cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Material Mechanics: High‐Throughput Polymer Synthesis and Nanomechanical Screening

relation functional proposed by Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE) [20] was adopted. To account for the valence–core interaction, ultrasoft pseudopotentials [21] were chosen for Nb 4p and 4d states and norm-conserving pseudopotentials [22] were chosen for other states. The wavefunctions were expanded in the plane-wave basis set with an energy cut-off of 25 Ry; the energy cut-off for the augmentation charge was 400 Ry. The Brillouin zone of the supercell was sampled only at the C point. In the energy optimization, the Davidson method and the Broyden charge-density mixing method were used. The structure optimization was quenched using molecular dynamics. Synthesis: Methyltriethoxysilane (CH3Si(OC2H5)3), ethyltriethoxysilane (C2H5Si(OC2H5)3), propyltriethoxysilane (C3H7Si(OC2H5)3), and octyltriethoxysilane (C8H17Si(OC2H5)3) were used as precursors for the formation of organosiloxane networks, and tetraethoxysilane (Si(OC2H5)4) was used as a precursor for the formation of siloxane networks. Niobium ethoxide (Nb(OC2H5)5), titanium isopropoxide (Ti(O i C3H7)4), aluminum sec-butoxide (Al(O s C4H9)3), yttrium isopropoxide (Y(O i C3H7)3), calcium ethoxide (Ca(OC2H5)2), and lithium ethoxide (LiOC2H5) were used as precursors of inorganic components. Niobium ethoxide, titanium isopropoxide, aluminum sec-butoxide, and yttrium isopropoxide were chemically modified with ethyl acetoacetate. Ethoxysilane in 2-ethoxyethanol was partially hydrolyzed with water containing 0.1 mol % HCl in a molar ratio of 3:2 (water/ethoxysilane). Metal alkoxide was added to the partially hydrolyzed solution and stirred for 1 h. The molar ratio of aluminum sec-butoxide/ethoxysilane was 5:95. The solution was further hydrolyzed with an excess of water containing 0.1 mol-% HCl in a molar ratio water/(ethoxysilane + metal alkoxide) of 30:1. The hydrolyzed solution was allowed to gel at 70–100 °C for 1 day. The gel was further heat-treated at 200 °C for 1 day. The sample was ground to a powder and used for measuring the solid acid/base strength. The measurements were carried out with a series of Hammett indicators [14].
Radionuclide sorption on low‐exchange capacity hanford site soils

Abstract Trace Distribution Coefficients (Kd values) for Cs, 85Sr, and 60Co sorption were found to be a function of sediment type (soil type) and of the solution concentration of macroions including Na+, K+, and Ca+2 over wide macroion concentration ranges. These Kd value functions are required as input sorption parameters to a mass transport model. Four methods were evaluated for measuring the Kd value macroion functional relationships. for each sediment type. Precision, bias, and cost effectiveness were compared for choosing a preferred method. The preferred method, an empirical‐statistical method (Box‐Behnken method), was found to be as precise and unbiased as the other methods and the most cost effective.
The Service-Dominant Logic and a Hierarchy of Operant Resources: Developing Masterful Operant Resources and Implications for Marketing Strategy

Marketing’s evolution toward a new dominant logic requires the focus of marketing to be on the intangible, dynamic, operant resources that are at the heart of competitive advantage and performance. First, building on resource-advantage theory’s notion of basic resources and higher-order resources, this article proposes a hierarchy of basic, composite, and interconnected operant resources. Second, reviewing research on business strategy and marketing strategy, several resources that correspond to the proposed hierarchy are identified and discussed. Third, the notion of developing masterful operant resources is introduced. Fourth, based on the proposed hierarchy and the notion of masterful operant resources, some exemplars of potential research avenues for marketing strategy are provided. Finally, the article concludes with the discussion of implications for marketing practitioners, researchers, and educators. In sum, this article extends and elaborates the concept of operant resources in the service-dominant logic of marketing.
Time-dependent density-functional approaches to ultrafast intersubband dynamics in quantum wells

Time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) has the capability to describe the dynamics of manyelectron systems in principle exactly. This article provides a brief overview of the basic concepts of TDDFT, and discusses two applications to ultrafast intersubband processes in semiconductor quantum wells. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Oxytocin enhances hippocampal spike transmission by modulating fast-spiking interneurons

Neuromodulatory control by oxytocin is essential to a wide range of social, parental and stress-related behaviours. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with deficiencies in oxytocin levels and with genetic alterations of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Thirty years ago, Muhlethaler et al. found that oxytocin increases the firing of inhibitory hippocampal neurons, but it remains unclear how elevated inhibition could account for the ability of oxytocin to improve information processing in the brain. Here we describe in mammalian hippocampus a simple yet powerful mechanism by which oxytocin enhances cortical information transfer while simultaneously lowering background activity, thus greatly improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Increased fast-spiking interneuron activity not only suppresses spontaneous pyramidal cell firing, but also enhances the fidelity of spike transmission and sharpens spike timing. Use-dependent depression at the fast-spiking interneuron-pyramidal cell synapse is both necessary and sufficient for the enhanced spike throughput. We show the generality of this novel circuit mechanism by activation of fast-spiking interneurons with cholecystokinin or channelrhodopsin-2. This provides insight into how a diffusely delivered neuromodulator can improve the performance of neural circuitry that requires synapse specificity and millisecond precision.
Changes in bronchial responsiveness following nasal provocation with allergen

