cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluid flow and heat transfer between finite rotating disks

Abstract The laminar flow between finite rotating disks with a shroud has been analyzed using a velocity and a stream function formulation, employing Galerkin’ method with B -mspline basis. Though results from both formulations are in good agreement with the LDV data on velocity profiles, and with each other, we find the stream function formulation clearly superior computationally, and we employ it subsequently to study heat transfer between the disks. The calculations show strong boundary-layer character near the disks. The Nusselt number depends upon both geometry and the Reynolds number.
Ion channels: coughing up flu's proton channels.

Two research teams have captured snapshots of the influenza virus's membrane-bound hydrogen-ion channel, which is essential for infection and virulence. Their findings agree on the basics, but differ in details.
Chicken IFN-γ monoclonal antibodies and their application in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Twelve mabs against native or recombinant chicken IFN-gamma were produced and characterized by virus neutralization, ELISA, and Western blot assays. No data were obtained to suggest that the form of the immunogen (native versus recombinant) influenced the antigenic specificity of the mabs produced. While only two antibodies inhibited the in vitro virus neutralizing activity of IFN-gamma, other evidence indicated that the specificity of these mabs was indeed directed against IFN-gamma. By Western blot analysis, all antibodies identified a 17-kDa IFN-gamma polypeptide. Using a direct binding ELISA incorporating these mabs, a high correlation with IFN-gamma detected by in vitro virus neutralization was observed. The IFN-gamma ELISA was also capable of measuring cytokine levels in the sera of chickens orally infected with Eimeria maxima. At 8 and 10 days post-primary infection, significantly higher (p<0. 001) levels of serum IFN-gamma were detected in E. maxima infected chickens compared to uninfected controls. These results indicate that a mab-based direct binding ELISA is suitable to measure chicken IFN-gamma in a variety of formats.
Taming the ‘beast’: the dance of sustaining reflective practice on the dissertation process

Reflective practice is an integral part of preparing for doctoral candidacy and the successful completion of one’s dissertation. In this article, reflective practice was utilized as a useful tool in documenting the dissertation process of ‘taming the beast’. Reflecting‐on and reflection‐in‐action were vital to designing and defending the dissertation successfully. The purpose of this article is to present a personal narrative of a rigorous, coherent and credible qualitative dissertation research through the eyes of a doctoral candidate. The author found that reflective practice required deliberate, consistent and purposeful action by the reflective practitioner. To sustain reflective practice contextual anchors were used to build and scaffold meanings. Meanings researchers and participants attach to the collection, analysis, interpretation and the data presentations are important to qualitative research. The author concludes that successful dissertations are original, accurately researched, well‐documente...
Direct oriented immobilization of F(ab′) antibody fragments on gold

Abstract The preparation of oriented immunosurfaces by the direct immobilization of F(ab′) fragments of rabbit anti-calf alkaline phosphatase (RACAP) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) onto gold (Au) surfaces via the formation of a Au-thiolate bond is described. In order to compare specific and random immobilization methods, F(ab′)-modified Au is compared to immunosurfaces of non-specifically adsorbed F(ab) fragments of RACAP IgG. The immobilization chemistries of the resulting antibody-modified Au surfaces are characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Antigen binding is characterized using both a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and a solid phase enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We demonstrate that specifically immobilized F(ab′) fragments can be used to produce immunosurfaces with higher antigen-binding efficiencies than corresponding surfaces modified with randomly immobilized antibody fragments. The relationship between antigen-binding efficiency and the surface coverage of immobilized antibody fragments is also discussed.
Histone deacetylation is directly involved in desilencing the expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase in normal lung fibroblast

The regulation of telomerase expression in normal cells is poorly understood. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying tumor-specific expression of telomerase remains unclear. We investigated the link between histone deacetylation and telomerase activity in normal lung and lung tumor cells. Four non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines and one normal lung fibroblast line were tested for telomerase activity with or without Trichostatin A(TSA). The telomerase activity and the expression of telomerase associated components were determined by TRAP assay, RT-PCR analysis and Western blot analysis. All 4 NSCLC cell lines exposed to 1 microM TSA for 24 h had no change in telomerase activity or hTERT mRNA level. Telomerase activity was very low in normal lung fibroblasts (mrc-9) until exposed to 1 microM TSA for 24 h, at which time telomerase activity was readily detectable, with concomitant upregulation of hTERT mRNA (10-fold). The level of other telomerase associated components (hTER and TP1) were unaltered. Furthermore, 1 microM TSA exposure for 24 h did not alter the level of c-Myc or p21 mRNA. Immunodetection reveled that hTERT protein expression increased (approximately 6 fold) compared to c-Myc, p21, or gelsolin. The effect of TSA on hTERT expression is independent of DNA methylation as judged by 5-azacytidine (5aza) treatment. TSA effect on mrc-9 cells is unaltered even in the presence of 200 microg/ml cyclohexamide, suggesting a direct inhibition of histone deacetylation. Collectively, our study indicates that inhibition of histone deacetylation selectively regulates the transcriptional derepression of telomerase catalytic subunit in normal lung fibroblast cells compared to lung tumor cells.
Deterministic regression algorithm for transcriptome frequency estimation

