cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-activity relationships at monoamine transporters for a series of N-substituted 3α-(bis[4-fluorophenyl]methoxy)tropanes: Comparative molecular field analysis, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation

The development of structure−activity relationships (SAR) with divergent classes of monoamine transporter ligands and comparison of their effects in animal models of cocaine abuse have provided ins...
The trials of imperialism: Radhabinod Pal’s dissent at the Tokyo tribunal:

At the end of the Second World War, the leaders of the defeated Axis powers were tried for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in two specially established international m...
Intrauterine misoprostol for refractory postpartum hemorrhage.

A 37-year-old woman, para 4, who delivered at home 5 days previously presented to our hospital with a 1-day history of profuse vaginal bleeding containing clots. There was associated weakness and low abdominal pain, but no fever. A traditional birth attendant had conducted her delivery, but there was no history of retained placenta or excessive intrapartum vaginal bleeding. On presentation, she was pale but apyrexial. Her pulse rate was 110 beatsymin, and her blood pressure was 100y 60 mmHg. Her uterus was soft and approximately 14 weeks’ gestation in size, and the cervical os was open. Hemoglobin concentration was 6.0 gy dl and the results of the coagulation test were normal. Ultrasonography revealed retained products of conception in the uterus. The patient was administered the following intravenously: one dose of 0.5 mg of ergometrine; an infusion of 40 IU of oxytocin in 500 ml of normal saline solution; 1.5 g of cefuroxime every 8 h; and 500 mg of metronidazole every 8 h. Despite these measures, the uterus remained atonic and vaginal bleeding continued. Uterine evacuation of retained product of conception (ERPC) was
Cross-Linking and Modification of Poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-2,6-anthracenedicarboxylate) by Diels-Alder Reactions with Maleimides

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) copolymers containing 2,6-anthracenedicarboxylate structural units are modified by Diels−Alder reactions with maleimides. Low molecular weight bis(maleimide)s are used to chain extend and cross-link the polymers. The resulting materials were characterized by 1H NMR, UV−vis, DSC, and dilute solution viscometry. The Diels−Alder reaction of low molecular weight anthracenes and maleimides is thermally reversible at 250 °C. However, the reverse reaction is slow, and the PET−anthracene copolymers are prone to thermal decomposition at these higher temperatures.
Research and development: Breaking the crisis: Options cover primary energy resource recovery, fuel conditioning, conversion, improved transmission, and storage

Many technological options exist for primary energy resource recovery, fuel conditioning or processing, conversion, transmission, and storage. Some of these options are summarized in a table, and many of the more likely possibilities are reviewed in this article.
Actions of selected hepatotoxicants on freshly isolated and cryopreserved rat hepatocytes.

Abstract The present study compares the actions of the hepatotoxic agents allyl alcohol, acetaminophen, and carbon tetrachloride on energy metabolism in freshly isolated and cryopreserved rat hepatocytes. After 30 min incubation of freshly isolated hepatocytes at 37°C to allow metabolic equilibration, hepatocytes were supplemented with cryoprotectants and cooled in a stepwise manner to liquid nitrogen temperature. Hepatocytes stored in liquid nitrogen for 2 weeks to 6 months were thawed and centrifuged through Percoll to remove damaged cells. Despite similarities in energy status as indexed by ATP content and the rate of urea synthesis in freshly isolated and cryopreserved hepatocytes, cryopreserved hepatocytes were more sensitive to hepatotoxicants. All three hepatotoxicants caused ATP and rates of urea synthesis to decline to a greater extent in cryopreserved than in freshly isolated hepatocytes. Rates of oxygen uptake were higher in cryopreserved cells than in freshly isolated hepatocytes and declined in cryopreserved cells but not in freshly isolated cells during the initial period of incubation. Rates of mitochondrial respiration stimulated with site-specific substrates were comparable in freshly isolated and cryopreserved cells permeabilized with digitonin. Allyl alcohol and acetaminophen inhibited site-specific respiration to the same extent in both groups of cells. Collectively, these results suggest that increased sensitivity to hepatotoxic agents and elevated oxygen consumption in cryopreserved hepatocytes recovered after storage in liquid nitrogen are related to higher demand for energy in these cells rather than to permanent injury caused by cryopreservation and irreversible uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.
Using social network analysis to highlight an emerging online community of practice

In this exploratory study, Cocciolo, Chae and Natriello investigate the extent to which the communicative processes exhibited within a large digital repository illustrate the emergence of an online community of practice (CoP). In order to make this claim, we present a method for identifying the emergence of an online CoP using Social Network Analysis (SNA) on communication data (i.e., uploads and downloads) and institutional role (i.e., expert/faculty vs. novice/student). The analysis reveals that the online repository provides opportunities for novices to perform the role of the expert knowledge facilitator. We posit that these conditions constitute a necessary element for the emergence of an online CoP.
Experiments on Magnetic-Field-Line Reconnection

