cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The reductase NCB5OR is responsive to the redox status in β-cells and is not involved in the ER stress response

The novel reductase NCB5OR (NADPH cytochrome b 5 oxidoreductase) resides in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) and may protect cells against ER stress. Levels of BiP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein), CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) and XBP-1 (X-box-binding protein-1) did not differ in WT (wild-type) and KO ( Ncb5or -null) tissues or MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts), and XBP-1 remained unspliced. MEFs treated with inducers of ER stress demonstrated no change in Ncb5or expression and expression of ER-stress-induced genes was not enhanced. Induction of ER stress in β-cell lines did not change Ncb5or expression or promoter activity. Transfection with Ncb5or -specific siRNA (small interfering RNA) yielded similar results. Microarray analysis of mRNA from islets and liver of WT and KO animals revealed no significant changes in ER-stress-response genes. Induction of oxidative stress in βTC3 cells did not alter Ncb5or mRNA levels or promoter activity. However, KO islets were more sensitive to streptozotocin when compared with WT islets. MEFs incubated with nitric oxide donors showed no difference in cell viability or levels of nitrite produced. No significant differences in mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes were observed when comparing WT and KO tissues; however, microarray analysis of islets indicated slightly enhanced expression of some antioxidant enzymes in the KO islets. Short-term tBHQ (t-butylhydroquinone) treatment increased Ncb5or promoter activity, although longer incubation times yielded a dose-dependent decrease in activity. This response appears to be due to a consensus ARE (antioxidant-response element) present in the Ncb5or promoter. In summary, NCB5OR does not appear to be involved in ER stress, although it may be involved in maintaining or regulating the redox status in β-cells. Abbreviations: ARE, antioxidant-response element; BiP, immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein; CHOP, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein; CYGB, cytoglobin; DETA, diethylenetriamine; DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; EMSA, electrophoretic mobility-shift assay; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ERSE, ER-stress-response element; FBS, fetal bovine serum; GPX, glutathione peroxidase; Grp78, glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa; MEF, mouse embryonic fibroblast; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; Ncb5or, NADPH cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase; KO, Ncb5or-null; PAO, phenylarsine oxide; RNAi, RNA interference; ROS, reactive oxygen species; RT, reverse transcription; siRNA, small interfering RNA; SNAP, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine; STZ, streptozotocin; tBHQ, t-butylhydroquinone; WT, wild-type; XBP-1, X-box-binding protein-1
Growth of silicon carbide on hydrogen-terminated Si (001) 1 × 1 surfaces using dimethyl- and monomethyl silane

Abstract A problem of long standing in the high-temperature growth of 3C–SiC on Si has been the formation of pits at the SiC/Si interface. The research described in this paper addresses this problem through the use of organosilicon growth precursors and explores issues related to the mechanisms of pit formation. Specifically, this paper reports studies of 3C–SiC growth at 800 °C on hydrogen-terminated Si (001) 1 × 1 surfaces using dimethyl- and monomethyl silane under gas source molecular beam epitaxy conditions. In-situ analysis of the films by Auger electron spectroscopy and reflection high-energy electron diffraction along with ex-situ scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to gain insight concerning the details of the growth mechanism. The experimental variables, in addition to the growth species, included molecular flux and growth time. For growth using both dimethyl- and monomethyl silane, clear evidence for the out-diffusion, segregation, and participation of substrate Si in the growth process was found. The molecular flux at the substrate surface was found to play a key role in determining the microstructure of the initial SiC layers and the SiC/Si interface. The effective sticking coefficient for both gas species was found to be on the order of ∼ 0.13. Conditions under which interfacial pits may be eliminated are identified.
Desorption of positive oxygen ions induced by keV heavy-ion bombardment of transition metals with adsorbed O 2 and CO

We report measurements of ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ secondary-ion emission induced by 25--250-keV ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$, and ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ bombardment of oxidized surfaces of Ti, Mo, Nb, W, and Ni, and of Ni and Pd surfaces with adsorbed CO. The yield I(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$) of ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ from bombardment of oxygen adsorbed onto nickel, as well as the yields of all metal and metal-oxide ions, exhibits behavior similar to the sputtering yields as functions of incident ion energy. By contrast, the yield of ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ from the other oxidized targets increases linearly with projectile velocity v, making dI(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$)/dv a convenient, velocity-independent parameter with which to characterize the emission. The variation of dI(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$)/dv with projectile species depends on the substrate. For Ti and, to a lesser extent, Nb, dI(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$)/dv is independent of projectile species, although for Mo and W dI(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$)/dv varies with projectile species in a manner similar to the corresponding variation of the electronic stopping power of the projectile. However, the magnitude of the observed ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ yields is not consistent with that expected if the ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ emission is produced by secondary-electron-stimulated desorption. I(${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$) for bombardment of Ni and Pd surfaces with adsorbed CO is not clearly related to either the sputtering yield or the ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ yields from the oxidized targets.
Analysis of a counter-current vapor flow absorber