We present a deterministic version of our novel Monte-Carlo Regression based method MCReg [1] for transcriptome quantification from RNA-Seq reads. Experiments on simulated and real datasets demonstrate better transcriptome frequency estimation accuracy compared to that of the existing tools which tend to skew the estimated frequency toward super-transcripts.
Hot stage TEM investigations of dislocation climb in NiAl

Hot stage was used to investigate dislocation loop formation and growth at climb sources in Al rich alloys of β-NiAl. The loops grew by absorbing vacancies retained during cooling of the samples. The growth rate was dependent on the speed of cooling and anomalously high growth of loops occurred near the foil surfaces. The loop shapes were nearly square as a result of loop growth by a jog mechanism. Estimates of the vacancy concentration contained in the loops after growth demonstrated that nearly all thermal vacancies can be retained in NiAl.
Regulatory mechanisms of the immune system in multiple sclerosis. T regulatory cells : turned on to turn off

The immune system is homeostatically regulated to maintain a balance between triggering of inflammatory responses and protecting against self-directed autoimmunity. In autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, this balance is disrupted. T regulatory cells, characterised by the expression of the cell surface marker CD25 and the transcription factor FoxP3, play a key role in maintaining this balance by suppression of the activity of effector T cells principally through cell-cell contact. These inhibitory effects of Treg cells appear to be impaired in multiple sclerosis. Facilitating the activity of Treg cells may thus be a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate stimulates proliferation of CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells and their transmigration across the blood brain barrier in in vitro models. These Treg cells may cross-react with myelin within the nervous system to turn off encephalitogenic effector T cells. In multiple sclerosis, glatiramer acetate can induce a phenotypic shift in T cell populations towards CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in vitro, whereas it has been demonstrated in vivo that glatiramer acetate exposure induces a population of CD8+ suppressor T cells that regulate CD4+ T cell proliferation. In addition, glatiramer acetate down-regulates the expression of the Toll-like receptor TLR9, which may be involved in an innate immunity component of autoimmune disease, in a mouse EAE model. Upstream promotion of Treg cell differentiation by blockade of the co-stimulatory molecule CD154 may also be of benefit in preventing autoimmune disease, as illustrated by a promising exploratory Phase I study in multiple sclerosis.
Methyl rotational barriers in amides and thioamides

The methyl rotational barriers for a series of N-methyl-substituted amides and thioamides have been calculated at the MP2/6-311+G** level. A comparison of the N-methylformamide and methyl formate barriers indicates that the H−C(Me)−N−H eclipsed torsional arrangement destabilizes an amide by about 0.8 kcal/mol. A comparison of thioamides and amides showed the importance of steric repulsion between the sulfur and a methyl hydrogen in the Z-forms of the thioamides. The C−N bond rotation transition states of the N,N-dimethyl amides have much larger methyl rotational barriers than found in the ground states. They can be attributed to the smaller CH3-N−CH3 bond angles in the transition states.
Language Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees in AACSB-Accredited Schools: Deans' Opinions

Abstract A new, highly interdependent global marketplace of producers and consumers has emerged. Compared with other countries, the United States is in some ways ill equipped to take an effective role in the international community. Most college students do not develop an understanding of even one foreign language or culture, and little has been done to expand business students' foreign language knowledge. This research determined the current language requirements for baccalaureate degrees in AACSB-accredited schools and the opinions of AACSB deans regarding foreign language requirements. The majority of the deans believed there should be a foreign language requirement. Spanish was considered the most beneficial and available foreign language, with Japanese and Chinese ranking second and third, respectively. Size of school and availability of foreign languages were significantly dependent.
Isotope separation involving photoinduced changes in the electric and magnetic properties of molecules and atoms

Abstract Methods of isotope separation by optically induced changes in the electro- and magneto-static properties of neutral atoms and molecules are examined. Estimates are given of the maximum beam radius and throughput.
Managerial reporting discretion and the truthfulness of disclosures

Abstract In a single period agency model in which the agent has some discretion regarding how to report his performance, we provide conditions on the type of discretion and production technology under which reporting can be useful in contracting only if the agent is permitted to misstate his performance.
Formylation of primary hydroxyl groups in sugars

