cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considerations for therapeutic intervention models of pulmonary fibrosis.

Our laboratory has evaluated therapeutic strategies for pulmonary fibrosis in rodents, humans and recently non-human primates. Clinically, our studies have evaluated biomarkers of susceptibility to fibrosis that may lead to new innovations on treatment strategies, prevention, and biomarkers. It is anticipated that these biomarkers may also be applied in animal models of disease. Modeling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in animals is complicated by the complexity of the disease, and often limited by limitations in the model. Bleomycin induced fibrosis has been extensively characterized and is the workhorse of the pharmacology community. The utility of this model is limited by its ability to resolve and its relatively artificial mode of action (although there are many commonalities that have been confirmed in humans). We have evaluated permutations of the model to optimize the homogeneity and stability of the lung injury from Bleomycin treatment, including delivering it by inhalation in both rodents and recently non-human primates (NHP). The model can be utilized in a number of ways to evaluate therapeutic intervention. A limitation is that many compounds which have been successful at mitigating bleomycin induced injury in the model have not been successful at mitigating human fibrosis. As a result, we have enhanced our models to permit a two stage evaluation that uses radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis subsequent to bleomycin. Mice are irradiated once and develop fibrosis between 16-24 weeks afterwards. The advantage of this approach is that the mechanism of fibrotic progression has some complements to bleomycin but also some important contrasts. A disadvantage is the time frame of the model, which makes it of limited utility for relatively rapid screening of molecules. The important lesson learned from our combined preclinical and clinical model evaluations is that it is important to continue to utilize clinical and translational techniques (including in vitro) to determine the mode of action in addition to the pharmacology. Because of the large number of false positives that have been observed in the bleomycin fibrosis model, it is important to complement it with alternative approaches such as radiation and examination in multiple species (e.g., NHP). Further, the nonclinical data must offer informative mechanistic information both to enhance the biomarkers available in the clinic and to ensure that the mode of action is feasible in humans. We will present information on several of these models, utilizing case studies of several recent published therapeutics and therapeutic pathways.
Interaction of Warfarin With Drugs, Natural Substances, and Foods

Variability in the anticoagulant response to warfarin is an ongoing clinical dilemma. Fluctuations in dietary vitamin K are an important source of variance, and the need for constancy in vitamin K intake is routinely emphasized for warfarin-treated patients. Anticoagulant response is also influenced by a number of drugs that induce or inhibit warfarin metabolism, as well as by genetic polymorphisms that may modulate expression or activity of CYP2C9, the isoform mediating clearance of S-warfarin. The possible role of dietary factors other than vitamin K, as well as of herbal medicines or supplements as contributors to the instability of anticoagulation in warfarin-treated patients, has received recent attention. St. John's wort and possibly some ginseng formulations may have the potential to diminish warfarin anticoagulation, apparently by inducing CYP2C9 activity. Otherwise, there is no reliable evidence to indicate that any dietary component (other than vitamin K) or any herbal product has an effect on the anticoagulant response to warfarin. Scientific conclusions on this important therapeutic issue should be based on valid scientific data rather than unvalidated case reports.
West Nile virus-associated acute flaccid paralysis

A 43-year-old woman presented to George Washington emergency department with 48 h of new-onset inguinal pain. Physical examination revealed a diffuse maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles, as well as inguinal lymphadenopathy. The patient denied recent travel outside of Washington, DC, and had no known sick contacts. She was admitted to the hospital for observation. Within 24 h of admission she developed left lower extremity flaccid paralysis, with loss of left patellar and Achilles reflexes. cerebrospinal fluid was positive for West Nile virus IgG and IgM antibodies, so methylprednisone 125 mg intravenously two times per day was started. On day 7, the patient recovered reflexes and continued to regain strength in the left lower extremity. She was discharged on day 9 on prednisone taper, with outpatient follow-up.
Spectrophotometric color measurement in situ in well drained sandy soils

Abstract A method for measuring spectral reflectance of samples in place on the face of a soil pit was developed for well drained, sandy soils. Spectrophotometer readings were taken directly on the pit face immediately after scraping a fresh, flat surface to ensure uniform soil moisture content. Measurements taken in this manner were compared to field-based visual estimates and to laboratory-based spectrophotometric measurements of sieved, air-dried samples. While overall reflectance was shown to decrease with increasing moisture content in the laboratory, little change was noted over the 1–7% moisture content range encountered for most samples in the field. The interaction between the “granular materials cover” (a glass window used to protect the integrating sphere) and the “specular reflectance included” viewing geometry resulted in hue shifts for some samples at higher moisture contents, suggesting that the “specular reflectance excluded” mode is more appropriate for in situ measurements of soil samples. A moderately strong correlation exists between spectrophotometer measurements and visual estimates of Munsell parameters in the field, but the spectrophotometer provides a higher degree of precision. Soil features smaller than the 8-mm diameter instrumental measurement area are averaged with the surrounding matrix, however. The research suggests that for well drained, sandy soils, a spectrophotometer can be used in situ to provide reliable, repeatable measurements of spectral reflectance.
Vertebrates as vectors of cellular slime moulds in temperate forests.

