cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bonding and π-stacking in dipyrrinone acid dimers of xanthobilirubic acid and chiral analogs

Abstract Xanthobilirubic acid and its analogs self-associate strongly through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between their carboxylic acid and dipyrrinone components, forming π-stacked dimers. In contrast, their methyl esters form planar dimers conjoined by dipyrrinone to dipyrrinone intermolecular hydrogen bonding. When a stereogenic center is present in the propionic side acid chain, unusually large optical rotations and exciton coupling circular dichroism may be observed for the optically active acids: βS -methylxanthobilirubic acid ( 1 ) has [ α ] D 20 = −314° and Δ ∈ 434 max = −10.9, Δ ∈ 388 max = +5.7 (CHCl 3 ). In contrast, methyl esters show weaker rotations and vanishingly small CD: the methyl ester of ( 1 ) has [ α ] D 20 +62° and Δ ∈ 435 ⪡ 0.5, Δ ∈ ⪡ 0.5.
The Effect of World Economy on Income Inequality: A Reassessment

The research on the world systems model of income distribution has been marked by some conflicting reports on whether or not periphery status is significantly related to inequality. Writers such as Rubinson argue for the salience of the world-systems model, while authors such as Weede claim that it is insignificant if we include a correctly specified control for level of development. This confusion is based, in part, on a debate over how periphery status should be measured. Previous work has often used measures of questionable validity, such as foreign trade, as a percent of GDP. The present investigation develops a conceptualization of dependency on the world market based on the concentration of export receiving nations. A multiple regression analysis of data from forty-three nations indicates that the index of periphery status does influence indicators of inequality. However, the parabolic model of level of development tends to explain more of the variance in inequality than the world-systems factor. Finally, a control for political democracy gave no support for the political paradigm on inequality.
Surfactant-colligend particle size effects on ion flotation: Influences of mixing time, temperature, and surfactant chain length

The ion flotation of Cr(VI) from 0.926 x 10−3 M aqueous suspensions at pH 4.1 is related to particle size distribution data, obtained by filtration of the surfactant-Cr(VI) suspensions prior to flotation. The effects of surfactant-Cr(VI) mixing (precipitation and aggregation) time and of temperature are established over 10–45 °C, with particle size and flotation generally increasing with temperature. Five, rather high purity, quaternary ammonium surfactants are used, with chain lengths from C10 to C18. The optimum chain length at 13° and 23 °C is C14 and at 33° and 43 °C is C16. An increase in the molar surfactant/Cr(VI) ratio in the initial suspension improves flotation until values of the ratio of 1.1, 1.2, and 2.2 are exceeded for C16, C18, and C14 surfactants, respectively. The four roles of a surfactant in ion flotation — as a precipitant, as a dispersant (with surface adsorption opposing aggregation), as a collector, and as a frother — are discussed in terms of flotation, particle size distributions, and surface charge measurements.
A novel bicyclic ketal fragmentation reaction

Abstract Bicyclic ketals of the 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane series are specifically cleaved to give δ, e-unsaturated ketones by treatment of the ketal with acetyl iodide.
Aging Promotes Neutrophil-Induced Mortality by Augmenting IL-17 Production during Viral Infection

Morbidity and mortality associated with viral infections increase with age, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated whether aging alters inflammatory responses during systemic viral infection and thereby contributes to virus-induced death. We found that infection of aged mice with systemic herpes viruses led to rapid increases in serum IL-17, neutrophil activation, and mortality due to hepatocyte necrosis. In contrast, all young mice survived infection, displaying weaker IL-17 induction and neutrophil activation. Natural killer T (NKT) cells isolated from the livers of aged mice produced more IL-17 than did young cells, and adoptively transferred aged NKT cells induced liver injury in young mice impaired in viral control. Importantly, IL-17 neutralization or neutrophil depletion during viral infection reduced liver damage and prevented death of aged mice. These results demonstrate that, during systemic viral infection, aging alters the host-pathogen interaction to overproduce IL-17, contributing to liver injury and death.
EUROPE: SUPER‐STATE OR BAG OF MARBLES?

The European Community: A Superpower in the Making, by Johan Galtung. Universitetsforlaget, Oslo, Allen & Unwin, London, 1973. 195 pp. £3.75 £1.85, paperback). Europe: Journey to an Unknown Destination, by Andrew Shon-field. Allen Lane, Penguin Books, London, 1973. 96 pp. £0.30.
Studies of touchdown stability for lunar landing vehicles

Touchdown stability tests for lunar landing vehicles - symmetrical & asymmetrical inelastic impacts
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Controls on Fire Regimes along an Elevational Gradient on the East Slope of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA

Fire is an ecologically significant process in the fire-prone ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests of the northern Sierra Nevada. Fire regimes are influenced by processes that operate over a range of scales that can be grouped broadly as bottom-up (e.g., topography, forest type) or top-down (e.g., climate variation, human land use) controls. To identify the bottom-up versus top-down controls on fire regimes, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in fire occurrence and extent using fire-scar dendrochronology. Inter-annual climate variability and human land use patterns strongly influenced fire regimes. Years of widespread burning and fire-free years were associated with dry and wet years, respectively. Variation in fire activity was also associated with variation in the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Widespread burning occurred during La Nina years (cool ENSO) and during positive conditions of the PDO (warm PDO). Fire occurrence declined with Euro-American settlement in the nineteenth century and only two fires were recorded in the study area after 1905, the date fire suppression was implemented. Fire regimes were also influenced by bottom-up controls. Fire return intervals (FRI) were shorter in pine-dominated low-elevation forests than in high-elevation fir-dominated mixed conifer forests, although FRI did not vary by slope aspect.
Correlation between the Concentration of Serum Anti-topoisomerase I Autoantibodies and Histological and Biochemical Alterations in the Skin of Tight Skin Mice

Cutaneous hyperplasia observed in tight skin mice is due to a mutation located on chromosome 2. While homozygous mice die in utero, the heterozygotes survive. TSK syndrome is associated with the presence of autoantibodies specific for scleroderma target autoantigens. The presence of autoantibodies specific for topoisomerase I is characteristic of both human and murine disease. We have generated two distinct genotypes of mice, TSK/+ and +/+ with respect to the TSK trait by breeding TSK mice with immunodeficient mouse strains. Since the mutated gene of TSK syndrome has not yet been cloned, only histological and biochemical criteria were used for defining TSK genotype. In the F1 mice derived by mating TSK/+ mice with RAG2-/-, JH-/-, or C57BLvit/vit mice, we have found a good correlation between the amount of serum anti-topoisomerase I autoantibodies present and the histopathological and biochemical alterations that are characteristic of TSK scleroderma-like syndrome.
The ecology of classroom behavior

William W. Wattenberg Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan From the viewpoint of the practical educator, interest in classroom dynamics is based on the common-sense observation that certain types of pupil or student behaviors occur more frequently in some classes than they do in others. On the positive side, we are interested in raising achievement levels, bringing about greater cooperation, seeing more creativity develop, and enjoying the classroom. Negatively, we worry about boredom, bickering, apathy, and disorder. Although there is some evidence on all of these matters, for the purposes of this article we shall deal with one positive: work involvement. This stands as a counterpoise to disorder. The goal of what in ordinary terms is "good discipline" is to increase the time and intensity in which young people attend to learning activities in classrooms.
Reaction layer growth in a substrate/polycrystalline film system

Abstract Two common observations during the growth of a reaction layer between two materials are the generation of large stresses and the formation of pegs, i.e., protrusions of the reaction layer into one or both of the reactant materials. We present a combined kinetics/thermodynamics/mechanics analysis of the growth of a reactant layer between a thin film and a substrate and predict the evolution of both the peg morphology and the growth stresses in the film. Peg formation is favored when the stress-free strain associated with the reaction is large, the reactant/product interface energy is small, and when the grain size in the reactant film is large compared with the film thickness. The mechanics analysis is based upon a dislocation description of the transformation. The resultant predictions of stress and peg evolution are consistent with a wide range of experimental observations.
Hepatocyte plasma membrane ECTO-ATPase (pp120/HA4) is a substrate for tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor.

Abstract pp120 HA4 , a membrane protein found in hepatocyte plasma membranes and a substrate for the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, was purified to homogeneity, subjected to partial proteolysis, and peptides were sequenced by Edman degradation. Six amino acid sequences were obtained, and they matched the deduced amino acid sequences of six regions of a hepatocyte membrane protein called ecto-ATPase.
An absolute requirement for insulin in the control of hepatic glycogenesis by glucose.

Abstract Livers from normal, adrenalectomized, and diabetic rats were perfused in vitro in order to investigate the mode of action of insulin in the control of glycogenesis by glucose. Control of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase by glucose is completely lost in livers from 2 and 6 day alloxan diabetic rats. Three hour treatment of normal rats with anti-insulin serum results in a decrease in the effect of glucose on hepatic glycogenesis. Glucose infusion into isolated perfused livers from fed normal and adrenalectomized rats promotes an increase in glycogen synthase activation and phosphorylase inactivation. These data clearly demonstrate that the presence of insulin rather than glucocorticoids is an absolute requirement in the control of hepatic glycogen synthesis by glucose.
Spaces with nonpositive curvature and their ideal boundaries

Abstract We construct a pair of finite piecewise Euclidean 2-complexes with nonpositive curvature which are homeomorphic but whose universal covers have nonhomeomorphic ideal boundaries, settling a question of Gromov.
Effects of Nd: and Ho:yttrium-aluminium-garnet lasers on human dentine fluid flow and dental pulp-chamber temperature in vitro