Abstract Analytical investigation of a combined heat and mass transfer process in a counter-current ammonia–water based absorber is presented. The model accounts for both liquid and vapor phase mass transfer resistances, and uses empirical correlations to predict the heat and mass transfer coefficients. The model was used to analyze a lamella plate based absorber with falling film absorption. A finite difference technique was employed to solve the numerical model. It was found that the major portion of the mass transfer resistance lies primarily in the liquid phase. A parametric analysis was also conducted to assess the effect of various parameters on the performance of the absorber.
Reconsidering Durkheim's Assessment of Tarde: Formalizing a Tardian Theory of Imitation, Contagion, and Suicide Suggestion

Emile Durkheim summarily rejected Gabriel Tarde's imitation thesis, arguing that sociology need only concern itself with social suicide rates. Over a century later, a burgeoning body of suicide research has challenged Durkheim's claim to a general theory of suicide as 4 decades worth of evidence has firmly established that (1) there is a positive association between the publicization of celebrity suicides and a spike in the aggregate suicide rate, (2) some social environments are conducive to epidemic-like outbreaks of suicides, and (3) suicidal ideas or behavior spreads to some individuals exposed to a personal role model's suicidal behavior--for example, a friend or family member. Revisiting Tarde, the article examines why Tarde's theory deserves renewed attention, elucidates what he meant by imitation, and then formalizes his "laws" into testable theses, while suggesting future research questions that would advance the study of suicide, as well as other pathologies. Each "law" is elaborated by considering advances in contemporary social psychology as well as in light of its ability to supplement Durkheim's theory in explaining the "outlier" cases. Language: en
Assessment of diel chemical and isotopic techniques to investigate biogeochemical cycles in the upper Klamath River, Oregon, USA

Abstract The upper Klamath River experiences a cyanobacterial algal bloom and poor water quality during the summer. Diel chemical and isotopic techniques have been employed in order to investigate the rates of biogeochemical processes. Four diel measurements of field parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentrations, and alkalinity) and stable isotope compositions (dissolved oxygen– δ 18 O and dissolved inorganic carbon– δ 13 C) have been performed between June 2007 and August 2008. Significant diel variations of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, and DO– δ 18 O were observed, due to varying rates of primary productivity vs. respiration vs. gas exchange with air. Diel cycles are generally similar to those previously observed in river systems, although there are also differences compared to previous studies. In large part, these different diel signatures are the result of the low turbulence of the upper Klamath River. Observed changes in the diel signatures vs. sampling date reflect the evolution of the status of the algal bloom over the course of the summer. Results indicate the potential utility of applying diel chemical and stable isotope techniques to investigate the rates of biogeochemical cycles in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but also illustrate the increased complexity of stable isotope dynamics in these low-turbulence systems compared to well-mixed aquatic systems.
Norman Maclean's “A River Runs Through It”: Word, Water, and Text

(1992). Norman Maclean's “A River Runs Through It”: Word, Water, and Text. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 263-273.
Acute hypermagnesemia and respiratory arrest following infusion of MgSO4 for tocolysis.

Abstract Hypermagnesemia (6.95 mmol/l) and respiratory arrest occurred to a 20-year-old female (G3P2002) at 26 weeks of gestation during tocolytic treatment with MgSO4·7H2O (density greater than plasmalyte) injected into an I.V. infusion bag containing 1 l of plasmalyte without mixing. The patient was rescued with calcium gluconate and normal pregnancy continued. It is important to adequately mix an I.V. solution after adding a drug particularly when the drug-containing solution has greater density than the parent I.V. solution.
Microclimate impacts survival and prevalence of Phytophthora ramorum in Umbellularia californica, a key reservoir host of sudden oak death in northern California forests.

Phytophthora ramorum, an invasive pathogen and the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death, has become established in mixed-evergreen and redwood forests in coastal northern California. While oak and tanoak mortality is the most visible indication of P. ramorum’s presence, epidemics are largely driven by the presence of bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), a reservoir host that supports both prolific sporulation in the winter wet season and survival during the summer dry season. In order to better understand how over-summer survival of the pathogen contributes to variability in the severity of annual epidemics, we monitored the viability of P. ramorum leaf infections over three years along with coincident microclimate. The proportion of symptomatic bay laurel leaves that contained viable infections decreased during the first summer dry season and remained low for the following two years, likely due to the absence of conducive wet season weather during the study period. Over-summer survival of P. ramorum was positively correlated with high percent canopy cover, less negative bay leaf water potential and few days exceeding 30°C but was not significantly different between mixed-evergreen and redwood forest ecosystems. Decreased summer survival of P. ramorum in exposed locations and during unusually hot summers likely contributes to the observed spatiotemporal heterogeneity of P. ramorum epidemics.
Monitoring Global Vegetation Using Moderate-Resolution Satellites

