cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal and geometry-optimized structure of an anthracene-based Diels-Alder adduct.

Computational calculations of an anthracene-based Diels–Alder adduct, namely, 17-ethyl-1-hy­droxy­methyl-17-aza­penta­cyclo­[6.6.5.02,7.09,14.015,19]nona­deca-2,4,6,9,11,13-hexa­ene-16,18-dione, C21H19NO3, predicting density functional theory (DFT) optimized geometries in the gas phase are compared in terms of accuracy relative to the solid-state crystal structure and computational cost. Crystal structure determination and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the racemic product reveal that the mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O=C hydro­gen bonds between the hy­droxy and carbonyl groups, accounting for 9.5% of the inter­molecular contacts, while H⋯H contacts represent 56.9% of the total. Boltzmann popu­lation analysis of computed relative rotamer abundances in the gas phase are based on lower-level geometry optimization and thermochemical corrections coupled with higher-level electronic energy calculations using the B2PLYP double-hybrid functional. As expected, the choice of density functional has a greater effect than the basis set on accuracy for all levels of theory. For any given functional, increasing the basis set size did not always correlate with increasingly accurate structures. The hybrid functional B3LYP without dispersion correction routinely gave the closest approximations to the crystal structure where the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ combination afforded the best structure (r.m.s. deviation = 0.1314 A). However, the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory represents the best compromise between accuracy (r.m.s. deviation = 0.1388 A) and cost as it yielded appreciably accurate results in a fraction of the time compared to other method combinations.
Ecocinema Ars et Praxis: Alice Rohrwacher's Lazzaro Felice

Ecocinema places the relationship between humans, nonhumans, and the environment at the centre of film narration. As an earth-centred approach rather than an anthropocentric one, ecocinema is ethic...
Efficacy of metam potassium on Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Meloidogyne javanica, and seven weed species in microcosm experiments.

BACKGROUND Metam potassium (metam-K) is a soil fumigant widely used to control plant pathogens, nematodes, and weeds in Florida plasticulture production. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of metam-K against Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Meloidogyne javanica, and seven important weed species under controlled conditions. The optimal rates generated in this study provide insight into the efficacy of metam-K for field application. RESULTS F. oxysporum and M. phaseolina were similarly sensitive toward metam-K with a 90% effective concentration (EC90 ) of 478 and 493 μmol kg-1 soil, respectively. Meloidogyne javanica was the most sensitive pest with an EC90 of 25 μmol kg-1 which is similar to previous studies. Chenopodium album was the most sensitive weed seed with an EC90 of 260 μmol kg-1 . Geranium carolinianum and Medicago lupulina were the least sensitive weed species with EC90 values of 786 and 567 μmol kg-1 , respectively. CONCLUSION It is apparent from these results that metam-K can effectively control important pests in Florida plasticulture production systems with the correct application rate and adequate exposure of pest to the fumigant.
Causation and Fault Apportionment

We now have a professedly unified approach to assigning tort responsibility that treats simple and more complex cases in fundamentally different ways without acknowledging it. The strictly causal component of so-called “apportionment of fault” (the US term) provides no basis for disproportionate assignments of liability but is treated as if it does. Other considerations must actually account for unequal liability assignments in multi-actor cases. But these other elements are often role-based, reflecting whether and how defendants joined in a complex but single pattern of events that were collectively the sufficient cause of an injury.
Mobile Manipulator Robot Visual Servoing and Guidance for Dynamic Target Grasping

This paper deals with the problem of real time closed loop tracking and grasping of a dynamic target by a mobile manipulation robot. Dynamic object tracking and manipulation is crucial for robotic system that intend to physically interact with the real world. The robot considered corresponds to an eye-in-hand gripper-and-arm combination mounted on a four-wheel base. The proposed policy is inspired by the principles of visual servoing, and leverages a computationally simple paradigm of virtual force-based formulation, due to the intended deployment for real-time closed loop control. The main objective of our strategy is to align a dynamic target frame to the onboard gripper, while respecting the constraints of the mobile manipulator system. The algorithm was implemented on a real robot and evaluated across multiple diverse real time experimental studies, detailed within this paper.
Addressing Fundamental Uncertainty in Benefit–Cost Analysis: The Case of Deep Seabed Mining

Mineral deposits of base metals, precious metals, and rare earth elements have been discovered on deep seabeds, and the commercial exploitation of these resources seems poised to begin after faltering for many years. The development of seabed resources could be socially beneficial if all goes well, but the industry faces daunting challenges and uncertainties. Emerging regulations and contracting mechanisms are the principal means for managing these uncertainties. This article recommends a complementary approach: the use of ex ante benefit–cost analysis of proposed seabed mining contracts that incorporates a fundamental uncertainty evaluation. We argue that such an ex ante evaluation will improve the state of information for the decision-making, reducing the risk of regulatory noncompliance or costly contract disputes after seabed mining begins.
Abstract 16537: Left Atrial Strain in Evaluation of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may have elevated left ventricular filling pressure with exercise (LVFP-ex), despite normal LVFP at rest. We aimed...
Do gender and racial differences exist in letters of recommendation for obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants

