cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When do firms revalue their assets upwards? Evidence from the UK

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the timing of upward asset revaluations using large UK data.Design/methodology/approach – A standard logistic model is used to examine the timing of upward asset revaluations. The result is further confirmed by using the ordinary least squares regression.Findings – UK firms with higher industrial leverage and share performance two years before the revaluation year are inclined to write up their assets, suggesting that firms choose not to recognise good news unless it has been supported by their superior market performance and industry norm. This finding differs from the leverage reduction as well as the signalling objective suggested by previous literature.Originality/value – This paper provides the first UK evidence on the timing of upward asset revaluation, which further enhance the understanding of the economic determinants of upward asset revaluations.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopic studies of diffusion within the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements have been performed in order to determine the translational diffusion coefficients of three differently charged fluorescent probes (cationic: rhodamine 6G, neutral: 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-p-dimethylaminostyryl-4-H-pyran, DCM, and anionic: fluorescein) dissolved within the common room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim][PF6]. These experiments demonstrate that FCS is a rapid, sensitive, precise (typical RSD from 4–8%), and low-consumption screening tool for the determination of analyte mobility within microliter ionic liquid samples.
Effect of calcium levels on redistribution of Sr85 in bush bean plants

When bush bean plants previously exposed to Sr85 were transferred to solutions containing different levels of calcium without further addition of Sr85, and calcium had relatively little, but some, effect on the redistribution of the Sr85 in the plants. Calcium did tend to restrict movement of strontium. Sr85 tended to concentrate in stems or old leaves, usually more so than calcium. New leaves particularly had lower Sr/Ca ratios than other plant parts indicating some discrimination in favor of calcium.
Temperature and moisture monitoring in concrete structures using embedded nanotechnology/microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors

The curing and damage process of concrete is significantly affected by the temperature and moisture level. Moisture transfer during construction could prevent concrete from developing its full strength and might lead to high shrinkage stresses. In addition, self-desiccation due to temperature of the hydrated cement paste causes an additional decrease of moisture content at early ages, thereby influencing the properties of the young concrete as well as its long-term behavior, i.e., deformation caused by self-generated stresses, stability and durability. Temperature and high moisture content can also promote deterioration processes of concrete structures and could jeopardize their integrity and long-term durability. The monitoring of temperature and moisture level will provide crucial information about the hardening and setting process of portland cement concrete as well as the progress of deterioration mechanisms such as corrosion of steel reinforcement, freeze–thaw cycles, carbonation and alkali-aggregate reaction. A new technique that monitors the moisture level and temperature is presented in this paper. The proposed technique uses nanotechnology/microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to measure temperature and internal relative humidity (RH) using microcantilever beams and moisture-sensitive thin polymer. The durability and the sensing capability of the proposed MEMS were investigated analytically and experimentally. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the proposed MEMS survived the concrete corrosive environment and internal and external stresses. Also it was found that the MEMS outputs reflect the change in the concrete properties and can be used to measure moisture content and temperature effectively and with a high sensitivity. However, serious issues such as long-term behavior and repeatability of MEMS embedded into concrete require further investigation. Other issues relating to wireless interrogation such as signal processing, powering, communication, location, orientation, data storage and computation capabilities also need to be addressed.
The future of care for type 1 diabetes

See related research article by Haidar and colleagues on page [297][1] and at [www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.121265][2] Type 1 diabetes is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by gross dysregulation of glycemia, owing to autoimmune destruction of β-cell function, and by long-term
Use of biomarkers in the emergency department and chest pain unit

The use of biomarkers of cardiac injury in the emergency department (ED) and observation unit settings has several nuances that are different and, therefore, worthy of its own set of use guidelines. The markers that are used, however, are the same. The primary marker of choice continues to be cardiac troponin (Tn). Other markers that have been used because of the need in the ED for rapid triage have been myoglobin and fatty acid binding protein. In addition, some centers still prefer less sensitive and less specific markers such as creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB). More recently, a push has occurred to develop markers of ischemia, such as ischemia modified albumin (IMA),to determine which patients have ischemia, even in the absence of cardiac injury. As troponin assays become more sensitive and method for use becomes better understood, the use of these other markers are being relegated to lesser and lesser roles. Markers of ischemia are useful, but at present, despite some enthusiasm, are not ready for routine use. Before describing the recommendations for clinical use of biomarkers in the ED, a basic understanding of some of the science and measurement issues related to these analytes is helpful.
Non-"g" Residuals of the SAT and ACT Predict Specific Abilities.

