cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Reactivity of Palladium(II) Alkyl Complexes that Contain Phosphine-cyclopentanesulfonate Ligands

The synthesis of the phosphine-cyclopentanesulfonate pro-ligands Li/K[2-PPh2-cyclopentanesulfonate] (Li/K[2a]), Li/K[2-P(2-OMe-Ph)2-cyclopentanesulfonate] (Li/K[2b]), and H[2b], and the corresponding Pd(II) alkyl complexes (κ2-P,O-2a)PdMe(pyridine) (3a) and (κ2-P,O-2b)PdMe(pyridine) (3b) is described. The sulfonate-bridged base-free dimer {(2b)PdMe}2 (4b) was synthesized by abstraction of pyridine from 3b using B(C6F5)3. The borane-coordinated base-free dimer [{2b·B(C6F5)3}PdMe]2 (5b), in which B(C6F5)3 binds to a sulfonate oxygen, was prepared by addition of 1 equiv of B(C6F5)3 per Pd to 4b or addition of 2 equiv of B(C6F5)3 to 3b. Compounds 3b, 4b, and 5b polymerize ethylene with low activity (up to 210 kg mol–1 h–1 at 250 psi and 80 °C) to linear polyethylene (Mn = 1950–5250 Da) with predominantly internal olefin placements. 3b and 4b copolymerize ethylene with methyl acrylate to linear copolymers that contain up to 11.7 mol % methyl acrylate, which is incorporated as −CH2CH(CO2Me)CH2– (80%) in-chain u...
Managing R&D Consortia for Success

(1990). Managing R&D Consortia for Success. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 44-50.
Convection in the Earth's Mantle

The computer is used to solve for thermal convection within the earth's mantle. A review of the knowledge of surface displacements and of the present understanding of the mantle and its relevant physical and chemical properties is contained in the paper. Applicable equations assume a Newtonian fluid layer heated from below and within, with gravity acting downward. The numerical method employs finite differences and was constructed with a view toward the faithful simulation of coupling mechanisms. It enables surveying the effect of a parameter using a relatively coarse computing mesh. Some of the results obtained are presented.
Notes on Canonical Quantization of Symplectic Vector Spaces over Finite Fields

In these notes we construct a quantization functor, associating a Hilbert space \(\mathcal{H}(V )\) to a finite dimensional symplectic vector space V over a finite field \({\mathbb{F}}_{q}\). As a result, we obtain a canonical model for the Weil representation of the symplectic group SpV . The main technical result is a proof of a stronger form of the Stone–von Neumann theorem for the Heisenberg group over \({\mathbb{F}}_{q}\). Our result answers, for the case of the Heisenberg group, a question of Kazhdan about the possible existence of a canonical Hilbert space attached to a coadjoint orbit of a general unipotent group over \({\mathbb{F}}_{q}\).
Patterns and impacts of coastal recreation along the Gulf coast of Mexico

Much of Mexico’s shoreline has been transformed into a recreational cultural landscape. Segments of the Pacific coast and (more recently) the Caribbean coast have undergone such extensive cultural and physical modification by tourism that a recent regional study of Mexico broke them out as a separate ‘nation’ of ‘Club Mex’ (Casagrande, 1987). Included in Club Mex are the Pacific enclaves of Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa, Acapulco, and Puerto Escondido and the Caribbean enclave of Cancun/Cozumel. Coastal tourism accounts for approximately 45% of total tourism in Mexico, which translates to about $700 million in (1983) revenues (Merino, 1987), and the Club Mex enclaves are the primary destinations of most tourists, both international and national. Recognizing the touristic value of its shores, Mexico devoted 93 percent of its (1982) investment in tourism — $370 million — to coastal infrastructural development. Major resort complexes were developed in the 1970s by the Mexican government at Ixtapa-Zihuantanejo on the Pacific coast (Reynoso y Valle and de Regt, 1979) and at Cancun on the Caribbean coast (Collins, 1979).
Enzyme: Grundlegende Konzepte und Kinetik

Enzyme – die Katalysatoren biologischer Systeme – sind bemerkenswerte molekulare Werkzeuge, welche die Muster chemischer Umsetzungen bestimmen. Ebenso vermitteln sie die Umwandlung von einer Energieform in eine andere. Wie bedeutend Enzyme fur das Leben sind, zeigt sich auch darin, dass etwa ein Viertel der Gene des menschlichen Genoms Enzyme codiert. Die hervorstechendsten Eigenschaften der Enzyme sind ihre katalytischen Eigenschaften und ihre Spezifitat. Die Katalyse findet an einer bestimmten Stelle im Enzym statt, dem sogenannten aktiven Zentrum.
Bisphenol A detection using gold nanostars in a SERS improved lateral flow immunochromatographic assay