Background Studies in several fields demonstrate gender and racial differences in descriptions of applicants in letters of recommendation. However, gender and racial biases in obstetrics and gynecology residency letters of recommendation are understudied. Objective This study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the letters of recommendation written for medical students applying for obstetrics and gynecology residency based on applicant gender and underrepresented in medicine status. Study Design We analyzed all letters of recommendation submitted to a single obstetrics and gynecology residency program during the 2019–2020 application cycle using a computerized text analysis software to evaluate the presence of 25 word categories. Multivariable regression was used to compare differences in the frequency of word categories by gender and underrepresented in medicine status. Concurrently, we performed a qualitative content analysis of letters from a random sample of applicants balanced for gender and underrepresented in medicine status and explored emerging themes until thematic saturation was reached. Results We analyzed 3060 letters written for 834 applicants, 721 (87%) of whom were women and 198 (24%) of whom were underrepresented in medicine. Men authored 1605 letters (53%). There was no difference in word categories used in letters written for men and women applicants on multivariable analysis. Similarly, there was no word category difference between letters written for applicants who were underrepresented in medicine compared with White and Asian applicants. However, women letter writers used more communal (relationship-oriented) words compared with men letter writers (P Conclusion On linguistic analysis, letters of recommendation written for obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants were similar overall compared with applicant race and gender.
Integrated Pest Management: Fruit Production in the Western United States

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has a long history in the western United States. Among fruit producers, IPM adoption has been uneven. In cases such as codling moth control on apple and pear crops and wine grape production in general, IPM adoption has occurred on a large scale. In cases such as stone fruits and citrus, while some growers have adopted IPM, adoption is not as widespread as it could be. Research and extension play crucial roles in the development and implementation of IPM since individual growers do not have the time, resources, or risk-absorbing ability to experiment with and develop such complex management programs. Additionally, successful implementation often requires cooperation across states and crops. Perhaps most importantly, IPM implementation requires a large impetus to motivate adoption. Such an impetus could include legislation, pest resistance to the currently used pesticide, or public pressure.
Fine Structure of Succinate-Swollen Rhizobium trifolii 0403

Abstract Transmission electron micrographs of glutaraldehyde- OsO4-fixed Rhizobium trifolii 0403 before and after cells were treated with 16.6 mM succinate showed that treated cells increased in mass by increasing cytoplasmic volume. The morphology of succinate-treated cells was identical to that of bacteroids, and the appearances of the envelope and periplasmic space were similar. The primary difference was in inclusion number and type.
Managers' Incentives to Avoid Meeting or Beating Earnings Expectations: The Role of Open Market Repurchases

Prior research on meeting or beating earnings expectations focuses on managers' incentives to keep stock prices inflated by avoiding negative earnings surprises. However, in certain situations, managers may be motivated to depress stock prices in order to maximize their utility. We hypothesize and find evidence suggesting that managers opportunistically avoid reporting earnings that meet or beat analyst expectations to depress stock prices and hence lower the cost of share repurchases. Complementary to this, we find that the decline in meeting or beating among firms repurchasing shares is temporary. Building on results in Gong et al. (2008), we also provide evidence that stock prices decline more substantially and consistently when firms fail to meet or beat relative to merely reporting negative performance-adjusted abnormal accruals, suggesting failing to meet or beat may reflect a more comprehensive and effective strategy to depress prices. Further, we find a substantial incremental downward price effect for failing to meet or beat after controlling for the sign of abnormal accruals. This study complements prior research that focuses on incentives to meet or beat expectations by presenting the "other side of the story" and therefore provides a more complete picture of managers' opportunistic behavior related to analysts' earnings expectations.
Developing an animal model of Dupuytren’s disease by orthotopic transplantation of human fibroblasts into athymic rat

