cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online Social Support Experiences of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This exploratory study examines how mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make sense of their experiences of looking for and subsequently finding (or not finding) online emotional and informational support. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we analyzed semi-structured interviews with 14 mothers of children with ASD. The analysis yielded two main themes, (a) seeking is an ongoing part of my life, and (b) I need to be connected and to be understood. Our findings suggest that the Internet and associated online activities serve as important sources of both emotional and informational support. These findings can be used to inform future research in addition to suggesting ways for clinicians and healthcare professionals to improve online support services and resources for parents of children with ASD.
TRANSPLACENTAL CARDIOVERSION OF INTRAUTERINE SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA WITH DIGITALIS

Abstract Intrauterine congestive heart-failure caused by a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia was diagnosed in a fetus at 29-30 weeks' gestation. Major congenital malformations were excluded by sonography, amniocentesis, and fetal abdominal paracentesis, and those ofthe heart by intrauterine fetal echocardiography. The mother was given digoxin and the fetal tachycardia converted to sinus rhythm.
Effect of cholinergic agents on human spermatozoa motility.

The effect of various cholinergic agents on human spermatozoa motility was studied. Both direct-acting (e.g., acetylcholine, pilocarpine) and indirect-acting (e.g., physostigmine) cholinergic agonists stimulated human spermatozoa motility. All the cholinergic antagonists (e.g., atropine, hyoscine, hexamethonium, d-tubocurarine, and succinylcholine) inhibited the spermatozoa motility. At 1 X 10(-4) M, muscarinic antagonists, atropine and hyoscine, did not influence motility, whereas nicotinic antagonists, hexamethonium, d-tubocurarine and succinylcholine, depressed motility. These observations suggest that a nicotinic-type receptor is present in spermatozoa. However, these studies did not exclude the possibility of the presence of a muscarinic receptor in spermatozoa.
Robustness and stability properties of first order multi-dimensional (M-D) discrete processes

In this article, special properties of m-D first order discrete recursive processes are discussed. The results are interpreted in view of the well-known results of 1-D processes and their significance within the general theory of m-D systems is highlighted. In particular it is demonstrated that first order m-D processes share the same properties as 1-D first order processes in many aspects. This includes robustness against nonlinear effects and shift-varying conditions as well as stability under zero and non-zero input conditions, the effect of spectral transformations and the dynamic behavior in the space- (time-) domain. It is shown that the results in the 1-D theory follow from the developed m-D theory by formally settingm=1. This pertains to the closed form representation of the impulse response, the robustness properties and the stability conditions.
Glycoprotein biosynthesis: IV. Activities of enzymes involved in glucosamine metabolism in the bovine thyroid gland

1. 1. The activities of seven enzymes involved in glucosamine metabolism were studied in the soluble fraction prepared from homogenated of bovine thyroid cells liberated from follicles by a continous-flow trypsinization procedure. 2. 2. The specific activities (nmoles of product formed per mg protein per 30 min) of the soluble enzymes from the isolated thyroid cells are similar to those of corresponding enzymes obtained from intact liver. No measurable activities were shown when trial expirements were performed on three of the corresponding enzymes obtained from the soluble fraction of whole thyroid homogenates. The indicated the usefulness of the isolated cell preparation for study of metabolism in the thyroid gland. 3. 3. Of the seven enzymes assayed in the soluble preparation, only three (glucosamine kinase, glucosamine-P isomerase and glucosamine phosphomutase) are found associated with the particulate fractions. 4. 4. Moreover, a particle-bond phosphatase was detected which is 2–3 time more active when glucosamine-6-P rather than glucose-6-P is used as substrate. 5. 5. l-Glutamine:d-fructose-6-P amidotransferase which catalyzes the de novo synthesis of glucosamine-6-P was isolated from bovine thyroid glands. Kinetic studies show that it has a Km of 2.6·10−4 M for fructose-6-P. The enzyme exhibits feedback inhibition by UDPGNAc, with a Ki of 9.5·10−6 M.
Solute extraction via supercritical ethane from poly(ethylene glycol): A Monte Carlo simulation study

Abstract The use of supercritical ethane in place of supercritical carbon dioxide for separations could allow lower operating pressures while achieving comparable or improved efficiency. To explore the viability of this alternative, the partitioning of ethylbenzene was studied between supercritical ethane and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) at 308.15, 328.15 and 348.15 K and 6.6, 10, 15.5 and 20 MPa with PEG-400, 600 and 900 via Monte Carlo molecular simulation. The effect of 5% n-octane as cosolvent with ethane was also studied. Results indicate that the relative solubility can be controlled with supercritical fluid density while overall solubility depends on PEG molecular weight. Preferential solvation of ethylbenzene by ethane was found to be prominent in the PEG phase and low density supercritical phases. In comparing to previous results using carbon dioxide for extraction, ethane is predicted to be comparable while requiring lower pressures.
AN EFFICIENT (ONE-POT) SYNTHESIS OF A NEW CLASS OF CYCLOPHANES