In a very large laboratory plasma the process of magnetic-field-line reconnection has been diagnosed carefully. The temporal evolution of a narrow ($\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{3c}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}}$) neutral layer with Petschek slow shocks is observed. Electrostatic fields are found to be as important as induced electric fields.
The geometric factor in ethylene oxidation over gold-silver alloy catalysts

Abstract The gold-silver alloy system was chosen for a study of the effect of the geometric factor in the silver-catalyzed oxidation of ethylene because of the known promoting ability and inertness for oxygen chemisorption of metallic gold. Alloys with gold contents of 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 80 atom % were prepared by a chemical reduction technique and examined for catalytic activity for ethylene oxidation in a microreactor assembly coupled to a gas chromatography unit. Dynamic adsorption measurements and lattice parameter measurements were also performed on the alloy samples. The results of these studies show that activity for overall ethylene oxidation over gold-silver alloys is dependent on lattice spacing, and that gold, at low concentrations, is a promoter for ethylene oxide formation, markedly improving ethylene oxide selectivity even though conversion falls off somewhat. Activation energy values indicate that the number of active sites decreases as gold concentration increases. Oxidation activity appears to be related to surface sites having fairly low adsorption energies for oxygen. Ethylene adsorption was found to be relatively unimportant.
A Bayesian network to predict coastal vulnerability to sea level rise

[1] Sea level rise during the 21st century will have a wide range of effects on coastal environments, human development, and infrastructure in coastal areas. The broad range of complex factors influencing coastal systems contributes to large uncertainties in predicting long-term sea level rise impacts. Here we explore and demonstrate the capabilities of a Bayesian network (BN) to predict long-term shoreline change associated with sea level rise and make quantitative assessments of prediction uncertainty. A BN is used to define relationships between driving forces, geologic constraints, and coastal response for the U.S. Atlantic coast that include observations of local rates of relative sea level rise, wave height, tide range, geomorphic classification, coastal slope, and shoreline change rate. The BN is used to make probabilistic predictions of shoreline retreat in response to different future sea level rise rates. Results demonstrate that the probability of shoreline retreat increases with higher rates of sea level rise. Where more specific information is included, the probability of shoreline change increases in a number of cases, indicating more confident predictions. A hindcast evaluation of the BN indicates that the network correctly predicts 71% of the cases. Evaluation of the results using Brier skill and log likelihood ratio scores indicates that the network provides shoreline change predictions that are better than the prior probability. Shoreline change outcomes indicating stability (−1 1 m/yr) was not well predicted. We find that BNs can assimilate important factors contributing to coastal change in response to sea level rise and can make quantitative, probabilistic predictions that can be applied to coastal management decisions.
Surface and Lightning Sources of Nitrogen Oxides over the United States: Magnitudes, Chemical Evolution, and Outflow

We use observations from two aircraft during the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) campaign over the eastern United States and North Atlantic during summer 2004, interpreted with a global 3-D model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS-Chem) to test current understanding of the regional sources, chemical evolution, and export of nitrogen oxides. The boundary layer NO(x) data provide top-down verification of a 50% decrease in power plant and industry NO(x) emissions over the eastern United States between 1999 and 2004. Observed 8-12 8 km NO(x) concentrations in ICARTT were 0.55 +/- 36 ppbv, much larger than in previous United States aircraft campaigns (ELCHEM, SUCCESS, SONEX). We show that regional lightning was the dominant source of this NO(x) and increased upper tropospheric ozone by 10 ppbv. Simulating the ICARTT upper tropospheric NO(x) observations with GEOS-Chem require a factor of 4 increase in the model NO(x) yield per flash (to 500 mol/flash). Observed OH concentrations were a factor of 2 lower than can be explained from current photochemical models, and if correct would imply a broader lightning influence in the upper troposphere than presently thought.An NO(y)-CO correlation analysis of the fraction f of North American NO(x) emissions vented to the free troposphere as NO(y) (sum of NO(x) and its oxidation products PAN and HNO3) s shows observed f=16+/-10 percent and modeled f=14 +/- 8 percent, consistent with previous studies. Export to the lower free troposphere is mostly HNO3 but at higher altitudes is mostly PAN. The model successfully simulates NO(y) export efficiency and speciation, supporting previous model estimates of a large U.S. contribution to tropospheric ozone through NO(x) and PAN export.
Wiring of enzymes to electrodes by ultrathin conductive polyion underlayers: enhanced catalytic response to hydrogen peroxide.

