cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas flow in porous media with Klinkenberg effects

Gas flow in porous media differs from liquid flow because of the large gas compressibility and pressure-dependent effective permeability. The latter effect, named after Klinkenberg, may have significant impact on gas flow behavior, especially in low permeability media, but it has been ignored in most of the previous studies because of the mathematical difficulty in handling the additional nonlinear term in the gas flow governing equation. This paper presents a set of new analytical solutions developed for analyzing steady-state and transient gas flow through porous media including Klinkenberg effects. The analytical solutions are obtained using a new form of gas flow governing equation that incorporates the Klinkenberg effect. Additional analytical solutions for one-, two- and three-dimensional gas flow in porous media could be readily derived by the following solution procedures in this paper. Furthermore, the validity of the conventional assumption used for linearizing the gas flow equation has been examined. A generally applicable procedure has been developed for accurate evaluation of the analytical solutions which use a linearized diffusivity for transient gas flow. As application examples, the new analytical solutions have been used to verify numerical solutions, and to design new laboratory and field testing techniques to determine the Klinkenberg parameters. The proposed laboratory analysis method is also used to analyze data from steady-state flow tests of three core plugs from The Geysers geothermal field. We show that this new approach and the traditional method of Klinkenberg yield similar results of Klinkenberg constants for the laboratory tests; however, the new method allows one to analyze data from both transient and steady-state tests in various flow geometries.
Ion implantation of diamond: damage, doping, and lift-off.

In order to make good quality economical diamond electronic devices, it is essential to grow films and to dope these films to obtain n- and p- type conductivity. This review talk discuss first doping by ion implantation plus annealing of the implantation damage, and second flow to make large area single crystal diamonds. C implantation damage below an estimated Frenkel defect concentration of 7% could be recovered almost completely by annealing at 950C. For a defect concentration between 7 and 10%, a stable damage form of diamond (``green diamond``) was formed by annealing. At still higher damage levels, the diamond graphitized. To introduce p-type doping, we have co-implanted B and C into natural diamond at 77K, followed by annealing up to 1100C. The resulting semiconducting material has electrical properties similar to those of natural B-doped diamond. To create n-type diamond, we have implanted Na{sup +}, P+ and As{sup +} ions and have observed semiconducting behavior. This has been compared with carbon or noble element implantation, in an attempt to isolate the effect of radiation damage. Recently, in order to obtain large area signal crystals, we have developed a novel technique for removing thin layers of diamond from bulk or homoepitaxialmore » films. This method consists of ion implantation, followed by selective etching. High energy (4--5 MeV) implantation of carbon or oxygen ions creates a well-defined layer of damaged diamond buried at a controlled depth. This layer is graphitized and selectivity etched either by heating at 550C in an oxygen ambient or by electrolysis. This process successfully lifts off the diamond plate above the graphite layer. The lift-off method, combined with well-established homoepitaxial growth processes, has potential for fabrication of large area single-crystal diamond sheets.« less
Space simulation in the Neutral Buoyancy Test Facility

Various methods have been to simulate reduced gravity environments for space systems research and development. Neutral buoyancy has been the most universally used simulation of zero-g. This paper describes the facilities, personnel and experimental work that are associated with the Neutral Buoyancy Test Facility (NBTF) at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). This facility provides a unique underwater environment for the researcher to simulate reduced gravity activities and evaluate the performances of space-related equipment. The NBTF's small size gives it several advantages over larger water facilities. Second, the facility is used for research purposes only, eliminating any scheduling conflicts with astronaut training. Lastly, the small volume of water allows the researcher to more easily vary the water temperature. This feature is ideal for investigations of astronaut thermal comfort and regulation. Recent investigations have used the NBTF for reduced gravity simulation of locomotion and load-carrying, among other interesting research endeavors.
Longitudinal Relations Between Prosocial Television Content and Adolescents’ Prosocial and Aggressive Behavior: The Mediating Role of Empathic Concern and Self-Regulation

The current study examined longitudinal cross-lagged associations between prosocial TV (content and time) and prosocial and aggressive behavior during adolescence, and explored the mediating role of empathic concern and self-regulation. Participants were 441 adolescents who reported on their 3 favorite TV shows at 2 time points, approximately 2 years apart (M age of child at Time 3 = 13.31, SD = 1.06; 52% female; M age of child at Time 5 = 15.27, SD = 1.06). Results suggested that prosocial content at Time 3 was negatively associated with aggressive behavior 2 years later, and aggressive behavior at Time 3 was positively associated with aggressive content 2 years later. Results also suggested that prosocial behavior toward strangers at Time 3 was associated with both empathic concern and self-regulation at Time 4, which were in turn associated with prosocial and aggressive content at Time 5. Discussion focuses on the important role of behavior and prosocial personality on media selection during adolescence and the relevance of the target of prosocial behavior.
Effect of numerical noise on beam emittance growth in PIC code

In particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation, errors in space charge forces are of random character. It results in an unphysical increase of effective beam emittance, even while a symplectic integrator is used. To establish a quantitative measure of this effect on beam dynamics, an analytical model of an equilibrium beam affected by random errors in space charge field calculations is considered. An explicit expression connecting beam emittance growth with beam brightness, integration step and the value of the random error in the space charge field is discussed.
OR9 Multiethnic rna sequencing analysis of HLA reveals HLA-allele specific eQTLs

Aim The HLA is major regulator for immune responses and several auto-immune or inflammatory diseases show a strong association with specific HLA alleles. However, it remains unclear what is the effect of individual HLA alleles on variation in cell phenotype and gene expression that potentially contribute to disease predisposition. Our aim was to characterize the role of individual HLA-alleles on gene expression over two ethnic groups and multiple populations. Methods We used RNA sequencing from lymphoblastoid cell lines, including HLA region, combined with HLA typing data from the 1000 genomes and Geuvadis projects in 462 individuals from European (CEPH, Finnish, British, Toscani) and African (Yoruba) populations. The analysis was normalized using PANAMA and analyzed with linear mixed model in R v3.2.0. Results The effect of HLA-alleles on gene expression revealed several genome-wide significant cis-eQTLs for other genes at the HLA region. Importantly, we also characterized several robust trans-eQTL signals for HLA class I and class II alleles ( P −8 ) that were enriched in genes mediating immune responses and shared among different populations. Conclusion HLA-alleles have a robust effect on gene expression and cellular phenotype that is shared across multiple populations.
The link between childhood maltreatment and teenage pregnancy.

A review of the literature on the relationship between maltreatment in childhood and subsequent adolescent pregnancy reveals the need to answer the following questions: 1) is maltreatment associated with higher rates of school-age pregnancy among urban adolescents; 2) what forms of maltreatment are linked with adolescent pregnancy; 3) does a relationship between maltreatment and adolescent pregnancy survive controls for factors such as age poverty family structure and race; and 4) what factors link childhood maltreatment and adolescent pregnancy. To address these issues data were analyzed from a subsample of 249 respondents of the longitudinal (1988 and 1992) Rochester Youth Development Study to determine incidences of pregnancy and maltreatment as well as control and mediating variables. It was found that maltreatment is a risk factor for adolescent pregnancy in this urban sample but it was not possible to determine if sexual abuse played a particularly prominent role in increasing risk. The effect of maltreatment on the risk of adolescent pregnancy survived multivariate analysis even with controls introduced for confounding variables. The factors that seem to link maltreatment with adolescent pregnancy include increased educational disadvantage increased substance use and early search for sexual intimacy. The study is limited because the sample prevented examination of race or ethnic differences included too few maltreatment cases for specific subtype analysis and had a limited number of variable for analysis. These results have implications for interventions with maltreating families for promoting resilience to maltreatment for preventing pregnancy and sexual exploitation and for providing assessment and services for maltreated pregnant adolescents.
Design and analysis of multifunctional structures with embedded electronics for thermomechanical loads

Multifunctional structures, of various forms, are being used in aerospace industry and there have been increasing efforts to enhance their performance. The design and analysis of a composite sandwich beam embedded avionics and integrated cooling systems is presented in this article. The integrated electronics inside a sandwich beam reduces the overall weight of a vehicle by eliminating most of the avionics housing, cables, interconnects, etc. The foam core of a sandwich beam is modified with a cavity to embed avionics. Since the presence of a cavity degrades the strength of the structure, various methods of reinforcement have been presented. The heat dissipation system has been designed to protect the structure from excessive thermal loads. The design of heat dissipating system consists of two parts, thermal interface materials and a highly efficient heat transfer device. Design guidelines for a thermal interface material consisting of particulate composites are presented here. Among various choices, heat...
Matrix-assisted laser desorption of peptides and proteins on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer

The use of ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALD) to ionize peptides for analysis in a quadrupole ion trap is described. An ion source was modified to accommodate a fiber optic to transmit laser radiation from a notrogen laser (337 nm) to the tip of the sample probe containing peptide of protein samples in a matrix of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or 3,4-dimethoxy-4-hydrexy-cinnamic acid. Detection limits are demonstrated with 10 fmol of sperm-whale-myoglobin. The dimer of sperm-whale myoglobin was also observed at m/z 34, 430. A. comparison is made of the tandem mass spectrum of (MS/MS) of human angiotensin I desorbed by MALD to that of the peptide desorbed by liquid secondary-ion mass spectrometry. Both spectra were found to contain abundant structural information.
Post-myocardial infarction exercise testing. Non-Q wave versus Q wave correlation with coronary angiography and long-term prognosis.

