cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia pneumoniae facilitates monocyte adhesion to endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Chlamydia pneumoniae has been linked to atherosclerotic heart disease. However, there is a limited knowledge by which C. pneumoniae gain access to atheromatous lesions. The adhesion of C. pneumoniae -infected circulatory component(s) to endothelium and smooth muscle cells represents the first step in an inflammatory response. We examined the ability of viable as well as heat inactivated C. pneumoniae to infect human monocytes and subsequently the ability of infected monocytes to adhere to human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and human coronary smooth muscle cells (HCSMC). Our results demonstrate susceptibility of monocytes to in vitro chlamydial infection. Inclusions of varying sizes and intensities were observed 3–5 days after inoculation with viable C. pneumoniae. Monocytes infected with heat inactivated organisms revealed no inclusions, in keeping with the observations of uninfected monocytes. Moreover, monocytes infected with viable C. pneumoniae adhered preferentially to HCAEC and HCSMC, as compared to uninfected monocytes or monocytes harbouring heat inactivated Chlamydia.
Densities, Viscosities, Refractive Indices, and Surface Tensions for 12 Flavor Esters from T = 288.15 K to T = 358.15 K

Densities, viscosities, refractive indices, and surface tensions for 12 flavor esters were measured from 288.15 K to 358.15 K at atmospheric pressure. The esters studied were ethyl acetoacetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl isovalerate, methyl benzoate, ethyl caproate, ethyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, ethyl salicylate, benzyl propionate, ethyl phenylacetate, and ethyl caprylate. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube density meter, and viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. Refractive indices were measured using a digital Abbe-type refractometer, and surface tensions were measured using the Wilhelmy-plate method. The experimental data were correlated by temperature-dependent equations.
Acceleration of academic progress through the manipulation of peer influence

Abstract Discontinuance of regular classroom duties for the entire class (early dismissal or story reading) was made contingent upon the performance of under-achieving children in two sections of a fourth-grade class and two sections of a sixth-grade class. Experimental Ss' weekly test scores increased to a statistically significant extent in relation to the test scores of control Ss.
Solvation of the Cl-·H2O Complex in CCl4 Clusters: The Effect of Solvent-Mediated Charge Redistribution on the Ionic H-Bond

The OH stretching bands associated with the ionic H-bond in the Cl-·H2O complex are found to dramatically shift toward higher energy upon complexation with carbon tetrachloride molecules in a size selected photofragmentation study of the Cl-·H2O·(CCl4)n, 1 ≤ n ≤ 5, clusters. The large sequential shifts (80−100 cm-1/CCl4) associated with addition of the first few molecules effectively “tune” the OH stretch v = 1 level through a Fermi resonance with the v = 2 level of the intramolecular bending vibration. By the addition of the fifth molecule, the large red-shift displayed by the bare complex (577 cm-1 relative to isolated water) is reduced by a factor of 2. We discuss the origin of these effects in the context of charge redistrubition from chloride to the surrounding solvent molecules.
Effects of nozzle exit geometry on forebody vortex control using blowing

An experimental study has been undertaken to examine the influence of the blowing jet geometry on the effectiveness of the aft blowing technique for forebody vortex control. The experiments were conducted with a 3.0 tangent caliber ogive model at subsonic, laminar flow conditions. Asymmetric aft blowing was accomplished using both a single nozzle and a double nozzle configuration. Detailed surface pressure measurements on the model were obtained. The experimental results show that the height and the width of the blowing jet are important parameters that determine the effectiveness of aft blowing; a broad, lowly positioned blowing jet is found to be most effective for the forebody vortex control technique using aft blowing.
Thermal oscillations in a fluid heated from below and cooled to freezing from above

Abstract A theoretical discussion is given of the thermal transients and self-sustained oscillations in a fluid, heated at a constant rate below the surface, and cooled from the top strongly enough to allow freezing. Assuming that the fluid is well mixed and that the thickness of the ice is small compared to the fluid depth, it is shown that the system can have zero, one, or two steady states. The ice-covered steady state is stable for small perturbations; however, the ice-free steady state may be unstable with the impulsive addition of a thin ice sheet. Transient developments may include both ice-covered and ice-free states. In the case where no steady state exists the system exhibits periodic self-sustained oscillations. Application of the theory to a laboratory experiment is considered.
STUDIES ON THE STABILITY OF EQUINE GONADOTROPIN IN CRUDE AND IN PURIFIED FORM

IN STUDYING the biologic and chemical properties of equine gonadotropin, a factor of immediate concern is the stability of the hormone under varying conditions. Furthermore, for clinical purposes, it is desirable that the hormone be highly purified. Several reports reviewed by Ostergaard (1) and Leathern (2) indicate that allergic response or antigonadotropin formation may occur following the use of certain commercial preparations. Thus, the feasibility of further purification should be explored. Earlier studies (3) have shown that the hormone can be prepared in a highly purified form without excessive loss. The present paper is concerned with the stability of purified extracts as compared to that of crude pregnant mare serum. METHODS AND MATERIALS These studies were initiated in 1934. For all of the assays on crude pregnant mare serum, the method of Cole, Guilbert, and Goss (4) was used. Some of the purified extracts were tested by this method and some by the more accurate method suggested by Cole and Er...
In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration

Mucosal surfaces serve as protective barriers against pathogenic organisms. Innate immune responses are activated upon sensing pathogen leading to the infiltration of tissues with migrating inflammatory cells, primarily neutrophils. This process has the potential to be destructive to tissues if excessive or held in an unresolved state. Cocultured in vitro models can be utilized to study the unique molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen induced neutrophil trans-epithelial migration. This type of model provides versatility in experimental design with opportunity for controlled manipulation of the pathogen, epithelial barrier, or neutrophil. Pathogenic infection of the apical surface of polarized epithelial monolayers grown on permeable transwell filters instigates physiologically relevant basolateral to apical trans-epithelial migration of neutrophils applied to the basolateral surface. The in vitro model described herein demonstrates the multiple steps necessary for demonstrating neutrophil migration across a polarized lung epithelial monolayer that has been infected with pathogenic P. aeruginosa (PAO1). Seeding and culturing of permeable transwells with human derived lung epithelial cells is described, along with isolation of neutrophils from whole human blood and culturing of PAO1 and nonpathogenic K12 E. coli (MC1000). The emigrational process and quantitative analysis of successfully migrated neutrophils that have been mobilized in response to pathogenic infection is shown with representative data, including positive and negative controls. This in vitro model system can be manipulated and applied to other mucosal surfaces. Inflammatory responses that involve excessive neutrophil infiltration can be destructive to host tissues and can occur in the absence of pathogenic infections. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote neutrophil trans-epithelial migration through experimental manipulation of the in vitro coculture assay system described herein has significant potential to identify novel therapeutic targets for a range of mucosal infectious as well as inflammatory diseases.
Impact of γ-irradiation and thermal processing on the antigenicity of almond, cashew nut and walnut proteins

Whole unprocessed almonds, cashew nuts and walnuts were each subjected to γ-irradiation (1, 5, 10 and 25kGy) followed by heat processing including autoclaving (121 ◦ C, 15psi for 15 and 30min), dry roasting (138 and 160 ◦ C for 30min each, 168 and 177 ◦ C for 12min each), blanching (100 ◦ C for 5 and 10min), oil roasting (191 ◦ C, 1min) and microwave heating (500W for 1 and 3min). Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised against each major protein isolated from defatted, but not subjected to γ-irradiation and/or any thermal processing, almond, cashew nut and walnut flours. Immunoreactivity of almond, cashew nut and walnut proteins soluble in borate saline buffer, normalised to 1mg protein ml −1 for all samples, was determined by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. ELISAs and Western blotting experiments indicated that almond, cashew nut and walnut proteins exposed to γ-irradiation alone or followed by various thermal treatments remained antigenically stable.  2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Park7 Expression Influences Myotube Size and Myosin Expression in Muscle

Callipyge sheep exhibit postnatal muscle hypertrophy due to the up-regulation of DLK1 and/or RTL1. The up-regulation of PARK7 was identified in hypertrophied muscles by microarray analysis and further validated by quantitative PCR. The expression of PARK7 in hypertrophied muscle of callipyge lambs was confirmed to be up-regulated at the protein level. PARK7 was previously identified to positively regulate PI3K/AKT pathway by suppressing the phosphatase activity of PTEN in mouse fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PARK7 in muscle growth and protein accretion in response to IGF1. Primary myoblasts isolated from Park7 (+/+) and Park7 (−/−) mice were used to examine the effect of differential expression of Park7. The Park7 (+/+) myotubes had significantly larger diameters and more total sarcomeric myosin expression than Park7 (−/−) myotubes. IGF1 treatment increased the mRNA abundance of Myh4, Myh7 and Myh8 between 20-40% in Park7 (+/+) myotubes relative to Park7 (−/−). The level of AKT phosphorylation was increased in Park7 (+/+) myotubes at all levels of IGF1 supplementation. After removal of IGF1, the Park7 (+/+) myotubes maintained higher AKT phosphorylation through 3 hours. PARK7 positively regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibition of PTEN phosphatase activity in skeletal muscle. The increased PARK7 expression can increase protein synthesis and result in myotube hypertrophy. These results support the hypothesis that elevated expression of PARK7 in callipyge muscle would increase levels of AKT activity to cause hypertrophy in response to the normal IGF1 signaling in rapidly growing lambs. Increasing expression of PARK7 could be a novel mechanism to increase protein accretion and muscle growth in livestock or help improve muscle mass with disease or aging.
Dielectric Studies of Blends of Poly(ethylene oxide) and Poly(styrene-co-p-hydroxystyrene). Semicrystalline Blends

The segmental and local dynamics of semicrystalline, melt-miscible blends of poly(ethylene oxide) [PEO] and a poly(styrene-co-p-hydroxystyrene) copolymer [SHS] were investigated using dielectric re...
AQUAPORIN-4 INDEPENDENT Kir4.1 K+ CHANNEL FUNCTION IN BRAIN GLIAL CELLS