Stable electroactive films were grown layer by layer on rough pyrolytic graphite electrodes featuring 4-nm underlayers of sulfonated polyaniline (SPAN) covered with a film containing myoglobin or horseradish peroxidase grown in alternating layers with poly(styrenesulfonate). The self-doped polyanionic SPAN layer, grown on a 2-nm polycation layer, was conductive between about 0.1 and −0.4 V vs SCE at pH 4.5. The enzyme films had the architecture PDDA/SPAN/(enzyme/PSS)3, where PDDA is poly(diallyldimethylammonium) ion. Comparisons of voltammetric measurements of electroactive protein with quartz crystal microbalance measurements of total protein showed that 90% or more of the protein was coupled to the electrode when the SPAN underlayer was present, as opposed to ∼40% protein electroactivity when SPAN was absent. As a consequence of the highly efficient coupling between enzymes and electrode, the PDDA/SPAN/(enzyme/PSS)3 films exhibited a higher sensitivity for the electrochemical catalytic reduction of hydr...
Inversion technique for quantitative determination of snow grain size with imaging spectrometry

An inversion technique for estimating snow grain size using imaging spectrometer data has been developed that appears to be accurate and insensitive to the effects of noise. Using a radiative transfer model, the method relates the area of an ice absorption feature centered at about (lambda) equals 1.03 micrometers to the equivalent ice particle size that produces the same absorption band area for a modeled reflectance spectrum. An Airborne Visible and Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) image was used to create a map of snow surface layer grain size for the Mammoth Mountain, California region. When reflectance spectra were infused with up to 10 percent random, Gaussian noise, the band area mapping technique was able to accurately predict grain sizes.
Bound morpheme loss errors in normal and agrammatic speech: One mechanism or two?

Loss errors involving bound morphemes in normal and agrammatic speech are examined to determine if all errors can be due to a single processing problem. It is concluded that two problems are present. First, there is a general problem with accessing bound morphemes (or forms containing bound morphemes), leading to the production of the base form. Second, there is a syntactic problem involving agreement. In agrammatism, the first problem is differentially exacerbated. Implications for normal and agrammatic speech are examined.
Great exhibitions: Representations of the crystal palace in Mayhew, Dickens, and Dostoevsky

(1997). Great exhibitions: Representations of the crystal palace in Mayhew, Dickens, and Dostoevsky. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 27-59.
Use of long-lived tracer observations to examine transport characteristics in the lower stratosphere

[1] The Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) CH4 data were used in a modified Lagrangian-mean (MLM) analysis. The implemented MLM analysis is advantageous in that it provides a unique method for capturing tracer distributions and identifying so-called transport barriers (i.e., regions where quasi-horizontal transport is inhibited) and mixing regions, knowing only the mixing ratios of long-lived tracers. This analysis can be used with any long-lived tracer provided that adequate spatial coverage can be achieved either instantaneously or over a reasonably short period of time (i.e., characteristic time over which diabatic processes responsible for cross-isentropic transport are small or negligible, ∼7–10 days in the lower stratosphere). Previous authors have demonstrated the use of this technique with data from limb-sounding instruments which can provide near-hemispheric coverage in a day. We show how this technique can be implemented with HALOE occultation data. Because the solar occultation sampling pattern of HALOE requires ∼1 month to achieve near-hemispheric coverage, synoptic distributions of CH4 are reconstructed using the UK Meteorological Office potential vorticity (PV) distributions, exploiting the tracer's correlation with PV. In previous studies, authors have used PV for filling voids in tracer distributions. It is concluded that an MLM cross section of CH4 can be constructed from the HALOE occultation data, provided that a suitable synoptic distribution of PV can be obtained for the desired period. To illustrate the feasibility and usefulness of applying the MLM technique to HALOE reconstructed CH4 data, transport characteristics in the lower stratosphere were investigated using CH4 data for two different regimes (polar and subtropical) at times when airborne in situ data were available. In this manner we were able to compare information available with respect to transport from the MLM equivalent length analyses with that provided by aircraft tracer-tracer correlations. The very good agreement between ER-2 and HALOE data observed in CH4-O3 correlations and in CH4 and O3 near-coincident comparisons increased our confidence in using the HALOE data in the MLM equivalent length analyses. Unlike the satellite data, the ER-2 in situ measurements cannot be used in the MLM technique. Instead, correlations between the mixing ratios of various tracer constituents have been used extensively in the past to provide insight into the relative roles of chemistry and transport in the lower stratosphere. However, separating the effects of chemistry and transport and accurately interpreting tracer-tracer correlations is often difficult. We show that associating an aircraft tracer-tracer correlation with a coincident HALOE MLM equivalent length analysis may provide for a less ambiguous evaluation of the correlation in the sense that it provides information on transport processes in physical space. Also, there are obvious implications for use of MLM equivalent length analyses in regions/time frames when aircraft data are not available.
Rückwirkende Preisregulierung: Vorgeschriebene Überschußausschüttung und angemessene Eigenkapitalrendite

Excess profits taxes are used to prevent accumulation of monopolistic rent. We show that current operation of such taxes for property liability insurance does not, except by coincidence, result in anex ante fair return on equity. Derivation of the tax threshold required to deliver a fair return is illustrated using option pricing and capital assed pricing models. This tax creates incentives for avoidance by reducing the variance of the tax flows and we suggest that its simultaneous use with direct price regulation results in a system of “double taxation”, which likely will cause deficient returns to constituent insurers. Finally, we make some comments on the system of E. P. T. in operation in the Federal Republik of Germany.
Numerical Experiments for Advection Equation