The international community long has recognized the need to coordinate observations of Earth from space. In 1984, this situation provided the impetus for creating the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), an international mechanism charged with coordinating international civil spaceborne missions designed to observe and study planet Earth. Currently, several international organizations, most prominently the Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS),are focusing on the requirements for Earth observation from space to address key science questions and societal benefits related to our terrestrial environment. The recent CEOS-endorsed Long Term Global Monitoring of Vegetation Variables using Moderate Resolution Satellites Workshop was organized to establish a framework to understand the interrelationships among multiple global vegetation products and identify opportunities for (1) increasing knowledge through combined products, (2) realizing efficiency by avoiding redundancy and (3) developing near- and long-term strategies to avoid gaps in our understanding of critical global vegetation information.
Folic acid-mediated inhibition of serum-induced activation of EGFR promoter in colon cancer cells

Although accumulating evidence suggests a chemopreventive role for folic acid (FA) in colorectal carcinogenesis, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Previously, we reported that suppleme...
965-49 Abnormal Mitochondrial Respiration in Myocardium of Dogs with Chronic Heart Failure

We previously showed that abnormalities of mitochondria (M IT) exist in the failing heart and include hyperplasia, reduced organelle size and structural injury. In the present study, we examined MIT respiration in LV tissue obtained from 11 normal (NL) dogs and 8 dogs with heart failure (HF) produced by intracoronary microembolizations (LV ejection fraction 23 ± 3%). Tissue specimen (30 mg) were obtained from the subendocardial (ENDO) and subepicardial (EPI) halves of the LV wall. Basal (V o ) and state 3 (maximal) respiration (V ADP , after addition of 1 mM ADP) were measured with an oxygraph and Clark electrode using saponin skinned fiber bundles (0.2–0.3 mm). Respiratory rate was calculated in ngatoms of oxygen/min/mg of noncollagen protein. The respiration control ratio (RCR) was calculated as V ADP /V o . V o V ADP V ADP /V o ENDO EPI ENDO EPI ENDO EPI NL 9 ± 2 7 ± 1 46 ± 6 47 ± 1 6 ± 1 7 ± 1 HF 6 ± 1 6 ± 1 20 ± 5 22 ± 5 4 ± 1 4 ± 1 P-value l0.07 l0.5 l0.001 l0.005 l0.04 l0.004 MIT state 3 respiration is significantly reduced in myocardium of dogs with chronic HF. The observed reduction in the RCR confirms the presence of injury to inner MIT membrane. The abnormalities in MIT oxygen utilization support the concept of low energy production in the failing heart.
Childhood sarcoidosis with fatal cor pulmonale

A 14 year-old white girl who developed fatal cor pulmonale from severe pulmonary sarcoidosis had a previous clinical diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Chest radiographs demonstrated marked pulmonary fibrosis without the changes of severe bronchiectasis that would be anticipated with cystic fibrosis.
Beyond Numbers: The Multiple Cultural Meanings of Rising Cesarean Rates Worldwide

Cesarean sections (C-sections) are currently at an all-time high worldwide. (Too) many healthy women with a very low risk of natural-birth complications deliver surgically. For first-time mothers a...
On the life of Asclepiades of Bithynia

Any list of the most eminent Greek physicians must inevitably include the late Hellenistic doctor Asclepiades of Bithynia. He was both extremely successful during his lifetime, and highly influential after his death. His revolutionary pathology and therapeutic method were the objects of much discussion. His importance, however, goes beyond the history of medicine as such. In spite of the fact that most current handbooks of ancient philosophy ignore him altogether, philosophy does appear to have been a major interest of his. He was an uncompromising opponent of providentialism and teleology. He challenged the idea, at the time the dominant one, that matter is continuous. He accounted for the functioning of the body in purely mechanistic and quantitative terms, and also developed an account of the soul, unique in its time, which arguably provides the closest ancient antecedent to modern reductionism.
Losing balance: the origin and impact of aneuploidy in cancer

Most solid human tumours are aneuploid, that is, they contain an abnormal number of chromosomes. Paradoxically, however, aneuploidy has been reported to induce a stress response that suppresses cellular proliferation in vitro. Here, we review the progress in our understanding of the causes and effects of aneuploidy in cancer and discuss how, in specific contexts, aneuploidy can provide a growth advantage and facilitate cellular transformation. We also explore the emerging possibilities for targeting the cause or consequences of aneuploidy therapeutically.
The Fiber Optic Dosimeter on the Navigational Technology Satellite 2

A fiber-optic radiation dosimeter has been developed that utilizes the darkening induced in silicate glasses by ionizing radiation. A small, light weight, low-power consuming dosimeter package was deployed on the Navigational Technology Satellite 2. Observed real-time accumulated absorbed dose behind three shield thicknesses for the period July 1977 - June 1978 are compared with both the AE4 and the AEI7 particle fluence models for outer zone trapped electrons. The observations indicate little shielding improvement above three g/cm2 due to the presence of bremsstrahlung generated within the shielding and give evidence of a harder energy spectrum than predicted by these models. Occasional large dose rate fluctuations may correlate with sunspot activity during late 1977 and early 1978.
Are Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Associated with Obesity among Low-Income Hispanic and African American Women Caretakers?

