cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Looking for the Pony in the HERS Data

One of the great public health advances of the last century was the development of the randomized, controlled clinical trial, which is designed to control for known and unknown differences in persons who take or do not take medication (by the use of randomization), and for the effects of patient and provider expectation (by the use of double-blind placebo control). See p 917 The late Reuel A. Stallones was fond of teaching that clinical trials are done during a narrow window of opportunity when there is enough evidence for benefit to justify the time and expense of the trial, but not so much evidence that it would be unethical to deprive participants of the “active” treatment by assigning them to placebo. This window is particularly difficult to achieve when the medication has been in use for many years, its benefit has been demonstrated repeatedly in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice, and when the thought leaders and major medical organizations have already recommended its widespread use. Such was the case with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the prevention of heart disease. At the beginning of the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS), a secondary prevention trial of estrogen in postmenopausal women with heart disease, several experts opined that this trial was unnecessary at best and unethical at worst, given the consistency of the observational data, which certainly looks very impressive in a meta-analysis, and the plethora of potential cardioprotective mechanisms for estrogen that have been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. It was therefore more than a bit of a shock when the HERS trial results showed no overall benefit to HRT and a completely unexpected early excess of cardiovascular events.1 The reaction of the research and clinical community to these results has been one of disbelief and denial …
Metaphycus anneckei and Metaphycus hageni: two discrete species parasitic on black scale, Saissetia oleae

Parasitized black scale, Saissetia oleae, were collected from olives(Olea europaea L.) in Spain and from thismaterial an encyrtid parasitoid was reared that istaxonomically similar to Metaphycus anneckeiGuerrieri and Noyes. Differences were noted betweenthe Spanish Metaphycus nr. sp. anneckeiand material described as M. anneckei that isresident to California. Although dissimilar in fewmorphological characters, the ovipositor length andshape of the male genitalia and the antennal club ofboth sexes can be used to discriminate between M.anneckei resident to California and the Spanishmaterial, which was subsequently named Metaphycushageni Daane and Caltagirone. To determine ifmorphological differences correspond to biologicaldifferences, reproductive and oviposition behavioursof Californian M. anneckei and SpanishM. hageni were studied. Mating was not observedbetween individuals of the two types and only maleprogeny were produced in interspecific pairings. Metaphycus anneckei females deposit eggs through thescale's ventral side and were never observed to hostfeed, while M. hageni females oviposit throughthe scale's dorsum and frequently host fed. Thecollective biological evidence agrees withmorphological evidence, indicating that M.anneckei and M. hageni are discrete species. Specimens from recent collections in California andSpain were compared with specimens from earliercollections (1910s to 1980s) in Australia, California,Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Israel, Mexico, and SouthAfrica. With the exception of Greek and Spanishmaterial, all specimens examined were M.anneckei. We discuss the significance of this newinformation with respect to biological control andprovide a key to separate these and other closelyrelated black scale parasitoids.
Psychometric properties of the interpersonal style inventory

This study investigated the reliabilities and conjectured factor structure of the subscales comprised by Lorr and DeJong's (1986) abbreviated form of the Interpersonal Style Inventory (ISI). The results suggest that internal consistency reliabilities of the subscales are presently inadequate for clinical or research purposes. The five-factor structure described by Lorr (1986) appeared to conform well to the empirical grouping in the data set. Only one scale, Approval Seeking, appeared incorrectly placed according to the a priori description. Another weakness in the a priori structure was that the Rule-Free subscale had only a minor role in identifying its conjectured factor. These results were based on ISI protocols from 268 adults. Overall's (1974) marker variable factor analysis was implemented to assess the adequacy of the a priori factor structure.
Impact of Search Engine Characteristics on Electronic Markets and Sellers' Pricing Strategies

Internet-based electronic markets facilitate buyer search for seller offerings and comparison of products on the basis of price and product features. Search engine capabilities such as Recall, Precision and Ranking Accuracy determine the efficiency with which buyers can search for and compare products and the resulting buyer surplus and seller profits. This research investigates the impact of each of these factors on buyer and seller strategies at equilibrium. This paper explains certain counter intuitive market phenomena where some successful electronic markets offer less choice to buyers than their competitors.The analysis is driven by a set of analytical models of an electronic market under varying conditions of sellers' market shares, buyer search strategies and search engine technology. The models developed here draw from existing theories in information economics and computer science. The results demonstrate that precision has a greater direct impact on buyer surplus than recall and that buyers will forego some choice in exchange for greater accuracy of product description, especially in products that are complex or are characterized by ambiguity in product description and terms of trade. Finally, the seller with the greatest market share stands to gain most from offering search engine services to buyers and in a market characterized by two or more sellers with significant market shares, search engine services will always be offered free of cost to buyers.
Interaction of DNA with Nano‐Structured Beta‐Gallia‐Rutile Surfaces