Abstract The relationship between upper airway inflammation and asthma is controversial. In the current study, we sought to investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis and lower airway dysfunction by performing double-blind, randomized nasal challenges with allergen or placebo. Subjects were selected for a prior history of asthma exacerbations after the onset of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. After the induction of a marked nasal-allergic reaction (with a technique of nasal provocation that limited allergen delivery to the nose), there were no changes in FEV 1 , specific conductance, or lung volumes either 30 minutes or 412 hours after nasal allergen challenge, nor any changes in peak flow rates followed hourly until the next day. However, nasal provocation with allergen resulted in a relative increase in bronchial responsiveness to methacholine compared with that to placebo ( p = 0.011 at 30 minutes and p = 0.0009 at 412 hours after challenge). Our study suggests that, although a nasal-allergic response does not induce airflow limitation of the lower airways, it can alter bronchial responsiveness.
Acute myositis associated with Hemophilus parasuis in primary SPF sows.

Hemophilus parasuis (HPS) infection is frequently associated with polyserositis and meningitis (Glasser’s disease). HPS infection is recognized as a serious infection in susceptible specific pathogen-free (SPF) hogs. Acute HPS septicemia 4 or pneumonia, without polyserositis, has also been reported. This report describes an acute fasciitis and myositis associated with HPS infection in primary SPF sows. Thirty SPF sows were inappetent, weak, and ataxic. Several of these sows had swollen heads and 7 sows died over a 48hour period. Rectal temperatures ranged from 105 to 108 F. The remaining 23 sows responded to antibiotic therapy and recovered fully, suggesting a bacterial infection. The sows were second parity and were ceasarian derived through an SPF laboratory. They had no previous disease problems. Two of the 7 sows were necropsied. One sow had extensive subcutaneous edema of the head region (Fig. 1). Lesions of septicemia, polyserositis, or pneumonia were not present. The other sow lacked significant gross lesions. The lung, liver, and meninges of both sows were cultured aerobically in 5% bovine blood agar, 5% bovine blood Columbia agar, MacConkey agar, and mannitol salt agar, and on a 5% ovine blood agar plate with a Staphylococcus epidermidis nurse streak incubated under 5% CO, atmosphere. No bacteria were isolated from the above organs of either sow. The masseter muscle from 1 sow was cultured on a bovine blood agar plate under anaerobic conditions as well as with a Staphylococcus epidermidis nurse streak under 5% CO, atmosphere. These procedures failed to identify any anaerobic bacteria. Tiny, smooth, grayish colored, translucent, nonhemolytic bacterial colonies satellited the Staphy-
Long and short-term effect of prednisolone in hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis

Objective: To assess long and short-term effect of prednisolone in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis Methodology: A randomized and controlled trial was carried out at the Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande-RS, Brazil. Twenty-eight patients were randomly allocated prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day for 5 days) plus standard care, and 24 patients allocated standard care alone. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of post-bronchiolitis wheezing at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge. The secondary endpoints were: length of hospital stay, duration of oxygen therapy and time to clinical improvement during the hospitalization. Results: There were no significant differences between the prednisolone and control group in the prevalence of post-bronchioltis wheezing at 1 month (73.1 vs 83.3%, P = 0.5), 3 months (73.1 vs 79.2%, P = 0.7), 6 months (65.4 vs 66.7%, P = 0.9) and 12 months (50.0 vs 58.3%, P = 0.5) after hospital discharge. No reduction was observed in the prednisolone group, compared with the control group, in terms of length of hospital stay (6.0 vs 5.0 days, P = 0.7), duration of oxygen therapy (24.0 vs 24.0 h, P = 0.4) and time to clinical resolution (4.0 vs 4.0 days, P = 0.8). Conclusions: Prednisolone has no significant effect on reducing the prevalence of post-bronchiolitis wheezing and on improving the acute course of illness in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis.
In vitro changes in non-facial human skin following CO2 laser resurfacing: a comparison study.