Abstract Functional interaction of glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 has been suggested from their apparent colocalization and biochemical interaction, and from the slowed glial cell K+ uptake in AQP4-deficient brain. Here, we report multiple lines of evidence against functionally significant AQP4–Kir4.1 interactions. Whole-cell patch-clamp of freshly isolated glial cells from brains of wild-type and AQP4 null mice showed no significant differences in membrane potential, barium-sensitive Kir4.1 K+ current or current–voltage curves. Single-channel patch-clamp showed no differences in Kir4.1 unitary conductance, voltage-dependent open probability or current–voltage relationship. Also, Kir4.1 protein expression and distribution were similar in wild-type and AQP4 null mouse brain and in the freshly isolated glial cells. Functional inhibition of Kir4.1 by barium or RNAi knock-down in primary glial cell cultures from mouse brain did not significantly alter AQP4 water permeability, as assayed by calcein fluorescence quenching following osmotic challenge. These studies provide direct evidence against functionally significant AQP4–Kir4.1 interactions in mouse glial cells, indicating the need to identify new mechanism(s) to account for altered seizure dynamics and extracellular space K+ buffering in AQP4 deficiency.
Injury and repair in the neurovascular unit.

The neurovascular unit provides a conceptual framework for investigating the pathophysiology of how brain cells die after stroke, brain injury, and neurodegeneration. Emerging data now suggest that this concept can be further extended. Cell–cell signaling between neuronal, glial, and vascular elements in the brain not only mediates the mechanisms of acute injury, but integrated responses in these same elements may also be required for recovery as the entire neurovascular unit attempts to reorganize and remodel. Understanding the common signals and substrates of this transition between acute injury and delayed repair in the neurovascular unit may reveal useful paradigms for augmenting neuronal, glial, and vascular plasticity in damaged and diseased brain.
A phase I clinical pharmacologic study of pralatrexate in combination with probenecid in adults with advanced solid tumors

Purpose: The antifolate pralatrexate (10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin, PDX) demonstrates greater in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy than methotrexate. Preclinical models indicated that the efficacy of pralatrexate may be enhanced by coadministration with probenecid. The aim of this phase I study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose of pralatrexate when combined with probenecid given every 2 weeks in humans. Methods: The starting dose was pralatrexate 40 mg/m2 intravenously and probenecid 70 mg/m2 intravenously administered every 14 days, where one cycle of treatment was every 28 days. The pralatrexate dose was initially fixed while probenecid dose escalation was explored. The pralatrexate area under the curve (AUC), terminal-half life (t1/2), and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) were determined in cycle 1. Results: Seventeen patients with advanced solid tumors were treated with a median of two prior chemotherapy regimens. Stomatitis was dose-limiting with pralatrexate 40 mg/m2 and probenecid 233 mg/m2. Mean pralatrexate AUC and half life (t1/2) increased with increasing doses of probenecid. No objective responses were seen. Conclusion: For patients with advanced solid tumors, the maximum-tolerated dose of this drug combination was pralatrexate 40 mg/m2 and probenecid 140 mg/m2. Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation may allow for further dose escalation of pralatrexate and probenecid. This is a suitable question for a future study.
The calculus trap

Evaluation of a five-year mathematics initiative at Dartmouth showed that while a term of introductory college calculus often left weak or uninterested mathematics students discouraged about mathematics, when such students enrolled in interdisciplinary mathematics and humanities courses they had a more productive mathematical experience. This paper suggests that more diverse introductory mathematics offerings at the college and even high school level might preserve the mathematical interest of a greater number of students than the present emphasis on calculus for all students.
Lipid profiling reveals glycerophospholipid remodeling in zymosan-stimulated macrophages.

Comprehensive lipid profiling by mass spectrometry provides comparative data on the relative distribution of individual glycerophospholipids within each of the major classes. Application of this me...
Release from Density Dependent Growth Inhibition by Proteolytic Enzymes

CONFLUENT chick embryo cells in culture grow much more slowly than do sparse cells in conditions where significant depletion of the medium is avoided1–3. Because an important factor regulating growth seems to be the population density, this phenomenon is called density dependent inhibition of growth4. When a thin scratch is made in a slowly growing confluent culture of chick embryo cells, the cells adjoining the scratch begin to grow rapidly and continue to do so until confluence is restored3. Growth of confluent cells can also be stimulated by the addition of a macromolecular component of serum5. We now report that the addition of proteolytic enzymes to the medium of inhibited cells in concentrations too low to cause cell detachment stimulates rapid growth among the cells.
Air Condensation in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

