cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac adenosine production in rat genetic models of low and high exercise capacity

We previously demonstrated that Copenhagen (COP) and DA inbred rat strains show a wide difference in a test for aerobic treadmill running that correlated positively with isolated cardiac function. The purpose of this study was to test adenosine production as a candidate intermediate phenotype that may explain part of the difference in running and cardiac performance in these genetic models for low and high aerobic capacity. Adenosine production was measured as the activity of soluble 5'-nucleotidase and membrane-bound ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the membrane pellet and supernatant fractions of left and right ventricular muscle and gracilis muscle taken from 10 DA and 10 COP rats. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity in the membrane pellet of hearts from both DA and COP accounted for the vast majority of the total tissue adenosine production (>90% in the left ventricle and >80% in the right ventricle). Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity in the pellet fraction was significantly higher in the left (22.4%) and right (46.1%) ventricles of DA rats compared with COP rats, with no differences in total protein content. There were no significant differences between the strains for 5'-nucleotidase activity in the cardiac supernatant, the gracilis pellet, or the gracilis supernatant. These data support the hypothesis that an increase in cardiac adenosine production may contribute to the greater aerobic running capacity of the DA rats.
Is there a difference between surface and bulk oxidation levels in partially reduced metal oxide catalysts? Evidence from methane oxidative coupling kinetics

From the dependence of the rate of oxidative coupling of methane by a mixed manganese-magnesium oxide on the degree of reduction, we infer that even at equilibrium the surface remains more reduced that the bulk, and estimate the magnitude of the difference.
Generating alias relationships for two-level Plackett and Burman designs

Abstract When the number of runs N in a Plackett and Burman design is a power of two, the design is a 2 k — p III fractional factorial design, and the alias relationships are easily obtained. When N is a multiple of four but not a power of two, the alias relationships are extremely complicated. When only a few factors are expected to be relevant, and if all interactions involving three or more factors are tentatively assumed to be zero, knowledge of the alias relationships is valuable. It is then often possible to disentangle, either completely or partially, the main effects and two-factor interactions of those factors that appear to be of most importance in the initial analysis. In this article, we consider cases for N ≤ 100 and explain how to sequentially construct the alias table for Plackett and Burman designs generated by cyclic generation and foldover, as well as the N = 28 run design generated by block permutation. (This excludes only the N = 52, 76 and 100 designs generated via block permutation and the N = 92 run design, which is of a special construction type.) Applications of these tables are briefly discussed.
Investigation of double turnovers in photosystem II charge separation and oxygen evolution with excitation flashes of different duration.

The characteristics of double hitting in Photosystem II charge separation and oxygen evolution in algae and chloroplasts were investigated with saturating excitation flashes of 3 microseconds, 300 ns and 5 ns duration. Two types of double hitting or advancement in S-states were found to occur in oxygen evolution: a non-photochemical type found even with 5 ns flashes and a photochemical type seen only with microsecond-long flashes, which have extensive tails. The non-photochemical type, occurring with a probability of about 3%, is sensitive to the physiological condition of the sample, and is only present in algae or chloroplast samples that have been freshly prepared. In chloroplasts incubated with ferricyanide, a 3-fold increase in double advancement of S-states is observed with xenon-flash illumination but not with 300 ns or 5 ns laser illumination. However, double turnovers in Photosystem II reaction center charge separation are large with xenon flash or 300 ns laser illumination but not with 5 ns laser illumination. This indicates that quite different kinetic processes are involved in double advancement in S-states for oxygen evolution and double turnovers in charge separation. Various models of the Photosystem II reaction center are discussed. Also, based on experiments with chloroplasts incubated with ferricyanide, an unique solution to the oxygen S-state distribution in the dark suggested by Thibault (Thibault, P. (1978) C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris 287, 725-728) can be rejected.
Systematics of single and double K -shell-vacancy production in titanium bombarded by heavy ions

The systematics of single and double $K$-shell-vacancy production in titanium has been investigated in the limit of zero target thickness (\ensuremath{\sim} 1 \ensuremath{\mu}g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$) for incident C, N, O, F, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Cl ions over a maximum energy range of 0.5 to 6.5 MeV/amu. This corresponds to collision systems with $0.27\ensuremath{\le}\frac{{Z}_{1}}{{Z}_{2}}\ensuremath{\le}0.77$ and $0.24\ensuremath{\le}\frac{{v}_{1}}{{v}_{2 K}}\ensuremath{\le}0.85$, where ${v}_{1}$ is the projectile nuclear velocity and ${v}_{2 K}$ is the mean velocity of an electron in the target $K$ shell. The present work is divided into four major sections. (1) Single $K$-shell-vacancy production has been investigated by measuring $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $K\ensuremath{\beta}$ satellite x-ray-production cross sections for projectiles incident with no $K$-shell vacancies. For incident ions with ${Z}_{1}\ensuremath{\ge}9$, the contribution due to electron-transfer processes from the target $K$ shell to outer shells of the projectile has also been noted. (2) Single $K$---shell-to-$K$-shell electron-transfer cross sections have been obtained indirectly by the measuring of the enhancement in the $\mathrm{Ti}K$ x-ray production cross section for bare incident projectiles over ions incident with no initial $K$-shell vacancies. (3) Double $K$-vacancy production has been investigated by measuring the $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ hypersatellite intensity in ratio to the total $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ intensity. (4) Double $K$---shell-to-$K$-shell electron-transfer cross sections have been obtained indirectly with the use of a procedure similar to that used for single $K$ to $K$ transfer. The measured cross sections have been compared to theoretical models for direct Coulomb ionization and inner-shell electron transfer and have been used to investigate the relative importance of these mechanisms for $K$-vacancy production in heavy-ion---atom collisions.
Misperception among physicians and patients regarding the risks and benefits of statin treatment: the potential role of direct-to-consumer advertising