Background and Objective: We evaluated the physical changes in human skin following CO 2 laser cutaneous resurfacing with either the Sharplan SilkTouch® handpiece or the Coherent UltraPulse® laser. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Three-hundred five human tissue samples and matched controls were used. Up to five laser passes were performed per specimen. Parameters evaluated included: lateral skin shrinkage, transient temperature change, isometric tension development, elasticity change, and histologic change. Results: Skin shrinkage increased in direct proportion to laser pass number. Isometric tension exponentially increased and elasticity exponentially decreased with successive laser passes. The zone of thermal denaturation for the SilkTouch® handpiece was 115 ± 15 μm, and was independent of laser pass number. The zone of thermal denaturation was patchy for the UltraPulse® laser treatments, regardless of pass number. A greater temperature increase was also measured for SilkTouch® irradiation than with the UltraPulse® laser. Conclusion: The observed alterations in tissue length, tension development, and elasticity obtained with SilkTouch® or Ultra-Pulse® treatment may contribute to the changes in clinical appearance associated with laser cutaneous resurfacing. Our findings support a role for extracellular matrix contraction in the mechanism of action for CO 2 lasers in cutaneous resurfacing.
Evidence for extraterrestrial amino-acids and hydrocarbons in the Murchison meteorite.

Extraterrestrial abiotic amino acids and hydrocarbons in type II carbonaceous chondrite at Murchison, Australia
Soil microbial biomass and activity of a disturbed and undisturbed shrub-steppe ecosystem

Abstract Disturbance of shrub-steppe soils and alterations in plant cover may affect the distribution, size and activity of soil microorganisms and their ability to biogeochemically cycle essential nutrients. Therefore, the soil microbial biomass and activity and selected soil enzyme activities were determined for two arid ecosystems, an undisturbed perennial shrub-steppe and annual grassland, which was initially shrub-steppe and has been an annual grassland since the disturbance caused by farming ceased in the 1940s. Soils were sampled at 0–5 and 5–15 cm depths beneath sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata Mutt.), bluebunch wheatgrass [ Elytrigia spicata (Pursh) D.R. Dewey] and cryptogamic soil lichen crust at the perennial site and beneath downy brome ( Bromus tectorum L.) at the annual grassland site. Soils were analyzed for physical properties, inorganic N, microbial biomass C and N, respiration and several enzymes. The soil pH and bulk density usually increased, while inorganic N, total N and total C decreased as a function of soil depth. Soil microbial biomass C and N, soil respiration and soil dehydrogenase activity were 2–15 times higher in the top 5 cm of soil than at the 5–15 cm depth regardless of plant type. Loss of this surface soil would therefore be detrimental to microbially-mediated cycling of nutrients. Surface soil (0–5 cm depth) microbial biomass C and N and soil respiration, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity were influenced by plant type and decreased in the order B. tectorum A. tridentata = E. spicata soil crust. Spatial distribution of plant species at the shrub-steppe site resulted in “islands” of enhanced microbial biomass and activity underneath the shrubs and grasses when compared to the interplant areas covered with soil crust. When plant cover was used to compute a landscape estimate of soil microbial biomass C and N for the perennial shrub-steppe and the annual grassland, similar values were obtained. This indicates that while the distribution of microorganisms may be more heterogeneous in the shrub-steppe, the average across the landscape is the same as the more homogeneous annual grassland.
A study of the growth inhibition of Lactobacillus casei by N-alkyl homologs of N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

Abstract N -methyl-(MNNG), N -ethyl(ENNG), and N -propyl -(PNNG) derivative of N '-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus casei in the order of potency. MNNG > ENNG > PNNG. l -Cysteine, glutathione and dithioerythritol reversed the inhibition on a motor basis.The —SH compounds accelerated the loss of the N -nitroso group in vitro, yeilding noninhibitory N -alkyl nitroguanidines. The significance of the loss of the nitroso group and the size of the N -alkyl group is discussed.
Hepatocyte uptake of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin complexes in vitro: evidence for a shared uptake mechanism for proteinase complexes of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and antithrombin III.

In vivo clearance studies have indicated that the clearance of proteinase complexes of the homologous serine proteinase inhibitors α1-proteinase inhibitor and anti-thrombin III occurs via a specific and saturable pathway located on hepatocytes. In vitro hepatocyte-uptake studies with antithrombin III-proteinase complexes confirmed the hepatocyte uptake and degradation of these complexes, and demonstrated the formation of a disulfide interchange product between the ligand and a cellular protein. We now report the results of in vitro hepatocyte uptake studies with α1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin complexes. Trypsin complexes of α1-proteinase inhibitor were prepared and purified to homogeneity. Uptake of these complexes by hepatocytes was time and concentration-dependent. Competition experiments with α1-proteinase inhibitor, α1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin, and antithrombin III-thrombin indicated that the proteinase complexes of these two inhibitors arc recognized by the same uptake mechanism, whereas the native inhibitor is not. Uptake studies were performed at 37°C with 125I-α1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis in conjunction with autoradiography. These studies demonstrated time-dependent uptake and degradation of the ligand to low molecular weight peptides. In addition, there was a time-dependent accumulation of a high molecular weight complex of ligand and a cellular protein. This complex disappeared when gels were performed under reducing conditions. The sole cysteine residue in α1-proteinase inhibitor was reduced and alkylated with iodoacetamide. Trypsin complexes of the modified inhibitor were prepared and purified to homogeneity. Uptake and degradation studies demonstrated no differences in the results obtained with this modified complex as compared to unmodified α1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin complex. In addition, the high molecular weight disulfide interchange product was still present on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of solubilized cells. Clearance and clearance competition studies with approteinase inhibitor-trypsin, alkylated α1-proteinase inhibitor-trypsin, antithrombin III-thrombin, and antithrombin III-factor IXa further demonstrated the shared hepatocyte uptake mechanism for all these complexes.
“The True” in Gottlob Frege's “Über die Grundlagen der Geometrie”