BACKGROUNDThe presence or absence of baseline diagnostic Q waves has been believed to compromise the accuracy of standard exercise electrocardiography in identifying severe coronary artery disease (three-vessel and/or left main disease); therefore, a retrospective analysis was performed using a personal computer data base of exercise test responses and cardiac catheterization results to evaluate this premise, and follow-up was performed to observe how Q waves and/or severe coronary disease impacted on survival.METHODS AND RESULTSTwo hundred fifty-three male patients who had survived a myocardial infarction were studied. Patients on digitalis, those with left bundle branch block or left ventricular hypertrophy on their baseline electrocardiogram, those with previous revascularization procedures, and those with significant valvular or congenital heart disease were excluded. All patients performed either a low-level predischarge or a sign/symptom limited exercise test and underwent diagnostic coronary angiog...
Thrombin-cleaved Fragments of Osteopontin Are Overexpressed in Malignant Glial Tumors and Provide a Molecular Niche with Survival Advantage

Osteopontin (OPN), which is highly expressed in malignant glioblastoma (GBM), possesses inflammatory activity modulated by proteolytic cleavage by thrombin and plasma carboxypeptidase B2 (CPB2) at a highly conserved cleavage site. Full-length OPN (OPN-FL) was elevated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from all cancer patients compared with noncancer patients. However, thrombin-cleaved OPN (OPN-R) and thrombin/CPB2-double-cleaved OPN (OPN-L) levels were markedly increased in GBM and non-GBM gliomas compared with systemic cancer and noncancer patients. Cleaved OPN constituted ∼23 and ∼31% of the total OPN in the GBM and non-GBM CSF samples, respectively. OPN-R was also elevated in GBM tissues. Thrombin-antithrombin levels were highly correlated with cleaved OPN, but not OPN-FL, suggesting that the cleaved OPN fragments resulted from increased thrombin and CPB2 in this extracellular compartment. Levels of VEGF and CCL4 were increased in CSF of GBM and correlated with the levels of cleaved OPN. GBM cell lines were more adherent to OPN-R and OPN-L than OPN-FL. Adhesion to OPN altered gene expression, in particular genes involved with cellular processes, cell cycle regulation, death, and inflammation. OPN and its cleaved forms promoted motility of U-87 MG cells and conferred resistance to apoptosis. Although functional mutation of the RGD motif in OPN largely abolished these functions, OPNRAA-R regained significant cell binding and signaling function, suggesting that the SVVYGLR motif in OPN-R may substitute for the RGD motif if the latter becomes inaccessible. OPN cleavage contributes to GBM development by allowing more cells to bind in niches where they acquire anti-apoptotic properties. Background: Osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) and possesses inflammatory activity modulated by proteolytic cleavage. Results: Cleaved OPN was increased in GBM and led to more adhesion of GBM cells. OPN conferred resistance to apoptosis in GBM cells. Conclusion: Increased osteopontin proteolysis increased GBM cell resistance to apoptosis. Significance: OPN cleavage links coagulation and inflammation providing a favorable niche for GBM development.
Update on the biology and management of canine osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumor diagnosed in dogs. Our understanding of the risk factors and genetic changes in canine OSA patients is growing, but specific, innovative therapeutic strategies are slow in coming. Appendicular skeletal osteosarcoma, the most frequent form of this disease, is typically seen in large to giant breeds, with males being overrepresented in most reports. Axial skeletal OSA is less common than appendicular OSA, but the biologic behavior of the disease is equally aggressive in all skeletal sites except for the mandible. Though the current standard of care for dogs with osteosarcoma remains surgical resection of the affected site, followed by chemotherapy with either a platinum- (cisplatin or carboplatin) or doxorubicin-based protocol, novel therapies are being actively investigated.
Marketing modeling for e-business

Abstract The emergence of e-business is opening up new challenges and opportunities for marketing modelers. Drawing on an illustrative pool of recent articles we seek to convey two points in this note. First, that available theories and approaches may be insufficient in tackling many e-business problems. Second, that marketing modeling for e-business can enrich our field quite remarkably in terms of new theories, data and methods.
A combined watershed–water quality modeling analysis of the Lake Waco reservoir: I. Calibration and confirmation of predicted water quality

A coupled watershed–reservoir modeling system was applied to the Lake Waco reservoir and watershed to test possible sources of seasonal excess nutrient concentrations in Lake Waco. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used for modeling watershed production of water and nutrients. This model included small lakes and dairies in the watershed, located spatially using geographic data. For the reservoir, the 2-dimensional, hydrodynamic model CE-Qual-W2 was used with inputs derived from the SWAT simulations. Calibration of the models was based on observed hydrographic information and stream and reservoir nutrient data. The relationship between predicted and observed stream flow values for the North Bosque River, the major tributary to the reservoir, were highly correlated (r 2= 0.86) for the calibration period 1997–1998. Predicted daily nutrient values near the inflow of the North Bosque into Lake Waco reservoir were variable but similar to previously estimated annual loading values. Comparison of predicte...
Dimensions and Correlates of General Well-Being among Older Adults

This article examines dimensions and correlates of psychological well-being among older adults aged 55 and above using the General Well-Being (GWB) Scale with data (N=2,931) collected in Kentucky in 1982. A shortened, 11-item version of the GWB is confirmed for use among older respondents and is found to comprise three correlated dimensions termed positive affect, enervation, and negative affect. Development of this scale involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, comparison of alternative model specifications, and regression of its component dimensions onto known correlates of psychological well-being in older adults, including age, education, marriage, gender, race, and subjective health.
GLUTATHIONE AND PROTEIN THIOL STATUS IN RENAL INJURY BY AMPHOTERICIN B (AMPH) IN RATS. † 2133

