cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of heat transfer fluids in the synthesis of high-quality CdSe quantum dots, core/shell quantum dots, and quantum rods

Fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles, or quantum dots, have potential uses as an optical material, in which the optoelectronic properties can be tuned precisely by particle size. Advances in chemical synthesis have led to improvements in size and shape control, cost, and safety. A limiting step in large-scale production is identified to be the raw materials cost, in which a common synthesis solvent, octadecene, accounts for most of the materials cost for a batch of CdSe quantum dots. Thus, less expensive solvents are needed. In this paper, we identify heat transfer fluids, a class of organic liquids commonly used in chemical process industries to transport heat between unit operations, as alternative solvents for quantum dot synthesis. We specifically show that two heat transfer fluids can be used successfully in the synthesis of CdSe quantum dots with uniform particle sizes. We show that the synthesis chemistry for CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots and CdSe quantum rods can also be performed in heat transfer fluids. With the aid of a population balance model, we interpret the effect of different HT fluids on QD growth kinetics in terms of solvent effects, i.e., solvent viscosity, CdSe bulk solubility in the solvent, and surface free energy.
Significance of Ternary Bacteria-metal-natural Organic Matter Complexes Determined through Experimentation and Chemical Equilibrium Modeling

Abstract In this study, we conducted experiments that tested for the existence of ternary surface complexes involving bacteria, metal cations and natural organic matter (NOM). We performed a variety of batch complexation experiments in single (NOM only), binary ( Bacillus subtilis –metal, NOM–metal, B. subtilis –NOM), and ternary ( B. subtilis –metal–NOM) systems in order to determine the significance of ternary complexation. We conducted experiments as a function of 1) pH, 2) component concentrations, 3) fraction of NOM (humic, fulvic, or bulk), and 4) metal of interest (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni). Our investigative approach was to quantify the differences between the binary and ternary experimental systems under these different conditions. The concentration of NOM bound in ternary form was calculated directly from experimental data by comparing binary and ternary systems. The concentration of metal bound in ternary form was calculated using chemical equilibrium modeling. Experimental results demonstrate that bacteria–metal–NOM complex formation is a rapid, fully-reversible chemical process. The pH of the aqueous system is the biggest factor in the stability, and therefore significance of ternary complexes. As pH decreases, bacteria–metal–NOM complexes become more stable. The fraction of NOM involved and the identity of the aqueous metal cation have a comparatively modest impact on the stability of ternary complexes. All NOM fractions form ternary complexes to similar extents at circumneutral pH, but humic acid becomes the dominant NOM fraction in ternary complexes at low pH. The abundance of humic acid in ternary form is greatest in experimental systems with Ni or Cd and less in systems with Pb and Cu. These observations suggest that bacteria–metal–NOM complexes are abundant under the conditions present in most natural waters. Hence, ternary complexes may impact the mobility of aqueous metal cations in natural systems by changing dissolved NOM–metal complexes to colloidal bacteria–metal–NOM complexes.
Angiogenesis in the postovulatory primate endometrium: The coiled arteriolar system

The postovulatory period in the primate endometrium of the menstrual cycle is characterized by rapid growth of the coiled arterioles. A great variety of developing microvascular components occurs among a well-differentiated microvasculature of coiled arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Endometrial biopsies were obtained by hysterotomy during progesterone dominance at 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, and 14 days following the peak of the estrogen surge as determined by serum radioimmunoassay. Arteriolar ultrastructural differentiation is remarkably similar on each of these days. Ultrastructural evidence of elastogenesis in the extracellular matrix adjacent to certain endothelial tubes provides the initial sign of coiled arteriolar formation. The cellular primordia of the tunica intima and media are identified by spatial location and glycogen storage in smooth muscle cells. Endothelial projections span the incipient internal elastic membrane to make contact with the surfaces of the innermost vascular smooth muscle cells. Subsequent arteriolar differentiation centers on formation of a muscular media composed of 1 or 2 muscle layers separated by a spiraling lamellar elastic matrix that appears initially between the endothelial tube and the first muscle layer. Vascular smooth muscle cells are highly branched and linked across the elastic matrix by surface contacts. Definitive coiled arterioles consist of interlinked endothelial and smooth muscle cells within a thick, spiraling elastic matrix that provides flexibility for rapid changes in shape. Progressive differentiation of coiled arterioles continues up to the premenstrual stage. This abundant angiogenesis may reflect preparation and maintenance of a suitable uterine environment for the possibility of implantation and pregnancy during each menstrual cycle.
Inhibition of growth hormone-releasing factor suppresses both sleep and growth hormone secretion in the rat