Abstract A new method for the synthesis of maleate(and phthalate)-bridged cyclophanes is described. For example, cyclophanes 4 (or 5 ) were obtained in 37–55 % yields by treating maleic (or phthalic) anhydride with various benzene dimethanols and reacting the resulting bis-carboxylate salts with various α,α′-dibromoxylenes. A cyclophane containing copolymer of 4 with 1,3-propanedithiol was prepared.
The molecular architecture of human Dicer

Dicer is a multidomain enzyme that generates small RNAs for gene silencing in eukaryotes. Current understanding of Dicer structure is restricted to simple forms of the enzyme, whereas that of the large and complex Dicer in metazoans is unknown. Here we describe a new domain localization strategy developed to determine the structure of human Dicer by EM. A rearrangement of the nuclease core, compared to the archetypal Giardia lamblia Dicer, explains how metazoan Dicers generate products that are 21-23 nucleotides in length. The helicase domains form a clamp-like structure adjacent to the RNase III active site, facilitating recognition of pre-miRNA loops or translocation on long dsRNAs. Drosophila melanogaster Dicer-2 shows similar features, revealing that the three-dimensional architecture is conserved. These results illuminate the structural basis for small RNA production in eukaryotes and provide a versatile new tool for determining structures of large molecular machines.
Biotemplating rod-like viruses for the synthesis of copper nanorods and nanowires

Background: In the past decade spherical and rod-like viruses have been used for the design and synthesis of new kind of nanomaterials with unique chemical positioning, shape, and dimensions in the nanosize regime. Wild type and genetic engineered viruses have served as excellent templates and scaffolds for the synthesis of hybrid materials with unique properties imparted by the incorporation of biological and organic moieties and inorganic nanoparticles. Although great advances have been accomplished, still there is a broad interest in developing reaction conditions suitable for biological templates while not limiting the material property of the product. Results: We demonstrate the controlled synthesis of copper nanorods and nanowires by electroless deposition of Cu on three types of Pd-activated rod-like viruses. Our aqueous solution-based method is scalable and versatile for biotemplating, resulting in Cu-nanorods 24–46 nm in diameter as measured by transmission electron microscopy. Cu 2+ was chemically reduced onto Pd activated tobacco mosaic virus, fd and M13 bacteriophages to produce a complete and uniform Cu coverage. The Cu coating was a combination of Cu 0 and Cu2O as determined by X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. A capping agent, synthesized in house, was used to disperse Cu-nanorods in aqueous and organic solvents. Likewise, reactions were developed to produce Cu-nanowires by metallization of polyaniline-coated tobacco mosaic virus. Conclusions: Synthesis conditions described in the current work are scalable and amenable for biological templates. The synthesized structures preserve the dimensions and shape of the rod-like viruses utilized during the study. The current work opens the possibility of generating a variety of nanorods and nanowires of different lengths ranging from 300 nm to micron sizes. Such biological-based materials may find ample use in nanoelectronics, sensing, and cancer therapy.
Predicting Variation in Funding for International Nongovernmental Organizations Following Three External Events

This article analyzes the impact of a number of external events on major funding streams for U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) to inform government and organizational policy relevant to INGO managers. The first years of the twenty-first century saw three events that influenced INGO financing: the 2001 economic downturn, the shift in U.S. foreign policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the 2004 East Asian tsunami. Drawing on data from the National Center for Charitable Statistics, this study provides large dataset analysis of the finances of U.S.-based INGOs during the 2001–05 period. As predicted, the analysis finds that these outside events appeared to affect the different funding streams of INGOs in different ways, with variation seen across type of INGO program and geographic focus. These findings help inform policy for managers, funders, and policymakers in the U.S. international community.
Dual role of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in nectar.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids occur in several plant families, attracting ithomiine and danaine butterflies that specialize on the flowers. I show that pyrrolizidine alkaloids in artificial nectar also inhibit at least one butterfly,Agraulis vanillae (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae), a more general forager. Inhibition was demonstrated in two ways: quantity of nectar consumed and number of artificial flowers visited. The amount of sucrose solution consumed by individual butterflies was measured using a microcapillary tube. Number of flower visits was determined using an array of artificial orange and yellow flowers.A. vanillae drank less sucrose solution with monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, than without. When monocrotaline was placed into yellow flowers,A. vanillae learned to visit predominantly orange flowers. Evolutionarily, pyrrolizidine alkaloids in nectar may represent an adaptation to exclude butterflies. Ithomiines and danaines, seeking these compounds in larval food plants, were not excluded. Alternatively, ithomiines and danaines overcame the nectar defense. In either case, the plant effectively increased floral constancy by inhibiting generalist butterflies and attracting specialists.
Communications - concept and reality