The mechanisms responsible for AMPH-induced renal injury are not known. Because oxidant stresses appear to cause or exacerbate other examples of renal injury, we investigated oxidative mechanisms in AMPH nephrotoxicity. Fischer-344 (F344) rats are more suceptible to oxidant-induced injury than are Sprague-Dawley rats, and we found F344 rats to be slightly more sensitive to AMPH nephrotoxicity. Female F344 rats given single doses of 20 mg/kg of AMPH, i.p., developed elevated plasma BUN and Cr concentrations (59.7±0.6 and 1.03±0.05 mg/dl, respectively; vehicle-treated controls, 13.8±0.7 and 0.46±0.03) that peaked by 48 h, declining to baseline values by day 6 post dose. Tubular injury and progress through initial stages of tissue repair were observed by histology. Plasma and tissue levels of AMPH were measured by HPLC. Plasma concentrations showed an initial decline, with an apparent half-life of 23 h, through day 4, but no further decrease was observed through day 7 (peak 0.27; days 4-7 0.03 μg/ml). The concentrations of AMPH in renal and hepatic tissues were not closely correlated with plasma levels or tissue injury. Despite a 10-fold greater concentration of AMPH in liver (range of days 1-5: 16.9-59.4 μg/g tissue) than in kidney (1.11-3.53), plasma ALT activities did not increase. Biochemical and histologic evidence of recovery of renal injury was observed, even in animals with persistently high renal concentrations of AMPH. The redox status of renal proteins was assessed by fluorescence labeling with the thiol-specific reagent monobromobimane, followed by separation by SDS-PAGE. No substantive changes in total or in any individual protein thiol was observed, even in animals that showed marked renal damage. Further, biliary efflux of total glutathione did not increase as would be expected during an oxidant stress. Conclusions: 1) Hepatic vs renal injury do not correlate with tissue AMPH concentrations; 2) Recovery of renal function is observed despite the continued presence of AMPH; 4) Protein thiol status and biliary glutathione efflux do not support oxidant stress as the primary mechanism of AMPH nephrotoxicity.
Job Orientation of Males and Females: Are Sex Differences Declining?.

Sex differences in job orientation found by Manhardt (1972) were explored to determine if they still exist, or if a trend toward similarity as found in studies on traits and behaviors prevails. Significant sex differences were found on 8 of 25 job characteristics, compared with 11 found by Manhardt. In the original study, factor analysis indicated that males value long-range career objectives while females prefer a comfortable working environment and pleasant interpersonal relationships. This study extracted similar factors which explained twice the variance found in the original. However, sex differences on factor preference were mixed. Further, results show that males are less homogeneous in their preference than are females, a complete reversal of results found previously. Implications for personnel managers in handling differences on job orientation of males and females are discussed.
The moderated mediation effect of emotion dysregulation and stress reactivity on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and self-efficacy for avoiding sexual behaviors

The ability to refuse unprotected sexual behavior is a skill that could prevent a number of negative health outcomes, including HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. The present study uniquely adds to the extant literature by investigating the effects of stress reactivity (indexed by cardiac reactivity) and emotion dysregulation on self-efficacy in avoiding potentially risky sexual behaviors among women. Participants were a sample of 60 women age 18–25 years, oversampled for a history of childhood maltreatment (40 women reported a history of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse or neglect). Findings indicated that emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between severity of childhood maltreatment and self-efficacy for avoidance of sexual activities, but only for women who also showed high stress reactivity. These results suggest that women with a history of childhood maltreatment, and in particular those who are highly reactive to stress, would potentially benefit from prevention programs for ris...
Aluminum-27 nuclear magnetic resonance studies of ferron—hydroxo—polynuclear Al interactions

The [AIO4AI12(OH)24+n(H2O)12−n] 7−n+(AI13) polynuclear species was found to interact with the commonly employed complexation agent ferron (8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinoline-sulfonic acid) according to multiple reaction pathways. After the addition of ferron to the partially neutralized Al solution, a large portion of the Al13 polymer was no longer observed by 27Al NMR spectroscopy. The data indicated that the observed initial loss in Al13 concentration resulted from precipitation with acetate (OAc) in the buffer, since the loss was not related to the ferron: Al molar ratio, because no corresponding increase in the Al-ferron (δ = 3.4 ppm) resonance was observed and also because similar losses were noted in solutions where only NaOAc was added. The Al13 remaining in solution was characterized by a resonance with an identical chemical shift (δ = 62.5 ppm), yet having wider line widths at half-maximum (v1/2) than normally associated with the Al13 polynuclear species. This suggested that the ferron is complexing with octahedrally coordinated Al comprising the cage-like structure, and thus distorting the symmetry of the centrally located tetrahedral Al. The Al13—OAc solid phase was also being degraded by ferron more slowly, as indicated by the quantitatively larger increase in the ferron-Al resonance than could be accounted for by the subsequent disappearance of the Al13 peak. That a single polynuclear, the Al13, reacts with ferron via multiple reaction pathways helps to explain disparate interpretations in the literature based on indirect timed spectrophotometric assays regarding the existence of a large number of Al polynuclear structures.
Will It Float? Testing a New Technique for Reducing Loggerhead Sea Turtle Damage to Crab Pots