The purposes of this descriptive study were to (1) describe nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs (KAB), and self-efficacy among low-income African American and Hispanic women; (2) identify the associations these variables have on diet quality and weight status; (3) identify barriers to healthy eating. Data from three separate studies were combined and analyzed. The total sample included African Americans (N = 92) and Hispanics (N = 272). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to identify associations between KAB and body mass index (BMI) and diet quality. The majority of African Americans had good knowledge in nutrition while Hispanics had fair knowledge. Attitudes toward eating a healthy diet were significantly associated with high fiber intake among African Americans and low fat consumption among Hispanics. A computed KAB score showed no significant relation to individuals' weight status or diet quality. However, attitudes and beliefs about healthy foods strongly correlated with participants' weight or diet consumption among Hispanics. The most common barrier to consuming a healthy diet reported by both groups was the cost of healthy foods. It is therefore recommended to address these variables when addressing obesity and poor dietary intake among low-income minority groups.
Psychological research on the martial arts : an addendum to Fuller's review

Most psychological research on the martial arts has been conducted from a positivist stance, and Fuller's (1988) review of research reflected a positivist tone while suggesting that therapeutic influences may be achieved from martial arts training methods abstracted from their traditional setting. This addendum cites two important contextual problems influencing martial arts research. First, the martial arts are influenced by Oriental styles of thinking such as Taoism and Zen Buddhism that are difficult to grasp from a Western positivist point of view. We suggest that phenomenology seems to have some stylistic parallels with Oriental thinking and appears to offer the Westerner a point of entry toward understanding the martial arts as Oriental arts. Second, the cultural and psychological values and meanings of the Oriental martial arts may change when situated in a Western context, thus changing their method, content, and therapeutic influence. We suggest that a non-positivist and context-sensitive approach such as phenomenology might clarify the contextual intricacy of the martial arts and thereby facilitate improved theoretical foundations and empirical research of martial arts participation as a psychological phenomenon.
The ability of disease and non-disease producing strains of Clostridium perfringens from chickens to adhere to extracellular matrix molecules and Caco-2 cells.

Abstract Clostridium perfringens is a major enteric pathogen that is responsible for causing necrotic enteritis of poultry. The ability to adhere to the host’s intestinal epithelium and to extracellular matrix molecules (ECMM) in the gut, are strategies used by numerous bacterial enteropathogens, however, C. perfringens has received comparatively little attention in this respect. The present study investigated sixteen type A C. perfringens isolates from chickens, with varying disease producing ability with respect to necrotic enteritis in chickens, for their ability to adhere to nine different extracellular matrix molecules (ECMM) and to the intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. C. perfringens strains were able to bind to ECMMs and there was strain variation. Strains of C. perfringens that produced severe disease, were capable of binding to collagen type III, IV and V, fibrinogen, laminin and vitronectin at higher levels than less severe disease producing strains, suggesting that the ability to adhere to ECMMs might enhance virulence with respect to induction of necrotic enteritis. In addition, severe disease producing strains also bound better to collagen type III and IV and fibrinogen, than non-disease producing strains. The present study also showed that some strains of C. perfringens possessed the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells; however no relationship was found between the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells and disease producing ability.
A 6-bit 300-MS/s 2.7mW ADC based on linear voltage controlled delay line

This paper describes a novel ADC architecture based on time domain processing. By using a voltage controlled delay line, a linear transfer function of the input dependent delay is formed. The time delay difference is then compared to a reference to generate a digital code for the input. We have designed a 300-MS/s 6 bit ADC using this architecture in a 0.13 m standard digital CMOS. The simulation results show 36.6 dB SNR, 34.1 dB SNDR for 99 MHz input, DNL<0.2LSB, and INL<0.5LSB. Overall chip power is 2.7 mW with a 1.2 V power supply.
Keats's ‘Dull Rhymes’ and the Making of the Ode Stanza

This article focuses on how John Keats's experimentation with the sonnet genre led to the development of his famous ode stanza. Several sonnets written in 1818 and 1819, most notably ‘If by dull rhymes our english must be chain'd’, illustrate Keats's dissatisfaction with traditional forms and his desire for a stanza that could present a more meditative speaker. Providing a brief survey of critical approaches to Keats's odes, the author stresses that the vital connection between ode stanza and the sonnet needs renewed discussion. With close readings of the interplay between syntax and form in the stanzas of Ode on Melancholy, Ode to a Nightingale, and To Autumn, the article attempts in a preliminary way to explore how the odes highlight their speaker's revision of tradition, presenting a lyric voice conscious of its own position in literary history.
SELF‐DIRECTED LEARNING BY THE ELDERLY: A REVIEW OF DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS, 1966‐1991