Abstract This research examined whether non- g residuals of the SAT and ACT subtests, obtained after removing g , predicted specific abilities. Non- g residuals of the verbal and math subtests of the SAT and ACT were correlated with academic (verbal and math) and non-academic abilities (speed and shop), both based on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Non- g residuals of the SAT and ACT math subtests were positively related to math ability and negatively to verbal ability, whereas the opposite pattern was found for the verbal subtests. Non- g residuals of both sets of subtests were weakly related to non-academic abilities. The results support an investment theory of skills and abilities: Investing in skills in one area (e.g., math) improves abilities in that area but lowers abilities in competing areas (e.g., verbal).
Gut microbiome and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases

We review recent findings and hypotheses on the roles of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Microbial metabolites and cell components contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis and inflammation, key components of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the severe form of NAFLD. Altered gut microbiome can independently cause obesity, the most important risk factor for NAFLD. This capability is attributed to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), major gut microbial fermentation products. SCFAs account for a large portion of caloric intake of the host, and they enhance intestinal absorption by activating GLP-2 signaling. However, elevated SCFAs may be an adaptive measure to suppress colitis, which could be a higher priority than imbalanced calorie intake. The microbiome of NASH patients features an elevated capacity for alcohol production. The pathomechanisms for alcoholic steatohepatitis may apply to NASH. NAFLD/NASH is associated with elevated Gram-negative microbiome and endotoxemia. However, many NASH patients exhibited normal serum endotoxin indicating that endotoxemia is not required for the pathogenesis of NASH. These observations suggest that microbial intervention may benefit NAFLD/NASH patients. However, very limited effects were observed using traditional probiotic species. Novel probiotic therapy based on NAFLD/NASH specific microbial composition represents a promising future direction.
Assessing the Consequences of Declining Unionization and Public-Sector Employment: A Density-Function Decomposition of Rising Inequality From 1983 to 2005

This study defines four sectors of labor markets based on union membership and public-sector employment. Using the current population surveys from 1983 to 2005, the authors decompose the growth of ...
AMERICA’S LARGEST BLACK-OWNED COMPANIES: A 40-YEAR LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS

This longitudinal analysis of the largest black-owned businesses in the United States covers the period from 1974 through 2014, a time-span of forty years, and is a follow-up to an earlier inquiry published ten years ago in the Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship. This current study focuses on similarities and differences from the earlier analysis. This investigation probes the overall evolution of these companies, as well as various trends, patterns and other characteristics within the general data of both growth and decline; and provides data, information, analysis and resultant conclusions and implications, which should be both of interest and of value to: (a) black and other minority active and aspiring businesspeople, (b) researchers in the area of minority business, (c) consultants and advisors to such businesses and (d) those involved in related business development policy.
Enhanced Cell Death Imaging Using Multivalent Zinc(II)-Bis(dipicolylamine) Fluorescent Probes

There is a clinical need for imaging technologies that can accurately detect cell death in a multitude of pathological conditions. Zinc(II)-bis(dipicolylamine) (Zn2BDPA) coordination complexes are known to associate with the anionic phosphatidylserine that is exposed on the surface of dead and dying cells, and fluorescent monovalent Zn2BDPA probes are successful cell death imaging agents. This present study compared the membrane targeting ability of two structurally related deep-red fluorescent probes, bis-Zn2BDPA-SR and tetra-Zn2BDPA-SR, with two and four appended Zn2BDPA units, respectively. Vesicle and cell microscopy studies indicated that a higher number of Zn2BDPA targeting units improved probe selectivity for phosphatidylserine-rich vesicles, and increased probe localization at the plasma membrane of dead and dying cells. The fluorescent probes were also tested in three separate animal models, (1) necrotic prostate tumor rat model, (2) thymus atrophy mouse model, and (3) traumatic brain injury mous...
Pervaporation membranes in direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract The membranes in direct methanol fuel cells must both conduct protons and serve as a barrier for methanol. Nafion, the most common fuel cell membrane, is an excellent conductor but a poor barrier. Polyvinyl alcohol pervaporation membranes are good methanol barriers but poor conductors. These and most other pervaporation membranes offer no significant advantages over Nafion in methanol fuel cell applications. However, polybenzimidazole membranes have demonstrated characteristics that suggest up to a 15-fold improvement in direct methanol fuel cells. This improvement may be due to an alternate form of proton conduction in which protons travel via a Grotthus or “hopping” mechanism.
Conceptual framework for assessing the response of delta channel networks to Holocene sea level rise