Dentine specimens were prepared from freshly extracted third molars and initial permeability measured. Each specimen was subjected to Nd:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) (1.06 or 1.32 microns wavelength) or Ho:YAG (2.10 microns wavelength) laser energy while temperatures in the pulp chambers were recorded. Permeability was again measured and the surfaces examined by scanning electron microscopy. Six crown segments were used for each laser variable and eight permeability measurements were taken before and eight after laser exposure, while temperature was recorded during treatment. All wavelengths reduced permeability but temperature rises were high enough to have caused pulpal damage, indicating that shorter treatment times and lower power settings may be necessary if used in vivo.
GloMIQO: Global mixed-integer quadratic optimizer

This paper introduces the global mixed-integer quadratic optimizer, GloMIQO, a numerical solver addressing mixed-integer quadratically-constrained quadratic programs to $${\varepsilon}$$ -global optimality. The algorithmic components are presented for: reformulating user input, detecting special structure including convexity and edge-concavity, generating tight convex relaxations, partitioning the search space, bounding the variables, and finding good feasible solutions. To demonstrate the capacity of GloMIQO, we extensively tested its performance on a test suite of 399 problems of diverse size and structure. The test cases are taken from process networks applications, computational geometry problems, GLOBALLib, MINLPLib, and the Bonmin test set. We compare the performance of GloMIQO with respect to four state-of-the-art global optimization solvers: BARON 10.1.2, Couenne 0.4, LindoGLOBAL 6.1.1.588, and SCIP 2.1.0.
Surgical Decision Making for Stage IV Adult Acquired Flatfoot Disorder

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition affecting the lower extremity. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the primary etiology for the development of a flatfoot deformity in an adult. PTTD is classified into 4 stages (with stage IV subdivided into stage IV-A and IV-B). This classification is described in detail in this article.
Effectiveness in Voluntary Organizations: An Empirical Assessment

Abstract In the tradition of Knoke and Wood (1981) the effects of resources mobilization, employee commitment, and bureaucratization on the effectiveness of voluntary organizations were explored. The respondents consisted of ninety-five percent of the volunteers and all the administrators of a food distribution center and its satellites in the most economically depressed area of Texas. It was found that organizational effectiveness is a result of commitment (involvement). Effective service to the client is increased by member autonomy and participation in decision making, by identification with and loyalty to the organization, and by resource mobilization. As autonomy, participation in decision-making, involvement, and resource mobilization decline, unmet needs of clients increase.
Are Natural and Unnatural Appetites Equally Controllable? A Response to Jensen’s “Is Continence Enough?”

This response challenges Jensen’s analysis in no substantial way. Rather, it explains more fully some of the moral character categories that Aristotle provides. It argues that Aristotle understood there to be two forms of continence: the continence that enables us to control natural appetites and “some form” of continence directed towards unnatural appetites, generally engendered by some pathology or abuse.
Nondestructive cavity identification in structures

Abstract An algorithm for solving an inverse problem in elastostatics is developed. In this problem, the location and shape of the cavity are unknown. Instead, extra experimental data are provided at several internal points in the structure. Through an iterative process, the unknown boundary is determined by using the boundary element method coupled with nonlinear optimization technique. Some illustrated numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the method. Through these examples the effects of the error in the internal displacement data and of the number of measurement points and their locations are examined.
Preservation of controllability in linear time-invariant perturbed systems†

The controllability of systems with weak connections is studied. A necessary and sufficient condition for a singularly perturbed system to be strongly controllable is obtained. The controllability invariance of the slow subsystem of a singularly perturbed system due to a class of fast feedback controls is shown.
Transformation of integer programs to knapsack problems

It is shown that any bounded integer linear programming problem can be trans- formed to an equivalent integer linear programming problem with a single constraint and the same number of variables. The original integer problem and the equivalent single constraint problem have identical feasible integer solutions, and thus the single constraint problem may be solved instead of the original problem. It is shown that any bounded integer programming problem is equivalent to a problem of optimizing a linear function subject only to bounds on the function and bounds on the variables. The results are extended to problems with nonlinear constraints.
BINDING EFFECT CORRECTIONS IN THE ENERGY-LOSS DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS FOR CHARGED PARTICLES PASSING THROUGH THIN ABSORBERS

ABS>In the theoretical treatment of the statistical fluctuation in energy-loss of charged particles passing through thin absorbers, terms which are of the order of the electron binding energy are ordinarily netlected, The corrections required, when thus is no longer justified, are discussed in particular reference to the development by Symon, which has as its limiting cases the Gaussian distribution derived bv Bohr, and Lundaus distribution. Formulas are presented which give the correction for each of the three weighted parameters appearing in Symon as derivation. The corrected parameters can then be used in conjunction with Symons curves to obtain the energy-loss distribution appropriate for a given set of conditions illustration is presented for the cases oi 5-Mev protons and 5-Mev alpha particles. (auth)
Size-correlated spectroscopy and imaging of rare-earth-doped nanocrystals