This study was designed to review self‐directed learning dissertation abstracts reported between 1966 and 1991 to (a) identify self‐directed learning dissertations that specifically address the elderly, (b) identify self‐directed learning dissertation abstracts that appear to have indirect implications for the elderly, (c) determine the implications of the research, and (d) draw conclusions. Seven dissertations, as reported by Long and Redding (1991), were identified. Four of these are concerned with the relationship between self‐directed learning and life satisfaction. Three are devoted to explicating the relationship between self‐directed learning and achievements in other critical life areas such as health care and financial management. Important implications of the research are noted, and the following conclusions are suggested. Self‐directed learning appears to be positively associated with life satisfaction and achievement in certain life‐skill areas, as six of the seven dissertations identify posit...
Continuation experience with depoprovera in adolescent mothers

Background Since the advent of FDA approval of Depoprovera for contraceptive use, parenting adolescents have an additional option for contraception. This study was undertaken to determine the continuation rates of Depoprovera in a population of parenting adolescent mothers, to determine the timeliness of visits for subsequent Depoprovera injection, and to determine the choice of contraceptive following the use of Denonrovera. Methods Retrospective chart review of adolescent mothers utilizing the Young Parents Program which provides prenatal, peripartum, postpartum medical and nursing care for adolescent mothers as well as medical care for their offspring to the age of five. contraceptive options are addressed by the same staff and choices are recorded at discharge after delivery and at all subsequent visits. A standard form is also used at each follow-up visit to record choice of continuation of current method or choice of another method. 69 charts were reviewed by the same reviewer covering a 15 month time period. Results 50(72.4%) of adolescent mothers continued with Depoprovera during this 15 month time period. 36(72%) of these mothers returned on time, i.e. within 12 weeks of the last injection and 14(28%) of these mothers were late for at least one Depoprovera. 3 mothers changed to Norp1ant and all of these mothers had been on time for their Depoprovera injections. 12 mothers changed to oral contraceptive pills and only one of these mothers was late on any of her Depoprovera injections. 2 mothers changed to foam and condoms and all of these were on time for their oepoprovera injections. 2 mothers discontinued Depoprovera to actively pursue pregnancy. No pregnancies occurred during the review period. Conclusions In a population of adolescent mothers 19 years of age or younger, Depoprovera is a popular choice. clearly, almost 3/4ths of this group chose to continue Depoprovera during the 15 month review period and 72% of these mothers returned on time for their injection. of those mothers choosing to discontinue Depoprovera 18 of 19 mothers had been on time for their injection. Depoprovera is a convenient method of contraception for adolescent mothers, is easily continued, and allows compliance in an oth difficult population to contracept.
Lipid and arachidonic acid accumulation in naturally regressing porcine corpora lutea

Patterns of luteal lipid and arachidonic acid accumulation were examined in relation to luteal progesterone and prostaglandin F synthesis in 30 sows and gilts between days 8 and 18 of the estrous cycle. Net in vitro release of progesterone from luteal tissue declined from 722 ng/100 mg tissue at day 8 to 81 ng/100 mg tissue at day 18. Although statistical significance was not present, net prostaglandin F release increased slightly from 8.6 to 13.9 ng/100 mg tissue. Luteal free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, and free fatty acid contents did not change between days 8 and 18 whereas triglycerides accumulated rapidly between days 14 and 18 of the estrous cycle. Phospholipids increased between days 8 and 12, plateaued at 20.2 mg/g between days 14 and 16, and decreased to 15.4 mg/g on day 18. Between days 12 and 18, arachidonic acid increased from 19.4 to 34.8% in cholesterol esters, from 10.1 to 22.5% in triglycerides, and from 12.3 to 27.2% in luteal free fatty acids. Arachidonic acid in luteal phosphol lipids increased from 21.3 to 25.1% between days 14 and 16 of the estrous cycle. Luteal regression was associated with conservation of arachidonic acid. Based on blood plasma lipid fatty acid compositions, the corpus luteum elongated and desaturated essential fatty acids. Within porcine corpora lutea, calculated free arachidonic acid content was adequate for maintenance of prostaglandin synthesis.
Influence of the Benzoquinone Sorption on the Structure and Electrochemical Performance of the MIL-53(Fe) Hybrid Porous Material in a Lithium-Ion Battery

Among the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MIL-53(Fe) or FeIII(OH)0.8F0.2[O2C−C6H4−CO2] was the first ever reported member to reversibly insert Li+ electrochemically. A variety of electroactive sorbents has been investigated in an attempt to increase its electrochemical capacity vs Li+/Li0. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new composite hybrid material involving MIL-53(Fe) as the host for the guest electroactive 1,4-benzoquinone molecule in a 1:1 molar ratio, using complementary high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) measurements. Its room-temperature structure has been solved and shows that the quinone molecules are located within the channels nearly parallel to each other, and to the benzene rings of the skeleton, in order to maximize π−π interactions. When heated in a sealed container, a flip-flop reorganization of the quinone molecules occurred above 140 °C, whereas in an o...
The Minitel and France's legacy of democratic information access