Abstract Loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta have been found to damage crab pots and reduce catch of blue crabs Callinectes sapidus in North Carolina sounds. In response, crabbers have avoided fishing at locations and times of peak loggerhead sea turtle activity and have experimented with modifications to make their gear more robust. We field tested a new, lightweight, and inexpensive modification: self-righting floats tethered to the inside of the crab pots. Thirty pairs of regular and modified pots were fished between 16 June and 31 July 2006. Damage by loggerhead sea turtles was found in 38% of all replicates, and blue crab catch was 57% lower in crab pots that had been discovered by loggerhead sea turtles. The float modification effectively reduced damage, but stronger effects were found when using plastic bait-well covers that the crabbers had introduced. The modified pots were significantly less damaged (average damage index [ADI] = 1.38 with plastic covers and 2.01 with cardboard covers) than re...
The hypersurface x + x^2y + z^2 + t^3 = 0 over a field of arbitrary characteristic

We develop techniques for computing the AK invariant of domains with arbitrary characteristic. As an example, we show that for any field k the ring k[X,y,Z,T]/(X + X 2 Y + Z 2 + T 3 ) is not isomorphic to a polynomial ring over k.
Thermal and chemical kinetic characterization of multiphase and multicomponent substances by laser heating

A novel approach is described that determines the thermal behavior and decomposition of multiphase solid and liquid substances, such as chemical wastes, fuels, aerosol particles, and propellants through rapid and controlled heating with laser radiation. The laser-driven thermal reactor (LDTR) was developed to provide near temporally resolved determination of substance thermophysical properties and chemical reaction characteristics over a wide range of temperatures (up to 2000 K), heating rates (up to several hundreds of degrees per second), gas pressures, and ambient environments. Described is the experimental arrangement and supporting theory that is used to determine substance thermophysical and chemical behavior. Examples of the application of this technique are given for different substances, namely, a simulant multicomponent organic chemical waste, nitromethane, and activated carbon.
FURTHER CHARACTERIZATION OF AN UNCLASSIFIED GROUP OF BACTERIA CAUSING ENDOCARDITIS IN MAN: CARDIOBACTERIUM HOMINIS GEN. ET SP. N.

The morphology, cultural characteristics, metabolism and antigenic relationships of four members of “Group II D”, previously unclassified pleomorphic gram-negative bacilli isolated from human cases of endocarditis, are described. The main distinguishing features of this group of bacteria are: (1) facultative anaerobes; aerobic growth dependent on atmospheres with high humidity; (2) characteristic pleomorphic gram-negative bacilli with many cells retaining discrete gram-positive areas; (3) sudanophilic bodies and metachromatic granules demonstrable; (4) fermentative metabolism; (5) positive oxidase reaction; (6) production of indole; (7) antigenically unrelated to members of the genera:Brucella, Pasteurella, Bordetella, Moraxella, Hemophilus, Streptobacillus, Corynebacterium, Bacteroides, Neisseria, Escherichia, Aerobacter, andLactobacillus; and (8) association with human endocarditis. On the basis of the evidence, “Group II D” is not adequately accommodated by any of the recognized genera and the nameCardiobacterium hominis is proposed for these organisms.
Similarity of nutrient uptake and root dimensions of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir at two contrasting sites in Colorado

Abstract Nutrient uptake capacity is an important parameter in modeling nutrient uptake by plants. Researchers commonly assume that uptake capacity measured for a species can be used across sites. We tested this assumption by measuring the nutrient uptake capacity of intact roots of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni Parry) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) at Loch Vale Watershed and Fraser Experimental Forest in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. Roots still attached to the tree were exposed to one of three concentrations of nutrient solutions for time periods ranging from 1 to 96 h, and solutions were analyzed for ammonium, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Surprisingly, the two species were indistinguishable in nutrient uptake within site for all nutrients (P > 0.25), but uptake rates differed by site. In general, nutrient uptake was higher at Fraser (P = 0.01, 0.15, 0.03, and 0.18 for NH4+, NO3−, Ca2+, and K+, respectively), which is west of the Continental Divide and has lower atmospheric deposition of N than Loch Vale. Mean uptake rates by site for ambient solution concentrations were 0.12 μ mol N H 4 + g fwt − 1 h − 1 , 0.02 μ mol N O 3 − g fwt − 1 h − 1 , 0.21 μ mol C a 2+ g fwt − 1 h − 1 , and 0.01 μ mol M g 2+ g fwt − 1 h − 1 at Loch Vale, and 0.21 μ mol N H 4 + g fwt − 1 h − 1 , 0.04 μ mol N O 3 − g fwt − 1 h − 1 , 0.51 μ mol C a 2+ g fwt − 1 h − 1 , and 0.07 μ mol M g 2+ g fwt − 1 h − 1 at Fraser. The importance of site conditions in determining uptake capacity should not be overlooked when parameterizing nutrient uptake models. We also characterized the root morphology of these two species and compared them to other tree species we have measured at various sites in the northeastern USA. Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir were indistinguishable in specific root length and diameter distribution, while most of the other 10 species had statistically distinct diameter distributions across five diameter classes
Crab spider hunting performance is temperature insensitive