Abstract Application of 99% formic acid at 25° formylates primary hydroxyl groups as shown by the easy formation of 6- O -formyl- d -glucopyranose and 6- O -formyl- d -fructofuranose, isolated as their tetra-acetates in yields of 77% and 31%, respectively. Likewise, d -glucitol gave the 2,3,4,5-tetra- O -acetyl-1,6-di- O -formyl derivative (84%) and methyl a - d -glucopyranoside gave the 6-formate (74%) characterized as the crystalline triacetate. On storage of the triacetate in methanol at 25°, the formyl group was lost and the 2,3,6-triacetate was formed, whereas the corresponding tribenzoate was deformylated in acidic methanol without migration of the benzoyl groups.
Diffusion of extracellular K+ can synchronize bursting oscillations in a model islet of Langerhans

Electrical bursting oscillations of mammalian pancreatic beta-cells are synchronous among cells within an islet. While electrical coupling among cells via gap junctions has been demonstrated, its extent and topology are unclear. The beta-cells also share an extracellular compartment in which oscillations of K+ concentration have been measured (Perez-Armendariz and Atwater, 1985). These oscillations (1–2 mM) are synchronous with the burst pattern, and apparently are caused by the oscillating voltage-dependent membrane currents: Extracellular K+ concentration (Ke) rises during the depolarized active (spiking) phase and falls during the hyperpolarized silent phase. Because raising Ke depolarizes the cell membrane by increasing the potassium reversal potential (VK), any cell in the active phase should recruit nonspiking cells into the active phase. The opposite is predicted for the silent phase. This positive feedback system might couple the cells' electrical activity and synchronize bursting. We have explored this possibility using a theoretical model for bursting of beta-cells (Sherman et al., 1988) and K+ diffusion in the extracellular space of an islet. Computer simulations demonstrate that the bursts synchronize very quickly (within one burst) without gap junctional coupling among the cells. The shape and amplitude of computed Ke oscillations resemble those seen in experiments for certain parameter ranges. The model cells synchronize with exterior cells leading, though incorporating heterogeneous cell properties can allow interior cells to lead. The model islet can also be forced to oscillate at both faster and slower frequencies using periodic pulses of higher K+ in the medium surrounding the islet. Phase plane analysis was used to understand the synchronization mechanism. The results of our model suggest that diffusion of extracellular K+ may contribute to coupling and synchronization of electrical oscillations in beta-cells within an islet.
Successful management of gastric perforation in stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with chemoradiation therapy, percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy for gastric drainage, and percutaneous endoscopy jejunostomy for nutrition.

Address for correspondence: Ariela Noy, MD, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 Clinical Pra ● Primary gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common form of extranodal lymphoma, is an aggressive B cell malignancy arising in the stomach. ● Modern treatment is conservative and systemic, involving a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Primary surgical resection is no longer standard of care. Incidence of perforation is extremely rare.
The mode of binding of potential transition-state analogs to acetylcholinesterase

Abstract Phenylacetone, 4-phenyl-2-butanone, and 4-oxopentyltrimethylammonium chloride were tested as potential transition state analogs for eel acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7). Phenylacetone is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme but not a transition state analog, since its binding constant is similar to that for the substrate phenyl acetate. 4-Phenyl-2-butanone binds 6–18 times more tightly than the inhibitors 4-phenyl-2-butanol and N-benzylacetamide and the substrate benzyl acetate and also blocks inactivation of the enzyme with methanesulfonyl fluoride. However, its binding is independent of pH in the range 5–7.5, whereas both V and V/Km for benzyl acetate hydrolysis decrease with decreasing pH in this range. These data indicate a specific but weak interaction between the ketone carbonyl and the enzyme, but probably do not justify considering this compound a transition state analog. 4-oxopentyltrimethylammonium iodide has previously been shown to bind about 125 times more strongly than the substrate acetylcholamine. It also binds about 375 times more strongly than the alcohol 4-hydroxy-pentyltrimethylammonium iodide. Furthermore, the ketone protects the enzyme from inactivation by methansulfonyl fluoride, while the corresponding quaternary ammonium alcohol accelerates this inactivation reaction. This additional information confirms that the ketone is a transition state analog.
Toxicity testing for controlling urban wet-weather pollution: advantages and limitations

Abstract Toxicity of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and stormwater was studied at 15 sites in Southern Ontario, using a battery of seven bioassays. The highest frequencies of severe and moderate toxicity (19% and 24%, respectively) were found at highway runoff sites; frequencies of CSO toxicity were much lower (from 6.6% to 13%, for moderate and severe toxicity combined). Stormwater ponds contributed to toxicity reduction, with respect to both water and sediment downstream of ponds. Conventional toxicity testing was found useful for screening and assessing potential receiving water impacts, but was somewhat limited by the dynamic nature and large variety of wet-weather pollution sources.
Cardiovascular Actions of Sodium Nitroprusside in Animals and Hypertensive Patients

Certain chemical and pharmacological properties of sodium nitroprusside, a cheap, readily available chemical, have been described. It is a powerful hypotensive agent when given intravenously tohypertensive patients. It is no more effective than the sodium thiocyanate into which it is converted when given by mouth. Prolonged infusion has proved highly effective in the treatment of hypertensive encephalopathy.
Design optimization and integration of nickel/Haynes-25 AMTEC cells into radioisotope power systems