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a slow, progressive fibroproliferative disorder affecting the palms of the hands. The disease is characterized by the formation of collagen rich- cords which gradually shorten by the action of myofibroblasts resulting in finger contractures. It is a disease that is confined to humans, and a major limiting factor in investigating this disorder has been the lack of a faithful animal model that can recapitulate its distinct biology. The aim of this study was to develop such a model by determining if Dupuytren’s disease (DD)- and control carpal tunnel (CT)-derived fibroblasts could survive in the forepaw of the nude rats and continue to exhibit the distinct characteristics they display in in vitro cultures. 1x107 fluorescently labeled DD- and CT-derived fibroblasts were transplanted into the left and right forepaws of nude rats respectively. Cells were tracked at regular intervals for a period of two months by quantifying emitted fluorescent signal using an IVIS imaging system. After a period of 62 days rat forepaw connective tissues were harvested for histology and total RNA was isolated. Human-specific probes were used to perform real time RT-PCR assays to examine the expression patterns of gene products associated with fibrosis in DD. Rat forepaw skin was also harvested to serve as an internal control. Both CT- and DD-derived fibroblasts survived for a period of 62 days, but DD-derived cells showed a significantly greater level of persistent fluorescent signal at the end of this time than did CT-derived cells. mRNA expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I- and type III- collagens were all significantly elevated in the forepaw receiving DD cord-derived fibroblasts in comparison to CT-derived fibroblasts. Masson’s trichrome stain confirmed increased collagen deposition in the forepaw that was injected with DD cord-derived fibroblasts. For the first time we describe an animal model for Dupuytren’s disease at the orthotopic anatomical location. We further show that gene expression differences between control (CT) and diseased (DD) derived fibroblasts persist when these cells are transplanted to the forepaw of the nude rat. These preliminary findings indicate that, with further refinements, this animal model holds promise as a baseline for investigating novel therapeutic regimens to determine an effective strategy in treating DD.
Behavior of Unanchored Oil Storage Tanks: Imperial Valley Earthquake

The performance of ground-based liquid storage tanks during past earthquakes revealed a more complex behavior than was implied by design assumptions. However, the analysis of damage was made without the benefits of records of the ground motion involved. The Imperial Valley earthquake of 15 October 1979 offered a unique opportunity to advance the understanding of the behavior of unanchored oil storage tanks under strong motion earthquakes. Several accelerograms were recorded in the vicinity of a steam power plant and near a tank farm where some tanks suffered structural damage. Field observations indicated that bottom plates of some tanks had lifted off the foundation and that few of these tanks developed an elephant's foot bulge. A brief description of structural and nonstructural damages of unanchored tanks during the Imperial Valley earthquake is presented. Methods and techniques currently used for predicting seismic behavior of tanks are outlined. Finally, a detailed analysis of the performance of tanks during the earthquake is carried out to investigate the validity of current standards and codes.
Some Basic Tools: How to Cut, Paste, Copy, Measure, and Visualize DNA

Genetic engineers use a number of techniques to isolate deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA), cut and join molecules, and monitor the results. In order to clone a gene, its sequence is to be determined or the genetic makeup of an arthropod needs to be altered for which various microbiological techniques are employed. The bacterium Escherichia coli has become a molecular biology workhorse because it can be induced to produce large amounts of recombinant DNA molecules by inserting plasmids, bacteriophage, or genetically engineered variants of these agents into it. Genetic engineers use a number of enzymes from different organisms to modify, ligate, or splice DNA. Purifying plasmids from E. coli , visualizing DNA by electrophoresis through agarose or polyacrylamide gels, conducting Southern blot analyses, and producing labeled probes are the techniques that are basic to a molecular geneticist. As a mechanism to introduce these techniques, the chapter describes the steps involved in inserting a foreign gene into a plasmid, inserting the plasmid into E. coli , and isolating and analyzing the amplified DNA by Southern blot analysis and restriction site mapping. Northern and Western blot analyses allow a researcher to evaluate ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins, respectively.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentially Modulate Effector CD8+ T Cell Subsets and Exacerbate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as a promising candidate for inflammatory suppression and disease amelioration, especially of neuro-inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Auto-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells acquire pathogenic IFNγ-producing- (Type I) and IL-17A-producing- (Type 17) effector phenotypes in MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Although MSC have been extensively demonstrated to suppress pathogenic effector CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T cell-mediated EAE, surprisingly few studies have addressed their modulation of effector CD8+ T cells represented in MS or their impact on CD8+ T cell-mediated EAE. We find that MSC differentially modulate CD8+ T cell development depending on effector T cell subtype. MSC drive activated low-IFNγ producers toward an enhanced high-IFNγ Tc1-like phenotype but strongly inhibit the production of IL-17A and Tc17 polarization in vitro. These observations are underscored by differential MSC modulation of T cell activation, proliferation, and signature transcription factor up-regulation. In addition, effector CD8+ T cells co-cultured with MSC exhibited increased production of IL-2, a molecule known to enhance IFNγ, yet suppress IL-17A, production. Based on these in vitro effects on CD8+ T cells, we next evaluated their impact on the severity of EAE. To better evaluate CD8+ T cells, we immunized mice with MOG37-50 , which is a CD8-targeted epitope. Our results revealed a worsening of disease, consistent with their in vitro stimulation of Tc1 cells. These findings highlight the emerging duality of MSC in immune modulation and provide implications for their future use in immune-related diseases.
Pseudotannins self-assembled into antioxidant complexes