The beta-gallia-rutile (Bgr) intergrowth structure is being investigated as a substrate for depositing DNA molecules into an organized periodic array. The Bgr intergrowth structure is characterized by periodic tunnels (voids in the lattice), which run parallel to the [001] direction and are aligned in rows along the (210) planes of the parent rutile structure. The 1-D tunnels are ∼ 2.5 A in diameter and can accommodate small-to-medium sized cations. These tunnels may serve as specific sites for the attachment of DNA molecules via a cation electrostatic bridge. Experiments were designed to investigate the influence of cation species type, and application method on the binding behavior of DNA to the intergrowth surface. The DNA- sgr interactions were characterized using tapping mode atomic force microscopy.
A Possible Cumulative Shear Mechanism For Tissue Damage Initiation In SWL

In shock‐wave lithotripsy, inertial cavitation is observed in kidney tissue after hundreds of shocks are delivered, which seems to correspond with the onset of wide‐spread injury. However, it is unclear what initiates the process. It is possible, and has been suggested before, that hemorrhage is a prelude to cavitation damage. We investigate the possibility that the net shear of multiple shocks can accumulate to cause this initial hemorrhage. A mathematical model is used to show that the larger interstitial volume fraction in the medulla toward the papilla tip would make it particularly sensitive there to this mechanism. This is consistent with observations.
Field evidence for geophysical detection of subsurface zones of enhanced microbial activity

[1] Geochemical data from closely spaced vertical intervals in a hydrocarbon-impacted aquifer were used to assess the relationship between bulk conductivity and zones of enhanced microbial activity. The bulk conductivity was measured using in situ vertical resistivity probes. Microbial activity was verified using terminal electron acceptors (nitrate, sulfate, iron, and manganese), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and major ion chemistry. Peaks in bulk conductivity in the aquifer overlapped with zones where nitrates and sulfates were depleted, total petroleum hydrocarbon, iron, manganese, dissolved ions, and DIC were elevated, suggesting a link between higher electrical conductivity and zones of enhanced microbial activity stimulated by the presence of hydrocarbon. Thus the subsurface expression of microbial activity is apparently recorded in the bulk conductivity measurements. Our results argue for combining geophysics with biogeochemistry studies to delineate subsurface zones of enhanced microbial activity.
Suppression of glypican 3 inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through up-regulation of TGF-β2.

Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a valuable diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To evaluate the efficacy of targeting GPC3 at the translational level, we used RNA interference to examine the biologic and molecular effects of GPC3 suppression in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Transfection of Huh7 and HepG2 cells with GPC3-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited cell proliferation (P < .001) together with cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, down-regulation of antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1), and replicative senescence. Gene expression analysis revealed that GPC3 suppression significantly correlated with transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFBR) pathway (P = 4.57e-5) and upregulated TGF-β2 at both RNA and protein levels. The effects of GPC3 suppression by siRNA can be recapitulated by addition of human recombinant TGF-β2 to HCC cells in culture, suggesting the possible involvement of TGF-β2 in growth inhibition of HCC cells. Cotransfection of siRNA-GPC3 with siRNA-TGF-β2 partially attenuated the effects of GPC3 suppression on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and replicative senescence, confirming the involvement of TGF-β2 in siRNA-GPC3-mediated growth suppression. In vivo, GPC3 suppression significantly inhibited the growth of orthotopic xenografts of Huh7 and HepG2 cells (P < .05), accompanied by increased TGF-β2 expression, reduced cell proliferation (observed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining), and enhanced apoptosis (by TUNEL staining). In conclusion, molecular targeting of GPC3 at the translational level offers an effective option for the clinical management of GPC3-positive HCC patients.
Scalable encryption using alpha rooting

Full and partial encryption methods are important for subscription based content providers, such as internet and cable TV pay channels. Providers need to be able to protect their products while at the same time being able to provide demonstrations to attract new customers without giving away the full value of the content. If an algorithm were introduced which could provide any level of full or partial encryption in a fast and cost effective manner, the applications to real-time commercial implementation would be numerous. In this paper, we present a novel application of alpha rooting, using it to achieve fast and straightforward scalable encryption with a single algorithm. We further present use of the measure of enhancement, the Logarithmic AME, to select optimal parameters for the partial encryption. When parameters are selected using the measure, the output image achieves a balance between protecting the important data in the image while still containing a good overall representation of the image. We will show results for this encryption method on a number of images, using histograms to evaluate the effectiveness of the encryption.
Five Guidelines for a Successful Site-Based Administrator To Follow.