Abstract A number of nickel/Haynes-25, vapor anode, multi-tube Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Conversion (AMTEC) cell designs, similar to the Pluto/Express series cells, were developed and optimized for improved performance. Optimization calculations investigated the effects of changing the number and length of the sodium Beta”-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE) tubes, the cell length and the condenser temperature on the cell’s electric power output, conversion efficiency, temperature margin and the temperatures of the BASE brazes and the evaporator. Various options of integrating the high performance nickel/Haynes-25 cells with 238PuO2 General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules, into the electric power system’s configuration proposed by Advanced Modular Power Systems, were explored for satisfying an End of Mission (EOM) electric power requirement of 130 We at 28 V dc for 10- to 15-year space missions. The power systems’ integration options explored included changing the number of GPHS modules and the number of AMTEC cells in the generator and using either fresh or aged 238PuO2 fuel in the GPHS modules.
The empowerment of women: A key to HIV prevention

We discuss the process underlying the success of an HIV-prevention project for young, inner-city women. The intervention was based on the concepts of empowerment and culturally sensitive skill building. Four critical points relevant to the translation of HIV prevention knowledge into behavioral change among the sample are examined: (1) integrating the important issues of the participants' lives into the HIV prevention program, (2) utilizing a group format to encourage cohesiveness and support, (3) engaging group facilitators to promote mutuality and equality, and (4) promoting ongoing, authentic relationships among the participants and staff members. Points are illustrated with vignettes reconstructed from the group facilitators' experiences with the participants.
Studying the use of base rates: Normal science or shifting paradigm?

The underutilization of base rates is a consistent finding. The strong claim that base rates are ignored has been rejected and this needs no further emphasis. Following the path of “normal science,” research examines the conditions predicting changes in the degree of underutilization. A scientific revolution that might dethrone the heuristics and biases paradigm is not in sight.
North America's largest dinosaur trackway site: Implications for Morrison Formation paleoecology

Little-known exposures of the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation from the Purgatoire Valley of southeastern Colorado have yielded the world's largest continuously mapped assemblage of dinosaur trackways. Body fossils include plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate remains indicative of predominantly fresh-water conditions. The tracks occur in a lacustrine sequence characterized by (1) shallow-water shales; (2) micritic shoreface limestones with ooids, intraclasts, ripple marks, mud cracks; and (3) minor quartzose sandstone with salt-crystal casts. Analysis of these sedimentary facies suggests that in southeastern Colorado, lakes were larger and longer lived than in other Morrison paleoenvironments. Trackway orientations and footprint-depth contours pinpoint the location of the paleoshoreline at successive levels in the section. Detailed mapping of 1,300 footprints in bed 2 has revealed more than 100 trackways which testify to the activity of both quadrupedal and bipedal dinosaurs. The respective ratio based on trackway counts is ∼40/60. The quadrupedal tracks are attributed to sauropods, and represent the first ever discovered in North America. They also exhibit the first known manus claw impressions and are in need of formal description. More than 90% of the bipedal tridactyl prints lack claw impressions and are tentatively therefore referred to the Ornithopoda, cf. Gypsichnites possibly a Camptosaurus . The small proportion with distinct claw impressions may represent Allosaurus . Resulting estimates of species diversity (∼5) and predator-prey ratio (1:30) are in general agreement with the estimates of other authors based on skeletal remains, and they suggest that the Purgatoire River tracks may accurately reflect the composition of the dinosaur fauna. Distinctive groupings of parallel, non-overlapping trackways suggest gregarious behavior among sauropods and tridactylous forms.
ATF1 and CREB Trans-Activate a Cell Cycle Regulated Histone H4 Gene at a Distal Nuclear Matrix Associated Promoter Element†

