cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of pore size distribution effects on membrane transport

Abstract The membrane selectivity can be critically affected by the pore size distribution. We examined the effect of different pore size distributions on the asymptotic membrane sieving coefficient, the hindered solute diffusivity, and the membrane hydraulic permeability by averaging the solute and solvent transport rates over specific pore size distributions. Although the calculated sieving coefficients and hindered diffusivities both increased significantly with an increase in the breadth of the distribution, the relationship between these two membrane transport parameters was relatively unaffected by the pore size distribution, allowing for reasonably accurate predictions of the hindered diffusivity from sieving data (or vice versa). These detailed calculations were also compared with predictions of a recently developed analytical model which implicitly accounts for the pore size distribution by evaluating the effective solute to pore size ratio using an expression for the solute partition coefficient in a random porous media. Model predictions were in good agreement with the detailed integral results for a membrane with a log-normal distribution with geometric standard deviation of around two, which is consistent with the observed pore size distribution for many ultrafiltration membranes. Model calculations also examined the effects of protein adsorption on membrane transport, with very different behavior seen for different adsorption mechanisms.
Still Wandering: The Exclusion of Jews From Issues of Social Justice and Multicultural Thought

Anti-Semitism, prejudice, and discrimination against Jewish people are still largely absent from the study of social justice issues and multicultural education at the university level. Although often seen as being White, Jews are still discriminated against, with current reports showing that acts of anti-Semitism have been at their highest levels since World War II. There has also been a resurgence of anti-Semitic incidents at American universities, yet Jewish oppression is still neglected in multicultural/diversity classroom discussions. This must change in order to create the next generation of social justice educators who can continue to deconstruct anti-Semitism.
Canine nasal aspergillosis

Chronic nasal discharge is a common clinical sign of disease in dogs. Canine sinonasal aspergillosis is a relatively common disease in dogs. The three hallmarks of canine nasal aspergillosis are a profuse mucoid to hemorrhagic chronic nasal discharge that may alternate with periods of epistaxis, ulceration of the external nares with crusting, and pain or discomfort in the facial region. Diagnostic imaging (preferably computed tomography, CT) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is an important component of the evaluation of dogs with signs of nasal disease. Rhinoscopy is an important part of both the diagnosis and the therapy for nasal aspergillosis. Therapeutic recommendations for sinonasal aspergillosis have included surgery and the use of several systemic and topical antifungal drugs.
Risk-adjusted approach to optimize investments in product development portfolios

Companies invest in a portfolio of products with the financial objective of increasing revenue and net profit. They also have a limited product development budget and uncertainty around which products will be successful. In this paper, we offer a methodology to manage the allocation of a limited budget across a portfolio of products. Specifically, we provide a practical approach for quantifying the risk in relation to attaining financial objectives, and we offer an approach to reallocate the limited budget across the various products. This approach also provides long-term financial implications of investment decisions that are taken today. This practical end-to-end methodology can build on existing portfolio management practices prevalent in many companies. The approach uses all available measured and estimated data, expert opinions, and mathematical techniques for risk elicitation, Monte Carlo simulation for risk quantification, and mathematical programming with risk measures for optimal reallocation. We also introduce a web-based tool, called Portfolio Risk and Investment Management Engine, that implements this methodology along with an illustrative case study.
Turbulent Heat Transfer and Flow Structure Downstream of a Plate Blockage

Turbulent flow in a rectangular duct with a plate blockage attached to the lower wall was numerically solved. The computational models used were Large Eddy Simulation (LES), 2D and 3D, steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (2D-SRANS and 3D-URANS). The fluid was air in all computations, and the Reynolds number (Re) was 5000 and 30,000. The predictions of LES were in several ways closer to the experimental data. For the two values of Re considered in this study, the LES over-predicted the location of maximum Nusselt number (Nu) by 24.1–24.9%, while the 3D-URANS under-predicted it by 23.7–36.8%. The best prediction for the value of maximum Nu was made by LES for Re = 5000, which was 9.3% higher than the experimental value. The LES under-predicted the maximum Nu by 24.1% for Re = 30,000. In the given range of Re, the under-predictions of 2D-SRANS and 3D-URANS for the value of maximum Nu were, respectively, 15.1–16.5% and 25.9–30.1%. As to the location of flow reattachment, the best value was predicted by the 2D-SRANS, while those of LES and 3D-URANS were close.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Subjective Measures of Liberal Democracy

Using democracy in empirical work requires accurate measurement. Yet, most policy and academic research presupposes the accuracy of available measures. This article explores judge-specific measurem...
The Effects of School Location on the Earnings of Black and White Youths.

Abstract Many of the indictments against U.S. public schools have been disproportionately lain at the feet of central city as opposed to suburban high schools, leading to the general impression that there is a serious quality gap between the two types of institutions. If this gap does indeed exist, we would hypothesize that the market, recognizing not only differences in quantity but quality of education, would reward central city high schoolers at a lower rate than their suburban counterparts. Estimating earnings equations for black and white youths we find that, indeed, attendance at a central city high school, cet. par ., lowers earnings between 4 and 10%.
Introduction to special issue on suicide, mental health, and youth development.