Nine species of dictyostelid cellular slime moulds were isolated from the faecal material of a number of different vertebrates, including several rodents and a terrestrial salamander, that are common and widespread inhabitants of temperate forests in eastern North America. Their presence suggests that vertebrates may play a role in short to medium range dispersal of these organisms.
Ascites analysis by a microfluidic chip allows tumor-cell profiling

Ascites tumor cells (ATCs) represent a potentially valuable source of cells for monitoring treatment of ovarian cancer as it would obviate the need for more invasive surgical biopsies. The ability to perform longitudinal testing of ascites in a point-of-care setting could significantly impact clinical trials, drug development, and clinical care. Here, we developed a microfluidic chip platform to enrich ATCs from highly heterogeneous peritoneal fluid and then perform molecular analyses on these cells. We evaluated 85 putative ovarian cancer protein markers and found that nearly two-thirds were either nonspecific for malignant disease or had low abundance. Using four of the most promising markers, we prospectively studied 47 patients (33 ovarian cancer and 14 control). We show that a marker set (ATCdx) can sensitively and specifically map ATC numbers and, through its reliable enrichment, facilitate additional treatment-response measurements related to proliferation, protein translation, or pathway inhibition.
Synchronized double L-scan technique for the simultaneous measurement of polarization-dependent two-photon absorption in chiral molecules.

We report on a double L-scan technique for the simultaneous measurements of polarization-dependent nonlinear absorption. The high sensitivity of this method resides on the synchronized measurements of “twin” laser pulses to compensate for energy and mode fluctuations in the sample. This technique was successfully applied to the accurate determination of two-photon absorption (2PA) circular dichroism and 2PA circular-linear dichroism in a chiral solution. To our knowledge, this is the first time these nonlinear optical effects have been accurately measured. Our technique is expected to lead efforts in the study of biological systems and in the design of metamaterials with a negative refractive index.
Causal Inference in Latent Class Analysis

The integration of modern methods for causal inference with latent class analysis (LCA) allows social, behavioral, and health researchers to address important questions about the determinants of latent class membership. In this article, 2 propensity score techniques, matching and inverse propensity weighting, are demonstrated for conducting causal inference in LCA. The different causal questions that can be addressed with these techniques are carefully delineated. An empirical analysis based on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 is presented, where college enrollment is examined as the exposure (i.e., treatment) variable and its causal effect on adult substance use latent class membership is estimated. A step-by-step procedure for conducting causal inference in LCA, including multiple imputation of missing data on the confounders, exposure variable, and multivariate outcome, is included. Sample syntax for carrying out the analysis using SAS and R is given in an appendix.
Structure of the Type III Pantothenate Kinase from Bacillus anthracis at 2.0 A Resolution: Implications for Coenzyme A-Dependent Redox Biology.

Coenzyme A (CoASH) is the major low-molecular weight thiol in Staphylococcus aureus and a number of other bacteria; the crystal structure of the S. aureus coenzyme A-disulfide reductase (CoADR), which maintains the reduced intracellular state of CoASH, has recently been reported [Mallett, T.C., Wallen, J.R., Karplus, P.A., Sakai, H., Tsukihara, T., and Claiborne, A. (2006) Biochemistry 45, 11278−89]. In this report we demonstrate that CoASH is the major thiol in Bacillus anthracis; a bioinformatics analysis indicates that three of the four proteins responsible for the conversion of pantothenate (Pan) to CoASH in Escherichia coli are conserved in B. anthracis. In contrast, a novel type III pantothenate kinase (PanK) catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthetic pathway in B. anthracis; unlike the E. coli type I PanK, this enzyme is not subject to feedback inhibition by CoASH. The crystal structure of B. anthracis PanK (BaPanK), solved using multiwavelength anomalous dispersion data and refined at ...
Commentaries, Print and Patronage: hadīth and the Madrasas in Modern South Asia