Abstract We report on the development of a new range-extended bisphenol A (BPA) detection method that uses a surface-enhanced Raman scattering lateral flow assay (SERS-LFA) binary system. The assay includes high-SERS-performance gold nanoparticles, i.e., 40 nm gold nanostars (GNSs) and 4-aminothiolphenol (4-ATP) as a Raman reporter. To demonstrate the performance of this SERS-LFA kit in BPA detection, we tested BPA stock solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 60 ppb. The GNSs were coated with 4-ATP and then anti-BPA antibody serving as a biorecognition reagent to acquire both visual and Raman signals after application in the BPA SERS-LFA kit. The limit of detection for the SERS signals was 0.073 ppb, which is 205 and 20 times more sensitive than those of visual intensity and color intensity quantifications, respectively. The range of quantification of the SERS signals was doubled that of color intensity quantification. The SERS-LFA binary kit successfully detected BPA and provided more accurate results over a broader concentration range (2-fold) than that of optical intensity.
Prediction of Long-Term Incidence of Chronic Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Diseases in Primary Care Patients for Population Health Monitoring: The Intermountain Chronic Disease Model (ICHRON).

Abstract Objective To apply the practical parsimonious modeling method of the Intermountain Mortality Risk Score in a primary care environment to predict chronic disease (ChrD) onset. Patients and Methods Primary care patients free of ChrD (women: n=98,711; men: n=45,543) were evaluated to develop (70% [n=95,882] of patients) and validate (the other 30% [n=48,372]) the sex-specific Intermountain Chronic Disease Risk Score (ICHRON) if seen initially between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2005. The sex-specific ICHRON was composed of comprehensive metabolic profile and complete blood count components and age. The primary outcome was the first diagnosis of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, diabetes, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease, or dementia within 3 years of baseline. Results At 3 years, 9.0% of men (mean age, 44±16 years) and 6.6% of women (mean age, 42±16 years) received a diagnosis of ChrD. In the derivation population, C-statistics were 0.783 (95% CI, 0.774-0.791) for men and 0.774 (95% CI, 0.767-0.781) for women. In the validation population, C-statistics were 0.774 (95% CI, 0.762-0.786) for men and 0.762 (95% CI, 0.752-0.772) for women. Evaluation of 10-year outcomes for ICHRON and analysis of its association with each outcome individually at 3 years revealed similar predictive ability. Conclusion An augmented intelligence clinical decision tool for primary care, ICHRON, is developed using common laboratory parameters, which provides good discrimination of ChrD risk at 3 and 10 years.
Discovering the impact of reading coursework and discipline-specific mentorship on first-year teachers’ self-efficacy: a latent class analysis

Teacher self-efficacy is critical because it predicts teachers' future behavior and impacts teacher turnover. Most teachers begin their career with moderate to high self-efficacy for teaching, but often experience a sharp decline during the first year of teaching. After the first year, their self-efficacy begins to increase but rarely rises to the level it was prior to beginning teaching. Therefore, examining first-year teachers' self-efficacy is extremely important. Previous research generally depicts teachers as a homogeneous group, relying on variable-centered approaches and including self-efficacy as a scaling score, which may not be applicable at the individual level. Simply extending findings from the variable-centered analyses is insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine the heterogeneous profiles of first-year teachers' self-efficacy from the 2011-2012 Schools and Staffing Survey and to investigate how self-efficacy profiles are related to teacher training at the individual level. Using latent class analyses, we found three statistically distinctive classes within self-efficacy: high, moderate, and low. Regardless of teaching assignments, teachers who completed reading content courses during preparation programs and received discipline-specific mentoring during their first year dominated a higher level of self-efficacy. We conclude that these two factors are essential to preparing and retaining high-quality teachers.
A Method to Model Statistical Path Delays for Accurate Defect Coverage

The statistical delay of a path is traditionally modeled as a Gaussian random variable assuming that the path is always sensitized by a test pattern. Its sensitization in various circuit instances varies among its test patterns and the pattern induced delay is non-Gaussian. It is modeled using probability mass functions. The defect coverage is improved by test pattern selection using machine learning. Experimental results demonstrate accuracy in defect coverage when comparing to existing methods.
Neuro-ophthalmologic Urgencies and Emergencies

Several key neurological emergencies present with ocular signs and symptoms. It is therefore imperative that these neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies are not missed. This review discusses the most important clinical findings, relevant exam maneuvers, and treatment strategies for these neuro-ophthalmic emergencies. The disorders are separated into their main presenting symptom to help guide the approach to patients with acute onset vision loss, optic disc edema, anisocoria, and diplopia. In the acute vision loss section, we discuss giant cell arteritis, retinal artery occlusions, pituitary apoplexy, mucormycosis, and toxic optic neuropathies. In the following section on papilledema, intracranial hypertension, hypertensive optic neuropathy and retinopathy, and non-emergent differentials are reviewed. For anisocoria, we discuss the significance of diagnosing Horner syndrome and its association with carotid dissection and brainstem strokes and provide a discussion on differential diagnoses. Finally, we review diplopia and disorders of ocular motility—including the such dangerous possibilities as aneurysmal third cranial nerve palsy, carotid sinus thrombosis, acute brainstem pathology, botulism, and Wernicke encephalopathy. Keeping these essential diagnoses in mind while approaching patients with acute neuro-ophthalmologic complaints can save not only vision but also lives.
Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated With a Novel Combination of Compound Heterozygous TNNC1 Variants