In early September 2010, when the Journal of Homosexuality’s editorial staff received a submission of a comprehensive review of research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) suicide ri...
Synchronized Expression of Retinoid X Receptor mRNA with Reproductive Tract Recrudescence in an Imposex-Susceptible Mollusc

The biocide tributyltin (TBT) causes the development of male sex characteristics in females of some molluscan species, a phenomenon known as imposex. Recent evidence suggests that the retinoid X receptor (RXR) participates in TBT-induced imposex. Accordingly, we hypothesized that RXR may contribute to the seasonal development of the male reproductive tract in molluscs and would be expressed in concert with this phenomenon. RXR was cloned and sequenced from an imposex-susceptble species, the eastern mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta. The DNA-binding domain of the receptor protein was 100 and 97% identical to those of the rock shell Thais clavigera and the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata. The ligand-binding domain was 93 and 92% identical to the LBD of these two molluscan species, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that RXR is an ancient nuclear receptor whose origin predates the emergence of the Bilateria. Interestingly, though inexplicably, the molluscan RXRs were more similar to sequences of ...
A survey of the causes of surfactant-induced changes in hydraulic conductivity

During the last 10 years, contamination of soil and ground water by crude oil and refined petroleum products has gained national attention as problems have been discovered across the country. Ground water contamination is of special concern, as approximately 50% of all drinking water supplies come from ground water sources. As concern over petroleum contamination in soils has increased, so has interest in new, low-cost, effective methods to remediation petroleum-contaminated soil. One method which has been gaining increased attention over the last few years is the use of surfactants to improve the performance of soil washing and/or soil flushing operations. However, a major concern in the use of surfactants, especially with in situ applications, is that it has long been known that the use of surfactants can result in a significant change in the hydraulic conductivity of porous media, either by changing intrinsic permeability or fluid characteristics.
Developmental hyperoxia attenuates the hypoxic ventilatory response in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Early life experiences can influence development of the respiratory control system. We hypothesized that chronic hyperoxia (60% O2) during development would attenuate the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), similar to the effects of developmental hyperoxia in mammals. Quail were exposed to hyperoxia during prenatal development, during postnatal development, or during both prenatal and postnatal development (for approximately 2 or 4 weeks). HVR (11% O2) was subsequently assessed in adults (>6 weeks old) via barometric plethysmography and compared to quail raised in normoxia (i.e., control). The HVR of quail exposed to hyperoxia both prenatally and postnatally was reduced 50–60% compared to control quail whereas postnatally exposed quail exhibited normal HVR. The effects of prenatal hyperoxia on HVR were equivocal and depended on how HVR was expressed. We conclude that developmental exposure to 60% O2 attenuates the HVR in quail and that the critical period for this plasticity encompasses the late prenatal and early postnatal periods.
COMPARISON OF APPARENT DEPTH IN A PHOTOGRAPH VIEWED FROM TWO DISTANCES

In a previous experiment S's monocular field of view was restricted to the image area of a photograph of a tridimensional scene (3). When the separation of S's eye and the photograph increased or decreased, Ss reported that the depth of the scene appeared to lengthen and shorten. The only feature of the scene which appeared to change was its depth. The present experiment was undertaken in order to verify this phenomenon. Preliminary observations confirmed Schlosberg's findings that compelling impressions of depth may be induced by photographs of tridimensional scenes (2). When a photograph of a corridor was viewed as above, Ss could easily imagine how many paces they would have to take in order to walk from where they were located to specified points in rhe space portrayed by the picture. Consequently, differences in estimated paces to points within the scene were taken as an operational index of depth impressions when the photograph was viewed from two distances. METHOD Apparatw and procedwe.-A 36 X 45-in. photomural of a corridor 360 ft. long was made from a 4 X 5-in. achromatic negative exposed through a 5-in. Ekrar lens. The camera had been mounted 5% fc. above the floor, and equidistant from the side walls of one end of the corridor. The photomural was mounted on heavy illustration board by the dry press method and enclosed in a plywood frame. A pair of tracks carried a dolly on which was mounted the photomural and 2 cool-light 40-w fluorescent tubes. These were adjusted so that the photograph at either distance appeared to be uniformly illuminated. E moved the dolly back and forth by means of a handcrank. The 2 viewing distances of 2 ft. and 91/2 ft. subtended horizontal visual angles of 23" and 86" at S's eye, respectively. A monocular viewing apparatus held interchangeable slides in a black box, which restricted S's field of view ro the image area of the print at each viewing distance. All equipment was screened from S except for the eyepiece and adjustable stool on which S sat while observing. Ss were 52 paid Cornell srudents. S's rask was to estimate how many paces he would need to walk: (a) from where he was to a nearby point in the scene, and (b) from this nearby point to the end of the corridor. Both estimates were made twice for both viewing distances of the photograph. The serial order of the distance settings of the photograph was 2, 91/2,2, and 9% ft., This research was supported in part by Contract AF18-(600-443) between Cornell University and the USAF, HmL, ARDC, Bolling AFB, Washington, D. C. Permission is granted to the U. S. Govt. to reproduce the text in whole or in part.
Continuous power supply from a baseload renewable power plant

