cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of association constants for weak solute–solute complexes by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Standard methods for the determination of association constants by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are adapted for weak complexes that interact only by van der Waals forces. The association constants and the corresponding changes in Gibbs free energy are determined for the self-association of anthracene and the mixed association of anthracene with dodecane in deuterated methanol.
News, notes, and comments

A major body blow was delivered to the federal Solar Photovoltaics program when an FY 1982 budget of $63 million instead of $160 million was announced by the Administration in Washington. The photovoltaic community seemed to be in shock when this news reached them at the 15th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference held in May, 1981 in Orlando, Florida. This was especially so in light of the commonly held view in that community that excellent progress was being made in reaching the DOE price goals for energy delivered by photovoltaic electric systems. Was the technical progress overrated? Or was this a case of the DOE technical chiefs simply not paying attending to the shifting political sands?
Secretory trafficking in neuronal dendrites

The neuronal secretory pathway represents the intracellular route for proteins involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, as well as lipids required for outgrowth and remodelling of dendrites and axons. Although neurons use the same secretory compartments as other eukaryotic cells, the enormous distances involved, as well as the unique morphology of the neuron and its signalling requirements, challenge canonical models of secretory pathway organization. Here, we review evidence for a distributed secretory pathway in neurons, suggest mechanisms that may regulate secretory compartment distribution, and discuss the implications of a distributed secretory pathway for neuronal morphogenesis and neural-circuit plasticity.
Organizational—and Product-Related Influences of Gray Market Channel Activity

Abstract Gray market activity has increased dramatically with the rise in the number of manufacturers participating in export activities. A survey of U.S. exporters, coupled with qualitative interviews with export managers, were used to explore organizational factors of commitment and firm size and product related factors of product maturity and input factor costs' influence on gray market activity. Our results indicate that commitment and firm size are both related to the amount of gray market activity a firm experiences, while the product related factors were not associated with such activity. A detailed discussion of these relationships is offered, along with implications for export managers.
Influence of Charge Density and Coverage on Bound Fraction for a Weakly Cationic Polyelectrolyte Adsorbing onto Silica

This work addressed the bound train fraction of an adsorbing model polyelectrolyte ((dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, DMAEMA), for variations in pH, which altered the relative charge densities of the polymer and substrate (silica). In addition to the weakly basic and acidic natures of the polyelectrolyte and substrate, respectively, this model system had the characteristic that adsorption was driven exclusively by electrostatic attractions. Therefore, at pH's where the polymer or the substrate was not charged, adsorption did not occur. At pH 6, which represented the extreme of a sparsely charged substrate and a densely charged polyelectrolyte with condensed counterions, the train fraction approached unity and was coverage-independent. At these conditions, the maximum bound train mass of 0.7 mg/m2 exceeded previous reports for the maximum train mass of adsorbed nonionic polymers. At higher pH's, the substrate charge density increased while the polymer became sparsely charged. In this limit, the train frac...
3-[(Phenylacetyl)amino]-2,6-piperidinedione Hydrolysis Studies with Improved Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrolysates

In an attempt to clarify ambiguities in earlier reports on the preclinical chemistry of Antineoplaston A10 (3-[(phenylacetyl)amino]-2, 6-piperidinedione; PAP), we detail herein hydrolysis studies with improved synthesis and characterization of PAP hydrolysis products, (phenylacetyl)-glutamine (PAG), (phenylacetyl)isoglutamine (PAIG), and (phenylacetyl)-glutamic acid (PAGA). Flash chromatography proved superior to extraction in the isolation of synthetic standards and hydrolysates. Synthesis of PAIG directly from commercial isoglutamine showed consistently better yields than the previously reported method. The 1H and 13C NMR and HPLC-MS data from the synthesized standards matched the data from the isolated PAP hydrolysates formed under acid and alkaline degradation conditions. Multiple quantum coherence NMR methods (HMQC and HMBC) and HPLC-MS-MS methods were applied to provide unambiguous structural assignments for key isomers PAG and PAIG. Previous PAP hydrolysis studies are shown to be reproducible, and the structures of hydrolysis products are elucidated in detail.
Trans influence in a mer-octa-hedral triiodidolanthanide: Triiodidotris(tetra-hydro-furan-O)ytterbium(III)

The structure of the six-coordinate title complex, [YbI(3)(C(4)H(8)O)(3)], is the first mer-octahedral form of an LnI(3)L(3) lanthanide (Ln) compound with neutral L ligands, and is closely related to that of several of the seven-coordinate LnX(3)L(4) series of compounds, where X = Cl, Br or I and L = tetrahydrofuran (THF), isopropanol, pyridine or water. A structural trans effect can be assigned to YbI(3)(THF)(3), in contrast to the LnX(3)L(4) compounds, where steric and crystal packing effects are significant. The Yb-I bond lengths are 2.9543 (4) and 2.9151 (6) A for I trans and cis to I, respectively, and the Yb-O bond lengths are 2.299 (5) and 2.251 (3) A for O trans and cis to I, respectively. The crystal packing allows for six contact distances as weak C-H...I interactions in the range 3.10-3.24 A. The title molecule has a crystallographic twofold axis passing through a THF O atom, the trans I atom and the Yb atom.
A Prospective Study of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Associated With Interferon-α-2b and Ribavirin Therapy for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

