cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Cellulose Acetate Supported Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for the Dechlorination of Trichloroethylene in Water

Chlorinated hydrocarbons are an immense concern for human health and the environment because they␣are highly toxic and are present in many contaminated sites. Zero-valent iron has been shown to be very effective for the dechlorination of chlorinated olefins and paraffins. This behavior is enhanced when the particle size is in the nanometer range. The activity of these nanoparticles is very high, and thus supporting the particles is important to preserve their chemical nature by inhibiting oxidation until they can be contacted with the chlorinated stream. In this paper, we present the preparation of membrane (cellulose acetate) supported zero-valent iron nanoparticles. The highly active nanoparticles were synthesized in a water-oil micro-emulsion, mixed with cellulose acetate-acetone solution, and then formed into a porous membrane by phase inversion. The unsupported iron particles and membrane supported iron particles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. Batch experiments were conducted to characterize the activity of the supported zero-valent iron nanoparticles to dechlorinate trichloroethylene in water, as well as to investigate synergistic effects of the polymer support matrix.
Alkali halides in water: Ion–solvent correlations and ion–ion potentials of mean force at infinite dilution

Using the specialization of the extended RISM equation to infinitely dilute systems, we have calculated correlation functions and interionic potentials of mean force for a set of models corresponding to the first few alkali halides in water. From the results obtained at infinite dilution we calculate the lowest order corrections to the solution properties of the ions. Higher concentrations are explored by using the interionic potentials of mean force at infinite dilution as effective solvent mediated pair potentials. Our results indicate that certain thermodynamic properties, such as the mean activity coefficients and osmotic pressures, are quite sensitive to the details of both the theory and the potential models.
Misconceptions of Alzheimer’s Disease

Misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are important to identify because they can interfere with treatment, caregiving, and understanding of the disease. The present study aimed to identify core misconceptions of AD and describe variations in endorsement of these misconceptions between groups (e.g., health care professionals vs. non–health care professionals); 2989 participants completed 10 items that assess AD misconceptions. There were notable differences in the prevalence of these misconceptions, which varied from 8% (prescription drugs can prevent Alzheimer’s disease) to 68% (reminder notes contribute to decline). Health care professionals were less likely to endorse that AD is a normal part of aging compared to non–health care professionals (13% vs. 16%). Understanding which misconceptions are most common is critical for designing and tailoring educational interventions.
[Specific enlargement of one Balbiani ring by Mg2+ in isolated nuclei of Chironomus].

1. Die Wirkung von Mg2+ auf die Balbianiringe isolierter Speicheldrusen-Kerne von Chironomus thummi und Chironomus tentans wurde studiert. 2. Mg2+ vergrosert den Balbianiring BRb (Ch. thummi) bzw. BR3 (Ch. tentans). Die ubrigen Balbianiringe werden durch Mg2+ nicht vergrosert. 3. Die Haufigkeit durch Mg2+ vergroserter BRb nimmt mit steigendem Mg2+-Gehalt des Mediums zu. 4. Na+ oder K+ vergrosern den BRb bzw. BR3 nicht. 5. Das Verhalten einiger puff-Regionen bei Inkubation isolierter Kerne in Mg2+-Medium wird kurz beschrieben. 6. Lebendbeobachtungen an isolierten Kernen zeigen, das Mg2+de novo puffs induzieren kann. 7. An Hand von Inkorporierungsexperimenten an ganzen Drusen wird gezeigt, das Mg2+ parallel zur Vergroserung eines Balbianiringes auch Erhohung seiner RNS-Synthese-Aktivitat induziert. 8. Es wird vermutet, das die in isolierten Kernen durch Mg2+ induzierte Vergroserung eines bestimmten Balbianiringes Ausdruck erhohter RNS-Synthese dieser Chromosomen-Region ist, das Mg2+ also in isolierten Kernen differentiell die Aktivitat bestimmter Gene zu steigern vermag. 9. In Anlehnung an die Hypothese von Bremer und Konrad (1964) und Stent (1964) uber die Funktion von Ribosomen bei der RNS-Synthese wird ein Modell des Mechanismus differentieller Genaktivierung durch Mg2+ aufgestellt.
Lipid content, fatty acid composition, and the effect of diet on fats of aquatic insects

Abstract 1. 1. The majority of 58 genera of aquatic insects examined had total lipid contents of 10–20% of total dry wt. 2. 2. Arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids were found in all individuals in quantities up to 7.2 and 24.7%, respectively, of total fatty acids. The presence of large amounts of these acids, compared to terrestrial insects, appears to be an adaptation to the aquatic environment. Their physiological importance may be related to their presence in membranes or to their metabolic function as hormonal precursors. 3. 3. Relative compositions of other fatty acids were similar to those reported for related terrestrial species. 4. 4. Fatty acid composition differed predictably among orders and functional feeding groups.
Reactive polymer enables efficient in vivo bioorthogonal chemistry