We propose to combine the Crowley fourth-order scheme and the Gadd scheme for solving the linear advection equation. Two new schemes will be presented: the first is to integrate the Crowley scheme and the Gadd scheme alternately (referred to as New1); the second is to integrate the Crowley scheme twice before we apply the Gadd scheme once (referred to as New2). The new schemes are designed such that no additional restriction is placed on the CFL criterion in an integration. The performance of the new schemes is better than that of the original Crowley or Gadd schemes. It is noted that the amplitude obtained from New2 is more accurate than that from New1 for long waves, but less accurate for short waves. The phase speed calculated from New2 is very close to the real phase speed in most cases tested here, but the phase speed of New1 is faster than the real phase speed. Hence, New2 is a better choice, especially for a model that includes horizontal smoothing to dampen the short waves.
Parallel implementation and performance of multigrid algorithms for solving eigenvalue problems

Abstract Three multigrid methods are described for computing the lower eigensolutions of the symmetric generalized eigenvalue problem encountered in structural dynamics. A linear multigrid solver is used with the standard subspace and block Lanczos algorithms to define two implicit methods. An explicit method applies the concepts of fine mesh relaxation and coarse mesh correction directly to the eigenvalue problem. All of the algorithms are efficiently implemented on several shared memory parallel computers by performing all of the necessary matrix-vector multiplications on the element level. The result is a set of fast, low storage codes that can compute the eigensolutions of extremely large systems on the machines of interest. Results are presented that show the performance of the algorithms on an Alliant FX/8, a Convex C240, and a Cray Y-MP8/832. For example, the first eigensolution of a problem with 768,000 degrees-of-freedom was computed in about 51 sec on eight processors of the Cray using 135 Mbytes of memory.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), tenure choice, and residential land use

Abstract This paper extends the standard, urban, residential land-use model to analyze the effects of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance. On the demand side, households are differentiated by income and tenure; on the supply side, the cost of housing is related to the asset prices of land and structure and the cost of capital. Hypothesizing that capital cost is a function of household tenure and income, tenure is chosen to minimize this cost. The effect of FHA, then, is to expand the housing consumption of moderate-middle income households, by reducing their capital cost, while displacing those whose cost is not reduced.
Transduction of Brain by Herpes Simplex Virus Vectors

An imposing obstacle to gene therapy is the inability to transduce all of the necessary cells in a target organ. This certainly applies to gene transfer to the brain, especially when one considers the challenges involved in scaling up transduction from animal models to use in the clinic. Non-neurotropic viral gene transfer vectors (e.g., adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus) do not spread very far in the nervous system, and consequently these vectors transduce brain regions mostly near the injection site in adult animals. This indicates that numerous, well-spaced injections would be required to achieve widespread transduction in a large brain with these vectors. In contrast, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a promising vector for widespread gene transfer to the brain owing to the innate ability of the virus to spread through the nervous system and form latent infections in neurons that last for the lifetime of the infected individual. In this review, we summarize the published literature of the transduction patterns produced by attenuated HSV-1 vectors in small animals as a function of the injection site, and discuss the implications of the distribution for widespread gene transfer to the large animal brain.
Monitoring of solid phase peptide synthesis by an automated spectrophotometric picrate method.

Abstract An instrument was constructed which automatically monitors the progress of solid phase peptide syntheses. It measures total peptide chains, after deprotection of the N α protecting group, and the number of unreacted peptide chains after the coupling reaction. It is based on the spectrophotometric picrate method for the determination of resin-bound amino groups. For peptides not containing histidine the free amino groups are converted to picrate salts with picric acid in dichloromethane, while peptides containing histidine are synthesized with N im -DNP protecting groups on histidine and the free amino groups are converted to picrate salts with imidazolium picrate. The picrate is displaced by diisopropylethylamine, and its absorbance is measured quantitatively at 362 nm. The range of the method was approximately 0.4–4000 μmoles of amino groups. With histidine-containing peptides the estimate of coupling was only about ±1%, but with peptides not containing histidine it was approximately ±0.2%. The method was evaluated for accuracy by comparison with Schiff base and chromatographic methods and was applied to the synthesis of several small peptides.
Cytokine production from freshly harvested human mononuclear cells attached to plastic beads.