Proteins of the ATF/CREB class of transcription factors stimulate gene expression of several cell growth-related genes through protein kinase A-related cAMP response elements. The promoter activity of cell cycle regulated histone H4 genes is regulated by at least four principal cis-acting elements which mediate G1/S phase control and/or enhancement of transcription during the cell cycle. Using protein-DNA interaction assays we show that the H4 promoter contains two ATF/CREB recognition motifs which interact with CREB, ATF1, and ATF2 but not with ATF4/CREB2. One ATF/CRE motif is located in the distal promoter at the nuclear matrix-associated Site IV, and the second motif is present in the proximal promoter at Site I. Both ATF/CRE motifs overlap binding sequences for the multifunctional YY1 transcription factor, which has previously been shown to be nuclear matrix associated. Subnuclear fractionation reveals that there are two ATF1 isoforms which appear to differ with respect to DNA binding activity and partition selectively between nuclear matrix and nonmatrix compartments, consistent with the role of the nuclear matrix in regulating gene expression. Site-directed mutational studies demonstrate that Site I and Site IV together support ATF1- and CREB-induced trans-activation of the H4 promoter. Thus, our data establish that ATF/CREB factors functionally modulate histone H4 gene transcription at distal and proximal promoter elements.
Memristor Neural Model for Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease is characterized by the formation of a pathological protein agglomerations in the correspondence of the synapses that determine a modification in the conductive signal. With the most recent theory, based on Memristive elements, it has been possible to describe some conductive issues in the neurons not well explained since the Hodgkin and Huxley model. Considering the current's flux as the causing factor of post behavior of the neurons (according to Chua's definition), it is now possible for analyses of some aspects that can give important details in the memory's mechanism of the neurons. Here we report the evidence and the analysis that confirm, or not, Memristor's model, and an accurate characterization of the conductivity in healthy and pathological neurons. All the result received a rigorous electrical approach: DC V-I curves, small-signal admittance, small-signal impedance, pole-zero diagrams, frequency response, Nyquist diagram. We believe that this work will be extremely important for the future develop of new drugs, capable of reestablishing a correct conductivity through the neurons in patients affected by Alzheimer disease.
An Overview of Reform in Holmes Group Institutions

Institutional reform efforts described during the past 3 years in the The Holmes Group Forum, the consortium newsletter, were analyzed. Fifty institutions have described planning and pro gram changes. Six types of reforms are discussed: new connections with faculty in arts and sciences, teacher and school collaborations, professional development schools, internships, pro fessional studies, and new organizational partnerships. Questions needing discussion and investi gation related to these reforms are identified.
A determinant-based algorithm for counting perfect matchings in a general graph

We present a simple estimator for the number of perfect matchings in a general (non-bipartite) graph. Our estimator requires O(e-23n/2) trials to obtain a (1 ± e)-approximation of the correct value with high probability on a graph with 2n vertices in the worst case, and only a polynomial number (O(e-2nω(n)) of trials on random graphs, where ω(n) is any function tending to infinity.Our algorithm is based on the following idea: For any graph G, construct its associated Tutte matrix T, and derive a random matrix B from it by replacing each variable in T with ±1 uniformly at random; then output det B. This estimator is a natural generalization of the Godsil--Gutman estimator for matchings in a bipartite graph, and our analysis of its performance on random graphs borrows generously from Frieze and Jerrum's analysis of a similar estimator for bipartite graphs.
Iridium oxide thin-film stability in high-temperature corrosive solutions

Abstract The stability of sputtered iridium oxide films is investigated after exposure to pH 4, 7, and 10 solutions at 200 °C (15 bar) and 245 °C (40 bar). These reactively sputtered films are being considered as pH-sensing electrodes in high-temperature high-pressure saline solutions such as those found underground in potential nuclear repositories. The sputtered iridium oxide films (SIROF) have a linear response of approximately 53–58 mV per pH at room temperature under a wide range of solution conditions. Other advantages include their ruggedness, small size, high voltage/low impedance output, and the low cost of fabrication. To evaluate their stability the films are exposed in a Teflon-lined bomb for up to 70 h at high temperature. The pH testing of 50 samples includes cycling between pH 2 and pH 12 before and after exposure. Changes of the potential intercept and the slope are most severe after acidic conditions at 250 °C. It is found that ion-assisted deposition helps to maintain film adherence and continuity on the alumina substrates during exposure to 200 °C solutions.
Consumer characteristics associated with the selection of lean meat products.

This study identifies several demographic and psychographic characteristics of consumers who have tried lean meat products from a particular retail food chain in Houston. The relevant characteristics included: (1) age, (2) residency in Texas, (3) education level, (4) household size, and (5) predisposition to buying low-fat foods. The analysis was performed using the probit specification. The source of data was survey information, gathered by telephone interviews, from a total of 200 shoppers.
E4021, A Novel cGMP Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) Inhibitor, Improves Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Newborn Lambs with PPHN † 1645

E4021, A Novel cGMP Phosphodiesterase (PDE5) Inhibitor, Improves Pulmonary Hemodynamics in Newborn Lambs with PPHN † 1645
Alteration of tryptophan fluorescence properties upon dissociation of Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin.