The purpose of this study was to systematically describe the neuropsychiatric side effects of treatment with interferon-α-2b (INF-α) and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C as well as to compare different instruments used to measure these side effects. Fifty-five patients with chronic hepatitis C were prospectively followed for 24 weeks and assessed with seven neuropsychiatric symptom measures and one quality of life scale. Of 42 patients treated with INF-α and ribavirin, 11 (26%) were receiving psychiatric treatment at baseline. They scored higher on all rating scales at baseline and became more symptomatic during treatment. Of the 31 patients (74%) not in psychiatric care at baseline, 15 (48%) required treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and seven (23%) met criteria for major depression during INF-α therapy. The control group of 13 untreated subjects showed little change over the 24-week period. All symptom scales were highly intercorrelated, suggesting that use of one is sufficient for monitoring symptoms.
Specificity of prenatal cocaine exposure effects on cortical interneurons is independent from dopamine D1 receptor co-localization

Gestational cocaine exposure in a rabbit model leads to a persistent increase in parvalbumin immunoreactive cells and processes, reduces dopamine D1 receptor coupling to Gsalpha by means of improper trafficking of the receptor, changes pyramidal neuron morphology, and disrupts cognitive function. Here, experiments investigated whether changes in parvalbumin neurons were specific, or extended to other subpopulations of interneurons. Additionally, we examined dopamine D1 receptor expression patterns and its overlap with specific interneuron populations in the rabbit prefrontal cortex as a possible correlate for alterations in interneuron development following prenatal cocaine exposure. Analysis of calbindin and calretinin interneuron subtypes revealed that they did not exhibit any differences in cell number or process development. Thus, specific consequences of prenatal cocaine in the rabbit appear to be limited to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Dopamine D1 receptor expression did not correlate with the selective effects of cocaine exposure, however, as both parvalbumin and calbindin cell types expressed the receptor. The findings suggest that additional, unique properties of parvalbumin neurons contribute to their developmental sensitivity to in utero cocaine exposure.
Forecasts from a Nonparametric Approach: ACE

selection algorithm like the state space models do. ACE does internally make use of the idea of cross validation, which is closely related to prediction error. We have carried that empirical philosophy over to the area of model selection and combined strongly held economic priors with a search for models with low values of the final prediction error criterion. Our model selection strategy was to consider only those models with homogeneity and per capita quantities. Because our interest is in prediction, we considered only those models in which the regressors would be predetermined.
The replication factor C clamp loader requires arginine finger sensors to drive DNA binding and proliferating cell nuclear antigen loading.

Replication factor C (RFC) is an AAA+ heteropentamer that couples the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to the loading of the DNA polymerase processivity clamp, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), onto DNA. RFC consists of five subunits in a spiral arrangement (RFC-A, -B, -C, -D, and -E, corresponding to subunits RFC1, RFC4, RFC3, RFC2, and RFC5, respectively). The RFC subunits are AAA+ family proteins and the complex contains four ATP sites (sites A, B, C, and D) located at subunit interfaces. In each ATP site, an arginine residue from one subunit is located near the γ-phosphate of ATP bound in the adjacent subunit. These arginines act as "arginine fingers" that can potentially perform two functions: sensing that ATP is bound and catalyzing ATP hydrolysis. In this study, the arginine fingers in RFC were mutated to examine the steps in the PCNA loading mechanism that occur after RFC binds ATP. This report finds that the ATP sites of RFC function in distinct steps during loading of PCNA onto DNA. ATP binding to RFC powers recruitment and opening of PCNA and activates a γ-phosphate sensor in ATP site C that promotes DNA association. ATP hydrolysis in site D is uniquely stimulated by PCNA, and we propose that this event is coupled to PCNA closure around DNA, which starts an ordered hydrolysis around the ring. PCNA closure severs contact to RFC subunits D and E (RFC2 and RFC5), and the γ-phosphate sensor of ATP site C is switched off, resulting in low affinity of RFC for DNA and ejection of RFC from the site of PCNA loading.
A new spin-labeled substrate for β-galactosidase and β-galactoside permease

Abstract A spin-labeled β-galactoside has been synthesized. It is a substrate for β-galactosidase and is accumulated by E. coli ML 308-225 and K12-N2244. The accumulation appears to be active transport via the lactose permease since it is inhibited with lactose and the energy poison, amytal. Induction of the K12 strain with isopropylthiogalactoside results in a 100-fold stimulation of uptake of the spin-labeled β-galactoside. Binding of the spin-labeled sugar to membranes derived from the ML strain is inhibited by lactose.
Adrenal adrenoceptors in heart failure: fine-tuning cardiac stimulation.