In this essay, I examine the metaphysical and metalogical ramifications of Gottlob Frege's controversy with David Hilbert and Alwin Korselt, over Hilbert'sGrundlagen der Geometrie. These ramifications include
Definitive assignment of the g tensor of [Fe(OEP)(NO)] by single-crystal EPR.

Single-crystal EPR measurements have been performed on the triclinic form of [Fe(OEP)(NO)] (Ellison, M. K.; Scheidt, W. R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 7404) and on the isomorphous cobalt derivative [Co(OEP)(NO)] (Ellison, M. K.; Scheidt, W. R. Inorg. Chem. 1998, 37, 382) which has been doped with [Fe(OEP)(NO)]. Principal values of the g tensor determined at room temperature are gmax = 2.106, gmid = 2.057, and gmin = 2.015. The principal direction associated with the minimum g value lies 8° from the Fe−N(NO) direction, 2° from the normal to the heme plane, and 42° from the N−O direction. The direction associated with the maximum g value lies 9° from the normal to the Fe−N−O plane. The fact that the direction of gmin is near the Fe−N(NO) direction is consistent with the dominant role of spin−orbit coupling at the iron atom in determining the g tensor and with the picture of the electronic structure of the compound from restricted calculations, which makes the half-filled orbital mostly dz2 on the iron atom...
The dispersion of relative commodity prices under very rapid inflation

Abstract The hypothesis that inflation is not neutral with respect to relative commodity prices has recently received a great deal of attention. In this paper the recent experience of Argentina, a country suffering from a very high rate of inflation, is considered. It is found that the increase in relative-price variability which is associated with higher rates of inflation is caused mainly by ‘surprises’ or unanticipated changes in the inflation rate and that fully expected inflation appears to have less or no relative-price effects. An additional result indicates that increased variability of relative commodity prices have effects on financial portfolio composition, reducing the holdings of real cash balances.
Development of a multi-ARM bioprinter for hybrid tissue engineering

This paper highlights the development of a multi-arm bioprinter (MABP) capable of concurrent deposition of multiple materials with independent dispensing parameters including deposition speed, material dispensing rate and frequency for functional zonal-stratified articular cartilage tissue fabrication. The MABP consists of two Cartesian robots mounted in parallel on the same mechanical frame. This platform is used for concurrent filament fabrication and cell spheroid deposition. A single-layer structure is fabricated and concurrently deposited with spheroids to validate this system. Preliminary results showed that the MABP was able to produce filaments and spheroids with well-defined geometry and high cell viability. The resulting filament width has a variation of +/-170 μm and the center-to-center filament distance was within 100 μm of the specified distance. This fabrication system is aimed to be further refined for printing structures with varying porosities to mimic the natural cartilage structure in order to produce functional tissue-engineered articular cartilage using cell spheroids containing cartilage progenitor cells (CPCs).Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Real and Virtual Social Ties: Connections in the Everyday Lives of Seven Ethnic Neighborhoods

The relationship between online and offline social ties is studied in seven Los Angeles ethnically marked residential areas. Contrary to visions proposing a zero-sum game between the two, the authors advance a “the more, the more” approach to online social ties. A higher level of belonging to real communities translates into a higher propensity for interaction online. This approach is informed by a social shaping of technology perspective, which proposes that strong anchoring to offline social and cultural groups links cyberspace to people's local communities. Results of a logistic regression analysis indicate that the chances of making a friend online increase by 7% for each belonging index unit and by 32% for each neighbor known well enough to talk to about a personal problem. Belonging is captured through an index measure, combining eight items concerning objective and subjective involvement in residential community. Ethnic differences are less pronounced than expected. However, Asian respondents, part...
Childhood-onset disease as a predictor of mortality in an adult cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To examine childhood-onset disease as a predictor of mortality in a cohort of adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data were derived from the University of California Lupus Outcomes Study, a longitudinal cohort of 957 adult subjects with SLE that includes 98 subjects with childhood-onset SLE. Baseline and followup data were obtained via telephone interviews conducted in 2002–2007. The number of deaths during 5 years of followup was determined and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for the cohort, and across age groups, were calculated. Kaplan-Meier life table analysis was used to compare mortality rates between childhood- (defined as SLE diagnosis at <18 years of age) and adult-onset SLE. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine predictors of mortality. Results During the median followup period of 48 months, 72 deaths (7.5% of subjects) occurred, including 9 deaths (12.5%) in subjects with childhood-onset SLE. The overall SMR was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.0–3.2). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, after adjusting for age, childhood-onset subjects were at increased risk for mortality throughout the followup period (P< 0.0001). In a multivariate model adjusting for age, disease duration, and other covariates, childhood-onset SLE was independently associated with an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.3), as was low socioeconomic status measured by education (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2), and end stage renal disease (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.0). Conclusion Childhood-onset SLE was a strong predictor of mortality in this cohort. Interventions are needed to prevent early mortality in this population.
Pressure-support ventilation in children with severe asthma.