Abstract Fluorescence analysis has been used to study dissociation of the dodecameric 3.8 kDa Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin. Since tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence has been used as a reporter group to study Lumbricus hemoglobin, it is of interest to study dissociation perturbed properties of the tryptophan residues. Shifts in the fluorescence emission maximum to longer wavelengths upon dissociation at pH 9.2 suggest that tryptophans buried at the subunit interface(s) become more exposed. Fluorescence lifetime and quenching studies are employed in this present investigation as a means to confirm the location of tryptophan residues at the subunit interfaces. Acrylamide titration (to 2.5 M) indicate only a fraction of the residues can be quenched at either pH. At pH 7.0, the Stern-Volmer plot has downward curvature, while at pH 9.2 there is slight upward curvature, again indicating a change in environment. The intrinsic fluorescence decay requires at least four exponentials at both pHs. The mean fluorescence lifetime of CO Lumbricus hemoglobin increases from 1.1 ns at pH 7 to 3.3 ns at pH 9.2. The lifetime data can be further interpreted as a decrease in the quenching of residues with a ≈ 30 ps lifetime, and a concomitant increase in the longer lifetime components. This is consistent with interface tryptophans becoming exposed to solvent upon dissociation, and loss of quenching by intersubunit hemes. The overall results suggest that in the dodecamer, most of the tryptophans are located in a hydrophobic environment, not all of which are located at the subunit interface.
Integral equations for incompressible second-order boundary-layers

Abstract Von Karman's integral concept for incompressible, laminar boundary-layers is herein extended to the second-order for two dimensional or axisymmetric flow by first generalizing the definitions of the displacement and momentum thicknesses. For computational purposes, the analysis then considers the use of a fourth-order polynomial for representing the first and second-order velocity profiles. The problem of generating a consistent set of boundary conditions for this approximate scheme is thoroughly discussed and resolved.
Utilization of acetic acid-rich pyrolytic bio-oil by microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Reducing bio-oil toxicity and enhancing algal toxicity tolerance

This work was to utilize acetic acid contained in bio-oil for growth and lipid production of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The acetic acid-rich bio-oil fraction derived from fast pyrolysis of softwood contained 26% (w/w) acetic acid, formic acid, methanol, furfural, acetol, and phenolics as identified compounds, and 13% (w/w) unidentified compounds. Among those identified compounds, phenolics were most inhibitory to algal growth, followed by furfural and acetol. To enhance the fermentability of the bio-oil fraction, activated carbon was used to reduce the toxicity of the bio-oil, while metabolic evolution was used to enhance the toxicity tolerance of the microalgae. Combining activated carbon treatment and using evolved algal strain resulted in significant algal growth improvement. The results collectively showed that fast pyrolysis-fermentation process was a viable approach for converting biomass into fuels and chemicals.
Pain and aging: a call to those with the power of inquiry, the skills to teach, and the desire to heal.

Unlike other medical specialties, geriatric medicine arose not from a unique body of knowledge, but because of the need for one. This “development out of necessity” principle also applies to the field of pain and aging, which is still in its infancy. Geriatrics practitioners have long realized the challenges of treating pain in older adults imposed by their tremendous physical and cognitive heterogeneity. In response to this realization, some have established successful multidisciplinary pain management clinics for older patients [1,2]. Others have highlighted the age-related pain management disparities that exist in multiple settings of care (e.g., emergency rooms, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities) across multiple disciplines (e.g., physicians and nurses), and for multiple pain disorders (e.g., acute and chronic pain, malignant and nonmalignant pain), so as to spur practitioners into action [3–11]. The American Geriatrics Society has published comprehensive pain management guidelines to help practitioners navigate the sometimes murky waters of pain management for older adults [12]. Practitioners have established the need to advance …
The epithelial origin of lymphocytes in the palatine tonsil of rabbits

Abstract Lymphopoiesis was studied by electron microscopy in the palatine tonsil of the rabbit from 18 days gestation to 5 days after birth. At 18 days tonsils formed as mounds of mesenchyma covered with epithelium. At 19 days the basal epithelial cells started to increase in number, eventually forming ‘buds‘ which projected into the mesenchyme. Simultaneously, lymphocytes appeared nearthe epithelium or buds. There was marked resemblance between the basal epithelial cells and the lymphocytes. Budding slowed down after the 25th day, but individual basal cells continued to migrate into the mesenchyme and lymphocytes increased in number. Ultrastructure wassimilar in both types of cells, and differentfrom mesenchymal cells. At 29 days lymphocytes were found in the basal epithelial layer behind an intact basement membrane. The evidence indicated that lymphocytes were derived from epithelium.
Resuscitation of the meconium-stained infant and prevention of meconium aspiration syndrome.

Resuscitation of the Meconium-Stained Infant and Prevention of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Harriet Pearson Dustan.

Harriet Pearson Dustan, pioneer in clinical cardiovascular research and dedicated American Heart Association volunteer, succumbed to lung cancer on June 25, 1999, after a lengthy illness. Dr Dustan’s long and productive career spanned the modern era of research on the pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension in humans. Discoveries made by Dr Dustan and colleagues in the 1950s have influenced the practice of medicine for nearly a half century. For example, she was the first person ever to give sodium nitroprusside to a human being. Her descriptions of the efficacy of sodium nitroprusside in the treatment of severe hypertension and hypertensive crisis formed the basis of extensive contemporary use of that potent and reliable vasodilator drug in many areas of cardiovascular medicine. Other firsts for Dr Dustan and her Cleveland Clinic research group were the discovery that thiazide diuretics potentiate the blood pressure–lowering effects of other classes of antihypertensive drugs; description of the rheumatic and febrile syndrome associated with hydralazine treatment; successful long-term treatment of …
Lanthanum and zinc sensitivity of GABAA-activated currents in adult medial septum/diagonal band neurons from ethanol dependent rats.

