cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sodium fluoride produces a K+ efflux by increasing intracellular Ca2+ through Na+-Ca2+ exchange.

Abstract Acute fluoride intoxication increases intracellular calcium (Cai), manifested by increased twitch tension in cardiac muscle, and by potassium efflux (mediated by Ca2+-dependent K+ channels) in fluoridated erythrocytes. Fluoride, like isoproterenol, stimulates adenylate cyclase, and could increase Cai via the effects of cAMP on Ca2+ channels. However, while the inotropic effects of fluoride mimicked isoproterenol in rat atria, their effects on the time course of isometric contraction were quite different. In addition, acetylcholine negated isoproterenoPs effect on twitch tension but did not modulate the effects of fluoride. Further, the Ca2+ channel antagonist verapamil had no effect on fluoride-stimulated K+ efflux from erythrocytes. Fluoride also inhibits Na+ -K+ ATPase, and increases intracellular Na+, so could increase Cai via Na+ Ca2+ exchange. Lanthanum, which blocks Na + -Ca2+ exchange, blocks fluoride-induced K+ efflux in erythrocytes. We conclude that the effects of fluoride on adenylate cyclase are not important in intact tissue, and that inhibition of Na + -K+ ATPase and subsequent Na2+ -Ca2+ exchange may be the mechanism of increased Cai in acute fluoride toxicity.
The contractility and performance of the preterm left ventricle before and after early patent ductus arteriosus occlusion in surfactant-treated lambs.

The Contractility and Performance of the Preterm Left Ventricle before and after Early Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion in Surfactant- Treated Lambs
The stages of terminating: When mental health workers face job loss

Recent decreases in funding for the human services have resulted in involuntary job loss for numerous mental health and social service professionals. The present study, utilizing a participant-observer methodology, examines the job termination process and its effect on both terminating staff members and their surviving colleagues. Four stages, the stage of uncertainty, the post announcement stage, the exiting stage, and the resolution stage are delineated and characteristic stresses and behaviors observed during each are described. Based on the findings, a number of suggestions are made to aid administrators and staff members who are facing this difficult experience. The role of the consultant in this process is described.
On a multiparametric quantized enveloping algebra

Let A = A(p, λ) be the multiparameter deformation of the coordinate algebra of n × n matrices as described by Artin, Schelter and TAte. Let U be the quantum enveloping algebra which is associ-ated to A, in the sense of Fad dee v, Reshetikhin and Takhtadzhyan. When the parameter λ is not a root of unity, we classify the skew primitive elements of U and describe the group of Hopf algebra automorphisms of a subalgebra U ′ of u. Finally, we find some of the central group-like elements of U.
Products of cholecystokinin (CCK)-octapeptide proteolysis interact with central CCK receptors.

Peptidases present in central nervous system (CNS) synaptic membranes, hydrolyze the neuroactive peptide cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8; Asp-Tyr-SO 3 H-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH 2 ). In order to determine the pathway of degradation, synthetic CCK-8 was incubated at 37°C with purified synaptic membranes; at various intervals reaction samples were removed from the reaction mixture and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantify the peptide fragments. The results indicate an initial endopeptidase cleavage at the Met-Gly bond producing CCK-5 (Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH 2 ). The carboxyl-terminal pentapeptide is further proteolysed to CCK-4 (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH 2 ) by a puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase and to CCK-3 (Met-Asp-Phe-NH 2 ) and Gly-Trp by an endopeptidase action, CCK-3 and CCK-2 appear to be relatively stable end-products. Moreover, these proteolytic fragments are shown to bind to the CCK receptor in brain with varying potencies.
Detection of intravenous fluid extravasation using resistance measurements.

Resistance to fluid infusion can be derived from measurements of pressure at two or more flow rates. We measured resistance in 31 patients using a pressure-monitoring infusion pump (Model 560, IVAC) by recording pressure at five flow rates (0, 50,100, 200, and 300 mL/hr), and computing resistance as the slope of the pressure versus flow curve. Resistance was measured subcutaneously (Rtissue) and intravenously (Rvein) immediately after unsuccessful or successful IV catheter placement. In all patients, Rtissue was always greater than Rvein. The difference ranged from 23 resistance units (RU) to 4166 RU, with a mean difference of 1147 RU (p < 0.0001, Student'st-test). Unpaired analysis of the data was performed to assess the ability of resistance to indicate extravasation in the absence of prior Rvein measurement. The median value for Rvein was 62 RU (range −13.6 to 420 RU), and for Rtissue, 544 RU (range 65.7 to 4170 RU). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that a 200-RU threshold detected infiltration with 0.90 sensitivity and 0.91 specificity. We conclude that elevated resistance during fluid infusion is an important early and easily measurable finding in fluid extravasation.
Eye movements in the goldfish