To study the possible involvement of hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) in sleep regulation, a competitive GRF-antagonist, the peptide (N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Arg2)-GRF(1-29)-NH2, was intracerebroventricularly injected into rats (0.003, 0.3, and 14 nmol), and the EEG and brain temperature were recorded for 12 h during the light cycle of the day. Growth hormone (GH) concentrations were determined from plasma samples taken at 20-min intervals for 3 h after 14 nmol GRF-antagonist. The onset of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) was delayed in response to 0.3 and 14 nmol GRF-antagonist, the duration of NREMS was decreased for one or more hours and after 14 nmol EEG slow wave amplitudes were decreased during NREMS in postinjection hour 1. The high dose of GRF-antagonist also suppressed REMS for 4 h, inhibited GH secretion, and elicited a slight biphasic variation in brain temperature. These findings, together with previous observations indicating a sleep-promoting effect for GRF, support the hypothesis that hypothalamic GRF is involved in sleep regulation and might be responsible for the correlation between NREMS and GH secretion reported in various species.
Mentalizing in the psychotherapy of a disturbed adolescent girl.

Abstract The author traces some of the literature related to such concepts as the development of the therapeutic alliance and collaboration in the inpatient and residential psychiatric treatment of disturbed adolescents. The more recently developed concept of “mentalization” is discussed, especially with its relevance to the psychotherapy of difficult-to-treat adolescent patients. A case presentation highlights the establishment of relatedness and trust with such a patient. The case is described in terms of the mental activities of both therapist and patient that facilitated the psychotherapy process in a number of ways. Mentalization is seen as a useful concept, both in terms of understanding the process of psychotherapy, and as a fundamental attribute of the mental activities of the therapist and, likewise, fostered in the patient.
Dietary Acculturation Process of Israeli Women Who Immigrated to the United States as Adults

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the dietary acculturation of women who immigrated to the U.S. as adults from Israel. Participants (N = 6) were women of Israeli descent and lived in Massachusetts. Data was collected using interviews constructed of three parts: dietary recall, questions on causes for altering food choices, and participant observation. Qualitative analysis of the data led to identification of changes in consumption of food and beverages, weight and exercise change, food as culture, and the relocation process. We found that predisposing factors are key elements in influencing behavioral change in food consumption.
Extremely Large Deflection Actuators for Translation or Rotation

In this paper we propose a new type of piezoelectric microactuator to produce extremely large translational (> 100 microns) or rotational deflections (> 10 degrees). Many micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) are capable of deflecting 1 to 10s microns using the electrostatic or thermoelectric phenomenon. The problem with electrostatic actuators is that they are usually constrained to operate in clean environments, which limits their utility to physically interact with the environment. The problem with thermal actuators is that they usually require a relatively large amount of power since they rely on heat. Achieving large deflection actuators without such constraints may find applications in biomedical engineering, optics, micro/nano-assembly, scanning probe microscopy, etc. What is novel about our piezo actuator is we exploit lateral deflection to create an actuator that forms an ‘S’ shape upon actuation. We then explore the use of this S-drive for large translational and rotational actuators. For feasibility analysis, we consider nonlinear deflection, voltage limit due to dielectric breakdown, strain limit, and gravitational effects.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
“What a View!”: Associations Between Young People’s Views of the Late Teens and Twenties and Indices of Adjustment and Maladjustment

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in how young people view the period of life from the late teens to the mid-to-late twenties and how different perspectives of the time period may be differentially associated with indices of adjustment and maladjustment. Participants included 772 college students in the United States with an average age of 19.51 years (SD = 1.69). The majority of participants were female (69 %), White (69 %), and not living at home (90 %). Five factors were identified reflecting different views of what the time period should be about including risk-taking (e.g., a time to drink and get drunk), uncertainty (e.g., a time of confusion), role preparation (e.g., a time to prepare to marry and be a parent), possibilities (e.g., a time of optimism and fun), and stress (e.g., a time of high pressure). Each view of emerging adulthood was differentially linked with indices of adjustment (e.g., prosocial behaviors, school engagement) and maladjustment (e.g., binge drinking, depression).
Isomerization of (Z,Z) to (E,E)1-bromo-2,5-bis-(3-hydroxycarbonyl-4-hydroxy)styrylbenzene in strong base: probes for amyloid plaques in the brain.

In developing probes for detecting β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we have synthesized 1-bromo-2,5-bis-(3-hydroxycarbonyl-4-hydroxy)styrylbenzene (5, BSB). Due to the presence of two double bonds, formation of four different isomers is possible. Four isomers, E,E-5, E,Z-5, Z,E-5, and Z,Z-5, were prepared. Surprisingly, all showed strong fluorescent labeling of Aβ plaques in the brain of postmortem brain sections of patients with confirmed AD. In vitro binding assay also showed that all four isomers of BSB (E,E-5, E,Z-5, Z,E-5, and Z,Z-5) displayed a similar high binding affinity inhibiting the binding of [125I]E,E-6, 1-iodo-2,5-bis-(3-hydroxycarbonyl-4-methoxy)styrylbenzene (IMSB) to Aβ1-40 aggregates. The inhibition constants (Ki) of E,E-5, E,Z-5, Z,E-5, and Z,Z-5 were 0.11 ± 0.01, 0.19 ± 0.03, 0.27 ± 0.06, and 0.13 ± 0.02 nM, respectively. Due to the fact that geometric stability of these styrylbenzenes is unknown, and the conversion of Z,Z-5 to E,E-5 may occur automatic...
EMPIRICAL APPLICATIONS OF PARSONIAN THEORY