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), clinically characterized by enlargement and dysfunction of one or both ventricles of the heart, can be caused by variants in sarcomeric genes including TNNC1 (encoding cardiac troponin C, cTnC). Here, we report the case of two siblings with severe, early onset DCM who were found to have compound heterozygous variants in TNNC1: p.Asp145Glu (D145E) and p.Asp132Asn (D132N), which were inherited from the parents. We began our investigation with CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of TNNC1 in Xenopus tropicalis, which resulted in a cardiac phenotype in tadpoles consistent with DCM. Despite multiple maneuvers, we were unable to rescue the tadpole hearts with either human cTnC wild-type or patient variants to investigate the cardiomyopathy phenotype in vivo. We therefore utilized porcine permeabilized cardiac muscle preparations (CMPs) reconstituted with either wild-type or patient variant forms of cTnC to examine effects of the patient variants on contractile function. Incorporation of 50% WT/50% D145E into CMPs increased Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force, consistent with prior studies. In contrast, incorporation of 50% WT/50% D132N, which had not been previously reported, decreased Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force. CMPs reconstituted 50-50% with both variants mirrored WT in regard to myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness. Sinusoidal stiffness (SS) (0.2% peak-to-peak) and the kinetics of tension redevelopment (k TR) at saturating Ca2+ were similar to WT for all preparations. Modeling of Ca2+-dependence of k TR support the observation from Ca2+ responsiveness of steady-state isometric force, that the effects on each mutant (50% WT/50% mutant) were greater than the combination of the two mutants (50% D132N/50% D145E). Further studies are needed to ascertain the mechanism(s) of these variants.
Zen and the Art of Market Maintenance: the Changing Role of Selling in Marketing Relationships

The traditional role of selling in the promotional mix needs to be re-evaluated. Sellers, forming the boundary layer of the firm, are the primary relational partner and service provider for customer organizations. Salespeople could be considered as part of what is sold, implying a reconcepualization of selling’s role in the marketing mix.
The Combination of Tocilizumab and Methylprednisolone Along With Initial Lung Recruitment Strategy in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Series of 21 Consecutive Cases

Objective: To describe the outcomes with use of a combination of tocilizumab and methylprednisolone administered around the time of endotracheal intubation in patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019-associated hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation Data Sources: Retrospective chart review Study Selection/Data Extraction: Twenty-one consecutive patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019-associated hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation Initial ventilator parameters were positive end-expiratory pressure 14 cm H2o and target plateau pressure 29 cm H2o to maximize lung recruitment Methylprednisolone (125 mg every 6hr for 24 hr with tapering to 60 mg every 12 hr) was administered shortly after patients were intubated (median 11 hr after intubation) Data Synthesis: No patient in the cohort died while hospitalized (mortality, 0%;95% CI, 0%–18%) and 18 patients have been discharged from the acute care setting Twenty of 21 patients (95%) have been liberated from mechanical ventilation after a median duration of 8 days (range, 4–30 d) Following 48 hours of methylprednisolone, the A-a o2 gradient decreased from 455 ± 103 to 228 ± 109 mm Hg (difference 227 ± 108 mm Hg;p < 0 01) Conclusions: Our positive experience with tocilizumab in combination with methylprednisolone started early after endotracheal intubation may be one avenue for reducing the morbidity and mortality seen with severe coronavirus disease 2019 and merits further exploration in clinical studies
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae and purpura fulminans.

Haemophilus influenzae typically causes illness and infection in the paediatric population. We report a case of a 53-year-old man who developed invasive non-typeable H. influenzae infection associated with purpura fulminans and multiorgan failure. On review of the literature, this is the first reported case of non-typeable H. influenzae causing purpura fulminans. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g/day and was eventually discharged from the hospital almost 2 months after admission. We discuss the role that infection/sepsis plays in disturbances to the coagulation cascade leading to purpura fulminans and the virulence factors that make non-typeable H. influenzae unique. Finally, we review other cases of H. influenzae associated with purpura fulminans and discuss the similarities with our case.
An Evaluation of the Content of Pediatric Discharge Summaries.