Abstract A grand challenge for using intermittent renewable energy such as solar for baseload applications is large-scale energy storage. Here, we propose an efficient means of implementing carbon recirculation cycles that enable dense energy storage. In these cycles, during the period of renewable energy availability, a suitable carbon molecule is synthesized from the stored liquid carbon dioxide and then stored in a liquid state. Subsequently, when renewable energy is unavailable, the carbon molecule is oxidized to deliver electricity and carbon dioxide is recovered and liquefied for storage. We introduce exergy based metrics to systematically identify candidate carbon molecules for the cycle. Such a search provides us the trade-off between the exergy stored per carbon atom, exergy used to synthesize the molecule and the exergy stored per unit volume. While no carbon molecule simultaneously has the most favorable values for all three metrics, favorable candidates identified include methane, methanol, propane, ethane and dimethyl ether. For cases where the molecule to be stored is gaseous under ambient conditions, we suggest synergistic integration between liquefaction and boilup of this gas and that of recirculating carbon dioxide. This unique feature allows for minimizing the energy penalty associated with the recovery, purification and liquefaction of carbon dioxide and storage of carbon molecules. Using process simulations we show that these cycles have a potential to provide GWh of electricity corresponding to an overall energy storage efficiency of 55–58% at much reduced storage volumes compared to other options.
Global Imbalances and Fund Surveillance

Over its existence the IMF has been an instrument with multiple objectives. The main objectives have been (a) surveillance over countries' economic policies; (b) occasional provision of financial resources for countries undergoing adjustment under a Fund-supported program; (c) technical assistance for structural reforms and for institution building; and (d) ‘certification’ over some desirable actions by counties. The Fund is now criticised for its limited role with respect to global imbalances, which have become very large in connection with a few major countries such as the United States, China, and Japan. Critics are demanding a larger role in multinational surveillance. Some changes would make the Fund more effective: the quotas assigned to the countries could better reflect their current economic power; some expansion in multilateral surveillance work should be planned; the Management and the staff should be instructed to be much more focused or even blunt in their views on countries' policies; the resources available to the Fund should be increased; and the executive directors should be made more independent from the countries that nominate them.
Amiodarone-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome masquerading as acute heart failure.

Abstract Background Amiodarone use has been rarely associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), usually in association with surgery or pulmonary angiography. In patients with preexisting left ventricular dysfunction, the diagnosis may be overlooked. Case Report A 92-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation who was on low-dose amiodarone presented to the Emergency Department with sudden onset of shortness of breath. The patient was started on treatment for acute heart failure based on the physical examination and the elevated brain natriuretic peptide level. Despite adequate diuresis, the patient showed no improvement. A chest computed tomography scan revealed acute interstitial pneumonitis. The patient received corticosteroids due to suspected amiodarone-induced acute interstitial pneumonitis resulting in ARDS. She returned to her baseline activity within 2 weeks of the therapy. Conclusion Although rare, clinicians should be vigilant for amiodarone-induced acute interstitial pneumonitis resulting in ARDS, as delay in treatment may result in a high risk of mortality. In addition, the development of ARDS occurred in our patient in the absence of precipitating factors such as surgery or pulmonary angiography.
When smoke ran like water : tales of environmental deception and the battle against pollution

From one of the leading public-health experts of our time, a passionate call to arms to protect ourselves from environmental pollution--and an astonishing revelation of how it's already affected our health. In When Smoke Ran Like Water, the world-renowned epidemiologist Devra Davis confronts the public triumphs and private failures of her lifelong battle against environmental pollution. By turns impassioned and analytic, she documents the shocking toll of a public-health disaster--300,000 deaths a year in the US and Europe from the effects of pollution--and asks why we remain silent. She shows how environmental toxins contribute to a broad spectrum of human diseases, including breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and emphysema--all major killers--and in addition how these toxins affect the health and development of the heart and lungs, and even alter human reproductive capacity. But the battle against pollution is not just scientific. For Davis, it's personal: pollution is what killed many in her family and forced the others, survivors of the 1948 smog emergency in Donora, Pennsylvania, to live out their lives with damaged health. She vividly describes that episode and also makes startling revelations about how the deaths from the London smog of 1952 were falsely attributed to influenza; how the oil companies and auto manufacturers fought for decades to keep lead in gasoline, while knowing it caused brain damage; behind-the-scenes accounts of the battle to recognize breast cancer as a major killer; and many other battles. When Smoke Ran Like Water makes a devastating case that our approaches to public health need to change.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Hormonal Responses to Low Dose Pulsatile Administration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone*