Abstract Cinephotographic analysis of eye movement in free swimming fish revealed a basic repeated pattern of (a) conjugate saccade in direction of turn; (b) body turn coupled with a slow counter slewing of eyes at a velocity consistent with stabilization of visual field. Independent eye movement was rare, observed only in Monacanthus sp . under scotopic condilions, encephaleisole goldfish retain conjugate saccadic eye movement. Infrared photosensing techniques in encephale isole goldfish reveal a sequence of stepwise conjugate, horizontal saccades that sweep from side to side. Rate of eye movement, different combinations of saccadic waveforms, degree of assymmetry between the two eyes in a conjugate saccade and amount and position of occurrence of slow slewing, together, comprise a unique “signature” for each goldfish. Conjugate saccades are asynchronous with intervals between onsets ranging from a few to 60 msec. Some convergent and divergent eye movement is interspaced among the more common conjugate saccades. The highest slewing rate measured (infrared sensing) for saccadic movement was 770 deg/sec for a 30 deg saccade.
Mass-loss histories of three carbon-rich evolved stars as revealed by12CO emission

We investigate the history and geometry of mass loss in three carbon-rich evolved stars, CIT 6, AFGL 618, and IRAS 21282+5050, using observations of the 12CO J = 1-0 line emission and a simple radiative transfer code to model these observations. Combining data from the Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association millimeter array and the NRAO 12 m, we have constructed full synthesis data cubes of the 12CO J = 1-0 line emission from CIT 6, AFGL 618, and IRAS 21282+5050 with angular resolutions of approximately 8'', 3'', and 4'', respectively. We find clumpy envelopes with zero-order structures of bright cores, surrounded by lower surface brightness halos in all three sources; however, the contrast between the core and halo is greater for AFGL 618 than for IRAS 21282+5050 and CIT 6. The total flux line profile for CIT 6 has a parabolic shape, in contrast to the flat-topped shape found by all previous single-dish observations that have resolved the envelope, which we measure to be at least 100'' in diameter. The 12CO emission in AFGL 618 has a similar east-west bipolar morphology as its optical reflection nebulosity, although on a much larger scale (90'' × 60''). The bulk of molecular gas in AFGL 618 participates in a symmetric expansion; however, a significant east-west bipolar outflow appears at the heart of the core with detected velocities up to ~70 km s-1. A blueshifted component (~-40 km s-1) of the this bipolar outflow is observed in absorption against the continuum source in AFGL 618. We resolve a central hole in IRAS 21282+5050 with a size, 6'', slightly larger than its H II region. A bright ring of 12CO emission surrounds this central hole, and a ~70'' diameter halo surrounds this ring. The ring appears broken in position-velocity cuts due to a significant blueshifted self-absorption of the gas. We develop a simple radiative transfer code that assumes spherically symmetric expansion to model the zero-order core-halo structures observed in these sources. We assume a temperature power-law profile with respect to radius and fit a power-law index between -0.7 and -0.8 for all three sources. The fitted density profiles with respect to radius reflect the observed differences in the core-halo structures and suggest differences in the mass-loss histories of the three sources. The models of both CIT 6 and IRAS 21282+5050 are consistent with constant mass-loss rates of (6 ± 2) × 10-6 and (6 ± 4) × 10-5 M☉ yr-1, respectively. The model of AFGL 618 suggests two phases of mass loss: an older asymptotic giant branch (AGB) wind lasting ~8000 yr when the mass-loss rate decreased from (2 ± 1) × 10-4 to (3 ± 1) × 10-5 M☉ yr-1 and a more recent superwind lasting ~4000 yr when the mass-loss rate increased to (2 ± 1) × 10-4 M☉ yr-1.
Thresholds for fetal hemorrhages produced by a piezoelectric lithotripter

Hemorrhage to fetal tissues occurred when late-term pregnant mice were exposed to lithotripter fields of relatively low amplitude. These hemorrhages were always observed in tissues near developing bone or cartilaginous structures such as the head, limbs and ribs, while soft tissues distant from bone were relatively free of hemorrhage. Thresholds for hemorrhage in the fetus were determined for exposures of pregnant mice on the 18th day of gestation to 200 pulses from a piezoelectric lithotripter. Animals were exposed to axial peak positive pressures of either 0 (sham), 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 MPa. Thresholds for hemorrhage to the head, limbs, ribs and lung were all < 1 MPa.
Sulfur impact on NOx storage, oxygen storage, and ammonia breakthrough during cyclic lean/rich operation of a commercial lean NOx trap