Chronic heart failure (HF) is characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity reflected by increased circulating catecholamines (CAs), which contributes significantly to its morbidity and mortality. Therefore, sympatholytic treatments, that is, treatments that reduce sympathetic hyperactivity, are being pursued currently for the treatment of HF. Secretion of CAs from the adrenal gland, which is a major source of CAs, is regulated by α 2 -adrenoceptors (α 2 ARs), which inhibit, and by β-adrenoceptors (βARs), which enhance CA secretion. All ARs are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose signaling and function are regulated tightly by the family of GPCR kinases (GRKs). Despite the enormous potential of adrenal ARs for the regulation of sympathetic outflow, elucidation of their properties has only begun recently. Here, recent advances regarding the roles of adrenal ARs in the regulation of sympathetic outflow in HF and the regulatory properties of ARs are discussed, along with the potential benefits and challenges of harnessing their function for HF therapy.
Dynamics of strongly nonlinear internal solitary waves in shallow water

We study the dynamics of large amplitude internal solitary waves in shallow water by using a strongly nonlinear long-wave model. We investigate higher order nonlinear effects on the evolution of solitary waves by comparing our numerical solutions of the model with weakly nonlinear solutions. We carry out the local stability analysis of solitary wave solution of the model and identify an instability mechanism of the Kelvin-Helmholtz type. With parameters in the stable range, we simulate the interaction of two solitary waves: both head-on and overtaking collisions. We also study the deformation of a solitary wave propagating over non-uniform topography and describe the process of disintegration in detail. Our numerical solutions unveil new dynamical behaviors of large amplitude internal solitary waves, to which any weakly nonlinear model is inapplicable.
Apparent secretion of progesterone by human and goat fetuses.

IF, AS is usually conceded, the placenta secretes progesterone, one may ask how much of the hormone reaches the fetus. The following experiments were undertaken to study this problem; the data which resulted partially answered the question, but also disclosed an unexpected and interesting fetal-placental relationship. A preliminary report has appeared (Forbes, 1954a). Ober, Klein, and Weber have recently (1954) presented evidence that the sensitivity of the progesterone assay described by Hooker and Forbes (1947) may be increased up to five-fold in the presence of progesterone: estradiol mixtures in the ratio of 500:1. Little is known regarding circulating levels of endogenous estrogens; it is possible that they may occur in concentrations which would disturb the accuracy of the bio-assay. The writer proposes, therefore, when using this assay to express his results in terms of progesterone equivalents (PE). One progesterone equivalent is defined as equal to the activity of 1 μg.
On what makes a significant contribution to the retailing literature

Abstract During the past 2 years, we have processed scores of submissions to the Journal of Retailing. Those that have not been published (or scheduled for publication) suffer from a variety of problems. Our experience indicates that the single most vexing difficulty with these papers is their level of contribution. In this editorial, we define what we mean by a significant contribution to the retailing literature. We discuss several general ways in which a manuscript can make a significant contribution to the literature—adding new knowledge, deepening our understanding of existing knowledge, surprising results, and addressing new problems that interest scholars and practitioners. We suggest an approach for organizing and articulating a paper's contribution. We conclude by offering a couple of sources of ideas for making significant contributions to the retailing literature.
Technology, knowing and learning

Fluidity in the transfer of knowledge is rightly touted, because the pace of work rewards businesses that know what they know – and know it right away. Companies are, therefore, understandably eager to exploit technology in new knowledge management systems. Business leaders should recognize, however, that new technology never grants its bounty freely: it exacts a cost when it amplifies our abilities. Increasingly, the tools of the Information Age are encouraging us to learn just enough, just in time. Such shallow learning may have unfortunate consequences for business.
Abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and waste.

Can one consistently deny the permissibility of abortion while endorsing the killing of human embryos for the sake of stem cell research? The question is not trivial; for even if one accepts that abortion is prima facie wrong in all cases, there are significant differences with many of the embryos used for stem cell research from those involved in abortion—most prominently, many have been abandoned in vitro, and appear to have no reasonably likely meaningful future. On these grounds one might think to maintain a strong position against abortion but endorse killing human embryos for the sake of stem cell research and its promising benefits. I will argue, however, that these differences are not decisive. Thus, one who accepts a strong view against abortion is committed to the moral impermissibility of killing human embryos for the sake of stem cell research. I do not argue for the moral standing of either abortion or the killing of embryos for stem cell research; I only argue for the relation between the two. Thus the conclusion is relevant to those with a strong view in favor of the permissibility of killing embryos for the sake of research as much as for those who may strongly oppose abortion; neither can consider their position in isolation from the other.
Comments on ‘earnings forecasting research: its implications for capital markets research’ by L. Brown