Helping every student reach the level of his or her potential is like reaching for the stars. It is a worthy task, but it is not easy. It cannot be done quickly; it cannot be done without hard work; and it cannot be done alone.
Simulation of ENSO with a Global Atmospheric GCM Coupled to a High-Resolution, Tropical Pacific Ocean GCM

Abstract A global atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) coupled to an oceanic GCM that is dynamically active only in the tropical Pacific simulates variability over a broad spectrum of frequencies even though the forcing, the annual mean incoming solar radiation, is steady. Of special interest is the simulation of a realistically irregular Southern Oscillation between warm El Nino and cold La Nina states. Its time scale is on the order of 5 years. The spatial structure is strikingly different in the eastern and western halves of the ocean basin. Sea surface temperature changes have their largest amplitude in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, but the low-frequency zonal wind fluctuations are displaced westward and are large over the western half of the basin. These zonal wind anomalies are essentially confined to the band of latitudes 10° to 10°S so that they form a jet and have considerable latitudinal shear. During El Nino the associated curl contributes to a pair of pronounced minima in th...
Experiential Learning in Hospitality Education: An Exploratory Study

The authors examine the extent to which experiential learning is utilized in the hospitality curriculum. Results of this study should provide hospitality administrators and educators with a benchmark to use in enhancing experiential learning within their curriculums.
The utility of amnioinfusion in the prophylaxis of meconium-stained amniotic fluid infectious morbidity.

Objectives: To evaluate the utility of intrapartum amnioinfusion (AI) in reducing the infectious morbidity of patients with meconium-stained fluid (MSF). Previous studies have shown increased intraamniotic infection (IAI) and postpartum endometritis (PPE) rates in patients with MSF. Intraamniotic infection has been reduced with the prophylactic administration of ampicillinsulbactam in MSF. Intraamniotic infection and PPE have been reduced with the use of AI in patients with clear fluid. No investigators have specifically examined the efficacy ofAI in reducing meconium-stained, amniotic-fluid-associated infectious morbidity. Methods:A retrospective cohort study of all cases ofMSF was conducted and included patients who delivered at Louisiana State University Medical Center-Shreveport during the one-year period from January to December 1996. Patients were identified from the perinatal database by the diagnosis code ofMSF. The medical records were reviewed to determine the consistency ofMSF and the presence or absence of infectious morbidity. Patient demographics, labor characteristics, and various risk factors for infection were sought. The main outcome measures were the occurrence of clinical IAI or PPE. Statistical analysis included two-tailed unpaired t-test,X2, ANOVA, and Fisher exact test when appropriate. Results: Two hundred seventy-three medical records of patients with MSF were studied. One hundred twenty nine patients received AI, and 144 did not receive AI. No significant differences in demographics, labor characteristics, or outcome variables were noted between the two groups. The incidences of IAI were 18.6% and 24.3%, P 0.13, in the AI and non-AI groups, respectively. Postpartum endometritis occurred in 22.5% ofAI patients and 21.5% ofnon-AI patients, P 0.97. Conclusions: The use ofAI confers no benefit for the reduction ofinfectious morbidity in patients with MSF. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 5:366-369, 1997. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethical Challenges in a Complex World: Highlights of the 2005 ACA Code of Ethics

Being an effective counselor includes having knowledge of and the ability to integrate a code of ethics into one's professional practice. This article addresses some of the highlights of the changes in the 2005 ACA [American Counseling Association] Code of Ethics such as end-of-life issues, boundaries and relationships, and multicultural and diversity considerations. It is critical for counselors to demonstrate cultural sensitivity during the ethical decision-making process throughout their counseling, supervision, teaching, and research practice.
Vesicle-containing dendrites in the nucleus raphe dorsalis of the cat. A serial section electron microscopic analysis

The nucleus raphe dorsalis of the cat was examined by serial section electron microscopy and the presence of vesicle-containing dendrites is reported. Such dendrites were divided into two classes according to their synaptic contact. Dendrites containing round and/or pleomorphic vesicles associated with a clear synaptic specialization which was generally intermediate between a Gray's type I or II were classified as presynaptic dendrites. These presynaptic dendrites were presynaptic to conventional dendrites and dendritic spines. In addition, some profiles containing a sparse population of vesicles which may be dendritic in nature were observed involved in serial synaptic arrangements. A second class of dendrites were characterized by the presence of vesicles which were never found associated with any synaptic membrane specialization. Commonly, the vesicles were densely packed and associated with unusual densities. Serial section analysis of these densities showed that they were not presynaptic dense projections. We suggest that the existence of vesicle-containing dendrites in the nucleus raphe dorsalis of the cat constitute the morphological support for the dendritic release of neurotransmitters.
The structure of tobacco ringspot virus: a link in the evolution of icosahedral capsids in the picornavirus superfamily