Abstract Recent research has identified two fundamental unit processes that build delta distributary channels. The first is mouth-bar deposition at the shoreline and subsequent channel bifurcation, which is driven by progradation of the shoreline; the second is avulsion to a new channel, a result of aggradation of the delta topset. The former creates relatively small, branching networks such as Wax Lake Delta; the latter generates relatively few, long distributaries such as the Mississippi and Atchafalaya channels on the Mississippi Delta. The relative rate of progradation to aggradation, and hence the creation of accommodation space, emerges as a controlling parameter on channel network form. Field and experimental research has identified sea level as the dominant control on Holocene delta growth worldwide, and has empirically linked channel network changes to changes in the rate of sea level rise. Here I outline a simple modeling framework for distributary network evolution, and use this to explore large-scale changes in Holocene channel pattern that have been observed in deltas such as the Rhine-Meuse and Mississippi. Rapid early- to mid-Holocene sea level rise forced many deltas into an aggradational mode, where I hypothesize that avulsion and the generation of large-scale branches should dominate. Slowing of sea level rise in the last ∼6000 yr allowed partitioning of sediment into progradation, facilitating the growth of smaller-scale distributary trees at the shorelines of some deltas, and a reduction in the number of large-scale branches. Significant antecedent topography modulates delta response; the filling of large incised valleys, for example, caused many deltas to bypass the aggradational phase. Human effects on deltas can be cast in terms of geologic controls affecting accommodation: constriction of channels forces rapid local progradation and mouth-bar bifurcation, while accelerated sea level rise increases aggradation and induces more frequent channel avulsion.
Who is afraid of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)?

This comment follows Hilson and McQuilken (2014), who express frustration with how “ASM despite its economic importance occupies such a marginal position in the economic agenda sub-Saharan Africa”. Ten years ago when the author retired from the United Nations, the mood was upbeat: many ASM experts believed that policy makers had finally grasped the economic importance of the sector for rural poverty reduction. But in 2014, the world over, it is evident that ASM, despite having since expanded considerably, regrettably remains outside of the poverty reduction policy mainstream. There is a gap between the flurry of actions promoted by the international community and the laissez-faire status quo position of many developing country governments. This author is now pessimistic. Ultimately, ASM formalization will result not from direct assistance but on the contrary, from a government success in combating poverty in the non-mining rural communities. The improvement of the rural economy will reduce population pressure and lower the cost of living in ASM communities, enabling them to retain more earnings and invest in up-scaling or sector diversification. Only then will ASM become a viable agent of growth.
Dietary flavonoid fisetin: A novel dual inhibitor of PI3K/Akt and mTOR for prostate cancer management

Epidemiologic and case control population based studies over the past few decades have identified diet as an important determinant of cancer risk. This evidence has kindled interest into research on bioactive food components and has till date resulted in the identification of many compounds with cancer preventive and therapeutic potential. Among such compounds has been fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), a flavonol and a member of the flavonoid polyphenols that also include quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol. Fisetin is commonly found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, persimmons, grapes, kiwis, strawberries, onions and cucumbers. We evaluated the effects of fisetin against melanoma and cancers of the prostate, pancreas and the lungs. Using prostate and lung adenocarcinoma cells, we demonstrated that fisetin acts as a dual inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt and the mTOR pathways. This is a significant finding considering the fact that mTOR is phosphorylated and its activation is more frequent in tumors with overexpression of PI3K/Akt. Dual inhibitors of PI3K/Akt and mTOR signaling have been suggested as valuable agents for treating such cancers. Here, we summarize our findings on the dietary flavonoid fisetin and its effects on cancer with particular focus on prostate cancer. Our observations and findings from other laboratories suggest that fisetin could be a useful chemotherapeutic agent that could be used either alone or as an adjuvant with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs for the management of prostate and other cancers.
Linear and nonlinear reconstruction for diffuse optical tomography in an inhomogeneous background

Diffuse Optical Tomography is a novel approach to imaging the body's optical properties non-invasively using non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the visible and near-infrared range. As spectral information at a number of measurement wavelengths can give important information about functional properties of tissue relatively deep withing the body, it is hoped that Optical Tomography will be clinically useful, particularly for detecting breast tumors and distinguishing between tumors and benign lesions. This paper formulates the fully three-dimensional linear and nonlinear inverse problems for Diffuse Optical Tomography and compares the linear and nonlinear reconstructions in a heterogeneous medium for a number of cases. In the first case, the background has a randomly varying lowpass structure. In the second case, the background has a layered structure with a sharp transition between layers, and, in the third case, the structure of the background is known, but not the corresponding optical properties.
The existence of Chern-Simons vortices

A new type of vortices called Chern-Simons vortices is considered and the existence is established.
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN. 43. THE SYNTHESIS AND STEROIDOGENIC ACTIVITY OF [2‐N‐METHYLPHENYLALANINE]‐ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN‐(1–19)*

[2-N-Methylphenylalanine]-α1–19-ACTH has been synthesized by the solid-phase method and its steroidogenic potency has been measured. The result indicates that the introduction of an N-methyl substituent at Position 2 does not increase steroidogenic response, even though the resultant peptide was shown to be more resistant to exopeptidase digestion.
Secondary-electron emission of ion-implanted semiconductors in scanning electron microscopy