OBJECTIVES: The need for high-quality discharge summaries is critical to ensure safe transitions of care. Deficits may lead to lapses in communication and poor outcomes. In this study, we sought to characterize the completeness, accuracy, and quality of pediatric discharge summaries. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 200 discharge summaries of patients discharged from the general pediatrics service from July 2016 to October 2017 was conducted. These summaries were audited for 7 elements: admission date, discharge date, discharge diagnosis, medications, immunizations, pending laboratory tests, and follow-up appointments. Accuracy was verified through chart review. Quality of hospital course and patient instructions was evaluated by using a modified validated discharge summary evaluation tool. Additional data collected included medical complexity of the patient and the number of authors. Analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and Pearson correlations were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Discharge diagnosis, medications, and follow-up appointments had the lowest rates of completion and accuracy. The quality of the hospital course and patient instructions was variable, with no statistical significance seen in quality scores on the basis of the number of authors or medical complexity. There were more inaccuracies in discharge medications for patients with baseline chronic conditions than those without chronic conditions (63% vs 35%; P CONCLUSIONS: Content and quality of discharge summary documentation are inconsistent and have implications for patient outcomes after discharge. This study highlights areas of opportunity to improve pediatric discharge summaries. Future work should be focused on educational and systems-based interventions to improve documentation.
The Dependence of the Soft X-Ray Properties of Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries on the Metallicity of Their Environment

We determine the X-ray spectral properties of a sample of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) that reside in globular clusters of M31 as well as five LMXBs in Galactic globular clusters and in the Large Magellanic Cloud using the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter. We find a trend in the X-ray properties of the LMXBs as a function of globular cluster metallicity. The spectra of LMXBs become progressively softer as the metallicity of their environment increases. The one M31 globular cluster LMXB in our sample that has a metallicity greater than solar has spectral properties similar to those of LMXBs in the bulge of M31 but markedly different from those that reside in low-metallicity globular clusters, both in M31 and the Galaxy. The spectral properties of this high-metallicity LMXB are also similar to those of X-ray-faint, early-type galaxies. This lends support to the claim that a majority of the X-ray emission from these X-ray-faint, early-type galaxies results from LMXBs and not hot gas, as is the case in their X-ray-bright counterparts.
Financial Toxicity of Cancer Care: An Analysis of Financial Burden in Three Distinct Health Care Systems

PURPOSE:The financial toxicity of cancer care is a source of significant distress for patients with cancer. The purpose of this study is to understand factors associated with financial toxicity in ...
Detecting shrub recovery in sagebrush steppe: comparing Landsat-derived maps with field data on historical wildfires

The need for basic information on spatial distribution and abundance of plant species for research and management in semiarid ecosystems is frequently unmet. This need is particularly acute in the large areas impacted by megafires in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, which require frequently updated information about increases in exotic annual invaders or recovery of desirable perennials. Remote sensing provides one avenue for obtaining this information. We considered how a vegetation model based on Landsat satellite imagery (30 m pixel resolution; annual images from 1985 to 2018) known as the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) “Back-in-Time” fractional component time-series, compared with field-based vegetation measurements. The comparisons focused on detection thresholds of post-fire emergence of fire-intolerant Artemisia L. species, primarily A. tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush). Sagebrushes are scarce after fire and their paucity over vast burn areas creates challenges for detection by remote sensing. Measurements were made extensively across the Great Basin, USA, on eight burn scars encompassing ~500 000 ha with 80 plots sampled, and intensively on a single 113 000 ha burned area where we sampled 1454 plots. Estimates of sagebrush cover from the NLCD were, as a mean, 6.5% greater than field-based estimates, and variance around this mean was high. The contrast between sagebrush cover measurements in field data and NLCD data in burned landscapes was considerable given that maximum cover values of sagebrush were ~35% in the field. It took approximately four to six years after the fire for NLCD to detect consistent, reliable signs of sagebrush recovery, and sagebrush cover estimated by NLCD ranged from 3 to 13% (equating to 0 to 7% in field estimates) at these times. The stabilization of cover and presence four to six years after fire contrasted with previous field-based studies that observed fluctuations over longer time periods. While results of this study indicated that further improvement of remote sensing applications would be necessary to assess initial sagebrush recovery patterns, they also showed that Landsat satellite imagery detects the influence of burns and that the NLCD data tend to show faster rates of recovery relative to field observations.
Genomic Biomarkers of Meningioma: A Focused Review

Meningiomas represent a phenotypically and genetically diverse group of tumors which often behave in ways that are not simply explained by their pathologic grade. The genetic landscape of meningiomas has become a target of investigation as tumor genomics have been found to impact tumor location, recurrence risk, and malignant potential. Additionally, targeted therapies are being developed that in the future may provide patients with personalized chemotherapy based on the genetic aberrations within their tumor. This review focuses on the most common genetic mutations found in meningiomas of all grades, with an emphasis on the impact on tumor location and clinically relevant tumor characteristics. NF-2 and the non-NF-2 family of genetic mutations are summarized in the context of low-grade and high-grade tumors, followed by a comprehensive discussion regarding the genetic and embryologic basis for meningioma location and phenotypic heterogeneity. Finally, targeted therapies based on tumor genomics currently in use and under investigation are reviewed and future avenues for research are suggested. The field of meningioma genomics has broad implications on the way meningiomas will be treated in the future, and is gradually shifting the way clinicians approach this diverse group of tumors.
US college student mental health and COVID-19: Comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic timepoints.