A common criticism of Parsonian theory has been that it is really not a theory but only a classificatory scheme. Critics claim that its concepts are not amenable to operationalization and that low-level empirically testable hypotheses cannot be derived from the theory. We argue that: (I) These criticisms are based upon a limited concept of theory, one that neglects other important functions that theory performs. (2) Many concepts in Parsonian theory can and have been operationalized. (3) Empirically testable propositions can be deduced from Parsons's theory. Examples from the areas of social evolution, criminology, small groups, and the self are discussed.
Record of Late Pleistocene Glaciation and Deglaciation in the Southern Cascade Range. II. Flux of Glacial Flour in a Sediment Core from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon

During the late Wisconsin, glacial flour from alpine glaciers along the east side of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon was deposited in Upper Klamath Lake. Quantitative interpretation of magnetic properties and grain-size data of cored sediments from Caledonia Marsh on the west side of the lake provides a continuous record of the flux of glacial flour spanning the last ≈37 000 calendar years. For modeling purposes, the lake sediments from the 13-m core were divided into three sedimentary components defined from magnetic, geochemical, petrographic, and grain-size data. The components are (1) strongly magnetic, glacial flour made up of extremely fine-grained, fresh volcanic rock particles, (2) less magnetic lithic material made up of coarser, weathered volcanic detritus, and (3) non-magnetic biogenic material (largely biogenic silica). Quantitative interpretation is possible because there has been no significant postdepositional destruction or formation of magnetic minerals, nor alteration affecting grain-size distributions. Major steps involved in the interpretation include: (1) computation of biogenic and lithic components; (2) determination of magnetic properties and grain-size distributions of the non-glacial and glacial flour end-members; (3) computation of the contents of weathered and glacial flour components for each sample; (4) development of an age model based on the mass accumulation of the non-glacial lithic component; and (5) use of the age model and glacial flour contents to compute the flux of glacial flour. Comparison of the glacial flour record from Upper Klamath Lake to mapped glacial features suggests a nearly linear relation between flux of glacial flour and the extent of nearby glaciers. At ≈22 ka, following an extended period during which glaciers of limited size waxed and waned, late Wisconsin (Waban) glaciers began to grow, reaching their maximum extent at ≈19 ka. Glaciers remained near their maximum extent for ≈1000 years. During this period, lake sediments were made up of ≈80% glacial flour. The content of glacial flour decreased as the glaciers receded, and reached undetectable levels by 14 ka.
A comparison of knot security of commonly used hand-tied laparoscopic slipknots.

Objective— To compare the peak force required for failure of hand-tied laparoscopic slipknot ligatures. Study Design— In vitro mechanical evaluation of suture material/knot combinations. Sample Population— Four hand-tied laparoscopic slipknots were studied. Three suture materials and 2 suture sizes were evaluated. Twenty samples of each group were tested, for a total of 400 samples. Methods— The 4S modified Roeder, modified Roeder, and Weston and Brooks laparoscopic slipknots using 0 polyglyconate, 0 polyglycolic acid, 1 polyglyconate, and 1 polydioxanone (PDS) were tested. A vertical distracting force (5 mm/s) was applied until failure. Mean peak force to failure was obtained for each suture material, size, and knot combination. Results— Mean (±SEM) peak force to failure of hand-tied ligatures ranged from 156.8±9.1 N to 4.8±.4 N. The 4S-modified Roeder had the highest mean peak force to failure. Ligatures tied with polyglyconate and size 1 suture had the highest mean peak force to failure. Conclusions— The 4S-modified Roeder was significantly and consistently stronger than the other slipknots. Polyglyconate was superior to other suture materials. The 1 polyglyconate had the highest mean peak force to failure followed by 0 polyglyconate that exceeded the 1PDS. Clinical Relevance— The 4S-modified Roeder slipknot using 1 polyglyconate has the greatest breaking strength of sutures tested and should be considered when performing laparoscopic ligatures.
Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies the Danforth's Short Tail Mouse Mutation as a Retrotransposon Insertion Affecting Ptf1a Expression

