cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competitive adsorption of cd, cu, zn, and pb on amorphous iron oxyhydroxide

Abstract Competitive adsorption of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn onto amorphous iron oxyhydroxide (Fe 2 O 3 · H 2 O (am)) was studied in systems containing pairs of metal adsorbates. The concentration of the more strongly binding metal was 10–100 times that of the other metal in the system. The conditions were such that if the metals competed for the same group of surface sites, adsorption of the weaker-binding metal should have been significantly reduced when the second metal was added to the system. Nevertheless competitive interactions were minimal, indicating that many of the strong binding sites for one metal are not preferred binding sites for other metals. These results support the hypothesis that the Fe 2 O 3 · H 2 O (am) surface consists of several distinct groups of binding sites. A differential adsorption equilibrium constant is defined and related to the overall average adsorption equilibrium constant. Based on this relationship, the binding constants for a single metal to different surface sites range over at least two orders of magnitude. The differential constant can be used to assess competitive interactions. For instance, when 5 × 10 −5 M Cu and 5 × 10 −7 M Cd compete for sites on Fe 2 O 3 · H 2 O (am) (1 × 10 −3 M Fe T ), less than 2% of the adsorbed Cu binds to “preferred” Cd-binding sites. Failure to account accurately for competitive effects can lead to serious errors when modeling trace metal behavior in natural systems and engineering processes.
Depression of Experimental Polycythemia by Stomach U.S.P.; Presence of Choline in Stomach U.S.P.

ConclusionsThe daily oral administration of 10 g of Stomach U. S. P. to 4 polycythemic dogs caused depressions of their red blood cell counts. This preparation contains choline which is probably the constituent responsible for the depression of experimental polycythemia in these experiments.
Bank Mergers and the Nature of Competition in Banking

THE POST-WORLD WAR II PERIOD has been marked by a rising number of mergers among commercial banks in the United States. In the eight-year period 1950 to 1957, for example, a total of 1,181 separate banks ceased operations through merger transactions of various types.' Basically, the current bank-merger movement reflects the adaptation of commercial banks to changing economic conditions, particularly through the acquisition of "ready-made" banking offices. Any net appraisal of the current bank-merger movement necessarily involves a consideration of the movement's impact upon competition in banking. This article presents an examination and appraisal of the relation of the bank-merger movement to the nature of banking competition. In addition, the article proposes certain policy changes aimed at achieving a more rational and realistic regulation of future bank mergers. Finally, the future extent of merging activity is estimated.
Genetic analysis of the hypothalamic neurotensin system

This study used B × D recombinant inbred mice to detect and localize genes that control the hypothalamic neurotensin (NT) system. Abundance of transcripts that encode NT and NT receptors 1, 2, and 3 (NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3) in total hypothalamic RNA was the quantitative trait measured. Analysis of transcript abundance data revealed associations with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for NT transcript abundance (NTta) on chromosome 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9; for NTR1ta on chromosome 3, 8, 12, and X; for NTR2ta on chromosome 2, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 17; for NTR3ta on chromosome 1, 7, 11, and 12. NTta QTL on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8 coincide with QTL previously identified that impact NT peptide content and NTR2ta QTL on chromosome 2 and 12 coincide with genes previously associated with NTR2 receptor abundance. The NTta, NTR1ta, and NTR3ta QTL were not linked to their respective structural genes, but there is a highly significant (p<0.001) association for NTR2ta on chromosome 12 that includes the Ntsr2 structural gene. There are areas of potential shared genetic regulation between NTta and NTR3ta on chromosome 1 and 7 and for all three receptors on proximal chromosome 12. The NTta QTL on chromosome 9 includes the dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2) gene and QTL involved in responses to dopaminergic agents (Hts), antipsychotics (Hpic1) and cocaine (Cocrb8), and ethanol (Etohc3). These results further strengthen the hypothesis that the NT system is involved in mediating the actions of antipsychotic agents and drugs of abuse.
Complementation of sporulation and motility defects in a prokaryote by a eukaryotic GTPase

The complex prokaryote, Myxococcus xanthus, undergoes a program of multicellular development when starved for nutrients, culminating in sporulation. M. xanthus makes MglA, a 22-kDa, soluble protein that is required for both multicellular development and gliding motility. MglA is similar in sequence to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAR1 protein, a member of the Ras/Rab/Rho superfamily of small eukaryotic GTPases. The SAR1 gene, when integrated into the M. xanthus genome, complements the sporulation defect of a ΔmglA strain. A forward, second-site mutation on the M. xanthus chromosome, rpm, in combination with SAR1, restores fruiting body morphogenesis and gliding motility to a ΔmglA strain. The result that the rpm mutation suppresses the substitution of SAR1 for mglA suggests that Sar1p interacts with other M. xanthus proteins to control the motility-dependent aggregation of cells during development.
Multinucleated stromal giant cells in colonic lamina propria

