cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gap Junctions in Development

The concept of a multicellular organism as an assemblage of cells that work together harmoniously for the good of the whole organism is well established. Over the past 15 years, however, it has become increasingly clear that the individual cells of multicellular animals are not as self-sufficient and independent of each other as once had been believed. Channels that exist between virtually all neighboring cells permit such widespread intercellular exchanges of low-molecular-weight materials that they must be considered syncytial with respect to small molecules. The specialized areas of the membrane that permit these exchanges are clusters of channels whose permeability is limited only by molecular size of the permeant (Simpson et al., 1977; Flagg-Newton et al., 1979), known collectively as gap junctions. Only in the case of molecules close to the exclusion limit can one detect selectivity (Brink and Dewey, 1980).
Model-Based Concept of Operations Development Using Gaming Simulation

Background. Extensive research exists in the application of gaming simulation to education, experimentation and policy. Systems engineers have begun to utilize gaming simulation during design. However, such applications have not extended to early design activities and have provided little evidence of value to systems engineering. Aim. The purpose of this research is to test the hypothesis that the use of gaming simulation will improve an artifact created early in the design process, the Concept of Operations CONOPS. The aim of this article is to provide an update to work in progress towards testing this hypothesis. Method. A gaming simulation was developed that allows system stakeholders to interact in an immersive environment and develop CONOPS. Results. As the research has matured, informal free-form testing has been conducted. Debriefing has shown that players perceive value from this gaming simulation and yielded observations relative to fidelity, validity, and usability. Conclusion. The conclusion of this article points to preliminary acceptance of the use of gaming simulation towards CONOPS development. Future work will validate this assertion using quantitative data collected from controlled experiments.
Intradental lesions and their reversal in a patient being treated for end-stage renal disease

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease who are being successfully treated by hemodialysis is rapidly increasing across the nation. These patients present some special problems for dentists to correctly diagnose and treat. Presented here is a brief outline of the etiology of changes that might occur, along with the case report of a patient who developed unusual intradental lesions that reversed themselves as the patient's general medical problems were brought under control.
Development of a Procedure for Fatigue Design of Slender Support Structures Subjected to Wind-Induced Vibration

Cantilevered signal, sign, and light support structures are used nationwide on major Interstate highways, national highways, local highways, and at local intersections for traffic control. Recently, a number of failures of these structures have been characterized as wind-induced fatigue failures. It is widely accepted that there is considerable lack of accuracy in the calculation of wind-induced loads on high mast light poles (HMLPs) in both the AASHTO and the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code provisions. A coupled model for predicting buffeting- and vortex shedding-induced response for slender support structures was developed. To accomplish this, monitoring of long-term response behavior of an HMLP subjected to wind-induced vibration and wind tunnel experiments was used to study global behavior and to extract important parameters. From the long-term field monitoring and wind tunnel experiments, the two critical types of wind vibration (natural wind gusts or buffeting and vortex shedding) were individua...
Making the School Uniform Decision: Is It Right for Your School?

Do school uniforms make a difference in student academic performance, school spirit, discipline, and safety? What are the legal restrictions that bear on the school uniform decision in public schools? Do uniform policies lead to less school violence? Do they impose an economic hardship, outweighing the advantages, on low-income families? The school uniform questions raised in this article are not new, and both proponents and opponents have debated the desirability of school uniforms for public school students-especially elementary-level students-for more than 25 years. (Of course, private schools, especially parochial schools, have had uniforms for students for much longer.) This article considers this educational issue under three categories: the history of the school uniform debate, legal issues, and research findings. The article provides 6 guidelines for school leaders to consider as they go about developing and implementing policies related to student uniforms. Language: en
3D diffuse optical tomography of finger joints based on globally convergent method and enhanced initial values optimization scheme

We present an enhanced reconstruction algorithm for three-dimensionally imaging finger joint based on global convergent methods and enhanced initial values optimization scheme. We show that the improved approach is able to provide quantitatively better images than our previous algorithm.
Circular Ribozymes Generated in Escherichia coli Using Group I Self-splicing Permuted Intron-Exon Sequences

A circularly permuted self-splicing group I intron from Anabaena was used to generate covalently closed circular trans-acting ribozymes in Escherichia coli. The RNA component of Bacillus subtilis RNaseP and an artificial trans-acting hepatitis delta virus ribozyme were expressed as the exon portion of the permuted intron. RNA isolated from these cells contained circular forms of the ribozymes, indicating that circles were generated from precursors expressed in these cells. Total RNA isolated from cells producing the circular RNA contained ribozyme activity. In contrast, a linear form of the delta virus ribozyme expressed as part of an unprocessed transcript yielded no detectable activity. These data extend previous in vitro and in vivo studies on splicing-mediated RNA circularization by demonstrating the intracellular production of circular ribozymes. These results have implications for the development of systems expressing therapeutic forms of small RNAs such as ribozymes and decoy-type competitors. Circular RNAs generated by splicing are devoid of flanking sequences that could potentially interfere with function. Also, because circular RNAs are not primary substrates for exonucleases, they may have increased in vivo half-lives relative to linear molecules with similar sequences.
Comparison of blood-conservation strategies in cardiac surgery patients at high risk for bleeding.