Natural tannins are attractive as building blocks for biomaterials due to their antioxidant properties and ability to form interpolymer complexes (IPCs) with other macromolecules. One of the major challenges to tannin usage in biomedical applications is their instability at physiological conditions and a lack of control over the purity and reactivity. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of tannin-like polymers with controlled architecture, reactivity, and size. These pseudotannins were synthesized by substituting linear dextran chains with gallic, resorcylic, and protocatechuic pendant groups to mimic the structure of natural hydrolysable tannins. We demonstrate that these novel materials can self-assemble to form reductive and colloidally stable nanoscale and microscale particles. Specifically, the synthesis, turbidity, particle size, antioxidant power, and cell uptake of IPCs derived from pseudotannins and poly(ethylene glycol) was evaluated.
A novel role for otolaryngologists in the multidisciplinary difficult airway response team

Objectives/Hypothesis The Difficult Airway Response Team (DART) was implemented in July 2008 to address emergent difficult airway situations. The main objective of this study was to highlight the unique role and skill set that otolaryngologists bring and their impact on patient outcomes. Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the hospital's airway registry. Methods We collected data on demographics, airway characteristics, airway management techniques used by each specialty, and clinical outcomes (such as cricothyrotomies) for patients for whom a code was activated between July 2006 and June 2010. We compared data between pre- and post-DART cohorts and between DART and non-DART patients using a matched case-control approach. Results Of the 2,826 codes, 90 patients required DART management between July 2008 and June 2010. Body mass index, cervical spine injury/fixation, history of difficult airway, head and neck mass, and oropharyngeal and/or supraglottic angioedema were identified as significant predictors for DART activation. Forty-nine (60%) patients' airways were secured by anesthesiologists, 30 (36%) by otolaryngologists, and three (4%) by trauma surgeons. Otolaryngologists were able to use specialized techniques such as Holinger and Dedo laryngoscopes to significantly decrease the number of cricothyrotomies from seven (0.73%) pre-DART implementation to four (0.21%) post-DART implementation. Conclusions Otolaryngologists were able to decrease the need for cricothyrotomies using specialized techniques for patients with difficult airways. Otolaryngologists bring a special skill set to the DART that is beyond the scope of anesthesiologists and trauma surgeons and that can improve patient outcomes by preventing unnecessary emergency surgical airways. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 125:640–644, 2015
Throughput analysis of cellular digital packet data with applications to intelligent transportation systems

Cellular digital packet data (CDPD) is a data transmission service, which coexists with current cellular systems in the same frequency band and is presently being deployed. In this paper, we briefly summarize the salient features of CDPD system and evaluate its data transmission capacity. Further, we study suitability of CDPD for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) from both functional and data transmission capacity point of view. Our study suggests that CDPD can satisfy many of the ITS requirements.
Production of monoclonal antibodies to the rat insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) receptor.

Abstract BALB c mice were immunized with rIGF-II receptors purified from 18–54, SF cells by chromatography of solubilized receptors over agarose-immobilized rIGF-II. Two fusions of splenic lymphocytes with FO mouse myeloma cells yielded 27 stable hybrids which were positive by ELISA. Cloning of seven of these hybrids yielded 30 positive clones by ELISA. At least seven of these clones (minimum of one from each parent hybrid) were capable of specifically immunoprecipitating the rIGF-II receptor.
An improved analysis of resistivity from flux transformer geometry

Abstract We present two algorithms for the calculation of the resistivity tensor from current/voltage measurements for the two different contact configurations: “flux transformer” and “ I ‖ c ”. The application of this method is illustrated on data for an Y 0.78 Pr 0.22 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ single crystal.
The Concept and Prototype System of Medicine-Jet Capsule Endoscope

The wireless capsule is felt more comfortable for the patients than the traditional endoscope or enterscope. The wireless capsules, such as Heidelberg capsule, pH capsule or M2A capsule, have been successfully used as diagnostic tools for many years. This present paper proposes a new prototype system of the functional capsule endoscope that can bring and jet medicine to the nidus. The prototype system is comprised of an image sensor, illumination sources, microlenses, a two-way wireless module, medicine-jet subsystem and so on.
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Studies of Neutral Salt Effects on the Thermodynamics of Micelle Formation

Isothermal titration calorimetry, ITC, was used to determine the enthalpy and heat capacity changes that accompany micelle formation of decyldimethylphosphine oxide, APO10, from 15−79 °C in the pre...
Stimulation of water disposal wells using acid-in-diesel emulsion : Case histories