Objective : To review the efficacy of pressure-support ventilation in the management of children with status asthmaticus requiring mechanical ventilation. Design : A case series. Setting : A university hospital. Subjects : Children requiring mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure despite medical therapy during an episode of acute asthma. Interventions : Mechanical ventilation with pressure-support ventilation. Measurements and Main Results : Respiratory parameters (ventilatory settings, minute ventilation, respiratory rate, airway pressures) and blood gases were determined before, on initiation, and for 6 hrs after pressure-support ventilation. Spontaneous ventilation with an initial respiratory rate of 45 breaths/min (range 31 to 46) and an inspiration/expiration ratio (I/E) of 1 :1.2 (range 1 :1.1 to 1 :2) was readily established in each patient. Arterial pH normalized (7.41, range 7.39 to 7.43) within 6 hrs (4.25, range 2 to 6) of the time at which ventilation was begun and the Paco 2 decreased (p <.02) to 44 torr (range 39 to 47) (5.9 kPa, range 5.2 to 6.3) during pressure-support ventilation. Conclusion : Pressure-support ventilation permitted patient-cycled spontaneous ventilation in children with asthma. The ability of patients to determine their own respiratory pattern and to maintain forced exhalation during pressure-support ventilation may have important advantages in children with severe asthma who require mechanical ventilation.
Cardiac pain in paroxysmal tachycardia

Abstract Nineteen cases of paroxysmal tachycardia were studied in which the pain was similar in type and location to that seen in cases of angina pectoris. The pain is chiefly distinguished from that of angina pectoris by the absence of the relation of the pain to factors which precipitate attacks of angina pectoris, and also by the fact that the painful seizures tend to occur over a long period of years without a serious outcome. The diagnosis rests on the demonstration of evidence that the pain is an accompaniment of attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia. In contrast to the pain of angina pectoris, except that which occurs in coronary occlusion the pain in paroxysmal tachycardia has a much longer duration as a rule. The prognosis depends on the type and degree of underlying cardiac injury, but in general is good if there is no other cardiac disorder. Treatment of the pain which occurs with attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia consists in measures which have as their objective the control of the paroxysms of rapid heart action.
Solution of the Cauchy Problem for a Hyperbolic Equation with Constant Coefficients in the Case of Two Independent Variables

On the plane, we consider a linear partial differential equation of arbitrary order of hyperbolic type. The operator in the equation is a composition of first-order differential operators. The equation is accompanied with Cauchy conditions. For the equation, we obtain an analytic form of the general solution, from which we single out the unique classical solution of the Cauchy problem.
Proteolysis: The proteasome: a protein-degrading organelle?

The crystal structure of the proteasome suggests that degradation of ubiquitin-protein conjugates is achieved by unfolding the protein substrate and translocating it through a channel into a peptidase-containing chamber.
Imaging of sequelae of head trauma

The imaging of head trauma has been one of the fundamental cornerstones of neuroradiology. As the practice of neuroimaging has matured, great strides have been made in the diagnostic as well as prognostic armamentarium available to physicians. Given the vast diversity of trauma mechanisms and clinical pathways, new advanced imaging technologies have had a lasting impact on the detection, description, and depiction of head trauma. Furthermore, these new tools are allowing the imaging specialist to function not only as an interpreter of what is seen but as a 21st century radiographic oracle. We present a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of sequlae of traumatic brain injury and the growing correlation of new neuroimaging techniques and neurotraumatic outcomes.
Spectrophotometric determination and removal of unchelated europium ions from solutions containing Eu-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelate–peptide conjugates

Europium chelates conjugated with peptide ligands are routinely used as probes for conducting in vitro binding experiments. The presence of unchelated Eu ions in these formulations gives high background luminescence and can lead to poor results in binding assays. In our experience, the reported methods for purification of these probes do not achieve adequate removal of unchelated metal ions in a reliable manner. In this work, a xylenol orange-based assay for the quantification of unchelated metal ions was streamlined and used to determine levels of metal ion contamination as well as the success of metal ion removal on attempted purification. We compared the use of Empore chelating disks and Chelex 100 resin for the selective removal of unchelated Eu ions from several Eu-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelate-peptide conjugates. Both purification methods gave complete and selective removal of the contaminant metal ions. However, Empore chelating disks were found to give much higher recoveries of the probes under the conditions used. Related to the issue of probe recovery, we also describe a significantly more efficient method for the synthesis of one such probe using Rink amide AM resin in place of Tentagel S resin.
Prestructuring model for system-arrangement problems☆