Abstract Although the Minitel is a relic in the world of online information technology, there is more to this outdated machine than the history of its failure. The Minitel grew out of a French tradition of information transfer and was uniquely suited to serve its target population. Competition provided by the Internet is stiff, but the Minitel staved it off through the turn of the millennium. Indeed, the French cannot be blamed for keeping hold of their Minitels as long as possible, as the Minitel came to be not only the homegrown purveyor of democratic access to information, but also a symbol of national pride. Now, as France moves with the rest of the world to embrace the Internet, it is not without a certain sense of deja vu.
Bile Acids and Bile Salts: Ionization and Solubility Properties

The number, position and orientation of nuclear OH substituents profoundly influence the equilibrium solubilities of undissociated bile acids in water. Estimates from several studies range from 5 X 10(-8) for lithocholic acid to 1.6 X 10(-3) M for ursocholic acid at 37 degrees C. Fully dissociated sodium bile salts are extremely soluble in water, attaining values as high as 1 to 2 M. However, ionized unconjugated bile salts are appreciably less soluble than their glycine and taurine conjugates. In contrast to aqueous solutions of typical soaps and detergents, aqueous bile salt systems in concentrations beyond the micellar phase limit exhibit no liquid-crystalline phases. The critical micellar temperatures of the common di- and trihydroxy bile salts lie below 0 degree C, hence most bile salts form micelles at all ambient temperatures. With many monohydroxy and certain uncommon dihydroxy bile salts, the critical micellar temperatures lie above body temperature, and a micellar phase is observed only at temperatures in excess of 50 degrees C. The pKa' values of aqueous micellar concentrations of bile salts are influenced by the nuclear substituents, the state of conjugation and bile salt concentration. In contrast, the intrinsic thermodynamic pK'a values of all monocarboxylated bile salts in monomeric solution are similar, are not influenced by nuclear substituents and are equivalent to that expected for propionic acid (pKa' approximately 4.8 to 5.0). These values can be deduced by extrapolation from acidimetric titrations of bile salts in aqueous methanol mixtures or from acidometric aqueous titration of the carboxylate groups of pansulfated bile salts which remain water soluble when the ionic group of the side chain is protonated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Early childhood and elementary preservice teachers’ beliefs

Abstract In this study we examined 382 preservice teachers’ perceived efficacy, their beliefs regarding teaching and learning, and the relationship between these two variables by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using a modified version of the Gibson and Dembo Teacher Efficacy Scale and six open‐ended questions. A general linear model analysis revealed that several factors differ across certain preparation programs. Preservice teachers’ efficacy beliefs increased at the end of these two different teacher education programs. Qualitative analyzes revealed variance in preservice teachers’ beliefs about teaching and learning between the two majors and in the two locations which they were studying. Most ending‐level preservice teachers had adopted the views of the way teachers are supposed to teach promoted by the particular teacher education program. The internal program coherence, program structural contexts, program's goals, and learning experiences in the program may act as important factors on ...
13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Paramagnetic Spectroscopic Comparison of Hydrophobic Acid, Transphilic Acid, and Reverse Osmosis May 2012 Isolates of Organic Matter from the Suwannee River.

Abstract Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is found in most natural waters at concentrations low enough to make DOM isolation methodologies critical to full analytical characterization and preservation. During the last few decades, two major protocols have been developed for the extraction of DOM isolates from natural waters. These methods utilize XAD resins and reverse osmosis (RO). In this work, the hydrophobic acid (May 2012 HPOA) and transphilic acid (May 2012 TPIA) isolates from XAD-8 and XAD-4 resins, respectively, were compared with the RO (May 2012 RO) natural organic matter isolate of the Suwannee River water using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. 13C NMR analysis showed that the May 2012 RO isolate could be viewed as a hybrid of the more hydrophobic May 2012 HPOA isolate and more hydrophilic May 2012 TPIA isolate. The May 2012 HPOA isolate is shown to be higher in alkyl and aromatic moieties, while the May 2012 TPIA isolate is higher in ...
Pyrolysis of cellulose.

Pyrolysis of cellulose under vacuum and atmospheric pressure gave a tar containing various amounts of 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucofuranose, α- and β-D-glucose, 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hexosulose, oligo- and polysaccharides, and some dehydration products. The polysaccharide fraction had no reducing end-group, was randomly linked, contained some furanoid rings, and was very similar to the polysaccharide condensation-product of 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucose. These results are consistent with a series of inter- and intra-molecular transglycosylation and dehydration and rehydration reactions.
Effect of Infectious Diseases on Outcome After Heart Transplant