With the introduction of sophisticated techniques such as switching, and encoding, and computer memories, ``communication'' has gone far beyond its original function, the simple transmission of a message, to complex systems requiring many specialists from many disciplines?and so we have produced the ``systems engineer.'' Since education can also be considered a form of communication, it is suggested that it utilize these communications concepts to help solve two of the most difficult problems it faces today: the organization and integration of our ever-increasing, increasingly segmented, store of knowledge.
The contribution of hindgut bacteria to dietary carbohydrate utilization by crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Growth rates of germfree house crickets fluctuated during development more than their conventional counterparts in response to an alternating diet regime. 2. 2. Gut bacteria increased the digestive efficiency of soluble plant polysaccharides for crickets on each diet treatment and further, dampened the effect of diet change on the digestion of that pool of carbohydrates. 3. 3. Comparisons of carbohydrase activity in different gut segments and in germfree and conventional crickets, showed that bacteria in the anterior hindgut supply most of the conventional insect's degradative capabilities against a heterogenous class of soluble plant storage/structural polysaccharides. 4. 4. Gut bacteria in crickets aid the insect's ability to utilize a wider range of dietary carbohydrates by responding to changes in dietary sources with induced production of enzymes and/or changes in population levels.
Adolescent behavior and dopamine availability are uniquely sensitive to dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.

Background Understanding the nature of environmental factors that contribute to behavioral health is critical for successful prevention strategies in individuals at risk for psychiatric disorders. These factors are typically experiential in nature, such as stress and urbanicity, but nutrition—in particular dietary deficiency of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs)—has increasingly been implicated in the symptomatic onset of schizophrenia and mood disorders, which typically occurs during adolescence to early adulthood. Thus, adolescence might be the critical age range for the negative impact of diet as an environmental insult. Methods A rat model involving consecutive generations of n-3 PUFA deficiency was developed on the basis of the assumption that dietary trends toward decreased consumption of these fats began 4–5 decades ago when the parents of current adolescents were born. Behavioral performance in a wide range of tasks as well as markers of dopamine-related neurotransmission was compared in adolescents and adults fed n-3 PUFA adequate and deficient diets. Results In adolescents, dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency across consecutive generations produced a modality-selective and task-dependent impairment in cognitive and motivated behavior distinct from the deficits observed in adults. Although this dietary deficiency affected expression of dopamine-related proteins in both age groups in adolescents but not adults, there was an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase expression that was selective to the dorsal striatum. Conclusions These data support a nutritional contribution to optimal cognitive and affective functioning in adolescents. Furthermore, they suggest that n-3 PUFA deficiency disrupts adolescent behaviors through enhanced dorsal striatal dopamine availability.
An Annotated Key to the Families of Scale Insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea) of America, North of Mexico, Based on Characteristics of the Adult Female

An illustrated key to the 16 families of scale insects of North America, north of Mexico, based on the morphology of the adult ♀, is presented. Each family is characterized, illustrated and discussed. Notes on abundance, distribution, economic importance and host specificity are given.
Three Cycles of Recurrent Selection for Altered Recombination Frequency in Maize

The variability among progeny in a plant breeding population depends on the amount of recombination that occurs in meiosis preceding selection. The recombination arises either from the independent assortment of chromosomes or from crossing over during chromosome synapsis. Crossing over is not a constant value; it differs based on background genotype. This research determined the effectiveness of three cycles of recurrent selection for increased or decreased crossing over in Zea mays L. Testcrosses measured male recombination frequency on three chromosomes: 4, su1-c2; 5, a2-bt1-pr1; and 9, sh1-bz1-wx1. Sixty plants from each of three populations (cycle 0 [C 0 ], cycle 3 high recombination [C 3 HR], and cycle 3 low recombination [C 3 LR]) were evaluated. The mean recombination frequency changes between C 0 and C 3 HR are significant at all chromosome regions (su1-c2, +5%; a2-pr1, +24%; sh1-wx1, +8%). The mean recombination frequency changes between C 0 and C 3 LR are significant at the chromosome 4 (su1-c2,-15%) and 5 (a2-pr1,-27%) linkage groups. The mean recombination frequency did not change significantly from C 0 to C 3 LR at either of the chromosome 9 regions. Compared to the C 0 population, the sum of the genetic distances at these chromosome regions increased 9.5% in the C 3 HR population and decreased 14.9% in the C 3 LR population. Selection for high or low recombination frequency successfully modified recombination frequency.
Generation of a plasmid vector for deletion cloning by rapid multiple site-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract The construction of a new plasmid vector, devoid of all Mbo I (GATC) and Tsp EI (AATT) restriction sites, is described. The lack of these two frequent-cutting restriction sites is a unique feature among plasmids. This new plasmid, pBRkanf1 − , allows selective fragmentation of a cloned insert. As a result, the vector offers an alternative strategy to create overlapping and sequentially deleted subclones. In addition, the construction of the new plasmid required the development of a rapid and accurate multiple site-directed mutagenesis procedure. The mutagenesis method uses a combination of DNA amplification and chain extension by DNA polymerase. By this method, mutations are created progressively from one end of a DNA molecule to the other.
The cascading, interrelated roles of interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and interleukin-6 in murine anti-CD3-driven T cell proliferation.