Abstract A computer-supported procedure is presented for using requirement information to prestructure compotent relationships for a general class of arrangement problems. The procedure generalizes and extends the range of admissable requirement information and reduces the risk of local optimality in arrangement. Three categories of requirement information are identified: flow factors, explicit requirements and implicit requirements. These three are integrated and used to organize the components to be arranged into a ‘normative structure’ in the form of a semi-lattice hierarchy. The normative structure is an approximation of the spatial or temporal arrangement to be generated in real space.
The Positive Consequences of Negative Stereotypes: Race, Sexual Orientation, and the Job Application Process

How do marginalized social categories, such as being black and gay, combine with one another in the production of discrimination? While much extant research assumes that combining marginalized social categories results in a “double disadvantage,” I argue that in the case of race and sexual orientation the opposite may be true. This article posits that stereotypes about gay men as effeminate and weak will counteract common negative stereotypes held by whites that black men are threatening and criminal. Thus, I argue that being gay will have negative consequences for white men in the job application process, but that being gay will actually have positive consequences for black men in this realm. This hypothesis is tested using data from a survey experiment in which respondents were asked to evaluate resumes for a job opening where the race and sexual orientation of the applicants were experimentally manipulated. The findings contribute to important theoretical debates about stereotypes, discrimination, and ...
A quantum yield determination of O(1D) production from ozone via laser flash photolysis

The quantum yield of electronically excited atomic oxygen produced from ozone photolysis was measured at 298 K from wavelengths of 293.0 to 316.5 nm. The reaction of the atomic oxygen with N2O to form excited NO2 was used to monitor the O production; a frequency-doubled flashlamp-pumped dye laser which provided tunable ultraviolet in the desired spectral region with 0.1-nm linewidth served as the photolysis source. The atomic oxygen quantum yield was found to be constant below 300 nm, with a sharp decrease centered at 308 nm and a diminution to less than one tenth of the constant value by 313.5 nm.
A Brief Overview of a Scale Independent Deformation Theory and Application to Diagnosis of Deformational Status of Solid-State Materials

A field theoretical approach to deformation and fracture of solid-state material is outlined, and its application to diagnosis of deformational status of metal specimens is discussed. Being based on a fundamental physical principle known as local symmetry, this approach is intrinsically scale independent, and capable of describing all stages of deformation on the same theoretical foundation. This capability enables us to derive criteria that can be used to diagnose transitions from the elastic to plastic regime, and the plastic to fracturing regime. For practical applications of these criteria, an optical interferometric technique known as electronic speckle-pattern interferometry is proved to be quite powerful; it is able to visualize the criteria as a whole image of the object on a real-time basis without numerical processing. It is demonstrated that this method is able to reveal loading hysteresis as well.
Orbital-free kinetic-energy functionals for the nearly free electron gas

We present an improvement over the Wang-Teter, Perrot, and Smargiassi-Madden kinetic-energy functionals without going beyond linear-response theory and without introducing a density-dependent kernel. The improved functionals were tested on bulk aluminum, and excellent results were obtained. Accurate density-functional calculations using the new functionals on systems larger than one can study by traditional Kohn-Sham methods are demonstrated.
Creating Better Governance of Offshore Services

Given the extensive history that companies now have with offshore outsourcing and the critical role that it continues to play, it is vital that we synthesize the many lessons learned and formalize them into a workable and flexible governance model. A review of the leading academic and practitioner literature on offshore outsourcing provided the basis for development of nine attributes of best practices/maturity. These attributes were used further to propose a framework for mature offshore outsourcing governance. We conducted a case study of a leading U.S.-headquartered multinational company and its major offshore vendors, some of whom the company had been involved in offshoring with for many years. By juxtaposing the case study experiences with the disparate literature on offshore outsourcing and IT governance, a proposed model for mature offshore outsourcing governance emerged.
Isolation of oligodendrocyte precursors from umbilical cord blood for the repair of spinal cord injury

Abstract Introduction: Optimizing remyelination through direct delivery of myelin producing cells may offer alternative approaches to restoring neurologic function in patients who sustain brain and spinal cord injuries. We hypothesized that umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains cells capable of differentiating into precursors of neural lineages, specifically oligodendrocytes, which could be used for cellular repair of neural tissues in patients who have suffered injury. Methods: Mononuclear cells were isolated from UCB and cultured in media containing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (5ng/mL), neurotrophin-3 (1ng/mL), tri-iodothyronine (30ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (10ng/mL), and 10% FBS. An adherent cell population was observed after one week. Cells were fixed and stained using immunocytochemical techniques for hematopoietic markers CD45 and CD34, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II, microglial markers CD68 and CD11b, astrocyte marker GFAP, oligodendrocyte markers O1, O4, and myelin basic protein (MBP), and neuronal markers NeuN and B-tubulin III. RT-PCR was performed using primers specific to oligodendrocyte precursors: MBP and 2′,3′,-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase). Results: We observed that UCB contains cells capable of differentiation along the oligodendrocyte lineage, evidenced by staining for CD45, O1, O4, MBP, HLA I, and HLA II. Expression of MBP and CNPase was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Conclusions: The pattern of RNA production and protein expression observed in UCB-derived cells suggests that they may be capable of oligodendrocyte differentiation. These cells may have the potential for therapeutic applications in patients with diseases or injuries of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Velar closure and ear tubings as a primary procedure in the repair of cleft palates