Air condensation studies were conducted in a 3-in. hypersonic wind tunnel where the flow Mach numbers ranged from 9.5 to 17.0. The stream pitot and static pressures both were found to be affected strongly by the presence of condensation. Large amounts of apparent supersaturation, which increased with increasing Mach number, were found to exist. It was shown that hypersonic wind tunnels may be operated with stagnation temperatures much lower than those temperatures required for avoiding saturation conditions in the air stream, and single-phase flow still may be maintained. "C^OR the past two decades the problems arising from the -•- occurrence of air condensation in hypersonic nozzles have been of great concern to the operators and designers of hypersonic wind tunnels. When condensation occurs, isentropicity is lost, and meaningful data no longer are obtained. This phenomenon of air condensation may occur when the decreasing pressure and temperature of the expanding flow reach or exceed the air saturation point conditions. At this point the air may begin to condense or it may continue to expand into a supersaturated state. To avoid condensation, the air may be heated to stagnation temperatures sufficiently high that the static air temperatures throughout the expansion are greater than the saturation temperature. However, at high Mach numbers this approach becomes impractical because of the prohibitively high stagnation temperatures required. A number of early studies1"9 of air condensation in wind tunnels were made in the period of 1948 to 1953 in the Mach number range of about 5 to 7. Most of these studies showed that condensation occurred at, or very soon after, the point where the stream reached saturation conditions. More recently, in 1960, Dayman10 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory reported that appreciable levels of supersaturati on could be achieved at Mach numbers up to 9.5. Subsequently, Lee and Gregorek at Ohio State University showed with unpublished data that, at Mach numbers greater than 10, large, significant amounts of supersaturati on apparently could be obtained. The present study was undertaken for the purpose of extending and gaining more complete knowledge of the phenomenon of air condensation. In particular, the objectives were to determine the influence of air condensation on the pressure characteristics of the flow and to establish the operational limits of the facility for maintaining condensation-free flow in terms of Mach number and stagnation pressure and temperature.
Sex differences in addict careers. 1. Initiation of use

Five-hundred-sixty-seven heroin addicts admitted to methadone maintenance treatment programs in southern California were included in the present analysis. Systematic comparisons were made between women and men for Anglo and Chicano subpopulations. The behaviors compared focused on initial drug use and other antecedent behaviors during the year prior to initiation of heroin use including interpersonal relationships, other substance use, drug dealing, legal income, and various criminal behaviors. Unlike men, the initial use of heroin by women was highly influenced by a man, especially by a sex partner who is often a daily heroin user. On the other hand, many women (like men) reported self-initiation of heroin use, multiple drug use, and drug dealing, thus demonstrating that they took an active role in their drug involvement. Other differences between men and women for antecedent behaviors prior to narcotics use appear to be related to traditional expectations about gender roles in American society.
Observations of Ionic Sound Waves in Plasmas: Their Properties and Applications

This paper discusses extensive experimental studies of the ionic sound waves predicted by Tonks and Langmuir. Self-excited oscillations have been observed both in magnetically supported plasma columns and in spherical discharge tubes. The fundamental frequency and the overtones of each system agree with those predicted by the ionic-sound-wave formula in terms of the electron temperature, the ion mass, and the dimensions of the system. A simple equation is used to predict when damping by the neutral gas prevents a given mode of plasma oscillation from being observed. The thermal electron pressure, required for the existence of an ionic sound wave, has been measured mechanically. Resonance effects have been observed between the ionic-sound and the ion cyclotron frequency in the magnetically supported plasma column. Practical applications of ionic sound waves are as follows: The electron temperature of a plasma was found by measuring the frequency of a standing ion-wave mode. The neutral gas density was estimated by observing the gas damping of various standing ion-wave modes.
Initial description of the human NLRP3 promoter

Mutations in NLRP3 (CIAS1) are identified in a continuum of related inflammatory disorders, known as cryopyrinopathies since NLRP3 codes for the protein cryopyrin. Approximately 40% of patients with classic presentation lack mutations in the coding region of NLRP3 suggesting heterogeneity or epigenetic factors. Cryopyrin is a key regulator of proinflammatory cytokine release. Therefore, variations in the NLRP3 promoter sequence may have effects on disease state in patients with cryopyrinopathies and other inflammatory diseases. In this report, we confirmed three 5′-untranslated region splice forms with two separate transcriptional start sites, and identified potential promoter regions and six new DNA promoter variants. One variant is unique to a mutation negative cryopyrinopathy patient and increases in vitro gene expression. Additional studies can now be performed to further characterize the NLRP3 promoter and sequence variants, which will lead to better understanding of the regulation of NLRP3 expression and its role in disease.
Trifoliol, a new coumestan from ladino clover

Abstract A new coumestan, C16H10O6, related to coumestrol, has been isolated from ladino clover. Degradation and synthesis of the compound established its structure as 3,7-dihyroxy-9-methoxy-6H-benzofuro[3,2,c][1]-benzopyran-6-one.
A threshold response to habitat disturbance by forest birds in the Choco Andean corridor, Northwest Ecuador