Abstract Background: Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) is a member of the nepovirus genus of icosahedral RNA plant viruses that cause disease in fruit crops. Nepoviruses, comoviruses and picornaviruses are classified in the picornavirus superfamily. Crystal structures of comoviruses and picornaviruses and the molecular mass of the TRSV subunit (sufficient to accommodate three β -barrel domains) suggested that nepoviruses may represent a link in the evolution of the picornavirus capsids from a T=3 icosahedral virus. This evolutionary process is thought to involve triplication of the capsid protein gene, to encode a three-domain polyprotein, followed by development of cleavage sites in the interdomain linking regions. Structural studies on TRSV were initiated to determine if the TRSV subunit corresponds to the proposed uncleaved three domain polyprotein. Results: The 3.5 a resolution structure of TRSV shows that the capsid protein consists of three β -barrel domains covalently linked by extended polypeptides. The order of connectivity of the domains in TRSV confirms the proposed connectivity for the precleaved comovirus and picornavirus capsid polyprotein. Structural differences between equivalent domains in TRSV and comoviruses are confined to the external surface loops, interdomain connecting polypeptides and N termini. The three different domains within TRSV and comoviruses are more closely related at the structural level than the three individual domains within picornaviruses. Conclusions: The structural results confirm the notion of divergent evolution of the capsid polyproteins of nepoviruses, comoviruses and picornaviruses from a common ancestor. A number of residues were found to be conserved among various nepoviruses, some of which stabilize the quaternary structure of the three domains in the TRSV capsid protein subunit. Two conserved regions were identified on the external surface of TRSV, however, mutational studies will be needed to understand their functional significance. Nepoviruses transmitted by the same nematode species do not share regions with similar amino acid composition on the viral surface.
BORK'S PARADOX: STATIC VS. DYNAMIC EFFICIENCY IN ANTITRUST ANALYSIS

Judge Robert Bork holds two opposing attitudes towards perfect competition. It is a highly useful economic model for illustrating allocative efficiency, but it is a defective policy model because it deliberately omits productive efficiency. He reconciles these attitudes by combining perfectly competitive allocative efficiency with dynamically competitive productive efficiency in his analysis. However, these two kinds of competition do not readily mix. One is a static equilibrium concept, the other a dynamic disequilibrium concept. One assumes perfect knowledge and the absence of change; the other assumes imperfect knowledge, learning, and continual flux. Each kind of competition is built on assumptions which, if true, would preclude the existence of the other. Bork's policy conclusions require the simultaneous existence of both kinds of competition. If he drops dynamic competition from the analysis, a much more stringent antitrust policy is called for. If he drops static competition, economic theory does not justify even his strictures against mergers and cartels.
Comparison of the signal transduction pathways for the induction of gene expression of nitric oxide synthase-2 in response to two different stimuli

Abstract Human optic nerve astrocytes induce nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2) in vitro in response to cytokines (interferon-γ/interleukin-1β) and elevated hydrostatic pressure. Using relatively specific inhibitors, we have compared induction of NOS-2 in response to these two stimuli to determine whether the same or different signal transduction pathways participate in the responses. Using SN50 and CAGE, which inhibit the NFκB pathway, the induction of NOS-2 in response to both cytokines and elevated hydrostatic pressure was blocked. Using SB202190 and SB203580, which inhibit p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, only the response to cytokines was blocked. In contrast, when inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase AG 82 and AG 18 were used, the induction of NOS-2 in response to pressure, but not in response to cytokines, was blocked. Signal transduction pathways presumably regulate the synthesis of NOS-2 through downstream events that induce transcription of the NOS-2 gene. Our data suggest that activation of different sites in the promoter region of the NOS-2 gene is needed for these different stimuli to induce NOS-2.
Language-specific models in multilingual topic tracking

Topic tracking is complicated when the stories in the stream occur in multiple languages. Typically, researchers have trained only English topic models because the training stories have been provided in English. In tracking, non-English test stories are then machine translated into English to compare them with the topic models. We propose a native language hypothesis stating that comparisons would be more effective in the original language of the story. We first test and support the hypothesis for story link detection. For topic tracking the hypothesis implies that it should be preferable to build separate language-specific topic models for each language in the stream. We compare different methods of incrementally building such native language topic models.
Seedling response of two trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) families to infection by Hypoxylon mammatum