Abstract The objective of the present study was to develop an improved understanding of how sulfur affects the spatiotemporal distribution of reactions and temperature inside a monolithic lean NOx trap (LNT). These spatiotemporal distributions are believed to be major factors in LNT function, and thus, we expect that a better understanding of these phenomena can benefit the design and operation of commercial LNTs. In our study, we experimentally evaluated a commercial LNT monolith installed in a bench-flow reactor with simulated engine exhaust. The reactor feed gas composition was cycled to simulate fast lean/rich LNT operation at 325 °C, and spatiotemporal species and temperature profiles were monitored along the LNT axis at different sulfur loadings. Reactor outlet NOx, NO, N2O, and NH3 were also measured. Sulfur tended to accumulate in a plug-like fashion in the reactor and progressively inhibited NOx storage capacity along the axis. The NOx storage/reduction (NSR) reactions occurred over a relatively short portion of the reactor (NSR zone) under the conditions used in this study, and thus, net NOx conversion was only significantly reduced at high sulfur loading. Oxygen storage capacity (OSC) was poisoned by sulfur also in a progressive manner but to a lesser extent than the NOx storage capacity. Global selectivity for N2O remained low at all sulfur loadings, but NH3 selectivity increased significantly with sulfur loading. We conjecture that NH3 breakthrough increased because of decreasing oxidation of NH3, slipping from the NSR zone, by downstream stored oxygen. The NSR and oxygen storage/reduction (OSR) generated distinctive exotherms during the rich phase and at the rich/lean transition. Exotherm locations shifted downstream with sulfur accumulation in a manner that was consistent with the progressive poisoning of NSR and OSR sites.
Naturally occurring vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) Whisker growth of germanium sulfide

Abstract The first naturally occurring terrestrial example of vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth has been observed in condensates from gases released by burning coal in culm banks. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive analysis indicate that the crystals consist of elongated rods (≈ 100 μm) of germanium sulfide capped by bulbs depleted in germanium.
Absorbability of calcium sources: The limited role of solubility

Fractional absorption of seven chemically defined calcium sources was measured in normal adult women under standardized load conditions. Solubility of the sources in water at neutral pH ranged from a low of 0.04 mM to a high of 1500 mM. The relationship of solubility to absorbability was weak. In the range from 0.1 to 10 mM, within which most calcium supplement sources fall, there was no detectable effect of solubility on absorption. Data from four food sources are presented for comparison. Absorbability of food calcium was not clearly related to absorbability of the dominant chemical form in the food concerned. These findings suggest that (1) even under controlled, chemically defined conditions, solubility of a source has very little influence on its absorbability; and (2) absorbability of calcium from food sources is determined mainly by other food components.
Stigma as an organizing framework for understanding the early history of community mental health and psychiatric social work

ABSTRACTThe authors argue that stigma—both the forces that combat it and perpetuate it—can be viewed as an organizing framework for understanding the history of mental health care. This early history also provides a foundation for appreciating the roots of psychiatric social work and the uniqueness of our professional domain and identity. While hoping to build disciplinary pride, the article also points to work that remains to more deliberately oppose practices that perpetuate stigma, both subtle and overt, and instead embrace practices that humanize care for people with mental illness.
Assessment of learning and study strategies of university students in Qatar using an Arabic translation of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory.

Summary.—413 (119 men, 294 women) undergraduate university students in Qatar completed an Arabic version of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) measuring Anxiety, Attitude, Concentration, Information Processing, Motivation, Self-testing, Selecting Main Ideas, Study Aids, Time Management, and Test Strategies. The students' learning and study strategies scores were similar to those reported in the literature. Factor analysis indicated the same general factors as in the original study. Internal consistency estimates ranged from .62 to .88. Nine of the 10 scales (i.e., all with the exception of the Study Aids) significantly correlated with students' GPAs. Scores obtained from these scales provide valid assessments of Qatar University students' use of learning and study strategies related to skill, will, and self-regulation components of strategic learning and also academic achievement. There also were statistically significant differences between higher and lower achieving students in their le...
How many letters in Bidwell's ghost? An investigation of the upper limits of full report from a brief visual stimulus.

When a display of 14 letters and digits was illuminated by a bright l-msec flash (not followed by a mask), practiced, dark-adapted subjects were able to report 12.4 of the items. This was their average full report, not an estimate from a partial report. This high level of performance documents the clarity of the long-lasting, positive afterimages originally reported in the last century and termed “the ghost” by S. Bidwell. It is thus possible for a full report of a brief visual display to contain far more than the usual estimate of 3 to 4 letters first reported by Sperling (1960). Several trials were recorded in which subjects were able to report all 14 letters.
Building a Better Applicant Pool–A Case Study of the Use of Predictive Modeling and Market Segmentation to Build and Enroll Better Pools of Students

ABSTRACT Predictive modeling has been a popular topic in higher education for the last few years. This case study shows an example of an effective use of modeling combined with market segmentation to strategically divide large, unmanageable prospect and inquiry pools and convert them into applicants, and eventually, enrolled students.
Orchestrating team building for harmonious leadership

Abstract The Emergency department has many challenges for team building. It is an action-oriented unit where many stressful situations occur on a day-to-day basis. It is imperative that those who work there and those who service the needs of their patients be in sync with each other. In other words, the team working together, to give the excellent care mandated by those we serve, can only be high performers.
Endometrial cancer survivors' assessment of the benefits of exercise