Background: Aprotinin and tranexamic acid are routinely used to reduce bleeding in cardiac surgery. There is a large difference in agent price and perhaps in efficacy. Methods: In a prospective, randomized, partially blinded study, 168 cardiac surgery patients at high risk for bleeding received either a full-dose aprotinin infusion, tranexamic acid (10-mg/kg load, 1-mg . kg -1 . h -1 infusion), tranexamic acid with pre-cardiopulmonary bypass autologous whole-blood collection (12.5% blood volume) and reinfusion after cardiopulmonary bypass (combined therapy), or saline infusion (placebo group). Results: There were complete data in 160 patients. The aprotinin (n = 40) and combined therapy (n = 32) groups (data are median [range]) had similar reductions in blood loss in the first 4 h in the intensive care unit (225 [40-761] and 163 [25-760] ml, respectively; P = 0.014), erythrocyte transfusion requirements in the first 24 h in the intensive care unit (0 [0-3] and 0 [0-3] U, respectively; P = 0.004), and durations of time from end of cardiopulmonary bypass to discharge from the operating room (92 [57-215] and 94 [37, 186] min, respectively; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo group (n = 43). Ten patients in the combined therapy group (30.3%) required transfusion of the autologous blood during cardiopulmonary bypass for anemia. Conclusions: The combination therapy of tranexamic acid and intraoperative autologous blood collection provided similar reduction in blood loss and transfusion requirements as aprotinin. Cost analyses revealed that combined therapy and tranexamic acid therapy were the least costly therapies.
The ICT paradox in Uganda: The convergence of radio and telephony in the power contest between the resurging Buganda Nationalism and the central government

This paper examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the power contest between the re-emerging traditionalism and the flagging influence of nationalism in Uganda. The analysis is placed within a globalized information revolution that swept through the African continent resulting in the liberalization of the airwaves and the telephony which effectively ended the monopoly of governments over the primary channels of communication with the population. Specifically, the paper offers an analysis of how the convergence of the Buganda Kingdom FM radio station, the Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) and the now ubiquitous cell phone, have contributed to the resurgence of Buganda nationalism and is leading the kingdom's power contest against the previously all powerful central government over land ownership. Second, the paper presents a brief historical perspective to establish the context and clarify the factors responsible for this power contest between the two previously erstwhile allies. The paper also suggests how the conflict could be resolved and how ICT could be used productively to maximize globalization benefits while minimizing the destabilizations, dislocations, disparities, distortions, and the escalation of disruptions that caused the power contest and threaten to plunge the country into a bloodbath.
Associations of Depressive Symptoms and Brachial Artery Reactivity among Police Officers.

Objectives: Mental health has been shown to be linked with certain underlying physiological mechanisms. The objective of this cross sectional study was to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and brachial artery reactivity (BAR) in an understudied population: police officers. Methods: Participants were 351 police officers who were clinically examined in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Police Stress (BCOPS) study. BAR was performed using standard B-Mode ultrasound procedures. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Mean values of the difference between the baseline and maximum diameters of the brachial artery were determined across three categories of CES-D score using the analysis of variance and the analysis of covariance. p-values for linear trends were obtained from linear regression models. Results: The mean age (± standard deviation) of all officers was 40.9 ± 7.2 years. Women had a slightly higher mean CES-D score than men (8.9 ± 8.9 vs. 7.4 ± 6.4) and a slightly higher percentage increase of BAR than men (6.90 vs. 5.26%). Smoking status significantly modified the associations between depressive symptoms and BAR. Among current smokers, mean absolute values of BAR significantly decreased as depressive symptoms increased after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and diabetes; the multivariate-adjusted p-values were 0.033 (absolute) and 0.040 (%). Associations between depressive symptoms and BAR were not statistically significant among former smokers or never smokers. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were inversely associated with BAR among police officers who were current smokers and together may be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease among police officers. Further prospective research is warranted.
Numerical Investigation of Fracture Channel Waves

SUMMARY This paper examines the characteristics of channel wave propagation in a waveguide formed by two parallel fractures using two-dimensional elastic finite difference simulation and mode analysis. Velocity dispersion of the fracture channel waves computed from f-k analysis of the synthetic waveforms shows good agreement with the mode solution. The dispersion characteristics of the fracture channel waves are compared to those for classic Rayleigh channel waves in a low velocity layer with properties selected so that the S-wave acoustic impedance of the layer matches that of the fracture waveguide at the central frequency of the source. Significantly different velocity-frequency behavior for the various modes was observed for the two types of waveguides. In addition, the fracture waveguide shows high-frequency thickness resonances in the vicinity of the source.
Mirror solar panels