Abstract Larry Brown has written a useful review of the earnings forecasting literature. In my comments I attempt to augment his review with some potential future research topics. I discuss (1) cross-country comparisons of the time-series properties of earnings and other information variables, (2) cross-country comparisons of the relation between earnings and stock prices and the role of earnings, and other information, in capital markets, (3) the way in which financial analysts forecast earnings and the sort of conditions under which they are/are not accurate, (4) long-term forecasts of earnings, and (5) the role of accounting and other information in financial analysts' predictions of stock returns and assessments of risk.
Bolometric Detectors for Measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background

Measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation provide the strongest support for the standard model of Inflationary Big Bang Cosmology. This paper sketches the impact of past and future CMB measurements on this rapidly developing field. Cryogenic millimeter wave bolometric detectors contribute strongly to this important experimental effort. The first such detectors were developed in the laboratory of Professor Michael Tinkham in the Berkeley Physics Department in the late 1950s. This development was first driven by the study of the superconducting energy gap, and other spectroscopy of other condensed matter systems. Later, it was driven very strongly, by the requirements for measurements of the CMB. This interaction between bolometer developments and the requirements of specific measurements is described. Until the past few years, the most useful bolometers had semiconductor thermistors and JFET readout amplifiers. The new superconducting voltage biased Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometers with SQUID readouts are beginning to have an impact and are expected to be the technology of choice in the future.
Solvent extraction in continuous flow systems with intelligent zone sampling

Abstract A 50 to 100-μl segment of an extractant is injected into a flowing sample stream, to which reagents, as necessary, have been added. Following an extraction conduit typically providing a residence time of 1–3 min, the extractant segment is isolated as it flows through the loop of an injection valve. The actuation of this valve is controlled by sensing its loop-filling status with conductivity probes or by appropriate timing. The isolated extractant containing the analyte is injected into a miscible carrier where further chemistry may be carried out before detection. Experimental systems studied include the extraction of C 1 –C 5 n-mercaptons from gasoline by aqueous sodium hydroxide, with detection of the analytes in the aqueous extract following a chromogenic reaction, extraction of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate from water into chloroform as its ion pair with methylene blue, and the extraction of Auramine O (C.I. 41000) from water solutions containing a fluorocarbon surfactant into chloroform. The effects of various parameters such as the choice of the wetted conduit material, conduit configuration, diameter, residence time, phase ratio, flow rate, etc., are examined and discussed. Both phenomelogically and behaviorally, the present system displays significant differences from the familier uniformly (small) segment-interspersed solvent extraction systems.
Optimal Active Risk Budgeting Model

A structured global optimization model budgets a fund9s total active risk (tracking error) among its asset classes or across investment managers. Its objective is to maximize total fund expected excess return (over benchmark) for a given level of total fund tracking error (the active risk budget), assuming that total fund and asset class tracking errors are controlled solely through the selection of investment managers with various active risk profiles. The key innovations are, first, that the efficient frontier (expected excess return versus tracking error) of each asset class is fitted to a functional form, and then the optimal active risk level for each asset class is determined using the asset class efficient frontier functions as inputs. The model compares well to a structured global linear model and an unstructured global model that optimizes with respect to all investment managers simultaneously.
B-DIM impairs radiation-induced survival pathways independently of androgen receptor expression and augments radiation efficacy in prostate cancer

Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with decreased risk in prostate cancer (PCa). The active compound in cruciferous vegetables appears to be the self dimerized product [3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM)] of indole-3-carbinol (I3C). Nutritional grade B-DIM (absorption-enhanced) has proven safe in a Phase I trial in PCa. We investigated the anti-cancer activity of B-DIM as a new biological approach to improve the effects of radiotherapy for hormone refractory prostate cancer cells, which were either positive or negative for androgen receptor (AR) expression. B-DIM inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner in both PC-3 (AR-) and C4-2B (AR+) cell lines. B-DIM was effective at increasing radiation-induced cell killing in both cell lines, independently of AR expression. B-DIM inhibited NF-κB and HIF-1α DNA activities and blocked radiation-induced activation of these transcription factors in both PC-3 and C4-2B cells. In C4-2B (AR+) cells, AR expression and nuclear localization were significantly increased by radiation. However, B-DIM abrogated the radiation-induced AR increased expression and trafficking to the nucleus, which was consistent with decreased PSA secretion. In vivo, treatment of PC-3 prostate tumors in nude mice with B-DIM and radiation resulted in significant primary tumor growth inhibition and control of metastasis to para-aortic lymph nodes. These studies demonstrate that B-DIM augments radiation-induced cell killing and tumor growth inhibition. B-DIM impairs critical survival signaling pathways activated by radiation, leading to enhanced cell killing. These novel observations suggest that B-DIM could be used as a safe compound to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy for castrate-resistant PCa.
Deterioration status of asbestos-cement roofing sheets assessed by analyzing hyperspectral data