T cell stimulation occurs following interaction of T cell receptor (TcR) with processed antigen presented by autologous accessory cells (AC). The effects of antigen stimulation on T cells are mimicked by monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) defining proteins of the TcR-CD3 complex. In this study, we examine the roles of T cell density, AC density, divalent and polyvalent forms of anti-CD3 Mab, and the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, and IL-6 in T cell activation and proliferation. Stringently AC-depleted T cells do not proliferate in response to con A or divalent anti-CD3; however, polyvalent anti-CD3 provides a powerful signal for isolated resting T cell proliferation. Recombinant (r)IL-2 strongly amplifies T cell proliferation in response to anti-CD3, whereas rIL-1 exerts no direct effects on anti-CD3-stimulated T cells. In the presence of AC, however, rIL-1 augments T cell proliferation to anti-CD3. Recombinant IL-6 promotes T cell proliferation among T cells stimulated with polyvalent but not divalent anti-CD3. As deduced by Northern blot analysis, rIL-1 increases cytoplasmic levels of IL-6 mRNA in AC. Recombinant IL-6, in turn, amplifies the accumulation of stable IL-2 transcripts in purified T cells stimulated with polyvalent anti-CD3. Hence, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-2 support T cell proliferation through cascading effects at the level of gene transcription. The cytokines evaluated in this study, however, do not fully reconstitute AC functions in promoting anti-CD3 Mab T cell proliferation.
Editorial---Does Good Marketing Cause Bad Unemployment?

Questionable methods for increasing nominal wages reduce real wages i.e., buying power by creating inflation, shortages, lower quality, and long-term unemployment. To increase real wages i.e., the ability to buy more, economic principles prescribe increasing productivity i.e., greater output from less input. In contrast, marketing principles prescribes increasing the value of output i.e., greater customer benefits through innovation. Beyond increasing real wages, innovation spawns new occupations better matching individuals with skills and providing greater nonmonetary benefits i.e., job satisfaction. Unfortunately, threatened entrenched incumbents often solicit protectionist legislation claiming negative externalities e.g., short-term unemployment, lower wages, and burdens on society. Innovation does require labor to move from inferior to superior organizations i.e., unemployment. However, protectionism only delays and dramatically aggravates the inevitable trauma associated with progress, as worker skills, firm practices, and buyer welfare fall further behind. Recent attacks demonizing Wal-Mart e.g., the dubious Vlasic pickle claim epitomize this situation---they are archaic vanilla protectionism, menacing both imperiled consumers and every consumer-driven business.
PENTAZOCINE/TRIPELENNAMINE (T's AND BLUES) ABUSE: A FIVE YEAR SURVEY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI*

From 1977 to 1981, the intravenous use of a pentazocine/tripelennamine combination (T's and Blues) has become a major drug abuse problem in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. There has been a continuous increase in the involvement of these drugs in (a) sudden and violent deaths (62 homicides, 7 fatal intoxications), (b) emergency room visits (137 in 1980), (c) admissions to drug treatment programs (7.7% in 1978 up to 64% in 1981), and (d) police laboratory cases (100 in 1977 - 78 up to 700 in 1981). Initial popularity of the drugs was related to the decline in the quality of street heroin (2.5% in 1977 reduced to 0.5% by 1979) and the lack of strict legal controls. Serious adverse reactions include clonic-tonic seizures and pulmonary foreign body granulomatosis. Ethanol and diazepam were present in 53% and 10% of T's and Blues medical examiner's cases, respectively (n = 70). Addicts are usually black males, 20 - 30 years old, from impoverished areas of the city. The drugs are available to the illicit trade through theft or diversion from legitimate sources.
Clinical follow-up and immunogenetic studies of 32 patients with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

31 patients with L-tryptophan-associated eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that developed during the United States outbreak in 1989 were followed up prospectively at a university hospital outpatient rheumatology clinic for 16 to 24 months from the onset of their illness. Another patient with EMS associated with L-tryptophan in 1988 was followed up for 30 months. 93% of the 28 survivors from the 1989 cohort continue to have symptoms affecting 1-4 organ systems (median 3) and 3 have died, so the disorder produces considerable morbidity and mortality. The chronic sequelae most often associated with long-term disability are sclerodermatous skin thickening (54%), sensorimotor polyneuropathy (61%), proximal myopathy (36%), and severe episodic myalgias (64%). Thrombocytopenia developed in 1 patient. HLA-class II typing revealed a non-significant trend towards an association with HLA-DR4. Early therapy with corticosteroids did not seem to prevent the development of chronic manifestations.
Rayo’s The Construction of Logical Space

AbstractI wonder which one in a series of characters Agustin Rayo really is, with an emphasis on objective correctness and semantics.
Long-distance translocation of photosynthates: a primer