Two wastewater disposal wells in a carbonate field in Saudi Arabia suffered loss of injectivity due to severe formation damage. Lab tests conducted on reservoir cores indicated that regular 15 wt% HCl did not form deep wormholes and caused surface wash-out only. A thorough experimental study was conducted to evaluate using acid-in-diesel emulsions to stimulate these wells which had several tight zones. The emulsified acid consisted of 70 vol% of 15 wt% HCl, 30 vol% diesel and an emulsifier (a cationic surfactant). This is the first time emulsified acid has been used to stimulate disposal wells. Experimental results indicated that the acid-in-diesel emulsion behaved as shear-thinning fluid. The Stability of the acid was found to be a function of emulsifier concentration. The reaction rate of the emulsified acid with reservoir rocks depended also on emulsifier concentration at the reservoir temperature (55 °C). Very low reaction rates were obtained at emulsifier concentrations greater than 20 gals/1000 gals were of acid. These results indicated that longer soaking times would be needed to stimulate disposal wells. This is to ensure complete acid spending. Coreflood results showed that the emulsified acid formed deep wormholes in tight carbonate cores (< 100 md), where the core permeability increased after the treatment. Permeability ratio (final/initial) of reservoir cores exponentially increased with the acid injection rate. The size and number of the wormholes depended on the acid volume, injection rate and initial core permeability. The acid-in-diesel emulsion (280 cp at 2 s -1 and room temperature) was applied in two wastewater disposal wells. The designed treatment included a gelled acid stage for acid diversion, and an emulsified acid stage to create deep wormholes in the reservoir. The treatment was very successful and the injectivity of both wells has significantly increased.
Comments on "On the nature of the Boxer-Thaler and Madwed integrators and their applications in digitizing a continuous-time system" by C.-H. Wang et al

In the above-titled paper by C.-H. Wang et al. (ibid., vol.35, p.1163-7, Oct. 1990) some very interesting and useful techniques were presented for implementing several operational substitution methods for discretizing a continuous-time system. An attempt was made to prove that the Boxer-Thaler method is more accurate than the Madwed method since 'no proof has been seen regarding this fact.' This fact is indeed shown to be true later in the paper. The purpose of this comment is to refer any interested parties to an earlier proof of this fact. >
Fate of Hypertonicity-Stressed Corneal Epithelial Cells Depends on Differential MAPK Activation and p38MAPK/Na-K-2Cl Cotransporter1 Interaction

The capacity of the corneal epithelium to adapt to hypertonic challenge is dependent on the ability of the cells to upregulate the expression and activity of cell membrane-associated Na-K-2Cl cotransporter1 (NKCC1). Yet, the signaling pathways that control this response during hypertonic stress are still unclear. We studied stress-induced changes in proliferation and survival capacity of SV40-immortalized human (HCEC) and rabbit (RCEC) corneal epithelial cells as a function of (i) the magnitude of the hypertonic challenge, (ii) differential changes in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and (iii) the extent of p38MAPK interaction with NKCC1. Cells were incubated in hypertonic (up to 600 mOsm) media for varying time periods up to 24 h. Phosphorylated forms of p44/42, p38, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) MAPK were immunoprecipitated from cell lysates, and the amount of each activated NKCC1-associated MAPK was evaluated by Western blot/ECL assay. DNA integrity was assessed by electrophoresis in a 2% agarose gel. Cell survival and proliferation were evaluated based on three criteria: protein content, cell count, and the MTT assay. Exposure to media of 325-350 mOsm increased proliferation of HCEC up to 75%, whereas this response was limited to <16% in RCEC. At higher osmolarities, cell proliferation decreased in both species. SAPK/JNK activity increased 150-fold in HCEC and <10-fold in RCEC, while DNA fragmentation occurred only in HCEC. Compared to HCEC, the better RCEC survival rate was associated with higher p38MAPK activity and near complete restoration of p44/42MAPK activity after the first 30 min. In both cell lines, the amount of phospho-NKCC1 that coimmunoprecipitated with phospho-p38MAPK was proportional to the magnitudes of their respective activation levels. However, no such associations occurred between amounts of phosphorylated p44/42MAPK or SAPK/JNK and phospho-NKCC1. Under isotonic conditions, with bumetanide-induced inhibition of RCEC and HCEC NKCC1 activities, p44/42MAPK activity declined by 40 and 60%, respectively. Such declines led to proportional decreases in cell proliferation. Survival of hypertonicity-stressed corneal epithelial cells depends both on p38MAPK activation capacity and the ability of p38MAPK to stimulate NKCC1 activity through protein-protein interaction. The level of NKCC1 activation affects the extent of cell volume recovery and, in turn, epithelial survival capacity.
Periodate induced cross-linking of concanavalin A-reactive membrane proteins of rabbit thymocytes