Abstract Objective The majority of women who have had endometrial cancer remain at risk for obesity related diseases. The social cognitive theory was used to explore their beliefs about exercise to aid in the development of effective interventions. Methods Women who had been treated for Stage I endometrial cancer were asked about their level of exercise to determine if they had been exercising regularly for more than 6months (exercisers vs non-exercisers). They were asked to rate the likelihood that exercise would result in various health outcomes (expectations) and to rate the importance of these outcomes (expectancies). Scores for how likely exercise would result in an outcome of importance were calculated. Height and weight were obtained from nurses for calculation of BMI. Statistics were conducted using SPSS v 15. Results There were 106 valid questionnaires (86% participation rate); 41% were exercisers. Mean BMI was significantly lower in exercisers (31.6±1.2 vs. 37.3±1.2, p=0.001); a significantly greater proportion reported not having diabetes, heart disease or hypertension (69.8% vs. 49.2%, p=0.035). Exercisers were significantly more likely to report that feeling better physically and emotionally versus reducing the risk of diseases were likely and important outcomes of exercise (18.2±0.8 vs 15.0±1.0, p=0.002). Conclusions Exercisers identified outcomes of exercise that are more immediate and subjective as being important and likely outcomes of exercise. Focusing on these aspects of exercise (feeling better physically and emotionally) may aid in the development of effective interventions for non-exercisers.
The preparation and characterization of organically modified silicates that exhibit nonlinear optical properties

Abstract An organically modified silane sol-gel was prepared by the hydrolysis and condensation of N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-4'nitroaniline and trimethoxysilane in N,N-dimethylacetamide using a non-ionic organic base catalyst. The effects of co-monomers and the silicate concentration on the viscosity of the sol-gel and the thermal stability of the resulting films were investigated. When the sol was spin-coated and aligned by corona discharge poling with heating, the resulting vitrified silane films exhibited a second harmonic response, d 33 = 13 pm V . The effect of concentration and co-monomer ratio on the sol-gel and the properties of the film are discussed.
Theory and evaluation of a windowless nonresonant optoacoustic cell

A novel nonresonant flow-through optoacoustic cell is characterized. This cell is operated without windows, completely eliminating the window background interference. Data are presented comparing sensitivity, resistance to cross-contamination, and operating characteristics of this approach with more conventional single and differential cell techniques. The capability of operation at widely varying sample flow rates is demonstrated.
The physiological and behavioural impacts of and preference for an enriched environment in the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

The physiological and behavioural impact of, as well as preference for, enriched versus barren environments was determined for captive eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Thirty-eight box turtles were randomized to either barren (flat newspaper substrate) or enriched (cypress mulch substrate, shredded paper and a hide box) enclosures for a 1-month period. Complete blood counts, fecal corticosterone, and body weights were measured at the beginning and end of the test period. Activities performed within the two environments were also compared. Turtles in enriched enclosures had a significantly lower heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) at the end of the treatment period (p = 0.01). Enriched-housed turtles also spent significantly less time engaged in escape behaviour (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in fecal corticosterone or body weight change between the two treatment groups. At the beginning of the study, each turtle was placed in a preference test system in which it could move freely between a barren and enriched environment. Relative-dwelling time (RDT) was determined for each environment. Turtles showed a distinct preference for the enriched environment (90.9% median RDT, p < 0.01). After the 1-month housing experiment turtles were revaluated for preference to determine if previous housing experience affected choice.
Hybrid Gas Scintillation Proportional Counteriphoswich Detector For Hard X-Ray Astronomy

We present a concept for a balloon-borne imaging hybrid proportional counter/phoswich detector of medium to hard X-rays. The phoswich would be optically coupled to the exit window of the proportional counter, and both detectors would use a common position-sensitive readout. We anticipate that such a detector could combine the good energy and position resolution and excellent background rejection ability of the proportional counter for incident photon energies 2 square prototype detector. We use a Monte Carlo approach, properly accounting for range, penetration depth, and diffusion effects in the proportional counter. We explicitly model the propagation of the scintillation light from the proportional counter through a waveshifter and the phoswich, and its detection with an Anger camera arrangement of Hamamatsu crossed-wire anode photomultiplier tubes. Results from this simulation indicate that current levels of proportional counter and phoswich performance are attainable at small cost in quantum efficiency, compared to a bare phoswich detector. We also report some rough calculations of the background rejection efficiency in the xenon and the phoswich.
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis from Streptococcus salivarius in a Compromised Host

A seriously ill patient with cirrhosis and resistant ascites from hepatitis C and alcohol abuse abruptly deteriorated. He developed encephalopathic changes, abdominal pain and tenderness and was suspected of having spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The peritoneal fluid contained many granulocytes and Steptococcus salivarius was isolated from the fluid.
Template synthesis of metal microtubule ensembles utilizing chemical, electrochemical, and vacuum deposition techniques

Microtubules are an interesting type of microstructure that resemble miniature drinking straws. Such tubular microstructures are found in nature. In addition, we and others have been investigating strategies for making synthetic analogs. We are especially interested in the idea of making metal microtubules. Four procedures for preparing metal microtubules are described in this paper. The general approach, called template-synthesis, entails using the pores in a microporous membrane as templates for forming the tubules. Microporous anodic aluminum oxide membranes and nuclear track-etch membranes are used as the template membranes. Gold and silver microtubules are made with outer diameters as small as 200 nm. These microstructures are characterized by scanning electron microscopy.
The Aerobiology and Population Genetic Structure of Gibberella zeae

