cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcription of σ54-dependent but not σ 28-dependent flagellar genes in Campylobacter jejuni is associated with formation of the flagellar secretory apparatus

We performed a genetic analysis of flagellar regulation in Campylobacter jejuni, from which we elucidated key portions of the flagellar transcriptional cascade in this bacterium. For this study, we developed a reporter gene system for C. jejuni involving astA, encoding arylsulphatase, and placed astA under control of the sigma 54-regulated flgDE2 promoter in C. jejuni strain 81-176. The astA reporter fusion combined with transposon mutagenesis allowed us to identify genes in which insertions abolished flgDE2 expression; genes identified were on both the chromosome and the plasmid pVir. Included among the chromosomal genes were genes encoding a putative sensor kinase and the sigma 54-dependent transcriptional activator, FlgR. In addition, we identified specific flagellar genes, including flhA, flhB, fliP, fliR and flhF, that are also required for transcription of flgDE2 and are presumably at the beginning of the C. jejuni flagellar transcriptional cascade. Deletion of any of these genes reduced transcription of both flgDE2 and another sigma 54-dependent flagellar gene, flaB, encoding a minor flagellin. Transcription of the sigma 28-dependent gene flaA, encoding the major flagellin, was largely unaffected in the mutants. Further examination of flaA transcription revealed significant sigma 28-independent transcription and only weak repressive activity of the putative anti-sigma 28 factor FlgM. Our study suggests that sigma 54-dependent transcription of flagellar genes in C. jejuni is linked to the formation of the flagellar secretory apparatus. A key difference in the C. jejuni flagellar transcriptional cascade compared with other bacteria that use sigma 28 for transcription of flagellar genes is that a mechanism to repress significantly sigma 28-dependent transcription of flaA in flagellar assembly mutants is absent in C. jejuni.
Automated highway systems-an intelligent transportation system for the next century

Summary form only given. The California PATH program was established in 1986 by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) at the University of California at Berkeley to conduct research on transportation systems, which include automated highway systems (AHS), to find solutions for California transportation problems such as congestion, mobility and productivity of system, safety, air quality and environment, energy consumption, cost effectiveness and regional and state wide economic health. This paper focuses on recent activities on AHS at the California PATH. AHS will include control problems from the vehicle level to the highway network level. The topics described cover PATH work at all levels, but an emphasis is given to control problems at the vehicle level, which will offer a number of challenging opportunities to control engineers.
Parchment making in eighteenth-century France: historical practices and the written record

Abstract Documentation of industrial arts within dictionaries, encyclopaedias and treatises has recorded parchment-making practices observed in eighteenth-century France. If understood within the context in which they were produced, the accounts in the treatises of Lalande and the Encyclopedie of Diderot and d'Alembert have the potential to contribute substantially to knowledge of historical practice. Significant information may also be found in the Dictionnaire universel de commerce of Savary des Brulons and the treatise of Dessables. Together, these texts provide a clear description of parchment-making techniques at a time when trade practices were standardized but had not yet been modernized through industrialization. Comparative examination of the instructions for each stage of production offers a detailed account of how practitioners may have carried out these activities. Such investigation is particularly informative when these stages are also considered within the continuum of ancient, medieval and...
Developmental toxicology of trimethyltin in the rat

Pregnant rats were treated on either gestational day (GD) 7, 12, or 17 with single doses of trimethyltin chloride (TMT) ip at either 0, 5, 7, or 9 mg/kg. A significant effect of dose was manifest as decreased maternal weight at term, which persisted during lactation until postnatal day (PND) 15 in some groups. For all treatments combined, term weights of dams exposed on GDs 7 and 12 were greater than those treated on GD 17. Litter sizes were decreased for groups treated on GD 17 with 9 mg/kg TMT. Pups treated in utero and exhibiting treatment-induced decreases in weight at or near birth remained smaller than untreated animals into adulthood (PND 280). By PND 20, weights of pups treated on GD 7 greater than GD 12 greater than GD 17. Neuropathology of pups sacrificed on PND 1 was minimal in all animals with lesions only identified in animals treated on GDs 12 or 17 which consisted of subtle degenerative changes in the CA3 and CA4 regions of Ammon's horn of the hippocampus. Muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in whole brains from pups on PND 1 did not show any significant changes compared to controls for any dose or day of exposure. These data indicate that prenatal TMT exposure results in postnatal toxicity in treated pups but only in the presence of maternal toxicity.
The enhancement of X-H⋯π hydrogen bond by cooperativity effects - Ab initio and QTAIM calculations