Abstract The impact of chronic ethanol treatment, sufficient to induce tolerance and physical dependence, on GABAA receptor function was studied in acutely isolated neurons from the medial septum/nucleus diagonal band (MS/nDB) of adult rats using whole cell, patch-clamp recordings. In ethanol-naive Controls, GABA (0.3–300 μM) induced concentration-dependent increases in Cl− current with a threshold of 0.3–1 μM, a mean maximal current of 7645 ± 2148 pA at 100–300 μM, an EC50 of 11.3 ± 1.3 μM and a slope of 1.53 ±0.07. GABA-activated currents in neurons from animals receiving two weeks of ethanol liquid diet treatment did not differ significantly on any of these measures. The rate of GABAA receptor desensitization (t1/2 = 6.49 ± 1.19 s) estimated as the time required for loss of 50% of peak current during sustained application of 10 μM GABA, as well as the residual steady state current remaining following complete desensitization for controls was unchanged by chronic ethanol. The impact of chronic ethanol treatment on the GABAA receptor modulation by lanthanum and zinc which act as positive and negative allosteric modulators, respectively, was also evaluated. Test pulses of 3 μM GABA in control neurons showed maximal potentiation by 141 ± 30% at ~ 1000 μM lanthanum with an EC50 of 107 ± 34 μM and a slope of ~ 1. Lanthanum potentiation remained the same following chronic ethanol treatment. Initial estimates based on fitted concentration response curves suggested that maximal inhibition of 3 μM GABA responses by zinc at the level of 70.2 ± 8.5% in control cells was significantly increased by chronic ethanol treatment to 95.3 ± 2.5%, although the IC50 of 60.2 ± 25 μM was not changed. However, this difference was not supported by direct tests of maximal 3–10 mM zinc concentrations. These results suggest that chronic ethanol treatment, sufficient to induce tolerance and physical dependence, probably does not lead to readily detectible changes in GABAA receptor function in MS/nDB neurons.
R-spondin1 tips the balance in sex determination.

Female-to-male sex reversal is an extremely rare and puzzling phenomenon. A new study identifies mutations in the gene encoding R-spondin1 in XX sex-reversed individuals and suggests that antagonistic pathways in the bipotential gonad regulate sex determination.
Initial Assessment of Small Systems (MEMS and NEMS) Course Taught in an Undergraduate and Graduate Classroom

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology are a fast developing technology which combines very small mechanical structures with microelectronics circuits. These devices range in scale from nanometers (10−9 m) to several millimeters, and they are fabricated using the established techniques of microelectronics construction. Due to the increasingly large size and opportunities in these fields, it is becoming necessary to offer course work with small systems for students at the undergraduate and graduate level. A course in MEMS/NEMS small systems was taught at the University of Nevada, Reno in the spring of 2002. The course used the text written by Hsu [1] along with supplementary material. Problems and examples of applying fundamental principles from mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and optics among others to problems in MEMS design, fabrication and actuation were considered. The course is primarily designed to introduce both engineering undergraduate and graduate students to the possibilities of this exciting new engineering field. Also, current MEMS, NEMS, and microfluidic applications, such as sensors, actuators, heat exchangers, and chemical/biological analysis systems, were discussed. The course introduced a broad spectrum of topics related to small system development including basic engineering science for small system design, engineering mechanics, thermofluid engineering, scaling laws, materials for small systems, fabrication technologies, small system design, advanced nano-materials (molecular motors, nanotubes, polymer nanocomposites), standard characterization techniques: SEM, TEM, AFM, and applications (MEMS, NEMS and microfluidics).© 2002 ASME
“The House of Bondage”: Rise and Fall of Apartheid as Social History

The year 2013 was the year of the Mandela biopic. The two main cinematic releases were Winnie Mandela (2011, directed by Darrell Roodt) and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013, directed by Justin C...
Analyzing clinical data in XML: bridging the gaps

As identified by recent US Dept. of Health and Human Services rulings [2], cohesive standards are essential to increasing accessibility and consumablity of data from heterogeneous sources. The ability to exchange standardized healthcare information is a critical aspect of this problem and HL7s XML-based Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) is quickly becoming the prevailing format. CDA has clear benefits for healthcare information exchange, but also introduces new technical challenges when one desires to perform in-depth analysis on the information captured by a set of these documents. Healthcare Information Warehouse for Analytics and Sharing (HIWAS), a tooling technology, addresses this challenge in two key ways: one, summarizing data for better understanding by a human user and, two, facilitating conventional analysis by aiding in the creation of and transformation to a simplified model. By making these complex XML documents digestible with conventional business intelligence and analysis technology, HIWAS lowers a key barrier to meaningful use of aggregated clinical data.In this demonstration, we first describe challenges of integrating and analyzing CDA documents, how they are addressed by the HIWAS technology, and finally present an application scenario in which we prepare laboratory data captured in this standard format for analysis by public health officials.
Current, voltage and pharmacological substrates of a novel GABA receptor in the visual-vestibular system of Hermissenda