Abstract An equation giving the concentration of mirror solar panels is derived, and the optimum panel angle is determined. Experimental concentrations, using mirror solar panels, are compared with the theoretical predictions graphically. The optimum panel angle as well as the concentration at the optimum panel angle are predicted closely by the theory.
prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolic events: Focus on Dabigatran etexilate

This article reviews the pharmacology and clinical evidence of the use of dabigatran etexilate (DE) in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Published data in English language were identified from MEDLINE and Current Content database (1966 to January 30, 2011) using the search terms dabigatran, VTE, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Citations from available articles were reviewed for additional references. DE is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor that has a rapid onset of action, achieving peak anticoagulation effect in 0.5–2 hours. In clinical studies, DE has demonstrated superiority and non-inferiority to enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis and non-inferiority to warfarin for VTE treatment. A common side effect of DE is gastrointestinal complaints. The overall rates of major bleeding were low, and minor bleeding was commonly noted but similar in incidence to other anticoagulant (enoxaparin and warfarin). Future studies should focus on long-term efficacy and safety compared to other anticoagulants, and for other clinical indications.
Traveling-Wave-Based Fault-Location Technique for Transmission Grids Via Wide-Area Synchronized Voltage Measurements

This paper delineates a novel analytical and computational approach to fault location for power transmission grids. The proposed methodology involves an online and an offline stage. The online stage is based solely on the utilization of the time-of-arrival (ToA) measurements of traveling waves propagating from the fault-occurrence point to synchronized wide-area monitoring devices installed at strategically selected substations. The captured waveforms are processed together at the time of fault in order to identify the location of the fault under study. The overall performance of the developed technique is demonstrated using Alternative Transients Program (ATP) simulations of fault transients and postprocessing the faulted waveform data via discrete wavelet transform. The applicability of the algorithm is independent of the fault type and can readily be extended to transmission grids of any size.
Energy storage for short-term and long-term wind energy support

Wind farm output power fluctuations both in short-term and long-term, create adverse effects on the voltage, frequency, and transient stability of the utility grid. In this paper, integration of wind energy with long-term energy storage devices to support the long-term and short-term shortcomings is discussed. Specifically, the energy storage is used for power ramp rate control, power smoothing, and power shifting. The utilized energy storage is zinc-bromide flow battery. The actual model of the battery is used in this study. Portions of the battery are allocated to short-term and long-term support. Actual load and wind farm power generation data are used in this study. The analysis shows that significant improvement can be made to shape the output power of the farm using the energy storage system.
The market share of diesel cars in the USA, 1979–1983

Abstract Two logit-type models of the aggregate market share of diesel automobiles are specified and estimated using 1979–1983 monthly sales data for 18 makes and models of five manufacturers. Market shares are a function of engine asset price, fuel cost savings per mile, and buyers' hedonic valuation of the diesel option. Hedonic valuations vary from $6 000 to -$2 000 across makes and models. The estimated average total discounting rate of 30–40%, including the asset depreciation rate, indicates that consumers will expect an unreasonably short 2–3 year payback from energy-efficient automotive technology.
Serra de Magé: a meteorite with an unusual history

Abstract Serra de Mage has a fission-track age of 540±90 Myr, and may hence be genetically related to three other meteorite classes that suffered major collisions at about that time: hypersthene chondrites, Group III irons, and shergottites. Its cosmogenic track density is very low, ranging from 170 cm −2 to 3500 cm −2 in 4 stones. Coupled with previous measurements of 26 Al, 3 He, 21 Ne and 38 Ar, this suggests a two-stage irradiation history: first for ⩽540 Myr at a depth of several meters below the surface of the parent body, and then for ≈6×10 4 yr as a small object of 3 kg mass.
Telomere length – A cellular aging marker for depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Telomeres play a central role in cell fate and aging by adjusting the cellular response to both biological and psychological stress. Human telomeres are regions of tandem TTAGGG repeats at chromosomal ends that protect chromosomes from degradation, fusion, and recombination. They are made up of approximately 1000-2500 copies of the repeated DNA sequence. Over time, at each cell division, the telomere ends become shorter. Thus, telomere length (TL) has been considered a cellular marker for age-related diseases. In addition to biochemical stressors such as oxidation and inflammation, psychosocial traumatic stress has also been linked to shorter telomeres. TL is significantly inversely correlated with long-term depression, even after controlling for age. Average TL in depressed subjects, who were above the median of lifetime depression, was 281 base pairs shorter than that in controls, corresponding to approximately 7years of accelerated cell aging. Several recent studies have also demonstrated an inverse relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and the risk of PTSD. TL was inversely correlated with the duration of caregiving and PTSD. Here, we focus on the discussion of findings in studies of the relationships between stress-related disorders (e.g., depression and PTSD) and telomeres. We also present direct evidence that TL is associated with traumatic stress, depression, and PTSD, and hypothesize that traumatic stress affects not only mental disorders but also cellular aging. The nature of this relationship between stress and TL warrants further evaluation in psychiatry.
Tell Me Who You Want Me to Be: The Role of Collective Endorsements in Leader Identity Development