The semidominant Danforth's short tail (Sd) mutation arose spontaneously in the 1920s. The homozygous Sd phenotype includes severe malformations of the axial skeleton with an absent tail, kidney agenesis, anal atresia, and persistent cloaca. The Sd mutant phenotype mirrors features seen in human caudal malformation syndromes including urorectal septum malformation, caudal regression, VACTERL association, and persistent cloaca. The Sd mutation was previously mapped to a 0.9 cM region on mouse chromosome 2qA3. We performed Sanger sequencing of exons and intron/exon boundaries mapping to the Sd critical region and did not identify any mutations. We then performed DNA enrichment/capture followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the critical genomic region. Standard bioinformatic analysis of paired-end sequence data did not reveal any causative mutations. Interrogation of reads that had been discarded because only a single end mapped correctly to the Sd locus identified an early transposon (ETn) retroviral insertion at the Sd locus, located 12.5 kb upstream of the Ptf1a gene. We show that Ptf1a expression is significantly upregulated in Sd mutant embryos at E9.5. The identification of the Sd mutation will lead to improved understanding of the developmental pathways that are misregulated in human caudal malformation syndromes.
A framework for a theory of meaning

The notion of meaning is central to theories of language. However, there appears to be considerable confusion regarding what a theory of meaning should do, and how it pertains to other linguistic issues. In this paper, I attempt to rectify one aspect of this confusion, namely, the relation of literal meaning, sentence meaning, and speaker meaning. To do so, I present two polar opposites, a standard orthodoxy and a radical challenge. I then attempt to show that, as in most cases, the truth is not in between, but rather, requires a completely different framework.
The creep properties of precipitation-strengthened tin-based alloys

Knowledge of the creep behavior of constituent phases and the effects of their interaction are important for understanding and predicting the creep behavior of solder alloys and for better alloy design in general. This article discusses the effect of precipitate size, distribution, and type on the creep properties of tin, a major constituent of nearly all solders. Solder design recommendations are made based on the results of this study.
A Review: Electrospinning of Biopolymer Nanofibers and their Applications

Electrospinning is a fabrication technique, which can be used to create nanofibrous non‐wovens from a variety of starting materials. The structure, chemical and mechanical stability, functionality, and other properties of the mats can be modified to match end applications. In this review, an introduction to biopolymers and the electrospinning process, as well as an overview of applications of nanofibrous biopolymer mats created by the electrospinning process will be discussed. Biopolymers will include polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin, chitosan, dextrose), proteins (collagen, gelatin, silk, etc.), DNA, as well as some biopolymer derivatives and composites.
APPLICATION OF THE GENERAL COMPLEX COMPLIANCE MODEL TO THE DIRECT‐DETECTION PROBLEM*

A methodology is outlined for using general complex compliance functions—which contain the constant-Q case and any kind of fluid saturant as special cases—to determine the nature of that saturant from seismic reflections observed on seismic records. The important attribute of such a formulation based upon complex compliance functions is that the presence of any kind of saturant is indicated by the values of the parameters contained within the complex compliance function, the latter having the same mathematical form for all rocks under any conditions as long as it remains a crystalline solid.
Sequences of autophosphorylation sites in neuronal type II CaM kinase that control Ca2(+)-independent activity.

After initial activation by Ca^(2+), the catalytic activity of type II Ca^(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase rapidly becomes partially independent of Ca^(2+). The transition is caused by autophosphorylation of a few subunits in the dodecameric holoenzyme, which is composed of varying proportions of two homologous types of subunits, alpha (50 kd) and beta (58-60 kd). We have identified one site in the alpha subunit (Thr286) and two in the beta subunit (Thr287 and Thr382) that are rapidly autophosphorylated. We show that phosphorylation of alpha-Thr286 and beta-Thr287, which are located immediately adjacent to the calmodulin binding domain, controls Ca^(2+)-independent activity. In contrast, phosphorylation of beta-Thr382 is not required to maintain Ca2+ independence. It is absent in the alpha subunit and is selectively removed from the minor beta' subunit, apparently by alternative splicing. Regulation of the presence of beta-Thr382 in the holoenzyme by both differential gene expression and alternative splicing suggests that it may have an important but highly specialized function.
Intensive five‐drug combination chemotherapy for adult acute non‐lymphocytic leukemia

Twenty-two newly diagnosed adults with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and 18 who had relapsed from a prior complete remission (CR) obtained with intensive chemotherapy were treated with a combination of Adriamycin, cytosine arabinoside, 6-thioguanine, prednisone, and vincristine. Eighteen (82%) of the patients undergoing initial induction therapy, including 4 of 6 patients over 60 years of age, achieved CR. Twelve patients (67%) undergoing reinduction therapy also achieved CR. Twenty-three (77%) of the 30 CRs were obtained with only one course of chemotherapy. The median time to CR for those undergoing initial treatment was 32 days, and the median duration of CR is 10+ months. The median survival for all 22 newly diagnosed patients is 15 + months. This intensive five-drug regimen is highly effective for the remission induction of both newly diagnosed and previously treated patients with ANLL producing a high percentage of CRs with only one course of therapy.
Ice Patch Archaeology in Global Perspective: Archaeological Discoveries from Alpine Ice Patches Worldwide and Their Relationship with Paleoclimates