Understanding how organisms use disturbed habitats and how that use can be increased is a pivotal question in conservation biology. We analyzed the relationship between upper canopy cover, a measure of disturbance, and habitat occupancy and use by 18 forest bird species in northwest Ecuador. From May 22 to June 28, 2006 we conducted five, 10-min 50 m-radius point counts at each of the 28 sites (140 total) representing a gradient of habitat disturbance from 1,285 to 1,787 m in elevation. Both habitat occupancy and use showed strong threshold responses at 21-40% upper canopy cover with the probability of occupancy increasing from about 0 to 1 and emigration (the probability that a species would stop using the site during the study period) decreasing from about 1 to 0. Bird surveys ended near the beginning of the driest time of year and high levels of emigration in more disturbed areas imply that forest birds stopped using these areas as the dry season approached, possibly due to a shift in food resources. Patterns of habitat use and occupancy suggest that disturbed habitat in the region (which is primarily abandoned pasture) may only be valuable to forest birds after a specific level of regeneration and during certain times of the year.
Foraging by Two Estuarine Fishes, Fundulus heteroclitus and Fundulus majalis , on Juvenile Asian Shore Crabs ( Hemigrapsus sanguineus ) in Western Long Island Sound

The Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, is a recent and particularly successful introduction to the east coast of the USA. Little research has been done on the utilization of Asian shore crabs for food by native species, a potential form of biocontrol. Over a 4-year period, we examined the gut contents of cogeners, Fundulus heteroclitus and Fundulus majalis, collected from two embayments in western Long Island Sound for the presence of juvenile H. sanguineus. Frequency (percent) of occurrence of food items in the guts of both species varied over year and study site. Asian shore crabs were consumed more often by F. heteroclitus than by F. majalis, but predation pressure by both species was low. Only 13% of F. heteroclitus and 7.7% of F. majalis found with food in their guts had ingested Asian shore crab remains. Of those, 1/3 had consumed whole crabs; the rest had only autotomized appendages in their guts. The mean carapace width of juvenile Asian shore crabs ingested by F. heteroclitus was 3.59 ± 2.22 mm (N = 33). Results of our study on killifish predation support the hypothesis that H. sanguienus abundance is partly explained by reduced impact of native predators (i.e., the “enemy release hypothesis”). Predation pressure of other potential enemies on both planktonic and benthic stages of the Asian shore crab must be investigated, however, to understand the full impact of predation on H. sanguineus population dynamics.
Development of a brief screening tool for women's mental health assessment in refugee settings: A psychometric evaluation

Abstract Background and purpose The detection of common mental disorders in humanitarian crisis settings requires a screening tool that is feasible to use as well as sensitive and specific. The Self-Report Questionnaire, developed by the World Health Organization in 1994 to detect presence or absence of common mental health disorders, has frequently been used among conflict-affected and refugee populations. Our goal was to identify a highly predictive and reliable subset of items to serve as a screening tool that can be used in busy, over-crowded, and low-resource primary health care settings to identify women who need mental health attention. Methods We analyzed the responses on a version of the Self-Report Questionnaire expanded to include two suicidality items from 810 displaced women living in refugee camps in Rwanda. Screening items were selected and evaluated for predictive ability using logistic regression in a cross-validation process, sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and internal consistency analysis. Results A five-item screening tool resulted. Those items are "Do you feel unhappy?", Do you feel easily nervous, tense, or worried?", "Have you lost interest in things?", "Do you have trouble thinking clearly?" and "Has the thought of ending your life been on your mind?". Conclusion The Self-Report Questionnaire-5 may be an important tool for identifying common mental disorders as well as suicide ideation and behaviors when assessing mental health among women in crisis situations. Further evaluation of this tool is warranted.
Intravenous cocaine abuse and subarachnoid haemorrhage: effect on outcome.

A retrospective study of subarachnoid haemorrhage associated with intravenous cocaine injection was undertaken in a large urban hospital. Patients who used intravenous cocaine had significantly poorer outcomes when compared with subarachnoid haemorrhage patients with no known exposure to the drug.
Adjustment in the process of trade liberalization: The U.S. and Mexico

Abstract Although many of the issues in North-American trade liberalization are reminiscent of those faced earlier by Europeans and by the United States and Canada, there are also some non-trivial differences. Divergences in economic structure are more pronounced. They affect the interplay of various sources of welfare gains and costs and are likely to make inter-industry and vertically integrated intra-industry trade more important Non-tariff barriers play a greater role in the present context and the welfare effects of preferntial elimination of quantitative restraints differ in important respect from those of tariffs. A free trade area, for example, which is clearly trade-diverting under tariff liberalization may be trade-creating under quantitative restrictions.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN AIRLINES AND TRAVEL AGENTS RELATIONSHIP

Abstract On average, 17% of airline operating cost are attributed to distribution costs which are associated with commissions to travel agents, ticketing, credit card fees, CRS fees and promotion. In recent years, airlines in North America and in Europe have been questioning the role of travel agents in the distribution chain and renegotiating commission fee structures. As a result, some large agents have introduced a management fee philosophy where the clients, especially corporations, pay a fee to the travel agent in return for predetermined services. Such services include providing up-to-the minute reports on travel patterns of employees, effectiveness of travel policies, advice on complicated itineraries, etc. Such changes in airline and travel agent relationships initially started in the US and were followed by the European carriers. However, Asian carriers have been slow in following their US and European counterparts. This raises a number of questions: What are the barriers, if any for Asian carriers, to follow their counter parts in Europe and US? Would airlines in the three regions be able to bypass travel agents and sell directly to their customers? Would the customers prefer to go direct to airlines? Would there be a variation in the airlines, and agents, relationship in each region? This paper addresses these questions by analysing the distribution strategies of major carriers in the US, Europe and Asia. It also discusses the changing relationship between airlines and travel agents, and the trend towards direct selling by airlines in each region.
Influential Nonnegligible Parameters Under the Search Linear Model.