Background Statins are commonly used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Despite the benefit and limited risks in properly identified patients, clinicians are often challenged by patient acceptance and adherence to these medications. Objectives To assess if patients and physicians may have unfounded safety concerns about hepatotoxicity from these medications, we surveyed physicians and patients. Results We found inconsistent liver function–monitoring practices as well as exaggerated fears of statin-induced hepatotoxicity. Patients who received risk information from their physician were more likely to accurately estimate hepatotoxic risk than patients receiving such information from other sources. Conclusions We believe these misperceptions about the relative risk and benefits of statin therapy are propagated by direct-to-consumer advertising, which may emphasize potential adverse events relative to treatment benefits. These perceptions are likely to adversely affect statin adherence, and may be addressed by patient education.
A superconducting antenna-coupled microbolometer for THz applications

In this paper we demonstrate a superconducting bolometer, coupled to a lithographic antenna. The detector is operated at 4.2 K, and has an electrical noise equivalent power (NEP) of 14 fW/Hz 1/2 . We note that this sensitivity is approaching the typical background noise limit for terrestrial observations. The attractive feature of antenna-coupled microbolometers is that the simple fabrication procedure allows straightforward scaling to arrays, multi frequency capability, as well as intrinsic polarization selectivity. These features potentially enable the remote detection of chemical or biological agents by measuring differential absorption with two or more bolometers coupled to antennas designed for the intended frequencies. The noise equivalent temperature difference attainable with these detectors is around 40 mK at 0.5 THz for an integration time of 1/30 s and 30 % bandwidth, which would enable unprecedented image quality in application to detection of concealed weapons. Although the devices require cooling to cryogenic temperatures, we note that compact, closed-cycle cryocoolers exist on the market, which removes the need for liquid cryogens and provides user-friendly operation.
Simultaneous Profiling of 194 Distinct Receptor Transcripts in Human Cells

Many signal transduction cascades are initiated by transmembrane receptors with the presence or absence and abundance of receptors dictating cellular responsiveness. We provide a validated array of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) reagents for high-throughput profiling of the presence and relative abundance of transcripts for 194 transmembrane receptors in the human genome. We found that the qRT-PCR array had greater sensitivity and specificity for the detected receptor transcript profiles compared to conventional oligonucleotide microarrays or exon microarrays. The qRT-PCR array also distinguished functional receptor presence versus absence more accurately than deep sequencing of adenylated RNA species by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). By applying qRT-PCR-based receptor transcript profiling to 40 human cell lines representing four main tissues (pancreas, skin, breast, and colon), we identified clusters of cell lines with enhanced signaling capabilities and revealed a role for receptor silencing in defining tissue lineage. Ectopic expression of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) receptor-encoding gene IL10RA in melanoma cells engaged an IL-10 autocrine loop not otherwise present in this cell type, which altered signaling, gene expression, and cellular responses to proinflammatory stimuli. Our array provides a rapid, inexpensive, and convenient means for assigning a receptor signature to any human cell or tissue type.
Effects of silica and zinc oxide doping on mechanical and biological properties of 3D printed tricalcium phosphate tissue engineering scaffolds.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of silica (SiO 2 ) (0.5 wt%) and zinc oxide (ZnO) (0.25 wt%) dopants on the mechanical and biological properties of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds with three dimensionally (3D) interconnected pores. Methods Scaffolds were created with a commercial 3D printer. Post sintering phase analysis was determined by X-ray diffraction. Surface morphology of the scaffolds was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Mechanical strength was evaluated with a screw driven universal testing machine. MTT assay was used for cellular proliferation characteristics and cellular morphology was examined by FESEM. Results Addition of dopants into TCP increased the average density of pure TCP from 90.8 ± 0.8% to 94.1 ± 1.6% and retarded the β to α phase transformation at high sintering temperatures, which resulted in up to 2.5 fold increase in compressive strength. In vitro cell–materials interaction studies, carried out using hFOB cells, confirmed that the addition of SiO 2 and ZnO to the scaffolds facilitated faster cell proliferation when compared to pure TCP scaffolds. Significance Addition of SiO 2 and ZnO dopants to the TCP scaffolds showed increased mechanical strength as well as increased cellular proliferation.
Function complexes in homotopical algebra