Summary Open-pollinated progenies from two trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) families with a 30-year field history of 91% (putatively susceptible, PS) and 45% (putatively resistant, PR) mortality, respectively, caused by Hypoxylon mammatum, were grown in a greenhouse for 3 and 9 months. Seedlings were inoculated with two isolates of H. mammatum, representing high and low aggressiveness, through a stem wound. Beginning 4 days after inoculation, host responses were examined on 312 seedlings per family for a period of 5 weeks on 3- and 9-month-old seedlings. Significant differences in host responses were observed between the two isolates, with the more aggressive isolate allowing less callus formation, causing more tissue necrosis and producing longer cankers than the less aggressive isolate on both aspen families. Between-family difference was much greater than within-family difference for tissue necrosis, callus formation and canker length for both seedling ages. When the 3-month-old seedlings were challenged with H. mammatum, the PR family showed greater tissue necrosis, longer cankers, and less callus formation than the PS family. However, when the more lignified 9-month-old seedlings of the same families were inoculated, the PR seedlings had much less tissue necrosis, shorter cankers, more callus formation and less seedling mortality than the PS family. The results indicate that artificial inoculation of seedlings in a greenhouse can differentiate two aspen families at the seedling stage, but their correlation to field performance is highly dependent upon the seedling age. Host responses of older seedlings may be a better indicator of field performance.
The Giuliani Administration and the New Public Management in New York City

New public management (NPM) assumes that government should be run as a business and is based on a set of interrelated principles applied to reduce the costs of government by encouraging privatization and managed competition of government services. The author analyzes the viability of NPM as a governing strategy by examining the extent of implementation of NPM policies by New York City’s Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, an aggressive proponent of the NPM agenda. Close examination reveals that Mayor Giuliani’s success in implementing his NPM agenda has been limited. The mayor’s difficulties in achieving his goals are identified and are illustrative of the reform/accommodation cycle facing Mayor Giuliani and other urban mayors who attempt to implement abstract reform principles in a politicized environment.
Toll-Like Receptors in Liver Fibrosis: Cellular Crosstalk and Mechanisms

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that distinguish conserved microbial products, also known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), from host molecules. Liver is the first filter organ between the gastrointestinal tracts and the rest of the body through portal circulation. Thus, the liver is a major organ that must deal with PAMPs and microorganisms translocated from the intestine and to respond to the damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from injured organs. These PAMPs and DAMPs preferentially activate TLR signaling on various cell types in the liver inducing the production of inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines that initiate and prolong liver inflammation, thereby leading to fibrosis. We summarize recent findings on the role of TLRs, ligands, and intracellular signaling in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis due to different etiology, as well as to highlight the potential role of TLR signaling in liver fibrosis associated with hepatitis C infection, non-alcoholic and alcoholic steatoheoatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and cystic fibrosis.
Playing It Straight: Framing Strategies Among Reparative Therapists†

Reparative therapy, a form of counseling that seeks to help individuals get rid of their homosexual desires, has been an important component of the ex-gay movement, but the controversy surrounding the practice has been growing since the 1990s. As a result, the therapy has been effectively relegated to a deviant status by both mainstream society and the mental health profession. Nevertheless, a number of reparative therapists continue to offer their services. This article uses the sociological concepts of deviance and framing to identify both the factors that constitute the deviant status of reparative therapy and the frames practitioners use to legitimate the therapy within an increasingly hostile social environment. A content analysis of reparative therapy Web sites highlights differences between two types of reparative therapists: professional therapists who emphasize the client's right to pursue change and religious counselors who prioritize biblical teachings prohibiting homosexual acts. The results contribute to the sparse sociological literature on reparative therapy and the use of frames by individuals who have experienced marginalization.
Characteristics of Natural Mentoring Relationships and Adolescent Adjustment: Evidence from a National Study

This research investigated characteristics of natural mentoring relationships (mentor role, frequency of contact, closeness, duration) as predictors of adjustment outcomes among older adolescents and young adults (N = 2,053) in the Add Health study. Outcomes were assessed in the domains of education/work, problem behavior, psychological well-being, and physical health. Mentoring relationships with persons in roles outside of the family predicted greater likelihood of favorable outcomes in all domains except psychological well-being, relative to mentoring relationships with family members. Greater reported closeness in relationships was predictive of several favorable outcomes, particularly those in the domain of psychological well-being. These findings indicate that strategies to promote mentoring of adolescents may be more effective if particular categories of adults are targeted and an effort is made to cultivate relationships with strong emotional bonds. Editors' Strategic Implications: These data suggest that the cultivation of natural (especially non-familial) mentoring relationships during adolescence may be a promising strategy for prevention and health promotion. This study is impressive due to its large, nationally representative sample, the examination of relationship characteristics and multiple mentors, and the links to a variety of outcomes (controlling for earlier functioning). School officials and mentoring programs must consider how to capitalize on - and promote - naturally occurring mentor relationships.
DNA filter elution: A window on DNA damage in mammalian cells