Objective To assess mental health in US undergraduates during COVID-19; to identify key pandemic-related stressors, perceived control, and coping and their associations with mental health. Participants Data collected from a sample of undergraduates in April 2020 (N = 312) were compared to data collected in Spring 2017 (N = 362). Methods Online measures of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and perceived control and coping (both samples); pandemic-related stressors and perceived benefits (April 2020). Results Depression and stress symptoms were higher in April 2020 than in 2017. Most students reported perceiving at least some pandemic-related benefits. Top-rated stressors involved missing seeing friends and school-related stressors. Perceived control and approach coping were lower during the pandemic but related to better mental health; avoidant coping was higher during the pandemic and related to poorer mental health. Conclusions Findings can inform campuses regarding how to improve student mental health during COVID and beyond.
The Changing Times and Agencies Serving Older Persons

Abstract As Congress moved to balance the budget, agencies serving older persons had to prepare for reductions in public funding and potential shift to block grants, in addition to contending with an increasing older population and the growing need for services. This article reports on a November 1995 study that examined how agencies in the New York metropolitan area dealt with the threat of loss of funding. Strategies agencies used in their early efforts to cushion the impact of anticipated funding cutbacks were analyzed. Results indicate that the agencies surveyed were taking steps in anticipation and using a wide range of strategies to continue providing service, modify programs, shift agency direction, and influence external agency environments. Virtually all engaged staff in processing the situation. While the literature documents that human service administrators handle cutbacks in ways that impact services delivered, this study of agencies serving older persons suggests that the threat of funding c...
Impact of Training on the Information Technology Attitudes of University Faculty

The purpose of this study was to determine whether training had an impact on the information technology attitudes of university faculty. The study was twofold. First, it sought to determine whether training changed attitudes toward information technology among faculty at a small, liberal arts university. Secondly, a group of faculty at a similar university was used to compare the differences in attitudes toward information technology among faculty who had received training and those who had not. The research population consisted of 218 faculty from these two universities. The literature review focused on obstacles to information technology use by faculty, instruments currently available for measuring faculty attitude, methods used in training faculty to use information technology, and integration of information technology by faculty.
Some Comments on Quadrature Rule Construction Criteria

Several familiar criteria used to specify and classify numerical quadrature rules for the hypercube are compared. The discussion is based on two series for the error functional, these being generalizations of the Euler Maclaurin asymptotic expansion and the Poisson Summation Formula, respectively. Topics include algebraic and trigonometric degree, Romberg Integration, and the criteria for “Good Lattice” rules. This paper is solely concerned with solidifying known theory. No new results are given here.
Identification of paramyosin as a binding protein for calgranulin C in experimental helminthic keratitis.

PURPOSE. Calgranulin C (CaGC) is a protein released by activated neutrophils and involved in host defense against filarial infections. This study involved the identification of binding protein(s) of the helminth Brugia malayi to CaGC and the ability of binding complexes to induce keratitis. METHODS. Parasitic extracts prepared from B. malayi microfilariae and adult worms were incubated with recombinant CaGC protein. Parasite binding protein-CaGC complex was isolated by affinity chromatography. A B. malayi microfilariae cDNA library was immunoscreened with antisera from rats immunized with the isolated parasitic CaGC-binding protein. All positive clones contained paramyosin sequences. Paramyosin was thus considered the major CaGC-binding protein in the parasite. To delineate the binding of CaGC to native and recombinant paramyosin, 125 I-CaGC was used as a binding tracer in SDS-PAGE analysis to identify a CaGC-binding complex. To determine whether the complex of CaGC and its binding protein could induce keratitis mimicking the onchocercal human corneal disease, BALB/c mice preimmunized with the binding complex were challenged with intracorneal binding complex or live Brugia microfilariae. In addition, splenocytes harvested from the same animals were assessed for their ability to elicit cellular immune responses to the binding complex by [ 3 H]thymidine assay. RESULTS. In vitro binding of CaGC to paramyosin was confirmed using recombinant paramyosin and 125 I-CaGC. Test animals showed development of severe keratitis that mimicked, clinically and histopathologically, the human onchocercal corneal disease, demonstrating the antigenic specificity of the paramyosin-CaGG- binding complex. CONCLUSIONS. Paramyosin is identified as a CaGC-binding protein in B. malayi.
Cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylation is similar in liver microsomes from male and female rats when cholecalciferol concentration is low