Aims: Multinucleated stromal giant cells occur in the anus, genitals and many other organs. They resemble myofibroblasts, react to local injury and are found incidentally or in association with various lesions. They have only rarely been reported to occur in the colon. The aim was to firmly establish their existence in colorectal lamina propria. Methods and results: Specimens from one hundred biopsies taken from throughout the colon (70%) and rectum (30%) were retrospectively reviewed. Multinucleated stromal giant cells occurred in 23 specimens (23%), were pancolonic but surprisingly spared rectal mucosa (0%). Multinucleated stromal giant cells occurred in both normal mucosa and abnormal mucosa and appeared to be larger and more numerous in abnormal mucosa than in normal mucosa. Specimens with tubular adenomas appeared to have strikingly abundant multinucleated stromal giant cells with large numbers of nuclei. Immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural examination showed features consistent with myofibroblastic differentiation. Conclusions: We have firmly established the existence of multinucleated stromal giant cells in colonic lamina propria and confirm their myofibroblastic differentiation. They may be more common in abnormal mucosa and particularly prominent in the setting of tubular adenoma. Absence of rectal multinucleated stromal giant cells may represent a microanatomical difference between the colon and rectum.
Price regulation, industry structure and innovation: an international comparison of pharmaceutical industries.

The home competitive environment has a powerful effect on companies — shaping skills, strategies, and performance outside the home environment. Government industrial policies, such as pharmaceutical pricing regulations, affect companies primarily through shaping the nature of the home environment. Successful competitive environments (such as the UK) exhibit higher average drug prices and an internal structure of prices that favour significant innovators, discourage minor products, and provide a shield against foreign competitors. Poor competitive environments (such as France) exhibit low average prices and an internal price structure that favours weak local companies producing imitative or minor products.
A Long Crack Penetrating a Transforming Inhomogeneity

This note presents the stress intensity factors of a long crack penetrating a circular transforming inhomogeneity. Using the Greens functions of dislocations interacting with a circular inhomogeneity experiencing an isotropic (free expansion) eigenstrain, the elasticity solution is reduced to a system of singular integral equations representing the traction boundary condition along the crack surfaces. The normalized stress intensity factor, obtained through a numerical solution of the integral equations, has a strong dependence on the elastic mismatch, and can be either negative or positive depending on the crack-tip location. The formulation and results generalize a previously published transformation-toughening model that assigns equal elastic moduli to the inhomogeneity and the surrounding medium.
Angiotensin II modulation of the arterial baroreflex: role of the area postrema.

SUMMARY 1. Resetting the operating point of the arterial baroreflex appears to be an important factor involved in determining the level of sympathetic outflow. 2. Substantial data indicate that circulating angiotensin (Ang)II can reset the arterial baroreflex to higher operating pressures. 3. This action of AngII to increase the level of sympathetic nervous system outflow relative to blood pressure may contribute to elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) during AngII hypertension, as well as to the maintenance of MAP during low sodium states. 4. In most instances, the resetting observed during elevated peripheral AngII is dependent on the area postrema (AP). 5. Although the central mechanisms by which the arterial baroreflex resets to different operating pressures remain to be completely defined, the AP may provide a separate mechanism whereby humoral factors can modulate the operating point of the arterial baroreflex.
Description and validation of isometric tetanic muscle force test in rabbits

Isometric tetanic muscle force has been described in a rat model to evaluate motor recovery in a segmental sciatic nerve defect reconstructions. However, to test longer nerve defects, an alternative and larger animal model is necessary. The purpose of this study is to describe and validate a technique for isometric force measurement of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in New Zealand rabbits. Muscle preload and electrical stimulation parameters were optimized to obtain the highest tetanic contraction bilaterally in 10 animals. Electrophysiology, muscle weight, peroneal nerve length, and histomorphometry were also analyzed. Only the peroneal nerve length and the ratio of highest muscle force/muscle weight demonstrated the equivalence between the sides. A small variability of TA muscle force and TA muscle weight was observed between the sides suggesting dominance. Optimization of electrical stimulation and preload as well as the use of correct anesthesia were fundamental to acquire the highest muscle force.
Structural and dynamic properties of water around acetylcholinesterase

Structural and dynamic properties of water molecules around acetylcholinesterase are examined from a 10-nsec molecular dynamics simulation to help understand how the protein alters water properties. Water structure is broken down into hydration sites constructed from the water density <3.6 A from the protein surface. These sites are characterized according to occupancy, number of water neighbors, hydrogen bonds, dipole moment, and residence time. The site description provides a convenient means to describe the extent and localization of these properties. Determining the network of paths that waters follow from site to site and measuring the rate of flow of waters from the sites to the bulk make it possible to quantitatively study the time scales and paths that water molecules follow as they move around the protein.
High Pressure Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating and Carbon Fiber Laminated Composite