Signals from a modified Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in Secondary-Electron (SE) and Voltage-Contrast (VC) regimes were used to visualize and quantitatively analyze the Ion-Implanted Layer (IIL) in semiconductors. Silicon was used as substrate material for implantation. Various ion species were implanted and the dependence of the SE signal and the potential of the IIL upon doses were studied. The physical model for the explanation of the mechanism by which implantation influences SE emission of semiconductors is suggested. Certain applications of a new technique and method, particularly for the investigation of surface amorphization, the lateral extent of implanted ions and radiation damages and the kinetic of defect annealing and ion activation are discussed.
Fibroblast PER2 Circadian Rhythmicity Depends on Cell Density

Like neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian pacemaker in the brain, single fibroblasts can function as independent oscillators. In the SCN, synaptic and paracrine signaling among cells creates a robust, synchronized circadian oscillation, whereas there is no evidence for such integration in fibroblast cultures. However, interactions among single-cell fibroblast oscillators cannot be completely excluded, because fibroblasts were not isolated in previous work. In this study, we tested the autonomy of fibroblasts as single-cell circadian oscillators in high- and low-density culture, by single-cell imaging of cells from PER2::LUC circadian reporter mice. We found greatly reduced PER2::LUC rhythmicity in low-density cultures, which could result from lack of either constitutive or rhythmic paracrine signals from neighboring fibroblasts. To discriminate between these 2 possibilities, we mixed PER2::LUC wild-type (WT) cells with nonluminescent, nonrhythmic Bmal1-/- cells, so that density of rhythmic cells was low but overall cell density remained high. In this condition, WT cells showed clear rhythmicity similar to high-density cultures. We also mixed PER2::LUC WT cells with nonluminescent, long period Cry2-/- cells. In this condition, WT cells showed a period no different from cells cultured with rhythmic WT cells or nonrhythmic Bmal1-/- cells. In previous work, we found that low K⁺ suppresses fibroblast rhythmicity, and we and others have found that either low K⁺ or low Ca²⁺ suppresses SCN rhythmicity. Therefore, we attempted to rescue rhythmicity of low-density fibroblasts with high K⁺ (21 mM), high Ca²⁺ (3.6 mM), or conditioned medium. Conditioned medium from high-density fibroblast cultures rescued rhythmicity of low-density cultures, whereas high K⁺ or Ca²⁺ medium did not consistently rescue rhythmicity. These data suggest that fibroblasts require paracrine signals from adjacent cells for normal expression of rhythmicity, but that these signals do not have to be rhythmic, and that rhythmic signals from other cells do not affect the intrinsic periods of fibroblasts.
Characterization of enzymatically synthesized structured lipids containing eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and caprylic acids.

Structured lipids (SL) containing n-3 polyunsaturated (eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic) and mediumchain (caprylic) fatty acids were synthesized in gram quantities and characterized. Tricaprylin was mixed with n-3-rich polyunsaturated fatty acids in a 1:2 molar ratio and transesterified by incubating at 55°C in hexane with SP 435 lipase (10% by wt of total substrates) in a 125-mL Erlenmeyer flask as the bioreactor. After several batches of reaction, the products were pooled and hexane was evaporated. Short-path distillation was used for purification of synthesized SL. The distillation conditions were 1.1 Torr and 170°C at a feed flow rate of 3 mL/min. Up to 240 g of SL was isolated and deacidified by alkaline extraction or ethanol-water solvents. The fatty acid profile, free fatty acid value, saponification number, iodine value, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid, and conjugated diene contents were determined. Oxidation stability, with α-tocopherol as antioxidant, and the oxidative stability index were also determined.
Sensitive radiochemical esterolytic assays for urokinase

Two radiochemical esterolytic assays for urokinase are described. One assay is based on the urokinase-dependent hydrolysis of Nalpha-acetyl-glycyl-L-lysine [3H]methyl ester and the other on the urokinase-dependent activation of plasminogen and assay of generated plasmin with Nalpha-tosyl-L-arginine [3H]methyl ester. The assays are performed in tubes placed in liquid scintillation counting vials. At the end of the experiment generated [3H]methanol is extracted into the liquid scintillation cocktail and counted. Unhydrolyzed substrate largely remains in the aqueous phase and contributes only a small fraction of the counts. This facile separation of 3H-labeled alcohol from the ester substrate allows the simple and highly sensitive assay for urokinase. The assays give results in good agreement with the classical fibrin plate assay.
Bonding information from Auger spectroscopy