Abstract Gibberella zeae causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley and Gibberella ear rot (GER) of corn. Ascospores of G. zeae rely on atmospheric motion systems for transport to suscep...
Helium and neon isotopes in the Imnaha Basalt, Columbia River Basalt Group: Evidence for a Yellowstone plume source

Abstract Helium, neon, and argon isotopic compositions were measured in two flows of the Columbia River flood basalt. The Imnaha Basalt has a 3 He/ 4 He ratio of 11.4 times atmospheric and 20 Ne/ 22 Ne and 21 Ne/ 22 Ne ratios characteristic of a plume component. The measured 3 He/ 4 He is a lower limit, due to possible preferential 3 He loss and/or addition of radiogenic 4 He. A Wanapum Basalt flow, erupted approximately 2 Ma later in the waning stages of volcanism, has more MORB-like noble gases. The He, Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of these lavas suggest that the Columbia River basalts were derived from the Yellowstone plume head which contained both ‘high-helium’ plume material and entrained depleted mantle. As the eruptions progressed the plume component in the melting region was gradually diluted or replaced.
Three-valued nonmonotonic formalisms and semantics of logic programs

Abstract We introduce three-valued extensions of major nonmonotonic formalisms and we prove that the recently proposed well-founded semantics of logic programs is equivalent, for arbitrary logic programs, to three-valued forms of McCarthy's circumscription, Reiter's closed world assumption, Moore's autoepistemic logic and Reiter's default theory. This result not only provides a further justification of the well-founded semantics as a natural extension of the perfect model semantics from the class of stratified programs to the class of all logic programs, but it also establishes the class of all logic programs as a large class of theories, for which natural forms of all four nonmonotonic formalisms coincide . It also paves the way for using efficient computation methods, developed for logic programming, as inference mechanisms for nonmonotonic reasoning.
SU-E-T-191: Evaluation of a Commercial QA Device for Daily Output Check for a Large Multi-LINAC Institution

Purpose: To quantify the difference between the daily output readings of a Daily QA device and monthly output readings and to determine at what frequency these devices need recalibration. Methods: Daily QA 3 (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL) devices were used on 17 Clinac 6EX and Varian 2100C/D/EX LINACs to measure daily output over a period of 6 months for 2 photon energies and 5 electron energies for each machine. These devices measure output using an open ionization chamber that is corrected for temperature and pressure by internal sensors. The daily output was averaged each month across all days and compared to the monthly output readings taken using a temperature/pressure corrected farmer chamber and PMMA blocks. Results: The average difference across all energies and all machines across all months was 0.3% ±0.7%, indicating a good level of stability for slope was found to be consistent with a −.07% per month change in Daily QA 3 readings over the 6 month time period investigated. This change was not found to be a function of energy or radiation type (X‐rays or electrons). However, device‐dependent variation was noted in drift with values from ‐ 0.3%/month to + 0.1%/month. Conclusions: The data collected in this study indicates that although the Daily QA 3 device is a robust and simple to use machine capable of several tests, it would be prudent to verify these devices against a transfer quality dosimetry system monthly and recalibrate as necessary, with an expected frequency between 3 months and 1 year.
Levels of (Na+ + K+)-activated and Mg2+-activated ATPase activity in bovine and feline corneal endothelium and epithelium.

Abstract 1. 1. An active transport mechanism appears to be at least in large part responsible for the maintenance of corneal deturgescence. The site of the mechanism has been in dispute, with the endothelial or epithelial limiting layers favored by different sorts of evidence. 2. 2. Fresh bovine and feline corneal endothelium and epithelium were assayed for (Na + + K + )-activated ATPase and for Mg 2− -activated ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4) activities by quantitative biochemical methods, employing ouabain at a concentration of 0.1 mM. Epithelium was collected by three different methods. A ouabain inhibition curve was also determined for the enzyme of bovine endothelium. 3. 3. Bovine endothelium was compared with epithelium collected by the most satisfactory method. In terms of enzymatic levels based on tissue nitrogen, the endothelium had 6.4 times as much (Na + + K + )-activated activity, and 5 times as much Mg 2− -activated activity, as the epithelium. 4. 4. The fewer determinations for the feline cornea indicate that the (Na + +K + )-activated activity levels for both the endothelium and epithelium are within the same ranges as those of the bovine cornea. 5. 5. The ouabain inhibition curve for the bovine endothelial enzyme matches rather closely the curve from other work for the rate of swelling of the rabbit cornea when different concentrations of ouabain were perfused on the endothelial side of the cornea in culture. 6. 6. The present results fit well with the results of recent metabolic studies of others on corneal endothelium and epithelium, which support the endothelium as the major site of the mechanism that maintains corneal deturgescence.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of annular flow condensation in microgravity