We compared cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylation in liver microsomes of male and female rats. The rate of production of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was similar in liver microsomes from female rats and those from male rats when cholecalciferol concentration ranged from 50 to 200 nmol/L. The liver cytosolic fraction stimulated the 25-hydroxylase activity of the microsomes up to 100% in both male and female rats at 44 nmol/L cholecalciferol. Cytosol metabolized cholecalciferol to a currently unidentified metabolite. At 300 nmol/L cholecalciferol, synthesis of the cytosolic metabolite was 100% greater than at 100 nmol/L and coincided with 32% lower synthesis of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. These results suggest similar 25-hydroxy-lase activity in liver microsomes from male and female rats and similar ability of liver cytosol from these rats to stimulate 25-hydroxylation at low nanomolar concentrations of cholecalciferol, whereas inhibitory effects of cytosol at higher concentrations of cholecalciferol were shown.
Venturing into the no‐man's land of the retina in Parkinson's disease

The development of optical coher- ence tomography (OCT) has led to increasing interest in the retina in Parkinson's disease (PD). The retina is a multilayered tissue: looking into the eye from the out- side, these layers comprise the nerve fiber layer (NFL); the ganglion cell layer (GCL); the inner plexiform layer (IPL), which contains the interconnecting plexus, includ- ing tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (dopaminergic) fibers of amacrine cells; the inner nuclear layer; and several outer retinal layers. Commercial spectral-domain OCT has a specific program for detecting peripapillary NFL defects and a different macular program for diabetic retinopathy. Specific programs for PD are not commer- cially available. Taking all studies together, it seems that macular programs have a higher diagnostic yield than NFL programs, but the numbers of studies and exam- ined patients are relatively small. It is not certain that all retinal thinning in PD is due to dopaminergic neuronal loss. When applying OCT, the where (region of interest) and the what of the focus of automated programs must be considered. With these caveats, one could take advantage of the power of OCT for looking in-depth into the terra incognita of individual retinal layers at the fovea and perhaps at other appropriate retinal locations. V C 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
RF Coil Arrays For Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The implementation of RF coil arrays for MR imaging is discussed. Two types of coil arrays are considered, switchable arrays and arrays for parallel signal acquisition. The design of switched coil arrays using mutually coupled coils is described, and a relationship for the SNR loss due to the inductive coupling is given. This result should be useful in designing coupled coil systems. The modification of a clinical system for two channel operation is also described.
Finding Hope in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Over the past quarter century, a new scientific activity has emerged: collective assessments by large numbers of scientists from different disciplines combining their expertise to better understand human interrelations with nature and to inform policy. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment exceeded all such assessments before it in both the breadth of its coverage and the depth of its analysis of socioecological system dynamics. The findings are not encouraging. Nearly all ecosystems are being degraded and will continue to be degraded for decades to come even if policy changes are initiated now. For scientists participating in the assessment, the MA had another disconcerting aspect. It clearly shows that our fragmented, disciplinary knowledges cannot simply be combined to form an understanding of a whole complex system. Counterbalancing the despair of the findings and scientific difficulties of aggregating specialized knowledges, the MA demonstrated the potential of a deliberative democratic approach to grappling with complex problems.
Hmga2 regulates self-renewal of retinal progenitors

In vertebrate retina, histogenesis occurs over an extended period. To sustain the temporal generation of diverse cell types, retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) must self-renew. However, self-renewal and regulation of RPCs remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that cell-extrinsic factors coordinate with the epigenetic regulator high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (Hmga2) to regulate self-renewal of late retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). We observed that a small subset of RPCs was capable of clonal propagation and retained multipotentiality of parents in the presence of endothelial cells (ECs), known self-renewal regulators in various stem cell niches. The self-renewing effects, also observed in vivo, involve multiple intercellular signaling pathways, engaging Hmga2. As progenitors exhaust during retinal development, expression of Hmga2 progressively decreases. Analyses of Hmga2-expression perturbation, in vitro and in vivo, revealed that Hmga2 functionally helps to mediate cell-extrinsic influences on late-retinal progenitor self-renewal. Our results provide a framework for integrating the diverse intercellular influences elicited by epigenetic regulators for self-renewal in a dynamic stem cell niche: the developing vertebrate retina.
Molecular dynamics simulation based cohesive surface representation of mixed mode fracture

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulation is used to examine mixed mode loading leading to interfacial delamination between two brittle materials. The propagation of a model crack along the interface is simulated under various combinations of far field tensile (mode I) and shear (mode II) stresses. Local stress and local opening data under the steady-state crack propagation condition is extracted from these molecular dynamics simulations, and then used to determine analytical stress vs. opening relations for mixed mode loading conditions. Our simulation results enable the development of a qualitative picture of the traction–separation behavior and functional forms and parameters for a cohesive surface constitutive model consisting of separate normal and shear traction–separation relations.
Food deprivation and reactivity to shock

Thirty-two albino rats, under no deprivation or under severe food deprivation, were given 10 series of 12 different shock intensities, using the method of constant stimuli. Their reactions were classified into several categories. For the vocalization category, thresholds were significantly higher for the deprived group while no differences were obtained on flinch or jump thresholds.
What Explains the Paradox of Tobacco Control Policy under Federalism in the U.S. and Canada?: Comparative Federalism Theory versus Multi-level Governance