Isolated europium-doped metal-oxide nanoparticles were probed by size-correlated high-numerical-aperture (far-field) imaging techniques. A modified Digital Instruments Bioscope atomic force microscope mounted upon a Nikon TE300 inverted microscope was used to interrogate (dry) particles ranging in size from 2 to 150 nm on the surface of a glass or quartz coverslip. These experiments revealed several interesting features of doped-nanoparticle luminescence such as Poissonian occupation statistics, size-dependent luminescence efficiency enhancement for particle sizes of <10 nm, and correlation of interesting transient behavior at particle sizes of <5 nm.
Mathematical Modeling of Silicon Carbide Whisker Deposition in the Lung: Comparison Between Rats and Humans

In this study, we use silicon carbide whisker (SiCw) as a model of the refractory ceramic fibers that are similar in size and shape to asbestos. If these fibers were airborne, they could be inhaled and deposited in the respiratory system. Of major concern is the association between the retention of inhaled fiber and fiber-related diseases, such as lung fibrosis and lung cancer. This paper reports the deposition efficiencies of SiCw in the respiratory system calculated from theory. The deposition efficiencies for SiCw were calculated for the head airways, the conducting airways (tracheobronchial tree) and the air-exchange region (alveolar region) of the lung for man and for the Fischer 344 rat. Based on the calculated deposition efficiencies and the size distribution of SiCw, we estimate that should it become airborne, SiCw could deposited in the sensitive tissues of the alveolar region (11–17% fiber count) and tracheobronchial tree (5–20% fiber count).
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of propylene oxide with chlorine atoms and hydroxy radicals

The kinetics and mechanism of gas-phase propylene oxide (PPO) reactions were studied in a 142-L reaction chamber by long-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at atmospheric pressure and 298 K. Rate coefficients for the reaction of PPO with ozone (O3), chlorine atoms (Cl), and hydroxyl radicals (OH) were measured using the relative rate technique. Product yields of acetic acid, acetic formic anhydride, formic acid, and carbon monoxide were determined for the following reactions: PPO with Cl both in the presence and absence of NO, PPO with OH and NO, methyl acetate with Cl both in the presence and absence of NO, and ethyl formate with Cl both in the presence and absence of NO. The measured rate coefficients for PPO with O3, Cl, and OH are <3.5 × 10−21 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, (3.0 ± 0.7) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and (3.0 ± 1.0) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively. The carbon balance for the products measured ranged from 10% (for OH + PPO) to 100% (for Cl + methyl acetate in the absence of NO). The mechanistic and atmospheric implications of these measurements are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 507–521, 2011
New-generation recombinant factor concentrates: bridge to gene therapy.

Despite our best efforts to deceive the immune system, outwit pathogens, and improve upon the design of nature, there continues to be a need to improve the margin of safety of treatment for those with bleeding disorders. The current approach includes: (1) recombinant factor concentrates free of added proteins; (2) ‘designer’ factor molecules that enhance function and reduce immunogenicity; and (3) modulation of the immune system to suppress immune response in those who develop inhibitors. The hope is that through advances in our understanding of the coagulation and immune systems, treatment of haemophilia in the new millennium will be safer and less immunogenic. Currently available recombinant clotting factor concentrates include those produced: (1) with pasteurized human serum albumin in the cell culture medium as a stabilizer; (2) with bovine serum proteins in the cell culture medium; and (3) free of plasma derivatives. To the extent that current recombinant clotting factor concentrates contain even trace amounts of human or animal protein, there is continuing potential for transmission of nonenveloped viruses, including hepatitis A and parvovirus, and the theoretical potential for transmission of relatively unknown agents, such as prions (Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease or its variant). Second-generation recombinant factor concentrates that do not use human albumin as a stabilizer are currently in clinical trials, and third-generation recombinant factor concentrates currently in development take advantage of new strategies to achieve a ‘protein-free’ cell culture, purification, and final formulation. It is likely that improvement in safety and reduction in immunogenicity will require modification not only of antigenic structure but also of the immune response to coagulation proteins.
Incidence of vein thrombosis in peripheral intravenous nutrition: effect of fat emulsions.

The relative risk of thrombophlebitis induced by either Long-chain Triglycerides (LCTs) or Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCTs) during peripheral i.v. nutrition (PIN) was evaluated. A total of 76 patients were randomly assigned into group A (n=40) and group B (n=36). The nutritional requirements in both groups were covered by a standardized regime of osmolality 1130 mOsm and pH 5.2, which provided 14 kg/day(-1) nitrogen, 600 kcal/day(-1) of carbohydrates and 1000 kcal/day(-1) of lipids. Group A received the lipids as pure LCTs while group B received a mixture of LCTs/MCTs at a ratio 1:1. The infused nutritional volume was 2000 ml and was delivered via a suitable vein in a proximal forearm, using a fine bore polyurethane 22G catheter. The two standardized regimes were evaluated over a 10 day period regarding the incidence of thrombophlebitis. The cumulative risk of thrombophlebitis was documented to be significantly lower in group A compared to group B (17.5% versus 44.4%, P < 0.05). LCTs appear to prolong peripheral vein feeding by lessening the reaction of venous endothelium to the irritating nutritional infusate.
Indicators of Hearing Protection Use: Self-Report and Researcher Observation