Abstract Vehicles for future manned space missions will demand unprecedented increases in power requirements and heat dissipation. Achieving these goals while maintaining acceptable size and weight limits will require replacing present single-phase thermal management components with far more efficient two-phase counterparts. This study discusses the development of an experimental facility for the study of annular condensation of FC-72 in microgravity, which was tested in parabolic flight as a prelude to the development of NASA’s Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) for the International Space Station (ISS). The flow behavior of the condensate film is shown to be sensitive mostly to the mass velocity of FC-72, with low mass velocities yielding laminar flow with a smooth interface, and high mass velocities turbulent flow with appreciable interfacial waviness. A select number of tests repeated in microgravity, Lunar gravity and Martian gravity prove that the influence of gravity is very pronounced at low mass velocities, manifest by circumferential uniformity for microgravity versus appreciable thickening along one side of the condensation tube for Lunar and Martian conditions. However, the thickening is nonexistent for Lunar and Martian conditions at high mass velocities due to increased vapor shear on the film interface, proving high mass velocity is an effective means to negating the influence of gravity in space missions. For microgravity, the condensation heat transfer coefficient is highest near the inlet, where the film is both thin and laminar, and decreases along the condensation length, but increases again downstream for high mass velocities due to turbulence and increased waviness. A model is proposed to predict the condensation heat transfer which accounts for dampening of turbulent fluctuations near the film interface. The model shows good agreement with the heat transfer coefficient data in both trend and magnitude.
Conformationally constrained peptides from CD2 to modulate protein-protein interactions between CD2 and CD58

Cell adhesion molecule CD2 and its ligand CD58 provide good examples of protein-protein interactions in cells that participate in the immune response. To modulate the cell adhesion interaction, peptides were designed from the discontinuous epitopes of the β-strand region of CD2 protein. The two strands were linked by a peptide bond. β-Strands in the peptides were nucleated by inserting a β-sheet-inducing (D)-Pro-Pro sequence or a dibenzofuran (DBF) turn mimetic with key amino acid sequences from CD2 protein that binds to CD58. The solution structures of the peptides (5-10) were studied by NMR and molecular dynamics simulations. The ability of these peptides to inhibit cell adhesion interaction was studied by E-rosetting and lymphocyte epithelial assays. Peptides 6 and 7 inhibit the cell adhesion activity with an IC(50) of 7 and 11 nM, respectively, in lymphocyte epithelial adhesion assay. NMR and molecular modeling results indicated that peptides 6 and 7 exhibited β-hairpin structure in solution.
Spontaneous Formation of Inorganic Helical Fibers and Rings

Helical fibers of porous manganese oxide have been prepared from colloidal solutions. Such fibers have diameters ranging from several mm to the micrometer range. These helices are formed, starting from a well-mixed colloidal precursor and applying no external forcing other than its confinement in a capillary or beaker and heating for a period of time. Structural changes occur during gelation, leading from an amorphous to a layered structure. The layered structure can be ion-exchanged with hard cation template ions and then heated to form tunnel structure materials that retain the helical morphology. The helices are semiconductors and permeable. As the concentration of the colloidal precursor is lowered, helices are no longer formed, but instead, two-dimensional rings are produced. The formation process of these helices is related to contraction of the gel during heating with capillary pressure until solvent is removed followed by expansion of the helix.
Improvements in the Formation of Boron-Doped Diamond Coatings on Platinum Wires Using the Novel Nucleation Process (NNP)

Abstract In order to increase the initial nucleation density for the growth of boron-doped diamond on platinum wires, we employed the novel nucleation process (NNP) originally developed by Rotter et al. [1] . This pretreatment method involves (i) the initial formation of a thin carbon layer over the substrate followed by (ii) ultrasonic seeding of this “soft” carbon layer with nanoscale particles of diamond. This two-step pretreatment is followed by the deposition of boron-doped diamond by microwave plasma-assisted CVD. Both the diamond seed particles and sites on the carbon layer itself function as the initial nucleation zones for diamond growth from an H 2 -rich source gas mixture. We report herein on the characterization of the pre-growth carbon layer formed on Pt as well as boron-doped films grown for 2, 4 and 6 h post NNP pretreatment. Results from scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical studies are reported. The NNP method increases the initial nucleation density on Pt and leads to the formation of a continuous diamond film in a shorter deposition time than is typical for wires pretreated by conventional ultrasonic seeding. The results indicate that the pre-growth layer itself consists of nanoscopic domains of diamond and functions well to enhance the initial nucleation of diamond without any diamond powder seeding.
Pregnane glycosides interfere with steroidogenic enzymes to down-regulate corticosteroid production in human adrenocortical H295R cells