In this paper some results useful in detecting the Influential Nonnegligible parameters under the search linear model are presented. An estimator of the number of nonnegligible parameters which are significant and influental is also given. The methodologies discussed here seen to have potentiality in improving upon the Taugchi design methods where the higher order interactions are always assumed to be zero.
A TAXONOMY OF PUBLIC-COMMERCIAL JOINT VENTURES

ABSTRACT The paper develops a taxonomy of types of joint ventures which have emerged in the United States between public and commercial leisure service suppliers. The taxonomy classifies all such ventures into three major categories: situations where the public sector uses existing facilities owned exclusively by the commercial sector; ventures in which the public sector engages in pump priming to facilitate new commercial projects; and ventures in which a public agency plays the dominant role in developing new facilities. Within each major category, sub-categories are defined. The central principles of each type of joint venture are discussed.
AN EXPLORATION OF COMMUNICATION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN REAL BRAINSTORMING GROUPS

This study analyzed the performance of individuals in real brainstorming groups in an attempt to determine the relationship between individual ideational output, perceptions of status within the group, and communication apprehension. Results of a multiple discriminant analysis suggest that persons who are high producers of ideas perceive fewer status differences among group members, perceive themselves as high status group members and are less apprehensive as communicators than those persons low in productivity. The linear combination of discriminating variables was able to successfully classify over 75% of the subjects into their actual output group.
Developing effective reverse logistics programs

A recent survey in the automobile aftermarket industry examines reverse logistics practices. The research focuses on two key issues: 1) the influence of program design characteristics, i.e., formalization, returns policy restrictiveness, and innovation, on program performance and 2) the differential influence of making versus buying reverse logistics program software. The results provide guidelines for managerial decisions relating to reverse logistics.
CREATING NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITY THROUGH CITIZEN ACTIVISM

While the importance of the neighborhood as a nexus of social life has declined in recent decades, the neighborhood itself has achieved new distinction as the territorial basis for a growing citizen activism movement. In the absence of any competing consensus, neighborhood activists assume a certain measure of power to define what the neighborhood and its interests are, and may take an active role in manipulating the neighborhood's identity in order to justify their authority as neighborhood representatives. This case study of one neighborhood examines the role of the local organization in creating a sense of identity among neighborhood residents. The representation of neighborhood interests is assessed through an examination of policies and programs implemented by the organization. Discrepancies between neighborhood activists and nonactive residents are noted in a comparison of survey data that measure several dimensions of neighborhood identity. It is concluded that the neighborhood exists as a communit...
Capitalization of interjurisdictional fiscal differentials: An alternative approach

Abstract In virtually every study concerning capitalization of fiscal differentials into property values, the unit of observation has been a local jurisdiction or an individual house sale within a jurisdiction. Urban economic theory suggests that capitalization of fiscal differentials should be most obvious at the border of two jurisdictions. Housing price differentials between adjacent blocks at the border of two jurisdictions will be used to study capitalization. Such an approach reduces problems associated with measurement of (dis)amenities and public services, and with the use of a distance variable in urban areas with multiple employment or recreation centers.
Proton transfer in carbonic anhydrase is controlled by electrostatics rather than the orientation of the acceptor.

Combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations are carried out to analyze factors that dictate the proton transfer in carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), an enzyme that has been used as a prototypical example of long-range proton transfers in biomolecules. In contrast to the long-held conjecture in the experimental literature, the computed potentials of mean force (PMF) suggest that the proton transfer in CAII is not very sensitive to the orientation of the acceptor group (His 64) and, therefore, the number of water molecules that bridge the donor (zinc−water) and acceptor groups. Perturbative analysis indicates that a series of polar and charged residues close to the transfer pathways make the dominant contribution to the barrier and exothermicity of the proton transfer reaction, thus supporting the proposal from previous studies of Warshel and co-workers using a somewhat simpler QM/MM model that electrostatic interactions play a major role in the proton transfer in CAII. The PMF results ...
Mean-Mean Multiple Comparison Displays for Families of Linear Contrasts

Traditional tabular and graphical displays of results of simultaneous confidence intervals or hypothesis tests are deficient in several respects. Expanding on earlier work, we present new mean–mean multiple comparison graphs that succinctly and compactly display the results of traditional procedures for multiple comparisons of population means or linear contrasts involving means. The MMC plot can be used with unbalanced, multifactor designs with covariates. After reviewing the construction of these displays in the S language (S-Plus and R), we demonstrate their application to four multiple comparison scenarios.
Effect of a brain extract on turnover rate of serum cholesterol.