This ten-year study reviews 36 patients with complete clefts of the hard and soft palates treated with primary velar closure, bilateral myringotomies, and tubings performed when the infant was 12 to 15 months of age. The hard palate and prepalate were not closed until the child was at least 5 1/2 years of age. By early velar closure, a population with an almost 100% incidence of otitis media with effusion has been converted to a population with a 17% incidence of recurrent otitis media requiring repeat myringotomies and tubings.
Fresnel rhomb and other devices for handling and teaching polarization: inexpensive design

We demonstrate a pair of 90-45-45 prisms from binoculars appropriately attached to serve as Fresnel rhomb, i.e. achromatic quarter-wave plate. One and two Dove prisms with metallic reflection instead of TIR can work as half-wave plate and polarization rotator, respectively; both achromatic.
The promise and performance of HMOS in improving outcomes in older adults

In summary, the promise of HMOs in caring for older adults far exceeds their performance to date. Until recently they had neither the motivation nor the knowledge to revamp their delivery systems to better needs of older, chronically ill patients. Market pressures and skyrocketing costs have provided the motivation. Physicians and researchers trained in epidemiology and health services research from programs such as that at UCLA are providing the knowledge. Based on the literature and experience described above, HMOs with the characteristics supportive of population-based care can put into place an approach to geriatric care likely to improve outcomes if they heed their patients and professionals rather than their accountants. These organizations will give highest priority to preserving function and will be guided by explicit clinical guidelines. Care will be rendered by organized primary care teams supported by systematic self-management approaches, standardized interventions for key risk factors, clinically useful computer systems, and available geriatric expertise. It will require a small revolution as old approaches, roles, and relationships will not go quietly. We are in the early phases of this revolution, and it's not too late to join us on the barricades.
Single-site cleavage in the 5'-untranslated region of Leishmaniavirus RNA is mediated by the viral capsid protein

Abstract Leishmaniavirus (LRV) is a double-stranded RNA virus that persistently infects the protozoan parasite Leishmania. LRV produces a short RNA transcript, corresponding to the 5' end of positive-sense viral RNA, both in vivo and in in vitro polymerase assays. The short transcript is generated by a single site-specific cleavage event in the 5' untranslated region of the 5.3-kb genome. This cleavage event can be reproduced in vitro with purified viral particles and a substrate RNA transcript possessing the viral cleavage site. A region of nucleotides required for cleavage was identified by analyzing the cleavage sites yielding the short transcripts of various LRV isolates. A 6-nt deletion at this cleavage site completely abolished RNA processing. In an in vitro cleavage assay, baculovirus-expressed capsid protein possessed an endonuclease activity identical to that of native virions, showing that the viral capsid protein is the RNA endonuclease. Identification of the LRV capsid protein as an RNA endonuclease is unprecedented among known viral capsid proteins.
Cannabinoids inhibit LPS-inducible cytokine mRNA expression in rat microglial cells.