Abstract The cooperativity effects for C2H2⋯(HF)n and C2H4⋯(HF)n (n = 1–4) complexes are analyzed using the results of MP2/6-311++G(d,p) calculations. It has been revealed that F–H⋯π and F–H⋯F hydrogen bonds exist for these complexes and those interactions are enhanced if the number of HF molecules increases. It is shown that cooperativity effect causes the shortening of H⋯F and H⋯π distances, simultaneously the electron density and its Laplacian at the corresponding bond critical point (BCP) increase. There is also the greater charge transfer corresponding to π(C C) → σ∗(F–H), π(C C) → σ∗(F–H) and n(F) → σ∗(F–H) interactions. One notices the greater elongation of H–F bonds within complexes if the number of HF molecules increases. The various correlations were found between geometrical, energetic and topological parameters. There are unique bond paths of the complexes analyzed that connect the hydrogen attractors with the BCPs of C C and C C bonds of Lewis base sub-systems.
Moral Vision and Tradition: Essays in Chinese Ethics

This volume offers a comprehensive philosophical study of Confucian ethics - its basic insights and its relevance to contemporary Western moral philosophy. Writer and philosopher A. S. Cua presents fourteen essays which deal with various problems arising in the philosophical explication of the nature of Chinese ethical thought. Offering a unique analytical approach, Cua focuses on the conceptual and dialectical aspects of Confucian ethics. Among the topics discussed are: the nature and significance of the Chinese Confucian moral vision of tao; the complementary insights of Classical Taoism, namely, of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu; and the logical and rhetorical aspects of Confucian ethics. Perhaps more relevant to contemporary East-West ethical discourse, several essays introduce a systematic Confucian moral philosophy. Cua concludes with a discussion of the possibility of reasoned discourse, aiming at a resolution of intercultural ethical conflict.
Colloidal assembly via shape complementarity.

A simple method for selectively assembling colloidal particles with depletion forces is achieved using the concept of shape complementarity, reminiscent of Fischer's “lock and key” enzyme model. A spherical particle can fit inside a second particle with an indentation of similar size and shape, allowing access to a large variety of assembled structures.
Observation of dislocations in large crystals of Gadolinium Gallium Garnet

Abstract Dislocations in very large (ca. 20 cm3) crystals of Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (Gd3Ga5O12 or GGG) have been observed by stress induced birefringence and by the decoration method. Both of these techniques can be used to observe dislocations without image magnification. Birefringence has the advantage that precipitates are not required and that the direction and sign of the Burgers vectors of dislocations can be obtained. The decoration method can be used to construct stereo-images of the dislocation lines. Dislocations have been traced from a free surface to regions over 3 cm from this surface by both methods, and it would not have been difficult to observe dislocations at even greater depths than this
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide generation is unrelated to concurrent cytotoxicity of bovine alveolar macrophages

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a reactive metabolite produced by stimulated macrophages, and it has been demonstrated to exert cytotoxic actions on a number of microbes, parasites, and tumor cells. In addition, NO has been reported to have an autotoxic effect on murine macrophages, its site of synthesis. We have investigated the relationship of NO generation to cytotoxicity of bovine alveolar macrophages (AM) in vitro, and have also assessed the effects of several modulators of cellular function on this relationship. NO was generated in cultures of AM using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and measured as [nitrite]. Cellular viability of AM reflected a strong, negative correlation with the concentration of NO/nitrite in supernatants (r =−0.987). Supernatants with nitrite concentrations in excess of 30μM were correlated with cytotoxicity. AM stimulated with the potent combination of endotoxin (Lipopolysaccharide, LPS; 10 ng/ml) and recombinant bovine IFNγ (100 U/ml) also exhibited cytotoxicity over a 48-hour incubation period, and cells deteriorated to an average viability of 72.3% as compared to unstimulated control macrophages. In some cases the viability of macrophages was much lower. Even though LPS-mediated cytotoxicity occurred, the [nitrite] produced in supernatants during the 48-hour period (12.23μM) was well below the minimum concentration of SNP-generated NO required to induce cytotoxicity to macrophages. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NGMMA, 2 mM) is a competitive inhibitor of NO synthesis and was found to reduce nitrite concentrations from 12.23μM to 1.56μM in supernatants of LPS-stimulated AM, but this reduction did not promote increased viability of AM. Other modulators of cellular function including phenylbutazone (PBZ, 100μM), flunixin meglumine (FM, 100μM), and interleukin-4 (IL-4, 100 ng/ml) modestly inhibited synthesis of NO, but did not improve cellular viability. These results suggest that relatively high concentrations of exogenously-generated NO are toxic to AM in vitro, but the quantity of endogenously-generated NO synthesized by LPS-stimulated bovine AM is usually below the threshold for toxicity. Cytotoxicity occurs independently of NO synthesis, and factors other than NO are apparently responsible for LPS-related cytotoxicity to bovine macrophages.
A Second-order Diagonally-Implicit-Explicit Multi-Stage Integration Method

Abstract Implicit-explicit time stepping methods have proved useful for effciently solving problems with both still and nonstill components. IMEX Runge-Kutta methods and IMEX multistep methods have been studied in the literature. But there are no available IMEX general linear methods (IMEX-GLMs). In this paper, we construct IMEX schemes based on diagonally-implicit multi-stage integration methods. The new algorithms have great potential for practical use. Numerical results indicate the observed order of accuracy matches the theoretical order.
The effect of an osteolytic tumor on the three-dimensional trabecular bone morphology in an animal model