Recent work on the impact of print on Muslim societies has been much concerned with debating how conceptions and structures of religious authority may have been altered, and a new era of religious change inaugurated, through this technology. It was only in the nineteenth century—the latter half of that century in case of the Indian subcontinent—that print came to be wholeheartedly embraced by the Muslim religious elite as a vehicle for the effective dissemination of their ideas. Some scholars have emphasized the role of print in enabling the ՙulam¯' to reach wider audiences than could ever be conceivable in a manuscript age. Though print threatened to undermine the age-old styles of person to person transmission of knowledge, and conceptions of authoritative transmission associated with those styles, what the ՙulamā' gained was not only a new, effective, and—compared to the costs of the manuscript age—relatively inexpensive medium to reach and influence new audiences, but also access to religious classics which were hitherto available only to a select few, but which would now undergird new movements of revival and reform in their societies. While acknowledging these aspects of the impact of print, other scholars have seen the adverse effect of print on ‘traditional’ religious authority to be the more noteworthy. Precisely because religious classics were now accessible, often through translations into the vernacular, the special claims of the ՙulamā' as the guardians and authoritative interpreters of religious texts came to be disputed. As Francis Robinson has put it, ‘Increasingly from now on any Ahmad, Mahmud or Muhammad could claim to speak for Islam.’
Investigational drugs for eating disorders

The eating disorders anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are common, significant public health problems which are treated with nutritional, psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. A number of drugs (mostly antidepressant drugs) are currently used in their treatment to some benefit, but there is substantial room for improvement. A wide variety of compounds are listed as under investigation for the treatment of eating disorders. They have a diverse variety of mechanisms of action, reflecting the complex nature of the control of food intake. While none of these compounds are close to release at present, the diversity of mechanisms under study lend some optimism that more effective approaches will be identified.
Toward a whole cDNA catalog: construction of an equalized cDNA library from mouse embryos.

Abstract The construction of a cDNA library containing all genes without redundancy is one of the major technical challenges for biology. Toward this goal, we have developed an equalized (normalized) cDNA library from mRNA pools derived from mouse embryos that cover the entire period of mouse ontogenesis. Colony hybridization analyses with 11 genes showed the reduction of abundance variation from at least 6000-fold in the unequalized S-library to ∼33-fold in the EIII-library, which was constructed after three cycles of equalization procedure. Limiting dilution PCR analyses with 26 tissue-specific genes showed the reduction of abundance variation from at least ∼1,000,000-fold in the S-cDNA mixture to ∼100-fold in the EIII-cDNA mixture. Based on these analyses, we estimate that at least 15,000 independent cDNA clones are included with little redundancy in the EIII-cDNA library. This will be a useful resource for mouse biology as well as the mouse genome project.
Immunological alterations in the mouse following injection or inhalation of silica and olivine dusts

Immunologic responses were determined in mice following silica or olivine inhalations of up to 300 days, or following intravenous (iv) and intraperitoneal (ip) injections of the dusts. The comparative toxicity of iv injected silica or olivine was also studied. Silica inhalation suppressed the splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses to Escherichia coli given as an aerosol, while olivine inhalation caused less severe suppression. Similar decreases in specific serum antibody levels and alveolar macrophage phagocytic indices were also seen. Few changes were found in spleen lymphocyte responses to mitogens. Injections of silica (iv or ip) caused either enhancement, or in some cases suppression, of the response to antigenic stimulation, with lower doses generally stimulating and very high doses suppressing the response. Olivine injections, in general, produced similar but less severe alterations of the responses to antigenic stimulations. Comparison of lethal dose levels by iv injection indicated a greater toxicity for silica than olivine in this respect.
Abundance, variability, and potential grazing impact of planktonic ciliates in the open subaratic Pacific Ocean

Abstract The abundance and variability of planktonic ciliates in the open subarctic Pacific were determined during four month-long cruises in 1987 and 1988. The ciliate community, numerically dominated by relatively small aloricate choreotrichs, was comparable in abundance to communities in a range of oceanic and neritic environments, including waters with much higher average chlorophyll concentrations. Integrated (0–80m) ciliate biomass was typically 100–200mgC m −2 , although 3- to 4-fold higher levels were observed on two occasions in spring. Ciliate community biomass, in general, was dominated by large (>20 μ m width) individuals, although in August 1988 the biomass of smaller cells was as great or greater. The estimated grazing impact of the ciliate community averaged 20% of the primary production. On one instance in May 1988, however, a large biomass of ciliates led to an estimated grazing impact equivalent to 55% of phytoplankton production. While ciliates may be major phytoplankton grazers during sporadic ciliate “blooms”, dino- and other heterotrophic flagellates, which make up the bulk of microheterotroph biomass, must normally be of equal or greater importance as herbivores in this ocean region.
Cross-correlation analysis of on-orbit residual accelerations in Spacelab.