Hearing protection devices (HPD) are commonly used to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss. There is a large body of research on hearing protection use in industry, and much of it relies on workers' self-reported use of hearing protection. Based on previous studies in fixed industry, worker self-report has been accepted as an adequate and reliable tool to measure this behavior among workers in many industrial sectors. However, recent research indicates self-reported hearing protection use may not accurately reflect subject behavior in industries with variable noise exposure. This study compares workers' self-reported use of hearing protection with their observed use in three workplaces with two types of noise environments: one construction site and one fixed industry facility with a variable noise environment, and one fixed industry facility with a steady noise environment. Subjects reported their use of hearing protection on self-administered surveys and activity cards, which were validated us...
Molecular Organometallic Chemistry on Surfaces: Reactivity of Metal Carbonyls on Metal Oxides

Metal carbonyls react on metal oxide surfaces to give a wide range of structures analogous to those of known compounds. The reactions leading to formation of surface-bound metal carbonyls are explained by known molecular organometallic chemistry and the functional group chemistry of the surfaces. The reaction classes include formation of acid-base adducts as the oxygen of a carbonyl group donates an electron pair to a Lewis acidic center; nucleophilic attack at CO ligands by basic surface hydroxyl groups or O2⊖ ions; ion-pair formation by deprotonation of hydrido carbonyls to give carbonylate ions; interaction of bifunctional complexes with surface acid-base pair sites such as [Mg2⊕O2⊖]; and oxidative addition of surface hydroxyl groups to metal clusters. The reactions of surface-bound organometallic species include redox condensation and cluster formation on basic surfaces (paralleling the reactions in basic solution) as well as oxidation of mononuclear metal complexes and oxidative fragmentation of metal clusters by reaction with surface hydroxyl groups. Most supported metal carbonyls are unstable at high temperatures, but some, including osmium carbonyl cluster anions on the basic MgO surface, are strongly stabilized in the presence of CO and are precursors of catalysts for CO hydrogenation at 550 K.
the absolute and relative de rham–witt complexes

We compare the absolute and relative de Rham-Witt complexes considered by the author and Madsen [5, 4] and by Langer and Zink [10], which both generalize the classical de Rham-Witt complex of Bloch, Deligne, and Illusie [7] from Fp-schemes to Z(p)-schemes. From this comparison, we derive a Gauss-Manin connection on the crystalline cohomology of X/Wn(S) for a smooth family X/S.
On the coordination of La3+ by phosphatidylserine.

In a recent study by Bentz, J., D. Alford, J. Cohen, and N. Duzgunes (1988. Biophys. J. 53:593–607), La3+ was found to be more effective than Ca2+ in causing nonleaky fusion of phosphatidylserine vesicles. It was proposed that this difference in fusion efficiency may be due, in part, to a difference in coordination of the two cations. That is, Ca2+ was presumed to bind to the lipid phosphate, whereas La3+ was proposed to be coordinated by the serine carboxylate and amine. 31P and 13C NMR results presented here demonstrate that the lanthanides, Tb3+ and La3+, are coordinated by the phosphodiester and carboxylate moieties of phosphatidylserine. Tb3+-Phosphatidylserine optical experiments suggest that the serine amine does not coordinate the lanthanide below pH 10, at least not while the membrane has a net negative surface charge. Although these observations disagree with the structural details proposed by Bentz et al. (1988), they are not in conflict with their general fusion mechanism. The work presented here also demonstrates that La3+ affects the inner surface phosphodiesters differently than those on the outer surface of phosphatidylserine vesicles. The vesicles studied are of an intermediate size, having diameters on the order of 150–200 nm. The cation appears to have a more immediate effect on the packing of the crowded headgroups on the inner surface. Higher levels of bound La3+ on the outer surface may be required to induce the same changes in headgroup conformation.
Delaying Flowering in Short-Day Strawberry Transplants with Photoselective Nets

Growing strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) transplants under photoselective nets delayed flowering. In August, ‘Strawberry Festival’ strawberry plug plants were grown under red or blue ChromatiNet® or without shading (control) in a glasshouse. Fall flowering response was determined following transplanting into a plasticulture system in the field. The no-shade control plants began flowering in late September and by late November, more than 90% of the plants had bloomed. These plants produced fruit from October to early January. Flowering in plants that were grown under red- or blue-colored shade net did not occur until early January. The results of this study suggested that the use of photoselective shade nets over strawberry plug plants in August blocks the light signal that initiates flowering until the netting is removed, hence, delaying the initiation of flower buds until plants are transplanted in the field.
Induced Intramedullary Pressure by Dynamic Hydraulic Stimulation and Its Potential in Attenuation of Bone Loss