Purified plasma membranes of rabbit thymocytes are exposed to sodium periodate and galactose oxidase at conditions similar to those used to induce mitogenic transformation of lymphocytes. The membrane proteins are then fractionated by dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. At concentrations of 0.005 M, Na I04 cross-links 55,000 D and 110,000 D glycoproteins which are known to specifically bind concanavalin A. Galactose oxidase has a similar cross-linking effect, but, at the same time causes proteolytic degradation of membrane proteins. Our data indicate that oxidizing agents, like NaIO4 and galactose oxidase, can indeed cross-link receptors of the thymocyte plasma membrane as has often been proposed as a possible mechanism of their action.
Studies of electron energy levels in single metal particles

Abstract We describe the fabrication of point-contact tunnel junctions containing a single Al particle of diameter
Estimation of moisture diffusion coefficient in thin polymer films with piezoelectric quartz crystal resonators

Mesures a temperatures constantes et humidites relatives, sur des couches minces d'acide polyamique
A new view of diabetic retinopathy: a neurodegenerative disease of the eye

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of legal blindness in working-age adults. The clinical hallmarks of DR include increased vascular permeability, leading to edema, and endothelial cell proliferation. Much of the research effort has been focused on vascular changes, but it is becoming apparent that other degenerative changes occur beyond the vascular cells of the retina. These include increased apoptosis, glial cell reactivity, microglial activation, and altered glutamate metabolism. When occurring together, these changes may be considered as neurodegenerative and could explain some of the functional deficits in vision that begin soon after the onset of diabetes. This review will present the current evidence that neurodegeneration of the retina is a critical component of DR. There are two basic hypotheses that account for loss of cells in the neural retina. First, the loss of blood-retinal barrier integrity, which initially manifests as an increase in vascular permeability, causes a failure to control the composition of the extracellular fluid in the retina, which in turn leads to edema and neuronal cell loss. Alternatively, diabetes has a direct effect on metabolism within the neural retina, leading to an increase in apoptosis, which in turn causes breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. It is not clear which hypothesis will be found to be correct, and, in fact, it is likely that vascular permeability and neuronal apoptosis are closely linked components of DR. However, the gradual loss of neurons suggests that progress of the disease is ultimately irreversible, since these cells cannot usually be replaced. In light of this possibility, new treatments for DR should be preventive in nature, being implemented before overt clinical symptoms develop. While vascular permeability is the target that is primarily considered for new treatments of DR, evidence presented here suggests that apoptosis of neurons is also an essential target for pharmacological studies. The vision of people with diabetes will be protected only when we have discovered a means to prevent the gradual but constant loss of neurons within the inner retina.
Simulating Fatigue Crack Growth in Spiral Bevel Gears Using Computational Fracture Mechanics

Development of practical and accurate numerical tools for evaluating gear performance and life assists in the design of new and better gears. This paper summarizes new results for predicting crack trajectory and fatigue life for a spiral bevel pinion using the parallel finite element method (FEM) and computational fracture mechanics. The predictions presented are based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) theories combined with FEM, and incorporating plasticity-induced fatigue crack closure and moving loads. The analyses are carried out using a parallel FEM solver, which calculates stress intensity factors (SIF) using the equivalent domain J-integral method. We show that we can simulate arbitrarily shaped fatigue crack growth in a spiral bevel gear more accurately and efficiently than with a previous boundary element based approach [1] using the parallel FEM along with a better representation of moving loads.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
In situ imaging of vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates

We present an application of dark-field imaging that enables in situ detection of two-dimensional vortex distributions in single-component Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). By rotating a $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ BEC in a magnetic trap, we generate a triangular lattice of vortex cores in the BEC, with core diameters on the order of 400 nm and cores separated by approximately $9\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. We have experimentally confirmed that the positions of the vortex cores near the BEC center can be determined without the need for ballistic expansion of the BEC. Our imaging method should allow for the determination of arbitrary distributions of vortices and other superfluid density defects in cases where expansion of the BEC is either impractical or would significantly alter the physical characteristics and appearance of vortices or defects. Our method is also a step toward real-time measurements of complex two-dimensional vortex dynamics within a single BEC.
Long‐term control of large pontine arteriovenous malformation using gamma knife therapy: a review with illustrative case

Brain stem arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare and their clinical management is controversial. A location in highly eloquent areas and a greater risk of radionecrosis are both serious issues for radiosurgery of this entity. We report a case of a pontine AVM treated successfully with gamma knife therapy. At 3 years angiographic follow-up, imaging demonstrated complete thrombosis and there were no new neurological deficits, and at 7 years clinical follow-up, the patient continued to be neurologically stable. Although all treatments carry risk of neurological compromise, gamma knife therapy may offer the best treatment option for brain stem AVMs as seen in the case presented herein. This case illustrates a rare case of holo-pontine AVM tolerating gamma radiation with complete angiographical response and minimal neurological sequalae.
Intellectual capital disclosure and market capitalization