Abstract This paper describes a systematic procedure for recognizing corrugated asbestos-cement roofing sheets and evaluating their deterioration status related to the asbestos fiber air dispersion that can cause lung cancer. To develop this procedure, we made field and laboratory measurements and gathered airborne MIVIS data covering two industrial test areas in Italy. Laboratory analyses of asbestos-cement samples representing various levels of deterioration allowed for: (a) recognizing dominant minerals using XRD and FTIR instruments, (b) identifying their optical characteristics using portable field spectrometers (ASD and μFTIR), (c) assessing the abundance of surfacing asbestos fibers using a high resolution scanner. Based on the spectral analyses, two linear regression lines were identified by relating optical asbestos-cement material characteristics ( i.e. band-depth ratio of the continuum removed calculated for the two asbestos diagnostic bands at 2.32 μm and at 9.44 μm) to the relative percentage of surfacing asbestos fibers related to AC deterioration status. Suitable MIVIS spectral regions were used in a spectral classification procedure to map asbestos-cement roofs. The detected roofs were further analyzed using the obtained linear regression lines to estimate surfacing asbestos fiber abundance, using the MIVIS TIR range at 9.44 μm, selected by means of the asbestos-cement detection limit analysis. The results showed that a hyperspectral scanner with suitable operational characteristics allows for good clustering of AC roofs as a function of their deterioration status. Therefore, this technique can furnish government authorities with an efficient, rapid and repeatable environmental mapping procedure that can provide information about the location of hazardous AC roofing sheets.
On the mechanics of mucociliary flows. II. A fluorescent tracer method for obtaining flow velocity profiles in mucus

The transport of particles by cilia lining vapor-filled tubes such as the trachea, bronchi, and upper bronchioles requires that the particles be carried by mucus [Sade et al, 1970], and the force that causes mucus flow is generated by the beat of the underlying cilia. The means by which the ciliary beat force is transmitted to the mucus is not clear. Lucas and Douglas [1934] proposed that cilia penetrate the mucus enough to push it forward in a conveyor-belt fashion. This view is consistent with recent EM studies [Yoneda, 1976; Reissig, Bang, and Bang, 1978] that suggest the serous layer is thinner than the length of a cilium (5-6 µm). In contrast, Ross and Corrsin [1974] developed a theoretical model for mucociliary transport based on the assumption that mucus persists as a "blanket" carried by the serous fluid, which is in turn propelled by the cilia. If one accepts current simplified models which take into account the viscoelastic properties of mucus, the Lucas and Douglas model is the more reasonable concept. Accordingly, the two most recent fluid mechanical models for mucociliary transport incorporate ciliary tip penetration as a central requirement. One [Blake and Winet, 1980] favors the average depth of penetration as the critical force-generating factor, whereas the other [Yates et al, 1980] favors the average number of cilia penetrating per wavelength. There appear to be no articles describing tests of these theoretical models with measurements of mucus and serous fluid below the air-mucus interface. The primary reasons for this deficit are the following: a) Epithelium viewed from the side must be folded over and placed in narrow chambers where mucus blankets tend to adhere to the glass walls, and b) epithelium viewed from above must be observed through mucus which refracts and scatters light unevenly such that one cannot resolved tracer particles in the mucus reflected or transmitted light. We chose to avoid these optical barriers by utilizing fluorescent tracer particles to investigate mucociliaryt flow profiles.
Theory of inhomogeneous quantum systems. IV. Variational calculations of metal surfaces.

We present results of variational calculations for the jellium model of metal surfaces. The ground-state wave function is represented by a product of local one- and two-body functions and a model Slater function. The correlation functions and the single-particle orbitals entering the Slater determinant are calculated by an unconstrained optimization procedure. Results for the surface energy and the work function are somewhat higher than previously published values.
Darbār, maṭha, devasthānam: the politics of intellectual commitment and religious organization in sixteenth-century South India

This essay examines the nexus of the court (darbār), monastery (maṭha) and temple (devasthānam) through the career of the monastic leader, Vyāsatīrtha (1460–1539). Vyāsatīrtha was head of the Mādhva Brahmin sect under successive Vijayanagara emperors, most notably, Krishnadevarāya (r. 1509–1529). He is famous for his doctrinal polemics against alternative forms of Vedānta advanced by rival sects and in favour of his own system of thought often called ‘Dvaita’ or ‘Dualist’ Vedānta. Vyāsatīrtha’s fame as a polemicist is linked directly to his role as an institutional leader, overseeing a network of sectarian monasteries that was significantly expanded by Krishnadevarāya’s patronage. In this capacity, Vyāsatīrtha was both an agent of the Vijayanagara state and a powerful regional authority. Inscriptional and literary sources indicate that Vyāsatīrtha used royal patronage of his sect to forge productive relationships with a variety of social groups, simultaneously expanding the Empire’s economic and social ne...
Modeling the interactions between deformable capsules rolling on a compliant surface