A simple anisotropic structure made by carbon fiber laminated composite for fabricating a high pressure sensor is reported. A pressure sensor with good sensitivity over a broad measurement range is fabricated by using fiber Bragg grating and the anisotropic carbon fiber laminated composite structure. The characteristic responses of pressure and temperature of the new pressure sensor are analyzed. Experimental data show that when the pressure changes from 0 to 70 MPa, the wavelength shift of the fiber Bragg grating pressure sensor is up to 7 nm, corresponding to a sensitivity of 10 kPa/pm.
Analysis of striatal transcriptome in mice overexpressing human wild-type alpha-synuclein supports synaptic dysfunction and suggests mechanisms of neuroprotection for striatal neurons

Background: Alpha synuclein (SNCA) has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases (synucleinopathies) that include Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although the primary neurodegeneration in PD involves nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, more extensive yet regionally selective neurodegeneration is observed in other synucleinopathies. Furthermore, SNCA is ubiquitously expressed in neurons and numerous neuronal systems are dysfunctional in PD. Therefore it is of interest to understand how overexpression of SNCA affects neuronal function in regions not directly targeted for neurodegeneration in PD. Results: The present study investigated the consequences of SNCA overexpression on cellular processes and functions in the striatum of mice overexpressing wild-type, human SNCA under the Thy1 promoter (Thy1-aSyn mice) by transcriptome analysis. The analysis revealed alterations in multiple biological processes in the striatum of Thy1-aSyn mice, including synaptic plasticity, signaling, transcription, apoptosis, and neurogenesis. Conclusion: The results support a key role for SNCA in synaptic function and revealed an apoptotic signature in Thy1aSyn mice, which together with specific alterations of neuroprotective genes suggest the activation of adaptive compensatory mechanisms that may protect striatal neurons in conditions of neuronal overexpression of SNCA.
An Energetic Control Methodology for Exploiting the Passive Dynamics of Pneumatically Actuated Hopping

This paper presents an energetically derived control methodology to specify and regulate the oscillatory motion of a pneumatic hopping robot. An ideal lossless pneumatic actuation system with an inertia is shown to represent an oscillator with a stiffness, and hence frequency, related to the equilibrium pressures in the actuator. Following from an analysis of the conservative energy storage elements in the system, a control methodology is derived to sustain a specified frequency of oscillation in the presence of energy dissipation. The basic control strategy is to control the pressure in the upper chamber of the pneumatic cylinder to specify the contact time of the piston, while controlling the total conservative energy stored in the system to specify the flight time and corresponding flight height of the cylinder. The control strategy takes advantage of the natural passive dynamics of the upper chamber to provide much of the required actuation forces and natural stiffness, while the remaining forces needed to overcome the energy dissipation present in a nonideal system with losses are provided by a nonlinear control law for the charging and discharging of the lower chamber of the cylinder. Efficient hopping motion, relative to a traditional nonconservative actuator, is achieved by allowing the energy storing capability of a pneumatic actuator to store and return energy to the system at a controlled specifiable frequency. The control methodology is demonstrated through simulation and experimental results to provide accurate and repeatable hopping motion for pneumatically actuated robots in the presence of dissipative forces. DOI: 10.1115/1.2907355
An Automated, Fluorometric Procedure for Determining Serum Lipase

Currently available routine assays for lipase (glycerol ester hydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) are lengthy and laborious, and may utilize nonspecific substrates. An automated continuous-flow procedure has been developed for the fluorometric determination of serum lipase activity. This involves the use of a fluorescein fatty acid ester, monodecanoyl fluorescein (MDF), as substrate. This compound is not fluorescent, but one of its hydrolytic products, fluorescein, is intensely fluorochromatic. Under the conditions of the assay, in which 0.5 mmol of MDF is used per liter, the hydrolysis is linear with time and follows zero-order kinetics through the hydrolysis of at least 35% of the substrate. Determinations are carried out on 0.1 ml serum at the rate of 60 assays/hour. By this assay, mean activity in the serum of normal persons is 751 units (SD, 38 units).
The Specific Genes for Lantibiotic Mutacin II Biosynthesis in Streptococcus mutans T8 Are Clustered and Can Be Transferred En Bloc

Mutacin II is a ribosomally synthesized peptide lantibiotic produced by group II Streptococcus mutans. DNA sequencing has revealed that the mutacin II biosynthetic gene cluster consists of seven specific open reading frames: a regulator (mutR), the prepromutacin structural gene (mutA), a modifying protein (mutM), an ABC transporter (mutT), and an immunity cluster (mutFEG). Transformations of a non-mutacin-producing strain, S. mutans UA159, and a mutacin I-producing strain, S. mutans UA140, with chromosomal DNA from S. mutans T8 with an aphIII marker inserted upstream of the mutacin II structural gene yielded transformants producing mutacin II and mutacins I and II, respectively.
An International Assessment of Mangrove Management: Incorporation in Integrated Coastal Zone Management