The storage of light energy in chemical form through photosynthesis is the key process underlying life as we know it. To utilize photosynthates efficiently as structural materials or as fuel to drive endergonic processes, they have to be transported from where they are produced to where they are needed. In this primer, we provide an overview of basic biophysical concepts underlying our current understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthate long-distance transport, and briefly discuss current developments in the field.
Electrodynamics of the Martian dynamo region near magnetic cusps and loops

Strong and inhomogeneous remanent magnetization on Mars results in a complex pattern of crustal magnetic fields. The geometry and topology of these fields lead to atmospheric electrodynamic structures that are unique among the bodies of the solar system. In the atmospheric dynamo region (∼100−250 km altitude), ions depart from the gyropath due to collisions with neutral particles, while electron motion remains governed by electromagnetic drift. This differential motion of the charge carriers generates electric currents, which induce a perturbation field. The electromagnetic changes ultimately alter the behavior of the local ionosphere beyond the dynamo region. Here we use multifluid modeling to investigate the dynamics around an isolated magnetic cusp and around magnetic loops or arcades representative of the magnetic topology near, for example, Terra Sirenum. Our results show consistent, circular patterns in the electric current around regions with high local field strength, with possible consequences on atmospheric escape of charged particles.
Diversity Education: Competencies and Strategies for Educators

The purpose of this article is to advocate for a more strategic and integrated approach to diversity education in HRD academic programs. The article provides a baseline by briefly describing divers...
Winter Wheat Responses to Surface and Deep Tillage on the Southeastern Coastal Plain

Conservation tillage practices have seldom been used to produce winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on the U.S. southeastern Coastal Plain, primarily because of inadequate planting equipment and the need for deep tillage. Despite improved equipment, little is known about the effects of surface and deep tillage (ST and DT) systems on winter wheat development and grain yield on the Coastal Plain. Objectives of this 2-yr study were to (i) determine whether ST affects the grain yield response of winter wheat to DT and (ii) examine the effects of ST and DT on winter wheat development. The soil was a Goldsboro loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Aquic Kandiudult). Treatments were ST (disked twice or no surface tillage) and DT (deep tilled using a ParaTill or no deep tillage). Averaged over years and levels of DT, the number of emerged seedlings was 16% less with no ST than with disking. With DT, the number of heads per square meter was similar for the two levels of ST treatment, indicating that wheat grown with no ST produced more heads per plant than with disking. Soil water contents were usually lower in 1995 than in 1994 for all treatments (<2 g kg -1 prior to inflorescence emergence in 1995). Aboveground dry weights near inflorescence emergence, kernel no. m -2 , and grain yields averaged 39, 26, and 22% less, respectively, in 1995 than in 1994. Deep tillage increased aboveground dry weight, kernel no. m -2 , and grain yield more for wheat in no-surface-tillage plots than in disked plots. When deep tilled, ST had no effect on grain yield in 1994, but yields were 25% greater for wheat grown with no ST in the drier year of 1995. There may be no need to disk the soil if DT is performed and proper planting equipment is used to produce winter wheat on the southeastern Coastal Plain. Yield increases due to DT in this region should be greater with no ST than with disking.
Sublimated or castrated psychoanalysis? Adorno’s critique of the revisionist psychoanalysis: An introduction to ‘The Revisionist Psychoanalysis’

In ‘The Revisionist Psychoanalysis’, Adorno criticizes the neo-Freudian psychoanalysis for losing the critical edge of Freud’s theory with regard to social critique. Neo-Freudians whom Adorno calls...
Characterization of trans-neuronal trafficking of Cbln1.

Cbln1, a glycoprotein secreted from granule cells and GluRδ2 in the postsynaptic densities of Purkinje cells are components of an incompletely understood pathway essential for integrity and plasticity of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses. We show that Cbln1 undergoes anterograde transport from granule cells to Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia, and enters the endolysosomal trafficking system, raising the possibility that Cbln1 exerts its activity on or within Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia. Cbln1 is absent in Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia of GluRδ2-null mice, suggesting a mechanistic convergence on Cbln1 trafficking. Ectopic expression of Cbln1 in Purkinje cells of L7-cbln1 transgenic mice reveals Cbln1 undergoes anterograde and retrograde trans-neuronal trafficking even across synapses that lack GluRΔ2, indicating that it is not universally essential for Cbln1 transport. The L7-cbln1 transgene also ameliorates the locomotor deficits of cbln1-null mice, indicating that the presence and/or release of Cbln1 from the postsynaptic neuron has functional consequences.
Determination of total protein adsorbed on solid (membrane) surface by a hydrolysis technique: single protein adsorption☆

Abstract We developed a new analytical technique for single protein adsorption in the context of basic studies on membrane fouling. This method simply combines two well-established techniques, HCl hydrolysis and reaction of the resultant amino acids with ninhydrin (10 −6 M sensitivity). The HCl hydrolysis step, using 6 N HCl solution, breaks up the adsorbed protein into its constituent amino acids by hydrolyzing the peptide bonds, resulting in complete removal of the adsorbed protein from the surface. After the HCl hydrolysis, the condition of the hydrolysate is adjusted for ninhydrin derivatization by mixing with 6 N NaOH and 6 m sodium acetate. The optimal pH for the ninhydrin derivatization reaction of the hydrolysate is ≈ 6. This technique uses an unmodified protein and determines protein loading on the membrane's surface (external and/or pore wall), under static or filtration environments, in a consistent manner. This method provides an abolute measurement of the total protein adsorbed and holds good promise for high sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility at a relatively low cost. Other amino acid analytical techniques (such as fluorescence and HPLC) may be used to eliminate artifacts, improve sensitivity, and extend the approach to multi-protein adsorption.
Critical properties of a spin-(1/2 chain with competing interactions.