There has been intense interest in the development of selective bioorthogonal reactions or “click” chemistry that can proceed in live animals. Until now however, most reactions still require vast surpluses of reactants because of steep temporal and spatial concentration gradients. Using computational modeling and design of pharmacokinetically optimized reactants, we have developed a predictable method for efficient in vivo click reactions. Specifically, we show that polymer modified tetrazines (PMT) are a key enabler for in vivo bioorthogonal chemistry based on the very fast and catalyst-free [4 + 2] tetrazine/trans-cyclooctene cycloaddition. Using fluorescent PMT for cellular resolution and 18F labeled PMT for whole animal imaging, we show that cancer cell epitopes can be easily reacted in vivo. This generic strategy should help guide the design of future chemistries and find widespread use for different in vivo bioorthogonal applications, particularly in the biomedical sciences.
Barriers to implementation of low-impact and conservation subdivision design: Developer perceptions and resident demand

Abstract Urban expansion places pressure on municipalities to deal with conflicts between development and conservation of natural resources along the urban–rural interface. Although they do not address large-scale problems such as suburban sprawl, alternative development techniques such as conservation subdivision designs include features that can mitigate undesirable site-scale effects of development on water quality or sensitive ecological areas. This approach has not been widely used in the Midwestern United States, so this study explores some possible barriers to implementation. Developers throughout Iowa and residents of conservation and standard subdivisions in one Iowa municipality were surveyed to assess perceptions of low-impact and conservation designs. Developer respondents perceive consumer indifference and lack of willingness to pay for open spaces in residential design, basing perceptions of market demand on their own prior experiences that do not include these design approaches. Developers expressed concern about the potential for greater cost for creating alternative subdivisions which also discourages their use. Consumers, however, indicated that open spaces in their neighborhoods were both important and attractive. They reported frequent use of open spaces and willingness to pay for more open spaces. Developers’ perceptions of barriers should be considered by planners who could encourage developers to use innovative designs by providing flexible standards and faster approval for low-impact or conservation designs. Local governments could also increase adoption of these approaches by soliciting resident input and providing information about resident demand for these designs to developers in their municipalities.
Analysis of the topochemical effects of dielectric-barrier discharge on cellulosic fibers

This study investigates the fundamental topochemical effects of dielectric-barrier discharge treatment on bleached chemical pulp and unbleached mechanical pulp fiber surfaces. Fibers were treated with various levels of dielectric-barrier discharge treatment ranging from 0 to 9.27 kw/m2/min. Changes to the fiber surface topochemistry were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM studies were complemented by inverse gas chromatography (IGC), contact angle evaluation, poly-electrolyte titration, viscosity testing and determination of water retention value (WRV). The static coefficient of friction and zero-span tensile index of sheets were also evaluated. Low dielectric-barrier discharge treatment levels resulted in increased surface energy and roughness. Fibers treated at high applied power levels showed surface energies and roughness levels near that of reference samples as well as evidence of degradation and decreased fiber swelling.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) modulates function of human luteinizing granulosa cells via cAMP signaling and early reduction of glucose transporting activity

This study examined the changes in cellular glucose uptake, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and progesterone production induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in human luteinizing granulosa cells (LGCs) in culture. The role of Ah receptor on TCDD-mediated toxicity in human LGCs was investigated. Treatment of human LGCs with TCDD produced a time- and dose-dependent decrease in the cellular uptake of glucose. The Vmax and the K(m) of glucose transport were decreased by TCDD treatment. Furthermore, cytochalasin B, a specific inhibitor of facilitative glucose transporter proteins, totally abolished the portion of glucose transport activity that is sensitive to TCDD. Pretreatment of the cells with the Ah receptor blockers 4,7-phenanthroline and alpha-naphthoflavone antagonised the effect of TCDD on 3H-Me-glucose uptake. Structure-activity relationship studies with TCDD and three dioxin congeners revealed a rank order for their potency in the inhibition of glucose transport as follows: TCDD > 1,2,3,7,8-PCDD > 1,2,4,7,8-PCDD > 2,7-DCDD. Such a rank order is consistent with the previously determined biological activity of TCDD and the other dioxin congeners. Treatment of cells for 48 h with 10 nM TCDD substantially reduced PKA and progesterone production. The inhibitory effect of TCDD on progesterone production was more pronounced in the presence of insulin (10 micrograms/mL) and D-glucose (13.3 mM). However, cytochalasin B abolished the effect of TCDD on progesterone production. Forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) abolished the effect of TCDD on glucose uptake and progesterone production but it did not affect the action of TCDD on PKA activity. A relationship between glucose transporting activity and progesterone production in human LGCs treated with TCDD is indicated by several lines of evidence: a) cytochalasin B downregulated glucose transporting activity and progesterone production, b) insulin plus D-glucose downregulated glucose uptake and amplified the negative effect of TCDD on progesterone production, and c) forskolin abolished the negative effect of TCDD on glucose transporting activity and on progesterone production. From the present data we conclude that glucose transporting activity can be used as a sensitive biomarker to detect the very early response to TCDD in human steroid-producing cells and that effect of TCDD on steroid production is mediated through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
ROBUST PRODUCT FAMILY CONSOLIDATION AND SELECTION USING THE HYPOTHETICAL EQUIVALENTS AND INEQUIVALENTS METHOD