Objective. To investigate the application of micro-computed tomography (µCT) for the assessment of density differences and deterioration of three-dimensional architecture of trabecular bone in an experimental rat model for tumor- induced osteolytic defects. Design and materials. Walker carcinosarcoma 256 malignant breast cancer cells (W256) were surgically implanted into the medullary canal of the left femur of 15 4-month-old rats. Twenty-eight days after surgery all animals were killed and both femora from each rat were harvested. A total of 30 specimens (left and right femur) were scanned in a desk-top µCT imaging system (µCT 20, Scanco Medical) to assess densitometric and architectural parameters. For each specimen a total of 200 micro-tomographic slices with a resolution of 30 µm in the distal metaphysis was taken. Bone mineral content (BMC) was analyzed for both cortical and trabecular bone (ctBMC), and for trabecular bone only (tBMC). Architectural indices (BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp) according to standard definitions used in histomorphometry were calculated for trabecular bone. Results. The quantitative analysis of density parameters revealed significantly (P<0.001) lower values for ctBMC and tBMC in the tumor-bearing group (T) of 26% and 31%, respectively, compared with the contralateral control group. The quantitative analysis revealed significant (P<0.001) changes in the architectural parameters in the tumor-bearing bones compared with the contralateral control group: BV/TV was 30% lower, Tb.N and BS/TV decreased by 24% and 21%, respectively, Tb.Th. decreased by 10% and Tb.Sp. increased by 94%. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that µCT is able to provide three-dimensional parameters of bone mass and trabecular structure in an animal model for tumor-induced bone loss. Recent advances in therapeutic approaches for skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease rely on an understanding of the effects of the agents on the mechanical properties of bone. In order to quantify the structural changes of the affected bones the application of a non-destructive method is mandatory. The use of µCT seems to be a great advantage, since biomechanical tests and further histologic analysis can be done for the same specimens.
Fluorescence from cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones

Abstract Fluorescence was detected from a cyclic enone (bicyclo [3.3.0] oct-1 (5)-en-2-one)for the first time.This exception to the generally accepted rule is a state.
Iodination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes using radioactive and inactive iodine

The iodination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes which has not been attempted so far has been performed using radioactive and inactive iodine. A new method for the determination of trace amounts of protein-bound iodine in the range of 10–100 μg has been developed. Out of two methods employed for iodination, chloramine-T method was found to be superior to the lactoperoxidase method for iodination with both radioactive and inactive iodine. It was found that the amount of iodinated LDH formed during iodination depends on the amount of LDH and of the reagents used for iodination. Completely purified LHD-1 and LDH-2 isoenzymes were iodinated using both inactive and radioactive iodine. The iodinated isoenzymes were separated from the unreacted iodide by gel permeation chromatography using Sephadex G-75-120 column. The ratio of radioiodinated LDH to unreacted125I was largest (3.72) when the amount of LDH used was 4.54 μg. The specific activity obtained when iodination was carried out under optimum conditions was 238 μCi/μg. No radiation damage for the radioiodinated LDH was observed when it is kept for as long as two weeks after iodination.
Ink perfusion for displaying capillaries in the chicken.

A chicken was anesthetized with Na-phenobarbital, 130 mg/kg, and the external ischiatic artery was exposed. Heparin, 90 units/kg, was injected into the brachial vein, after which a cannula was inserted into the exposed ischiatic artery. Heat was applied to the head to produce vasodilation. Perfusion through the cannula was made at about 150 mm Hg pressure and consisted of 30 ml of a biological type of Pelikan ink to which was added NaNO2 to make a 0.02% solution. After the bird was killed by an overdose of anesthetic, the skin around the perimeter of the femoral feather tract was cauterized, the tract removed, attached to a stainless steel wire net, fixed for 1 hr in 10% formic acid, then dehydrated in 4 changes of acetone, 1 hr each, followed by a 5th change for 12 hr. The dehydrated specimens were placed in methyl benzoate, the 1st change for 1 hr and the 2nd until clear (3-15 hr). This procedure exhibits small vessels and capillary networks within the integument, but if only the vessels larger than cap...
Increasing access to dentists by HIV+ people: An intervention strategy

There is ample evidence of problems of access to oral health care for HIV+ people. This situation is particularly unfortunate because of the importance of absence of infection in people who are immunocompromised and because oral manifestations of HIV infection are important markers of the progress of the disease. An experimental intervention protocol designed to increase access to oral health care for people who are HIV+ is described. The interventions used theoretical perspectives associated with cognitive constructions of anxiety and avoidance and with social learning theory. The interventions combined educational and cognitive behavioral techniques including reframing and modeling. Although there was some preliminary evidence of a positive effect among younger dentists, unanticipated problems associated with the complexity of the research design compromised the effectiveness of the interventions. Explanations for the absence of positive findings are supplied, as well as suggestions for implementing successful educational interventions intended to induce behavioral change.
Onset of follicular atresia following hypophysectomy of the laying hen.