Research examining ‘leader’ as an individual role identity has gained prominence in recent years, yet our understanding of how individuals develop these leader identities in organizations is still ...
Using the Monkey Algorithm for Hybrid Power Systems Optimization

Abstract In the present work, the Monkey Algorithm was adapted to find the proper component configuration for a Hybrid Micro-Grid with the introduction of simulation techniques into the evaluation step of the heuristic in order to account for the stochastic behavior of the renewable energy components. The forecasting methods allow the simulation to solve the parameters required in the Monkey Algorithm evaluation step. The Renewable Energy Integration Problem is solved as a Multi-Objective Optimization Problem where the objectives take in account are the minimization of the total lifecycle cost of the system, involving the capital, replacement, operation, maintenance and the minimization of green house gas emissions. The Monkey Algorithm developed in this paper introduces a new methodology along the evaluation step of the heuristic based on meteorological factors, which allows the Hybrid Model to be simultaneously solved for both objectives.
Mechanism of ticrynafen potentiation of coumarin anticoagulant action

Administration of the antihypertensive drug ticrynafen [2,3-dichloro-4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-phenoxyacetic acid] has been reported to potentiate the effects of coumarin anticoagulants and to have caused hemorrhagic incidents in some patients. This drug interaction has now been reproduced in the rat. Ticrynafen administration enhanced the degree of hypoprothrombinemia and altered plasma and hepatic vitamin K epoxide concentrations in warfarin-treated rats. Ticrynafen did not affect vitamin K-dependent carboxylase or vitamin K epoxide reductase activities in vitro. Cytosolic DT-diaphorase was very sensitive to ticrynafen inhibition in vitro, and inhibition of vitamin K reduction via this enzyme is a possible mechanism by which ticrynafen potentiates coumarin anticoagulant action. Inhibition of this enzyme may also contribute to the reported hepatotoxicity of ticrynafen.
Molecular orbital theory for the analysis of photoemission spectra

Abstract Molecular orbital theory contributes significantly to the understanding of photoemission spectra; in particular, theory can separate individual effects which are difficult to distinguish experimentally. Two recent theoretical studies are reviewed to show the kind of information which can be obtained.
Extending the technology acceptance model: the influence of perceived user resources

There has been considerable research on the factors that predict whether individuals will accept and voluntarily use information systems. The technology acceptance model (TAM) has a base in psychological research, is parsimonious, explains usage behavior quite well, and can be operationalized with valid and reliable instruments. A limitation of TAM is that it assumes usage is volitional, that is, there are no barriers that would prevent an individual from using an IS if he or she chose to do so. This research extends TAM by adding perceived user resources to the model, with careful attention to placing the construct in TAM's existing nomological structure. In contrast to measures of self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control that concentrate on how well individuals perceive they can execute specific courses of action, this paper examines perceptions of adequate resources that can facilitate or inhibit such behaviors. The inclusion of both a formative and reflective set of measures provides the opportunity for the researcher and manager to decide whether to evaluate only the overall perceptions of adequate resources or also the specific underlying causes. The extended model incorporating these measures was then tested in the field. The results confirmed that perceived user resources is a valuable addition to the model.
Analysis of oxidative warfarin metabolites by thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract Oxidative metabolites of the anticoagulant, warfarin [4-hydroxy-3-(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)-2 H -1-benzopyran-2-one], produced by the actions of cytochromes P450 were analyzed by thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Warfarin, dehydrowarfarin, and the 6-, 7-, 8-, and 4′-hydroxy derivatives of warfarin were found to ionize well by the thermospray process in the presence of ammonium acetate. Thermospray mass spectra of these compounds were generally dominated by the protonated molecule, (M + H) + , and ions formed by the loss of water from the protonated molecule, (M + H − H 2 O) + . Fragment ions arising from the hydroxycoumarin, benzylhydroxycoumarin, and phenylbutanone portions of the molecules were observed, and the relative intensity of these fragment ions was greatly increased with filament ionization and application of a high repeller potential (100–130 V). Selected-ion monitoring of the (M + H) + and (M + H − H 2 O) + ions provided sensitivities for these compounds in the 2 to 10 ng range. A method employing thermospray HPLC/MS with selected-ion monitoring and internal standard quantitation for the analysis of the oxidative metabolites of warfarin is described.
The Rating or Power Transformers as Determined by the War Emergency