Despite the apparent lack of extensive clinical research and toxicological evaluations, Hoodia-containing remedies remain one of the most popular dietary pills on the loosely regulated US botanical dietary supplement market (Rader et al., 2007). P57AS3 pregnane glycoside is the only reported active constituent from H. gordonii that acts as an appetite suppressant in rodents (van Heerden et al., 2007) by possibly increasing ATP content of hypothalamic neurons (MacLean and Luo, 2004). In a single, double blind, placebo controlled trial with 50 healthy volunteers receiving 1 g of Caralluma extract per day for 60 days, waist circumference and hunger showed a significant decline in the experimental group when compared to the placebo after 2 months of treatment (Kuriyan et al., 2007). However, the 15 days repeated consumption study in healthy overweight women receiving two 1,110 mg servings of pregnane glycoside-enriched H. gordonii extract reported no significant mean effects on energy intake and body weight, and raised a safety concern as H. gordonii extract was less well tolerated than placebo because of episodes of nausea, emesis, and increased levels of plasma bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase associated with the treatment (Blom et al., 2011). Recently, we showed that consumption of the pregnane glycoside-enriched extract from the fast-growing swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata (Warashina and Noro, 2000a,b) produced melanocortin receptors-mediated suppression of food intake in rats in the absence of adverse outcomes during a 90 days subchronic toxicity study (Komarnytsky et al., 2013a). While no-observable adverse effect level for pregnane glycoside-enriched extract when administered daily via oral gavage to rats was estimated at 40 mg/kg/day, we have observed a transitional increase in incidence and severity of vacuolization of the adrenal cortex in males given 50 mg/kg/day of the extract that returned to normal during the recovery phase (Komarnytsky et al., 2013a). This data raised an intriguing possibility that pregnane glycosides might affect steroidogenesis similar to cardiac glycosides digioxin, digitoxin (Pu et al., 2006), and oubain (Kau et al., 2005); however, no studies have examined their cellular and molecular targets or specific mechanism by which pregnane glycosides modulate steroid biosynthesis. H295R cells, cultured from a human adrenocortical carcinoma, are capable of producing all corticosteroids and expressing all the major pathways of steroidogenesis, including the main steroidogenic enzymes (Gazdar et al., 1990). The present study therefore examined the effects of pregnane glycoside-enriched extracts from H. gordonii (Hge) or A. incarnata (incarnatin), and individual pregnane glycosides isolated from A. incarnata roots, on corticosteroid secretion from H295R cells as well as enzymatic activity and mRNA transcript levels of key steroidogenesis-regulating proteins.
Influence of heart rate, preload, afterload, and inotropic state on myocardial ultrasonic backscatter.

Ultrasonic backscatter is substantially modified by pathologic changes in myocardium. Influence of physiologic changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, preload, and inotropic state were studied in 17 anesthetized open-chest dogs. Heart rate was changed with atrial pacing/ULFS'49 (a selective bradycardiac agent). Mean arterial pressure was varied with aortic constriction/nitroprusside, preload was altered with nitroglycerin/volume infusion, and inotropic states were altered with dobutamine (10 microns/kg)/esmolol (100 microns/kg). IBR5, an optimum weighted frequency average (4 to 6.8 MHz) of the squared envelope of diffraction corrected for absolute backscatter, and the Fourier coefficient of amplitude modulation (FAM), an index of cardiac cycle-dependent variation, were measured from six sequential electrocardiographically gated intervals throughout the cardiac cycle. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, preload, and inotropic state did not significantly affect IBR5. FAM increased from 3.5 +/- 0.3 dB (mean +/- SEM) to 7.0 +/- 0.4 dB (p less than .01) at a heart rate of 120 beats/min, and decreased to 3.9 +/- 0.4 at a heart rate of 160 beats/min. No change in FAM was noted with a rise (70 +/- 12 to 45 +/- 10 mmHg) in mean arterial pressure or preload (an increase or decrease in diastolic segment length of +/- 10% from the baseline). Dobutamine produced a significant increase in left ventricular dP/dt (2600 +/- 200 to 3475 +/- 275 mm Hg) and FAM (3.4 +/- 0.1 to 6.4; p less than .01). Esmolol significantly reduced left ventricular dP/dt (2600 +/- 200 to 2000 +/- 175 mm Hg, p less than .05) and FAM (3.4 +/- 0.01 to 6.4 +/- 0.1; p less than .01). We conclude that IBR5 is independent of heart rate, mean arterial pressure, preload, and inotropic state. Cardiac cycle-dependent amplitude modulation follows changes in cardiac contraction.
Using the MMPI 168 with medical inpatients

The potential utility of the MMPI 168 with two inpatient medical populations was explored in the present study. Correlations and clinically relevant comparisons suggested that the MMPI 168 predicted the standard MMPI with a high degree of accuracy.
PERFORMANCE OF NEWLY-FORMED MICRO FIRMS: THE ROLE OF CAPITAL FINANCING IN MINORITY-OWNED ENTERPRISES

We sought to ascertain whether newly-formed micro firms owned by minority entrepreneurs would be as likely to be profitable or not when compared to non-minority business owners. Additionally, we placed special emphasis on the impact of equity and debt to determine if capital financing influences firm profitability the same or differently for minority as compared to non-minority owned micro firms. Using longitudinal data from the Kauffman Firm Survey, micro firms owned by Hispanic and Black entrepreneurs were less likely to be profitable than non-minority owned micro firms, whereas profitability differences were not found between the latter and Asian-owned micro firms. Moreover, Hispanic and Black-owned micro firms that made use of personal debt were more likely to be profitable than those using only equity to finance operations. Asian-owned micro firms that utilized business debt were more likely to earn a profit than those solely using equity. Alternatively, non-minority owners benefited in terms of profitability from the use of both personal and business debt. Implications of these findings for minority entrepreneurship are discussed.
Genetic Variation and Predicted Gain from Selection for Winterhardiness and Turf Quality in a Perenial Ryegrass Topcross Population