Abstract The release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1β (IL-1) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) from freshly harvested monocytes and lymphocytes attached to plastic beads was investigated. Previous studies had shown that freshly harvested endothelial cells attached to microcarrier beads release an endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Attachment of freshly harvested lymphocytes and monocytes to plastic beads created a dense network, consisting of 25% monocytes and 75% lymphocytes as shown by flow cytometry. Viability of cells was 90%. Monocytes were characterized by phagocytosis and non-specific esterase stain. Freshly harvested cells stimulated with lipoprotein lipase (LPS) released TNF and IL-1. Non-stimulated cells also produced GM-CSF five hours after collection of blood.
ESTIMATING SOIL WATER CONTENT ON NATIVE RANGELAND

Abstract A model for estimating soil water content on native rangeland was tested at Sidney, Montana. Based on the Penman combination method for estimating potential ET, the model includes factors to account for crop development, limiting soil water content, and increased evaporation after rain. The model gave reasonable estimates of actual soil water conditions within a 15% limit suggested as being practical for rangeland management purposes.
Silences In Ricardo: Comparative Advantage and The Class Distribution Of Free Trade Benefits

To succeeding generations of economists, perhaps the best known part, at least by hearsay, of David Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy and Taxation has been Chapter VII, "On Foreign Trade." [Sraffa] This chapter contains Ricardo's presentation of the doctrine of comparative advantage as the basis of international specialization under a regime of free trade. It is not generally appreciated, however, that Ricardo's analysis of foreign trade is not very well connected to the central problem dealt with in the Principles. In the preface to the Principles, Ricardo indicates that the primary problem in political economy is to determine the laws that govern the distribution of output between landlords, capitalists and workers. The primacy of distribution is dictated by the consequences that it has for capital accumulation and economic growth. His analysis of foreign trade, on the other hand, is carried out in supra-class terms of national advantage.1 In this respect, Ricardo was actually silent on the issue of how the gains from foreign trade are distributed to the various classes of society and, hence, was prevented from adequately analyzing the effects of foreign trade on capital accumulation and economic growth. It can be argued that Ricardo was simply avoiding redundancy. It is obvious, after all, what he thought the effects of free trade ? particu? larly the elimination of import restrictions on corn, the generic name given to agricultural foodstuffs ? would be on different classes in England, the cosmopolitan center whose interests he was promoting. While this is basically correct, such an argument cannot be applied to the class distribution of free trade benefits in the countries with which England would trade. The purpose of this paper is to fill in the silences by connecting the theory of international trade to the theory of distribution and growth, which is elaborated elsewhere in the Principles. By doing this, we will see that the generality of Ricardo's claim that foreign trade is highly
High-energy particle accelerators

The development of high-energy accelerators has been the forerunner of steady advancement in nuclear research. This study of four basically different kinds of machines for producing high-energy charged particles will give the reader a basis for more thorough understanding of other current literature about atomic experimentation. This is the ninth of a series of articles developed by the AIEE nucleonics committee; the entire series will be published in pamphlet form upon its completion.
Operating Experience with an Ion Source in a Superconducting Cyclotron

We have developed a PIG ion source for axial insertion in the K500 cyclotron. The operation of the ion source has been limited to the requirements demanded by the operation of the cyclotron. These requirements have been for moderate charge state light heavy ions, of principally carbon, nitrogen and neon. The source design is more than adequate for moderate charge states with lifetimes of 8-12 hours for carbon and in excess of 15 hours for nitrogen and neon. We are now just starting to push the source to produce high charge states, and we have not yet established whether this source design will be adequate.
Will Africa's Green Revolution squeeze African family farmers to death? Lessons from small-scale high-cost rice production in the Senegal River Valley

This briefing will appear in two parts. The first reviews the tortured history of high-cost irrigated rice production in the Senegal River Valley, focusing on the severe economic risks that African...
Central American paleogeography controlled Pliocene Arctic Ocean molluscan migrations

The Pliocene interchange of North Pacific and North Atlantic marine faunas via the Arctic Ocean was long thought to have been a single episode of faunal exchange between the northern oceans that took place as soon as the Bering Strait first opened. New evidence implies that there were two northern migration events instead of one, and that the second phase of migration was much later than the first. The migration of Atlantic-Arctic mollusks into the Bering Sea and North Pacific when the Bering Strait first opened at 4.8–5.5 Ma constituted the initial phase of this interchange, but the abrupt appearance of North Pacific mollusks in the North Atlantic at 3.6 Ma postdated the first opening of the Bering Strait by 1.2–1.9 m.y. This second phase of trans-Arctic migration was also coeval with shoaling of the Central American seaway between North and South America. This late Pliocene trans-Arctic migration of North Pacific mollusks is evidence for the reversal of marine flow to northward through the Bering Strait, which was one consequence of the reorganization of Northern Hemisphere ocean circulation caused by substantial closure of the Central American seaway. This inferred causal link between the histories of the Beringian and Panamanian ocean gateways is in agreement with ocean circulation models.
Single Vehicular Delivery of siRNA and Small Molecules to Control Stem Cell Differentiation