The design and development of effective product lines is a challenge in modern industry. Companies must balance diverse product families that satisfy wide ranging customer demands with practical business needs such as combining manufacturing processes and using similar materials, for example. In this paper, the issue of consolidating an existing product family is addressed. Specifically, the Hypothetical Equivalents and Inequivalents Method (HEIM) is utilized in order to select an optimal product family configuration. In previous uses, HEIM has been shown to assist a decision maker in selecting one concept from a set when concept attributes conflict with each other. In this extension of HEIM, the optimization problem’s constraints are formulated using two different value functions, and common solutions are identified in order to select an optimal family of staplers. The result is then compared with the result found using a multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) based approach. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and MAUT provides a necessary first step for product family consolidation and selection, a robust solution is achieved through HEIM.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The arouser EPS8L3 Gene Is Critical for Normal Memory in Drosophila

The genetic mechanisms that influence memory formation and sensitivity to the effects of ethanol on behavior in Drosophila have some common elements. So far, these have centered on the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, synapsin and fas2-dependent processes, pumilio-dependent regulators of translation, and a few other genes. However, there are several genes that are important for one or the other behaviors, suggesting that there is an incomplete overlap in the mechanisms that support memory and ethanol sensitive behaviors. The basis for this overlap is far from understood. We therefore examined memory in arouser (aru) mutant flies, which have recently been identified as having ethanol sensitivity deficits. The aru mutant flies showed memory deficits in both short-term place memory and olfactory memory tests. Flies with a revertant aru allele had wild-type levels of memory performance, arguing that the aru gene, encoding an EPS8L3 product, has a role in Drosophila memory formation. Furthermore, and interestingly, flies with the aru8–128 insertion allele had deficits in only one of two genetic backgrounds in place and olfactory memory tests. Flies with an aru imprecise excision allele had deficits in tests of olfactory memory. Quantitative measurements of aru EPS8L3 mRNA expression levels correlate decreased expression with deficits in olfactory memory while over expression is correlated with place memory deficits. Thus, mutations of the aru EPS8L3 gene interact with the alleles of a particular genetic background to regulate arouser expression and reveals a role of this gene in memory.
Minimum failure cost-based energy dissipation system designs for buildings in three seismic regions – Part II: Application to viscous dampers

Abstract A methodology for calculating the life-cycle cost of building structures under seismic loading was presented in the companion appear Shin and Singh, 2014. In this paper, this methodology is applied to obtain the minimum failure cost-based optimal designs of fluid viscous dampers for model structures in three different seismic regions in the USA. Genetic algorithm is utilized to obtain the optimal number and location of dampers to be installed on the buildings. The failure costs are optimally reduced at all seismic intensities that are expected to occur on the site to achieve the minimum life-cycle and object costs. The numerical results show the impact of optimal designs on structural performance in terms of reduced fragilities covering different performance objectives over the spectrum of expected seismic intensities. The results also demonstrate that although the structural system may go in inelastic range at the higher intensities of motion, the response spectrum method can still be effectively used for the failure cost-based optimal design of linear damper.
Zonal versus meridional velocity variance in satellite observations and realistic and idealized ocean circulation models

Global, high-quality, satellite-based observation of oceanic currents over the past 13 years has revealed ubiquitous quasi-horizontal eddies in the mesoscale (tens to hundreds of kilometers), confirming the view of a highly turbulent ocean suggested by observational programs in the 1970s. Idealized quasigeostrophic turbulence models suggest mesoscale turbulent flow can vary between isotropic, and highly anisotropic zonal jets. Here we compare the zonal and meridional velocity variance from satellite altimetry. We find that, for an unexplained reason and despite the chaotic nature of turbulence, the surface flow is organized into mesoscale patches where either zonal or meridional velocity variance dominates. The patches persist over 13 years, much longer than the turbulent timescale of a few months. Implications include potentially highly anisotropic redistribution of tracers by the mesoscale flow. Zonally averaged velocity variances reveal a slight preference for meridional over zonal velocity variance. Realistic primitive equation models succeed in reproducing both the patchy structure in local preference for either zonal or meridional velocity variance, and the zonally averaged preference for meridional variance. Idealized models of fully developed, quasigeostrophic turbulence fail in both regards.
Non-parametric methods for comparing multiple treatment groups to a control group, based on incomplete non-decreasing repeated measurements