Summary 1. Laboratory and field experiments showed that the hunting performance of two flower-dwelling crab spiders, Misumenops asperatus and Misumenoides formosipes, was thermally insensitive over a broad range of temperatures normally experienced by these spiders. 2. In the laboratory, HP, a behavioural metric of spider hunting performance, was similar for spiders of a given species over an ≈ 30 °C temperature range. 3. Spiders in the field captured predominantly hymenopterans and dipterans, and field hunting performance, measured as the number of prey captured per spider per day, also proved to be unaffected by temperature. 4. These findings counter the general rule that physiological/ecological performance in terrestrial arthropods is temperature dependent. 5. Freedom from temperature constraints on the capacity of crab spiders to capture prey may be due to the use of venom and/or to muscle physiological adaptations for anaerobic metabolism. 6. Wide thermal performance breadth increases the spectrum of prey available to M. asperatus and M. formosipes by allowing spiders to hunt prey active during cooler periods of the day as well as those active during warmer periods. 7. Wide thermal performance breadth also benefits M. asperatus and M. formosipes due to adult phenology; both species experience a seasonal temperature shift during the adult phase.
Cultural adaptation of a quality-of-life measure for urinary incontinence.

Objectives: To translate and validate a urinary incontinence-specific measure of quality of life (I-QOL) in French, Spanish, Swedish, and German and provide translations only into s
Controlling macromolecular topology with genetically encoded SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry.

Control of molecular topology constitutes a fundamental challenge in macromolecular chemistry. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of artificial elastin-like proteins (ELPs) with unconventional nonlinear topologies including circular, tadpole, star, and H-shaped proteins using genetically encoded SpyTag–SpyCatcher chemistry. SpyTag is a short polypeptide that binds its protein partner SpyCatcher and forms isopeptide bonds under physiological conditions. Sequences encoding SpyTag and SpyCatcher can be strategically placed into ELP genes to direct post-translational topological modification in situ. Placement of SpyTag at the N-terminus and SpyCatcher at the C-terminus directs formation of circular ELPs. Induction of expression at 16 °C with 10 μM IPTG yields 80% monomeric cyclic protein. When SpyTag is placed in the middle of the chain, it exhibits an even stronger tendency toward cyclization, yielding up to 94% monomeric tadpole proteins. Telechelic ELPs containing either SpyTag or SpyCatcher can be expressed, purified, and then coupled spontaneously upon mixing in vitro. Block proteins, 3-arm or 4-arm star proteins, and H-shaped proteins have been prepared, with the folded CnaB2 domain that results from the SpyTag–SpyCatcher reaction as the molecular core or branch junction. The modular character of the SpyTag–SpyCatcher strategy should make it useful for preparing nonlinear macromolecules of diverse sequence and structure.
Stochastic model of leukocyte chemosensory movement.

We propose a hypothesis for a unified understanding of the persistent and biased random walk behavior of leukocytes exhibiting random motility and chemotaxis, respectively. This hypothesis is based on a description of the leukocyte as an integrated system sensing and responding to a “noisy” receptor signal: random fluctuations inherent in receptor-sensing of chemoattractant concentrations underlie the random walk behavior. Noise arises from real fluctuations in the receptor binding process, which translate into perceived fluctuations in receptor-measured concentration. The unbiased random walk characteristic of random motility arises from perceived fluctuating gradients without a mean reference direction and the biased random walk in chemotaxis arises due to the occurrence of perceived concentration fluctuations around the mean gradient.
Footprints of a Surface Chemical Reaction: Dissociative Chemisorption of p-Diiodobenzene on Cu{111}†