Achieving a controlled and reproducible means to direct stem cell differentiation is the single most critical concern scientists have been trying to address since the discovery of stem cells. In this regard, the use of small molecules and RNA interference offers unique advantages by targeting different cellular mechanisms. Our cyclodextrin-modified dendritic polyamine construct (termed DexAM) combines the unique properties of two distinct chemical moieties in a single delivery vehicle. DexAM is a single vehicle that not only solubilizes hydrophobic small molecules in physiological solutions but also forms complexes with siRNA molecules, making it an attractive delivery system for controlling stem cell differentiation. Herein, we report the synthesis and application of DexAM to simultaneously deliver hydrophobic small molecules and siRNA into neural stem cells to significantly enhance their neuronal differentiation.
Sinologism in Language Philosophy: A Critique of the Controversy over Chinese Language

Sinologism is basically a cultural unconscious in China-West studies predicated on an inner logic that operates beyond our conscious awareness but controls the ways of observing China and producing China scholarship. Its logic has exerted a profound impact on studies of Chinese language and writing. Since medieval times the difference between Chinese and Western languages has been viewed as a conceptual divide that separates Chinese and Western traditions. It has motivated scholars to generate a considerable array of ideas, views, and arguments on Chinese language and writing. These dazzling views operate on the logic of Sinologism: conditions of Chinese language are to be investigated from the Western linguistic point of view, and the nature of Chinese writing is to be determined in terms of Western alphabetic languages. This article reexamines the enduring controversy over the nature of Chinese language, especially writing, with the aim to see why the long-lasting debates have come to no satisfactory conclusion. By demonstrating how the epistemology and methodology predicated on phonocentrism and logocentrism in Western metaphysics have evolved into the logic of a language philosophy that manages to misunderstand and misrepresent Chinese language, especially writing, it explores how we can move out of the war of discourse and come to an adequate understanding of the true nature of Chinese language. It suggests that to be self-consciously aware of the hidden logic of Sinologism is the sine qua non for going beyond the war of discourse over Chinese language.
A model for optimal design of keyboards

Abstract The problem of optimal design of keyboards in which the various characters have to be allocated to given keys is stated as a Zero-One Quadratic Assignment Model. The solution depends on the joint probability distribution of the two-string combinations of the characters that describe the input data, and on key servicing time data which can be compiled from MTM standards. A first feasible solution can be derived from a linear assignment approximation. This approximation, when based on the existing estimates of the exact service times might be used as a low cost indicator whether the full optimization should be pursued.
Relationship between serum free fatty acids and thyroid hormone binding inhibitor in nonthyroid illnesses

We measured the serum concentration and relative distribution of various free fatty acids (FFA) by gas/liquid chromatography in normal subjects and nonthyroid illness (NTI) patients with or without detectable serum thyroid-hormone binding inhibitor (THBI). The mean serum concentration of total FFA was 0.72 +/- 0.08 (SE) mM in eight normal subjects; it was similar (0.63 +/- 0.12) in eight THBI-negative NTI patients, but was significantly higher (3.1 +/- 1.0; P less than 0.05) in eight THBI-positive NTI patients (THBI index, 3.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.05 in normal subjects). Relative distribution of FFA in THBI-negative patients did not differ significantly from that in normal subjects. In THBI-positive patients, however, serum concentrations of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, and oleic acids were significantly above normal. Among fatty acids with appreciable THBI activity, oleic acid was most abundant in THBI-positive patients; its concentration of 1.3 +/- 0.32 mM in patients was about 6-fold higher than the corresponding normal value (0.21 +/- 0.02; P less than 0.005). The serum concentration of THBI correlated significantly with levels of both total FFA (r = 0.69; P less than 0.005) and oleic acid (r = 0.80; P less than 0.001). Addition of 0.33 mM oleic acid to THBI-negative NTI serum or 0.66 mM oleic acid to normal serum increased THBI activity to a level greater than 2 SD above the normal mean, i.e. 1.6. The various data suggest that 1) circulating FFA contribute importantly to THBI activity in sera of NTI patients; 2) oleic acid contributes more to THBI activity of NTI sera than do other FFA.
Inhibition of astrocyte TNFα expression by extracellular potassium

Abstract TNFα and IL-6 are cytokines of great interest, given the numerous biological activities and the documented expression in several central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. In this report, we have examined cultures of IL-1- or IL-1/IFNγ-activated human fetal astrocytes as a model to study mechanisms of cytokine regulation in the inflamed CNS. Since one of the major functions of astrocytes is spatial buffering of K+ ions, we examined the effect of high extracellular KCl on astrocyte cytokine expression by ribonuclease protection assay and ELISA. Results demonstrate that astrocyte TNFα production was potently inhibited by K+ with 44 and 89% inhibition at 25 and 55 mM K+, respectively. In contrast, astrocyte IL-6 inhibition required higher concentrations of K+ (≥75 mM). These results demonstrate a novel role for astrocyte potassium channel activity in modulation of glial cytokine production.
Surgical treatment and postoperative splinting of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Digital contractures and pseudosyndactyly, common manifestations in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, cause significant functional impairment. The deformities progress with time, although surgery may delay the progression. The role of surgical intervention, hand therapy, and the use of prolonged splinting was examined in seven children (nine hands) with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with an average age of 5 years, 8 months (range, 1 year, 10 months to 16 years, 4 months). The technique of surgery, postoperative regimen, and splinting differ from those previously reported. Surgery includes "de-cocooning" the hand and fingers, manipulating contracted joints, and full-thickness skin grafting to dermal defects. Surgery and the postoperative regimen of rigid night splints and web-retaining gloves for day wear has allowed arrest or minimal progression of contractures in complaint patients in short-term follow-up study of an average of 17 months (range, 12-28 months). An interdisciplinary team of physicians and surgeons, therapists, and nurses makes this care regimen possible and influences family compliance.
Ceruloplasmin deficiency reduces levels of iron and BDNF in the cortex and striatum of young mice and increases their vulnerability to stroke