This personal account traces a series of studies that led from DNA physical chemistry to anticancer drug mechanisms. Chemical crosslinking as a basis for anticancer drug actions had been suspected since the time of the first clinical reports of the effectiveness of nitrogen mustard in 1946. After the elucidation of the DNA helix-coil transition, several nearly concurrent findings in the early 1960s established the paradigm of DNA interstrand crosslinking. The DNA filter elution phenomenon was discovered in the early 1970s, and lent itself to the development of practical assays for DNA crosslinks and other DNA lesions in mammalian cells. The assays allowed studies of the effects of DNA damaging agents at pharmacologically or toxicologically relevant doses, and have been widely applied in studies of mutagenic and chemotherapeutic agents. During the period 1979–1986, DNA filter elution studies led to the paradigm of DNA topoisomerases as targets of anticancer drug action, and this has become one of the most active areas of anticancer drug development.
Mesoporous Carbons with Controlled Porosity as an Electrocatalytic Support for Methanol Oxidation

Mesoporous carbons with high surface area, large pore diameter, and enhanced mesoporosity have been synthesized by a soft colloidal template route with various aniline/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) ratios and investigated as an electrocatalytic support for methanol oxidation by cyclic voltammetry. The mesoporous carbons loaded with Pt catalysts exhibit two to three times higher mass activity (mA/mg Pt) for methanol oxidation than Vulcan XC 72R carbon loaded with Pt. The enhanced activity is attributed to a better dispersion and utilization of the catalysts, originating from a combination of high surface area and lower percentage of undesirable micropores. Both cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperametric measurements of the Pt-loaded carbon samples indicate that the mesoporous carbon possesses lower hydrophilicity compared to the conventional Vulcan XC 72R carbon. However, the hydrophilicity is found to depend on the aniline/CTABr ratios used during the synthesis of the mesoporous carbon samples.
An examination of sources of sensitivity of consumer surplus estimates in travel cost models

We examine sensitivity of estimates of recreation demand using the Travel Cost Method (TCM) to four factors. Three of the four have been routinely and widely discussed in the TCM literature: a) Poisson verses negative binomial regression; b) application of Englin correction to account for endogenous stratification; c) truncation of the data set to eliminate outliers. A fourth issue we address has not been widely modeled: the potential effect on recreation demand of the interaction between income and travel cost. We provide a straightforward comparison of all four factors, analyzing the impact of each on regression parameters and consumer surplus estimates. Truncation has a modest effect on estimates obtained from the Poisson models but a radical effect on the estimates obtained by way of the negative binomial. Inclusion of an income-travel cost interaction term generally produces a more conservative but not a statistically significantly different estimate of consumer surplus in both Poisson and negative binomial models. It also generates broader confidence intervals. Application of truncation, the Englin correction and the income-travel cost interaction produced the most conservative estimates of consumer surplus and eliminated the statistical difference between the Poisson and the negative binomial. Use of the income-travel cost interaction term reveals that for visitors who face relatively low travel costs, the relationship between income and travel demand is negative, while it is positive for those who face high travel costs. This provides an explanation of the ambiguities on the findings regarding the role of income widely observed in the TCM literature. Our results suggest that policies that reduce access to publicly owned resources inordinately impact local low income recreationists and are contrary to environmental justice.
Modeling of a compact functionally graded cellular structure: a finite element study for medium and high strain rates

The work discussed here is a continuation of study performed previously (Ali et al. in Int J Adv Eng Softw 39:95–106, 2008), in which we presented a detailed analysis of quasi-static and low dynamic response (up to strain rates of 1,200 s−1) for a compact functionally graded cellular structure found in a banana peel. In this paper, we focus on the in-plane response of the graded structure under medium and high velocity impacts (strain rates ranging from 2,400 to 12,416 s−1). A theoretical model developed earlier (Ali et al. in Int J Adv Eng Softw 39:95–106, 2008) for predicting the static, quasi-static, and low dynamic response of the graded structure is modified to take into account high dynamic effects. Different critical energy absorbing characteristics, e.g., deformation modes, collapsing mechanism, crushing stress, locking strain, total energy absorbed, etc. are discussed. The output of the high strain analytical model is compared with finite element simulations. The results show that the analytical model aligns well with finite element output for high dynamic cases.
Four-phase sphere modeling of effective bulk modulus of concrete

Abstract A four-phase sphere model, extended from Christensen and Lo’s three-phase sphere model for two-phase composite materials, was proposed to estimate the effective bulk modulus of three-phase concrete. The formulations were developed by reducing the four-phase sphere model to an equivalent three-phase sphere model and an equivalent two-phase sphere model. A distinctive characteristic of the proposed model is that, in addition to considering other physical-mechanical parameters, it is able to evaluate the effect of the maximum aggregate size and aggregate gradation on the effective bulk modulus of concrete. Reasonable agreement was found between the calculated effective Young’s modulus and the experimental results from the literature. This suggests that the proposed four-phase sphere model is suitable for estimating the effective elastic modulus of concrete. It is found that the maximum aggregate size, aggregate gradation, and the interfacial transition zone have a significant effect on the effective modulus of concrete.
Comparative analysis of ATPase of yeast elongation factor 3 and ATPase associated with Tetrahymena ribosomes