In recent years, in association with global climate change, researchers have found significant quantities of preserved archaeological material melting from kinetically-stable alpine and subalpine ‘ice patches’ all around the world. This paper synthesizes the findings and the methodologies of ice patch archaeology worldwide thus far in an effort to provide researchers with a broadened perspective on artifact collection and interpretation. In addition, I test the hypothesis that increased quantities of alpine ice in prehistory should correlate with decreased human use of these areas, and vice versa. I analyze the relationship between the frequencies of regional artifact dates over time, the nature of these artifacts, and glacial advances and retreats. Ultimately, I conclude that fundamental differences among these assemblages and their correlation (or lack thereof) with prehistoric alpine ice extents stem from the intention and the activity of the people who deposited the artifacts.
Analysis and Performance of Locked-Oscillator Frequency Dividers Employing Nonlinear Elements

The locked-oscillator frequency divider is seldom used because of its inherent instability. One method of stabilizing the locked-oscillator divider is to insert certain nonlinear elements in the oscillator circuits. It is required that these elements have a voltage characteristic that is proportional to an integral root of the current through them. If this condition is met, the locked-oscillator divider can become almost completely insensitive to extreme changes in plate voltage, driving signal voltage, and driving frequency. The fact that the nonlinearity of -the elements can be described mathematically permits some analysis of the circuit nonlinear differential equations.
Rationale for and role of thiazolidinediones in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Several classes of antihyperglycemic agents are available for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. These agents, including thiazolidinediones, biguanides, insulin secretagogues, α-glucosidase inhibitors, and insulin, offer differing mechanisms of actions and can be used either alone or in combination. The thiazolidinediones are a newer class of oral antidiabetic agents that improve glycemic control and may preserve β-cell function. Clinical trial data suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes experience progressive deterioration of β-cell function. By decreasing insulin resistance, thiazolidinediones may preserve β-cell function, and patients may experience prolonged glycemic control. The thiazolidinediones also exert beneficial effects on dyslipidemia, endothelial function, coagulation, and blood pressure. By improving these components of the metabolic syndrome, thiazolidinediones may reduce the incidence of both microvascular and macrovascular complications. This article provides an overview of the role of thiazolidinediones in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
P300 and the menstrual cycle

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were elicited with an auditory discrimination paradigm in 20 adult female subjects on the first day of their menstrual cycles and approximately 14 days later. The amplitude and latency of the N1, P2, N2 and P3 (P300) components were measured for the two assessment times. No differences in either amplitude or latency for any of the components were observed as a function of menstrual cycle. Half the subjects who took oral contraceptives were compared to the other half who did not. No differences or interactions between these subgroups were obtained for any component amplitude or latency. It was concluded that menstrual cycle and use of oral contraceptives do not affect the P3 or other ERP components.
Death Effector Domain Flexibility in Mediating Protein-Protein Interactions

PED/PEA-15 (phosphoprotein enriched in diabetes/astrocytes, 15 kD) is a small, non-catalytic, death-effector domain (DED) containing protein, that is widely expressed in different tissues and highly conserved among mammals. PED/PEA-15 has been found to interact with several protein targets in various pathways, including FADD and procaspase-8 (apoptosis), ERK1/2 (cell cycle entry), and PLD1/2 (diabetes). We have previously reported a surprising conformational change of PED/PEA-15 DED upon interaction with ERK2 using NMR dynamics and residual dipolar coupling (RDC) data. In the complex, PED/PEA-15 utilizes helices α1, α5, and α6 of the DED, in addition to the C-terminal tail, to binding to ERK2, while helices α2, α3, and α4 are highly flexible in the complex, and adopt a distinct relative orientation comparing to the free-form conformation. We have additionally modeled the PED/PEA-15 conformations in the ERK2 complex using CS/RDC-Rosetta protocol. Based on our NMR model of PED/PEA-15 complex with ERK2, we propose that the conserved charge triad motif on DED surface, comprising of D19-R72-D74L, which is located at a hinge position between these two dynamically distinct segments, mediates the necessary conformational changes to accommodate ERK2 binding. We believe that various conformations of the DED, facilitated by large number of surface polar interactions, may attribute to its ability to interact with structurally and functionally diverse proteins.
Interaction between alpha2-and beta2-adrenergic receptors in rabbit ciliary processes

The interaction between the alpha 2- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors of ciliary processes has been studied by examining dose-response curves for adrenergic agonist stimulation of cyclic AMP production by intact, excised rabbit ciliary processes. Stimulation of cyclic AMP production by 1-isoproterenol is maximum from 0.1 to 1.0 microM; at higher concentrations stimulation decreases and approaches basal levels. Decreased cyclic AMP production at high concentrations of isoproterenol is blocked by the specific alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, but not by the alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin. Ciliary processes from animals after bilateral cervical ganglionectomy also show reduced cyclic AMP production at high concentrations of isoproterenol and this reduction is blocked by yohimbine, but not prazosin. This experiment suggests that the inhibition at high concentrations of isoproterenol is mediated by postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Cyclic AMP production is relatively insensitive to epinephrine and norepinephrine, but their responses are potentiated by yohimbine. Catecholamines and clonidine, a specific alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, exhibit dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production by ciliary processes. I50s from the dose-response curves are consistent with the characteristic binding affinities of these adrenergic agonists for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors: clonidine = epinephrine greater than norepinephrine greater than isoproterenol. Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production by clonidine is blocked by yohimbine but not by prazosin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Molecular fingerprint-based artificial neural networks QSAR for ligand biological activity predictions.