The crossover between 2${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{F}}$ and 4${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{F}}$ charge-density waves in an extended one-dimensional Hubbard model is studied in the U\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty} limit by mapping onto a Heisenberg antiferromagnet with a competing second-neighbor Ising interaction. The phase diagram is obtained by a combination of field theory techniques and numerical solution of finite chains. Regions of staggered spin order (4${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{F}}$ site or bond order) and (2,2) spin order (2${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{F}}$ site order) are mapped out. Critical exponents in the algebraic phase are obtained.
Analysis of the Lateral Load Path in Concrete Crosstie Fastening Systems

Increasing axle loads of today’s North American heavy haul freight trains have presented numerous engineering challenges for the design and performance of concrete crossties and fastening systems. Several research studies have been conducted to understand the path of the vertical load from the wheel/rail interface through the fastening system and into the crosstie with successful results. However, problems arise due to the failure of fastening system components caused by high lateral and longitudinal loads in addition to vertical loads. Failed components are often seen in demanding track environments such as sharp curves or steep grades. It is hypothesized these component failures are caused by high lateral and longitudinal loads, respectively. Until now, attempts to measure lateral forces in the fastening system have been relatively unsuccessful. This study focuses on gaining a better understanding of the lateral load path in concrete crosstie fastening systems through the use of novel instrumentation techniques to quantify the magnitude of lateral forces induced from various types of rolling stock. A thorough understanding of the lateral load path, lateral load magnitudes, and their impact on failure modes will aid in the future mechanistic design of fastening systems. Ultimately, mechanistic design will lead to fastening system components that are able to withstand heavy axle freight train loads with longer service lives. Preliminary results show that the type of rolling stock and resulting wheel loads greatly affect the magnitude of lateral forces in the fastening system.
Noninvasive determination of pulmonary artery wedge pressure in patients with chronic heart failure

In patients with chronic heart failure, estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) by physical examination and chest x-ray is unreliable, and may result in suboptimal therapy. The bedside Valsalva maneuver may be used to assess left-sided filling pressures in patients with cardiovascular disease. McIntyre and colleagues developed a noninvasive system (Vericor, CVP Diagnostics, Boston, Massachusetts) that measures the change in arterial pressure in a finger during the stress phase of the Valsalva maneuver to predict PAWP. In patients with coronary artery disease or systemic hypertension, they demonstrated a strong correlation between the final to the initial amplitude of the pulse waveform (pulse–amplitude ratio) during the Valsalva maneuver and the PAWP measured by a balloon-tipped catheter. The purpose of our study was to determine the accuracy of the Vericor system in determining PAWP in patients with chronic heart failure.
Role of B cell antigen receptor in regulation of V(D)J recombination and cell survival.

B lymphocytes learn through the interaction of the B cell receptor with antigens in the context of B cell developmental stage and environmental cues. B cells can respond by proliferation and antibody secretion, programmed cell death, or modification of the antibody genes themselves through secondary immunoglobulin gene rearrangements or somatic point mutation. Acritical learning process is that of self/nonself-discrimination. We have shown that one potent mechanism for immune self-tolerance in B cells is ongoing antibody light chain gene rearrangements, which can result in “receptor editing” that gene rearrangements, which can result in “receptor editing” that changes antigen receptor specificity. This process appears to be developmentally regulated, because it is confined to cells at an immature stage of development. Cells at later stages of development can be tolerized by apoptosis, but probably not by receptor editing.
Neurophysiological evaluation of acute facial paralysis in children.