Bone loss is a critical health problem of astronauts in long-term space missions. A growing number of evidence has pointed out bone fluid flow as a critical regulator in mechanotransductive signaling and bone adaptation. Intramedullary pressure (ImP) is a key mediator for bone fluid flow initiation and it influences the osteogenic signals within the skeleton. The potential ImP-induced bone fluid flow then triggers bone adaptation [1]. Previous in vivo study has demonstrated that ImP induced by oscillatory electrical stimulations can effectively mitigate disuse osteopenia in a frequency-dependent manner in a disuse rat model [2, 3]. In order to develop the translational potentials of ImP, a non-invasive intervention with direct fluid flow coupling is necessary to develop new treatments for microgravity-induced osteopenia/osteoporosis.© 2011 ASME
Neuronal response to dopamine in rat neostriatum. A push-pull perfusion study.

Abstract In light of the sustained controversy surrounding the effects of dopamine (DA) in the striatum, this investigation sought to identify the pharmacological effects of locally infused DA on neuronal function. A push-pull perfusion technique of discrete drug application was employed, with single unit extracellular recording, in attempts to establish a clear dose-effect relationship between DA and neuronal activity. Locally perfused DA was found to modulate the discharge rate of striatal neurons over the entire test range (10 −7 -10 −10 M). Varied responses were detected, with 7% of the units exhibiting facilitation and 55% depression; 11% of these displayed biphasic excitation/inhibition. Taking everything into consideration, no strict dose-response relationship was evident for excitation and depression. However, the degree of depression appeared to be directly related to the concentration of DA which was perfused, especially when considered as a function of the initial discharge rate. Upon repeated perfusion of DA, the neuronal responsiveness progressively declined. These observations are consistent with data derived from extracellular, iontophoretic studies on the same neuronal population.
The establishment and management of emergent vegetation in sewage-fed artificial marshes and the effects of these marshes on water quality

Experiments on the establishment and harvest ofPhragmites australis,Zizania aquatica,Typha latifolia,Typha angustifolia,Sparganium eurycarpum andSpartina pectinata were conducted in three 0.4 ha clay-bottomed man-made marshes in the central portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Propagules consisted of seeds for the annualZ. aquatica and root and rhizome clumps for the other species.S. eurycarpum showed rapid establishment but was subject to invasion by other species.Typha spp. established stands more slowly but maintained better stand density and purity.P. australis sent out mainly tillers from propagule clumps rather than rhizomes and vertical shoots.S. pectinata andZ. aquatica failed to establish. Multiple harvests ofTypha spp. at intervals of 3 or 6 weeks resulted in biomass removal of 130% and N and P removal of 150% of the controls. Nutrient budgets developed for the three marsh-ponds after six years of intermittant operation showed a net removal of fixed N from flow-through waters but a variable situation with total P.
Politics and race in American historical popular music: contextualized access and minstrel music archives

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama, an African-American man was elected as the 44th President of the United States. The election of a man of Obama’s racial and ethnic background is an event of monumental social and political significance. Many Americans, both black and white, stated openly that they would never have imagined that such an election result could take place in their lifetimes, or during the lives of their children or even grandchildren. Such is the awareness of the legacy of racial hatred and injustice toward African-Americans in the United States. Ever present, that legacy was apparent in a myriad of expressions of racism throughout Obama’s presidential campaign and still continues since his election. Knowledge of the social and political dynamics that emerged from the demise of African-American slavery is essential to understanding race relations in twenty-first century America. Many of the economic and social ills that have plagued the nation for generations can be traced back to the struggle for and resistance to racial equality and fair treatment. Now accessible in digitized sheet music collections of blackface minstrel music on the internet, a record of nineteenth and early twentieth century perspectives is uniquely captured through the popular music of past generations. Illuminating the political and social attitudes that led to commonly held beliefs and practices regarding African-Americans, this music has the power to help make sense of current racial dynamics and contributes to understanding the connection between meaning and context in how cultural knowledge is developed and represented.
Appointment [to US National Academy of Engineering]

W.W. Lang recently was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. A past president of ASSPS, Bill was a founder of the Institute for Noise Control Engineering (INCE). He has also been active in the Acoustical Society, ANSI, and international standards committees. He is employed by IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA.
Contaminants evaluation of Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas and Missouri, USA