To characterize the low-gravity environment within orbiting space laboratories, researchers are operating sensitive accelerometer systems. Transient accelerations recorded in spacecraft can have magnitudes up to 0.01 g over a wide range of frequencies. These accelerations have components in the 0.001-100-Hz range no greater in magnitude than 0.001 g. Some experiments can be sensitive to such accelerations, so investigators are interested in identifying causal relationships between accelerations and experimental results. Here, two forms of synthetic experiment data created using Spacelab 3 accelerometer data are evaluated using cross-correlation analysis. The results show that the use of cross-correlation techniques is appropriate, for specific experiment classes, for assessing relationships between both transient and oscillatory residual accelerations and experimental results recorded in a low-gravity environment.
Executive pay and shareholder litigation

The paper examines the impact of executive compensation on private securities litigation. We find that incentive pay in the form of options increases the probability of securities class action litigation, holding constant a wide range of firm characteristics. We further document that there is abnormal upward earnings manipulation during litigation class periods and that insiders exercise more options and sell more shares during class periods, but that this activity is largely driven by pre-existing option holdings of the managers. Our results suggest that option-based compensation may have the unintended side effect of giving executives an incentive to focus excessively on the short term share price. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Effect of heating rate on glass foaming: Transition to bulk foam

Abstract Glass fining has an undesirable side effect: glass foaming. In a recent experimental study, the foam volume responded dramatically when the rate of temperature-increase varied from 5 to 15 °C/min. This observation indicates that an enhanced temperature-increase rate (a natural consequence of the increased processing rate experienced as a result of the transition to oxy-fuel firing) may exert a substantial influence on glass foaming in advanced glass-melting furnaces. This paper attributes this effect to the change of mode of foam formation as a response to an increased rate of heating.
P48 Cystathionine gamma lyase mediates its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective functions through protein sulfhydration

Cystathionine gamma lyase (CSE) also known as γ-cystathionase, is a key enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway leading to the synthesis of glutathione, the major antioxidant in the cell. CSE converts cystathionine to cysteine, the availability of which is the rate limiting step in glutathione biosynthesis. In addition, CSE utilizes cysteine to generate hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is one of the three gasotransmitters, the other two being nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H2S plays an important role in diverse signaling pathways. One of the mechanisms by which H2S signals is via the formation of a persulfide (-SSH) bond at reactive Cys residues, a process designated sulfhydration. Using a modified biotin switch assay, we have shown that sulfhydration of target proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) modulates their activity thereby regulating prosurvival and inflammatory responses. Using CSE knockout mice we show that H2S functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule in vivo. Depletion of CSE led to a decrease in levels of glutathione and increase in oxidative stress as revealed by protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage detection assays. Primary hepatocytes and mouse embryo fibroblasts isolated from CSE knockout mice had higher levels of reactive oxygen species and exhibited a higher susceptibility to oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide. Our studies reveal an important role for CSE in the maintenance of redox homeostasis in the cell.
Factors Affecting the Filling of the Frog's Ventricle After Isotonic Contraction

A measurable factor determining the filling of the heart is the opposition that the myocardium offers to being stretched. This is expressed as "renitence," which is the ratio of filling pressure to the rate of inflow. Isolated frog ventricle was connected to a vessel containing Ringer's solution at a fixed head of pressure. Change in the volume of the heart was recorded optically. From these time-volume curves, renitence was calculated. For the frog ventricle filling and emptying against a fixed head of pressure, the renitence during the filling period first decreases, passes through a minimum, and then increases. The minimum and average renitences occurring during a cycle appeared to be increased by cooling, a rise in filling pressure, pentobarbital or a combination of hypoxia and acidity. The renitence early during the filling cycle is largely determined by the residual tension from the previous systole, and the subsequent increase seems to be determined by the elastic properties of the myocardium.
Gas-Liquid Catalytic Hydrogenation Reaction in Small Catalyst Channel

A study is presented on the performance potential of gas–liquid–solid multiphase catalytic reactions in small-size structured catalyst/reactor channels. A hydrogenation reaction is performed over the Ni/alumina monolith catalyst module with a model feed consisting of styrene, 1-octene, and toluene. The gas/liquid feed stream is directly delivered into a single, representative channel of the multichannel monolith catalyst module to eliminate any flow distribution problem. The reaction tests are conducted with different channel sizes, wall structures, and feed compositions. The cocurrent downflow operation is compared to the cocurrent upflow. The olefin hydrogenation reaction is found to be severely limited by mass-transfer rates. Because of intensified mass transfer inside the small catalyst channel, substantial olefin conversion (50%) is achieved even at unconventionally high LHSV (2000 v/v/h). Liquid and gas superficial linear velocities were varied over a wide range (UL 1–50 cm/s, UG 1–2000 cm/s) to elucidate effects of possibly different flow regimes on the reaction performance. The mass-transfer rate constant of liquid reactant from bulk fluid onto the channel surface in a 1-mm reaction channel is found to be related to the flow conditions by a simple equation, akLS (1/s) 0.094(UL 0.1UG) 0.788 . The mass-transfer equation is useful for selection of suitable flow conditions for a given catalytic reaction rate. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 2285–2297, 2005
Interactions between glutamatergic and monoaminergic systems controlling the micturition reflex in the urethane-anesthetized rat.

