abstract Background The necessity to use multiple donors for achieving insulin independence in clinical islet transplantation is still a major issue. We have developed a modified islet isolation method for non–heart-beating donors (Kyoto method) to significantly increase islet yield. In this study, we further modified the method for brain-dead donors and in addition, introduced a potent anti-inflammatory strategy aiming for single-donor islet transplantation. Materials and methods Two islet isolations used pancreatic ductal preservation with the modified Kyoto solution and a density-adjusted purification method. Anti-interleukin-1-beta antibody (Anakinra) and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Eternacept) were administered during and after transplantation. The efficacy of the islet transplantation was assessed by the insulin requirement and SUITO (Secretory Unit of Islet Transplant Objects) index, wherein a value of more than 26.0 seems to be associated with insulin independence. Results Both isolated islet preparations met the criteria for transplantation. They were transplanted into two type 1 diabetic patients, both of whom became insulin independent with stable glycemic control. The average SUITO index within 1 month was 29.2 and 45.3. Conclusion The islet isolation method combined with a potent anti-inflammation strategy made it possible to achieve single-donor islet transplantation achieving a high SUITO index.
Further Validation of the Ethical Reasoning Inventory

To assess its utility with high school subjects and further assess its construct validity, the Ethical Reasoning Inventory was administered to two student samples. 78 high school boys received both the Ethical Reasoning Inventory and the Kohlberg Moral Judgment Interview while 31 male and 38 female college students were given the inventory along with the Short-form Dogmatism Scale. The results indicate that the Ethical Reasoning Inventory does possess construct validity, is able to discriminate high school from college groups, and can be used with subjects at least as young as 14 yr. old.
New Reduced Model approach for Power System State Estimation Using Artificial Neural Networks and Principal Component Analysis

In this paper a new technique using artificial neural networks and principal component analysis for power system state estimation is presented. This method is applicable to both conventional and renewable energy systems. It does not require network observability analysis and uses fewer measurement variables than conventional techniques. This approach has been successfully implemented on an IEEE 14-bus power system and the results show that this method is very accurate and is ideal for smart grid applications.
Electronic Energy and Short-Range Order in Binary Alloys

An electronic theory for the total energy of binary alloys is presented. It treats the entire range of concentration and short-range order. The method in not ab initio, but requires only information about the pure elemental constituents of the alloy. Results for two very different metal series, monovalent metals and 4-d transition metals, are calculated and compared to experiment and other models. The model calculation allows us to examine the physical basis for experimental trends.
Biological control of Pacific mites and Willamette mites in San Joaquin Valley vineyards: part III. Role of tydeid mites

In the absence of spider mites, tydeids (Pronematus anconaiBaker andPronematus ubiquitus [Mc Gregor]) may serve as alternate prey to maintain good numbers of the predatory mite,Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acarina, Phytoseiidae), late in the season. This late-season predator and alternate prey relationship is necessary to stabilize Pacific mite populations and perpetuate balance in San Joaquin Valley vineyards.
Diagnostic standards for acute pancreatitis

An accurate history and thorough physical examination will often raise clinical suspicion of acute pancreatitis in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with acute abdominal pain. An accurate diagnosis is needed to eliminate etiologies of acute abdominal pain and to appropriately direct therapy. Confirmation of the diagnosis is most often made by evaluation of serum amylase and lipase levels. Although hyperamylasemia is found in the majority of patients with acute pancreatitis, other nonpancreatic acute abdominal conditions may be present with hyperamylasemia. CT scanning provides an accurate confirmation of clinical and laboratory findings and offers excellent anatomic and morphologic representation of the pancreas and peripancreatic tissue. The following article, written by the late John H.C. Ranson, presents a discussion of the modalities available for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.
In vivo and in vitro degradation of juvenile hormone-III in presumptive long-winged and short-winged Gryllus rubens