By integrating mesoscale models for hydrodynamics and micromechanics, we examine the fluid-driven motion of pairs of capsules on a compliant, adhesive substrate. The capsules, modeled as fluid filled elastic shells, represent ex vivo cells or polymeric microcapsules. We show that both the relative and the average velocities of two closely spaced, rolling capsules depends on the elasticity of the capsules, the adhesive interaction between the capsules and the substrate, and the compliance of the substrate. We first focused on a stiff surface and found that pairs of rigid capsules always separate from each other, while for deformable capsules, the dynamic behavior depends critically on the strength of the adhesive interaction. For strong adhesion to the substrate, the capsules again roll away from each other, while for a relatively weak adhesion, the capsules actually approach each other. In the case of soft substrates, any significant deformations of the surface that are caused by the capsules give rise to a force that propels the particles to move rapidly apart. Thus, in the case of strong adhesion between the capsules and the soft substrates, both rigid and flexible capsules are driven to separate. On the other hand, for weak adhesion, the elastic particles approach each other, similar to the behavior on stiff surfaces. These findings reveal that the interactions between the capsules are mediated by the nature of the underlying layer. We can harness this information to design surfaces that actively control the relative separation between the capsules. This could be utilized to regulate the motion of biological cells, as well as polymeric microcapsules, and thus, could prove to be useful in various biological assays or tissue engineering studies.
Augmented fumonisin B1 toxicity in co-cultures: evidence for crosstalk between macrophages and non-parenchymatous liver epithelial cells involving proinflammatory cytokines

Fumonisin B1, a common mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides found in corn, causes several fatal animal diseases. Liver and kidney are target organs of fumonisin B1 in laboratory animals, but primary rodent hepatocytes and liver slices were resistant to fumonisin B1-induced cytotoxic effects. We have shown that fumonisin B1 induces expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, interferon (IFN)gamma, and interleukine (IL) 12, in mouse liver. In various models of acute liver injury, a positive amplification loop involving TNFalpha, IFNgamma, and IL-12 has been implied that involves Kupffer cells (macrophages), hepatic lymphocytes and non-parenchymatous liver epithelial cells (NPECs). In the current study, cellular interactions in fumonisin B1-induced toxicity were investigated, using co-cultures of murine macrophages (J774A.1) and NPECs (NMuLi). Treatment of the co-cultures with fumonisin B1-produced cytotoxicity, whereas either J774A.1 or NMuLi cultures alone showed no response to the mycotoxin. Accumulation of sphinganine occurred to the similar extent in individual cultures as well as co-cultures. Expression of TNFalpha and IL-12 was increased in co-cultures but not in individual cultures. Transfer of conditioned medium from fumonisin B1-treated J774A.1 cells to NMuLi cultures produced an increase in IFNgamma expression in NMuLi cells. Results indicated that macrophages and liver epithelial cells interact in response to fumonisin B1 and potentiate the cytokines expression, which may have implications in making hepatocytes responsive to cytotoxicity of fumonisin B1.
Between a rock and a hard place in the primary grades: The challenge of providing developmentally appropriate early childhood education in an Elementary School Setting

Abstract Primary grade teachers attempting to implement developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in their classrooms must contend with the competing professional paradigms of early childhood education and elementary schooling. In this article I describe the practices of one primary grade teacher to give a picture of how these tensions play out in one public elementary school setting. Though the practices of the teacher studied here embody some aspects of developmentally appropriate practice, they are also marked by problems with personal interpretation, partial adoption, and inconsistency in implementation of DAP principles. Analysis of this teacher's experience provides insight into the general challenge of implementing DAP as well as into the specific challenges facing primary grade teachers committed to developmentally appropriate teaching.
Large-Scale Atmospheric Forcing by Southeast Pacific Boundary Layer Clouds: A Regional Model Study*

Abstract A regional model is used to study the radiative effect of boundary layer clouds over the southeast Pacific on large-scale atmosphere circulation during August–October 1999. With the standard settings, the model simulates reasonably well the large-scale circulation over the eastern Pacific, precipitation in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) north of the equator, and marine boundary layer stratocumulus clouds to the south. In a sensitivity experiment with the radiative effect of liquid clouds south of the equator over the eastern Pacific artificially removed, boundary layer clouds south of the equator almost disappear and precipitation in the ITCZ is reduced by 15%–20%, indicating that the stratocumulus clouds over the southeast Pacific have both local and cross-equatorial effects. Examination of the differences between the control and sensitivity experiments indicates that clouds exert a net diabatic cooling in the inversion layer. In response to this cloud-induced cooling, an in situ anom...
Nuclear data sheets for A = 149