Abstract The effects of MK-801 (0.001–3 mg/kg i.v.), a non-competitive NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, on the micrturition reflex were examined during continuous saline infusion (0.21 ml/min) cystometrograms (CMGs) in urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg s.c.) rats pretreated with either reserpine (5 mg/kg i.p.), p-chlorophenylalanine(p-CPA; 150 mg/kg i.p., twice a day, 3 consecutive days), l -DOPA (200 mg/kg i.p. + carbidopa 100 mg/kg i.p.) or apomorphine (10 mg/kg i.v.). Pretreatment with reserpine 8–12 h prior to the CMG recording, antagonized the inhibitory effect of MK-801 on the amplitude of micturition contractions while pretreatment with vehicle had no effect. However, pretreatment with the same dose of reserpine 18–22 h prior to the experiment failed to antagonize the inhibitory effect of MK-801. Both reserpine pretreatments enhanced the amplitude of reflex bladder contractions. Pretreatment withp-CPA did not alter bladder activity or the inhibitory effect of MK-801 on amplitude of micturition contractions. When administered 15 min prior to the MK-801, l -DOPA or apomorphine reduced by 70% or 63%, respectively, the maximal inhibitory effect of MK-801 on the amplitude of reflex bladder contractions. These data suggest that there is an interaction between glutamatergic and monoaminergic mechanisms in the regulation of micturition reflex. Since reserpine which reduces both catecholamine and serotonin levels in the nervous system altered the depressant effect of MK-801 on bladder activity, butp-CPA, an agent which depletes serotonin stores, did not, it is concluded that catecholaminergic pathways are involved in this interaction. The demonstration that l -DOPA or apomorphine also reduced the depressant effect of MK-801 suggests that catecholamines released by reserpine may be responsible for the effect of reserpine on the MK-801 depression of bladder reflexes.
The Shape of Environmental Planning Education

In this paper is an outline of four distinct traditions or “modes” of environmental planning. These are planning as rule-making, as place-making, as targeted action, and as principled action. The four modes are discussed in relationship; each mode challenges and reinforces the others in powerful ways. The basic educational requirements are also presented. Environmental planning belongs in the vanguard of the new educational paradigm.
Utilization of satellite-derived cloud cover to improve the estimation of latent heat release in a winter extratropical cyclone

A simple scheme for utilizing satellite cloud pattern information to improve the estimation of parameterized stable and convective latent heat release is proposed and tested for an extratropical cyclone occurring over the United States during January 9-11, 1975. Calculations are done over the standard North American rawinsonde data region and over a sparse data region simulated by ignoring one-third of the original rawinsonde stations. Results indicate 15 percent and 30 percent improvements in latent heating estimates derived from the total and sparse data sets, respectively. A larger improvement was found using the sparse data set because the parameterized latent heat release estimates obtained using these data were poorer than those obtained using the total data set.
Carrageenan-induced suppression of T-lymphocyte proliferation in the rat: abrogation of suppressor factor production by the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, indomethacin and ETYA.

Abstract Carrageenan, an algal polygalactan reputed to be selectively toxic for macrophages, is widely employed as a tool to dissect pathways of cell-mediated immunity. In the present study, corn oil-elicited rat peritoneal macrophages after 72 h culture with 10 μg/ml Seakem® 9 Carrageenan secreted a soluble suppressor factor capable of abrogating T-cell activation by phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA). Addition of the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors Indometha-cin or 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) prevented inhibitor synthesis by Carrageenan-conditioned macrophages. Seakem ® 9 and lambda Carrageenans added directly into spleen cell cultures failed to diminish lymphocyte proliferation, but rather stimulated spleen cell division. Macrophages cultured with low concentrations of Carrageenan appeared to be activated on the basis of enhanced tumoristatic capacity against Schmidt-Ruppin sarcoma cells. Thus, macrophages activated by low concentrations of Carrageenan in vitro appear to secrete a product of arachidonic acid metabolism which is a potent inhibitor of PHA-induced spleen cell mitogenesis.
High cyclability of ionic liquid-produced TiO2 nanotube arrays as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract TiO 2 nanotubes (NTs) are considered as a potential SEI-free anode material for Li-ion batteries to offer enhanced safety. Organic solutions, dominatingly ethylene glycol (EG)-based, have widely been used for synthesizing TiO 2 NTs via anodization because of their ability to generate long tubes and well-aligned structures. However, it has been revealed that the EG-produced NTs are composited with carbonaceous decomposition products of EG, release of which during the tube crystallization process inevitably causes nano-scale porosity and cracks. These microstructural defects significantly deteriorate the NTs' charge transport efficiency and mechanical strength/toughness. Here we report using ionic liquids (ILs) to anodize titanium to grow low-defect TiO 2 NTs by reducing the electrolyte decomposition rate (less IR drop due to higher electrical conductivity) as well as the chance of the decomposition products mixing into the TiO 2 matrix (organic cations repelled away). Promising electrochemical results have been achieved when using the IL-produced TiO 2 NTs as an anode for Li-ion batteries. The ILNTs demonstrated excellent capacity retention without microstructural damage for nearly 1200 cycles of charge–discharge, while the NTs grown in a conventional EG solution totally pulverized in cycling, resulting in significant capacity fade.
Periodic fibrillar material in intracellular vesicles and in electron‐dense bodies in chondrocytes of rat costal and tracheal cartilage at various ages