The effect of cannabinoids on the induction of cytokine mRNA by rat microglial cells was examined. Exposure of neonatal rat cortical microglial cells to the exogenous cannabinoid delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) resulted in reduced amounts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mRNAs for IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Of these cytokine mRNAs, the response of that for IL-6 was exquisitely sensitive to THC. Similarly, exposure of microglial cells to the putative endogenous cannabinoid anandamide before LPS treatment resulted in a decrease in cytokine mRNA levels, but not to the same extent as that caused by THC; however, when methanandamide, the non-hydrolyzable analog of anandamide was tested, its ability to inhibit cytokine mRNA expression was comparable to that of THC. Exposure of microglial cells to either of the paired enantiomers CP55,940 or CP56,667 resulted in similar inhibition of LPS-induced cytokine mRNA expression. A comparable inhibitory outcome was obtained when the paired enantiomers levonantradol and dextronantradol were employed. Neither the CB(1)-selective antagonist SR141716A nor the CB(2)-selective antagonist SR144528 was able to reverse the inhibition of cytokine mRNA expression by levonantradol. The CB(2) antagonist, however, when administered alone augmented the production of cytokine mRNAs. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that cannabinoids can modulate levels of cytokine mRNA in rat microglial cells; however, the inhibition of cytokine mRNA expression is apparently not mediated through either the CB(1) or CB(2) cannabinoid receptors.
Nafion®/ORMOSIL nanocomposites via polymer-in situ sol–gel reactions. 1. Probe of ORMOSIL phase nanostructures by 29Si solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Abstract A series of Nafion®/ORMOSIL hybrids, generated by in situ sol–gel co-polymerizations of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and semi-organic R′nSi(OR)4−n co-monomers (SOC), were developed to generate a spectrum of nanoscale chemical environments within the Nafion® morphological template. The molecular structures of the ORMOSIL phases were analyzed by means of 29Si solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy. A high average degree of Si atom coordination about SiO4 molecular sub-units can be achieved, but a significant number of unreacted SiOH groups on reacted Q=Si(O1/2)4 units is always present. The shifting, with relative ORMOSIL composition, of D=RR′Si(O1/2)2 or T=R″Si(O1/2)3 (R, R′ and R″ are organic moeities) peak envelopes for difunctional or trifunctional SOCs is suggested to reflect random co-condensation rather than distinct Q and D (or T) block formation. The numbers of membrane-incorporated Q and D (or T) units per fixed sulfonate group were calculated from the 29Si SSNMR spectra for those particular hybrids that had a reasonably low noise/signal aspect. Spectra for hybrids based on in situ sol–gel reactions for TEOS (no SOC present) suggest that inserted hydroquinone molecules interfere with condensation reactions between (RO)4−xSi(OH)x molecules and silanol oligomers to yield silicate structures with lower average coordination. While earlier small angle X-ray scattering studies indicated that ORMOSIL structures can be grown within the polar regions of Nafion®, the results reported here address the specific compositions of these nanoscale structures.
Effects of Road Salts on Seasonal Wetlands: Poor Prey Performance May Compromise Growth of Predatory Salamanders

Road deicing agents that enter wetlands can affect amphibians both directly via their toxic effects and indirectly by altering food web interactions. We conducted experiments to determine whether larvae of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) are more strongly influenced by direct versus indirect effects of salt concentration. Using outdoor mesocosms, we exposed salamanders and their prey to experimental salinities that were representative of values reported from salt contaminated breeding sites in North America. Increasing salinity depressed salamander growth but did not affect survival. Cladocerans were numerical dominants in samples taken 2 weeks after the experiment began, and markedly declined with increasing salinity. The number of cladocerans and total number of all invertebrates on this date were positively correlated with the mean mass of salamanders at the termination of the experiment. In a laboratory experiment where food was supplied in excess, increasing salinity did not affect the growth or survival of spotted salamanders that were chronically exposed to salinities that paralleled those in the mesocosm experiment. Our results suggest that spotted salamander larvae are more salt-tolerant than their prey, and that salamander growth may be compromised via indirect effects when breeding sites experience moderate salt contamination (i.e., < 1,000 mg L−1 of salts).
Indigenous traditional knowledge and substance abuse treatment outcomes: the problem of efficacy evaluation.

Background: In the field of substance abuse treatment, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have routinely incorporated ceremonial practices as one important component in the promotion of recovery and healing. The beneficial effects of such practices are frequently described as plainly apparent by community-based advocates, providers, and professionals alike. In the present era of evidence-based substance abuse intervention, however, indigenous integration of such practices raises questions pertaining to the systematic evaluation of treatment efficacy. Objectives: The focus of this article is outcome evaluation. Although intervention outcome researchers recognize the randomized controlled trial as the “gold standard” against which claims of treatment efficacy are measured, AI/AN efficacy assertions grounded in indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) reflect different concerns that have emerged in non-Western historical contexts. The interface between scientific and indigenous “ways of know...
Coping with disease-related stressors in Parkinson's disease.

This study examines three categories of disease-related stressors (i.e., physical, cognitive, psychosocial), differential coping, and mental and physical health outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Findings show that tremors, lack of mental energy, and being dependent on others were the most stressful symptoms in each category. Although there was evidence that PD patients match coping efforts to types of stressors, emotional regulation was the most common coping strategy. Hierarchical regression analyses show that disease-related variables influence every domain of quality of life, whereas the effects of coping are more selective. Specifically, the use of distancing was related to poorer mental and physical health outcomes. Findings focus attention on the disease-related stressors that create the experience of being chronically ill.
Colonic Adenomatous Polyposis Syndromes: Clinical Management

Colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in both men and women. It is estimated that 5 to 10% of patients with colorectal cancer have an inherited germline mutation that predisposes them to cancer. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes can be divided into those associated with colonic polyposis – familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (aFAP), and MYH associated polyposis (MAP), and those not associated with colonic polyposis – hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). The hereditary polyposes are usually easier to diagnose than HNPCC, but their higher penetrance and variable phenotype pose some difficult problems in management and surveillance. The timing and type of surgical intervention, the management of desmoid risk, the treatment of rectal or pouch neoplasia, and the management of duodenal neoplasia are all questions that must be addressed in patients with FAP or MAP.