SummaryOvarian follicles in the laying hen were found to exhibit a differential rate of atresia following hypophysectomy which is dependent on follicle size. Atresia appeared first in the smallest of the rapidly developing follicles at 6 hours post-operatively and spread to include all mature or nearly mature follicles by 18 hours. Follicles weighing 5 to 10 g remained intact for as long as 24 hours.
Hierarchical unfolding of the alpha-lactalbumin molten globule: presence of a compact intermediate without a unique tertiary fold.

Abstract The difference between the framework model and the hydrophobic collapse model of protein folding largely rests on whether a secondary-structure framework can exist independently of native tertiary interactions. Here, we used circular dichroism and disulfide exchange experiments to examine the unfolding mechanism of α-LA(α), a two-disulfide variant of human α-lactalbumin (α-LA) that adopts a molten globule conformation under near physiological conditions. Our results show that as the concentration of denaturant increases, the α-LA molten globule first loses its ability to form a specific, native-like tertiary fold. Subsequently, at a higher denaturant concentration, the protein loses its secondary structure and adopts an extended conformation. A compact, non-native disulfide bond isomer, which does not form significantly under both native and strongly denaturing conditions, was found to be moderately populated in ∼2 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Qualitatively the same result was also obtained in urea. These results suggest that formation of secondary structure is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for formation of the native-like tertiary fold and support a hierarchical model of protein folding.
Humoral immune factors in the paddlefish, Polyodon spathula

Abstract 1. 1. Natural agglutinin titers to Salmonella typhosa “O” (STO), human group A erythrocytes (HuA) and sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) were studied in twenty-three paddlefish. 2. 2. Natural agglutinin titers to SRBC were low, with high titers observed to STO and HuA. Cold agglutinin titers (4°C) to STO markedly exceeded titers recorded at room temperature. 3. 3. Serum immunoglobulins were shown to account for over forty per cent of the total serum proteins in this species.
Inter-Rater Reliability of the Cloze Reading Inventory as a Qualitative Measure of Reading Comprehension.

The study reported herein was conducted to ascertain the nature of potential between‐rater subjectivity in scoring quantitative and qualitative cloze based assessments of reading comprehension. Fifty students were randomly chosen from a group of 456 students used in the standardization of the Cloze Reading Inventory (CRI). As each student took four different forms of the CRI, there were 200 passages each rated by three of seven raters for a total of 600 passages used to determine inter‐rater reliability. The seven raters each had a minimum of five years teaching experience, were from the elementary or secondary level, and were graduate students in a reading specialist program. The intraclass correlation method was employed to derive coefficients from the mean score ratings of the raters for each of the passages, each of the four interpretive values, and each of grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The results of the repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that inter‐rater reliabilities were generally consi...
Reflections on the Rose Revolution

This article focuses on the paradoxes inherent in the Rose Revolution in Georgia. The Rose Revolution and its colored companions precipitated two disappointing reactions in the former Soviet space: first, disillusion with popular democracy movements, and second, what Vitali Silitsky calls ‘preemptive authoritarianism’, or the ability of post-Soviet regimes to anticipate popular challenge. I connect the ideology and style of the Rose Revolution with the constitutional crisis of November 2007 in Georgia, and with the Russo-Georgian war of August 2008.
Analysis of two-regional flow in Liquid Composite Molding

This study investigates the two-regional flow in Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) with emphasis on the race tracking phenomenon. An equivalent permeability is introduced to describe the flow capacity in the fiber free region. A lumped permeability is also used to further simplify the flow modeling by averaging the flow across the flow direction. Both the equivalent permeability approach and the lumped permeability approach were verified with experiments. It is found that they are capable of modeling the race tracking effects in LCM.
Management of esophageal strictures in children

Esophageal dilatation remains the primary treatment of esophageal strictures. Aggressive esophageal dilatation is indicated regardless of the etiology and length of the stricture. Esophageal dilatation causes iatrogenic trauma and tearing of scar tissue that may result in restricturing. Local infiltration of triamcinolone into the stricture site at the time of dilatation may markedly reduce subsequent scar formation and restricturing. Intralesional triamcinolone is most useful for short strictures and may decrease the need for future dilatation. Successful management of esophageal strictures requires the aggressive treatment of all pathogenic processes contributing to esophageal inflammation and restricturing following dilatation. Medically uncontrolled reflux esophagitis may require antireflux surgery to successfully dilate the stricture. Balloon dilators apply only radial forces and no longitudinal, shearing forces. They are most useful for two situations: circumstances under which it is desirable to minimize esophageal trauma (eg, epidermolysis bullosa) and short strictures. Savary-Gilliard dilators are useful for strictures resistant to balloon dilatation and for long strictures that require carefully controlled and graded dilatation. We routinely use dilators instead of guide wires for long strictures, multiple strictures, tortuous esophagus, and very narrow strictures, particularly when the state of the esophagus distal to the stricture is unclear. Failure of aggressive, frequent dilatation to maintain sufficient esophageal luminal diameter may necessitate surgical intervention (ie, resection of the stricture or esophageal replacement).
Redox susceptibility of SOD1 mutants is associated with the differential response to CCS over-expression in vivo