OBJECTIVE To determine how often cardiac allograft recipients develop infectious diseases and how the infections affect these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied 313 patients who underwent heart transplant at Mayo Clinic's site in Rochester, MN, from January 1, 1988, through June 30, 2006. RESULTS In the early postoperative period (ie, period between heart transplant and discharge from the hospital), infectious diseases occurred in 70 (22%) of 313 patients but were not associated with 1-year mortality; the most commonly infected sites were the lungs (7%), bloodstream (6%), upper respiratory tract (5%), and urinary tract (4%). In the 18 years after transplant, the cumulative incidence of infectious diseases was 93%; the most common infectious complications were skin and soft tissue (63%), urinary tract (46%), cytomegalovirus (40%), lung (36%), upper respiratory tract (23%), and varicella zoster virus (15%) infections. After adjustment for baseline predictors, lung (hazard ratio [HR], 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.49-6.02; P P =.002) infections were predictive of mortality. Serum creatinine levels (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07-2.81; P =.02) and sirolimus use (HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.00-7.36; P =.05) were predictive of lung infection. Death occurred during the study period in 95 (30%) of 313 patients, with a cumulative incidence of 71% at 18 years. The cause of death was infection in 17 (18%) of 95 patients. CONCLUSION Early postoperative infectious complications are frequent in cardiac allograft recipients but are not associated with 1-year mortality. Lung and central nervous system infections are predictors of mortality.
Measurements of the HP Line Shape Using a Fiber Optics Slit System

The presence of electrons and ions in a plasma has a large effect on the discrete or line emission from bound-bound atomic transitions. Stark broadening of the lines, due to electron and ion collisions, is the dominant broadening mechanism in singly ionized plasmas (10,000-20,000°K); such broadening is strongly dependent on the electron density and nearly independent of the temperature. Thus it is an excellent monitor of the electron density.
Dinitrosyl iron adducts of (N2S2)M(NO) complexes (M = Fe, Co) as metallodithiolate ligands

Abstract Adducts of the dinitrosyl iron unit and mono-nitrosyl bis-mercaptoethanediazacycloheptane (bme-dach) iron and cobalt are described in terms of the (bme-dach)M(NO) as metallodithiolate ligands. With M = Fe, a diamagnetic (N2S2)Fe(NO)·Fe(NO)2 diiron complex, in which the (N2S2)Fe(NO) unit serves as a bidentate ligand to the Fe(NO)2 unit is derived by use of a trinitrosyliron cation as precursor to the DNIC unit as well as a NO source to cleave the [(bme-dach)Fe]2 dimer (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 14118). By a similar approach of [(bme-dach)Co]2 dimer cleavage, the Co–Fe bimetallic contains (N2S2)Co(NO) as a monodentate metallothiolate ligand to Fe(NO)2L, L = I-Mes, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene. Characterization of this paramagnetic cation includes infrared and EPR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The latter finds a Co⋯Fe distance of 3.697 A in contrast to the Fe–Fe bond distance of 2.7857(8) A in the homobimetallic complex.
Theory of giant magnetoresistance in magnetic granular systems.

We present an explanation of the giant magnetoresistance observed in some magnetic granular solids as well as magnetic multilayers by considering spin-dependent s-s and/or s-d scattering. We obtain an explicit expression for the magnetoresistance of magnetic granular solids. This expression relates the giant magnetoresistance to the microscopic quantities and geometric parameters, and is in agreement with the experimental data. We also address a few relevant aspects of experiments.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Home Health as a Disease Management Strategy

Home health (HH) is considered by many to be complementary to existing disease management (DM) programs, or even suitable as a stand-alone DM intervention. The advantage is thought to be with the face-to-face interaction, in contrast to the standard DM telephonic interview. However, much of the literature appears to indicate that telecommunication is as successful as face-to-face contact (typically referred to as “usual care”) for administering health surveys, providing counseling, changing health behaviors, and monitoring physiologic functioning. Given the desire to expand into the area of DM, HH agencies will need to identify and demonstrate areas in which they have a clinical and competitive edge over traditional DM models. This article describes and provides examples of three research designs that may assist the HH industry in evaluating their effectiveness in delivering DM services: the randomized controlled trial, the regression-discontinuity design, and case-control matching on the propensity score.
Variation of the balanced POD algorithm for model reduction of linear systems

We present a variation on an existing model reduction algorithm for linear systems based on balanced proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). In contrast to many computational approaches to balanced truncation, the algorithm variation approximates the reduced order model directly without first transforming the linear system. The algorithm is applicable to large-scale finite dimensional systems and a class of infinite dimensional systems. The algorithm variation is compared to the original balanced POD algorithm on example partial differential equation systems.
Divorce and Female Labor Force Participation: Evidence from Times-Series Data and Cointegration

The divorce rate in the United States has increased over the last 40 years. This increase was accompanied both by growing female labor force participation and rising female income. These changes were accompanied by a significant reduction in the birth rate for married women. This article uses time-series data and cointegration techniques to determine the direction of causality between these variables. Analysis of the impulse functions show that the divorce rate will increase if either female labor force participation or income increases. Positive innovations to the divorce rate increase the labor force participation rate of married women. Rising levels of income lead to greater female participation in the labor market.
Direct measurement of histone peptide elongation rate in cleaving sea urchin embryos.