Improved winterhardiness in turf-type perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) could expand its area of adaptation for turf and seed production, but breeding efforts have been hindered in part by a lack of identifiable winter-hardy germplasm. This research was conducted to estimate genetic variation for winterhardiness in a perennial ryegrass topcross population and to determine the feasibility of simultaneously improving turf quality and winter field survival. 'NK-200', a perennial ryegrass cultivar with acceptable winterhardiness in northern Minnesota, was topcrossed to a large sample of improved turf-type cultivars and 243 of the resulting half-sib families were selected for evaluation. Genetic variances, correlations, and predicted gain from single and multiple trait selection were estimated for winterhardiness and turf quality characteristics of half-sib progeny evaluated at two Minnesota locations in 1994 and 1995. Significant additive genetic variation and moderate narrow-sense heritability estimates were obtained for winterhardiness (σ 2∼A =0.64± 0.11; h 2 =0.59 ± 0.10). Fifty-five half-sib families had higher or equivalent winterhardiness than NK-200 suggesting transgressive segregation. Significant additive genetic variation was found for turf quality, crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda) resistance, and leaf texture, but turf quality and leaf texture were undesirably correlated with winterhardiness (rA = -0.15 and -0.25, respectively). Gain from selection estimates revealed that single trait selection could rapidly improve winterhardiness and turf quality. However, some form of multiple trait selection would be necessary to improve winterhardiness and turf quality traits simultaneously. These results indicate that the potential exists to develop improved turf-type perennial ryegrass germplasm with increased winterhardiness.
Unique monetary equilibria with interest rate rules: An extension

Abstract In a recent paper, Adao et al. (2011) , using a cash-in-advance framework, derive an interest rate rule that results in a unique monetary equilibrium. The resulting interest rate rule is forward looking and the interest rate responds positively to forecasts of future real activity and to forecasts of the future price level. This paper extends their approach to a transactions cost environment. The resulting interest rate rule has the added feature that, in line with previous studies, the nominal interest rate responds positively to forecasts of future inflation.
Computerized Adaptive Testing: Principles and Directions.

Abstract Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is emerging as a useful alternative to conventional paper-and-peneil group-administered testing. In appropriate environments. CAT offers a number of advantages over conventional testing, and should be considered a viable assessment technique. This paper describes the rationale underlying computerized adaptive testing, discusses the psychometric and technical developments which make it practical, and reviews some previous work which has shaped the current state of the art. The potential advantages, constraints and operational requirements, and possible areas of application, are examined.
A comparison of fractionation methods of virus-like particles from natural water

Abstract Over the past 15 years this laboratory has used three methods to isolate virus and virus-like particles from natural water. Enough data have been gained to compare the results. Virus and virus-like particles are organic colloids, and in natural water this class generally requires some from of concentration from their water phase. Direct concentration by continuous-flow centrifugation has the capacity for processing samples of 100 1 or more. Thus, extremely rare particles may be concentrated to quantities sufficient for analyses. This method is non-discriminatory, collecting essentially all particles which fall within the range of the centrifugal impulse. If a continuous sampler is desired, one may use biological pre-concentrators such as filter feeding bivalves, or grazing aquatic gastropods, and extract the colloids the feeding habits of these molluscs concentrate from the water. Density gradient centrifugation can separate the colloids concentrated by any of the above methods into relatively uniform groups based on buoyant density and sedimentation coefficient. Biological, physical, and chemical analyses then allow culture and further identification of the isolates.
Carbon isotope systematics of monoaromatic hydrocarbons: vaporization and adsorption experiments

Abstract This study investigates the carbon isotope systematics of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene monoaromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) with regard to an improved understanding of the behavior of these compounds in the subsurface, particularly during remediation processes. We found that fractionation effects due to vaporization are small and positive for all compounds studied (Δ 13 C vapor–liquid ≌+0.2‰), and that fractionation effects due to soil adsorption are also likely to be small ( 13 C-labeled compounds cannot be resolved from unlabeled compounds by HPLC). We also evaluated use of the isotopic composition of contaminants as tracers of source and migration in the subsurface by performing a survey of the bulk isotopic composition of commercially available sources of BTEX. The results indicate that a wide range of δ 13 C values exist (e.g., benzene, −23.87‰ to −29.40‰). Our work suggests that stable C isotope analysis has great potential for qualifying, and possibly quantifying, the subsurface processes affecting contaminant concentrations. In particular, stable isotope analysis may be especially beneficial for monitoring the efficacy of abiological and biological remediation efforts.
Synthesis of single-crystalline anatase nanorods and nanoflakes on transparent conducting substrates

Single-crystalline anatase nanorods and nanoflakes were grown on transparent conducting fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates through hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) followed by heating to 450 °C.