In the comparison of two or more treatment groups to a control group, consider a study with non-decreasing repeated measurements of the same characteristic taken over a common set of time points for each subject. Based on the vector of possibly incomplete responses from each subject, this paper considers asymptotically distribution-free tests of the equality of the groups. I propose consistent point estimators of the overall treatment differences and I derive non-parametric simultaneous confidence regions for the treatment effects. An example using data from a bladder cancer study illustrates the proposed methods.
Classification and feature selection applied to breast cancer diagnosis

Mathematical programming techniques are applied to the problems of classification, feature selection and clustering. The resulting classification and feature selection algorithms have been applied to the problem of breast cancer diagnosis. The clustering algorithms have been applied to the problem of grouping breast cancer patients with similar prognosis, as determined by survival curves (Kaplan-Meier).
Prenatal ethanol exposure reduces phosphoinositide hydrolysis stimulated by quisqualate in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures

Prenatal ethanol exposure-induced alteration in poly-phosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis stimulated by excitatory amino acids (EAA) was studied in rat cerebellar granule cells previously labeled with [3H]myoinositol. The prenatal exposure to ethanol was achieved via maternal consumption of a Sustacal (chocolate flavored) liquid diet containing either 5% ethanol (w/v, 35% of calories) or isocaloric sucrose (pair-fed) substituted for ethanol from gestation d 11 until the day of parturition. The ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists,N-methyl-d-aspartate, kainate or (±)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) (100 μM each) induced a two- to four-fold increase in PPI hydrolysis over the basal level, regardless of the liquid dietary treatment. Stimulation with quisqualate (QA), an agonist activating both metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors, resulted in a much stronger and dose-dependent response in PPI hydrolysis and exposurein utero to ethanol significantly reduced this response. Tetrodotoxin, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), or (±)-3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) had no effect on QA-stimulated PPI hydrolysis nor on the suppression of this hydrolysis by ethanol. Exposurein utero to ethanol did not affect PPI hydrolysis stimulated by a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, trans-(±)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (t-ACPD). Although the PPI hydrolysis stimulated byt-ACPD could be blocked by (RS)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), an antagonist of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, MCPG was incapable of affecting QA-induced PPI hydrolysis and the suppressive effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on this hydrolysis. Taken together, the data suggest that the long-lasting suppressive effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on QA-stimulated PPI hydrolysis in cerebellar granule cell cultures is through a metabotropic QA receptor pathway that may be different from the one activated byt-ACPD.
Rheological studies of specific cation forms of kappa carrageenan gels

Abstract Measurements have been made of the shear modulus of calcium, potassium and sodium kappa carrageenate gels as a function of polysaccharide concentration and temperature. Under the experimental conditions used the efficiency of the cations in gelling the polysaccharide has been found to be Ca 2+ >K + >Na + . The relative gelling efficiencies of the cations is attributed to their extent of hydration which controls the solubility of the salt form of the polysaccharide. Gelation is attributed to ‘microcrystallite’ formation at localised sites on adjacent polysaccharide chains. The sharp decrease of the shear modulus on heating is attributed to localised melting of these ordered regions.
A spatial hedonic model application of variance function regression to residential property prices in Beijing

Variance function regression incorporates a novel method of residual analysis that should be of interest in spatial modeling. The method is a two part regression: one for the conditional mean, which is a standard regression, and one for the conditional variance, which is estimated from the residuals of the initial regression. The method is briefly described and then applied hedonic models of residential real estate prices in Beijing, using both a metropolitan area sample and a smaller sample of the district of Chaoyang. As expected the results generally indicate that distance to Tiananmen Square is a powerful predictor of residential real estate prices in Beijing. That distance effect is fully encompassed in the mean structure of a regression model. However, other variables, such as the age of an apartment block have price effects that are revealed fully only when the conditional variance is modeled as well.
Marginal zone lymphoma: old, new, targeted, and epigenetic therapies

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma arising from marginal zone B-cells present in lymph nodes and extranodal tissues. MZL comprises 5–17% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in adults. The World Health Organization categorizes MZL into three distinct types based on their site of impact: (1) splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL); (2) nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL); (3) extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, which can be subdivided into gastric and nongastric. The subgroups of MZL share some common features but are different in their biology and behavior. Owing to the rarity of MZL there are few randomized trials available comparing various treatment options and therefore treatment is controversial, lacking standard guidelines. Treatment should be patient tailored and can range from a ‘watchful waiting’ approach for asymptomatic patients without cytopenias to surgery or localized radiation therapy. Rituximab in combination with chemotherapy has resulted in longer failure-free survival than chemotherapy alone in patients with SMZL. Helicobacter pylori positive gastric MALT shows a good response rate to triple antibiotic therapy. Newer therapies such as bendamustine, everolimus, lenalidomide, vorinostat and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory MZL and have shown promising results. We are presently conducting clinical trials testing the efficacy of the epigenetic activity of cladribine as a hypomethylating agent in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) vorinostat and rituximab in patients with MZL. Further studies with the newer agents should be done both in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory MZL to streamline the care and to avoid the use of toxic chemotherapies as initial treatment.
Genome-wide Two-marker linkage disequilibrium mapping of quantitative trait loci