Accurate rating of transformers is one of the most important elements in the problem of providing continuous service to the customers of the utility industry. Rather than attempt to follow a general rule for the loading of transformers it is believed that the urgency of wartime needs amply justifies the effort required to place individual ratings on each transformer bank of the utility under consideration. Experience has shown that such ratings vary widely. The transformers cover a wide range of sizes, designs, manufacturers, and periods of manufacture; with weights per kilovolt-ampere ranging from 7 to 20 pounds, excitation voltages ranging from 95 to 110 per cent, their daily load factors from 25 to 100 per cent, and their seasonal loading from 0 to 100 per cent. The consequent saving of ``critical'' material is self-evident when each case is considered individually. During the war it is desirable to base station ratings on the thermal capacity of all the transformers normally available for service, rather than attempt to set up station ratings based on abnormally high emergency ratings of the remaining units after the assumed failure of one unit. It is essential that these higher station ratings be properly applied so that the danger of failure is minimized.
Deception and Its Detection: Effects of Monetary Incentives and Personal Relationship History

The study examined detection of deception in unsanctioned, consequential lies between either friends or strangers using an ultimatum game. The sender was given an amount of money to divide with the receiver. The receiver did not know the precise amount the sender had to divide, and the sender had the ability to deceive the receiver about the monetary amount. Not surprisingly, senders were more likely to deceive strangers than friends, and receivers were more suspicious of strangers than friends. When senders lied, they stated their offer more times and gave more supporting statements for their offer. Receivers had a strong truth bias, although the majority of senders were truthful, and friends had more of a truth bias than strangers. Receivers were not able to detect deception at a rate above chance. Friends were not better at detecting deception than strangers. However, because most participants were truthful and there was a strong truth bias, a high percentage of participants were able to detect when th...
Scheduling Jobs with Exponential Processing and Arrival Times on Identical Processors so as to Minimize the Expected Makespan

In this note we study a problem related to the scheduling of jobs on p identical processors p ≥ 2. Jobs arrive randomly, interarrival times being exponentially distributed. The processing times are also exponential with mean drawn upon arrival from an arbitrary distribution function. Preemptions are allowed. The objective is to minimize the expected time until this M/G/p queuing system is first empty. We prove that an optimal policy processes jobs currently in the system in decreasing order of expected processing time.
Calculating the statistics of forced response of a mistuned bladed disk assembly

An analytical technique has been developed to calculate the statistics of the forced response of a mistuned bladed disk assembly. The modal mass and stiffness of each blade have been assumed to be random variables with Gaussian distribution. The comparison with results from numerical simulations indicate that the statistics of distributions of the blades' amplitudes predicted by the analytical technique are acceptable.
Longitudinal Study of Individuals with High Tetraplegia (C1-C4) 14 to 24 Years Postinjury

Individuals with high tetraplegia, C1-C4, are living longer due to improvements in medical and rehabilitation care, as well as technology. It is unclear whether this increased longevity is associated with good subjective quality of life and full participation in family and community living. This study describes the outcomes of a group of 63 individuals with high tetraplegia who were interviewed at three phases: 5.3 ± 2.4 years, 13.1 ± 2.5 years, and 18.9 ± 2.6 years postinjury. The measures included demographics, characteristics of assistance with care, psychosocial variables, and time utilization. The results indicate that this group of individuals with high tetraplegia appeared to be functioning well in most areas of their lives. For those indicators that showed change over time, the SCI itself, not necessarily a high tetraplegic injury, and/or the aging process could account for the change. This study suggests that increases in longevity have provided individuals with high tetraplegia the opportunity t...
A systematic analysis of efficacy of second line chemotherapy in sensitive and refractory small cell lung cancer

Introduction: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients unresponsive or relapsing within 90 days after frontline chemotherapy have poor prognosis and are treated with regimens different from the first-line regimen. Potential differences in the efficacy of second-line therapy for refractory and sensitive SCLC have not been well studied. Methods: Studies that enrolled sensitive and refractory (relapse 90 days) SCLC patients for second-line therapy were identified using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library), and meeting abstracts databases. A systematic analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta Analysis (version 2.2.048) software to calculate the odds ratio of response and 95% confidence interval. Median overall survival time for sensitive and resistant SCLC patients was compared by two-sided Student's t test. We tested for significant heterogeneity by Cochran's chi-square test and I-square index. Results: Twenty-one studies published between 1984 and 2011 were eligible for this analysis with a total of 1692 patients enrolled; 912 with sensitive and 780 with refractory SCLC. The overall response rate was 17.9% with a higher response rate of 27.7% (range, 0%–77%) for sensitive SCLC versus 14.8% (range, 0%–70%) for refractory patients; p =0.0001. Pooled overall odds ratio of response was 2.235 (95% confidence interval: 1.518–3.291; p =0.001) favoring patients with sensitive disease. Median overall survival time was 6.7 months with a weighted survival of 7.7 and 5.4 months for sensitive and refractory SCLC, respectively ( p = 0.0035). Conclusions: Refractory SCLC patients derive modest clinical benefit from second-line chemotherapy. However, response and survival outcomes are superior with chemosensitive disease.
Resonance revisited: A consideration of the calculation of cyclic conjugation energies