The present work constitutes an updating of the previous A = 149 compilation which appeared in Nuclear Data Sheets in December 1962. The experimental results of over 130 papers up to August 1974 have been included in this compilation. Data are presented for nine nuclei (Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy). The bulk of the experimental information comes from decay studies, although one- and two-nucleon transfer reaction data from experiments performed since the 1962 compilation have made a major contribution to the determination of spins and parities. The Nd levels are almost entirely determined by (d,t) and (/sup 3/He,..cap alpha..) data, pointing up the need for further study of the ..beta../sup -/-decay leading to this nucleus. The A = 149 nuclei are in a transition region from spherical to deformed nuclei. The systematics of spins and parities in this region will be useful in testing models of intermediate coupling. Absolute ..beta../sup -/-, ..gamma../sup +/(ce)-, and epsilon(+..beta../sup +/)-branching ratios are given on the decay scheme drawings. These quantities are based on a (..gamma..+ce) intensity balance normalized to 100 percent decay to the ground state of the daughter nucleus. Details of methods used for specific nuclides are discussed formore » the individual cases.« less
Engineering biomaterials to integrate and heal: The biocompatibility paradigm shifts

This article focuses on one of the major failure routes of implanted medical devices, the foreign body reaction (FBR)--that is, the phagocytic attack and encapsulation by the body of the so-called "biocompatible" biomaterials comprising the devices. We then review strategies currently under development that might lead to biomaterial constructs that will harmoniously heal and integrate into the body. We discuss in detail emerging strategies to inhibit the FBR by engineering biomaterials that elicit more biologically pertinent responses.
Thme-resolved spectroscopy of single nanostructures and nanowire-based devices

Time-resolved second-harmonic generation, time-resolved photoluminescence, and mid-infrared transient absorption are all utilized as probes of sub-picosecond carrier relaxation and/or electron-injection in single semiconductor nanostructures and engineered devices based upon nanowire arrays
Utility of nonwovens in the production of integrated electrical circuits via printing conductive inks

Abstract This study reports on the printing of conductive inks directly onto nonwovens to produce circuits and embedded systems. The approach adopted applies polymer thick film (PTF) processing technologies directly onto compliant, flexible, nonwoven substrates. The paper reports on the characterization of various PTF conductive inks and printed transmission lines. The performance metrics related to the circuits are impacted by the ink viscosity and by the contact angle of the ink on the surface of the nonwoven structure. These parameters dictate the manner in which the ink is distributed onto and into the substrate. The manner in which ink droplets interact with the surface of the substrate determines the mechanisms responsible for both in-plane flow and through-the-plane flow of the ink.
Volatile fatty acids and metabolizable energy derived from cecal fermentation in the willow ptarmigan.

Abstract 1. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in the cecum, cecum size and fill, type of food and chemical composition of food were determined for willow ptarmigan shot during April in interior Alaska. 2. Willow buds and twigs comprised 93% of the crop contents; willow buds were the most nutritious item in the crop based on chemical qualities. 3. The cecum averaged 100 and 107 cm in females and males, respectively, and total cecum weight was 5·7% of body weight for both sexes. 4. The average production of acetate, propionate and butyrate was 0·66, 0·47 and 0·36 μM/g per min, respectively, while the relative rates of absorption of these acids were butyrate > propionate > acetate. VFA production for a 24 hr period averaged 16·9 mM which was equivalent to 5·7 kcal metabolizable energy (ME). 5. The % of standard metabolism, existence and free living energy requirements supplied by the ME of VFA were estimated to be 11, 4·8 and 3·8%, respectively. 6. A comparison of cecal fermentation rates and cecum size suggested avian species have a more efficient cecum than mammals.
The Evaluation of Gas Detector Tube Systems: Chlorine

Detector tubes from all manufacturers which market tubes in the United States for the detection of chlorine were evaluated for acceptable performance, provided the tubes were intended for use in the concentration range of one-half to five times the threshold limit value (TVL). Only those tubes meeting the accuracy and precision standards for evaluation are listed. Those tube types not listed did not meet the evaluation criteria for acceptable performance.
Fully Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Model of Active Eustachian Tube Function

The Eustachian Tube (ET) is a collapsible tube that connects the Middle Ear (ME) to the nasopharynx (NP). The ET is responsible for three primary functions: 1) regulation of ME pressure 2) protection of the ME from foreign pathogens and 3) drainage of fluid from the ME. [1] In healthy patients, the ET opens during swallowing because the surrounding tissue is deformed by muscle activity. If the ET fails to open, the ME develops painful sub-ambient pressure and fluid accumulates in the ME. ET dysfunction results in Otitis Media (OM), the most common ME disorder in children. The overall goal of our lab is to identify the mechanisms responsible for ET dysfunction and to develop novel treatments for OM that target the ET.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
LOWER PROGRAMMED PACING RATES REDUCES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION BURDEN IN PATIENTS ON DOFETILIDE