Over-expression of CCS in G93A SOD1 mice accelerates neurological disease and enhances mitochondrial pathology. We studied the effect of CCS over-expression in transgenic mice expressing G37R, G86R or L126Z SOD1 mutations in order to understand factors which influence mitochondrial dysfunction. Over-expression of CCS markedly decreased survival and produced mitochondrial vacuolation in G37R SOD1 mice but not in G86R or L126Z SOD1 mice. Moreover, CCS/G37R SOD1 spinal cord showed specific reductions in mitochondrial complex IV subunits consistent with an isolated COX deficiency, while no such reductions were detected in CCS/G86R or CCS/L126Z SOD1 mice. CCS over-expression increased the ratio of reduced to oxidized SOD1 monomers in the spinal cords of G37R SOD1 as well as G93A SOD1 mice, but did not influence the redox state of G86R or L126Z SOD1 monomers. The effects of CCS on disease are SOD1 mutation dependent and correlate with SOD1 redox susceptibility.
THE IMPLANTATION OF NEO-NATAL PANCREAS INTO THE CHEEK POUCH OF THE ALLOXAN DIABETIC HAMSTER

Neo-natal hamster pancreas, in which beta-cells were just beginning to differentiate, was implanted into the cheek pouches of both normal and alloxan-diabetic hamsters. It was found that: among the diabetics, 90% of the implants“took” while 75%“took” in the non-diabetics; the implants grew 30% larger and persisted 50% longer in diabetics than in normals; there was evidence for considerably more beta differentiation in the diabetic than in normals. Among the diabetics, where the graft persisted, blood sugars returned to the normal range and the pancreas of the host showed normal histology within two weeks of time the implants were made. Both of these latter events are considered rare for this particular post-alloxan period.
FINAL REQUIEM FOR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MOTIVATION RESEARCH

Sftmmary.-This essay attempts to correct chronic misconceprions about motivation research by providing some new insights as to ics nature. Major emphasis is placed on the necessity of: (a) visualizing motivarion research as a continuous rather than a dichotomous variable and (b) delineating clearly among three independent bur frequently confounded variables, one pertaining to adequacy of experiments: design, another to structure of the quesrion, and the third to respondents' level of awareness of the experimental variable. It is proposed that motivation research is neither inherently qualitative nor inexorably shackled to projective techniques or to other unstructured questioning procedures. The only enduring ant1 invariant characteristic of motivation research is that respondenrs must be at least partially unaware of the nature of the variable under scrutiny. In view of the fact that motivation research (MR) has been in existence more than 15 yr., it is perheps surprising that so many of the original misconceptions regarding the subject still prevail, and, in facc, one still does noc have co look very hard to find naivete and disagreement among che "experts" as to what MR really is and how it differs from the more convencional brand of marketing research. To the writer, much of the confusion and controversy has always seemed unnecessary, because che basic distinction between MR and convencional marketing research is not unduly complex and because most (though not all) of the important points about MR have already been made in one place or anocher. The major problem is that several critical concepts have never been unequivocally defined or properly related to one another, with the result that efforts to reach agreement and general concurrence have stalled on a tacky foundation. Thus, the objective of this essay is to examine our enigmatic delinquent from a somewhat unique vantage point in the hope that clarification of fundamental concepts and terminologies will position MR properly and precisely within the broad speccriim of marketing research.
Electron microscopic study of the infection of Anacystis nidulans by the cyanophage AS-1.

Abstract The infection cycle of AS-1 in the host Anacystis nidulans was studied by electron microscopy of thin sections prepared during the 16-hr viral growth cycle. The virus attaches to the algal cells by its tail, and virus particles mature in the nucleoplasm of the cell. Invagination of the photosynthetic membranes does not occur early in infection. In late stages of infection taillike and headlike structures, presumably precursors of mature particles, can be resolved within cells. Some disruption of photosynthetic membranes is observed prior to lysis of host cells.
Evaluation of methods for determining the refraction correction for light-scattering photometers

Recent literature reports from three laboratories have treated the refraction correction for the Sofica and a noncommercial light scattering photometer. Our re-evaluation of the data contained in these reports, as well as our experiments, indicate that the usually cited n2 refraction correction has not been unquestionably established for these instruments. In some cases, imprecise experimental techniques have been used to support this particular form of the correction. In addition, we find the optical system of the Sofica instrument results in the detector seeing vertically past the horizontal edge of the illuminated volume in violation of a basic assumption in the deduction of the n2 correction. Our experiments, as well as our interpretation of recent literature data, support an exponent of less than 2.0 for the Sofica apparatus, which is consistent with an instrument whose detector views outside the illuminated volume. However, the experimental methods available to evaluate the exponent lack the desired precision.
Atomic layer deposited ultra thin HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 interfacial layers for high performance Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