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is an essential ferroxidase that plays important roles in cellular iron trafficking. Previous findings suggest that the proper regulation and subcellular localization of iron are very important in brain cell function and viability. Brain iron dyshomeostasis is observed during normal aging, as well as in several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, coincident with areas more susceptible to insults. Because of their high metabolic demand and electrical excitability, neurons are particularly vulnerable to ischemic injury and death. We therefore set out to look for abnormalities in the brain of young adult mice that lack Cp. We found that iron levels in the striatum and cerebral cortex of these young animals are significantly lower than wild-type (WT) controls. Also mRNA levels of the neurotrophin brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), known for its role in maintenance of cell viability, were decreased in these brain areas. Chelator-mediated depletion of iron in cultured neural cells resulted in reduced BDNF expression by a posttranscriptional mechanism, suggesting a causal link between low brain iron levels and reduced BDNF expression. When the mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion, a model of focal ischemic stroke, we found increased brain damage in Cp-deficient mice compared to WT controls. Our data indicate that lack of Cp increases neuronal susceptibility to ischemic injury by a mechanism that may involve reduced levels of iron and BDNF.
A Small Planar Log-Periodic Koch-Dipole Antenna (LPKDA)

Koch dipole elements are introduced in a planar log-periodic dipole antenna array, in order to minimize its size. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed LPKDA array are presented and discussed with an emphasis on the minimization characteristics of the design.
Promoter-induced morphological changes of ag catalysts for ethylene epoxidation

The combination of high-throughput reactor experiments and scanning electron microscopy analysis of promoted Ag catalysts provides critical insights into mechanistic and morphological changes. In particular, catalysts promoted with Cu, Cd, Au, Pt, and Re were analyzed to understand the morphological effects of these promoters on the Ag particles. Cu increases the sintering of Ag particles, while Cd and Re were found to alter the Ag particle sizes into a trimodal distribution. However, contrasting effects of Re and Cd were found on the catalyst activity. Cd−Ag catalysts exhibited a 5-fold increase in the ethylene conversion for a variety of Cd loadings, compared to unpromoted Ag. Moderate increases in conversion and selectivity were seen with the addition of 25 ppm Re, while further Re impregnation led to decreases in ethylene conversion and ethylene oxide selectivity. Au and Pt block surface Ag sites by nucleating as separate particles on the silver surface. In doing so, they reduce the activity of the ca...
Rods are rods and cones cones, and (never) the twain shall meet.

Abstract More than 100 photopigment G protein-coupled receptors (opsins) have been sequenced and organized into six classes. Rod photoreceptors in various species have been found to express an opsin from one of the two rhodopsin classes, while cones express an opsin from one of the four remaining classes. It has now been discovered (see Ma et al., in this issue of Neuron ) that salamander short-wavelength sensitive cones and green rods express the same opsin, while manifesting other features that classically distinguish rods from cones.
Evidence against a bacterial endotoxin masking effect in biologic drug products by limulus amebocyte lysate detection.

The inability to detect endotoxin using compendia methods is a potential safety concern for patients due to the lack of endotoxin removal capabilities at the fill–finish stage in typical aseptic biologic drug product manufacturing. We have successfully demonstrated endotoxin challenge study recovery methodology using mammalian cell–produced biologic drug products and drug substances in citrate, histidine, phosphate, and sodium acetate buffer formulations containing polysorbate, challenged with an endotoxin analyte, for up to 6 months of storage. Successful recovery was similarly demonstrated for a preserved, peptide-containing drug product formulation. To isolate a potential masking—or low-endotoxin recovery—source, additional studies were performed to evaluate factors including product manufacturing contact surfaces, drug product matrix with and without polysorbate, individual matrix components, protein concentration, reagent suppliers, an orthogonal test method, and storage conditions. In all cases, acceptable recoveries were observed. Bacterial endotoxin is known to be chemically stable at physiological conditions. Purified endotoxin in aqueous conditions is likely to self-aggregate or bind to surfaces. Neither the nature of, nor the storage conditions of, the studied formulation matrices were shown experimentally to render the challenge endotoxin biologically inactive. The results highlight the importance of appropriate study design in assessing the recovery of endotoxins. LAY ABSTRACT: Bacterial endotoxin is a Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component that is harmful to humans at threshold concentrations, and it is not expected to be in aseptically-produced pharmaceutical medicines. It has been suggested that endotoxin cannot be detected over time in certain biopharmaceutical drug product formulations containing citrate, phosphate, and polysorbate components via an unknown masking mechanism. We have generated and present data here that indicate that endotoxin can be recovered in a variety of matrices, and under various experimental conditions.
Analysis of the Glycoproteins I and E of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) using Deletional Mutations of VZV Cosmids