Objective evaluation of facial nerve paralysis represents a unique challenge to the clinician. Electroneurography (ENoG) and the acoustic reflex (AR) have been widely used as neurophysiological tests in an assessment of facial nerve function. However, ENoG or AR alone does not suffice diagnostic and prognostic purposes of facial function evaluation in children. To further investigate the diagnostic aspects of facial nerve paralysis, the prognostic value of AR and ENoG, and the time course of the disease in pediatric population, a series of 30 children with acute facial paralysis were investigated by correlation of findings from video-taped House-Brackmann facial grading system. AR and ENoG. The results showed that AR was absent or abnormal for thresholds in 68.2% of patients with Bell's palsy and normal middle ear function. Shorter duration and higher percentage of recovery were found in the children with a normal AR than those with an abnormal AR. Three children showed an abnormal tympanogram and hearing loss associated with acute facial paralysis. These findings should alert the clinician to the presence of a specific, treatable disease in the evaluation of Bell's palsy. The percentage of electroneurographic response varied with different days after onset. ENoG showed minimal responses at weeks 1 3 after onset of Bell's palsy in most patients. The study of the time-course in the children with Bell's palsy demonstrated a functional gap in the early (< 1 week) and late clinical stage (after 6 weeks) of the disease, suggesting that ENoG predicted well only during weeks 1-4 after onset. In general, ENoG showed a good recovery in children, however, recurrent Bell's palsy becomes a concern. The need for neurophysiological follow-up for possible incomplete recovery of the facial nerve is emphasized. It is recommended that AR and ENoG should be included in the diagnostic workup when evaluating pediatric facial function.
Dividend policy in Indonesia: survey evidence from executives

Purpose – This study aims to survey managers of dividend‐paying firms listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) to learn their views about the factors influencing dividend policy, dividend issues, and explanations for paying dividends. The study also aims to focus on Indonesia, the largest national economy in Southeast Asia, because relatively few studies examine why Indonesian firms pay dividends.Design/methodology/approach – The primary means of gathering data is a mail survey. The two‐page survey instrument consists of three main sections: 22 factors for determining a firm's dividend policy; six questions that provide background information about the respondents and their firms; and 27 statements about dividend policy in general. Of the 163 firms surveyed, 52 firms responded, resulting in a response rate of 31.9 per cent.Findings – The evidence shows that managers view the most important determinants of dividends as the stability of earnings and the level of current and expected future earnings. Th...
Poly (glycolic acid-co-dl-lactic acid): diffusion or degradation controlled drug delivery?

The mechanism of release of drugs from poly(glycolic acid-co-dl-lactic acid), PGLA, was reinvestigated. Films of a 1:1 copolymer were either solvent-cast or prepared by compression of micronized powders. The water content, glass transition temperature, hydrolytic chain scission, and weight loss of PGLA were measured as a function of time in deionized (DI) water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4, at 37°C. Changes in these properties were compared with the rates of release of testosterone and bovine serum albumin (BSA) from PGLA films in order to establish their contribution to the delivery mechanism. Rates of release were initially slow, but exhibited a characteristic acceleration between 10 and 15 days. The rates were largely independent of the medium, DI-water or PBS, and the method of device fabrication. There was no correlation of the change in drug release kinetics with the glass transition temperature, which in water decreased from 45°C (dry state) to 30°C within 1 h and to 10°C after 2 weeks. The water content of PGLA increased with time and depended on the medium; values greater than 20% were the result of pores formed by polymer dissolution within the polymer bulk. The decrease in the molecular weight with time exhibited the semi-logarithmic relationship characteristic of the hydrolytic chain scission of other aliphatic polyesters. Polymer weight loss was not observed until the Mn had decreased to several hundred, and coincided with the onset of more rapid drug release. Microscopy suggested that polymer weight loss was a bulk process. This was confirmed by the rate of drug release, which was identical to the rate of polymer weight loss but independent of its surface-to-volume ratio.
Multiplicity and transverse energy of produced gluon in relativistic heavy ion collision

We present a simple gluon production picture that is based on the McLerran-Venugopalan model and gluon BFKL evolution in relativistic heavy-ion collision. Results for the multiplicity and transverse energy distribution in both the central and forward rapidity regions for gluon production in early stages of heavy-ion collisions at the LHC are given. Finally, we provide a general qualitative discussion of the consequences of the forward rapidity behavior of produced gluons.
Lithium transport in ternary lithium-copper-oxygen cathode materials

Abstract An understanding of the Li-Cu-O ternary phase diagram was undertaken in order to predict Lithium Copper Oxide battery performance. The slow kinetics of this system are manifested in lower observed open circuit voltages than those predicted thermodynamically, approximately 1.6-1.8V versus 2.2-2.4V, respectively. Electrochemical titration of both copper (II) oxide and copper (I) oxide resulted in two-plateau discharges. The ternary compound LiCuO was formed during initial discharge of both compounds. The free energy of LiCuO was detemined to be -88.3 kcal/mole. The slow kinetics of the initial displacment reaction is discussed in terms of the morphological changes undergone during titration with lithium.
Fermentation of D-xylose by yeasts using glucose isomerase in the medium to convert D-xylose to D-xylulose

A method to obtain the fermentative conversion by yeasts of D-xylose to ethanol is described. The method depends on a combination of two factors; (1) the ability of glucose isomerase to isomerise D-xylose to D-xylulose and (2) the ability of a number of yeasts to ferment D-xylulose.
The Validity of Measurements Made on Standard Foot Orthoroentgenograms