1 .l Summary IN [l] QUILLEN introduced the notion of a model category (a category together with three classes of maps: weak equivalences, fibrations and cofibrations, satisfying certain axioms (1.4 (iv))) as a general framework for “doing homotopy theory”. To each model category M there is associated a homotopy category. If W C M denotes the subcategory of the weak equivalences, then this homotopy category is just the localization M[W-‘I, i.e. the category obtained from M by formally inverting the maps of W, and it thus depends only on the weak equivalences and not on the fibrations and the cofibrations. Moreover, if two model categories are connected by a pair of adjoint functors satisfying certain conditions, then their homotopy categories are equivalent. The homotopy category of a model category M does not capture the “higher order information” implicit in M. In the pointed case, however, Quillen was able to recover some of this information by adding some further structure (a loop functor, a suspension functor and fibration and cofibration sequences) to the homotopy category. His fundamental comparison theorem then stated that, if two pointed model categories are connected by a pair of adjoint functors satisfying certain conditions, then their homotopy categories are equivalent in a manner which respects this additional structure. The aim of the present paper is to go back to an arbitrary model category M and construct a simplicial homotopy category which does capture the “higher order information” implicit in M. This simplicial homotopy category is defined as the hummock localization L”(M, W) (for short LHM) of [2]. It is a simplicial category (1.4) with the following basic properties: (i) The simplicial homotopy category LHM depends (by definition) only on the weak equivalences and not on the fibrations and cofibrations. (ii) If two model categories are connected by a pair of adjoint functors satisfying Quillen’s conditions, then their simplicial homotopy categories are weakly equivalent (1.4). (iii) The “category of components” of the simplicial homotopy category of M is just the homotopy category of M. (iv) If M, is a closed simplicial model category [I], then, as one would expect, the full simplicial subcategory M$ C M* generated by the objects which are both cofibrant and jibrant is weakly equivalent (1.4) to LHM. (v) “LHM provides M with function complexes”, i.e. for every two objects X, YE M, the simplicial set LHM(X, Y) has the correct homotopy type for a function complex, in the sense that, for every cosimplicial resolution X* of X and every simplicial resolution Y, of Y (4.31, it has the same homotopy type as diag M(X*, Y*).
Income and financial satisfaction among older adults in the United States

Using data from the General Social Surveys,this study compares the effects of differentincome variables on financial satisfactionamong people age 65 and above in the UnitedStates. Results suggest that simply usinghousehold income as a variable without anyadjustment does not capture the real effect ofincome on financial satisfaction. Incomeequivalence scales and per-capita income arebetter income predictors of financialsatisfaction than family income. Given thefact that it is not uncommon in financialsatisfaction as well as subjective well-beingresearch to use the family income variablewithout adjustment, findings regarding theeffect of income from those studies should beinterpreted with caution.
Endocannabinoid Hydrolysis Generates Brain Prostaglandins That Promote Neuroinflammation

Phospholipase A(2)(PLA(2)) enzymes are considered the primary source of arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Here, we show that a distinct pathway exists in brain, where monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) hydrolyzes the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol to generate a major arachidonate precursor pool for neuroinflammatory prostaglandins. MAGL-disrupted animals show neuroprotection in a parkinsonian mouse model. These animals are spared the hemorrhaging caused by COX inhibitors in the gut, where prostaglandins are instead regulated by cytosolic PLA(2). These findings identify MAGL as a distinct metabolic node that couples endocannabinoid to prostaglandin signaling networks in the nervous system and suggest that inhibition of this enzyme may be a new and potentially safer way to suppress the proinflammatory cascades that underlie neurodegenerative disorders.
Health-related quality of life in parents of children with intermittent exotropia.

Purpose To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of parents of children with intermittent exotropia with use of the newly developed condition-specific Parent Intermittent Exotropia Questionnaire (Parent IXTQ) and the generic PedsQL Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM) and to compare the performance of both instruments. Methods One parent was recruited for each of 59 children with intermittent exotropia (age range, 3-16; median, 7 years) and for each of 29 visually normal children (age range, 5-13; median, 8 years). The parent completed the Parent IXTQ and the PedsQL FIM. For each questionnaire, we compared median HRQOL scores between the intermittent exotropia group and visually normal group. We also calculated normal thresholds, which were defined as the 5th percentile score in the cohort of parents of visually normal children. The proportion of subnormal scores between questionnaires in parents of children with intermittent exotropia was compared. Results The Parent IXTQ score was worse in the intermittent exotropia group than in the visually normal group (70.6 vs 94.1, p p = 0.8). More parents scored below normal when the Parent IXTQ was used than when the PedsQL FIM was used (31% vs 12%; p = 0.008, McNemar's test). Conclusions The Parent IXTQ detects subnormal HRQOL in parents of children with intermittent exotropia more often than the PedsQL FIM. It is possible that parental worry may influence management decisions in children with intermittent exotropia and therefore parental HRQOL is worthy of further study.
Szegö limit theorems in quantum mechanics