The contributions of the glycoproteins gI (ORF67) and gE (ORF68) to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) replication were investigated in deletion mutants made by using cosmids with VZV DNA derived from the Oka strain. These experiments demonstrated that gI was not required for VZV replication in vitro but gE appeared to be. Although VZV gI was not required, its deletion or mutation resulted in a significant decrease in infectious virus yields, and it disrupted syncytial formation and altered the conformation and distribution of gE in infected cells. Normal cell-to-cell spread and replication kinetics were restored when gI was expressed from a non-native locus in the VZV genome. The expression of intact gI, the ORF67 gene product, is required for efficient VZV replication.
A representation for collections of temporal intervals

Temporal representation and reasoning are necessary components of systems that consider events that occur in the real world. This work explores ways of considering collections of intervals of time. This line of research is motivated by related work being done by our research group on appointment scheduling and time management. Natural language expressions that refer to collections of intervals are used naturally and routinely in these contexts, and an effective means of representing them is essential. Previous studies, which considered intervals primarily in isolation, have difficulties in representing some classes of expressions. This occurs not only with expressions that explicitly refer to collections of intervals, such as "the first of every month," but also with expressions that do so only implicitly, such as the U.S. Election Day: "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November." The traditional solution to this problem has been to provide special means of specifying those forms that are judged to be the most useful (to the exclusion of all other forms). The "collection representation" builds on previous work in temporal representation by introducing operators that allow the representation of collections of intervals, whether they occur explicitly or implicitly in the expression. The operators introduced are natural extensions of the relations and operations on intervals. The representation has potential use in scheduling in three areas: graphical display, natural language translation, and reasoning.
Infratemporal space pathosis mimicking TMJ disorders.

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders-facial pain or jaw movement limitation—can be caused by other problems in the infratemporal space.
Changes in galactolipid and phospholipid levels of tomato fruits stored at chilling and nonchilling temperatures

Abstract Mature-green stage two (MG2) and mature-green four to breaker-stage (MG4/BK) tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) fruits (harvested 30 and 36 days postanthesis, respectively) were stored at chilling (2°) or nonchilling (15°) temperature for zero, four or 12 days. Lipids extracted from pericarp tissue were analysed for mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDG and DGDG) and total phospholipids (PL). Results were similar for MG2 and MG4/BK fruits. At 2°, PL increased ≈ 7–11% during the first four days in storage, declining slightly by day 12. In contrast, PL declined ≈ 10–15% during storage at 15°, mostly over the first four days. Total galactolipids (GL) declined at both 2° and 15°, but losses were greater (≈ 25–35%) at 15°. Loss of GL at 15° was more rapid for MG4/BK compared with MG2 fruits, reflecting the more advanced stages of ripening after four and 12 days of storage. The ratio of MGDG to DGDG had dropped after 12 days at either 2° or 15°. The decline was greatest (from ≈ 1.8:1 to 1.2:1) in MG4/BK fruit stored at 15°, which had ripened to the pink stage. These results conflict with a recent report that loss of MGDG is associated with chilling, but not with ripening, of tomato fruits.
Zero-dimensional nonlinear burn control using isotopic fuel tailoring for thermal excursions

The control of plasma density and temperature are among the most fundamental problems in fusion reactors and will be critical to the success of burning plasma experiments like ITER. While stable burn conditions exist, it is possible that economic and technological constraints will require future commercial reactors to operate with low temperature, high density plasma, a burn condition that may be unstable. The instability is due to the fact that for low temperatures, the fusion heating increases as the plasma temperature rises. An active control system will be essential for stabilizing such operating points. In this work a spatially averaged (zero-dimensional) nonlinear transport model for the energy and the densities of deuterium and tritium fuel ions, as well as the alpha-particles, is used to synthesize a nonlinear feedback controller for stabilizing the burn condition of a fusion reactor. Whereas previous efforts assume an optimal 50:50 mix of deuterium and tritium fuel, this controller makes use of ITER's planned isotopic fueling capability and controls the densities of these ions separately. Also, unlike previous work which used impurity injection to mitigate thermal excursions, this design exploits the ability to modulate the DT fuel mix to control the plasma heating. By moving the isotopic mix in the plasma away from the optimal 50:50 mix, the reaction rate is slowed and the alpha-particle heating is reduced to desired levels. A zero-dimensional simulation study is presented to show the ability of the controller to bring the system back to the desired equilibrium from a given set of perturbations.