Patients with isolated gonadotropin deficiency were studied to determine whether pulsatile low dose gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH) could induce the hormonal changes seen during normal puberty. Four male and two female patients with immature responses to a standard GnRH test (2.5 μg/kg) were given GnRH (0.025 μg/kg) iv every 2 h for 5 days. FSH responses varied between the sexes, and FSH concentrations in males rose continuously to 17.2 ± 4.7 mlU/ml on day 5. In the females, FSH peaked at 13.8 and 15.8 mlU/ml on days 3–4 and then declined. The males showed increasing and the females decreasing incremental FSH responses to GnRH. LH concentrations and incremental responses to GnRH rose throughout the study in both sexes. Plasma testosterone rose slightly in the males to 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml (P < 0.05), but in females estradiol increased to follicular range concentrations of 128 and 102 pg/ml. Standard GnRH tests on day 6 revealed maturation of gonadotropin responses in all patients. After termination of p...
The role of bulk nucleation in the formation of crystalline cordierite coatings produced by air plasma spraying

Abstract Near stoichiometric cordierite (2MgO–2Al 2 O 3 –5SiO 2 ) glasses doped with 6.3, 8.3 and 10.1 weight percent (wt.%) TiO 2 were plasma sprayed onto SiO 2 -based refractory concrete substrates. Substrate temperatures were controlled such that the maximum surface temperature exceeded the crystallization temperature during plasma spraying. Only the cordierite powders containing 8.3 and 10.1 wt.% TiO 2 produced crystalline coatings. For compositions with less than 8 wt.% TiO 2 the crystallization is believed to be controlled by surface nucleation at imperfections. Surface nucleation became more difficult with increasing preheat temperature and is related to improved wetting between coating splats. Bulk nucleation-controlled crystallization was observed at compositions above 8 wt.% TiO 2 and the presence of Al 2 TiO 5 was detected in these compositions.
TU‐E‐201C‐08: A Comprehensive Method for Optical ‐ Emission Computed Tomography

Purpose: Optical‐CT and optical‐ECT are techniques with unique capability for high‐resolution 3D imaging of structure and function in tissue samples up to 4cc. In particular, 3D vasculature structure and distribution of fluorescent bio‐markers (e.g. green‐fluorescent protein GFP). Quantitative imaging of these markers with optical‐ECT is challenging due to attenuation within the sample which affects both emitted and excitation light. We present a novel method to implement a complete correction modeling the emission and excitation attenuation which also includes modeling the source strength variation. Method and Materials: Corrections were implemented by modeling physical parameters in the imaging setup within the framework of an ordered subsets expectation maximum (OSEM) iterative reconstruction algorithm. Excitation source strength distribution, excitation and emission attenuation were modeled. The accuracy of the correction was investigated by imaging phantoms containing known distributions of attenuation and fluorophores. The correction was then applied to imaging a cleared mouse brain with GFP labeled vasculature and a cleared 4T1 xenograft flank tumor with constitutive RFP (red‐fluorescent‐protein). Reconstructions were compared to corresponding slices imaged with a fluorescent dissection microscope. Results: Significant attenuation artifacts were observed in the uncorrected phantom images and appeared up to 80% less intense than the verification image in the central region. The corrected phantom images showed excellent agreement with the verification image with only slight variations. The corrected tissue sample reconstructions showed general agreement between the verification images.Conclusion: Comprehensive modeling in optical‐ECT imaging was successfully implemented creating quantitatively accurate 3D fluorophore distributions. This work represents the 1st successful attempt encompassing such a complete set of corrections. This method provides a means to accurately obtain 3D fluorophore distributions with the potential to better understand tumor biology and treatment responses.
Event-level analyses of energy drink consumption and alcohol intoxication in bar patrons

Abstract Aim To assess event-level associations between energy drink consumption, alcohol intoxication, and intention to drive a motor vehicle in patrons exiting bars at night. Method Alcohol field study. Data collected in a U.S. college bar district from 802 randomly selected and self-selected patrons. Anonymous interview and survey data were obtained as well as breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings. Results Results from logistic regression models revealed that patrons who had consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks were at a 3-fold increased risk of leaving a bar highly intoxicated (BrAC ≥ 0.08 g/210 L), as well as a 4-fold increased risk of intending to drive upon leaving the bar district, compared to other drinking patrons who did not consume alcoholic beverages mixed with energy drinks. Discussion These event-level associations provide additional evidence that energy drink consumption by young adults at bars is a marker for elevated involvement in nighttime risk-taking behavior. Further field research is needed to develop sound regulatory policy on alcohol/energy drink sales practices of on-premise establishments.
Tetraazacyclophanes by Palladium-Catalyzed Aromatic Amination. Geometrically Defined, Stable, High-Spin Diradicals