The occurrence of intracellular fibrillar material (frequently banded) has been studied in normal costal and tracheal chondrocytes of rats at various ages ranging from 1 to 90 days. The study methods have included digestion with collagenase, electron histochemical techniques and routine electron microscopy. Banded fibrillar material has been observed intracellularly in vesicles or in electron-dense bodies in perichondrial and subperichondrial chondrocytes from rats of all ages. These fibrils and extracellular collagen fibrils are partially and equally degradable by collagenase, they are positive after staining with phosphotungstic acid or with silver nitrate methenamine, and their lucency corresponds with that of collagen when they are stained only with lead citrate. They have not been observed in intracellular clefts. They, therefore, seem to be formed intracellularly and to be exocytosed subsequently. Large vesicles and electron-dense bodies seem to be derived from Golgi saccules. A mechanism whereby banded intracellular fibrils could be formed from tropocollagen molecules is postulated. The frequency of occurrence and the diameter of intracellular fibrils seems to increase with increasing age.
ZrB 2 Schottky diode contacts on n-GaN

Abstract The annealing temperature dependence of rectifying contact characteristics on epilayers of n-GaN using a ZrB2/Ti/Au metallization scheme deposited by sputtering are reported. A maximum barrier height of 0.57 eV was achieved on samples annealed at 200 °C, with the reverse breakdown voltage of the diodes also a maximum after this anneal. The barrier height was essentially independent of annealing temperature up to 700 °C even though Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiling showed the onset of inter-contact metallurgical reactions at 500 °C. The Ti began to outdiffuse to the surface at temperatures of 350 °C, while the ZrB2/GaN interface showed no evidence of reaction even at 800 °C. The reverse current magnitude of diodes fabricated using the ZrB2 contacts was larger than predicted by thermionic emission alone.
Price uncertainty and the optimal production-location decision

Abstract The integrated production-location decision involves the simultaneous choice of facility design (input mix) and plant location. This paper generalizes earlier work by incorporating price uncertainty and risk preferences into the problem. Properties of the optimal solution are characterized, and detailed comparative statics analyses are performed to identify the effects of price uncertainty, risk preferences, and production structure on the optimal solution. These results, which illuminate the economic mechanics and parametric sensitivity of such decisions, can be useful for developing and evaluating national and local public policies. An example of their potential use is given.
Study of the Initial Stages of Anodic Oxidation of Polycrystalline Silver in KOH Solutions

Growth of the anodic film on a polycrystalline silver disk electrode in solution at ambient temperature has been examined using a variety of electrochemical techniques. On the basis of the experimental results, a solid‐state model of silver electrode covered by a thin semiconductor film with a finite ionic conductivity has been proposed. It has been found that under potentiostatic control, thickness of the oxide film adjusts very quickly to the hydrodynamic conditions by a deposition/dissolution process, and the steady‐state oxidation currents fulfill the Levich equation for RDE, despite the fact that the electrode is covered by a thin film. In the case of thicker films, after completion of nucleation and growth, changes in the hydrodynamic conditions do not influence the oxidation current, and adjustment of the thickness of the oxide film to new hydrodynamic conditions proceeds at slower rate because of the slowness of the solid‐state diffusion step. The nucleation and growth peak has been observed in chronoamperometric transients above potential of + 240 mV (vs. ). It has been observed that the nucleation and growth peak decreases as the convective diffusion is accelerated by the rotation speed of the RDE. The dependence of the oxidation current upon the rotation speed vanishes gradually during the nucleation and growth process.
Design and implementation of digital controllers for smart structures using field-programmable gate arrays