Regulation of protein synthesis can be exercised at a number of levels. One of the more experimentally difficult levels to approach has been the measurement of peptide elongation rate. This paper presents a new application of the cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleavage of proteins in a direct measurement of histone peptide elongation rate in cleaving sea urchin embryos (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus). The data indicate an elongation rate (at 15°C) for histones H2B and H1α of 0.69 and 0.80 codons per s, respectively. These values fall within the range of previously published values of average peptide elongation rate for total protein in these cells. This method should be generally applicable to many systems for which the measurement of peptide elongation rate may provide a key to the understanding of the regulation of protein synthesis.
Constraint on collapse models by limit on spontaneous x-ray emission in Ge

The continuous spontaneous localization (CSL) model modifies Schrodinger's equation so that the collapse of the state vector is described as a physical process (a special interaction of particles with a universal fluctuating field). A consequence of the model is that an electron in an atom should occasionally get “spontaneously” knocked out of the atom. The CSL ionization rate for the 1s electrons in the Ge atom is calculated and compared with an experimental upper limit for the rate of “spontaneously” generated x-ray pulses in Ge. This gives, for the first time, an experimental constraint on the parameters which characterize this model (the GRW parameters and the relative collapse rate of electrons and nucleons). It is concluded that the values assigned to the GRW parameters by GRW may be maintained only if the coupling of electrons to the fluctuating field is 0.35% or less than the coupling of nucleons, suggestive of a mass-proportional (and therefore gravitational) collapse mechanism. For other allowed values of the GRW parameters, it is still argued that nucleons should collapse more rapidly than electrons.
SU-E-I-60: Correspondance Between HVLs Measured by Direct Reporting Instruments and Traditional Methods

Purpose: To examine the correspondence between half value layers (HVLs) measured by traditional methods to those obtained by an instrument that reports HVLs with a single open beam. Methods: The HVL was obtained from generating a transmission curve at 60, 80, and 100 kVp in the radiographic range and typically used kVp and target/filter combinations in the mammography range. These HVLs were compared to the ones obtained by instruments which provide direct value with a single open beam. Unfors and Neromax instruments were used to obtain HVL by direct single measurement. A three phase table top radiographic unit was used. Measurements were performed in good geometry using Al 115 H filters supplied Gammex Corporation. This filter is 99.9% pure aluminum. Results: By and large there is good agreement between the HVL obtained by the two methods for regulatory compliance applications. However, there are minor differences when one is interested in a precise value for scientific applications. Conclusions: One can use these direct HVL reporting instruments for routine regulatory compliance measurements.
Large area multi-material plasmonic nanostructures fabricated by replica molding and mechanical sectioning

We demonstrate the fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures (rings, split rings, and other structures) by a process involving molding by soft lithography, thin film deposition, and mechanical sectioning (nanoskiving). This unique process is highly parallelizable and allows for the fabrication of nanostructures of multiple materials in the same plane and very high aspect ratio structures. We characterize the optical properties of concentric gold rings fabricated by this process in the near- to mid-infrared by FDTD simulations and FTIR spectroscopy.
The free myo-inositol concentration of adult and fetal tissues of several species.

The presence of myo-inositol in adult and fetal tissues has been confirmed by crystallization, and determination of the molecular weight, melting point, percentage composition and chromatographic purity of the crystals. A pattern of distribution of myo-inositol among the tissues of a given animal was observed; cerebellar and cortical tissue having the highest concentration and liver and skeletal muscle, the lowest. This pattern was found to be comparable in both adult and fetal tissues with the exception of cardiac muscle. Several species differences in distribution were noted.
Distinct transport selectivity of two structural subclasses of the nodulin-like intrinsic protein family of plant aquaglyceroporin channels

Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) are a diverse class of integral membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water and some small solutes across cellular membranes. X-ray structures of MIPs indicate that a tetrad of residues (the ar/R region) form a narrow pore constriction that constitutes the selectivity filter. In comparison with mammalian and microbial species, plants have a greater number and diversity of MIPs with greater than 30 genes encoding four phylogenetic subfamilies with eight different classes of ar/R sequences. The nodulin 26-like intrinsic protein (NIP) subfamily in Arabidopsis can be subdivided into two ar/R subgroups: the NIP subgroup I, which resembles the archetype of the family, soybean nodulin 26, and the NIP subgroup II, which is represented by the Arabidopsis protein AtNIP6;1. These two NIPs differ principally by the substitution of a conserved alanine (NIP subgroup II) for a conserved tryptophan (NIP subgroup I) in the helix 2 position (H2) of the ar/R filter. A comparison of the water and solute tranport properties of the two proteins was performed by expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Nodulin 26 is an aquaglyceroporin with a modest osmotic water permeability (P(f)) and the ability to transport uncharged solutes such as glycerol and formamide. In constrast, AtNIP6;1 showed no measurable water permeability but transported glycerol, formamide, as well as larger solutes that were impermeable to nodulin 26. By site-directed mutagenesis, we show that the H2 position is the crucial determinant that confers these transport behaviors. A comparison of the NIPs and tonoplast-intrinsic proteins (TIP) shows that the H2 residue can predict the transport profile for water and glycerol with histidine found in TIP-like aquaporins, tryptophan found in aquaglyceroporins (NIP I), and alanine found in water-impermeable glyceroporins (AtNIP6;1).