At the new Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Linn County, Kansas, and Bates County, Missouri, USA, we evaluated long-lived contaminants before acquisition of the land for the refuge. We sampled sediments at 16 locations and fish at seven locations. The samples were analyzed for metals and for chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds. Selected sediment samples also were analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons. Arsenic concentrations in sediment samples from six locations were elevated compared to US norms, but arsenic was not detected in any fish composite. Mercury concentrations in largemouth bass from two locations were comparable to the 85th percentile concentrations in nationwide fish collections. Most sediment concentrations of other metals were unlikely to have detrimental effects on biota. No chlorinated hydrocarbons were detected in any sediment sample. Chlordane compound concentrations in fish composites from two sites at the eastern end of the sampling area were 0.127 and 0.228 μg/g wet weight, respectively, which are high enough to cause concern. Most aliphatic hydrocarbons detected were found at low concentrations and probably were natural in origin. We concluded that there are no serious contaminants concerns within the project area, but past use of arsenical pesticides may mean a legacy of elevated soil arsenic levels in parts of the area and some use of banned pesticides such as chlordane and DDT likely is still occurring near the refuge.
The stochastic dynamics of an array of atomic force microscopes in a viscous fluid

Abstract We consider the stochastic dynamics of an array of two closely spaced atomic force microscope cantilevers in a viscous fluid for use as a possible biomolecule sensor. The cantilevers are not driven externally, as is common in applications of atomic force microscopy, and we explore the stochastic cantilever dynamics due to the constant buffeting of fluid particles by Brownian motion. The stochastic dynamics of two adjacent cantilevers are correlated due to long range effects of the viscous fluid. Using a recently proposed thermodynamic approach the hydrodynamic correlations are quantified for precise experimental conditions through deterministic numerical simulations. Results are presented for an array of two readily available atomic force microscope cantilevers. It is shown that the force on a cantilever due to the fluid correlations with an adjacent cantilever is more than 3 times smaller than the Brownian force on an individual cantilever. Our results indicate that measurements of the correlations in the displacement of an array of atomic force microscopes can detect piconewton forces with microsecond time resolution.
Obesity and Incremental Hospital Charges among Patients with and without Diabetes in the United States

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between obesity and diabetes among inpatients in the United States as well as to investigate the incremental hospital charges attributable to obesity or morbid obesity. Methods We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005, a nationally representative probability sample that includes nearly 8 million inpatient records from US community hospitals. Results During the past decade, the obesity among inpatients has steeply increased. In 2005, nearly 1.87 million hospitalizations were made by obese or morbidly obese patients. Both patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were considerably more likely to be obese or morbidly obese compared with inpatients without diabetes ( P P P Conclusions Following a parallel rise in obesity among the general population, hospital admissions of obese and morbidly obese inpatients are continuously increasing. Morbidly obese patients consumed substantially more hospital resources regardless of the presence or type of diabetes. Under the current price-per-case reimbursement system, additional hospital resource use by this growing number of morbidly obese inpatients could be a burden to hospital financial systems.
Sympathomimetic amines and heart lactic dehydrogenase isoenzymes

Abstract We determined the duration of the effect of a 100 mg/kg dose of isoproterenol on total and isoenzyme lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in the rat heart. Maximum reduction of total heart LDH activity occurred between the first and third day following isoproterenol. Heart LDH isoenzymes 3, 4, and 5 increased to a maxium on the second day and gradually returned to the control level by the tenth day. The LDH 1 and 2 isoenzyme activities were reduced over this same period. Changes in total heart LDH and in the ratios of LDH-H and LDH-M subunits were used as measures of the potential blocking effects of pronethalol and phentolamine on the activity of isoproterenol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine. Results were essentially the same whether expressed as total LDH activity or as H/M ratios. Phentolamine blocked the effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine, whereas pronethalol was ineffective with all the sympathomimetics. The effects of phentolamine and pronethalol were also determined by measuring gross myocardial lesions produced by norepinephrine or isoproterenol. With the exception of a trend toward protection by pronethalol against the effects of larger doses of isoproterenol, the results obtained by using lesion grades were essentially the same as those obtained with total LDH or LDH isoenzyme measurements.
AAV9 Targets Cone Photoreceptors in the Nonhuman Primate Retina

Transduction of retinal pigment epithelial cells with an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) based on serotype 2 has partially corrected retinal blindness in Leber congenital amaurosis type 2. However, many applications of gene therapy for retinal blindness rely on the efficient transduction of rod and cone photoreceptor which is difficult to achieve with first generation vector technology. To address this translational need, we evaluated rod and cone photoreceptor targeting of 4 novel AAV capsids (AAV7, AAV9, rh.64R1 and rh.8R) versus AAV2 and AAV8 in a foveated retina. Eyes of 20 nonhuman primates were injected subretinally in the proximity of the fovea. While numerous vectors efficiently transduced rods, only AAV9 targeted cones both centrally and peripherally efficiently at low doses, likely due to the abundance of galactosylated glycans, the primary receptor for AAV9, on cone photoreceptors. We conclude AAV9 is an ideal candidate for strategies that require restoration of cone photoreceptor function.
Implications of movement in developing and deploying integrated pest management strategies