We prove a Szego-type theorem for some Schrodinger operators of the form H = −12Δ + V with V smooth, positive and growing like V0¦x¦k, k > 0. Namely, let πλ be the orthogonal projection of L2 onto the space of the eigenfunctions of H with eigenvalue ⩽λ; let A be a 0th order self-adjoint pseudo-differential operator relative to Beals-Fefferman weights ϑ(x, ξ) = 1, Φ(x, ξ) = (1 + ¦ξ¦2 + V(x))12 and with total symbol a(x, ξ); and let f∈C(R). Then limλ→∞1rankπλtrf(πλAπλ)=limλ→∞1vol(H(x, ξ)⩽λ)∫H⩽λf(a(x, ξ))dxdξ (assuming one limit exists).
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom: Graduate Student Experiences of Online Discussions in a Hybrid Course

Abstract While a range of research has been done on hybrid learning and online discussions, few studies have examined the voice of students in regard to their perceptions of these types of learning experiences. This article presents current research findings gathered from part-time graduate students enrolled in a hybrid course. The students’ perceptions are framed within thematic elements driven by best practices in learning, pedagogy, and formative assessment and supported by a review of the literature and conceptual treatments. Finally, recommendations are provided for continuing education practitioners and faculty when designing, assessing, and/or revising online and hybrid courses.
The mechanism by which influenza A virus nucleoprotein forms oligomers and binds RNA.

The structure of the influenza A virus nucleoprotein has proved elusive. But now its crystal structure has been determined, to reveal a crescent-shaped molecule containing connected head and body regions with a groove in between to accommodate the viral RNA. Now the contact points between this protein and other parts of the virus particle can be visualized, which should help in the development of antiviral therapeutics for influenza. The structure of the influenza virus A nucleoprotein is visualized, revealing connected head and body regions with a groove in between for the viral RNA to sit. Influenza A viruses pose a serious threat to world public health, particularly the currently circulating avian H5N1 viruses. The influenza viral nucleoprotein forms the protein scaffold of the helical genomic ribonucleoprotein complexes, and has a critical role in viral RNA replication1. Here we report a 3.2 A crystal structure of this nucleoprotein, the overall shape of which resembles a crescent with a head and a body domain, with a protein fold different compared with that of the rhabdovirus nucleoprotein2,3. Oligomerization of the influenza virus nucleoprotein is mediated by a flexible tail loop that is inserted inside a neighbouring molecule. This flexibility in the tail loop enables the nucleoprotein to form loose polymers as well as rigid helices, both of which are important for nucleoprotein functions. Single residue mutations in the tail loop result in the complete loss of nucleoprotein oligomerization. An RNA-binding groove, which is found between the head and body domains at the exterior of the nucleoprotein oligomer, is lined with highly conserved basic residues widely distributed in the primary sequence. The nucleoprotein structure shows that only one of two proposed nuclear localization signals are accessible, and suggests that the body domain of nucleoprotein contains the binding site for the viral polymerase. Our results identify the tail loop binding pocket as a potential target for antiviral development.
Optimum design methods for multiple loading

Es wird gezeigt, dass die fruher fur die optimale Bemessung von gewohnlichen Tragwerken entwickelten Verfahren auf Mehrzweck-Tragwerke erweitert werden konnen, welche unabhangig voneinander zwei oder mehr Lastsysteme aufzunehmen haben. Als Beispiel wird die Bemessung auf minimales Volumen einer kreisformigen Sandwich-Platte behandelt.
Kinetic study of the depolymerization of Bruceton coal

Abstract The depolymerization of coals using phenol and p-toluenesulphonic acid, was studied.In this reaction the acid ‘catalyst’ is destroyed, its rate of destruction being different for different coals. A kinetic study of the depolymerization of Bruceton coal under conditions of gradually declining acid concentration has been carried out. Parameters which were monitored include the weight increase of the products, the solubility of the products in benzene-ethanol, the extractability of the products into pyridine, the amount of colloidal material present in the pyridine-extractables, and the molecular weight distribution of the pyridine-soluble products. Under the conditions used, the reaction produces primarily polymeric products from coal. The molecular weight distribution of the pyridine-soluble material seems to undergo no major changes with reaction time.
An iterated pseudospectral method for delay partial differential equations