Neutral tetraazacyclophanes were prepared in a one-step palladium-catalyzed amination reaction. Simple oxidation of these materials creates dication diradicals that are stable at room temperature a...
Statins in the prevention of heart failure after myocardial infarction

Statin therapy has demonstrated clear reductions in the risk of death and recurrent cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery disease. Heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and worse long-term prognosis. Some controversy exists about the effects of statin therapy on heart failure, although the favorable effects of statin therapy likely reduce the risk of heart failure development after MI and ACS. This article reviews data on statin therapy and the incidence of heart failure after MI, discussing mechanisms, safety, and outcomes.
Equations for Measuring Blood Flow by External Monitoring of Radioisotopes

It is possible by external monitoring alone to measure blood flow per unit volume through any vascular bed accessible to external monitoring of the radioactive tracer if the tracer input function or if the quantity of tracer entering the system is known. The methods proposed exploit the fact that the mean transit time through the system is the flow per unit volume of distribution of tracer. The equations are free of assumptions that require solutions as exponentials or any other specified frequency function of transit times. If the input function is known, measurement of the concentration of tracer in blood leaving the part sensed by the external detector, combined with external detection of radioactivity, can lead to measurement of absolute blood flow.
Discriminating orthogonal single-photon images

We can encode an image from an orthogonal basis set onto a single photon from a downconverted pair via the use of an amplitude mask. We can then discriminate the image imprinted on the photon from other images in the set using holographic-matched filtering techniques. We demonstrate this procedure experimentally for an image space of two objects, and we discuss the possibility of applying this method to a much larger image space. This process could have important implications for the manipulation of images at the quantum level.
Evaluation of Dichlorvos for Insect Control in Stored Rough Rice

Dichlorvos was evaluated as a direct-spray application at 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm in comparison with malathion at 14 ppm for insect control in rough rice. Jar tests and small-bin tests were used. Jar tests revealed short-term protection by dichlorvos against infestation by rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and lesser grain borers, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Confused flour beetles, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, were controlled immediately after treatment but not at subsequent intervals. Dichlorvos was more effective than malathion in reducing rice weevil emergence. While high moisture content of the rice at the time of treatment adversely affected the duration of protection, it had no obvious immediate effect, because nearly complete control of the rice weevil was obtained at the time of treatment. This control occurred in jar tests and in small bin tests. Residues on rough rice were as high as 7.3 ppm 24 hr after treatment, but in 30 days they were 0.87 ppm on rough rice, 3.1 in hulls, 0.41 in bran, 0.03 in brown rice, and 0.02 in milled rice.
Characterization of phenyl-substituted pentacoordinated compounds of main group elements by 1H NMR☆

Abstract Analysis of the aromatic region of the 1H NMR spectra of some phenyl substituted pentacoordinated compounds of main group elements (Si, Pb, P, As, Sb, S, Te, I) revealed a characteristic low-field multiplet, assignable to ortho protons, separated from a more intense high-field multiplet, assignable to the meta and para protons. The data imply that an increase in the magnitude of the multiplet separation may be correlated with a decrease in electronegativity of the central atom and an increase in electronegativity of attached ligands. These effects are consistent with a delocalization of the aromatic π electron density into vacant d orbitals of the central atom as well as a strengthening of the central atom sigma bond. The enhanced mutiplet separation for equatorially oriented phenyl groups in a trigonal bipyramid or axially oriented ones in a rectangular pyramid is diagnostic in indicating the presence of the pentacoordinated state for main group element compounds in solution.
Extinction cross section of an arbitrary body in a viscous incompressible fluid.

When analyzing time-dependent Stokesian flow around an arbitrary body in terms of time-harmonic phasors, analytic techniques commonly used for frequency-domain scattering can be brought to bear. A common measure of the scattering response of a body is the extinction cross section. However, as the wave number for a Stokesian flow is necessarily complex, the usual interpretation of the extinction cross section is untenable for this problem. It is shown here that a detector-based interpretation of the extinction cross section is unambiguous and experimentally relevant. An almost exact formula is derived for the extinction cross section for flow around an arbitrary body. Computed values for the cross section are presented for a spherical body using two different boundary condition cases: pure stick (i.e., no slip) and pure slip.
Top ten secrets of effective e‐learning

Purpose – The intent of the study was to identify the factors that are contributing to the success of learner experiences at Capella University.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of Capella University was conducted to determine success factors. An appreciative inquiry approach was used involving learners and faculty at Capella University to identify and analyze what was going well. Interviews, focus groups, and daily practice within courserooms and existing learner evaluations were also analyzed.Findings – Success factors tend to cluster around ten categories. These are: shared learning centered vision; comprehensive course design process; customized scoring guides; group work strategies; characteristics of effective facilitators; faculty training and support; great expectations; meaningful feedback; monitoring and evaluation; and continuous improvement.Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to Capella University.Practical implications – The ten success factors identified can be ...
TOPOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF STEIN MANIFOLDS OF DIMENSION >2