In a natural population, the alleles of multiple tightly linked loci on the same chromosome co-segregate and are passed non-randomly from generation to generation. Capitalizing on this phenomenon, a group of mapping methods, commonly referred to as the linkage disequilibrium-based mapping (LD mapping), have been developed recently for detecting genetic associations. However, most current LD mapping methods mainly employed single-marker analysis, overlooking the rich information contained within adjacent linked loci. We extend the single-marker LD mapping to include two linked loci and explicitly incorporate their LD information into genetic mapping models (tmLD). We establish the theoretical foundations for the tmLD mapping method and also provide a thorough examination of its statistical properties. Our simulation studies demonstrate that the tmLD mapping method significantly improves the detection power of association compared to the single-marker based and also haplotype based mapping methods. The practical usage and properties of the tmLD mapping method were further elucidated through the analysis of a large-scale dental caries GWAS data set. It shows that the tmLD mapping method can identify significant SNPs that are missed by the traditional single-marker association analysis and haplotype based mapping method. An R package for our proposed method has been developed and is freely available. The proposed tmLD mapping method is more powerful than single marker mapping generally used in GWAS data analysis. We recommend the usage of this improved method over the traditional single marker association analysis.
Evolutionary politics? Union differences and political activities in the 1990s

The political environment faced by U.S. unions has changed substantially over the past decade. The cost of election campaigns has increased dramatically and many interest groups have become actively involved in election financing. More importantly, the election of a Republican majority to Congress in 1994 caused a major change in the nature of unions' interactions with Washington legislators. Organized labor has faced a barrage of bills aimed at reducing the power of unions and minimizing their political involvement. Such efforts have also occurred across the country as conservative groups have attempted to qualify referenda that limit unions in some way. At a time when unions must organize new workers to survive as a viable force in society, these political challenges are especially serious matters.
A Sprayer for Under-Canopy Application of Herbicide Sprays

Herbicides applied postemergence to crops planted in rows must reach the target weed species to be effective. In numerous cases, the targeted species may be covered by leaves of a crop canopy. Our objective was to develop an apparatus that could be used effectively to apply directed herbicides postemergence to under-canopy areas of crops planted in narrow rows (≤ 20 in.) so that the herbicide would reach the target species. We designed and constructed a sprayer that will attach to a 40- to 100-hp row-crop tractor having a PTO and standard Category (Cat) II three-point hitch attachment. This unit delivers herbicide sprays beneath the canopy of crops so that the maximum amount of herbicide spray reaches the target species. Each nozzle that is directed to cover the space in a single between-row area is mounted on a wheel-supported frame so that the height of application is constant regardless of terrain. Use of this sprayer to direct herbicide sprays underneath the canopy reduces the effect of wind that causes drift in over-the-top applications. Thus, use of this sprayer ensures that the maximum amount of spray solution of any herbicide applied postemergence will contact the target weed species that may be partially overshadowed by leaves of the crop, and will be confined to the intended area of application.
Fatal carcinoma of the thyroid: histology, metastases, and causes of death.

The lethal potential of thyroid carcinoma is emphasized by this study of 54 autopsied cases. The anaplastic cancers rapidly produced death by extensive local and metastatic disease, while the well-differentiated forms were associated with more protracted courses, and death from local disease was less common. The ominous significance of the infrequent conversion of well-differentiated papillary or follicular carcinoma to an anaplastic variant is noted. Sites of metastases are analyzed both for the entire series and individually for each histologic type of tumor. The data presented in this report emphasize the fact that the histologic differences among the various types of thyroid carcinoma signify important clinical differences as well, and point out the need for individualization of therapy in each case.
Heterogeneous catalysis of aspirin degradation in chloroformic solution and its relationship to the determination of salicylic acid in buffered aspirin products.