The Chebyshev pseudospectral semi-discretization preconditioned by a transformation in space is applied to delay partial differential equations. The Jacobi waveform relaxation method is then applied to the resulting semi-discrete delay systems, which gives simple systems of ordinary equations d/dtUk(t) = MαUk(t) + fα(t, Utk-1). Here, Mα is a diagonal matrix, which depends on a parameter α ∈ [0, 1], which is used in the transformation in space, k is the index of waveform relaxation iterations, Utk is a functional argument computed from the previous iterate and the function fα, like the matrix Mα, depends on the process of semi-discretization. Jacobi waveform relaxation splitting has the advantage of straightforward (because Mα is diagonal) application of implicit numerical methods for time integration. Another advantage of Jacobi waveform relaxation is that the resulting systems of ordinary differential equations can be efficiently integrated in a parallel computing environment. The spatial transformation is used to speed up the convergence of waveform relaxation by preconditioning the Chebyshev pseudospectral differentiation matrix. We study the relationship between the parameter α and the convergence of waveform relaxation with error bounds derived here for the iteration process. We find that convergence of wave-form relaxation improves as α increases, with the greatest improvement at α = 1. These results are confirmed by numerical experiments for hyperbolic, parabolic and mixed hyperbolic-parabolic problems with and without delay terms.
Multi-ethnic analysis reveals soluble l -selectin may be post-transcriptionally regulated by 3′UTR polymorphism: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

l-Selectin is constitutively expressed on leukocytes and mediates their interaction with endothelial cells during inflammation. Previous studies on the association of soluble l-selectin (sl-selectin) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are inconsistent. Genetic variants associated with sl-selectin levels may be a better surrogate of levels over a lifetime. We explored the association of genetic variants and sl-selectin levels in a race/ethnicity stratified random sample of 2,403 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Through a genome-wide analysis with additive linear regression models, we found that rs12938 on the SELL gene accounted for a significant portion of the protein level variance across all four races/ethnicities. To evaluate potential additional associations, elastic net models were used for variants located in the SELL/SELP/SELE genetic region and an additional two SNPs, rs3917768 and rs4987361, were associated with sl-selectin levels in African Americans. These variants accounted for a portion of protein variance that ranged from 4 % in Hispanic to 14 % in African Americans. To investigate the relationship of these variants with CVD, 6,317 subjects were used. No significant association was found between any of the identified SNPs and carotid intima-media thickness or presence of carotid plaque using linear and logistic regression, respectively. Similarly no significant results were found for coronary artery calcium or coronary heart disease events. In conclusion, we found that variants within the SELL gene are associated with sl-selectin levels. Despite accounting for a significant portion of the protein level variance, none of the variants was associated with clinical or subclinical CVD.
Experimental Observation of Anharmonic Coupling of the Heme-Doming and Iron−Ligand Out-of-Plane Vibrational Modes Confirmed by Density Functional Theory

In the deoxy ferrous state of histidine-ligated heme proteins, the iron−histidine band (νFe-His) has been assigned as a stretching mode that involves a two-body motion involving the iron and histidine combined with a minor amount of heme doming. An analogous Raman band, νFe-L has been observed in the proximal cavity mutant of H93G myoglobin where the Raman band of a series of nonnative axial ligands, L, can be compared. The H93G mutant of myoglobin consists of substitution of the proximal histidine, H93, by glycine. This replacement abolishes the sole covalent connection between the globin and the heme iron and creates a cavity that can be occupied by exogenous ligands, L, by dialysis. In the present study, the iron−axial-ligand out-of-plane vibration, νFe-L, for a series deoxy ferrous heme-iron adducts H93G(L) has been measured as a function of temperature, where L = imidazole (Im), 4-methyl imidazole (4-Me Im), 2-methyl imidazole (2-Me Im), 1-methyl imidazole (1-Me Im), 4-bromo imidazole (4-Br Im), and ...
Early Forebodings of the Death of Buddhism

Five Reasons for the Disappearance of Buddhism. External Threats to Buddhism. Pali Timetables of Decline. Timetables of Decline in Chinese Translations. Approaching the End of Buddhism. Dating According to Stages of Decline. The Nirvana Sutra. Period of the Five Corruptions. Hui-ssu (515-577) and the Arrival of the Last Period. Narendrayasas and the Three-Periods Concept. The Response of Chinese Buddhists. Conclusion.
Competition in the Search for Innovation: Getting Ahead by Falling Behind

Firms innovate by combining elements of their knowledge resources to identify combinations that are both novel and valuable. Prior research has argued that because larger resource bundles provide more elements for recombination, innovative performance increases in the size of a firm’s resource portfolio. At the same time, there are also empirical accounts of firms with inferior resources being highly innovative. Under what circumstances is investment in resources warranted, and what impact does this investment have on firms that are competing for valuable innovations? We address this question through a formal set-theoretic model. We show that the benefit of acquiring resources is contingent on both the competitive environment as well as firms’ internal search capability. In particular, our analysis demonstrates that acquiring resources imposes opportunity costs, leading to overvaluation of external resources. Moreover, we show that under a broad range of conditions, firms with inferior resources may actua...
Localization in One-Dimensional Disordered Systems

The basic idea that the convergence of the renormalized perturbation expression for the self-energy ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$ at a given energy is equivalent to the localizability of the eigenstates, if any, at this energy is applied to one-dimensional random systems, namely, electrons in the tightbinding approximation and phonons. For nearest-neighbor interactions all eigenstates are localized. If second-nearest-neighbor interactions are present, the possibility of the existence of extended states remains; we have shown that existing theories are unable to give a definite answer to the problem in this case.
US core values: a Chinese perspective