Dofetilide is one of the most effective anti-arrhythmic agents for Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Reverse Use Dependence (RUD) property of Dofetilide improves antiarrhythmic efficacy at lower heart rate. Several patients with AF have pacemakers or defibrillators for various reasons. The effectiveness of
CRT-104 Association between Prolonged QTc Interval and Coronary Blood Flow to the Infarct-related Artery in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Corrected QT (QTc) interval has been reported to prolong when the myocardium is exposed to ischemia. However, little is known about the association between prolonged QTc and coronary blood flow to the infarct-related artery in the setting of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Tolmetin, Indomethacin and Sulindac in Plasma

Abstract Isocratic and gradient reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods for the quantitation of tolmetin, indomethacin, and sulindac and their respective metabolites in plasma were developed. Only the determination of the parent drugs was possible using the isocratic technique. Specific, simultaneous determination of each drug and its respective metabolites was achieved using the gradient technique. The effect of pH and ionic concentration of the mobile phase on retention time was studied. Statistical analysis demonstrated excellent precision and linearity over the following ranges: 1–40, 0.1–3, and 0.1–3 ug/ml plasma for tolmetin, indomethacin, and sulindac respectively. Both methods have been applied to the analysis of patient samples.
THE APPLICATION OF IMMUNOAFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN IN BOVINE MILK†

An immunoaffinity column generated by cross-linking a polyclonal chicken antibody with CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B was used for isolation of 1,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,3,7,8-TCDD) from bovine milk. Direct application of a milk sample, even if diluted 1:50 with 0.05% Triton X-100, interfered with the binding of 1,3,7,8-TCDD to the column. Pre-immunoaffinity column clean-up using liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid phase extraction produced excellent retention of 1,3,7,8-TCDD by the column. The TCDD was easily eluted by increasing the Triton X-100 concentration to 0.5%. Although analysis of milk samples requires more stringent clean up than serum samples, the immunoaffinity chromatography column procedures provide specific clean-up for these samples.
Weather, terrain and warfare: Coalition fatalities in Afghanistan:

The study of conflict increasingly focuses on events and relationships within wars. Among these is the relationship between physical geography and violence. Careful examinations of the relationship between physical geography, especially weather, and events within wars are, however, still few. With increasingly available data on the violence within wars and the physical geography within states, the opportunities for such quantitative analysis have grown. In particular, the ongoing war in Afghanistan provides a useful opportunity to examine this relationship. Using this conflict, we test an argument about how the constraints and opportunities provided by physical geography, in particular daily and seasonal measures of weather, explain combat fatalities. We evaluate our argument with a series of event count models and find consistently significant evidence connecting warm temperatures, decreased visibility and windy conditions to coalition combat fatalities. Alternatively, we find mixed support that the more commonly studied elements of physical geography, distance and rough terrain are connected to these fatalities. Language: en
Multiple chemical sensor using a rapidly tuned external cavity quantum cascade laser

We demonstrate simultaneous detection of multiple airborne chemicals at low-ppb concentrations using a sensor based on a rapid tuning of an external cavity quantum cascade laser from 7.87-8.70 µm.
Effects of multiple conformers per compound upon 3-D similarity search and bioassay data analysis

To improve the utility of PubChem, a public repository containing biological activities of small molecules, the PubChem3D project adds computationally-derived three-dimensional (3-D) descriptions to the small-molecule records contained in the PubChem Compound database and provides various search and analysis tools that exploit 3-D molecular similarity. Therefore, the efficient use of PubChem3D resources requires an understanding of the statistical and biological meaning of computed 3-D molecular similarity scores between molecules. The present study investigated effects of employing multiple conformers per compound upon the 3-D similarity scores between ten thousand randomly selected biologically-tested compounds (10-K set) and between non-inactive compounds in a given biological assay (156-K set). When the “best-conformer-pair” approach, in which a 3-D similarity score between two compounds is represented by the greatest similarity score among all possible conformer pairs arising from a compound pair, was employed with ten diverse conformers per compound, the average 3-D similarity scores for the 10-K set increased by 0.11, 0.09, 0.15, 0.16, 0.07, and 0.18 for ST ST-opt , CT ST-opt , ComboT ST-opt , ST CT-opt , CT CT-opt , and ComboT CT-opt , respectively, relative to the corresponding averages computed using a single conformer per compound. Interestingly, the best-conformer-pair approach also increased the average 3-D similarity scores for the non-inactive–non-inactive (NN) pairs for a given assay, by comparable amounts to those for the random compound pairs, although some assays showed a pronounced increase in the per-assay NN-pair 3-D similarity scores, compared to the average increase for the random compound pairs. These results suggest that the use of ten diverse conformers per compound in PubChem bioassay data analysis using 3-D molecular similarity is not expected to increase the separation of non-inactive from random and inactive spaces “on average”, although some assays show a noticeable separation between the non-inactive and random spaces when multiple conformers are used for each compound. The present study is a critical next step to understand effects of conformational diversity of the molecules upon the 3-D molecular similarity and its application to biological activity data analysis in PubChem. The results of this study may be helpful to build search and analysis tools that exploit 3-D molecular similarity between compounds archived in PubChem and other molecular libraries in a more efficient way.