Abstract Degradation of exogenous juvenile hormone-III was compared between long-winged and short-winged morphs of the cricket Gryllus rubens during the last stadium. This was done to determine if morph-specific differences in haemolymph juvenile hormone esterase activity, which are thought to be important in morph determination, result in corresponding differences in in vivo hormone degradation. Percentage degradation of racemic or (10-R)-juvenile hormone-III was significantly higher in plasma from the long-winged vs the short-winged morph during the mid-stadium while no differences between the morphs were observed early in the stadium. These results paralleled morph-specific differences in plasma juvenile hormone esterase activity. Similar patterns were obtained in vivo, except for early-stadium, short-winged crickets where hormone degradation was much higher than expected based on haemolymph juvenile hormone esterase activity. When esterase activity in long-winged individuals was inhibited in vivo by a trifluoropropanone derivative, there was a corresponding decrease in in vivo hormone degradation. No morph-specific differences were observed in degree of hormone binding by haemolymph components during either the early or mid-stadium, indicating that variation in hormone binders cannot account for differences between morphs in degree of hormone degradation. Importantly, differences between morphs in hormone degradation were much less than differences in haemolymph juvenile hormone esterase activity. These results collectively document morph-specific covariation in haemolymph juvenile hormone esterase activity and in vivo hormone degradation. However, because differences between morphs in hormone degradation are not large, their functional significance with respect to morph determination remains uncertain.
A cooperative game theoretic solution for lifetime maximization of WSNs in sequential estimation

In this paper, the problem of sequential estimation and lifetime maximization of a wireless sensor network (WSN) is formulated in a cooperative game theoretic framework. This framework allows addressing problems of fair resource allocation for sequential estimation at the Fusion center (FC) of a wireless sensor network as a solution of a cooperative game. We propose a simple game theoretic solution to power allocation problem for sensor nodes such that the obtained solution leads to increased lifetime of the WSN. Simulation results show that the proposed solution achieves target estimation quality at the FC, and at the same time lifetime of the overall sensor network is increased.
Storm-Water Bioretention for Runoff Quality and Quantity Mitigation

In response to water quality and quantity issues within the Stroubles Creek watershed in Blacksburg, Virginia, a retrofit bioretention cell (BRC) was installed to collect and treat runoff from an existing parking lot. The BRC was completed in July 2007, and 28 precipitation events were monitored between October 2007 and June 2008. For each storm, inflow and outflow flow-weighted composite samples were collected and analyzed for suspended sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The inflow and outflow concentrations and loads, as well as total inflow and outflow volumes and peak flow rates, were analyzed to evaluate BRC efficiency. Overall, the BRC successfully reduced flow volumes and peak flow rates leaving the parking lot by 97 and 99%, respectively. Cumulative mass reductions for sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus all exceeded 99% by mass. The findings of this study have significant implications for areas with karst geology: (1) current design recommendations of lining the bottom of ...
Phase behavior of diisobutyl adipate–carbon dioxide mixtures

Abstract Phase equilibrium data are reported for diisobutyl adipate (DiBA) in CO2 at temperatures from 25 to 150 °C. This system exhibits a continuous mixture-critical curve with a maximum near 200 °C and 260 bar. The phase behavior of the DiBA–CO2 system is well characterized and modeled with the Peng–Robinson equation of state using a single, fixed binary interaction parameter, kij. The DiBA–CO2 data are compared to other solute–CO2 systems with structures similar to DiBA to demonstrate the impact of the diester end groups in DiBA, which enhance DiBA solubility in CO2 at low temperatures, relative to a single (ethyl laurate) or no ester end groups (tetradecane), and a single acid end group (tetradecanoic acid). DiBA–CO2 data are also compared to data for two compounds each with diester groups but one containing an interior aromatic group (dibutyl phthalate) and the other containing the same number of interior carbon groups but with two less carbon groups at either end of the chain (divinyl adipate).
Property, politics and wildlife conservation

Abstract Wildlife conservation has been a public issue since time immemorial, and a cause of increasing concern over the course of the 20th century. Today, much of the dispute over wildlife conservation involves property and property rights. As the scope of wildlife resource governance expands to the global level, it has come into contact with conflicting property claims and has generated new claims involving maritime and landed resources, wildlife, and intellectual property. This paper focuses on wildlife conservation, and specifically on the angle of property rights, arguing that the political determination of property regimes is critical to conservation, especially in regard to wild fauna. Property rights concerning wild fauna, differ from other property rights claims, including landed property, intellectual property, and rights governing the use of wild flora. It is also argued that no single property form is adequate for wildlife conservation. Property as an institution is incomplete; the exceptional character of wild fauna and the property rights that govern it are organic.
Structural basis for dimerization of the BNIP3 transmembrane domain.