Due to increasing recognition of the benefits provided by mangrove ecosystems, protection policies have emerged under both wetland and forestry programs. However, little consistency remains among these programs and inadequate coordination exists among sectors of government. With approximately 123 countries containing mangroves, the need for global management of these ecosystems is crucial to sustain the industries (i.e., fisheries, timber, and tourism) and coastal communities that mangroves support and protect. To determine the most effective form of mangrove management, this review examines management guidelines, particularly those associated with Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Five case studies were reviewed to further explore the fundamentals of mangrove management. The management methodologies of two developed nations as well as three developing nations were assessed to encompass comprehensive influences on mangrove management, such as socioeconomics, politics, and land-use regulations. Based on this review, successful mangrove management will require a blend of forestry, wetland, and ICZM programs in addition to the cooperation of all levels of government. Legally binding policies, particularly at the international level, will be essential to successful mangrove management, which must include the preservation of existing mangrove habitat and restoration of damaged mangroves.
Performance profiling overhead compensation for MPI programs

Performance profiling of MPI programs generates overhead during execution that introduces error in profile measurements. It is possible to track and remove overhead online, but it is necessary to communicate execution delay between processes to correctly adjust their interdependent timing. We demonstrate the first implementation of a onlne measurement overhead compensation system for profiling MPI programs. This is implemented in the Tau performance systems. It requires novel techniques for delay communication in the use of MPI. The ability to reduce measurement error is demonstrated for problematic test cases and real applications.
Thrombolytic therapy in the setting of arterial line-induced ischemia.

Purpose:To evaluate the use of percutaneous transcatheter thrombolysis in the treatment of thrombosis due to radial artery cannulation.Methods and Results:Seven patients (4 women; age range 41–62 years) with symptomatic cannulation-induced thrombosis and failure to improve after systemic anticoagulation underwent 8 catheter-directed thrombolytic infusions at our institution over a 3-year period. Access was either antegrade through the brachial artery or retrograde through the femoral artery. Thrombolytic infusions with urokinase began 2 to 12 days (average 6) after removal of the radial artery catheter. The thrombolytic infusion was successful in 5 of 7 patients based on angiographic flow restoration with <20% residual thrombus and significant clinical improvement in the ischemia.Conclusions:When systemic anticoagulation has failed, percutaneous catheter-directed thrombolytic infusion appears to be effective in the treatment of most patients with severe ischemic hand symptoms due to thrombosis after radia...
Analysis and Design for Impact and Fatigue Loadings

Statically or gradually applied loadings are considered exclusively in all other chapters of this text. In this chapter, two loadings of vital interest in dynamic analysis and design are considered: impact and fatigue loadings. For example, highway and railway bridges are subjected to impact loading as vehicles cross them and allowances for such loadings are made in their design. High-speed machines contain many moving parts that are subjected to loading which varies cyclically with time. Repeated cyclical loading can lead materials to fail at stress levels substantially lower than stresses associated with static loading, provided that the number of cycles is relatively large and the range of stresses from minimum to maximum is of sizable magnitude. Such failures begin at “ stress raisers ” such as internal or surface flaws in the material or abrupt geometric changes. A small (often microscopic) crack forms and propagates until a section of a given component is too weak to resist further cycles of loading. The resulting failure is termed a fatigue failure and the associated cyclically repeated loadings are termed fatigue loadings.
A mobility model for cost analysis in integrated cellular/WLANs

In this article, we propose a model that can be used to study the costs and benefits of integrating cellular and wireless LANs, from a vendor and a user perspective. We explain the model and the approach to calculate the costs for a simple handoff topology that supports a voice call across a cellular and a WLAN. The mobility model, which can be used to estimate the probability of a cellular user entering a WLAN while moving within the "location area" of the cellular network, is the main contribution of this work. The mobility model takes into account a normal user movement and a biased user movement based on a 2D random walk model. We show how this model could be used to study the costs and benefits to the vendor and the user, especially if a user were to be supported with call continuity across the two networks and the vendor had to bear the extra costs of handing over an active call. We have restricted our analysis to a scenario where the user with an active voice call moves from the cellular network to the WLAN. Graphs and discussions are provided to demonstrate the use of the model to study the integration benefits, from a vendor and a user perspective
Efficient Modulation of InP-based 1.3-/spl mu/m VCSELs with AsSb-based DBRs

We demonstrate efficient error-free 3.125-Gb/s modulation of InP-based 1.3-/spl mu/m vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with AsSb-based distributed Bragg reflectors up to 60/spl deg/C. These devices demonstrated high differential efficiencies [>60% at room temperature (RT)], which resulted in a required bias current for modulation of only 5.9 mA. The measured extinction ratios were greater than 8 dB up to 60/spl deg/C with a peak-to-peak drive voltage of only 800 mV. The 3-dB-down RT small-signal bandwidth was 4.4 GHz at a bias of 5.9 mA.
Automating Model Acquisition by Fault Knowledge Re-Use: Introducing the Diagnostic Remodeler Algorithm