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a descriptive framework of the components of intellectual capital in annual reports. The paper also aims to investigate the effects of disclosure of intellectual capital on market capitalization.Design/methodology/approach – The components of intellectual capital are used as units of analysis to content analyze the annual reports of a sample of 58 Fortune 500 companies over the five‐year period of 1993‐1997.Findings – The frequency of disclosure of information about brand and proprietary processes has increased over the study period. The results also point to significant differences between the “new” and “old” economy sectors with respect to intellectual capital categories of brand and partnerships where there is more disclosure by “old” economy sector and information technology and intellectual property where there is more disclosure by the “new” economy sector. Finally, the results show a highly significant effect for the intellectual capital disclosure on market cap...
Multipole Expansion for Relativistic Coulomb Excitation

We derive a general expression for the multipole expansion of the electromagnetic interaction in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, which can be employed in higher-order dynamical calculations of Coulomb excitation. The interaction has diagonal as well as off-diagonal multipole components, associated with the intrinsic and relative coordinates of projectile and target. A simple truncation in the off-diagonal components gives excellent results in first-order perturbation theory for distant collisions and for beam energies up to 200 MeV/nucleon.
Transfer of secretory proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus : discrimination between homologous and heterologous transfer in intact heterokaryons

To examine aspects of the transfer of secretory proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus in situ, heterokaryons were formed between Hep G2 human hepatoma cells and WI-38 human fibroblasts. The cells were appropriately treated with cycloheximide before fusion, which emptied them of their respective secretory proteins, serum albumin for the Hep G2 cells and procollagen I for the WI-38 cells. After fusion was complete, the cycloheximide was washed out, protein synthesis was resumed, and the rates of reappearance of serum albumin and procollagen I in the two separated Golgi apparatuses within each heterokaryon were followed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Serum albumin was found to always reappear first in the Golgi apparatus contributed by the Hep G2 half of the heterokaryon, and procollagen I in the Golgi apparatus of the WI-38 half. These results suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi apparatus transfer in situ is not simply a stochastic process but is either spatially restricted or exhibits cell-type specificity or both.
Immunocytochemical localization of chondroitin sulfates in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the normal and dystrophic rat retina.

The interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) is a mixture of proteoglycans and glycoproteins through which metabolites must pass in transit between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the photoreceptor cells. In order to localize various species of chondroitin sulfates in the IPM of the normal and dystrophic rat retina, we have used monoclonal antibodies directed against 6-sulfated chondroitin sulfate (6S), 4-sulfated chondroitin sulfate (4S) and unsulfated chondroitin (OS). Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase methods were carried out on frozen and wax-embedded sections of rat eyes. In the normal rat retina, strong labeling with the 6S antibody was observed in the basal IS/OS zone and, to a lesser extent, in the photoreceptor interstices extending to the apical RPE surface. In the RCS retina, the IPM in the basal IS/OS zone and much of the outer segment debris zone were labeled intensely with 6S antibody, but no strong labeling was present at the apical RPE surface. The labeling pattern with OS antibody w...
Endoluminal suturing may overcome the limitations of clip closure of a gaping wide colon perforation (with videos)

Background It is unclear whether large gaping perforations of the colon can be closed by the endoluminal route. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and the outcome of closure of large perforations of colon with clips and sutures by using through-the-endoscope novel devices. Design Prospective animal study. Setting University hospital. Patients Ten pigs. Interventions Closure of a 4-cm full-thickness colon perforation freshly created by an insulated-tip knife with the InScope Multi-Clip Applier (n = 6) and with the tissue approximation device (n = 4). Main Outcome Measurements (a) Technical feasibility of closure, (b) clinical monitoring for 2 weeks, (c) necropsy (day 14), (d) healing by a dye-leak test and histology. Results Endoluminal closure of a 4-cm–long colon perforation was successful in 9 of 10 animals. The clips failed to close a gaping wide colon perforation in 1 animal. The sutures were successful in the closure of both nongaping and gaping perforations. Successful closure resulted in a leakproof sealing at 2 weeks and prevented clinical peritonitis in all the animals in the clip-closure group and in 3 of 4 animals in the suture-closure group. Necropsy at 2 weeks revealed mild peritonitis in 2 of the 5 animals in the clip closure group and in 2 of the 4 animals in the suture-closure group; none developed fecal peritonitis. Limitations None. Conclusions Endoluminal closure of a 4-cm colon perforation with clips was successful in the majority of cases. Sutures were useful in the closure of gaping colon perforations that could not be closed with clips.
Microfossils from the Late Precambrian Altyn Formation of Montana