SummaryIn radioisotope studies in the chick and the dog, the turnover rate of the serum cholesterol, as measured by the biological decay of endogenously labeled C14 cholesterol, was substantially increased by the feeding of a cerebroside-rich extract of mammalian brain. Much less influence was found on the turnover rate of P32 labeled phospholipids. Some evidence is presented to suggest that the increased turnover rate of serum cholesterol is produced by an increased fecal excretion of endogenous cholesterol.
Mass-Action Equilibrium, Noise, and Non-Specific Interactions in Protein Interaction Networks

We studied the Law of Mass Action equilibrium of the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network in yeast using experimentally determined protein concentrations, localizations, and interactions. In particular, we were interested in how this equilibrium responds to changes in copy numbers of individual proteins [1-3]. We demonstrated that the magnitude of shifts between free (monomer) and bound (dimer) concentrations of perturbed proteins is influenced by such factors as the topological structure of the network, balance of concentrations of interacting proteins, and the average binding strength. Our primary conclusion is that on average the magnitude of the perturbation exponentially decays with the network distance away from the perturbed node. This explains why, despite a globally connected topology, individual functional modules in such networks are able to operate fairly independently. In a separate project [4-5] we quantified the interplay between specific and non-specific binding interactions under crowded conditions inside living cells. We argued [4] that the need to minimize the waste of resources to non-specific interactions limits the proteome diversity and the average concentration of co-expressed and co-localized proteins.[1] S. Maslov, I. Ispolatov, Propagation of large concentration changes in reversible protein binding networks, PNAS 104, 13655 (2007).[2] S. Maslov, K. Sneppen, I. Ispolatov, Spreading out of perturbations in reversible reaction networks, New Journal of Physics 9, 273 (2007).[3] K-K. Yan, D. Walker, S. Maslov, Fluctuations in Mass-Action Equilibrium of Protein Binding Networks, Phys Rev. Lett. 101, 268102 (2008).[4] J. Zhang, S. Maslov, and E. I. Shakhnovich, Constraints imposed by non-functional protein-protein interactions on gene expression and proteome size, Mol. Syst. Biol. 4, 210 (2008).[5] M. Heo, S. Maslov, E. I. Shakhnovich Protein abundances and interactions coevolve to promote functional complexes while suppressing non-specific binding. in press (2010)
Multi-Length Scale Morphology of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Sulfonate Ionomers with Alkali Cations at Room Temperature

A series of Li-, Na-, and Cs-neutralized polyester ionomers with well-defined poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) spacer lengths between sulfonated phthalates have been investigated by X-ray scattering at room temperature. As the spacer lengths are increased the PEO segments crystallize, as evidenced by multiple crystal reflections that are identical to those of pure poly(ethylene glycol) oligomers. This crystallization also produces multiple small-angle peaks, which correspond to the well-defined thickness of PEO crystallites. The ionomer peak (q = 1−5 nm−1) is absent in the Na- and Cs-neutralized ionomers, while the Li-neutralized ionomers show peaks at q = 2−3 nm−1, reminiscent of conventional ionic aggregates in ionomers. Detailed analysis of the normalized X-ray scattering intensity from these ionomers reveals a variety of ionic states that are highly dependent on the cation size. The states of ionic groups change from a majority of isolated ion pairs to aggregated structures as the cation size decreases from...
Un portail national sur la qualité des eaux destinées à la consommation humaine

Le controle sanitaire des eaux destinees a la consommation humaine, mis en oeuvre par les agences regionales de sante (ex-DDASS) du ministere charge de la sante, en application du Code de la sante publique, comprend notamment la realisation d’un programme d’analyses. Les resultats des analyses sont stockes dans la base de donnees du systeme d’information en sante environnement sur les eaux (SISE-Eaux).La reglementation francaise prevoit que les usagers puissent disposer regulierement d’une information transparente et actualisee sur la qualite de l’eau potable. L’information ainsi recoltee est deja communiquee au grand public a travers deux dispositifs : l’affichage en mairie des resultats d’analyses du controle sanitaire des eaux et la diffusion avec la facture d’eau, une fois par an, d’une synthese sur la qualite de l’eau delivree l’annee precedente.Pour completer ces dispositifs, un outil permettant la mise a disposition du grand public des principaux resultats d’analyses de qualite de l’eau potable via Internet a ete developpe et mis en exploitation sur deux regions pilotes (Centre et Poitou-Charentes). Son utilisation a ete recemment etendue a deux regions supplementaires (Basse-Normandie et Midi- Pyrenees) et devait etre generalisee a l’ensemble des regions francaises d’ici la fin de l’ete 2009. En parallele, la direction generale de la sante (DGS) met en place un portail national qui permettra au grand public d’acceder directement aux derniers resultats d’analyses d’eau potable dans la region de son choix.
Spectral and Chemical Characterization of Phosphates Associated with Humic Substances