p-Diiodobenzene dissociatively chemisorbs on Cut {111} into three products-two iodine atoms and a surface-stabilized phenylene intermediate-at room temperature. The phenylene intermediates are mobile on copper terraces at77 K, but can be trapped at atomic steps and impurity sites. Because of their rapid motion, no stable intermediates are observed by the scanning tunneling microscope on clean Cu{111} terraces. The I atoms remain in pairs on the surface, presumably at the site of dissociation. Initially, the phenylene intermediates preferentially adsorb at monatomic step sites. After saturating the step sites, additional phenylene intermediates adsorb at impurity sites on the atomic terraces.
MODULATION OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME IN CULTURED HUMAN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Previous work has suggested that not all immunoreactive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in tissues or cells is in a biologically active state. We have explored this possibility in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), one of the most widely studied in vitro endothelial cell systems. Our approach included characterization of the effect of increasing passage number on ACE activity and expression of immunoreactive ACE at the single cell level, the subcellular compartmentalization of active ACE, and the effect of phorbol ester (PMA) treatment. We found that both ACE activity and expression of ACE antigen were downregulated by cultivation (30% of ACE-positive cells at seventh passage vs. 90% in primary culture). ACE downregulation is specific (number of CD31-positive cells did not change with cultivation) and correlated with downregulation of factor VIII-antigen. The percentage of ACE-positive cells in permeabilized HUVEC at third passage was almost twice that in nonpermeabilized HUVEC (90% vs. 50%), indicating that HUVEC contain intracellular immunoreactive ACE. ACE activity, however, was similar when measured in intact cells and in cell lysates. Moreover, diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid (DASA), a membrane-impermeable ACE inhibitor, inhibited ACE activity in intact cells and in cell lysates at the same extent, thus implying that intracellular ACE is inactive. PMA (100 nM) treatment increased the percentage of ACE-positive cells at third passage from 57 to 96%. ACE activity was increased 3-fold in cell and 1.5-fold in the culture medium of PMA-treated cells. Analysis of ACE activity in intact monolayers and cell lysates of control and PMA-treated cells revealed that all enzymatically active ACE in PMA-treated cells is localized on the plasma membrane and acts as an ectoenzyme. We conclude that expression of ACE by HUVEC is downregulated by repeated passage in culture but can be restored by PMA treatment. In addition, ACE expression is heterogeneous between neighboring cells, and total immunoreactive ACE protein associated with HUVEC includes an inactive pool of the enzyme.
Metropolitan innovation, firm size, and business survival in a high-tech industry

This paper contributes to the growing body of business survival literature that focuses on regional determinants of the hazard faced by firms. Using parametric survival analysis, we test the effects of regional innovation on exit likelihood in the US computer and electronic product manufacturing during the 1992–2008 period. The novelty of our approach is in conditioning the effects of metropolitan innovation on firm size. Estimation results suggest a negative relationship between metropolitan patenting activity and survival of firms that started with 1–3 employees. This effect decreases if companies grow. Establishments with more than 4 employees at start-up are insensitive to metropolitan innovation, although size of firms that started with 4–9 employees improves their survival chances. These findings indicate that local knowledge spillovers do not translate into lower hazard. The negative relationship indicates either a creative destruction regime or decisions of entrepreneurs to shut down existing ventures in order to pursue other opportunities.
Do parasites affect the behavior of the Hawaiian white-spotted toby, Canthigaster jactator (Pisces)?

This study observed differences in behavior associated with parasites in the fish Canthigaster jactator. These fish were observed both within Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, and just outside the bay. Normal (unparasitized) fish behaved similarly to their congeners. Behavior varied by size class and presumed sex. Larger fish (males) patrolled territories and courted medium-sized fish (females), which freely crossed male territories. Smaller fish appeared to be immature and remained in limited home ranges on the edge of male territories. All fish parasitized with a philometrid nematode acted most like immature ”normal” fish, with limited home ranges and few social interactions. However, parasitized fish ate at twice the rate of unparasitized fish. All fish collected from the bay contained some parasites, and none were sexually mature, whereas no parasites were found in fish from outside the bay. These data suggest that parasites affect the behavior of C. jactator. Moreover, parasites may limit the sexual maturation of their hosts.
Technology transfer and institutional development in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract The transfer of technology from developed countries to emerging markets has been of central interest to MNCs. This paper examines the problems associated with technology transfer in the context of Central and Eastern European countries. Contrary to a common perception of the region, we argue that different country institutional characteristics are determinants of technology transfer. By outlining the recent socioeconomic changes in the region, we consider the adoption of essential market institutions and the specific norms of regional integration with the European Union as these most important determinants. The paper concludes with the overview of potentially successful technology transfer strategies for MNCs interested in investing in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Enumeration of graded (3+1)-avoiding posets

Abstract The notion of ( 3 + 1 ) -avoidance has shown up in many places in enumerative combinatorics, but the natural goal of enumerating all ( 3 + 1 ) -avoiding posets remains open. In this paper, we enumerate graded ( 3 + 1 ) -avoiding posets for both reasonable definitions of the word “graded.” Our proof consists of a number of structural theorems followed by some generating function computations. We also provide asymptotics for the growth rate of the number of graded ( 3 + 1 ) -avoiding posets.
Wireless tilt mouse: providing mouse-type access for computer users with spinal cord injuries or disabilities

Interaction with computers (e.g. those with Internet browsers and graphic user interfaces, etc.) nowadays almost requires some form of cursor control, like a mouse provides. However, the traditional mouse is not always the best alternative for all users. To provide a better option for users with spinal cord injuries or severe disabilities an inexpensive wireless head tilt mouse has been constructed to provide easy access to the regular functions of a computer mouse.
Matrix-mediated retention of osteogenic differentiation potential by human adult bone marrow stromal cells during ex vivo expansion