Abstract In the marine mollusc, Hermissenda crassicornis , Type B photoreceptors exhibit an IPSP to both presynaptic hair cell stimulation and microapplication of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to the terminal branches. It was found that both the endogenous IPSP and the response to exogenously applied GABA were mediated to a large part by an outward current which reversed at approximately −80 mV. Additionally, these hyperpolarizing responses were found to mask a smaller depolarization that was mediated by the reduction of a basal outward current. Both the IPSP and the hyperpolarizing response to GABA, as well as the sublimated depolarizing response to GABA, were attenuated by the K + channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and displayed a strong sensitivity to [K + ] 0 , while showing no sensitivity to [Cl − ] 0 or the Cl − channel blocker picrotoxin. Moreover, iontophoretic injections of stable guanine analogues, GTP[γS] and GDP[βS], into B photoreceptors eliminated both the IPSP and the GABA-induced hyperpolarization, while cholinergically mediated, interphotoreceptor interactions were unaffected. These results suggest that the endogenous receptor is at least partially homologous to the mammalian GABA B class receptor. Consistent with this classification, microapplication of selective GABA B receptor agonist baclofen onto the terminal region of the B photoreceptor resulted in a hyperpolarizing response that was qualitatively similar to that of GABA, although the GABA A agonist muscimol was also active, but less so than either GABA or baclofen. Attempts to block the endogenous IPSP or GABA-induced hyperpolarization by bath application of the GABA A receptor subtype antagonist bicuculline was ineffective and the GABA B receptor subtype antagonist saclofen was only weakly effective. These data demonstrate that the presynaptic hair cell's influence on postsynaptic B photoreceptors is in many respects similar to GABA B mediated responses in the mammalian CNS. This receptor is in some respects unique, however, in terms of its cross-sensitivity to both GABA A and GABA B agonists, its weak sensitivity to saclofen, and its apparent anomalous modulation of multiple K + conductances.
The Use of Computer Technology in Designing Appropriate Test Accommodations for English Language Learners.

Among the several forms of accommodations used in the assessment of English language learners (ELLs), language-based accommodations are the most effective in making assessments linguistically accessible to these students. However, there are significant challenges associated with the implementation of many of these accommodations. This article reviews studies that explain the impact of language factors on the assessment of ELLs, presents major forms of language-based accommodations, and discusses how computers can assist in the proper administration of these accommodations.
Dosimetry of Internal Emitters

Response and toxicity prediction is essential to rational implementation of cancer therapy. The biologic effects of radionuclide therapy are mediated via a well-defined physical quantity, the absorbed dose, which is defined as the energy absorbed per unit mass of tissue. The concepts, basic definitions, and different approaches to the clinical implementation of absorbed dose estimation are reviewed in this article. Ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy of dosimetry calculations are discussed, as well as studies examining the relationship between absorbed dose and response. Particular attention is placed on the marrow and kidney as dose-limiting organs. Finally, the potential role of radiobiologic modeling in helping to account for differences in dose rate and spatial distribution are reviewed. A treatment planning approach to radionuclide therapy will eventually require incorporation of biologic and radiobiologic considerations. Until such methods are developed and validated, absorbed dose remains an important variable--but still one of several--likely to predict response in an individual patient.
Synthesis and radical polymerization of diethyl 2-acetamido-2-vinylbenzylmalonate

Radical polymerization of pure para isomer and of mixture of para and meta isomers in solution yielded polymers with a T g at 101-104°C, stable up to 260°C and which can be cast into clear flexible films.
Transdermal Methylphenidate, Behavioral, and Combined Treatment for Children With ADHD.

Stimulant medication and behavioral treatments are evidence-based for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but the combination of the 2 treatments has been understudied. In this investigation, methylphenidate (MPH) was crossed with 2 levels of behavior modification (BMOD) in a summer treatment program. Twenty-seven children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, aged 6-12, participated. Children received placebo and 3 doses of transdermal MPH (12.5 cm(2), 25.0 cm(2), and 37.5 cm(2)). BMOD was implemented on alternating weeks. Both treatments produced large and significant effects. Combined treatment was superior to either treatment alone. The effects of transdermal MPH were comparable to those found in this setting in previous studies with multiple stimulant medications and formulations. Consistent with other research, low doses of MPH--even lower than in previous studies--yielded enhanced effects in combination with behavior modification.