Abstract To develop an integrated pest management (IPM) program, one must rely on detailed knowledge of pest movement at several levels. The tenets of IPM and the three tiers of information (fundamental, tactical, and operational) needed to deploy an IPM program are considered. I highlight the soybean mosaic potyvirus pathosystem, a pest system that is nearly impossible to control once the pathogen enters a field, to illustrate how the pathogen can be contained through IPM practices, but only with a reasonable understanding of pathogen transport by insect vectors. The virus is transmitted by a suite of aphids with different flight activity modes. Disease spread is rapid and irreversible if initial inoculum is high and vector flight activity is great. For that reason, the management mode must be preventive, not remedial. The complex epidemiology involves vector movement over both landscape and ecoregional scales, and movement, especially as it is influenced by atmospheric motion systems over both scales, should be understood to effectively manage soybean mosaic virus epidemics. The importance of conceptual, simulation, and predictive models that take into consideration vector movement cannot be overstated when dealing with a pest complex of this nature.
Metabolic regulation of end product distribution in lactobacilli: Causes and consequences

This review examines the regulation of end product distribution in Lactobacillus plantarum and other lactobacilli, the factors that influence this distribution, and the bioenergetic consequences of end product distribution. Similarities to and differences from other genera in the lactic acid bacteria are described. Lactobacilli use many different transport systems to obtain nutrients. Carbohydrates and organic acids are transported in cells by specific phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferases (PEP—PTS) or permeases. The carbohydrates are then metabolized to different end products through a common key intermediate, pyruvate. The ability of lactobacilli to produce various end products depends on species, strains, genetic capacity, expression of enzyme activity, sugar structure, and environmental conditions. The regeneration of the NAD+ required for continued glycolysis is a key regulatory factor of end product distribution. The excretion of protons with acidic end products can directly generate a proton motive force and it also contributes to intracellular pH homeostasis. Anionic precursor—product exchange systems can also generate a proton motive force if the exchange is not electroneutral.
Optical detection of glucose by CdS quantum dots immobilized in smart microgels

Reversible fluorescence quenching and anti-quenching of CdS quantum dots immobilized in boronic acid-based microgels can be used for the optical detection of glucose.
A simple relationship between the temperature dependence of the density of liquid metals and their boiling temperatures

For elemental metals, other than those in Groups VIII and IIB, there exists a simple rela-tionship between the temperature dependence of the liquid density, Λ [=(δD/δT)p], and the boiling temperature,TB. It is shown that the fractional change in density between 0 K andTB appears to be constant;i .e ., ATB/d00 =-0.23. D00 is a scale factor defined by Doo =DM- ΛTm, whereDm is the density of the liquid at the absolute melting temperature, TM. This relationship has been used to estimate A for eight high melting point elements for which no experimental data exist.
Methanol Chemisorption and Reaction on the (111) Crystallographic Plane of NiAl

Thermal chemistry of CH3OH on the (111) crystallographic plane of NiAl has been investigated with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolut...
Chronic monitoring of cardiovascular function in the conscious guinea pig using radio-telemetry.

An implantable radio-telemetry device for chronic monitoring of arterial pressure and heart rate in the conscious guinea pig was validated against measurements using an exteriorized, indwelling catheter. There were no significant differences between simultaneous measurements in animals instrumented with both the telemetry system and the conventional catheter (implanted 24 hrs prior to comparisons) in response to a variety of vasoactive agents. The device was shown to be accurate up to 3 weeks after implantation (longest time point tested). Resting pressures and heart rates in the telemetered guinea pig were stable in 100% of the animals tested. In contrast, animals instrumented with only exteriorized catheters showed a significant decline in pressure by 8 days after surgery and a 39% attrition rate due to loss of catheter patency. Performance of the telemetric device was examined in both normal and sodium-deficient animals, since the latter is a useful normotensive model in which blood pressure is rendere...
Measuring Fluorescent Dye in the Bubbly and Sediment-Laden Surfzone

Decisions about recreational beach closures would be enhanced if better estimates of surfzone contaminant transport and dilution were available. In situ methods for measuring fluorescent Rhodamine WT dye tracer in the surfzone are presented, increasing the temporal and spatial resolution over previous surfzone techniques. Bubbles and sand suspended by breaking waves in the surfzone interfere with in situ optical fluorometer dye measurements, increasing the lower bound for dye detection (≈ 1 ppb) and reducing (quenching) measured dye concentrations. Simultaneous turbidity measurements are used to estimate the level of bubble and sand interference and correct dye estimates. After correction, root-mean-square dye concentration errors are estimated to be < 5% of dye concentration magnitude, thus demonstrating the viability of in situ surfzone fluorescent dye measurements. The surfzone techniques developed here may be applicable to other environments with high bubble and sand concentrations (e.g., cascading rivers and streams).
Controllability of Magnetic Manipulation of a Few Microparticles in Fluids

Control theory is employed to formulate the problem of controllability of two microparticles in fluids via magnetic field. We demonstrate that a uniform external magnetic field of varying direction and magnitude provides complete local state controllability of two particles over a magnetized substrate. We propose that such an approach may improve manipulation and assembly of microparticles in fluids