With globalisation and the opening of China’s borders, there has been increasing business and government interaction between China and the US. Given US interest in China’s market and the cultural distance between these two countries, it is imperative for US business persons not only to understand Chinese values, but also to examine how Chinese relate to US values. To this end, this study examines the attitudes of a sample of Chinese with regard to 10 US core values and compares their attitudes to those of a sample of US Americans. Despite some significant differences, the results of this study point out that the Chinese and US respondents exhibited many similarities in their attitudes.
706 TRANSFER FACTOR THERAPY IN HYPERIMMUNOGLOBULINEMIA

Two children, 21 months and 11 years, with extensive intractable atopic dermatitis for life, recurrent pyogenic skin infections, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, defective neutrophil chemotaxis and depressed cell-mediated immunity in vivo and in vitro were treated with transfer factor. Transfer Factor was prepared by the method of Lawrence from healthy donors with strong delayed type hypersensitivity to a battery of skin test antigens. Each patient received two courses of TF. A course was defined as 1x109 cells per week for 4 consecutive weeks. No clinical side-effects were noted. Following the first course of TF, significant clinical improvement was noted in both patients with disappearance of skin infections and pruritus. No new lesions have occurred 7 months after the completion of therapy in the first patient and 2 months after the completion of therapy in the second patient despite the discontinuation of steroids and antibiotics. Immunologic evaluation showed no consistent improvement in vitro. However, post TF in both patients delayed type cutaneous reactivity converted to positive and serum IgE levels increased significantly. These findings suggest that TF may be beneficial in hyper-IgE syndrome although the significance of rising IgE remains to be determined.
Planetary laser spectrometer for sensitive in situ detection of water at 1881 nm

Abstract We describe the design and capabilities of a highly sensitive prototype tunable diode laser spectrometer for detecting water vapor and its isotopologues in the 1881 nm region. It is a compact instrument based on wavelength modulated cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy and can measure a fractional optical absorption of ~10−5 for a pathlength of ~4 km, corresponding to ~10−8 mbar of water vapor (improvable to 10−9 mbar). The spectrometer would be suitable for searching for fingerprints of ancient climates on Mars and potential habitats of life in the Solar system. It would be useful for appraising water deposits on the Moon and asteroids, and characterizing the isotopic composition. Lunar deployment could provide ground truth to the recent orbital measurements, and help to discover records of the early bombardment history of the inner Solar system buried at the poles and clarify the mechanism for the generation of water in the illuminated regions.
Identification of CDK- and cyclin-like proteins in the eye of Bulla gouldiana

The ocular circadian rhythm in the eye of Bulla gouldiana is generated by a rhythm in membrane potential of retinal neurons that is driven by alterations in potassium conductance. Since potassium conductance may be modulated by the phosphorylation of potassium channels, the circadian rhythm may reflect rhythmic changes in protein kinase activity. Furthermore, the circadian rhythm recorded from the Bulla eye can be phase shifted by agents that affect protein synthesis and protein phosphorylation on tyrosine residues. Interestingly, the eukaryotic cell division cycle is generated by similar processes. Rhythmic cell division is regulated by periodic synthesis and degradation of a protein, cyclin, and periodic tyrosine phosphorylation of a cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk), p34cdc2. The interaction between these two proteins results in rhythmic kinase activity of p34cdc2. Both cyclin and p34cdc2 are part of two diverse gene families, some of whose members have been localized to post-mitotic cell types with no function yet determined. In the current work, we identify proteins similar to the cdks and cyclin in the eye of Bulla. Neither of these ocular proteins are found in mitotic cells in Bulla, and the cdk-like protein (p40) is specific to the eye. Furthermore, the concentration of the cyclin-like protein (p66) is affected by treatments that phase shift the circadian rhythm. The identification of cdk and cyclin-like proteins in the Bulla eye is consistent with the hypothesis that the biochemical mechanism responsible for generating the ocular circadian rhythm in Bulla is related to the biochemical mechanism that regulates the eukaryotic cell division cycle.
Water supply and sanitation services for all: global progress during the 1990s

The Earth may be largely covered with water, but over one billion people are estimated to be without safe drinking water and almost 2.5 billion (40% of the world's population) without adequate sanitation at the outset of the new millennium. The provision of safe water and sanitation for all poses several serious institutional and economic challenges at international, national and local levels. Despite the various political commitments made from the late 1970s onwards, these commitments have remained largely unfulfilled. Even though some efforts to expand coverage have been made over the past two decades, much of those efforts have been undermined by socioeconomic problems and growing population, particularly in the urban areas of developing countries. The water supply and sanitation sector is actually in acute need of new investments for expansion and maintenance of facilities. Nonetheless, some positive trends can be discerned, such as, for example, the increasing recognition of integrated water resources management, environmental sanitation, public-private partnerships and women as a key for improvement and expansion of services.
The effect of pargyline on the metabolism of ethanol and acetaldehyde by isolated rat liver cells.