Difficulties and spurious results were encountered when buffered aspirin tablets were subjected to the official test for salicylic acid. The present investigation was concerned with this problem and with a characterization of the behaviors of aspirin and salicylic acid in chloroformic solution in contact with chloroform-insoluble agents which are commonly used as buffering agents in buffered aspirin tablets. Two phenomena were studied which can have manifestations of analytical importance. Both aspirin and salicylic acid were found to be adsorbed by solids such as magnesium carbonate, aluminum glycinate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium trisilicate. Rate studies showed that chloroformic solutions of aspirin in contact with solid buffers were unstable and generated at a relatively rapid rate a compound with the chromatographic characteristics of salicylic acid. The rate of generation was shown to be due neither to the water or ethanol content of the chloroform nor to the presence of dissolved buffer. Rather, it was demonstrated that catalysis was due to solid surfaces. The addition of citric acid monohydrate to such systems resulted in an almost complete abolition of adsorption and catalysis.
Lewis acid-base interactions between polysulfides and metal organic framework in lithium sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is one of the most promising energy storage systems because of its high specific capacity of 1675 mAh g(-1) based on sulfur. However, the rapid capacity degradation, mainly caused by polysulfide dissolution, remains a significant challenge prior to practical applications. This work demonstrates that a novel Ni-based metal organic framework (Ni-MOF), Ni6(BTB)4(BP)3 (BTB = benzene-1,3,5-tribenzoate and BP = 4,4'-bipyridyl), can remarkably immobilize polysulfides within the cathode structure through physical and chemical interactions at molecular level. The capacity retention achieves up to 89% after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. The excellent performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the interwoven mesopores (∼2.8 nm) and micropores (∼1.4 nm) of Ni-MOF, which first provide an ideal matrix to confine polysulfides, and the strong interactions between Lewis acidic Ni(II) center and the polysulfide base, which significantly slow down the migration of soluble polysulfides out of the pores, leading to the excellent cycling performance of Ni-MOF/S composite.
A Note on Present Attitudes Toward Foreign-Language Teaching

Author's summary.— Recent developments in foreign-language teaching reveal the need for recognizing the special technique and learning process involved in it. Misconceptions and biased attitudes have impaired the function of foreign-language study in liberal-arts education, and have retarded vital accomplishment at the level of higher studies.
Penelope's ‘Stout Hand’ and Odyssean Humour

Penelope's ‘stout hand’ (χeιρί παχeίηι) in Odyssey 21.6 has troubled readers with its implication that the 20 years Penelope has spent waiting, worrying and weaving have sapped her beauty. Attempts to redeem the verse have only been partially successful at best. By applying semiolinguistic models for jokes to both Odyssey 21.6 and Penelope's increase in stoutness at Odyssey 18.195, this paper pursues the possibility that both passages are humorous. Rather than deride Penelope, the humour celebrates her quintessentially human susceptibility to age and suffering, as well as the virtues she develops in parallel with her husband therefrom. The Odyssey regularly uses humour to similar effect by applying traditional epic formulaic structures to a broader range of subjects than they normally accommodate and thus redefining the heroic virtues that those structures encode so that they exalt mundane human experience.
Factorization properties of multipion amplitude

A previously suggested $N$-pion amplitude, constructed from symmetric-group (${\mathrm{S}}_{N}$) considerations, satisfies two desirable factorization properties: (i) There is bootstrap consistency at all internal-pion poles in the $N$-point function. (ii) Using some earlier results of Schwarz, it is possible to prove that a simplified (Gervais-Neveu) version of the model factorizes with finite degeneracy for general $\ensuremath{\rho}$ intercept ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}(0)$, and not only for integer values; we except that the full model should share the same property.
Temperature sensitive mutant of Trichoderma reesei defective in secretion of cellulase

Temperature sensitive mutants of Trichoderma reesei derived from hypersecretory strain RL-P37 were isolated and characterized. Compared to the parent strain, one mutant (LU-ts 1) grew well in the mycelial phase at both permissive (25°C) and non-permissive (37°C) temperatures. However, the secretion of overall protein and active cellulases was significantly reduced in the mutant at the higher temperature. No accumulation of active cellulases or intracellular proteins was observed in the mycelia of LU-ts 1 at 37°C. The inhibitory effects of temperature on cellulase secretion in LU-ts 1 were reversible. Isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analyses confirmed that the secretion of the major cellulases was greatly reduced in LU-ts 1 at 37°C. Molecular characterization of the various temperature sensitive secretion mutants of T. reesei should help elucidate the crucial aspects of the secretory pathway of this cellulolytic fungus.
Molecular mechanisms regulating TGF-β-induced Foxp3 expression

Molecular mechanisms regulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induction of Foxp3 (forkhead box P3) expression and thus induction of induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been the focus of a great deal of study in recent years. It has become clear that this process is influenced by a number of factors as perhaps might be predicted by the fact that there is an overarching need of the immune system to finetune response to environmental antigens. In this review we discuss these mechanisms, with the aim of presenting a broad picture of how the various observations fit together to form an integrated regulatory regime.
Properties of a diagonal two-orbital ladder model of the iron pnictide superconductors

We study a diagonal two-orbital ladder model of the Fe-based superconductors using the density-matrix renormalization-group method. At half filling, we find a close competition between a ``spin-striped'' state and a noncollinear ``spin-checkerboard'' state, as well as significant nematic correlations. Upon finite hole or electron doping, the dominant pairing correlations are found to have ${\text{A}}_{1g}$ ($S$-wave) symmetry.
Transportation corridors and political evolution in highland Mesoamerica: Settlement analyses incorporating GIS for northern Tlaxcala, Mexico