Canada is generally recognized as having more decentralized federalism than the United States. Even though the content of tobacco control policy in the two countries has been similar, the United States has had a more decentralized process, with policy usually led by the state level, while Canada has had a centralized process, with most initiatives coming from the federal government. This article examines this anomaly, utilizing two different approaches to intergovernmental relations, Kelemen’s “comparative federalism” and Hooghe and Marks’ “multi-level governance” (MLG). Overall, MLG is a better explanation for tobacco control policy in both countries, especially in the U.S. Discretionary implementation from the central level in parliamentary systems, unitary or federal, may be more broadly applicable than the legalistic implementation of separation-of-powers systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES IN THE USE OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE AS THE SOLVENT IN PERCHLOROETHYLENE COAL CLEANING PROCESS

ABSTRACT The Perchloroethylene coal cleaning process effectively removes both organic and inorganic forms of sulfur in coal. Complete recyclability of the solvent is the key to both economic and environmental issues concerning the use of perchloroethylene in this process. Recyclability of the solvent has been fully established by repeated batch operation as well as FTIR structural investigations of solvent molecules. In the current investigation, the solvent has been subjected to various analyses after each stage in the operation i.e., before extraction, after extraction and after distillation. The organic desulfurization is based on an extraction-reaction mechanism and is catalyzed by the mineral matter inherently and naturally present in coal. This paper also aims at studying the role played by the solvent (perchloroethylene) in the extraction process as well as in the catalytic reaction occurring in the system. This paper also presents data on the effect of re-using ‘sulfur-rich mother liquor’, rich in...
Endotoxin inhibition of macrophage-mediated bone resorption.

The mechanisms by which bacterial endotoxins (ETX) elicit bone loss in septic osteolytic lesions and in organ cultures of bone rudiments have never been clearly established. The possible mechanisms for ETX action include: (a) the stimulation of osteoclast proliferation; (b) the stimulation of synthesis of secondary agents known to elicit bone resorption, e.g., prostaglandins; (c) the stimulation of the resorptive activity of osteoclasts. In the absence of extant methods for isolating and culturing osteoclasts, we have explored the last possibility by evaluating the action of ETX in a bone resorption system consisting of a putative osteoclast precursor, the macrophage, cocultured with isotopically labeled devitalized bone. We have observed the following: We suggest the ETX elicits bone loss in vivo by stimulating osteoclast proliferation or prostaglandin synthesis, and not by directly evoking enhanced bone resorption by osteoclasts or other osteolytic cells.
Collagen gel formation in the presence of a carbon nanobrush

Type I, bovine skin collagen was allowed to gel in the presence of various concentrations of a carbon nanotube material covered with a polystyrene/polyaniline copolymer, called a carbon nanobrush (CNB). The rate of collagen gelation was enhanced by the presence of the CNB in a dose dependent manner. The extent of collagen gelation was due to the concentration of collagen and not the amount of CNB. Collagen D-periodicity, and average fibril diameter were unchanged by the CNB material as seen in transmission electron micrographs. Gel tensile strength was reduced by the presence of the CNB in a dose related manner. The collagen-CNB mixture may have a role in the repair and reconstruction of wounds or degenerated connective tissue.
Visual response properties of zebrafish tectal cells.

Abstract The visual properties of zebrafish tectal cells have been studied with a variety of stimulation routines. These include illumination of the whole receptive field and of the surround, use of moving edges, very small spots, bars of varing orientations, moving spots with varying direction and speeds, growing discs, and pairs of spots whose presentation varies in position and sequence. A number of properties correlate with the classification scheme set forth in the preceding paper. Type B cells, unlike other types, are insensitive to moving stimuli. Experiments involving surround stimulation show that type S cells have inhibitory surrounds while those of type I do not. Type I cells, however, exhibit several properties which are consistent with an intratectal delayed inhibitory mechanism operating within the receptive field. These properties include the response to moving edges and growing stimuli, and the dependence of response duration on the size of a flashed stimulus. Various explanations of these properties are considered, and a specific model is proposed which states that cells of type I receive inhibitory input from neighbouring tectal cells of the same physiological type. The properties involved may be of direct importance in the visual behavior of the fish.
Reinforced membrane based on crosslink reaction between water soluble sulfonated carbon nanotubes and sulfonated polystyrene

Reinforced films based on sulfonated polystyrene cross-linked with water-soluble sulfonated carbon nanotubes were fabricated using a free-standing film-making method. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis were used to verify the cross-linking reaction. The mechanical properties of these films demonstrated that the tensile strength increases with an increase in the sulfonated nanotube concentration. At 5 wt% nanotube loading, the tensile strength increased 84% compared with polymer containing no nanotube loading. The relationships between structure and mechanical properties are discussed and a possible direction for making ultra thin and ultra lightweight film is proposed
Growth Factor, Cytokine and Protease Interactions During Corneal Wound Healing