Abstract The effect of pargyline on the uptake of acetaldehyde (in the presence of pyrazole) by isolated rat liver cells was studied after incubating the liver cells for 0, 10, 30, 45, and 60 min with 0.40, 1.30, and 2.6 m m pargyline. Without any incubation period, pargyline had no effect on acetaldehyde uptake. With increasing time of incubation, there was a progressive increase in the extent of inhibition of acetaldehyde uptake by pargyline. This suggests the possibility that pargyline is metabolized to the effective inhibitor or the incubation period allows pargyline to reach its site(s) of action. Pargyline was also a more effective inhibitor of the uptake of lower concentrations of acetaldehyde, e.g., 0.167 m m , than of higher concentrations (1.0 m m ) of acetaldehyde, especially after short incubation periods or when pyrazole was omitted from the reaction medium. After a 20- to 30-min incubation period, pargyline inhibited the control rate of ethanol oxidation by the liver cells, as well as the accelerated rate of ethanol oxidation found in the presence of pyruvate or an uncoupling agent. Pargyline had no effect on hepatic oxygen consumption. During ethanol oxidation, a time-dependent release of acetaldehyde into the medium was observed. Pyruvate, by increasing the rate of ethanol oxidation, increased the output of acetaldehyde five- to tenfold. Pargyline increased the output of acetaldehyde two- to threefold, despite decreasing the rate of ethanol metabolism by the liver cells. These data indicate that pargyline inhibits the low K m aldehyde dehydrogenase in intact rat liver cells and that this enzyme plays the major role in oxidizing the acetaldehyde which arises during the metabolism of ethanol. Although most of the acetaldehyde generated during the oxidation of ethanol is removed by the liver cells in an effective manner, changes in the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase or the rate of acetaldehyde generation significantly alter the hepatic output of acetaldehyde.
Influence of Solute−Membrane Affinity on Rejection of Uncharged Organic Solutes by Nanofiltration Membranes

A simple, analytical method for predicting transport of uncharged organic solutes through nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is presented in this paper. The method requires characterization of key solute and membrane parameters-namely, solute size, membrane pore size, and solute-membrane affinity. All three parameters can be experimentally determined from relatively simple permeation tests and contact angle analyses. The parameters are fed into an analytical model of solute transport, which accounts for hindered convection and diffusion of solutes in the membrane pores, as well as the combined effects of steric exclusion and solute-membrane affinity on solute partitioning from the feed solution into the membrane pores. Overall model predictions for organic solute rejection agreed well with experimental data for three different solutes and two different polymeric NF membranes. Further, the model demonstrates the dramatic influence of solute-membrane affinity on organic rejection by NF and RO membranes. Solute transport predictions made assuming only steric exclusion significantly overestimated rejections for solutes with strong affinity for membrane polymers and similarly underestimated rejections for solutes that were strongly repelled by membrane polymers.
Nanoscale fiber tip probe for biomedical sensing

ABSTRACT Most traditional biological assays are based on ensemble measurements on cells . Due to lack of the detection sensitivity and efficiency in sample preparation, anal yzing proteins in single cells have been challenging. Here we describe an assay-on-a-tip platform, and demonstrate an in situ, label-free technique to detect proteins inside single cells. Keywords: Single cells, surface plasmon resonance, optical fiber 1. INTRODUCTION Much of our knowledge in biology so far is based on ensemble measurements on cells 1 . However, the stochastic expression of genes, proteins and metabolites result in cellular heterogene ity. A major challenge is to understand how individua l cells process information and respond to stimuli. Traditional assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot, lack the detection sensitivity and efficiency in sample preparation to achieve single cell capability . Emerging microfluidic techniques are constantly improving the detection and sample manipulation capability
Si based single-electron transistor with ultra-thin oxide tunnel barriers fabricated using controlled CMP

Si single-electron transistors exhibiting room temperature operation have been reported in the literature and have also been shown to have excellent long-term charge stability as compared to metal tunnel junction devices. However, these devices suffer from a number of problems that will preclude their use in any practical application. These problems are due to uncontrolled dot size and tunnel barrier thickness. In this paper we present the result derived from the characterization of the different fabrication steps and the device. We have developed a different method to fabricate Si-SET using lithography, dry etching, and chemical mechanical polishing. Our method produces an SET with well-defined geometry of the dot and most importantly a high quality, well-controlled tunnel oxide.
Capacity Investments in Supply Chains: Sharing the Gain Rather Than Sharing the Pain

In this paper, we investigate price-only contracts in supply chain capacity procurement games. For a two-party supply chain, comprising a manufacturer and a supplier that both invest in capacity, we prove the existence of a class of coordinating price-only contracts that arbitrarily allocate the supply chain profit. Moreover, if the supplier's reservation profit is below a certain threshold, the manufacturer's optimal contract is a quantity-premium price-only schedule, that is, the average wholesale price per unit increases in the order size. We prove that the manufacturer prefers simple piecewise-linear quantity-premium contracts to linear contracts and show numerically that such contracts are highly efficient. We extend our results for piecewise-linear price schedules toN-supplier assembly systems. We also enrich the voluntary compliance regime of Cachon and Lariviere (2001). With this enrichment, we prove that share-the-pain contracts, such as firm commitment and options contracts, increase supplier capacity in the full information case, a result that contrasts with that of Cachon and Lariviere. Finally, we investigate when a manufacturer prefers single-breakpoint quantity premiums to firm commitments.
Influence of interfacial hydrogen and oxygen on the Schottky barrier height of nickel on (111) and (100) diamond surfaces.