A homomolecular differential bond separation reaction may be defined as the difference between the conventional bond separation reactions involving the unsaturated system and its saturated counterpart. Such a reaction is homomolecular in that the basic molecular structures involved are the same on both sides of the reaction. The type of homodesmotic reaction that also conserves structure in this way may be termed a homomolecular homodesmotic reaction. Both types of homomolecular reactions are readily related to hydrogenation reactions and, more importantly, to each other. Δ B(n), the energy of the homomolecular differential bond separation reaction involving a system with n double bonds, and H(n), the corresponding homomolecular homodesmotic reaction, are related by: where h(1) and h(e) are the hydrogenation energies of the system's monoene and of ethylene, respectively. Both types of reactions yield measures of cyclic conjugation energies that for certain classifications of molecules are simply related to each other. Consideration of extra conjugation in the monoenes allows a ready interpretation of those cases in which a simple classification is not obtained. Ab initio calculations illustrating these effects have been carried out on a variety of molecules including many five- and six-membered ring systems using second order Moller-Plesset and density functional approaches. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measuring effectiveness of three postfire hillslope erosion barrier treatments, western Montana, USA

After the Valley Complex Fire burned 86 000 ha in western Montana in 2000, two studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of contour-felled log, straw wattle, and hand-dug contour trench erosion barriers in mitigating postfire runoff and erosion. Sixteen plots were located across a steep, severely burned slope, with a single barrier installed in 12 plots (four per treatment) and four plots left untreated as controls. In a rainfall-plus-inflow simulation, 26 mm h-1 rainfall was applied to each plot for 1 h and 48 L min-1 of overland flow was added for the last 15 min.
GaAs MESFET's ON SILICON SUBSTRATES FOR DIGITAL IC APPLICATIONS.

The characteristics of GaAs MESFETs in GaAs-on-Si have been studied in detail for digital IC applications. The device structure utilizes GaAs and AlGaAs undoped buffer layers grown on a 3 degrees off (100) silicon substrate by MBE. The threshold voltage of the MESFET is adjusted by recessing the gate. The maximum observed transconductance of 135 mS/mm is comparable to what is expected from the bulk GaAs device with the same parameters. The device also shows good pinch-off characteristics. Both enhancement and depletion mode MESFETs have been fabricated.
Transcultural Wellness: an Exploratory Study

This study explored differences in wellness scores between a transcultural sample and the normative sample of the Five Factor wellness Inventory (5F-wel; Myers & Sweeney, 2005c). Differences between the two groups were found on all scales of the 5f-wel, with transculturals scoring higher than the normative sample. Implications for practitioners and researchers are presented for those working with transculturals. Este estudio exploro las diferencias en puntuaciones de bienestar entre una muestra transcultural y la muestra normativa de los Cinco factores del Inventario de Bienestar (5F-wel, por sus siglas en ingles; Myers & Sweeney, 2005c). Se hallaron diferencias entre los dos grupos en todas las escalas del 5f-wel, con las puntuaciones transculturales siendo mas altas que la muestra normativa. Se presentan implicaciones para profesionales e investigadores que esten trabajando con individuos transculturales.
AMINO ACIDS AND NUCLEOTIDES OF THE CESTODE, HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA.

Abstract 1. 1. The concentrations of free and combined amino acids and oxidized and reduced nicotinamide nucleotides in Hymenolepis diminuta, the flatworm parasite of the rat, are reported. 2. 2. The acid-soluble nucleotide pattern is also given with an identification of the adenosine nucleotides as the major components. 3. 3. The concentrations of these compounds in this flatworm are compared with those in some tissues of the rat host and other invertebrates.
Selective Hg(II) detection in aqueous solution with thiol derivatized fluoresceins.