Abstract Healing of corneal injuries is an exceptionally complex process involving the integrated actions of multiple growth factors, cytokines, and proteases produced by epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, inflammatory cells, and lacrimal gland cells. Following corneal injury, basal epithelial cells migrate and proliferate in response to chemotactic cytokines and mitogenic growth factors, including epidermal growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor. Simultaneously, keratocytes adjacent to the injured area undergo apoptosis under the Fas/Fas ligand system, while more distant keratocytes transform into activated fibroblasts and migrate into the wound, where they begin synthesizing new extracellular matrix components that form the scar tissue under the dominant influence of the TGFβ/CTGF system. Epithelial cells and activated stromal fibroblasts also secrete growth factors and cytokines that have paracrine and autocrine functions. Corneal repair proceeds for the next several weeks to months, during which time the gene expression profile slowly returns to the pre-injury pattern and the provisional scar matrix slowly remodels by actions of matrix metalloproteinases. While minor epithelial injuries heal by regeneration of normal architecture, large stromal injuries heal by repair with irregular scar tissue that impairs the optical properties of the cornea. Also, if the integrated regulation of the wound healing process is interrupted at any point, the wound fails to heal properly and a corneal ulcer develops. Better understanding of the cellular and molecular changes that occur during repair of corneal wounds will provide the opportunity to design agents that selectively modulate key phases of corneal wound healing, resulting in scars that more closely resemble normal corneal architecture.
Observation of a 3II-X1Σ intercombination emission in AIF

Abstract Emission from the a 3 II state to the ground state X 1 Σ + of aluminum monofluoride, AIF, has been observed from flames produced by reactions of Al with SF 6 , NF 3 , and F 2 . The observed spectrum confirms the calculated value of Barrow et al. of the triplet-singlet separation. Pressure dependence of the emission has been studied and interpreted in terms of production and quenching processes.
Tidal Volume Reduction in ARDS: Effect on Cardiac Output and Arterial Oxygenation

During continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV), mean airway pressure and lung volume will be influenced both by the tidal volume (VT) employed and the amount of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The effect of varying levels of CPPV on PaO2 and cardiac output (Q) has been previously assessed by adjusting the level of PEEP at constant VT. This study examined the influence of a 200-ml reduction in VT, at a constant PEEP of 15 cm H2O, on the PaOg and Q of 21 patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The relationship between change in Q and change in total respiratory system compliance (Cst) after VT reduction was also examined. VT reduction from 14.1 ± 0.8 ml/kg to 11.2 ± 0.9 ml/kg yielded an increase in Q (+15 ± 12 percent, p
The effects of near-source heterogeneity on shear-wave evolution

ABSTRACTThe Born and Rytov approximation, radiative transfer theory, and other related techniques are commonly used to model features of wave propagation through heterogeneous geologic media such as scattering, attenuation, and pulse-broadening. However, due to the underlying assumptions about the scattering direction and the reference Green’s function, these methods overlook important features of the wavefield such as mode conversion and near-field term coupling. These effects are particularly important within the predicted S-wave nodes of a seismic source, so we analyzed the problem of wave propagation beneath a vertical-point force on the surface of a heterogeneous, elastic half space. To do this, we generated a suite of 3D synthetic heterogeneous geologic models using fractal statistics and simulated the wave propagation using the finite-difference method. We derived an estimate for the effective source radiation patterns, and we used these to compare the results of the models. Our numerical results s...
INSTRUMENT FOR DIRECT READOUT OF LOG CONDUCTANCE (LOG 1/R) MEASURES OF THE GALVANIC SKIN RESPONSE

An automatic computing instrument is described which continuously measures skin conductance in units of the log of skin conductance (Log 1/R) without ranging or adjustment. Circuit assembly and alignment is described in detail. The instrument is ideally suited to automation in conjunction with computers or pen recorders.
Stakeholder Management and Corporate Political Activity: A Model of Strategic Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder theory and research on corporate political activity (CPA) have evolved in distinct directions. In this paper, we seek to leverage recent research in both arenas to develop a model that ...
Algerian‐Moroccan relations and their impact on Maghribi integration

Overall, Algerian‐Moroccan relations have always been at odds, the existence since 1989 of the Arab Maghrib Union (UMA) notwithstanding. In fact, the UMA has not been operational due precisely to tension between the two countries. Strained relations derive from a historical and post‐colonial evolution ‐ dominated by power politics ‐of which Western Sahara is only one, albeit major, aspect. Thus, a definitive resolution of the Western Sahara conflict will not necessarily mean a definitive ending of the distrust that exists between the two neighbours. However, the core argument in this article is that resolution of the conflict in Western Sahara would greatly improve cooperation between the two countries, thus facilitating regional integration. Furthermore, given the complexity of both the Algerian‐Moroccan relationship and conflict in Western Sahara, any foreign interference that is not balanced will continue poisoning relations and could potentially destabilise the entire region.