In this paper we report on Schottky barrier height measurements of nickel on both diamond (111) and (100) surfaces, as a function of surface preparation. The Schottky barriers of thin (5 \AA{}) nickel films on natural type-IIb (p-type semiconducting) diamond (111) and (100) surfaces were determined with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Exposing the diamond (111) surfaces to an argon plasma while heated to 350 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C resulted in a change from a negative-electron-affinity surface to a positive-electron-affinity surface. This effect was used as an indication that a hydrogen-free surface had been obtained. Deposition of a monolayer of nickel on the hydrogen-free diamond (111) surface resulted in a Schottky barrier height of 0.5 eV. The nickel caused the surface to exhibit a negative-electron-affinity surface. Nickel deposited on a diamond (111) surface with a negative electron affinity, indicative of a monohydride-terminated surface, resulted in a \ensuremath{\sim}1.0-eV Schottky barrier height. Diamond (100) surfaces were prepared by vacuum annealing to temperatures ranging from 500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to 1070 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The various anneals resulted in a lowering of the electron affinity by up to \ensuremath{\sim}1 eV, which resulted in a negative electron affinity after the surface had been annealed to \ensuremath{\sim}1000 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Oxygen was initially present on the surface but could not be observed after the 1000 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C anneal. The removal of oxygen and the appearance of a negative electron affinity coincided with the appearance of a 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 surface reconstruction. Nickel was deposited after the various anneals, and Schottky barrier heights were found, ranging from 1.5 eV for the 545 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C-annealed surface to 0.7 eV for the 1070 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C-annealed surface. These measurements suggest that for both the (111) and the (100) diamond surfaces the presence of chemisorbed species, such as hydrogen and oxygen, results in an increase in the Schottky barrier height.
Virtual endoscopy with automated fly-through trajectory

Currently, many applications for virtual endoscopy (VE) are available but fly-through is still troublesome. We are using Virtual Endoscopy Software Application (VESA) in our laboratory. VESA generates a 3D model with surface rendering method and a fly-through trajectory automatically. In this study, our goal is to evaluate the usefulness of VESA for generating virtual endoscopy (VE) images and automated fly- through trajectory. We applied VESA to clinical cases including colon, biliary ducts, aortic dissection and larynx. Original cross-sectional images were either spiral CT or MRI. VESA's advantages are following features. First, VESA can generate VE images with simple operation. Second, a point to point correspondence is established between 2D images/3D models and VE images. Third, automated trajectory runs more closely to the center of the hollow organ. VESA is a user- friendly tool for generating the VE images and its automated trajectory reduces the operating time. VESA provides a unique visualization component and makes VE more practical.
ENDF nuclear data in the physical, biological, and medical sciences.

AbstractPurpose: This paper gives an overview of recent advances in the ENDF (Evaluated Nuclear Data File) database of neutron, proton, and photonuclear cross sections. ENDF nuclear data aim to provide accurate and comprehensive representations of all reaction processes that need to be simulated in radiation transport applications. The paper reviews some of the most importance capabilities embodied in the ENDF/B-VII.0 database released a few years ago, and describes new capabilities being developed for the forthcoming ENDF/B-VII.1 release planned for later in 2011.Conclusion: Illustrative examples are given for nuclear reactions of particular importance to Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations of biological and medical applications. The examples show the utility of these evaluated ENDF data for simulating energy deposition and transport, for therapy and for radiation protection applications.
Properties of a tryptophan transport system in Escherichia coli

Abstract The properties of an inducible tryptophan transport system in Escherichia coli T3A have been studied. The activity of the system is stimulated by Mg2+ and formate and is inhibited by dinitrophenol, glucose, and pyruvate. The specificity of the tryptophan transport system for other amino acids and other indole derivatives is reported. The induction of the tryptophan transport system inhinhibited by chloramphenicol and requires in addition to the inducer, tryptohan, the presence of casamino acids in the growth medium. Glucose does not inhibit the induced synthesis of the tryptophan transport system. The possibility that the inhibition by glucose and pyruvate on the activity of the tryptophan transport system results in an inhibition of the induced synthesis of trytophanase has been eliminated. Ribose, which excludes tryptophan from the cell as effectively as glucose, does not inhibit the induced synthesis of tryptophanase to the same extent as glucose.