In this paper I give a completed topological characterization of Stein manifolds of complex dimension >2. Another paper (see [E14]) is devoted to new topogical obstructions for the existence of a Stein complex structure on real manifolds of dimension 4. Main results of the paper have been announced in [E13].
A calcium-specific site influences the structure and activity of the manganese cluster responsible for photosynthetic water oxidation

EPR studies have revealed that removal of calcium using citric acid from the site in spinach photosystem II which is coupled to the photosynthetic O{sub 2}-evolving process produces a structural change in the manganese cluster responsible for water oxidation. If done in the dark, this yields a modified S{sub 1}{prime} oxidation state which can be photooxidized above 250 K to form a structurally altered S{sub 2}{prime} state, as seen by formation of a modified multiline EPR signal. Compared to the normal S{sub 2} state, this new S{sub 2}{prime}-state EPR signal has more lines and 25% narrower {sup 55}Mn hyperfine splittings, indicative of disruption of the ligands to manganese. The calcium-depleted S{sub 2}{prime} oxidation state is greatly stabilized compared to the native S{sub 2} oxidation state, as seen by a large increase in the lifetime of the S{sub 2}{prime} EPR signal. Calcium reconstitution results in the reduction of the oxidized tyrosine residue {sup 161}Y{sub D}{sup +} within the reaction center D{sub 1} protein in both the S{sub 1}{prime} and S{sub 2}{prime} states, as monitored by its EPR signal intensity. The authors attribute this to reduction by Mn. Photooxidation of S{sub 2}{prime} above 250 K produces a higher S state having amore » new EPR signal and a symmetric line width suggestive of oxidation of an organic donor, possibly an amino acid, in magnetic contact with the Mn cluster. This EPR signal forms in a stoichiometry of 1-2 relative to Y{sub D}{sup +}. This state is photoaccumulated, does not evolve O{sub 2}, and decays in the dark to the stable S{sub 2}{prime} state. A gatekeeper role for calcium in limiting access of substrate water to the catalytic Mn cluster is indicated.« less
Optimal pressure of abdominal gas insufflation for bleeding control in a severe swine splenic injury model.

Abstract Background We previously demonstrated that abdominal gas insufflation (AGI) reduces intra-abdominal bleeding. To date, this is the only method that holds promise for reducing mortality from internal bleeding in a pre-hospital setting. We aimed to assess the optimal AGI pressure and the effectiveness of a portable miniaturized insufflator in abdominal bleeding control. Materials and methods We randomized 15 Yorkshire swine to receive AGI of 20, 25 or 30 mm Hg after sustaining a standardized severe splenic injury, to determine the ideal pressure for optimal bleeding control. We randomized six (40%) to insufflation with a custom-designed, battery-operated, 7-oz portable CO 2 tank, whereas we used a standard laparoscopic insufflator for the remainder. Intravenous fluid boluses were administered as needed to maintain a mean arterial pressure of >60 mm Hg. At 30 min, the animals were re-laparotomized and their hemoperitoneum was quantified. Results Target peritoneal pressures were achieved and maintained successfully with both insufflation methods. There was a trend toward greater blood loss and fluid requirements in the 30-mmHg group ( P = 0.71 and 0.97, respectively). Increasing the AGI led to less predictable blood loss and fluid resuscitation requirements, as well as worsening of tissue perfusion markers (pH and lactate), likely because of iatrogenic abdominal compartment syndrome. Conclusions All target peritoneal pressures were easily and reliably achieved with the portable CO 2 insufflator. Abdominal gas insufflation produced optimal bleeding control at 20 mm Hg. This technology could be used in a pre-hospital setting to control otherwise lethal hemorrhage at pressures typically used for standard laparoscopic surgery and proven to be safe.
The Anatomy of the Atrioventricular Conduction System in Ventricular Septal Defect and Tetralogy of Fallot: Correlations with the Electrocardiogram and Vectorcardiogram

The atrioventricular conduction system was studied by a technique of selected serial histological sections in examples of tetralogy of Fallot and ventricular septal defect to correlate the anatomic findings observed with the electrophysiological findings as manifested by the vectorcardiographic pattern. Eight hearts were studied; two examples of each anomaly had electrocardiographic and VCG patterns in the frontal plane similar to A-V canal defects and two examples of each had ECG and VCG patterns usually associated with these lesions. Of the four examples of tetralogy, the two examples with VCG patterns similar to the A-V canal pattern differed from the other examples in that the distance between the A-V node and the origin of left bundle branching was shorter and the fibers destined to become the right bundle branch took an elongated course. The VSD examples offered less striking differences. A short distance from the A-V node to the onset of left bundle branching was seen in both examples with VCG patt...
WHOLE-CELL CLAMP OF DISSOCIATED PHOTORECEPTORS FROM THE EYE OF LIMA SCABRA