During prolonged cultivation ex vivo, adult bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) undergo two probably interdependent processes, replicative aging and a decline in differentiation potential. Recently, our results with primary human fibroblasts indicated that growth on denatured collagen (DC) matrix results in the reduction of the rate of cellular aging. The present study has been undertaken to test whether the growth of human BMSCs under the same conditions would translate into preservation of cellular aging-attenuated functions, such as the ability to express HSP70 in response to stress as well as of osteogenic differentiation potential. We report here that growth of BMSCs on a DC matrix versus tissue culture polystyrene significantly reduced one of the main manifestations of cellular aging, the attenuation of the ability to express a major protective stress response component, HSP70, increased the proliferation capacity of ex vivo expanded BMSCs, reduced the rate of morphological changes, and resulted in a dramatic increase in the retention of the potential to express osteogenic-specific functions and markers upon treatment with osteogenic stimulants. BMSCs are a promising and increasingly important cell source for tissue engineering as well as cell and gene therapeutic strategies. For use of BMSCs in these applications, ex vivo expansion is necessary to obtain a sufficient, therapeutically useful, number of cells; however, this results in the loss of differentiation potential. This problem is especially acute in older patients where more extensive in vitro expansion of smaller number of stem/progenitor cells is needed. The finding that growth on certain biomaterials preserves aging-attenuated functions, enhances proliferation capacity, and maintains differentiation potential of BMSCs indicates a promising approach to address this problem.
Winning the business case for knowledge management

Without a sound business case, securing resources for knowledge management is difficult. When organizations do not devote the necessary resources to knowledge management efforts, it is often not due to a lack of resources, but rather because managers have not made an appealing business case. In this article, the author outlines guidelines on how to tie knowledge management efforts to an organization’s goals, objectives and key performance indicators.
Dimanganese and Diiron Complexes of a Binucleating Cyclam Ligand: Four-Electron, Reversible Oxidation Chemistry at High Potentials

The reaction of a binucleating biscyclam ligand cyclam2iPrO [where cyclam2iPrO = (1,3-bis[1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclododecane]-2-hydroxypropane] with Mn(CF3SO3)2 or Fe(CF3SO3)2·2MeCN gives [(cyclam2iPrO)Mn2(μ-CF3SO3)](CF3SO3)2 (4) and [(cyclam2iPrO)Fe2(μ-CF3SO3)](CF3SO3)2 (6), respectively. [(cyclam2iPrO)Mn2(μ-N3)](CF3SO3)2 (5) is obtained by the reaction of 4 with NaN3. Single-crystal X-ray structural characterization indicates that in each of the bimetallic complexes the two metal centers are facially coordinated by a cyclam ligand and bridged by the isopropoxide linker of the ligand in addition to a triflate counteranion. Upon replacement of the triflate bridge with the single-atom bridge of an end-bound azide ligand in 5, the Mn—Mn distance decreases by 0.38 A. All of the complexes are high-spin and colorless and were characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that 4 and 6 ar...
Effects of prenatal testosterone and ATD on reproductive behavior in guinea pigs

Abstract Most sexual dimorphisms in reproductive behavior are hormonally organized in the guinea pig. This study sought to determine whether the sexually dimorphic requirement for the aromatization of testosterone in the activation of mounting is organized by testosterone prenatally and whether aromatization of testosterone contributes to the organization of mounting behavior. Pregnant females were treated with testosterone, the aromatase inhibitor ATD, or vehicle from days 28–65 of gestation. The offspring were gonadectomized and tested as adults for lordosis and androgen-activated mounting behavior. Prenatal testosterone treatments altered the hormonal requirements for androgen-activated mounting in females such that they resembled normal males, and did not require aromatization as adults. Prenatal inhibition of aromatase activity decreased mounting activity in females but not in males. This treatment had no influence on lordosis in either sex. The results support the hypothesis that the same hormones that activate mounting behavior in the adult guinea pig are responsible for the organization of mounting behavior.
Revised equation and table for determining the freezing point depression of H2O-Nacl solutions

Salinities of H[sub 2]O-salt inclusions are most often determined by measuring the melting temperature of ice in the inclusion and then referring this value to an equation or table describing the relationship between salinity and freezing-point depression. Generally, data for the system H[sub 2]O-NaCl are used to determine an NaCl-equivalent salinity, owing to lack of information concerning the salts (or other electrolytes) actually contributing to the freezing-point depression. The equation most often used to determine the salinity of H[sub 2]O-salt inclusions from freezing measurements is that of Potter et al (1978), which is based on a regression of data available in the literature at that time. More recently, Hall et al (1988) experimentally redetermined the ice-melting temperatures of H[sub 2]O-NaCl-KCl solutions having compositions ranging from pure water to the ternary eutectic and to each of the two binary (H[sub 2]O-NaCl and H[sub 2]O-KCl) eutectics.