Elongation factor 3 (EF-3) is a unique and essential requirement of the fungal translational apparatus. The biochemical function of EF-3 has recently been defined. The protein removes deacylated tRNA from the ribosomal exit site (E-site) thus facilitating occupation of the ribosomal A-site by aa-tRNA. A functional homolog of yeast EF-3 has not been identified in non-fungal species. Yeast EF-3 is a ribosome-dependent ATPase that can also accept GTP and ITP as substrates. The function of EF-3 in ribosomal reactions requires ATP hydrolysis. An ATPase activity associated with higher eukaryotic ribosomes has been claimed to be a direct functional homolog of yeast EF-3. Comparative analysis of biochemical, immunological and functional properties of ATPase activity associated with the ribosomes isolated from the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis with that of yeast EF-3 ATPase indicates that these two activities are significantly different. Results reported in this communication strongly suggest that the ribosome associated ATP hydrolytic activity of Tetrahymena pyriformis is not a functional homolog of yeast EF-3.
Proximal Testicular Ducts of the Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)

The efferent ducts of the Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Gekkonidae) were investigated using light and electron microscopy. The seminiferous tubules unite into a single rete testis tubule. The rete testis divides into 3-4 ductuli efferentes which all drain into the cranial portion of the ductus epididymis. All efferent ducts are most active during the months of December to August. The rete testis is composed of a simple squamous epithelium with bifurcated nuclei and a labyrinthine network of intercellular canaliculi. Ciliated and nonciliated cells are present, and more than one cilium extends from the scattered ciliated cells. The presence of small clear vesicles and widened intercellular canaliculi suggest that cells of the rete testis are responsible for intake of luminal fluids. The ductuli efferentes are composed of a simple cuboidal epithelium consisting of ciliated and nonciliated cells, and ciliated cells are the dominant cell type. During the inactive season the number of lysosomes increases and the cells become spermiophagic. The ductus epididymis is composed of a tall pseudostratified columnar epithelium with relatively scarce basal cells. No evidence for regionalization was observed. The ductus epididymis is highly secretory during the active season with numerous electron-dense secretory granules, whose glycoprotein products are released by merocrine secretion. Basally, the active epididymis has swollen intercellular canaliculi and enlarged cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. During the inactive season the secretory activity decreases and membranous structures and fibrous material are observed within widened intercellular canaliculi apical to the basal cells.
Thermodynamic investigations of ternary lithium-transition metal-oxygen cathode materials

Abstract The reaction of lithium with three transition metal oxides (MnO, LiFeO2, and LiCoO2) has been investigated by an equilibrium electrochemical technique in cells of the type: (−) Al, Li 0.9 Al/LiClKcl (l) /[Li x MO y ] (+) Each system exhibits long constant voltage plateaus characterized by three-phase equilibria. The compositional range of reaction of lithium with MnO is 2.0 equivalents, whereas 3.0 equivalents may be reacted with the compounds LiFeO2 and LiCoO2. The ternary iron and cobalt oxide systems have been found to be kinetically fast (10–15 mA/cm2) and reversible at 400°C. The free energies of formation ΔGfo of Li5FeO4, LiFeO2, and LiCoO2 were calculated and found to be −399.88, −154.18, and −131.62 kcal/mole, respectively. Replacement of sulfide with oxide cathode materials might reduce the high temperature lithium battery corrosion problems currently associated with sulfur-containing cells.
Nitrites XIII. Sodium Theophylline Alkylglycollate Nitrate

A new solubilizing agent for theophylline is reported. Combinations of theophylline with isobutylglycollate nitrate are water soluble and produce slightly alkaline solutions. The depressor response of theophylline upon intravenous injection in the anesthetized dog is prolonged owing to the glycollate nitrate.
The Effect of Spatial Ability on the Demand for Spatial Processing Resources

Building upon previous research, this study examined the relationship between the deployment of spatial resources in the performance of spatial tasks and the level of spatial ability possessed by subjects. Ten Air Force Academy cadets, classified as either high or low in spatial ability by paper and pencil measures, performed tasks that presumably demanded spatial resources. Both the baseline and dual task level of performance was superior for the high spatial ability group. These findings are related to a variable capacity model of processing resources.
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Recovery of Function After Spinal Cord Injury