Because humic substances are involved in many processes in soils and natural waters, characterization of phosphorus (P) associated with humic substances may shed light on the function of natural organic matter in P cycling and nutrition. In this study, we investigated the spectral features and potential availability of P in the International Humic Substance Society (IHSS) Elliott Soil humic acid standard (EHa), Elliott soil fulvic add standard II (EFa), Waskish peat humic acid reference (WHa), and Waskish peat fulvic acid reference (WFa) by fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 3-phytase incubation, and UV irradiation. We observed more similar spectral features between EHa and EFa as well as between WHa and WFa than between the two humic acids or two fulvic acids themselves. Phosphorus in WHa and WFa was mainly present in the orthophosphate form. However, only about 5% was water soluble. After treatment by both UV irradiation and enzymatic hydrolysis, soluble orthophosphate increased to 17% of the P in WHa, and 10% of the P in WFa. Thus, it appears that a large portion of P in Waskish peat humic substances was not labile for plant uptake. On the other hand, both orthophosphate and organic phosphate were present in EHa and EFa. Treatment by both UV irradiation and enzymatic hydrolysis increased soluble orthophosphate to 67% of the P in EHa and 52% of the P in EFa, indicating that more P in Elliott soil humic substances was potentially bioavailable. Our results demonstrated that source (soil vs. peat) was a more important factor than organic matter fraction (humic acid vs. fulvic add) with respect to the forms and lability of P in these humic substances. This work represents a much more complete characterization of humic substance-bound P than previously reported in the literature, thus providing a comprehensive approach for improved understanding of P cycling in relation to ecosystem function.
Targeted sequencing with microfluidics.

Combining microdroplet PCR with flow-cell technologies provides a novel approach for sequencing thousands of genomic targets.
A method for proving that monotone twist maps have no invariant circles

We present an existence theorem for certain kinds of orbits of a monotone twist map and use it to obtain a criterion for proving that there are no invariant circles with a certain range of rotation numbers. We have used this criterion to prove (computer assisted) that the standard map has no invariant circles for several parameter values including k = 0.9718.
Use of FTIR reflectance spectroscopy to monitor corrosion mechanisms on glass surfaces

Abstract Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to monitor corrosion mechanisms on the surface of lithium disilicate (Li2O–2SiO2) glass samples exposed to an aqueous solution for short times. The traditional mechanisms of glass corrosion were observed but a spectral feature was resolved that was previously unreported. This feature consisted of a peak suspected to result partially from a silanol (Si–OH) vibration in the region 800–1050 cm−1 that shifted and reappeared in a cyclic fashion throughout the corrosion process. The behavior of this peak tends to suggest that the creation and condensation of Si–OH groups is the reaction responsible for causing the shift of the main Si–O–Si and Si–O− peaks, a phenomenon which has previously lacked a detailed explanation.
[(Cyclen)(4)Ru(4)(pz)(4)](9+): a Creutz-Taube square.

The use of cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) as a blocking ligand enables assembly of the mixed-valence square complex [(cyclen)4Ru4(pz)4]9+ (pz = pyrazine). A crystal structure determination shows the molecule to possess a regular square geometry wherein each Ru atom has an equivalent coordination environment. Consistent with the presence of one RuIII and three RuII centers, cyclic voltammetry reveals a single reversible reduction wave and three successive oxidation waves. The separation between the first oxidation and reduction waves indicates a comproportionation constant of Kc = 108.9 for the [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]9+ square, suggesting a greater extent of electron delocalization than that observed for the Creutz−Taube ion. The closer spacing between oxidation waves suggests a lesser degree of delocalization in the [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]10+ (Kc = 102.0) and [(cyclen)4Ru6(pz)4]11+ (Kc = 103.0) species, bearing the higher average oxidation states of Ru2.5+ and Ru2.75+, respectively.
Characterization of electron traps in aluminum-implanted SiO 2

Johnson, Johnson, and Lampert have studied the effect of Al implantation on the trapping behavior of SiO2. The large fluence that they used (1 × 1014Al/cm2) and the low annealing temperatures (up to 600°C) resulted in a trapping efficiency of 1 and made it impossible to characterize the traps. In the present study a lower fluence and higher annealing temperatures to reduce the trapping efficiency are used to permit characterization of the traps. The predominant trap cross sections are 1.26 × 10-16 and 1.40 × 10-17 cm2. In a companion paper by DiMaria, Young, Hunter, and Serrano the location of the trapped charge is discussed.
Conformational analysis of 2,2,3-trimethylhexane and 2,2,4-trimethylhexane

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra were obtained for the title compounds, and normal coordinate calculations were made with a thitry-three parameter modified valence force field transferred from other trimethylalkanes. 2,2,3-Trimethylhexane exists in two conformations and 2,2,4-trimethylhexane exists in three conformations. Vibrational assignments are made for the five conformers of the two compounds.