The syntheses and photophysical properties of mercury sensors 2 and 3 (MS2 and MS3), two asymmetrically derivatized fluorescein-based dyes designed for Hg(II) detection, are described. These sensors each contain a single pyridyl−amine−thiol metal-binding moiety, form 1:1 complexes with Hg(II), and exhibit selectivity for Hg(II) over other Group 12 metals, alkali and alkaline earth metals, and most divalent first-row transition metals. Both dyes display superior brightness (Φ × e) and fluorescence enhancement following Hg(II) coordination in aqueous solution. At neutral pH, the fluorescence turn-on derives from greater brightness due to increased molar absorptivity. At higher pH, photoinduced electron transfer quenching of the free dye is enhanced, and the Hg(II)-induced turn-on also benefits from alleviation of this pathway. MS2 can detect ppb levels of Hg(II) in aqueous solution, demonstrating its ability to identify environmentally relevant concentrations of Hg(II).
Hepatocyte growth factor receptor signaling mediates the anti-fibrotic action of 9-cis-retinoic acid in glomerular mesangial cells

Retinoic acid (RA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, plays a critical role in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. RA action is primarily mediated through its receptors, ligand-dependent transcription factors of the steroid/thyroid/vitamin D nuclear receptor superfamily. Recent studies indicate that administration of RA mitigates progressive kidney disease, underscoring its renoprotective potential. In this study, we investigated the effects of 9-cis-RA on glomerular mesangial cell activation induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 using an in vitro cell culture system. In human mesangial cells 9-cis-RA suppressed TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression, but it did not significantly affect cell proliferation and survival. Interestingly, 9-cis-RA induced hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA expression and protein secretion, stimulated HGF promoter activity, and activated c-met receptor phosphorylation. Similar to HGF, 9-cis-RA induced expression of the Smad transcriptional co-repressor TGIF in mesangial cells. Overexpression of exogenous TGIF by transfection or 9-cis-RA treatment suppressed trans-activation of the TGF-β-responsive promoter. Moreover, conditional ablation of the c-met receptor completely abolished the anti-fibrotic effect of 9-cis-RA and abrogated TGIF induction. Collectively, these results indicate that 9-cis-RA possesses anti-fibrotic ability by antagonizing TGF-β1 in mesangial cells and that 9-cis-RA activity is likely mediated through a mechanism dependent on HGF/c-met receptor signaling.
Inferring closed string field theory from the on-shell effective action

Abstract Using loop data I derive a class of nonlocal, covariant, gauge fixed kinetic energy operators for closed string field theory in the presence of an arbitrary scattering background. The corresponding actions correctly reproduce all one-loop and tree amplitudes, as well as the one-loop cosmological constant. However, the fields do not obey the L 0 = L 0 constraint.
Incorporation profiles of conjugated linoleic acid isomers in cell membranes and their positional distribution in phospholipids

Although the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have several isomer-specific biological effects including anti-carcinogenic and anti-adipogenic effects, their mechanisms of action remain unclear. To determine their potential effects on membrane structure and function, we studied the incorporation profiles of four CLA isomers (trans-10 cis-12 (A), trans-9 trans-11 (B), cis-9 trans-11 (C), and cis-9 cis-11 (D)) in CHO and HepG2 cells. All four isomers were incorporated into cellular lipids as efficiently as linoleic acid (LA), with the majority of the incorporated CLA present in membrane rafts. Of the four isomers, only CLA-A increased the cholesterol content of the raft fraction. Over 50% of the incorporated CLAs were recovered in phosphatidylcholine of CHO cells, but in HepG2 the neutral lipids contained the majority of CLA. The desaturation index (18:1/18:0 and 16:1/16:0) was reduced by CLA-A, but increased by CLA-B, the effects being apparent mostly in raft lipids. The Δ9 desaturase activity was inhibited by CLAs A and C. Unlike LA, which was mostly found in the sn-2 position of phospholipids, most CLAs were also incorporated significantly into the sn-1 position in both cell types. These studies show that the incorporation profiles of CLA isomers differ significantly from that of LA, and this could lead to alterations in membrane function, especially in the raft-associated proteins.
The Kansas Academy of Science and the Early Role of Geologists at Kansas Universities

in 1865 and 1866 were completed and not renewed for the next 23 years. Geology was being taught at the University of Kansas by Francis Snow (Fig. 1) and at Kansas State Agricultural College (now Kansas State University) in Manhattan by Benjamin Mudge (Fig. 2). In addition to Snow and Mudge, geology in the state was be done by a few hearty souls including Robert Hay, F.W. Cragin, George Broadhead, C.S. Prosser, Edward D. Cope, Othniel Marsh, Orestes St. John, and Charles Sternberg. Together all the geologic workers in the hiatus between the second and third geological surveys published some 261 papers and of those 115 dealt with paleontology (Schoewe, 1965; Table 1).
Reduced plasma membrane surface expression of GLAST mediates decreased glutamate regulation in the aged striatum.