In this manuscript, we have reported a novel 2D fingerprint-based artificial neural network QSAR (FANN-QSAR) method in order to effectively predict biological activities of structurally diverse chemical ligands. Three different types of fingerprints, namely, ECFP6, FP2 and MACCS, were used in FANN-QSAR algorithm development, and FANN-QSAR models were compared to known 3D and 2D QSAR methods using five data sets previously reported. In addition, the derived models were used to predict GPCR cannabinoid ligand binding affinities using our manually curated cannabinoid ligand database containing 1699 structurally diverse compounds with reported cannabinoid receptor subtype CB2 activities. To demonstrate its useful applications, the established FANN-QSAR algorithm was used as a virtual screening tool to search a large NCI compound database for lead cannabinoid compounds, and we have discovered several compounds with good CB2 binding affinities ranging from 6.70 nM to 3.75 μM. To the best of our knowledge, this ...
Gene expression in the conversion of early-phase to late-phase long-term potentiation.

: Changes in gene expression associated with different forms of synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampus were investigated. Microarray analysis revealed differential expression of hundreds of genes 30 min after synaptic or antidromic stimulation in different patterns. Results of selected genes were verified by LightCycler RT-PCR. Synaptic activation in a theta burst protocol, which induced long-term potentiation (LTP), increased the mRNA abundance of BDNF-exon 1, but antidromic stimulation in the presence of CNQX, APV, and MCPG (to block glutamatergic synapses) decreased the level of mRNA of this transcript, as did 1 Hz synaptic stimulation. The opposite regulation of this BDNF transcript after firing of the postsynaptic neuron, coincidently or uncorrelated with synaptic firing, is consistent with the effects of BDNF on synaptic transmission, suggesting possible involvement in strengthening and weakening CA1 synapses after correlated versus uncorrelated firing of the postsynaptic neurons with its synaptic inputs. Possible involvement of transcriptional regulation of BDNF in the conversion of early-phase LTP to late-phase LTP are discussed in the context of previous studies by Dudek & Fields (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99: 3962-3967) showing that this conversion can be induced by antidromic stimulation of CA1 neurons in the absence of excitatory synaptic activity.
Central cocaine neurotoxicity at brainstem cardiorespiratory control sites

Abstract Cocaine hydrochloride was applied topically to the ventrolateral medullary surface (VMS) where chemosensitive respiratory and vasomotor control sites are colocalized. Cats (n = 16) were anesthetized with urethane (2.0 g/kg, 80 percent of dose titrated over 60 min). The trachea of each animal was cannulated and the VMS was surgically exposed. Tidal volume (V T ), frequency of breathing (f), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), and heart rate (HR) were measured. Cocaine (62.5 μg per site) administered at the VMS control sites decreased f, SBP, and DBP significantly (p T values. This cocaine-induced hypoventilation was associated with brief intervals of inspiratory cramp (apneusis). Central cocaine neurotoxicity may result from interaction of cocaine with VMS sites, producing increased inspiratory drive and decreased vasomotor tone.
Monitoring cellular responses of engine-emitted particles by using a direct air-cell interface deposition technique.

The impacts of ultrafine airborne particles generated by diesel or gasoline engines on human lung cells have been investigated using a new in vitro cellular exposure technique. This technique enables direct deposition of the gasoline engine exhaust particles (GEP) and diesel engine exhaust particles (DEP) on human lung cells located at the air-cell interface on a transwell membrane in an exposure apparatus. The cellular responses to particle exposure were measured by the levels of IL-8 chemokines produced as a function of exposure time. The findings suggest that GEP and high-sulfur DEP induced the production of similar levels of IL-8 by unprimed A549 cells. The level of IL-8 produced by unprimed A549 cells in response to low-sulfur DEP was found lower than that produced in response to high-sulfur DEP and GEP. When cells were primed, simulating predisposed conditions, significant levels of IL-8 were produced. GEP triggered a much higher level of IL-8 production than DEP did. Furthermore, the time profile of IL-8 production induced by GEP was markedly different from that induced by DEP. The findings indicate that GEP could induce the production of higher levels of chemokines (i.e., IL-8) than DEP did, implying that exposure to GEP could be a greater health risk than exposure to DEP.
Fertility of bull semen with added beta-glucuronidase.