Mutagenesis data suggest that BNIP3 transmembrane domain dimerization depends critically on hydrogen bonding between His 173 and Ser 172, but a recent structural analysis indicates that these residues adopt multiple conformations and are not always hydrogen bonded. We show that in dodecylphosphocholine micelles the structure of the BNIP3 transmembrane domain is modulated by phospholipids and that appropriate reconstitution and lipid titration yield a single set of peptide resonances. NMR structure determination reveals a symmetric dimer in which all interfacial residues, including His 173 and Ser 172, are well-defined. Small residues Ala 176, Gly 180, and Gly 184 allow close approach of essentially ideal helices in a geometry that supports intermonomer hydrogen bond formation between the side chains of His 173 and Ser 172. Bulky residues Ile 177 and Ile 181 pack against small residues of the opposite monomer, and favorable polar backbone−backbone contacts at the interface likely include noncanonical Cα−H·...
Structural characterization of interfacial n-octanol and 3-octanol using molecular dynamic simulations.

Structurally isomeric octanol interfacial systems, water/vapor, 3-octanol/vapor, n-octanol/vapor, 3-octanol/water, and n-octanol/water are investigated at 298 K using molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The present study is intended to investigate strongly associated liquid/liquid interfaces and probe the atomistic structure of these interfaces. The octanol and water molecules were initially placed randomly into a box and were equilibrated using constant pressure techniques to minimize bias within the initial conditions as well as to fully sample the structural conformations of the interface. An interface formed via phase separation during equilibration and resulted in a slab geometry with a molecularly sharp interface. However, some water molecules remained within the octanol phase with a mole fraction of 0.12 after equilibration. The resulting “wet” octanol interfaces were analyzed using density profiles and orientational order parameters. Our results support the hypothesis of an ordered interface...
A fine-sieve processing container for use in critical point drying.

SUMMARY A container to hold specimens during dehydration and critical point drying can be constructed from a 100 mesh screen cylinder and a BEEM embedding capsule.
Efficacy and Safety of Dual Calcium Channel Blockade for the Treatment of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Dual calcium-channel blocker (CCB) with a dihydropyridine (DHP) and a nondihydropyridine (NDHP) has been proposed for hypertension treatment. However, the safety and efficacy of this approach is not well known. METHODS A MEDLINE/EMBASE/CENTRAL search for randomized clinical trials published on this topic from 1966 to February 2012 was performed. Efficacy outcomes of decrease in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures from baseline, changes in heart rate (HR), and adverse effects were compared between dual CCB therapy vs. DHP or NDHP. SBP, DBP, and HR were expressed as weighted mean deviation (WMD). RESULTS A total of 6 studies with 153 patients were included. Dual CCB produced a significantly greater reduction in SBP (21.6±9.2 mmHg) from baseline than DHP (10.3±6.3 mmHg (WMD = 10.9 mmHg, P < 0.0001)) or NDHP (8.9±4.2 mmHg (WMD = 14.1 mmHg, P = 0.002)). Dual CCB therapy reduced DBP from baseline more than either monotherapy (dual CCB = 17.5±10.2 mmHg vs. DHP = 11.6±8.7 mmHg, WMD = 5.5 mmHg, P < 0.001; and NDHP = 10.5±5.6 mmHg, WMD = 5.3 mmHg, P = 0.03). Dual CCB therapy had significantly lower HR compared to DHP (P < 0.001) but was comparable to NDHP (P = 0.12) (Delta change dual CCB = -4.0±3.5 vs. DHP = -2.0±1.5 and NDHP = -6.0±5.0 beats/min). Dual CCB therapy did not increase adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Dual CCB therapy lowers blood pressure significantly better than CCB monotherapy, without an increase in adverse events. However, given the lack of long-term outcome data on efficacy and safety, dual CCB therapy should be used with restraint, if at all. Large-scale long-term trials are needed to further evaluate such a strategy.