Voltage-dependent membrane currents were investigated in enzymatically dissociated photoreceptors of Lima scabra using the whole-cell clamp technique. Depolarizing steps to voltages more positive than -10 mV elicit a transient inward current followed by a delayed, sustained outward current. The outward current is insensitive to replacement of a large fraction of extracellular Cl- with the impermeant anion glucuronate. Superfusion with tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine reversibly abolishes the outward current, and internal perfusion with cesium also suppresses it, indicating that it is mediated by potassium channels. Isolation of the inward current reveals a fast activation kinetics, the peak amplitude occurring as early as 4-5 ms after stimulus onset, and a relatively rapid, though incomplete inactivation. Within the range of voltages examined, spanning up to +90 mV, reversal was not observed. The inward current is not sensitive to tetrodotoxin at concentrations up to 10 microM, and survives replacement of extracellular Na with tetramethylammonium. On the other hand, it is completely eliminated by calcium removal from the perfusing solution, and it is partially blocked by submillimolar concentrations of cadmium, suggesting that it is entirely due to voltage-dependent calcium channels. Analysis of the kinetics and voltage dependence of the isolated calcium current indicates the presence of two components, possibly reflecting the existence of separate populations of channels. Barium and strontium can pass through these channels, though less easily than calcium. Both the activation and the inactivation become significantly more sluggish when these ions serve as the charge carrier. A large fraction of the outward current is activated by preceding calcium influx. Suppression of this calcium-dependent potassium current shows a small residual component resembling the delayed rectifier. In addition, a transient outward current sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (Ia) could also be identified. The relevance of such conductance mechanisms in the generation of the light response in Lima photoreceptors is discussed.
Experimental infection of Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii) with attenuated and virulent strains of Brucella abortus.

A previous investigation of the safety of Brucella abortus strain RB51 (sRB51) in various nontarget species suggested that Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermoph- ilus richardsonii) may develop persistent infec- tions when orally inoculated with the vaccine. In the present study, sRB51, B. abortus strain 19 (s19), and virulent B. abortus strain 9941 (s9941) were administered orally to Richard- son's ground squirrels to further characterize B. abortus infection in this species. Six groups of nongravid ground squirrels were orally inocu- lated with 6310 8 colony forming units (cfu) sRB51 (n510), 2.5310 4 cfu s19 (n510), 2.5310 7 cfu s19 (n56), 1.3310 6 cfu s9941 (n55), 2.1310 8 cfu s9941 (n55), or vaccine diluent (control; n54). One of five animals in the lower-dose s19 group and two of three animals in the higher-dose s19 group showed persistence of bacteria in various tissues at 14 wk postinoculation (PI). At 18 wk PI, one of five animals in the sRB51 group and one of five animals in the high-dose s9941 group were culture positive. Although we did detect some persistence of B. abortus strains at 18 wk, we found no evidence of pathology caused by B. abortus strains in nonpregnant Richardson's ground squirrels based on clinical signs, gross lesions, and microscopic lesions.
Deficiencies in regulations for anti-money laundering in a cyberlaundering age including COMET: Central Online AML Merchant Enforcement Tool

Money laundering, an act of illegal cash washing, accounts for two to five percent of the world’s gross domestic product. This alarming amount of illegal financial activity has brought national and international laws, regulations on banks, and procedures to deter money launderers. With the rise of cyber banking, digital cash, anonymous stored value cards, and advanced personal identifiable information theft, money laundering laws and regulations fail to account for the movement of illegal money in the digital world. Discussed in this thesis is an overview of the current money laundering techniques and regulations. The objectives of this research are twofold; first, to broadly identify deficiencies within the banking and regulatory institutions regarding cyberlaundering including hypothetical cyberlaundering methods and second, to suggest a specific feasible approach to minimize and deter online laundering of illicit revenue through the application of COMET: a Central Online AML Merchant Enforcement Tool. COMET is a central database system which makes use of data mining techniques to mitigate a cyberlaundering return merchandise scheme.
What Holds Back Bangalore Businesses

This paper focuses on non–Information Technology businesses operating in the city of Bangalore, India. Data on firms compiled from statutory regulatory filings suggest that the number and proportion of businesses that expand rapidly are much lower than in the United States. In-depth interviews with over 100 entrepreneurs in Bangalore suggest that deficiencies in the performance of basic governmental functions (such as in collecting taxes and maintaining land records) play a significant role in discouraging businesses from starting at or expanding to an economically efficient scale of operation.
Evidence that talin alternative splice variants from Ciona intestinalis have different roles in cell adhesion