In certain clinical settings, standard x-rays may be misleading since they only provide two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional structures. After metatarsal osteotomy, the actual first metatarsal shortening may appear magnified on standard x-rays. We investigated variations in metatarsal and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) in a cadaver model and variations of first metatarsal length following in vivo Chevron osteotomies.For skeletal models, changing the foot arch from pes planus to pes cavus changed the first metatarsal length by as much as 19%, whereas the measured IMA remained relatively unchanged. Pronation of the first metatarsal was found to alter the IMA (decreased for planus, increased for cavus). In vivo studies revealed a 3.2-fold difference when actual metatarsal length change following chevron osteotomy was correlated to corrected x-ray change in length (9.5% versus 2.9% P ≤ .005).Previous investigators have evaluated hallux valgus deformities with emphasis on metatarsal lengths and IM...
Semantic factors in intentional and incidental Sentence recall

Independent groups were exposed to normal or anomalous sentences under an incidental-nonsemantic (letter estimation), incidental-semantic (familiarity rating), or intentional-only orientation. Written recall followed one presentation of the sentences in each group. None of the differences between intentional and incidental-semantic Ss was significant, and semantic coding facilitated recall performance for both normal and anomalous sentences but to a greater extent for normal sentences.
Annotations for streaming video on the web

Streaming video on the World Wide Web is being widely deployed, and workplace training and distance education are two key applications. The ability to annotate video presentations on the Web can add significant value by enabling "in context" note-taking and asynchronous collaboration through annotation sharing. We present preliminary data on the use of MRAS, a prototype collaborative video annotation system, for personal note-taking and for sharing notes.
Natural and Synthetic Sources of Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Man

THE antiricketic sterols are both assimilated from the diet and endogenously produced by ultraviolet irradiation of cutaneous 7-dehydrocholesterol1–3. Before the modern practice of supplementing foods with irradiated ergosterol (ergocalciferol, vitamin D2), deficiency states were frequently observed in subjects whose dark skin colour and/or minimal exposure to sunlight minimized the natural endogenous production of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)4. It has been generally accepted that casual exposure to sunlight and average diets provide enough antiricketic sterol to prevent osteomalacia in the adult (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1963). Infants, however, are recognized to require vitamin D supplementation, for their maternally derived stores wane at a time when their natural foods are a poor source and their exposure to ultraviolet radiation unreliable. Supplementation of foods with vitamin D2 has thus become a widespread and successful practice which has subsequently undergone quantitative revisions in several countries.
ParaSAIL: Bitmap Indexing Using Many Cores

In large IoT systems, many millions of records reach back-end servers every second from devices that generate data automatically and continuously. The receiving servers have to process and store these high volumes of data and support interactive ad-hoc and real-time queries that require data to be searched quickly. Servers typically create bitmap indexes to reduce the quantity of data that needs to be examined to find needles in haystacks. Building a bitmap index, particularly when data continues to arrive at high rate, incurs appreciable CPU consumption. Memory efficiency also becomes a concern as bitmap indexes can take up space in proportion with the numbers of logical fields per record--rather than the actual numbers of fields populated with data. This paper describes a bitmap index creation method called Para SAIL (for Parallel Sets of Aligned Index Lines). Para SAIL focuses on maximizing the speedup from parallel execution by avoiding write-write and write-read cache line conflicts among CPUs. It is thus well positioned to benefit from systems with high numbers of cores--from mainstream multicore processors such as Intel® Xeon® E5 and E7 machines, to many-core engines such as Intel® Xeon Phi™ coprocessors. Para SAIL also obtains space efficiencies by creating a clustered bitmap index for an attribute value or range that only occurs intermittently in the data. An evaluation using data from an oceanographic dataset shows that Para SAIL running on Xeon Phi coprocessor system indexes 473 million records per second and produces dense bitmaps that don't require further compression.
Distinguishing characteristics in underwater images of Northern and Eurasian watermilfoils

This paper describes a simple scheme for distinguishing between two very similar watermilfoils, Eurasian or Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Northern or Myriophyllum exalbescens. Leaf images were isolated from underwater images of the plants. Characteristic features consisting of the ratio of black to white pixels within the convex hull of an edge-mapped leaf, the eccentricity of the ellipse surrounding the leaf and a spatial-dependency analysis, measuring the frequency of change of pixel intensity of an edge-mapped leaf were combined to provide a measure which could be used to determine whether a leaf was Northern or Eurasian.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Liver transplantation and transthyretin amyloidosis

Liver transplantation as a specific treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis was first performed in 1990. The rationale for this treatment was that removal of the source (liver) of the amyloid precursor protein (mutated transthyretin) would stop progression of the disease. Indeed, after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), mutant transthyretin (TTR) is rapidly cleared from circulation. In the last 20 years, >2000 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) patients have received liver transplants. For these patients, prospective monitoring has shown prolongation of life compared with FAP patients who have not undergone liver transplantation. The most favorable results have been for FAP patients with the Val30Met TTR mutation. Less favorable results have been seen for patients with other TTR mutations where progression of amyloid tissue deposition has been documented as the result of amyloid fibril formation from normal (wild-type) TTR. Although it is obvious that OLT has benefited many FAP patients, there remains a need for further therapies.