The paper addresses the problem of automated model acquisition through the re-use of fault knowledge. The Diagnostic Remodeler (DR) algorithm has been implemented for the automated generation of behavioural component models with an explicit representation of function by re-using fault-based knowledge. DR re-uses as its first application the fault knowledge of the Jet Engine Troubleshooting Assistant (JETA). DR extracts a model of the Main Fuel System using real-world engine fault knowledge and two types of background knowledge as input: device dependent and device independent background knowledge. To demonstrate DR's generality, it has also been applied to a coffee maker fault knowledge base to extract the component models of a full coffee device.
CENP-E forms a link between attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores and the mitotic checkpoint

Here we show that suppression of synthesis of the microtubule motor CENP-E (centromere-associated protein E), a component of the kinetochore corona fibres of mammalian centromeres, yields chromosomes that are chronically mono-orientated, with spindles that are flattened along the plane of the substrate. Despite apparently normal microtubule numbers and the continued presence at kinetochores of other microtubule motors, spindle poles fragment in the absence of CENP-E, which implicates this protein in delivery of components from kinetochores to poles. CENP-E represents a link between attachment of spindle microtubules and the mitotic checkpoint signalling cascade, as depletion of this motor leads to profound checkpoint activation, whereas immunoprecipitation reveals a nearly stoichiometric association of CENP-E with the checkpoint kinase BubR1 during mitosis.
Disruption of sitA compromises Sinorhizobium meliloti for manganese uptake required for protection against oxidative stress.

During the initial stages of symbiosis with the host plant Medicago sativa, Sinorhizobium meliloti must overcome an oxidative burst produced by the plant in order for proper symbiotic development to continue. While identifying mutants defective in symbiosis and oxidative stress defense, we isolated a mutant with a transposon insertion mutation of sitA, which encodes the periplasmic binding protein of the putative iron/ manganese ABC transporter SitABCD. Disruption of sitA causes elevated sensitivity to the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. Disruption of sitA leads to elevated catalase activity and a severe decrease in superoxide dismutase B (SodB) activity and protein level. The decrease in SodB level strongly correlates with the superoxide sensitivity of the sitA mutant. We demonstrate that all free-living phenotypes of the sitA mutant can be rescued by the addition of exogenous manganese but not iron, a result that strongly implies that SitABCD plays an important role in manganese uptake in S. meliloti.
Cellular Interactions and In Vitro DNA Transfection Studies with Poly(ethylene glycol)‐Modified Gelatin Nanoparticles

In order to develop a systemically administered safe and effective non- viral gene delivery system, cellular interactions and plasmid DNA transfection with poly(ethylene glycol)-modified (PEGylated) gelatin nanoparticles were examined. The DNA-containing nanoparticles were prepared by a controlled water-ethanol solvent displacement method. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, surface charge,andDNAloading,release,andstability.Forcellularinteractionstudies,thecontrol andPEGylatedgelatinnanoparticles,complexedeitherwithcolloidalgoldfortransmission electron microscopy or loaded with rhodamine-dextran for fluorescence confocal micro- scopy,wereincubatedwithNIH-3T3fibroblastcells.Atdifferenttimepoints,thelocationof the nanoparticles in the cellular environment was investigated. Furthermore, a reporter plasmidexpressingtheenhancedgreenfluorescentproteinwasencapsulatedinthecontrol gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles for in vitro transfection studies. DNA- containingnanoparticleswerepreparedinthesizerangeof100-500nm,withanaverageof 200 nm. PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles, with a slight negative surface charge, could stably and efficiently encapsulate plasmid DNA. Both transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy images showed that the gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticlesrapidlyenteredthecellthroughnonspecificendocytosisfollowedbyvesicular transport in the cytosol. Almost 100% of the administered gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticleswereinternalized in NIH-3T3 cells withinthefirst6h ofincubation. A large fractionoftheadministerednanoparticleswasfoundtobeconcentratedintheperinuclear regionofthecellsafter12h.Greenfluorescentproteinexpressionwasobservedafter12hof nanoparticleincubationandremainedstableforupto96h.Flowcytometryresultsshowed thattheDNAtransfectionefficiencywithgelatinandPEGylatedgelatinnanoparticleswas 43% and 61%, respectively, after 96 h. The results of this study illustrate that PEGylated gelatinnanoparticleswererapidlyinternalizedbythecellsthroughnonspecificendocytosis and remained intact in the cytosol for up to 12 h. In addition, the DNA-encapsulated PEGylatedgelatinnanoparticles werefound toefficientlytransfectcellsinculture. 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 94:184-198, 2005
Effect of surfactant phase behavior on emulsification