This paper presents the possibility of improving the performance of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) by treating the mesoporous TiO 2 using ultra thin metal oxides such as hafnium oxide (HfO{2) and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. Ultrathin HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 (few nm in thickness) metal oxide layers affect the density and activity of the interface states at the TiO 2 /dye/electrolyte interfaces and hence affect the overall performance of DSSCs. Different thicknesses of HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 layers (5, 10 and 20 ALD cycles) were deposited on the mesoporous TiO 2 surface prior to dye loading process in fabrication of DSSCs. It was observed that the ALD deposition of ultrathin oxides can significantly improve the performance of DSSCs. Further, it was also observed that the improvement in the DSSC performance highly depends on the thickness of the ALD deposited HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 films. Compared to a reference DSSC, which did not use an ALD interfacial layer, incorporation of a HfO 2 (5 cycles) and Al 2 O 3 (20 cycles) layers resulted in enhancement of 69 and 10% % enhancement respectively.
Some temperature effects on stability and carbon formation in low temperature ac plasma conversion of methane

Abstract Methane conversion using a low temperature plasma generated by an ac corona discharge has recently been extensively studied. Different products can be produced: C2, C3, H2, CO, CO2 and coke. The understanding of the role of temperature has been limited. This paper discusses the use of an IR thermal imaging and measurement system to study the effects of temperature on the stability and carbon formation in low temperature ac plasma conversion of methane. Three types of coke are observed during the methane conversion process using plasma generated by an ac corona discharge under various conditions. The first type of coke is dark brown and powder coke. The second type of coke is dark greenish and forms a soft coating. The third type is coke filaments, which strongly affects the discharge stability by quickly connecting the two electrodes. In the partial oxidation or steam reforming of methane, the temperature is generally less than 300 °C under normal experimental conditions. Increasing the feed temperature in the steam reforming of methane increases the reactor temperature, causing the formation of coke filaments when the water concentration is not high enough. Therefore, feeding liquid water at room temperature into the reactor helps improve the stability.
A generalized Rayleigh quotient for eigenvalue problems nonlinear in the parameter

A functional is given which generalizes the Rayleigh quotient to eigenvalue problems for linear operators where the eigenvalue parameter appears nonlinearly. Particular emphasis is given to the development of perturbation-type results for eigenvalues and characteristic values which generalize the classical results. Applications are made to eigenvalue and characteristic value problems for integral and matrix operators and to the critical length problem for integral operators. Both symmetric and nonsymmetric operators are treated.
Toward a More Expansive Understanding of Food Hubs

A review of the uses of the term "food hub" reveals a dynamic and evolving concept. Since planners need to understand these various uses, we offer a preliminary framework for a food hub typology. We also suggest attributes and a definition that should be considered when assessing existing sites and planning for new food hubs. We then assess three food hub sites in Seattle, Washington, using our typology and characteristics that should be considered (audience, ownership, purpose, design and siting, and scale). Our assessment demonstrates that the strengths, viability, and vitality of each food hub are derived from attributes not currently considered by the most commonly used, type-focused definitions of food hubs. Our contribution adds clarity to the evolving discussion about food hubs, and describes elements for communities, particularly the planning community, to consider when planning for them.
Differences between rats and mice in the immunosuppressive activity of 2-methoxyethanol and 2-methoxyacetic acid.

Abstract Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that 2-methoxyethanol (ME) and its principal metabolite 2-methoxyacetic acid (MAA) are immunosuppressive in young adult male Fischer 344 rats. In the present study, the immunosuppressive potential of ME and MAA was evaluated in young adult female Fischer 344 rats and C57BL/6J mice. Rats and mice were dosed by gavage with either ME or MAA in water, at dosages ranging from 50–400 mg/kg/day, for 10 consecutive days. Rats and mice were examined for alterations in body, spleen and thymus weights and mitogen-induced proliferation of splenic lymphocytes in vitro; separate groups were employed for the antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS). Rats dosed at 100–400 mg/kg/day ME and rats dosed at 50–400 mg/kg/day MAA had decreased thymus weights in the absence of decreased body or spleen weights. Lymphoproliferative (LP) responses to concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and Salmonella typhimurium mitogen (STM) were all reduced in rats treated with all dosages of ME. Rats treated with MAA displayed similar reductions in these LP responses except that the responses to PWM and STM in rats dosed at 50 mg/kg/day were not reduced. In contrast to the effects of ME and MAA on these end points in the rat, no thymic involution or suppression of LP responses were observed in mice dosed at 50–400 mg/kg/day. The PFC response to TNP-LPS was suppressed in rats dosed with either ME or MAA at dosages of 100–400 mg/kg/day. ME and MAA, however, failed to suppress the PFC response in mice immunized with TNP-LPS. These results indicate that unlike Fischer 344 rats, C57BL/6J mice are insensitive to the immunosuppressive effects of ME and MAA at the dosages employed in this study. Whether the different sensitivities of these two rodent species to ME- and MAA-induced immunosuppression are due to immunologic, pharmacokinetic or metabolic differences within each species remains to be determined.
U.S. Navy/Marine Corps CRM Training: Separating Theory from Reality:

The breakdown or failure of crew resource management (CRM) has been cited as a causal factor in a large number of civilian and military aviation accidents. However, a recent review of the literature has revealed that many of the CRM concepts currently being trained are unrelated and/or unclear, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of existing CRM training programs. The U.S. Navy/Marine Corps are no different. In an effort to determine the critical skills that should be taught, we examined U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Class A aviation accident data between 1990 and 2000 for CRM failures. In this study, 275 U.S. Naval aviation CRM failures were examined to identify those critical to safety in U.S. Naval aviation. Of the six CRM failures identified, the failure to conduct an adequate brief and the lack of communication accounted for over 50% of the failures examined, suggesting the importance of these areas when training CRM.
Calorimetry At Very High Energy Colliders

The capability of hadron colliders has increased to where it will soon be possible to collide protons at center of mass energies of 14 TeV with the advent of the LHC. With increasing collision energy, calorimeters become ever more essential components of a detector, and collaborations often choose very different technologies to meet their goals. From the perspective of a high energy particle and nuclear physicist, a survey is presented of the differences in design considerations and actual performance of the wide variety of calorimeters used in modern hadron colliders such as the Tevatron, RHIC, and LHC. The lessons learned and some ideas for future development of calorimetry will also be discussed.
Binding of Alkali Metal Ions by Cyclic Polyethers: Significance in Ion Transport Processes

Values for the formation constant (log K ), the change in enthalpy (▵H°), and the change in entropy (▵S°) have been determined for the interaction of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium ions with the two isomers of the cyclic polyether, 2,5,8,15,18,21-hexaoxatricyclo[20.4.0.0 9,14 ] hexacosane. The stability order of these metal ions with either isomer is identical to the permeability order for these same metal ions with the structurally related antibiotics, valinomycin and monactin.
A randomized trial comparing metallic and absorbable staples for closure of a Pfannenstiel incision for cesarean delivery

Objective The purpose of the study is to compare postoperative pain, cost, speed of closure, and patient satisfaction of Pfannenstiel skin incisions closed with traditional metallic staples vs absorbable staples after cesarean delivery. It is hypothesized that incisions closed with absorbable staples will cause less postoperative pain than traditional metallic staples. Study Design A randomized, controlled trial was conducted from July 2010 through May 2011. Patients undergoing a scheduled cesarean delivery via a Pfannenstiel skin incision were recruited. Patients were randomized into the control group (metallic staples) or the experimental group (absorbable staples). The postpartum nurse and patient were blinded to the type of staples. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale on both postoperative day 1 and day of discharge, and the total dose of oral narcotics taken during the postoperative period was assessed. Results In all, 100 patients enrolled in the study: 50 in each group. Based on visual analog scale scores, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups on postoperative day 1 or day of discharge. There were no significant differences in the total dose of oral narcotics taken or in wound complication rates. The time for skin closure was significantly different: 3.5 ± 1.7 for absorbable and 1.39 ± 0.7 minutes for metallic staples ( P Conclusion Postoperative pain is comparable for both devices. The absorbable staple skin closure time, and therefore cost, is significantly greater than for metallic staples.
Growth and magnetic properties of Mn-doped germanium near the kinetic solubility limit

Growth of high-quality dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) material is often compromised by the low solubility of magnetic dopants, leading to formation of precipitates. Here, we explore the feasibility of growing precipitate-free Mn-doped Ge at doping levels near the kinetic solubility limit. Ge:Mn DMS films were grown at low temperature so as to minimize precipitate formation. Meanwhile, epitaxial quality was maintained by employing a very low growth rate. The magnetic properties of these lightly doped films exhibit both interesting contrasts and similarities with those of heavily doped DMS reported in the literature, indicating that the substitutional Mn contents are very similar. Films grown at $95{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$C are free of intermetallic precipitates, offering useful opportunities for studying the fundamentals of carrier-mediated exchange and metal-insulator transitions without complications arising from precipitate formation.
APeg3, a novel paternally expressed gene 3 antisense RNA transcript specifically expressed in vasopressinergic magnocellular neurons in the rat supraoptic nucleus

Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) play critical roles in the regulation of salt and water balance, lactation, and various behaviors and are expressed at very high levels in specific magnocellular neurons (MCNs) in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS). In addition to the cell-specific expression of the VP and OT genes in these cells, there are other transcripts that are preferentially expressed in the VP or OT MCNs. One such gene, paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3), is an imprinted gene expressed exclusively from the paternal allele that encodes a Kruppel-type zinc finger-containing protein involved in maternal behavior and is abundantly expressed in the VP-MCNs. We report here the robust expression in the VP-MCNs of an RNA, which we designate APeg3 that is transcribed in the antisense direction to the 3' untranslated region of the Peg3 gene. The APeg3 mRNA is about 1 kb in size, and the full-length sequence of APeg3, as determined by 5' and 3' RACE, contains an open reading frame that predicts a protein of 93 amino acids and is predominantly expressed in VP-MCNs. Both Peg3 and APeg3 gene expression in the VP-MCNs increase during systemic hyperosmolality in vivo, demonstrating that both of these genes are osmoregulated.
Application of high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography—Mass spectrometry to analysis of prostaglandin E1 in biological media

Abstract A method for the quantitation of prostaglandin (PG) E1 in biological samples of gas chromatography—mass spectrometry has been developed. PGE1 was separated from PGE2, 13,14-dihydro-PGE2, and other potentially interfering prostaglandins by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. After conversion of PGE1 to PGB1 by treatment with methanolic KOH, PGB1 was derivatized to the methyl ester trimethylsilyl ether and analyzed by selected ion monitoring using hexadeutero-PGE1 as an internal standard. Measurable levels of PGE1 were found in human and rat urine and in incubates of rat and rabbit renal papilla. PGE1 excretion and production by renal slices was blocked by treatment with indomethacin. A complete mass spectrum of derivatized PGE1 was obtained from PGE1 generated by rabbit renal papillary slices.
Metaxin 1 interacts with metaxin 2, a novel related protein associated with the mammalian mitochondrial outer membrane

A recently described protein, metaxin 1, serves as a component of a preprotein import complex in the outer membrane of the mammalian mitochondrion. A yeast two-hybrid screen with metaxin 1 as bait has now identified a novel protein, which we have termed metaxin 2, as a metaxin 1-binding protein. Metaxin 2 shares 29% identity with metaxin 1 at the amino acid level, but metaxin 2, unlike metaxin 1, lacks a C-terminal mitochondrial outer membrane signal-anchor domain. Two C. elegans hypothetical proteins, CelZC97.1 and CelF39B2.i, share high sequence similarity with metaxin 2 and metaxin 1, respectively, and likely represent the C. elegans orthologs. Affinity-purified antibodies against metaxin 2 were prepared against the recombinant protein produced in E. coli and were used to analyze the subcellular distribution of metaxin 2. In subcellular fractions of mouse liver, a 29 kD immunoreactive protein, consistent in size with the predicted translation product of metaxin 2 cDNA, was found solely in mitochondria. Alkali extraction of mitochondria indicated that metaxin 2 is peripherally associated with mitochondrial membranes. Metaxin 2 in intact mitochondria was susceptible to digestion with proteinase K, indicating that metaxin 2 is located on the cytosolic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Finally, baculoviruses encoding a His6-tagged metaxin 2 and an untagged metaxin 1 lacking its C-terminal transmembrane domain were produced and used separately or in combination to infect Sf21 insect cells. Metaxin 1 bound to a Ni2+-chelate affinity column only in the presence of metaxin 2, indicating that metaxin 1 and metaxin 2 interact when overexpressed in insect cells. These results suggest that metaxin 2 is bound to the cytosolic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane by means of its interaction with membrane-bound metaxin 1, and that this complex may play a role in protein import into mammalian mitochondria. J. Cell. Biochem. 74:11–22, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Safety and accuracy of bedside external ventricular drain placement.

OBJECTIVE To study the safety and accuracy of ventriculostomy by neurosurgical trainees. METHODS Initial computed tomographic studies of 346 consecutive patients who underwent bedside ventriculostomy were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnosis, catheter tip location, midline shift, and procedural complications were tabulated. To analyze catheter placement, we used a new grading system: Grade 1, optimal placement in the ipsilateral frontal horn or third ventricle; Grade 2, functional placement in the contralateral lateral ventricle or noneloquent cortex; and Grade 3, suboptimal placement in the eloquent cortex or nontarget cerebrospinal fluid space, with or without functional drainage. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and a weighted kappa coefficient. RESULTS Diagnoses included the following: subarachnoid hemorrhage, n = 153 (44%); trauma, n = 64 (18%); intracerebral hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage, n = 63 (18%); and other, n = 66 (20%). There were 266 (77%) Grade 1, 34 (10%) Grade 2, and 46 (13%) Grade 3 catheter placements. Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 17 (5%). Four patients (1.2%) were symptomatic, with two (0.6%) requiring surgery. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was almost perfect (kappa = 0.846 and 0.922, respectively) as applied to our grading system. Rates of suboptimal placement were highest in patients with midline shift (P = 0.059) and trauma (P = 0.0001). Rates of optimal placement were highest in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (P = 0.003) and when the catheter was placed ipsilateral to the side of midline shift (P = 0.063). Neither the resident's training experience nor the side of placement seemed to affect accuracy. CONCLUSION Bedside ventriculostomy is a safe and accurate procedure for intracranial pressure monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid drainage.