Implementation issues represent an unfamiliar challenge to most control engineers, and many techniques for controller design ignore these issues outright. Consequently, the design of controllers for smart structural systems usually proceeds without regard for their eventual implementation, thus resulting either in serious performance degradation or in hardware requirements that squander power, complicate integration, and drive up cost. The level of integration assumed by the Smart Patch further exacerbates these difficulties, and any design inefficiency may render the realization of a single-package sensor-controller-actuator system infeasible. The goal of this research is to automate the controller implementation process and to relieve the design engineer of implementation concerns like quantization, computational efficiency, and device selection. We specifically target Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) as our hardware platform because these devices are highly flexible, power efficient, and reprogrammable. The current study develops an automated implementation sequence that minimizes hardware requirements while maintaining controller performance. Beginning with a state space representation of the controller, the sequence automatically generates a configuration bitstream for a suitable FPGA implementation. MATLAB functions optimize and simulate the control algorithm before translating it into the VHSIC hardware description language. These functions improve power efficiency and simplify integration in the final implementation by performing a linear transformation that renders the controller computationally friendly. The transformation favors sparse matrices in order to reduce multiply operations and the hardware necessary to support them; simultaneously, the remaining matrix elements take on values that minimize limit cycles and parameter sensitivity. The proposed controller design methodology is implemented on a simple cantilever beam test structure using FPGA hardware. The experimental closed loop response is compared with that of an automated FPGA controller implementation. Finally, we explore the integration of FPGA based controllers into a multi-chip module, which we believe represents the next step towards the realization of the Smart Patch.
A low-noise gain-tunable amplifier for large array biopotential recording systems

This paper presents a low-noise gain-tunable biopotential amplifier that is designed based on a folded-cascode structure. Sub-threshold and self-biasing techniques are employed to achieve a low-noise and low-power amplification. With a bias-current tuning block, the gain of the proposed biopotential amplifier can be precisely adjusted. Designed in a standard 0.13 μm CMOS process, the proposed amplifier provides a 5.9 kHz bandwidth and 30.1 dB gain with 732 nW power. The input-referred noise over the entire bandwidth is 4.3 μV rms , equivalent to a noise-efficiency factor of 2.48.
Comparison of fixation disparities obtained by objective and subjective methods

Fixation disparities (FD) were measured as a function of forced vergence using binocular scleral search coils and simultaneously with nonius lines. The slope of the objective FD curve was significantly greater than the subjective FD curve for three of five subjects. This indicates an alteration in retinal correspondence of up to one degree, that shifts Panum's area to avoid the diplopia normally present with large disparities. This process allows for fusion in the presence of large objective fixation disparities which would normally cause diplopia. The shift in correspondence enhances the range of forced vergence, since the larger objective FDs serve as more effective stimuli to fusional vergence. The remaining subjects who lacked this effect had "flat" FD curves indicative of high vergence adaptation.
On the structure of the capsular polysaccharide from Cryptococcus neoformans serotype C--II.

Abstract Further examination of the capsular polysaccharide of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype C by alkaline degradation and methylation, followed by hydrolysis, has shown that the glucuronic acid residues in the polysaccharides are located on the mannose residue already substituted with xylose. In addition, the anomeric configuration of the sugars has been confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
A Note on Competitive Bidding with Asymmetric Information

This note reexamines a problem of competitive bidding under asymmetrical information about the value of the object which was originally formulated and studied by R. Wilson Wilson, R. B. 1967. Competitive bidding with asymmetric information. Management Sci.13 816-820.. We analyze the Stackelberg equilibria of the game under alternative behavioral assumptions about the sequencing of moves. The relative gains of the seller and the two buyers are computed for specific numerical examples.
Sustainable energy: the importance of consumer awareness, acceptance, and action

The debate about peak oil has been raging for the last 40 years, yet, the fact remains that oil is not a sustainable resource and will eventually run out. It is unclear whether the consumer has accepted this fact. In the meantime, preparation is needed to find truly 'alternative' fuels; however, such new technology requires consumer acceptance and support, not only to create the technology, but to successfully apply it. Consumer acceptance depends on awareness of the limitations of the present alternative fuel sources and the goals of sustainability. Unfortunately, what is common knowledge for experts in sustainability is not for the average consumer. These experts need to find ways to better disseminate this information to the consumer in order to encourage acceptance of the technology. The first step in acceptance is awareness, so intelligence dissemination and responsiveness to consumer needs is required if these experts are to be 'change agents' with the goal of encouraging sustainability in the marketplace.
Exploring the Role of Conceptual Scaffolding in Solving Synthesis Problems.