In order to improve our understanding of the effects that the equilibrium phase behavior and structure of amphiphiles have on the emulsification process and the properties of emulsions stabilized by these amphiphiles, we have exploited the known phase behavior of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene (POE-POP-POE) amphiphilic block copolymers (Pluronics) in the presence of two immiscible solvents. Specifically, we considered ternary systems consisting of Pluronic F38, L64, P84, P104, or L121 with water and p-xylene which exhibit a very rich phase behavior, including a variety of water-continuous and oil-continuous lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases. We prepared emulsions having the same (final) compositions but through different emulsification paths, and evaluated the emulsions on the basis of homogeneity and droplet size. We found finer and more homogenous emulsions to result when O/lamellar gel structures (as revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering) were formed during the emulsification process, or when the emulsification path traversed the lamellar LLC phase. This can be attributed to the favorable properties of the lamellar structure: high oil solubilization capacity with concurrent facile dispersibility in water, relatively low interfacial tension, and relatively low viscosity. The findings reported here are relevant to the preparation of emulsions for diverse applications such as skin-care products, pharmaceuticals, food products, coatings, inks, agrochemicals, oil dispersants, and nanomaterials synthesis.
Seedcorn Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Population Biology and Aestivation in Central Iowa

Seedcorn maggot (SCM), Delia platura (Meigen), population biology was investigated in 1982 and 1983 near Ames, Iowa. Flies showed increasing habitat discrimination from early to late spring. Wooded sites were least attractive. Corn, soybeans, and alfalfa were equally attractive, although alfalfa sites were temporarily more attractive to SCM during alfalfa bloom and harvest. No SCM were collected after July in either year, and direct evidence of aestivation and hibernation was obtained. In both years, ovarian dynamics indicated a peak of emergence by overwintering SCM in late April, an F1 generation peak in early June, and a partial F2 generation peak in early July. We advance a hypothesis to explain SCM emergence synchrony. Observed thermal accumulations between peaks agreed well with theoretical predictions but were inadequate for predicting low-risk planting dates.
The Baculum of the Peromyscus truei Species Group

Several subgenera of Peromyscus are easily distinguished from each other by their characteristic types of bacula (Blair, Jour. Mamm., 23: 196–204, 1942), but differences have not been found with this character between certain species or even species groups of this genus. Although Sprague (Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci., 42: 495–497, 1939) readily separated species of the P. leucopus and P. maniculatus groups on the length of this structure, Blair ( op. cit .) could not separate bacula of the P. boylei and P. truei species groups. Likewise the species P. boylei and P. pectoralis of the P. boylei species group were not distinguishable by Clark (Ph.D. dissertation, Univ. Texas, 1952) with this character. His examination of the cartilaginous processes of these two species, however, did reveal indicative characters not observed previously. The cartilage tip of the baculum of Peromyscus had not been reported in the literature prior to his work, and …
Fracture Characterization of Adhesive Joints in Carbon/Epoxy Wind Turbine Blades

The objective of this work is to predict the fracture behavior of adhesive joints in the 4-ply carbon/epoxy wind turbine blades through finite element method. The influence of through-thickness flaw in the adhesive layer was examined. The contour integral method was used for evaluating the stress intensity factors (SIF) at the flaw tips, while the strength of the joint was assessed through the crack initiation and propagation simulation. The effect of adhesive shear modulus has also been investigated. Results suggested that the maximum stress occurred at the adhesive-shell interface and increased stress levels were observed in the case of adhesive layer with flaw. It also highlighted distinct edge effects along the thickness of the adhesive joint. Compared to the perfect adhesive, the static strength of the adhesive joint with flaw remained unchanged. Large shear modulus of the adhesive diminished the strength of the adhesive joint with the increased SIF.© 2012 ASME
Synthesis and Characterization of Molecular Bottlebrushes Prepared by Iron-Based ATRP

Molecular bottlebrushes with hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate) or polystyrene and hydrophilic poly(di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether acrylate)) side chains were successfully synthesized by grafting from a poly(2-(2-bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate) macroinitiator using iron-based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Iron(II) bromide, iron(III) bromide, and tetrabutylammonium bromide catalyst was employed for an ATRP grafting-from reaction, resulting in brush macromolecules with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.18–1.28). Molecular weights measured by multiangle laser light scattering correlates well with the theoretical values for all bottlebrushes. Imaging of individual bottlebrushes by atomic force microscopy exhibited a wormlike conformation. Initiation efficiencies were calculated by cleaving the side chains by alcoholysis and then injecting to gel permeation chromatography. The initiation efficiencies were ca. 80–95%, showing relatively high values for a grafting from poly...
Detection of TGF-β_1 and PIIINP Levels in Dust-exposed workers

[Objective]To investigate the expression level changes of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1) and procollagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide(PⅢ NP) in dust-exposed workers,and the possibility of being early diagnostic indexes for pneumoconiosis.[Methods] The serum levels of TGF-β1 and PIIINP in 69 dust-exposed workers and 45 healthy individuals were detected by ELISA.[Results] The serum levels of TGF-β1 and PIIINP in dust-exposed workers were(56.85±15.03) ng/ml,(20.17±23.54)ng/ml,respectively;that of control group were(18.67±4.48) ng/ml,(11.72±3.52) ng/ml,respectively,the differences were significant(P0.05).The serum levels of TGF-β1 and PIIINP in dust-exposed workers decreased with the increasing age,the difference was significant(P0.05).TGF-β1 and PⅢNP showed a positive correlation(P0.05) by correlation Analysis.[Conclusion]Serum expression of TGF-β1 and PⅢNP correlates with dust-exposure,and the correlation also exists in the 2 cell factors,therefore abnormal expression of them can be one of the early diagnostic indexes for pneumoconiosis.
Counterintuitive contributions to the care of myocardial infarction and the need for randomized trials.