A major goal of rehabilitation strategies after spinal cord injury (SCI) is to enhance the recovery of function. One possible avenue to achieve this goal is to strengthen the efficacy of the residual neuronal pathways. Noninvasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used in patients with motor disorders as a tool to modulate activity of corticospinal, cortical, and subcortical pathways to promote functional recovery. This article reviews a series of studies published during the last decade that used rTMS in the acute and chronic stages of paraplegia and tetraplegia in humans with complete and incomplete SCI. In the studies, rTMS has been applied over the arm and leg representations of the primary motor cortex to target 3 main consequences of SCI: sensory and motor function impairments, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Although some studies demonstrated that consecutive sessions of rTMS improve aspects of particular functions, other studies did not show similar effects. We discuss how rTMS parameters and postinjury reorganization in the corticospinal tract, motor cortical, and spinal cord circuits might be critical factors in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using rTMS in patients with SCI. The available data highlight the limited information on the use of rTMS after SCI and the need to further understand the pathophysiology of neuronal structures affected by rTMS to maximize the potential beneficial effects of this technique in humans with SCI.
Natural Killer T Cells in Advanced Melanoma Patients Treated with Tremelimumab

A significant barrier to effective immune clearance of cancer is loss of antitumor cytotoxic T cell activity. Antibodies to block pro-apoptotic/downmodulatory signals to T cells are currently being tested. Because invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) can regulate the balance of Th1/Th2 cellular immune responses, we characterized the frequencies of circulating iNKT cell subsets in 21 patients with melanoma who received the anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody tremelimumab alone and 8 patients who received the antibody in combination with MART-126–35 peptide-pulsed dendritic cells (MART-1/DC). Blood T cell phenotypes and functionality were characterized by flow cytometry before and after treatment. iNKT cells exhibited the central memory phenotype and showed polyfunctional cytokine production. In the combination treatment group, high frequencies of pro-inflammatory Th1 iNKT CD8+ cells correlated with positive clinical responses. These results indicate that iNKT cells play a critical role in regulating effective antitumor T cell activity.
Implications of the choice of interatomic potential on calculated planar faults and surface properties in nickel

With the increasing use of molecular simulation to understand deformation mechanisms in transition metals, it is important to assess how well the simulations reproduce physical behavior both near equilibrium and under more extreme conditions. In particular, it is important to examine whether simulations predict unusual deformation paths that are competitive with those experimentally observed. In this work we compare generalized planar fault energy landscapes and surface energies for various interatomic potentials with those from density functional theory calculations to examine how well these more complicated planar faults and surface energies are captured and whether any deformations are energetically competitive with the {111}⟨112⟩ slip observed in FCC crystals. To do this we examine not just the (111) fault orientation, but also the (100), (110), (210), (211), (311), and (331) orientations to test behavior outside of the fitting range of the interatomic potentials. We find that the shape of the (111)[1...
How an ancient genome duplication electrified modern fish

At various chapters in the story of life on earth, certain characters arise that seem to open the door for explosions of new forms and species. From the flowers of angiosperms to the mammary glands of mammals, these so-called evolutionary innovations represent new features that change the playing field of evolution and carry with them a cascade of biodiversity. Where these novelties come from remains a major mystery for biologists, because innovations are so different from traits in related species that it is difficult to imagine how evolution can build such unique features from accumulated changes in DNA sequence. A study published by Arnegard et al. (1) illustrates how a combination of ancient gene duplication and good old-fashioned natural selection works together to produce a communication organ that led to the origin of hundreds of species of electric fish in two hemispheres (Fig. 1).
Technology, Customization, and Reliability

Abstract This research examines the relative importance that customers place on product reliability, or things-gone-wrong, and customization, or things-gone-right, across a range of industrial settings. We integrate an evolutionary theory of technology with a dynamic theory of competition to predict that: (1) when technological intensity is relatively low or high, customers place greater value on customization and (2) when technological intensity is more intermediate, product reliability and customization are more equally important. The predictions are tested and supported using data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey.
A 46- $\mu\hbox{W}$ Self-Calibrated Gigahertz VCO for Low-Power Radios

This brief presents a 46 μW 0.8-2 GHz tunable oscillator with built-in self-calibrated process, supply voltage, and temperature compensation for applications in low-power radios. With single-point current calibration at room temperature, the proposed voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) achieves 2.24% frequency accuracy against process variation, 1.6% frequency shift over 0.85- to 1.15-V supply voltage, and 167-ppm/°C temperature sensitivity between -7°C and 76°C. The sub-135-pJ on-chip self-calibration is based on a successive approximation scheme. Our design shows 3.4× improved process variation tolerance, 45× improved supply sensitivity, and 5.2× improved temperature sensitivity, as compared with the free-running VCO without self-calibration. Measurements are taken from 94 chips fabricated in two different lots in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company 65-nm CMOS process.