Abstract The use of Auger Spectroscopy to obtain bonding and electronic structure information is reviewed. The methods for extracting the Auger lineshape from the experimental spectrum are described; in particular the background substraction and loss deconvolution techniques are presented. A prescription is given for quantitatively interpreting the lineshape utilizating an empirically determined one-electron DOS and atomic Auger matrix elements. Final state hole-hole correlation or localization effects on the lineshape are emphasized. The carbon KVV lineshapes of graphite, diamond, and the carbides are examined. Localization effects in the lineshapes are correlated with ionic bonding character.
Arterial stiffness measurements with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging

We have developed a new method of imaging the mechanical properties of tissues based on very brief (<1msec) and localized applications of acoustic radiation force and the ultrasonic measurement of local tissues' responses to that force. Initial results with this technique demonstrate its ability to image mechanical properties of the medial and adventitial layers within ex vivo and in vivo arteries, and to distinguish hard and soft atherosclerotic plaques from normal vessel wall. We have labeled this method Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging. We describe studies to utilize this technique in the characterization of diffuse and focal atherosclerosis. We describe phantom trials and finite element simulations which explore the fundamental resolution and contrast achievable with this method. We describe in vivo and ex vivo trials in the popliteal, femoral and brachial arteries to assess the relationship between the mechanical properties of healthy and diseased arteries provided by this method and those obtained by alternative methods.
Serotonergic reticular formation cells in Rana pipiens: categorization, development, and tectal projections.

The reticular formation contributes serotonin to many brain regions, including the optic tectum. We examined the organization and development of its serotonergic neurons in the leopard frog. Serotonin-immunoreactive (5-HT-ir) cells in adult frogs were organized into 10 distinct populations that were identified on the basis of their location and cellular morphology. Populations ranged in size from 16 to 2,066 cells and sometimes spanned more than one previously identified nuclear region. Four of the ten populations were absent in tadpoles. The remaining populations, though present, had two contrasting patterns of development. Half of the populations were established early and showed little change in numbers during tadpole stages but increased in size in juvenile and adult frogs. The other half increased dramatically during tadpole stages but failed to add many more cells in juveniles and adults. Three populations provided 90% of the serotonergic projections from the reticular region to the adult optic tectum. These projections were established early in development and likely originated from the dorsal raphe, median raphe, raphe pontis, raphe magnus, and reticularis pontis oralis. Termination sites were located in midtectal layers and were not topographically organized. We conclude that serotonergic cells within the reticular formation of the leopard frog have an organization similar to that found in mammals, that the overall increase in numbers of these cells is attributable to growth in different cell populations at different stages, and that input from this region changes activity levels in the optic tectum in a global rather than a site-specific manner. J. Comp. Neurol. 487:441–456, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Matrix elasticity regulates lamin-A,C phosphorylation and turnover with feedback to actomyosin

Tissue microenvironments are characterized not only in terms of chemical composition but also by collective properties such as stiffness, which influences the contractility of a cell, its adherent morphology, and even differentiation. The nucleoskeletal protein lamin-A,C increases with matrix stiffness, confers nuclear mechanical properties, and influences differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), whereas B-type lamins remain relatively constant. Here we show in single-cell analyses that matrix stiffness couples to myosin-II activity to promote lamin-A,C dephosphorylation at Ser22, which regulates turnover, lamina physical properties, and actomyosin expression. Lamin-A,C phosphorylation is low in interphase versus dividing cells, and its levels rise with states of nuclear rounding in which myosin-II generates little to no tension. Phosphorylated lamin-A,C localizes to nucleoplasm, and phosphorylation is enriched on lamin-A,C fragments and is suppressed by a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor. Lamin-A,C knockdown in primary MSCs suppresses transcripts predominantly among actomyosin genes, especially in the serum response factor (SRF) pathway. Levels of myosin-IIA thus parallel levels of lamin-A,C, with phosphosite mutants revealing a key role for phosphoregulation. In modeling the system as a parsimonious gene circuit, we show that tension-dependent stabilization of lamin-A,C and myosin-IIA can suitably couple nuclear and cell morphology downstream of matrix mechanics.
Resonator design for in vivo ESR spectroscopy

Abstract This paper describes a new lumped-constant resonator particularly useful for in vivo ESR spectroscopy. The resonator is characterized by two re-entrances, where most of the circuit capacitance is concentrated, and by three arms. Two prototypes of this resonator were built and their resonance frequencies were found to be in good agreement with the values evaluated using the lumped parameter equivalent circuit. Using these resonators, we recorded ESR spectra of spin label injected in mice weighing 25 g.
ULTRAFAST STUDY OF INTERFACIAL ELECTRON TRANSFER BETWEEN 9-ANTHRACENE-CARBOXYLATE AND TIO2 SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICLES

The excited state dynamics of 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid adsorbed onto the surface of TiO2 semiconductor particles were examined with ca. 250 fs time resolution. A combination of transient absorption and time-resolved anisotropy measurements show that approximately 76% of the photo-excited dye molecules transfer an electron to the TiO2 particles. The time scale for the forward electron transfer reaction was determined to be ⩽1 ps. The 9-anthracene-carboxylate radical cations produced by this reaction undergo back electron transfer on a 54 ps time scale. A more accurate estimate of the forward electron transfer reaction time is not possible, due to the contribution to the transient absorption signal from adsorbed dye molecules that do not transfer electrons to TiO2. These nonreactive species are deactivated by either nonradiative decay or fluorescence emission. The fluorescence spectrum from the dye molecules bound to the TiO2 particles is very different to that of the free dye in solution. The free dye ...
The function of food-associated calls in white-faced capuchin monkeys, Cebus capucinus, from the perspective of the signaller

Abstract In many species, call recipients respond to food-associated calls by approaching the signaller. For this reason, most studies of food-associated calls focus on the benefits to a signaller of attracting a particular audience to a food source. Although call recipients respond as if they have been informed about the location of a food source, it is not necessarily the case that the primary function of food-associated calls is to inform others. I combined naturalistic observations and food placement experiments to investigate the environmental and social influences on call production in white-faced capuchin monkeys to assess other possible functions of food-associated calls. Individuals did not call under the circumstances predicted by an information-sharing hypothesis. The quantity of food and the age–sex composition of the audience did not influence call production, but food type did. Individuals produced more food-associated calls when they discovered fruit compared with insects or eggs. Results of observations of social interactions after food discovery indicated another possible function of food-associated calls. Individuals who called when they discovered food were less likely to be approached by others who were in visual contact than individuals who remained silent. Individuals who did not call when they discovered food were more likely to call subsequently if a higher-ranking, as opposed to a lower-ranking, animal approached them. Furthermore, individuals who called when approached by higher-ranking animals were less likely to receive aggression than individuals who did not call. Therefore, food-associated calls may function to announce food ownership, thereby decreasing aggression from other individuals.
On visible surface generation by a priori tree structures

This paper describes a new algorithm for solving the hidden surface (or line) problem, to more rapidly generate realistic images of 3-D scenes composed of polygons, and presents the development of theoretical foundations in the area as well as additional related algorithms. As in many applications the environment to be displayed consists of polygons many of whose relative geometric relations are static, we attempt to capitalize on this by preprocessing the environment's database so as to decrease the run-time computations required to generate a scene. This preprocessing is based on generating a “binary space partitioning” tree whose in order traversal of visibility priority at run-time will produce a linear order, dependent upon the viewing position, on (parts of) the polygons, which can then be used to easily solve the hidden surface problem. In the application where the entire environment is static with only the viewing-position changing, as is common in simulation, the results presented will be sufficient to solve completely the hidden surface problem.
Contribution of development to buspirone effects on REM sleep: a preliminary report.

In order to assess whether development influences the regulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by serotonergic (5-HT) systems, the REM sleep responses to the partial 5-HT1A agonist, buspirone, were assessed in 14 normal adolescent and adult volunteers. Subjects were studied on three separate sessions for three consecutive nights. On the second night of each session, subjects received placebo or one of two doses of buspirone (0.14 mg/kg and 0.28 mg/kg, orally). Night 3 was considered the “recovery” night. In adolescents, both doses of buspirone significantly delayed REM latency. In contrast, low-dose buspirone had no effect on REM latency in the adults, and there was only a tendency for prolongation of REM latency with the higher dose. Other measures of REM sleep on nights 2 and 3 were comparable between the two groups. These preliminary results suggest that post-synaptic 5-HT1A acceptor-coupled REM sleep responses, particularly REM latency, may be relatively greater in youngsters than in adults, possibly due to reduced presynaptic input. The findings are discussed in relation to the age-dependent expression of REM sleep changes associated with depression.
A novel use of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate: controlling post-hemodialysis site hemorrhage.

Abstract Background A common complication of hemodialysis is bleeding from the dialysis site. Discussion To demonstrate the use of 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate in controlling venous bleeding associated with hemodialysis access. Conclusion 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate is effective in stopping venous bleeding from hemodialysis sites.
Comparison of outcomes for patients ≥75 years of age treated with pre-hospital reduced-dose fibrinolysis followed by percutaneous coronary intervention versus percutaneous coronary intervention alone for treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