It is well documented that when solving problems experts first search for underlying concepts while students tend to look for equations and previously worked examples. The overwhelming majority of endof-chapter (EOC) problems in most introductory physics textbooks contain only material and examples discussed in a single chapter, rarely requiring a solver to conduct a general search for underlying concepts. Hypothesizing that complete reliance on EOC problems trains students to rely on a nonexpert approach, we designed and implemented ‘‘synthesis’’ problems, each combining two major concepts that are broadly separated in the teaching timeline. To provide students with guided conceptual scaffolding, we encapsulated each synthesis problem into a sequence with two preceding conceptually based multiplechoice questions. Each question contained one of the major concepts covered in the subsequent synthesis problem. Results from a small-scale interview study and two large-scale written tests showed that the scaffolding encouraged students to search for and apply appropriate fundamental principles in solving synthesis problems, and that repeated training using scaffolded synthesis problems also helped students to make cross-topic transfers.
Oxidation and reduction of copper oxide thin films

Abstract Oxygen diffusion induced phenomena in copper oxide thin films have been studied by a combination of the 16O(α, α)16O oxygen resonance technique and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which provides a method for studing the kinetics of nucleation and growth of the Cu2O phase in the CuO matrix. A discontinuous morphology of grain growth of Cu2O is found in the CuO matrix during reduction. The migration of the Cu2O-CuO phase boundary is induced by oxygen diffusion along the moving phase boundary. A metastable phase Cu4O3 can be formed by ion milling the CuO film with high current density. The refractory metals (Zr and Ti) and reducing ambients can significantly enhance the reduction rate of CuO films. The kinetics study of the reduction and oxidation of copper oxides shows that the two processes are asymmetrical and the latter is faster.
Time-domain ab initio study of charge relaxation and recombination in dye-sensitized TiO2.

In order to investigate the electron dynamics at the alizarin/I2-/TiO2 interface this study uses a novel state-of-the-art quantum-classical approach that combines time-dependent density functional theory with surface hopping in the Kohn−Sham basis. Representing the dye-sensitized semiconductor Gratzel cell with the I-/I3- mediator, the system addresses the problems of an organic/inorganic, molecule/bulk interface that are commonly encountered in molecular electronics, photovoltaics, and photoelectrochemistry. The processes studied include the relaxation of the injected electron inside the TiO2 conduction band (CB), the back electron transfer (ET) from TiO2 to alizarin, the ET from the surface to the electrolyte, and the regeneration of the neutral chromophore by ET from the electrolyte to alizarin. Developing a theoretical understanding of these processes is crucial for improving solar cell design and optimizing photovoltaic current and voltage. The simulations carried out for the entire system that conta...
A Historical Review of the Geomagnetic Storm-Producing Plasma Flows from the Sun

The concept of geomagnetic storm-producing solar plasma flows has evolved and advanced considerably over the last 100 years or so. This particular field of study began in an effort to understand geomagnetic disturbances and the aurora. The purpose of this paper is try to follow the ways in which early concepts evolved to later ones, not to review each concept in detail. It is fascinating to see a step-by-step buildup of these concepts, from the earliest idea of flow of solar electrons to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The time line, though tentative, of the studies of geomagnetic storm-producing plasma flows is presented. The author hopes that this paper will serve young researchers in particular to consider how they plan to advance further this scientific field. There is still much uncertainty about geomagnetic storm-producing solar plasma flows. Some of the major questions are listed from the point of view of a geophysicist in the summary sections by grouping them in terms of the quiet-time solar wind, solar streams from corona holes and CMEs associated with solar flares.
How to Increase Response Rates When Surveying Hospitality Managers for Curriculum-Related Research: Lessons from Past Studies and Interviews with Lodging Professionals

Continuous industry input is needed to keep hospitality management curricula current, relevant, and applicable. However, barriers including low response rates are reported when surveying hospitality professionals about competencies and skills essential for success. In response, this study sought to identify successful strategies used by researchers when surveying hospitality managers through mail surveys. Interviews conducted with lodging managers indicated potential strategies for increasing response rates when using online surveys. These strategies are currently absent in the literature. Interview results are presented.
The statistics of lines in natural images and implications for visual detection

Abstract As borders between different regions, lines are an important element of natural images. Already at the level of the mammalian primary visual cortex (V1), neurons respond best to oriented bars. We reduce a set of images to linear segments and analyze their statistical properties. In particular, appropriately defined Fourier spectra show more power in their transverse component than in the longitudinal one. We then characterize filters that are best suited for extracting information from such images, and find some qualitative consistency with neural connections in V1. We also demonstrate that such filters are efficient in reconstructing missing lines in an image.
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CCXXIII:ortho interactions of nitro groups

The mass spectra of C13 labeled o- nitrobenzoic acid and o-nitrobenzaldehyde were studied. Earlier proposed fragmentations involving group migration to a charge-carrying vacant ortho position were verified. A completely unexpected interaction in o- nitroanisole was uncovered by O18labeling.