Abstract Investigations of the functional utility and social elaboration of natural transportation corridors contribute to generating more comprehensive understandings of complex macroregional phenomena such as political evolution. In this article, highland central Mexican transportation corridors are analyzed through GIS applications and a reconsideration of settlement data from an important corridor in northern Tlaxcala. The location of the study region, within the corridor connected to the northeastern Basin of Mexico, makes it particularly relevant for examining interregional exchanges and the transformation of a more rural landscape adjacent to core areas of urbanization and state political expansion. Conclusions drawn from the study are largely complementary to the interpretations made by the surveyors [Merino Carrion, B.L., 1989. La Cultura Tlaxco. Serie Arqueologica, Coleccion Cientifica 174, Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, Mexico City], but provide an updated assessment of prehispanic political evolution ca. 900 BC–AD 1519. Specifically, the study tracks the evolution of early ceremonial centers, Teotihuacan’s territorial expansion through the region, political balkanization following the collapse of Teotihuacan, and the establishment of small, independent polities encountered by the Spanish. New contributions include quantitative measures relevant to assessing the systemic integration of the region and the social value of the corridor during different chronological phases, elucidating the differing expansionary trajectories of Teotihuacan and the Aztec Empire.
Spatial Frequency Response of Flying-Spot-Scanner Systems

The spatial frequency response of a CRT flying-spot-scanner system is discussed and film plane modulation response is calculated for response to periodic sine wave, square wave, and isolated Gaussian line signals on the input film. The effects of digital sampling on the spatial frequency response of a digital flying-spot-scanner are also derived from the digital sampling theory. The modulation response is then presented in terms of the film plane parameters for both analog and digital scanning systems and parametric trade-offs are discussed in terms of meeting performance requirements.
On-line decisions about permitted/protected left-hand turns in distributed traffic signal control

Abstract A long-term project was started some time ago, using a distributed and knowledge-based methodology for realtime, traffic-adaptive control for streets and highway ramps. In this paper, it is argued that the traffic scenarios fully determine whether a protected or a permitted left-hand turn is needed. A flexible and inexpensive on-line decision methodology is described, concerning the phasing regime at an intersection. Simulation experiments have shown that this integrated Intersection Analyzer, coupled with a signaling (phasing and timing) system, performs better than the empirical “50,000 rule” described by McShane and Roess (Traffic Engineering, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1990) in all configurations and traffic densities. While some of the expert systems described in the literature may approximate the quality of the new system in some instances, they lack the flexibility and generality of the approach described in this paper.
Integrating Advanced Composite Materials Into the Chassis of a Sports Car

This work evaluated the feasibility of replacing the current stamped-steel floor-pan bulkhead assembly (FBA) of a popular street car with one made of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material. To evaluate the feasibility, a finite element model was constructed which incorporated much of the midsection of the vehicle’s chassis. Each part of the chassis section assembly was modeled, meshed, and constrained such that the actual physical assembly relations were upheld. Shell elements were used to model the FBA, and brick and tetrahedron elements modeled the surrounding chassis. Six loading cases were considered: a torsion case, a bending case, and four seat load cases. The chosen composite consisted of an intermediate modulus fiber (AS4) and a typical thermal-set epoxy (3501-6). Four laminate stacking sequences were studied: two quasi-isotropic laminates, a zero-dominated laminate, and a symmetric laminate. A sandwich laminate case was also studied, which utilized quasi-isotropic face-sheets and an isotropic foam core. For comparison a steel case was also simulated. The overall result of the model showed that the sandwich case proved to be superior with the smallest displacements and stresses while reducing weight. The overall weight saving was an astonishing 3% of total vehicle weight which represents a significant savings for an automobile. Based on the results it was determined that the replacement of the steel FBA with a composite FBA is feasible.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Encountering the Arugula Leaf: The Failure of the Imaginary and its Implications for Research on Identity in Organizations

The article reviews research on identity in organizations. It suggests that current research reiterates imaginary constructions of identity by which identity can be defined as coherent or fragmente...
Glycoside effect upon membrane enzymes of erythrocytes and muscle in duck myopathy.

Skelettmuskelmembrane und Erythrozytenstromata normaler Enten zeigen eine adenosine triphosphatase Aktivitat, die durch das herzaktive Glykosid Ouabain gehemmt wird. Das gleiche Material von Enten mit Myopathien zeigte eine durch Ouabain stimulierte ATPase-Aktivitat.
Narcotic receptor sites in morphine-dependent rats.