SEDIMENTARY rocks of the late Precambrian Belt Supergroup are exposed in western Montana, Idaho, and adjacent parts of Canada. There are few reports of microfossils from the Belt Supergroup, although Metazoan ancestors may occur in the younger, upper Belt Missoula Group1. Early this century Walcott2 concluded that stromatolites found in the Belt were produced by blue-green algae. He reported pyritised blue-green algal filaments, associated with stromatolites, from the Newland Limestone of lower Belt age. Recent re-examination of this material supported Walcott's interpretation3. I report here the discovery of microfossils, which are older than 1,300 m.y., from the lower Belt Altyn Formation.
Depth from relative normal flows

Abstract Most of the depth from image flow algorithms has to rely on either good initial guesses, or some assumptions about the object surfaces to achieve solutions that agree with the physical world. Waxman and Sinha point out that those restrictions can be relaxed if depth is computed from a relative image flow field. Since image flow determination is relatively much more difficult than normal flow determination, it is of interest to develop an algorithm to recover depth from normal flows. In this paper, we have shown that similar results can be obtained from relative normal flow fields as from relative image flow fields. We have implemented a normal flow estimation algorithm, and applied our algorithm to recover depth from intensity images.
Strength of denture repairs as influenced by surface treatment

A c r y l i c resin is an indispensable material in removable prosthodonties. Unfortunately, removable restorations that are made totally or partially of acrylic resin will fracture if dropped or stressed beyond their fracture strength. Several techniques and materials have been used to repair fractured dentures. The ultimate goal is to restore the original strength of the denture and to avoid further fracture. However, this goal cannot always be attained. For example, the highest transverse strength for repaired dentures is about 80% of the original strength when heat-cured resin is used. ~ Furthermore, the fracture of the repaired specimens often occurs at the junction of the old and new materials rather than through the center of the repair where the load is applied. This finding clearly indicates that the interface of the old and new materials is the location of stress concentration during transverse strength testing, regardless of the technique used. Denture repairs involve joining two parts of a fractured denture with a denture repair material. In essence, the success of denture repairs relies on the phenomenon of adhesion. Surface preparation of the sites to be joined is of paramount importance to assure a long service life. 2 Correct surface preparation means a strong bonding interface, which can improve the repair strength and reduce stress concentration. Normally, the surfaces to be joined are ground with a handpiece to a desirable profile and cleaned; the surface is treated with monomer before the repair materials are inserted? Research in denture repairs has concentrated on the effect of edge profile (one method of surface preparation) or on repair materials. Polymer surfaces can be etched by appropriate chemicals, a process which changes considerably the morphology and chemical properties of the surface and promotes better adhesion? The concept of etching to improve bonding has not been clearly addressed or applied to denture repair. The purpose of this study was to
Hsp90 Regulates a von Hippel Lindau-independent Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α-degradative Pathway

HIF-1α is a normally labile proangiogenic transcription factor that is stabilized and activated in hypoxia. Although the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene product, the ubiquitin ligase responsible for regulating HIF-1α protein levels, efficiently targets HIF-1α for rapid proteasome-dependent degradation under normoxia, HIF-1α is resistant to the destabilizing effects of VHL under hypoxia. HIF-1α also associates with the molecular chaperone Hsp90. To examine the role of Hsp90 in HIF-1α function, we used renal carcinoma cell (RCC) lines that lack functional VHL and express stable HIF-1α protein under normoxia. Geldanamycin (GA), an Hsp90 antagonist, promoted efficient ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation of HIF-1α in RCC in both normoxia and hypoxia. Furthermore, HIF-1α point mutations that block VHL association did not protect HIF-1α from GA-induced destabilization. Hsp90 antagonists also inhibited HIF-1α transcriptional activity and dramatically reduced both hypoxia-induced accumulation of VEGF mRNA and hypoxia-dependent angiogenic activity. These findings demonstrate that disruption of Hsp90 function 1) promotes HIF-1α degradation via a novel, oxygen-independent E3 ubiquitin ligase and 2) diminishes HIF-1α transcriptional activity. Existence of an Hsp90-dependent pathway for elimination of HIF-1α predicts that Hsp90 antagonists may be hypoxic cell sensitizers and possess antiangiogenic activityin vivo, thus extending the utility of these drugs as therapeutic anticancer agents.
Minimum Resistance Microwave Diodes

Silicon PIN switching diodes and GaAs varactor tuning diodes have demonstrated 100% performance improvements in quality factor Q by using straightforward optimization techniques, device processing innovations and improvements in materials. Analogous design techniques have been applied to both devices, including careful modeling to identify series resistance contributions, and directed process development to reduce these contributions. In both cases, substrate resistance was reduced to a minimum with processes that replaced semiconductor substrate with metal. Total resistance was minimized by analytical calculation to define optimum device geometries.