Extracellular l-glutamate poses a severe excitotoxic threat to neurons and glia when unregulated, therefore low synaptic levels of this neurotransmitter must be maintained via a rapid and robust transport system. A recent study from our laboratory showed a reduced glutamate uptake rate in the striatum of the aged Fischer 344 (F344) rat, yet the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown. The current study utilized in vivo electrochemical recordings, immunoblotting and biotinylation in young (6 months), late-middle aged (18 months) and aged (24 months) F344 rats to elucidate the potential role that glutamate transporters (GLT-1, GLAST, and EAAC1) may play in this mechanism. Here we show that the time necessary to clear glutamate from the late-middle aged and aged striatum is significantly prolonged in comparison to the young striatum. In addition, an analysis of various sub-regions of the striatum revealed a marked dorsoventral gradient in terms of glutamate clearance times in the aged striatum, a phenomenon which was not present in the striatum of the animals of the remaining age groups. We also found that the decreased glutamate clearance time observed in the late-middle aged and aged rats is not due to a decrease in the production of total transporter protein among these three transporters. Rather, a significant reduction in the amount of GLAST expressed on the plasma membrane surface in the aged animals (∼55% when compared to young rats) may contribute to this phenomenon. These age-related alterations in extracellular l-glutamate regulation may be key contributors to the increased susceptibility of the aged brain to excitotoxic insults such as stroke and hypoxia.
Partner support in a cohort of African American families and its influence on pregnancy outcomes and prenatal health behaviors

Background We examined how two indicators of partner involvement, relationship type and paternal support, influenced the risk of pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight) and health behaviors (prenatal care, drug use, and smoking) among African American women.
An Extractable Factor in Photosynthetic Phosphorylation

ARNON et al. 1 have shown that chloroplasts are able to esterify inorganic phosphate in the light, provided certain co-factors are added. When adenosine monophosphate was added as a phosphate acceptor, adenosine triphosphate was determined as the product of the reaction. Thus light energy is converted into the chemical energy of adenosine triphosphate, in this set of reactions designated photosynthetic phosphorylation.
Attitudes of Oncologists, Oncology Nurses, and Patients from a Women's Clinic Regarding Medical Decision Making for Older and Younger Breast Cancer Patients

To assess their attitudes toward patient input in medical decisions for breast cancer patients, 67 oncologists, 94 oncology nurses and 288 patients from a women's clinic completed the Beisecker Locus of Authority in Decision Making: Breast Cancer survey. Nurses and physicians responded in terms of a patient aged 40, 60, or 75 years. All groups believed that physicians should have the dominant role in decision making. Nurses felt that patients should have more input than patients or physicians felt they should. Physicians advocated the least patient input. Patient age was not a significant factor in explaining respondents' attitudes.
Statistical indices of the northward rainfall progression over eastern Africa

Two statistical indices are developed to represent the northward progression of rainfall between late January and late July over eastern Africa. The first, a Seasonal Location Index, extracts the seasonal phase associated with a daily rainfall map using a principal component analysis. The second, a Rainfall Cluster Index, describes the seasonal cycle as a progression through a series of rainfall patterns that have been defined using a cluster analysis. The indices are used to identify large seasonal shifts in the latitude of rainfall, to examine when these shifts occur, and to investigate circulation features associated with perturbations ahead of and behind the mean seasonal cycle. These indices are potentially useful for exploring the predictability of rainfall transitions at both short-range and seasonal timescales. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Financial flexibility and corporate liquidity

Abstract I provide an overview of the topics covered in this Special Issue of the Journal of Corporate Finance on “Financial Flexibility and Corporate Liquidity.” This burgeoning literature encompasses studies of the determinants and consequences of corporate cash holdings, as well as the impact of flexibility considerations on corporate capital structure and payout policies. The papers published in this special issue make important contributions to this literature and point towards several promising areas for future research.
The problems of traumatic skin loss of the lower limbs, especially when associated with skeletal injury.

The problems relating to the management of traumatic skin loss of the lower extremity are discussed in Part I of this paper. A short historical survey suggests that the two specialities of orthopaedic and plastic surgery should combine in the treatment of these injuries. This is followed by some anatomical considerations which have practical application in reconstructive surgery of the lower limbs. Principles of treatment are laid down, with the intention that a normal and fully functional limb can be obtained by such combined treatment, provided there are no factors which limit reparative surgery. The available methods of skin replacement and their application to different types of injuries are discussed. In Part II, 135 compound fractures of the lower extremity are reviewed. These comprise 42 compound fractures of the small bones of the foot and 93 cases of compound fractures of the remainder of the large bones of the lower limb, including open knee- and ankle-joints. The methods of analysis are mentioned and the results documented by a number of tables. The discussion which follows rationalizes a plan for management.
Optimizing Nanoparticle cluster arrays for biosensing

Nanoparticle cluster arrays (NCAs) are two-dimensional photonic-plasmonic crystals that are fabricated through a combination of top-down and bottom-up fabrication methods and thus enable to integrate chemically assembled structures into extended arrays with defined morphologies. The ability to control feature sizes on nano to micron-meter length scales provide new possibilities for fabricating complicated multiscale materials with interesting electromagnetic properties. In this seminar the design, fabrication and optimization of Nanoparticle cluster arrays for biosensing application is reviewed.