Many practitioners of the fledgling discipline of interventional cardiology may count Charles Dotter, Andreas Gruntzig, Marcus DeWood (and Selinger and Berg), Peter Rentrop, and Geoffrey Hartzler among their heroes. Whatever else each of these individuals did or did not do, for a moment they had the
DNA Translocation in Nanometer Thick Silicon Nanopores

Solid-state nanopores are single-molecule sensors that detect changes in ionic conductance (ΔG) when individual molecules pass through them. Producing high signal-to-noise ratio for the measurement of molecular structure in applications such as DNA sequencing requires low noise and large ΔG. The latter is achieved by reducing the nanopore diameter and membrane thickness. While the minimum diameter is limited by the molecule size, the membrane thickness is constrained by material properties. We use molecular dynamics simulations to determine the theoretical thickness limit of amorphous Si membranes to be ∼1 nm, and we designed an electron-irradiation-based thinning method to reach that limit and drill nanopores in the thinned regions. Double-stranded DNA translocations through these nanopores (down to 1.4 nm in thickness and 2.5 nm in diameter) provide the intrinsic ionic conductance detection limit in Si-based nanopores. In this regime, where the access resistance is comparable to the nanopore resistance,...
Role of phragmoplast filaments in cell-plate formation.

With the differential interference microscope (Nomarski system), it is possible to observe the interaction of filaments of the phragmoplast with micron-size refractile particles and vesicles, very close to the resolution limit of the microscope, during formation of the cell plate. Filaments occupying the birefringent zone of the phragmoplast (i.e. remnants of the continuous and interzonal fibres of the mitotic spindle) shorten and thicken in their mid-region to become spindle-shaped. The thickenings later fuse laterally to form the cell plate. During the process of thickening, vesicles can be seen to move toward the plate in close association with the filaments on both sides of the phragmoplast. These observations, taken together with information from electron micrographs of thin sections of Haemanthus endosperm and other dividing cells, confirm the notion that the fibrillar component of the phragmoplast has a transport function. The sizes of particles entering the phragmoplast region by saltation suggest that they correspond to Golgi bodies, which have been suspected of producing vesicles that contribute to cell-plate formation. Neither light nor electron micrographs have yet provided any insight into the mechanism of transport of these vesicles.
Some Infinite-Dimensional Dynamical Systems

Publisher Summary Functional differential equations are a model for a system in which the future behavior of the system is not necessarily uniquely determined by the present but may depend upon some of the past behavior as well. The function that corresponds to the solution of such equations defines a mapping (dynamical system) from [0, ∞) × C satisfying the semigroup property, but where C is an infinite-dimensional nonlocally compact space. This chapter describes some recent results for these equations that indicate that a qualitative theory will emerge in spite of the infinite dimensionality and the semigroup property. It presents retarded functional differential equations (RFDE) with some remarks at the end on the more complicated neutral functional differential equations (NFDE).
Collective Traffic Prediction with Partially Observed Traffic History using Location-Based Social Media

Traffic prediction has become an important and active research topic in the last decade. Existing solutions mainly focus on exploiting the past and current traffic data, collected from various kinds of sensors, such as loop detectors, GPS devices, etc. In real-world road systems, only a small fraction of the road segments are deployed with sensors. For all the other road segments without sensors or historical traffic data, previous methods may no longer work. In this paper, we propose to use location-based social media, which captures a much larger area of the road systems than deployed sensors, to predict the traffic conditions. A simple but effective method called CTP is proposed to incorporate location-based social media semantics into the learning process. CTP also exploits complex dependencies among different regions to improve the prediction performances through collective inference. Empirical studies using traffic data and tweets collected in Los Angeles area demonstrate the effectiveness of CTP.
Tackling energy head on

Energy can be a tricky topic to teach students, but Rachel E Scherr describes developing "Energy Theater" to help.
Utilizing brain measures for large-scale classification of autism applying EPIC

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with atypical cortical maturation leading to a deficiency in social cognition and language. Numerous studies have attempted to classify ASD using brain measurements such as cortical thickness, surface area, or volume with promising results. However, the underpowered sample sizes of these studies limit external validity and generalizability at the population level. Large scale collaborations such as Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta Analysis (ENIGMA) or the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) aim to bring together like-minded scientists to further improve investigations into brain disorders. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest classification analysis for detection of ASD vs. healthy age and sex matched controls using cortical thickness brain parcellations and intracranial volume normalized surface area and subcortical volumes. We were able to increase classification accuracy overall from 56% to 60% and for females only by 6%. These novel findings using Evolving Partitions to Improve Connectomics (EPIC) underscore the importance of large-scale data-driven approaches and collaborations in the discovery of brain disorders.
Distinct Roles for the α, β and γ Isoforms of the Catalytic Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 1 in Outside-in Integrin αIIbβ3 Signaling.