THE biochemical basis of the development of tolerance for and dependence on narcotic analgesics has been the subject of much speculation and experiment1–6. Theories which try to account for these closely related4,7 phenomena can be grouped into three main classes: (1) the body reacts to narcotic drugs by increasing the rate at which they are destroyed or neutralised (by antibodies, for example) so that a smaller proportion of the total dose reaches the brain receptors2; (2) processes which are directly affected by the narcotic analgesics are circumvented or otherwise accommodated through an indirect physiological adaptation6; (3) a direct adaptation takes place in which the number of receptor sites for the narcotics is greatly increased, or their affinities greatly reduced so that large amounts of drugs are needed to fill the available sites and thus effect a response5. We wish to present data which effectively rule out this third possibility as a major factor in narcotic drug dependence and tolerance. We show that neither the number, nor the binding affinity, nor the specificity of narcotic receptor sites8–10 is changed in the morphine-dependent (and therefore also tolerant7) rat brain when compared with that of the normal animal.
From Two Perspectives to One Choice: Blending Couple and Individual Views of Prostate Cancer Treatment Selection

Prostate cancer is a leading public health concern. Despite advances leading to early detection, the scientific community is at odds as to whether such early detection is beneficial in terms of improved survival and quality of life. Currently available treatment options carry significant side effects such as incontinence, impotence, and impaired bowel functioning. A theoretical basis for guiding decision making from the patient/family perspective is now emerging. This article details the methodological decisions made by one research team in its efforts to examine the prostate cancer treatment selection process as experienced by older couples. Selected findings are presented as they illuminate the process by which couples moved from their individual perspectives of cancer treatment options to one negotiated couple choice.
Non-convexities from probing in adaptive control problems☆

Abstract Computer codes for solving adaptive control problems frequently contain gradient methods. However, due to the presence of non-convexities in the cost function these codes may frequently obtain local rather than global optimum. This note uses the decomposition of the dynamic programming cost-to-go into deterministic, cautionary, and probing terms to show the source of the non-convexity in an example problem and to conjecture that such non-convexities may stem from fundamental properties of the probing term.
The Influence of Staining Techniques and Examiners on Evaluation of the Morphology of Fowl Spermatozoa

Abstract A total of 53 dwarf Single Comb White Leghorn males from the relaxed selection mating of low and high body weight lines and a randombred control line were used to determine the influence of technique (eosin-nigrosin smears or collection of spermatozoa on membrane filters) and examiner on the assessment of sperm morphology. There were significant (P
Sorting signal of Escherichia coli OmpA is modified by oligo-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate.

Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a well-established model for the study of membrane assembly. Previous studies have shown that the essential sequence for outer membrane localization, known as the sorting signal, is contained in a segment of the eighth β-strand, residues 163–171. Sequential digestion of OmpA, purified from outer membranes or inclusion bodies with cyanogen bromide and Staphylococcus aureus GluC, yielded peptides 162–174(LSLGVSYRFGQGE). Western blot and chemical assays indicated that the peptide was covalently modified by oligo-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (cOHB), a flexible, amphipathic oligoester. MALDI/MS was consistent with modification of peptides 162–174 by up to ten R-3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) residues. Western blot analysis of mutants of the peptide, using anti-OHB IgG, indicated that cOHB modification was not inhibited by the single mutations S163G, S167G, Y168F, R169N or R169D; however, cOHB was not detected on peptides containing the double mutations S163G:S167G S163G:V166G, L162G:S167G, and L164G:S167G. MALDI/MS/MS of double mutant S163G:S167G confirmed the absence of cOHB-modification. The results suggest that cOHB may be attached to one or both serines, and point to the importance of the flanking hydrophobic residues. Modification by cOHB may play a role in outer membrane targeting and assembly of OmpA. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Functional, long-term human theca and granulosa cell cultures from polycystic ovaries.

Reproducible culture conditions for obtaining large numbers of functional PCOS theca interna and granulosalutein cells will be indispensable in studies focussing on the molecular basis for androgen overproduction by ovarian cells of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The objective of the present study was to determine if granuiosa and theca interna cells obtained from ovarian follicles of patients with PCOS could be passaged with maintenance of inducible steroidogenic activity. PCOS theca interna and granuiosa cells were obtained from individual follicles of polycystic ovaries containing multiple cystic follicles with characteristic hypertrophied theca interna. Utilizing conditions for growing normal ovarian cells, both cell types were passaged successively and conditions for cell freezing, storing and thawing were established. In granulosa-lutein cultures grown and passed for successive passages, and transferred into serum-free medium, forskolin stimulated aromatase activity increased 3–10-fold over control non-stimulated values. Concurrent treatment with IGF-I (50 ng/mL) enhanced forskolin-stimulated aromatase activity in PCOS granulosa-lutein cultures. In passaged PCOS theca interna cells, forskolinstimulated 17α-hydroxyprogesterone production was increased 4–25-fold over control values. Treatment of PCOS theca interna cells with insulin (50 ng/mL) enhanced forskolin-stimulated 17α-hydroxyprogesterone biosynthesis. The effects of various growth factors and phorbol esters on 17α-hydroxylase activity in cultured PCOS theca interna cells was also investigated. Treatment of PCOS theca cells with EGF, FGF, TGFβ and TPA resulted in the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated 17α-hydroxyprogesterone production. These data suggest that PCOS theca interna and granuiosa cells respond to insulin and to the growth factors similarly to cells obtained from normal cycling ovaries.