Abstract Motility and fertility of bull sperm were determined following storage in semen extender containing β -glucuronidase. β -glucuronidase retarded loss of sperm motility during 7 days storage at 5C.A preliminary trial revealed no harmful influence of β -glucuronidase on fertility of 279 cows inseminated with frozen semen. Consequently, 120 ejaculates from 14 bulls were used to determine fertility of frozen semen extended in yolk-citrate-glycerol with 0, 10, 30, or 150 units of added β -glucuronidase, or with 10 or 20 μ g of added α-amylase per milliliter. Bach enzyme treatment was replicated three times. The 60- to 90-day nonreturn percentages and numbers of first services (in parentheses) for 0, 10, 30 and 150 units of β -glucuronidase were 72.0 (3,401), 72.3 (1,961), 73.2 (1,912) and 77.9 (1,734). Fertility for 150 units was greater than that for 10 and 30 units of β -glucuronidase (P≃0.02). Comparable values for 10 and 20 μ g of α-amylase per milliliter of semen extender were 74.3 (1,504) and 74.2 (2,057).
Effect of porosity and metallic insertions on electrical resistivity of A2011 aluminium alloy

A rotational, contactless inductive measurement technique has been used to determine the effect of pores and metallic insertions on the electrical resistivity of A2011 aluminium alloy at different temperatures. It is shown that the electrical resistivity increases with the total volume of pores, and is also dependent on the location and orientation of pores. Additional energy losses were found on the contact surfaces between sample and insertions.
Late Pleistocene American obsidian tools

WE have dated some of the oldest examples of obsidian use yet known in America. The obsidian originates from a new location, the Mostin site, which contains about a dozen burials and is located near the Borax Lake site in northern California. There it is thought that man lived as long ago as 10,000 yr and perhaps even at the end of the Pleistocene1.
How to grow a training program on a shoestring

This paper discusses a wide variety of techniques used in developing a lively program of free short courses at the National Institutes of Health. In 1989, the Computer Training Program offered 44 subjects attended by fewer than 1800 students. In 2001, 170 different subjects were offered, attended by 7884 students. Since no one pays to attend, costs must be kept to an absolute minimum. The majority of the instructors are volunteers from a wide variety of sources. In addition to offering many practical tips and techniques, the presentation will inspire those attending with a vision of how a computer training program tuned to the needs of an organization can be created by drawing primarily on existing internal resources.
Systematic government access to private-sector data in Germany

Germany has a strong commitment to the rule of law and to information privacy. Its concept of the ‘rule of law’ is best summed up in the idea of the Rechtsstaat, or ‘legal state’. The Rechtsstaat is a state that is based on civil liberties as well as the expression and protection of constitutional rights. For example, Article 1(1) of the German constitution, the Basic Law, states that human dignity is inviolable, and that the duty of all state authority is to respect and protect it. The Basic Law’s Article 2(1) in conjunction with Article 1(1) guarantees the right of the free development of the personality. Article 20(3) of the Basic Law explicitly binds all three branches of government to the constitutional order and to law and justice. As for information privacy, it has constitutional status in Germany. The constitutional protections derive both from specific and more general constitutional provisions of the Basic Law. These are found in Article 10 (privacy of communications); Article 13 (inviolability of the home); and Article 2(1) in conjunction with Article 1(1) (the basis for a judicially created ‘right of informational self-determination’ and ‘right of confidentiality and integrity in information systems’). This paper discusses these provisions in more detail in the next section. Federal and state data protection commissioners also play an important role in privacy policy-making in Germany. These officials are established under the Federal Data Protection Law (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz, or BDSG). They monitor the data use of the government and of the private sector, and they direct public attention to violations of privacy. A high level of public attention in Germany is directed to privacy issues. The constitutional complaint against a data retention law was brought by 35,000 citizens, which set a record in Germany for public participation in constitutional litigation. As another indication of this public interest, over 240,000 persons in Germany have opted out of Google Street View. Finally, the media cover privacy issues heavily, and general audience books on the topic, such as Die Datenfresser (2011)(The Data Eaters) and Die Facebook Falle (2011) (The Facebook Trap), receive significant attention.
Estimation of Transmission Loss in the Presence of Geoacoustic Inversion Uncertainty

A common problem in sonar system prediction is that the ocean environment is not well known. Utilizing probabilistic based results from geoacoustic inversions we characterize parameters relevant to sonar performance. This paper describes the estimation of transmission loss and its statistical properties based on posterior parameter probabilities obtained from inversion of ocean acoustic array data. This problem is solved by first finding an ensemble of relevant environmental model parameters and the associated posterior probability using a likelihood based inversion of the acoustic array data. In a second step, each realization of these model parameters is weighted with their posterior probability to map into the transmission loss domain. This approach is illustrated using vertical-array data from a recent benchmark data set and from data acquired during the Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment (ASIAEX) 2001 in the East China Sea. The environmental parameters are first estimated using a probabilistic-based geoacoustic inversion technique. Based on the posterior probability that each of these environmental models fits the ocean acoustic array data, each model is mapped into transmission loss. This enables us to compute a full probability distribution for the transmission loss at selected frequencies, ranges, and depths, which potentially could be used for sonar performance prediction
Utility of a transesophageal echocardiographic simulator as a teaching tool.