A coordinated system of care for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions that includes prehospital administration of reduced-dose fibrinolytic agents coupled with urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), termed FAST-PCI, has been shown to be at least as effective as primary PCI (PPCI) alone. However, this reduced-dose fibrinolytic strategy could be associated with increased bleeding risk, especially in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to examine 30-day outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions treated with either strategy. Data from 120 patients aged ≥75 years treated with FAST-PCI were compared with those of 94 patients aged ≥75 years treated with PPCI. The primary comparator was mortality at 30 days. Stroke, reinfarction, and major bleeding were also compared. The groups were well matched for age, cardiac risk factors, and ischemic times. At 30 days, mortality was lower with FAST-PCI than with PPCI (4.2% vs 18.1%, p
Language-in-education policy in South Africa: The challenge of sign language

Abstract Although there is an extensive and growing literature that addresses issues related to most aspects of language-in-education policy in South Africa, one area in which the literature remains fairly sparse has been that of the implications of current government policy for South African Sign Language (SASL). This article presents an overview of the complex issues presented by the case of SASL for language-in-education policy, and offers a series of recommendations for how these issues might best be addressed. Given the relatively small research base that currently exists dealing explicitly with SASL, the article makes use of both the South African research literature and the far more substantial international research that addresses issues of sign language, education, and language policy.
Sulfonamides as multifunctional agents for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Sulfonamide linker-based inhibitors with extended linear structure were designed and synthesized with the aim of producing multifunctional agents against several processes involved in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The potency of the compounds were assessed in the inhibition of Aβ self-assembly (fibril and oligomer formation), in modulating cholinesterase (AChE, BuChE) activity, and scavenging free radicals. Several compounds exhibited promising Aβ self-assembly and cholinesterase inhibition and in parallel, showed good free radical scavenging properties. The investigation of the scaffold described in this study resulted in the identification of three compounds ( 14 , 19 and 26) as promising leads for the further design of multifunctional drug candidates for AD.
Snow depth and vegetation type affect green roof thermal performance in winter

Abstract Green roofs reduce building energy consumption in hot seasons, but cold season thermal performance has received little attention. The goals of this study were to quantify heat flux in an extensive green roof system, relate heat flux to solar radiation, substrate temperature and snow depth, and to determine the relationships between vegetation type, snow accumulation, and substrate temperature. Over the building heating season, we found lower net heat loss from green compared to conventional roofs. Doubling green roof substrate depth had no additional impact in lowering net heat loss. We also quantified substrate temperatures and snow depths from green roofs in different microclimates and vegetation types. Different roof microclimates (sheltered, exposed, over unheated building) resulted in differential snow accumulation; deeper snow resulted in lower variability in heat flux. The benefits of green relative to conventional roofs were lower in extreme winter conditions when the substrate was frozen and/or had snow cover, but also during sunny conditions. Plant species differentially affected depth and duration of snow coverage. Substrate temperatures also differed according to plant growth form during both snow-covered and bare conditions. Net thermal benefits of green roofs in winter will depend on climate, plant choice, roof construction and location.
Staff turnover in new generation jails: An investigation of its causes and prevention

Abstract A high turnover rate among carefully selected and monitored personnel signifies that the long-term return on selection and training resources invested in correctional staff too frequently is being lost. High negative turnover (loss of desirable employees) in New Generation Jails portends a serious compromise of long-range organizational effectiveness, but too often jail administrators are preoccupied with more immediate facility problems such as jail overcrowding. Despite the scale of this widely acknowledged problem, there is little direct evidence available as to the extent or likely causes of the staff turnover problem in such jails. Using survey and organizational profile data from six New Generation Jails, this study estimated the extent of turnover occurring in podular/direct supervision jails, identified causes, and has provided some preliminary recommendations for its reduction. Means of enhancing the “person-to-job” fit and the “person-to-organization” fit in such facilities are discussed in some detail in this article.
Conducting Confirmatory Latent Class Analysis Using M"plus"

Latent class analysis (LCA) is an increasingly popular tool that researchers can use to identify latent groups in the population underlying a sample of responses to categorical observed variables. LCA is most commonly used in an exploratory fashion whereby no parameters are specified a priori. Although this exploratory approach is reasonable when very little prior research has been conducted in the area under study, it can be very limiting when much is already known about the variables and population. Confirmatory latent class analysis (CLCA) provides researchers with a tool for modeling and testing specific hypotheses about response patterns in the observed variables. CLCA is based on placing specific constraints on the parameters to reflect these hypotheses. The popular and easy-to-use latent variable modeling software package Mplus can be used to conduct a variety of CLCA types using these parameter constraints. This article focuses on the basic principles underlying the use of CLCA, and the Mplus prog...
Affluence for whom?—another look at prosperity and the working classes in the 1920s

(1983). Affluence for whom?—another look at prosperity and the working classes in the 1920s. Labor History: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 5-33.
Circulating transforming growth factor-β1 levels and the risk for kidney disease in African Americans