Abstract 154 Outside-in integrin α IIb γ 3 signaling mediated by kinases and phosphatases regulate platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. The catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c), expressed as α, β and γ isoforms regulates a variety of cellular functions. We have previously demonstrated that fibrinogen-α IIb β 3 engagement during outside-in signaling dissociated integrin α IIb * β 3 anchored PP1c, which was followed by PP1c activation and dephosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). However, it is unknown whether any functions regulated by outside-in integrin α IIb β 3 signaling are modulated by PP1c. To overcome the lack of specificity of pharmacological agents towards PP1c, we have pursued a genetic approach to inhibit PP1c in 293 cells overexpressing α IIb β 3 . In this study, we demonstrated that PP1cα interacts with α IIb β 3 in platelets and 293 cells by co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull down assays. Knockdown of PP1cα by short interference RNA resulted in a 50-60% enhanced adhesion (p IIb β 3 adhesiveness to fibrinogen. Furthermore, the enhanced adhesiveness of PP1cα depleted 293 cells was also observed with von Willebrand factor, indicating that the differential adhesion due to the lack of PP1cα was not ligand specific. Signaling pathways implicated in the reorganization of cellular cytoskeleton, like extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and AKT were activated in PP1cα depleted 293 cells. Such observations imply that PP1cα, knockdown of PP1cγ, which also associates with α IIb β 3 , did not affect the adhesion to fibrinogen. Indeed, platelets from the PP1cγ null and wild type mice showed comparable adhesion to fibrinogen. Unexpectedly, depletion of PP1cβ isoform in 293 cells significantly (p IIb β 3 and implies that the control of outside-in integrin α IIb β 3 signaling response might be a composite of all PP1c isoforms. Perhaps, each isoforms have specific substrates that contribute to the process of adhesion, such that alterations in the phosphorylation of these substrates may underlie the distinct functional roles for PP1c. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Writing One’s Life: Budapeste by Chico Buarque

Abstract: Critics of Chico Buarque's third novel, Budapeste, have focused on how the text problematizes questions of identity and authorship, generally within the context of postmodernity and globalization. Jose Costa, in these readings, is seen as a fractured subject for whom the novel's final outcome does not bring closure. The complexity and richness of Buarque's work, however, allow for what might be called a counter-reading: the view of the text as a quest narrative in which Jose Costa attempts to re-script his bankrupt existence in Brazil by becoming once again a linguistic blank slate in order to master Hungarian, "unica lingua do mundo que . . . o diabo respeita." Although his quixotic goal does not meet with perfect success, the byproduct is the creation of genuine relationships and a new family.
A Non-condensing Thermal Compression Power Generation System

Abstract Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems have attracted interest for more than three decades due to advantages in operation at lower working temperature, low maintenance requirements, and relative simplicity (fewer components). In theory, these advantages should make ORC technology more economically attractive for the small and medium power scales (10 kW to 10 MW). Unfortunately, the theoretical promise of ORC systems for power generation has been realized at only a relatively small fraction of the potential market. Although there are a number of reasons for the low utilization of ORC technology, the root cause is directly tied to the relatively low heat-to-power conversion efficiency (2 to 7% typically) and high cost of specially designed expander–generator equipment that is up to 60% of total system cost [1]. The resulting high cost of the power produced just does not make economic sense except in very specialized situations where on-site power is needed but unavailable (at any cost) or where local generation costs are well above regional averages. The overarching objective of the work presented here is to break this paradigm by developing and demonstrating a new harmonic adsorption recuperative power cycle (HARP) system that offers 40% more efficient power generation as compared with a standard ORC system and estimated electric power production costs at very competitive rates below $0.10/kWh.
Conclusion: Political Economy: An Era of Institutional Cynicism?

Capitalist profit from social disorder through political decision-making to invest less in public welfare programs and ambitious legislation to accelerate incarceration rates. Prison expansion occurred when the data did not demonstrate a demand for additional prison beds. Policymakers passed legislation that posed harsher penalties for crimes ubiquitous to the poor. It is no surprise that poorer people are concentrated in U.S. prisons. Also, not surprisingly, more of the rural poor are occupying the prisons.
The Impact of Ross’s Exploration of APT on Our Research

Stephen A. Ross’s research has had a major impact on the theory and practice of financial economics. In this article, the authors concentrate on one of his contributions: arbitrage pricing theory (APT). After reviewing the theory, they discuss Ross’s contribution to their research. In particular, they review research on the number of factors present in the return-generating process and in expected returns, the use of macroeconomic variables in the APT setting, and implications of APT for the performance and performance predictability of mutual funds.