Objective This study was designed to test the hypothesis that simulator-based transesophageal echocardiographic training was a more effective method of training anesthesia residents with no prior experience in echocardiography as compared with conventional methods of training (books, articles, and web-based resources). Study Design A prospective randomized study. Setting An academic medical center (teaching hospital). Participants The participants consisted of first-year anesthesia residents. Intervention The study design was composed of 2 groups: a control group (group 1, conventional group) and a study group (group 2, simulator group). The residents belonging to group 2 (simulator group) received a 90-minute simulator-based teaching session moderated by a faculty experienced in transesophageal echocardiography. Residents belonging to group 1 (conventional group) were asked to review the guidelines of the comprehensive intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic examination published by the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists. They also were encouraged to use other learning resources (eg, textbooks, electronic media, and web-based resources) to understand the underlying concepts of echocardiography. Written pre- and post-test was administered to both groups. Measurements and Main Results The groups were compared for the pretest scores by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Pre- and post-test scores were compared with a Wilcoxon paired test in the individual groups. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the scores of the 2 groups with better scores in the simulation group in the post-training test. Conclusion The simulator-based teaching model for transesophageal echocardiography is a better method of teaching the basic concepts of transesophageal echocardiography like anatomic correlation, structure identification, and image acquisition.
Allocation of resources in a team

SUMMARY The informational efficiency of “price” and “demand” messages in a resource allocation mechanism is studied here with the aid of the theory of teams1 In the usual analysis of adjustment mechanisms (t?ttonnement, decomposition), the adjustment process is assumed to run to completion, so that all the allocation and resource decisions can be made on the basis of enough information to guarantee optimal decisions.a If, however, decisions must be made before the adjustment process is completed, say, after only a few iterations, then the decisions must be taken with limited information, and thus under conditions of uncertainty. This paper discusses a simple model in an attempt to examine explicitly these problems of uncertainty and limited information. A set of enterprise managers are assumed to produce various commodities, using scarce resources allocated to the enterprises by a resource manager. The enterprise managers also make decisions that affect their individual outputs. Varous kinds of communication among the managers, together with the corresponding information structures, are formulated, including the communication of price and demand messages. Optimal decision rules for the managers are calculated for the objective of maximizing the expected value of an index of total output. (It is assumed that the production functions and the
Fixed-order dynamic compensation for axial flow compression systems

We develop linear fixed-order (i.e., full and reduced order) pressure rise feedback dynamic compensators for axial flow compressors with throttle valve actuation. Unlike the nonlinear static controllers proposed in the literature possessing gain at all frequencies, the proposed dynamic compensators explicitly account for compressor performance versus sensor accuracy, compressor performance versus processor throughput, and compressor performance versus disturbance rejection. Furthermore, the proposed controller is predicated on only pressure rise measurements, providing a considerable simplification in the sensing architecture over the bifurcation-based and backstepping controllers proposed in the literature.
Are Fathers Involved in Pediatric Psychology Research and Treatment

Background Recently, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of the roles of fathers in understanding normative developmental processes. Increased attention has been given to the roles of fathers in the area of clinical child research and therapy. However, the presence of fathers in research and treatment in pediatric psychology has not been fully examined. Objective To explore the status of including fathers in both research and treatment in the area of pediatric psychology. Method An extensive review of published research. Results The findings suggest that pediatric psychology research lags even farther behind clinical child research in including fathers in research designs and analyzing for maternal and paternal effects separately. There is also a concomitant lack of inclusion of fathers in family-based interventions in pediatric psychology. Conclusion These patterns are discussed, with an emphasis on strategies to increase the inclusion of fathers in research and treatment of pediatric psychology issues. Future directions for researchers and clinicians are also included.
The Decomposition of Effects in Path Analysis

This paper is about the logic of interpreting recursive causal theories in sociology. We review the distinction between associations and effects and discuss the decomposition of effects into direct and indirect components. We then describe a general method for decomposing effects into their components by the systematic application of ordinary least squares regression. The method involves successive computation of reduced-form equations, beginning with an equation containing only exogenous variables, then computing equations which add intervening variables in sequence from cause to effect. This generates all the information required to decompose effects into their various direct and indirect parts. This method is a substitute for the often more cumbersome computation of indirect effects from the structural coefficients (direct effects) of the causal model Finally, we present a way of summarizing this information in tabular form and illustrate the procedures using an empirical example.