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to induce progression of experimental renal disease. Here we determined whether there is an association between serum levels of TGF-β1 and the risk factors for progression of clinically relevant renal disorders in 186 black and 147 white adults, none of whom had kidney disease or diabetes. Serum TGF-β1 protein levels were positively and significantly associated with plasma renin activity along with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in blacks but not whites after controlling for age, gender, and body mass index. These TGF-β1 protein levels were also significantly associated with body mass index and metabolic syndrome and more predictive of microalbuminuria in blacks than in whites. The differential association between TGF-β1 and renal disease risk factors in blacks and whites suggests an explanation for the excess burden of end-stage renal disease in the black population, but this requires validation in an independent cohort. Whether these findings show that it is the circulating levels of TGF-β1 that contribute to renal disease progression or the findings reflect other unmeasured factors, further longitudinal studies are needed.
Advances in the development of AMPK-activating compounds.

Background: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensing enzyme that controls glucose and lipid metabolism. Objective: This review summarizes the present data on AMPK as a pharmacologic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Methods: The mechanisms governing AMPK activity and how this enzyme controls different metabolic pathways are reviewed briefly, and details about the effect that AMPK activators have on glucose metabolism are provided. Conclusion: Evidence obtained using the AMPK-activating compound 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) suggests that AMPK promotes glucose transport into skeletal muscles and that this enzyme inhibits hepatic glucose production. AICAR also induces fatty acid oxidation in muscle and inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver. The metabolic effects of AICAR on glucose and lipid metabolism indicate that AMPK may be a good pharmacologic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Novel AMPK-specific comp...
Modelling and performance characterization of vision-assisted robotic cell for printed circuit board assembly

Abstract Vision systems are widely used in electronics manufacturing for placement of surface mount components. One of the main objectives that drives the application of such a system is the need to acquire an on-line capability to detect and automatically compensate for errors during placement process. Although this process control does generally yield better quality products, if poorly designed, the gain in system precision due to the use of a vision system can be overridden by inaccuracies introduced by other subsystems of the placement system. The result will be a product marred by an intolerable error or defect. In this paper, the sources of error in a placement operation are characterized and analysed with the objective of identifying remedial actions to control the errors introduced.
Utilization of Fat by Chickens—A Method for Determining the Absorption of Nutrients

Abstract RELATIVELY few studies have been made of the absorption of nutrients by poultry. The standard methods for studying feed utilization require the collection of all feces resulting from the feeding of a selected quantity of the feedstuff. These methods necessitate elaborate precautions to obtain accurate feed consumption records and to obtain uncontaminated feces. Bergeim (1926) has suggested modifications of the usual procedures which eliminate many of the difficulties of the standard methods. In Bergeim’s method iron oxide or other suitable substance not utilized by the animal is added to the diet and the ratio of feed to feces calculated by determining the amount of that substance in the feed and in the feces. Heller, Breedlove, and Likely (1928) compared Bergeim’s modified procedures with standard methods for rats and obtained similar values for feed utilization; they concluded, however, that the normal iron content of their diets was more satisfactory than ferric . . .
Making It Easier to Regulate Protein Stability

The ability to induce degradation of a protein of interest is a powerful experimental tool used to ascertain protein function. Iwamoto et al. (2010) describe a method that allows reversible and dose-dependent modulation of the stability of any target protein.
New experimental technique of photoelectron holography applied to Bi trimers on Si(111)

The branching ratio, the photoemission intensity ratio of two spin-orbit-split components, has been applied for the first time as a means for obtaining a photoelectron holographic image. Angle-resolved photoemission from a monolayer of Bi adsorbed on Si(111) shows fine-structure oscillations in the branching ratio of the Bi 5d core level due to diffraction effects. These oscillations as a function of photon energy are recorded for a number of emission angles. Three-dimensional holographic inversion of the data yields an atomic image which shows that the Bi adatoms are arranged in a trimer structure.
CONFORMATIONAL DYNAMICS OF 4-ARYL-1,4-DIHYDROPYRIDINE CALCIUM CHANNEL ANTAGONISTS. 1. QUANTITATION OF C4-C1' BOND ROTATIONAL BARRIERS

Abstract The solution state dynamics of six substituted 4-aryl-1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist analogs were studied using saturation transfer, difference NOE and variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. Thermodynamic activation parameters for aryl ring rotation were determined for all six compounds from linear Eyring plots which span four orders of magnitude. The barrier to rotation about the ring juncture was also calculated at the AM1 level and these calculations correctly predict the general magnitude, though not the specific barriers, to rotation. The asymmetrically substituted compound, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2′-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-3,5-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (2a), showed a rotameric preference of 1.7:1 by NMR for having the aryl methyl group syn to the C4H of the dihydropyridine ring; AM1 correctly predicts this preference but overestimates its magnitude. In the crystal state, the rotameric ratio appears to be nearer 1:1.