Talins are large, modular cytoskeletal proteins found in animals and amoebozoans such as Dictyostelium discoideum. Since the identification of a second talin gene in vertebrates, it has become increasingly clear that vertebrate Talin1 and Talin2 have non-redundant roles as essential links between integrins and the actin cytoskeleton in distinct plasma membrane-associated adhesion complexes. The conserved C-terminal I/LWEQ module is important for talin function. This structural element mediates the interaction of talins with F-actin. The I/LWEQ module also targets mammalian Talin1 to focal adhesion complexes, which are dynamic multicomponent assemblies required for cell adhesion and cell motility. Although Talin1 is essential for focal adhesion function, Talin2 is not targeted to focal adhesions. The nonvertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis has only one talin gene, but alternative splicing of the talin mRNA produces two proteins with different C-terminal I/LWEQ modules. Thus, C. intestinalis contains two talins, Talin-a and Talin-b, with potentially different activities, despite having only one talin gene. We show here that, based on their distribution in cDNA libraries, Talin-a and Talin-b are differentially expressed during C. intestinalis development. The I/LWEQ modules of the two proteins also have different affinities for F-actin. Consistent with the hypothesis that Talin-a and Talin-b have different roles in cell adhesion, the distinct I/LWEQ modules of Talin-a and Talin-b possess different subcellular targeting determinants. The I/LWEQ module of Talin-a is targeted to focal adhesions, where it most likely serves as the link between integrin and the actin cytoskeleton. The Talin-b I/LWEQ module is not targeted to focal adhesions, but instead preferentially labels F-actin stress fibers. These different properties of C. intestinalis the Talin-a and Talin-b I/LWEQ modules mimic the differences between mammalian Talin1 and Talin2. Vertebrates and D. discoideum contain two talin genes that encode proteins with different functions. The urochordate C. intestinalis has a single talin gene but produces two separate talins by alternative splicing that vary in a domain crucial for talin function. This suggests that multicellular organisms require multiple talins as components of adhesion complexes. In C. intestinalis, alternative splicing, rather than gene duplication followed by neo-functionalization, accounts for the presence of multiple talins with different properties. Given that C. intestinalis is an excellent model system for chordate biology, the study of Talin-a and Talin-b will lead to a deeper understanding of cell adhesion in the chordate lineage and how talin functions have been parceled out to multiple proteins during metazoan evolution.
Low-K wire bonding

When we encountered the bond pad metal peeling defects with low-K devices during wire bonding, we have a tendency to optimize 'bonding power', 'bonding force' and 'bond time' so far. But the effectiveness of improvement by evaluations was not so satisfactory as much as we have got with normal Si devices. So this brought us to assume existence of another important factors against the defects and initial force and bonding force were revealed to play an important role in the defects through DOE (design of experiments) implementation. As the results of DOE and some more evaluations, the defects could be reduced by squashing initial balls (free air balls) using the initial force and bonding force before bonding starts or at the very beginning of bonding because the stress onto the bond pads through balls during wire bonding can be distributed and lessened as much as the squashed area. And when the initial force is larger than the bonding force, it was more effective to reduce the defects.
Alternative approach for establishing acceptable thresholds on macroinvertebrate community metrics

AbstractWe demonstrated the use of statistical tolerance intervals as a method for deriving acceptable thresholds for benthic macroinvertebrate community metrics. Tolerance intervals are simply confidence intervals based on percentiles, and they allow selection of acceptable limits (referred to as tolerance limits) and a desired level of statistical confidence for a metric distribution (e.g., of a reference population). We used benthic macroinvertebrate community data from several long-term monitoring projects for streams on the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation in eastern Tennessee, USA, for the demonstration. We focused on 3 benthic macroinvertebrate community metrics: density, total taxonomic richness, and taxonomic richness of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa. Tolerance intervals yielded less restrictive thresholds than those produced by simple percentiles because the former approach includes variation of the reference data, whereas percentiles are distribution-free....
SIRT3 Substrate Specificity Determined by Peptide Arrays and Machine Learning

Accumulating evidence suggests that reversible protein acetylation may be a major regulatory mechanism that rivals phosphorylation. With the recent cataloging of thousands of acetylation sites on hundreds of proteins comes the challenge of identifying the acetyltransferases and deacetylases that regulate acetylation levels. Sirtuins are a conserved family of NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylases that are implicated in genome maintenance, metabolism, cell survival, and lifespan. SIRT3 is the dominant protein deacetylase in mitochondria, and emerging evidence suggests that SIRT3 may control major pathways by deacetylation of central metabolic enzymes. Here, to identify potential SIRT3 substrates, we have developed an unbiased screening strategy that involves a novel acetyl-lysine analogue (thiotrifluoroacetyl-lysine), SPOT-peptide libraries, machine learning, and kinetic validation. SPOT peptide libraries based on known and potential mitochondrial acetyl-lysine sites were screened for SIRT3 binding and then analyzed using machine learning to establish binding trends. These trends were then applied to the mitochondrial proteome as a whole to predict binding affinity of all lysine sites within human mitochondria. Machine learning prediction of SIRT3 binding correlated with steady-state kinetic k(cat)/K(m) values for 24 acetyl-lysine peptides that possessed a broad range of predicted binding. Thus, SPOT peptide-binding screens and machine learning prediction provides an accurate and efficient method to evaluate sirtuin substrate specificity from a relatively small learning set. These analyses suggest potential SIRT3 substrates involved in several metabolic pathways such as the urea cycle, ATP synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation.