cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Nucleic-Acid-Functionalized Gold Surfaces for Biomarker Detection

Nucleic-acid-functionalized gold surfaces have been used extensively for the development of biological sensors. The development of an effective biomarker detection assay requires careful design, synthesis, and characterization of probe components. In this Feature Article, we describe fundamental probe development constraints and provide a critical appraisal of the current methodologies and applications in the field. We discuss critical issues and obstacles that impede the sensitivity and reliability of the sensors to underscore the challenges that must be met to advance the field of biomarker detection.
Indefinite survival of MHC class I-deficient murine pancreatic islet allografts.

To examine the immune response to class I—deficient allogeneic tissue, we used β2-microglobulin-deficient mice as graft donors. These mice lack cell surface class I major histocompatibility complex antigen expression. Pancreatic islet allografts from class I-deficient donors survived indefinitely in
STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY, THE NEWS, AND MONETARY POLICY

The dynamic relationship linking the volatility of equity prices with “the news” and the expected path for monetary policy is investigated. Previous results that link the impact of the news about real activity to changes in current and future interest rates are employed in developing a positive link between changes in volatility and the news. Empirically, our results uncover a positive and statistically significant response of the CBOE volatility index, VIX, to unanticipated changes in employment, but not to inflation. Hence, agents' expectations for the policy response to news have an important influence on the expected volatility of stock prices. (JEL E44, E52)
Narrating development: Professional practice emerging within stories

The narrative learning cycle outlined in this article was developed to address three perceived weaknesses in experiential learning cycles and involved three shifts: a shift from one concrete experience to multiple stories; a shift from individual action to social performance; and a shift from an emphasis on cognitive learning to a development of practice. This article recounts the use of such a narrative learning cycle in the development of new practices in the design and practice of an undergraduate management course. Its concluding comments appraise the potential of a narrative learning cycle to enable a professional practitioner to take heed of voices other than their own, appreciate the unavoidably social nature of action and plan their contribution to jointly negotiated practice.
The Nauplius Larva of Crustaceans: Functional Diversity and the Phylotypic Stage

SYNOPSIS. The crustacean nauplius larva is a development stage characterized by the presence of three pairs of head appendages. All crustaceans pass through the naupliar stage whether embryonically or as freeliving larvae. The nauplius is thought to be the phylotypic stage and represent a fundamental developmental constraint in crustaceans. However, free-living nauplii are primitive and I present evidence that this form is functionally plastic, e.g. , locomotory modes are diverse even in closely related species. I argue that this functional plasticity allowed the persistence of nauplii in the early evolution of crustaceans and, as a consequence, naupliar development became a deep-seated feature of crustaceans. Thus, we see nauplii as phylotypic. This suggests that, in spite of the presence of phylotypic stages in various phyla, phylotypy itself may not represent a similar, underlying developmental constraint in every case.
Particle circulation and liquid bypassing in three phase draft tubed spouted beds

Abstract The design of any fluid-solid contacting system is based on a knowledge of certain intrinsic parameters and their functional dependence on extrinsic or easily measurable parameters such as system geometry, flow rates, etc. For Three Phase Draft-Tubed Spouted Bed systems(TPDS) , the important intrinsic design parameters are the particle circulation and the liquid distribution between the draft tube and the annulus. The extrinsic parameters are liquid and gas flow rates, solid loading, particle size, inlet size and draft tube size and spacing. In this paper a semi-empirical model is developed which relates the intrinsic design parameters to extrinsic variables at a constant draft tube size. The model is based on the earlier work of Grbavcic (1991a,b) who used a variational drag in transport systems and Matthew's (Ph.D thesis, RPI, Troy NY) work on pressure profiles in draft tubed spouted beds.
Effect of a Natural Contaminant on Foam Fractionation of Bromelain

Foam fractionation is a simple, inexpensive method for separating and purifying proteins. Typically, a dilute bromelain solution with a pH ranging from 2.0 to 7.0 foams very well when bubbles are introduced into a foam fractionation column. It was observed, however, that the dilute enzyme solution only foamed between approximately pH 2.0 and 3.0 when the inner wall of the fractionation column was coated with a natural contaminant (okra residue). We studied the separation ratio and the protein mass recovery to explore the effect of a natural antifoaming agent on the foam fractionation of a dilute bromelain solution. The control variables used in this process were the initial bulk solution pH, which ranged from 2.0 to 7.0, and the superficial air velocity, which varied between 1.7 and 6.2 cm/s.
Sialic acid and the surface charge associated with hyperpolarization-activated, inward rectifying channels.

The whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used with cultured pacemaker cells from the rabbit sinoatrial node to test the hypothesis that sialic acid residues (NANA) constitute much of the negative surface charge associated with hyperpolarization-activated, inward rectifying channels. Activation-voltage relationships (between −70 and −140 mV) were determined for hyperpolarization-activated (inward rectifying) current (i f). Addition of 10mm Ca2+ shifted the half-activation potential (V 1/2) from −89.5±0.9 mV to −77.9±2.6 mV (P<0.01), confirming the presence of negative fixed charges on the myocytes after 3 to 5 days in culture. Addition of 20mm dimethonium, an organic divalent cation that “screens” but does not bind to negative surface charge, shiftedV 1/2 from −86.8±1.4 mV to −75.0±1.7 mV (P<0.001) without affecting the amplitude of the current. In contrast, 10mm Ca2+ reduced the amplitude ofi f significantly. Incubation of cells with a highly purified preparation of neuraminidase (0.1–2.0 U/ml, 1 hr, 37°C), an enzyme that selectively removes NANA from glycoproteins and glycolipids, failed to alterV 1/2 or the amplitude ofi f significantly. Pretreatment of cells with neuraminidase (1.0 U/ml, 1 hr, 37°C) failed to alter the positive shift ofV 1/2 produced by dimethonium. The results suggest that NANA does not constitute the negative surface charge associated with hyperpolarization-activated, inward rectifying channels.
Imaging the Sport of Golf – Envisioning Communities

Hungary also has seen a tremendous increase in quality golf facilities in the last decade. The sport of golf – including golf tourism – in Hungary also makes it first moves to be officially (re)unified with its historical partners in Western Europe and in the USA. This paper looks at developments in Hungarian Golf community in the last decades. While focusing on the ongoing economic, financial, and political changes surrounding the Hungarian National Golf Federation, this study also poses some questions. To what extent mushrooming of golf communities could be seen as a result of Europeanization of the country? Is it just a new achievement in PGA America’s global explosion? Can we see it as the benefit of the European Team’s astronomical success at the Ryder Cup tournaments?
Autonomy and coercion in disease prevention and health promotion.

Most of the attention regarding the balance between autonomy and paternalism has been focused on the therapeutic relation. Much less attention has been devoted to the problem of autonomy in the application of medical knowledge for preventive purposes. Here, because the good to be achieved is social as well as individual, an unavoidable dilemma ensues. Effective preventive measures of benefit to all must necessarily limit autonomy and involve some coercion. I argue that there are principles which can be established to guide society in a moral use of coercion. The question of employing medical knowledge is not, as it is in therapeutic medicine, to preserve or enhance autonomy. Rather its aim is to enhance voluntary co-operation. Principles for moral use of coercion must thereby be derived from health as a moral value.
Single-pass waveguide amplifiers in Er-Yb doped zinc polyphosphate glass fabricated with femtosecond laser pulses

We have investigated the direct fabrication of subsurface waveguide amplifiers in Er-Yb zinc polyphosphate glass by utilizing the relationship between the initial glass composition and the resulting changes to the network structure after modification by fs laser pulses. Waveguides, exhibiting internal gain of 1 dB/cm at 1.53 μm when pumped with 500 mW at 976 nm, were directly fabricated using a regenerative amplified Ti:sapphire 1 kHz, 180 fs laser system. Optical properties as well as insertion losses and internal gain are reported.
Studies on the development of tolerance to selected antibiotics by susceptible oral lactobacilli

In 1946 M cClure and Hewitt1 reported that rats which had been fed a cariogenic diet failed to develop dental caries when minute amounts o f penicillin were added to their food and drinking water. The salivary lactobacillus counts were significantly reduced in the rats so treated. T w o years later, H ill2 showed that lactobacilli isolated from human saliva were either partially or completely inhibited in an agar medium containing 2.5 units of penicillin. Despite these laboratory findings, observations o f the human caries-prevention potential of dentifrices containing penicillin have been contradictory.3-6 In those studies in which lactobacillus counts were done, no significant differ­ ences were observed between groups us­ ing control dentifrices and dentifrices containing from 100 to 1,000 units of penicillin per Gm. of powder.7,8 Also in­ consistent are the observations regarding the role of penicillin in the prevention of acid production in the dentobacterial plaque.9,10 The question has been raised as to whether this seeming paradox could be reconciled on the basis o f variability in response o f oral lactobacilli to penicil­ lin and other antibiotics. In accordance with this hypothesis, studies have been made o f (1 ) the frequency o f resistance among oral lactobacilli to a relatively high concentration of penicillin, and (2) the ability o f susceptible oral lactobacilli to develop a tolerance to penicillin and to erythromycin, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, streptomycin and dihydrostrepto­ mycin— antibiotics which have a m icro­ bial spectrum similar to penicillin or which prevent acid production in saliva
Interleukin-1β stimulates phospholipase A2 mRNA synthesis in rabbit articular chondrocytes

Abstract A cDNA that codes for human rheumatoid synovial fluid phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) hybridised with a RNA of the same size (900 base pairs) isolated from rabbit articular chondrocytes (RAC). Treatment of RAC with 100 ng/ml recombinant human interleukin-1β (IL-1) for 24 hours caused a 13-fold increase in mRNA for this PLA 2 . Timecourse studies demonstrated that maximal induction of PLA 2 mRNA occurred by 16 hours post addition of IL-1 (100 ng/ml). Augmentation of RAC PLA 2 mRNA levels was dose-dependent; half-maximal induction was estimated to require 0.15 ng/ml IL-1. Actinomycin D inhibited IL-1 effects on PLA 2 mRNA levels. Coordinate effects of IL-1 on RAC PLA 2 activity were observed with respect to time and dose dependence as well as actinomycin D sensitivity.
The requirement of protein synthesis for VSV inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis.

Abstract Published ultraviolet (uv) inactivation data and in vitro transcription studies have suggested that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) leader RNA was solely responsible for the inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis by this virus. Since no protein product is encoded in leader RNA, this conclusion implied that no protein synthesis should be required for this effect. Therefore, the inhibitory activity of VSV was examined in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide, pactamycin, and emetine. Protein synthesis inhibitors are known not to interfere with VSV primary transcription, but in their presence viral replication and amplification of transcription do not take place. Although at 39 the VSV mutant tsG22 could undergo only primary transcription, maximum inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis took place. However, in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitors the VSV mutant was no longer able to interfere with host cell RNA synthesis. These results could not be explained by a change in the concentration of intracellular leader RNA which remained unaltered by the drugs. Similar results were also obtained with wild-type VSV in the presence of cycloheximide. Upon removal of the drug, inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis was reestablished in parallel with the restoration of protein synthesis. It is concluded that protein synthesis is required for the inhibitory activity of VSV, presumably because the active inhibitory complex is a nucleoprotein containing leader RNA and either a cellular protein or the viral N protein. The cellular protein would have to be in limiting supply since de novo protein synthesis was required for the inhibition to take place.
Chronic sleep complaints in premenopausal women and their association with sleep-disordered breathing.

In clinical practice, we have found that premenopausal women have delayed diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). During a 4-year period, we systematically collected the clinical and polysomnographic variables for all women referred for sleep complaints using preestablished questionnaires, scales, clinical grid, polygraphic montage, and scoring criteria. The variables collected on premenopausal SDB women were analyzed and compared to those of postmenopausal women within 5 years of menopause. Of 977 women, 316 were premenopausal with SDB. Complaints of chronic insomnia and sleepwalking were the most common reasons for referral, had been present for a mean of 6.4 ± 5.4 years, and had lead to unsuccessful symptomatic treatment. The normal-weight premenopausal SDB group had anatomically small upper airways, while those with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 complained more frequently of snoring and daytime sleepiness and their clinical presentation was closer to those of the postmenopausal SDB comparison group. Premenopausal women often had a low apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), but there was a discrepancy between the low AHI and the amount of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) needed to control the SDB, and there was a need for higher pressures in overweight premenopausal SDB women (mean 9.1 ± 1.9 and 10.1 ± 2.6 cmH2O). Normal-weight premenopausal SDB women often present with atypical sleep complaints of chronic insomnia and parasomnias. Clinical attention paid to craniofacial features and use of specific scales such as Mallampati help with the suspicion of the presence of SDB, and a low AHI is unrelated to the positive clinical impact of nasal CPAP treatment.
Visually guided escape responses of microchiropteran bats

Abstract Eight species of microchiropteran bat showed a significant preference for the lighted arm when escaping from a Y-maze. Blindfolding abolished this response. Laboratory bats, flying in familiar surroundings, showed a similar tendency to ‘head for the light’ even when acoustic cues indicated that the exit was blocked by plexiglass. In two species, the escape response was tested throughout the 24-h cycle and was found to reverse after the times of day at which these species normally returned to roost. It is concluded (1) that bats attend to visual cues when searching for an exit, and may ignore contradictory acoustic and tactile cues, and (2) that, in some species at least, the response to the visual cue changes appropriately with the hour of the day and with the animal's activity level.
Structure and isomerization comparison of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) perchlorate complexes of 2,6-bis([(2-pyridyl-methyl)amino]methyl)pyridine.

The divalent zinc triad perchlorate coordination chemistry of 2,6-bis([(2-pyridyl-methyl)amino]methyl)pyridine (L) was investigated by X-ray crystallography and solution state 1H NMR. New complexes [HgL(ClO4)2] (1) and [CdL(ClO4)2] (2) were isolated as bicapped distorted square pyramidal racemates, contrasting with the approximate trigonal bipyramidal structure of [ZnL](ClO4)2 (3). Although rapid inter- and intramolecular exchange is common for simple complexes of zinc triad metal ions, conditions for slow intramolecular isomerization on both the δ and JHH time scales were established for 1, 2 and 3. Trends in geminal 1H coupling suggested that an asymmetric structure was favored for all three metal ions at or below 40 °C. Contributions of a symmetric structure to solution equilibria were both temperature- and metal ion-dependent. Spectral trends were consistent with interconversion of a pair of enantiomeric square pyramidal ligand conformers through a symmetric trigonal bipyramidal ligand conformer by M–N bond cleavage and nitrogen inversion. Racemization was slower than the coupling constant time scale up to 40 °C for all complexes. Differential stabilization of specific small ligand conformations in solution has potential toxicological significance.
On the relationship between the oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein and other mitochondrial coupling factors.

1. The oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) has been further investigated and by modifying the purification procedure, the protein has been obtained free of minor contaminants. The single protein has the properties of both an energy-transfer factor and an oligomycin-sensitivity conferring factor when assayed with suitable depleted submitochondrial particles. 2. Several physical and chemical properties of OSCP have been examined. The protein has an isoelectric point of around 9·3 and is not inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents such as iodoacetate, iodoacetamide or parachloromeruriphenyl sulphonate, or by high concentrations of iodine. 3. Knowledge of those and other physical properties of OSCP allows comparison of OSCP with several other previously described coupling factors.
Lycotoxins, antimicrobial peptides from venom of the wolf spider Lycosa carolinensis.

Two peptide toxins with antimicrobial activity, lycotoxins I and II, were identified from venom of the wolf spiderLycosa carolinensis (Araneae: Lycosidae) by virtue of their abilities to reduce ion and voltage gradients across membranes. Both peptides were purified to homogeneity by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and determined to have the following primary structures by Edman microsequencing: IWLTALKFLGKHAAKHLAKQQLSKL-NH2 for lycotoxin I and KIKWFKTMKSIAKFIAKEQMKKHLGGE-OH for lycotoxin II. The predicted secondary structures of the lycotoxins display amphipathic α-helix character typical of antimicrobial pore-forming peptides. Antimicrobial assays showed that both lycotoxins potently inhibit the growth of bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Candida glabrata) at micromolar concentrations. To verify its hypothesized pore-forming activity, lycotoxin I was synthesized and shown to promote efflux of Ca2+ from synaptosomes, to cause hemolysis of erythrocytes, and to dissipate voltage gradients across muscle membrane. The lycotoxins may play a dual role in spider-prey interaction, functioning both in the prey capture strategy as well as to protect the spider from potentially infectious organisms arising from prey ingestion. Spider venoms may represent a potentially new source of novel antimicrobial agents with important medical implications.
Multiple Facilities Location in the Plane Using the Gravity Model

Two problems are considered in this article. Both problems seek the location of p facilities. The first problem is the p median where the total distance traveled by customers is minimized. The second problem focuses on equalizing demand across facilities by minimizing the variance of total demand attracted to each facility. These models are unique in that the gravity rule is used for the allocation of demand among facilities rather than assuming that each customer selects the closest facility. In addition, we also consider a multiobjective approach, which combines the two objectives. We propose heuristic solution procedures for the problem in the plane. Extensive computational results are presented.
The Index Expert System: A Knowledge‐Based System to Assist Users in Index Selection

The University of Houston Libraries are developing an expert system to assist library users in selecting appropriate indexes and abstracts to meet their information needs. This project, which is being conducted by the Intelligent Reference Systems Committee, is the first step in a broader plan to develop reference expert systems.
High precision current-shunt monitor with extended input common-mode voltage range

This paper presents a design solution for a high precision current-shunt monitor allowing input common-mode levels from −0.3V to 30V, independent of the supply voltage. The maximum referred to input offset voltage is ±10μV, over the entire common-mode input range. The proposed configuration has a fixed gain of 200 and exhibits a maximum gain error of 0.1%. The supply voltage can vary between 2.6V and 30V. The circuit has been designed in a 0.25μm BCD technology with a die area of only 0.8mm2.
Robust and Efficient Implicit Surface Reconstruction for Point Clouds Based on Convexified Image Segmentation

We present an implicit surface reconstruction algorithm for point clouds. We view the implicit surface reconstruction as a three dimensional binary image segmentation problem that segments the entire space $$\mathbb R ^3$$ or the computational domain into an interior region and an exterior region while the boundary between these two regions fits the data points properly. The key points with using an image segmentation formulation are: (1) an edge indicator function that gives a sharp indicator of the surface location, and (2) an initial image function that provides a good initial guess of the interior and exterior regions. In this work we propose novel ways to build both functions directly from the point cloud data. We then adopt recent convexified image segmentation models and fast computational algorithms to achieve efficient and robust implicit surface reconstruction for point clouds. We test our methods on various data sets that are noisy, non-uniform, and with holes or with open boundaries. Moreover, comparisons are also made to current state of the art point cloud surface reconstruction techniques.
Skin Conductance Response as a Measure of Adolescents' Emotional Reactivity

Magnitude of skin conductance response and habituation rates of 26 young adults (22 to 30 yr.) and 26 13-yr.-olds were compared for two conditions, neutral (500-Hz tone) and stressful (woman's scream). Both age groups exhibited significantly greater magnitude of response and required significantly more trials to habituate to the stressful stimulus. Adolescents required significantly more trials than adults to habituate to both neutral and stressful stimuli. Implications for the study of adolescents' emotional reactivity were discussed.
Utility of Thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens of lymph nodes in the diagnosis of recurrent thyroid carcinoma

The most common site for the metastasis of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PTC) is regional lymph nodes. Ultrasound (US) imaging may identify abnormal appearing lymph nodes, suspicious for PTC recurrence. Although fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of abnormal lymph nodes is often diagnostic of recurrence, small or cystic lymph nodes may be non-diagnostic due to lack of tumor cells. The measurement of thyroglobulin (TG) levels in FNAB specimens from lymph nodes suspicious for recurrent PTC can serve as an adjunct to the cytologic diagnosis.
The effect of cluster morphology on the turbulent flows over an armored gravel bed surface

Abstract Flume experiments are presented in which four distinct gravel and sand sediments were armored under three different flow rates. Following bed armoring, 134 clusters were identified on nine different armored beds. Clusters were separated into two categories, line and pebble, based on their morphology. Each cluster generated a recirculation cell characterized by increased turbulence that extended from just past the cluster crest in the downstream direction. The areas and orientations of the recirculation cells, together with analyses of the turbulent flow parameters and quadrant analyses, measured the influence of representative clusters on the surrounding flow field. The two basic types of cluster morphology produced very different effects on turbulent channel flows. Pebble clusters formed large recirculation cells and increased values of kinetic energy and momentum flux were measured vertically as well as longitudinally away from the cluster. Recirculation cells generated by line clusters were generally smaller and remained closer to the bed surface, restricting the impact of line clusters to flow at or below the cluster crest. The morphology of the line cluster induced turbulent processes similar to skimming flows. The difference in cluster influence over the immediate flow hydraulics was connected to the cluster morphology and orientation of the recirculation cell generated at the cluster. Line and pebble clusters formed as part of the armored bed surface structure at all the flow rates and grain size distributions tested without showing any preference. These results have potential implications for the general understanding and modeling of flows over armored gravel beds as the pebble and line clusters require morphology specific modeling.
Direct 99mTc labeling of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) for pharmacokinetic and non-invasive imaging studies.

Pharmacokinetic and organ distribution studies of liposomal drugs in humans are a challenge. A direct labeling method using 99m Tc- N,N -bis(2-mercaptoethyl)- N ′, N ′-diethyl-ethylenediamine (BMEDA) complex to label the commercially available pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, Doxil, has been introduced. Biodistributions of 99m Tc-Doxil in normal rats were performed to evaluate the feasibility of using it for monitoring the pharmacokinetics of liposomes encapsulating drugs. Labeling efficiency of 99m Tc-Doxil was 70.6 ± 0.8% ( n = 3). In vitro incubation of 99m Tc-Doxil in 50% fetal bovine serum or 50% human serum at 37°C showed good labeling stability with 72.3 ± 3.6% or 78.6 ± 1.8% of activity associated with Doxil at 24 h, respectively ( n = 3). There was a two-phase blood clearance with half-clearance times of 2.2 and 26.2 h after bolus intravenous injection in normal rats. Distribution of 99m Tc-Doxil at 44 h after injection had 19.8 ± 1.3% of injected dose in blood, 14.1 ± 1.7% in liver, 2.6 ± 0.3% in spleen, 9.0 ± 0.8% in bone with marrow, 6.0 ± 0.5% in skin, and 15.3 ± 4.3% in bowel ( n = 5). Unencapsulated 99m Tc-BMEDA had a very rapid blood clearance with a half-clearance time of only 0.12 h ( n = 4). By using this 99m Tc labeling method, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of ammonium gradient liposomes encapsulating drugs can be determined by noninvasive scintigraphic imaging. This labeling method may be extended to 186 Re and 188 Re labeling to combine chemotherapy and radionuclide therapy for tumor treatment.
Detection and characterization of an ABC transporter in Clostridium hathewayi

An ABC transporter gene from Clostridium hathewayi is characterized. It has duplicated ATPase domains in addition to a transmembrane protein. Its deduced amino acid sequence has conserved functional domains with ATPase components of the multidrug efflux pump genes of several bacteria. Cloning this transporter gene into C. perfringens and E. coli resulted in decreased sensitivities of these bacteria to fluoroquinolones. It also decreased the accumulation and increased the efflux of ethidium bromide from cells containing the cloned gene. Carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) inhibited both accumulation and efflux of ethidium bromide from these cells. The ATPase mRNA was overexpressed in the fluoroquinolone-resistant strain when exposed to ciprofloxacin. This is the first report of an ABC transporter in C. hathewayi.
Energy Delivery Transaction Pricing for flexible electrical loads

Although coordinating flexible electrical loads is known to have a multitude of benefits in terms of costs and reliability, designing efficient methods to practically induce the desired behavior, such as pricing mechanisms, poses a challenging problem. In this paper, we propose Energy Delivery Transaction Pricing (EDTP), a pricing scheme for coordinated energy delivery to delay tolerant demands that provides efficient incentives for load participation and facilitates demand side cost-comfort optimization. Instead of directly pricing electric power, we first define an energy delivery transaction as the process of delivering a certain amount of energy by a deadline and then propose a method to dynamically price the transactions. This approach enables us to reflect the value of flexibility as well as distribution network congestion level in the prices and hence to the users. We present our method using a flexible load scheduling problem we studied before and show that pricing each transaction as its incremental cost on the energy delivery schedule achieves our objectives. We compare the performance of EDTP in terms of the total cost of energy delivery, network level effects and user acceptance versus conventional consumption and optimal opportunistic response to real-time prices at different distribution network congestion levels. Our results show that EDTP exhibits strong performance advantage especially at and below moderate congestion levels and offers an advantageous option for most users while observing reliability of the distribution system and offering substantial amounts of reserves.
Determination of PAHs in Combustion-Related Samples and in SRM 1597, Complex Mixture of PAHs from Coal Tar

Abstract Three types of combustion sample extracts, smokeless coal, smoky coal, and wood, were analyzed for a range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASH). Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1597, Complex Mixture of PAHs from Coal Tar, was also analyzed as a control sample and for the determination of a larger number of PAHs relative to those determined previously. Target analytes included many alkyl-substituted PAHs such as dimethylphenanthrenes, methylfluoranthenes, and methylpyrenes. The analytical methods included sample clean-up and the selection of specific stationary phases to accomplish unique separations of PAHs. Clean-up involved the use of normal-phase liquid chromatographic isolation of PAHs based on the number of aromatic carbons and a total PAH fraction, PAHs in the resulting fractions were separated by gas chromatography using two stationary phases with different selectivities and analyzed using mass spectrometry. These methods are discu...
Culture, dental professionals and oral health values in multicultural societies: measuring cultural factors in geriatric oral health research and education

Culture has significant impacts upon professional practice and patient health behaviours, especially in multicultural societies. This paper introduces the concept of culture and examines how it may be of importance to dental health professionals. Using the Dental Impact Profile and other dental social science measures, dental researchers and students can be engaged in studying cultural values and characteristics as a way of dealing with cultural differences.
Transmural distribution of myocardial edema by NMR relaxometry following myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

To determine the distribution and extent of myocardial edema resulting from ischemia and reperfusion, seven open-chest dogs underwent occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery for 2 hours (group I), and 10 underwent occlusion for 2 hours and reperfusion for 2 hours (group II). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (T1 and T2 relaxation times) and percent water content were determined to quantitate the amount of edema. There was a transmural increase of the T1 relaxation time of the central ischemic zone in groups I and II, although this increase was significantly greater in group II in both the subendocardium (group I = 707.8 ± 12.5 msec, group II = 813.2 ± 36.2 msec; p < 0.01) and subepicardium (group I = 641.7 ± 20.5 msec, group II = 760.5 ± 34.7 msec; p < 0.01). These increases were also observed in the T2 weighted relaxation time in the subendocardium (group I = 54.7 ± 0.8 msec, group II = 78.7 ± 6.3 msec; p < 0.005) and subepicardium (group I = 54.0 ± 1.4 msec, group II = 73.1 ± 4.0 msec; p < 0.001). Transmural differences were evident between the myocardial layers with increased T1 relaxation times (p < 0.01) in the subendocardium in both groups. Similar increases were noted in the percent water content of the myocardium. Thus T1 and T2 relaxation times lengthened with an increase in myocardial water content following occulusion, and these relaxation times were augmented by reperfusion. We conclude that ischemia-induced edema occurs in a transmural distribution from subendocardium to subepicardium following occlusion, and this edema is further enhanced by reperfusion.
Preparation of americium targets for nuclear chemistry experiments at DANCE

Using 1 gram of 241Am from LANL stocks, the purification steps required to obtain a solution of 241Am from the original material are described. Part of the purified solution was submitted for purity analysis by mass spectrometry, radiochemistry and trace metals analysis. The impurities were expected to be 239Pu and 237Np. A second fraction of this material was used for electroplating three samples onto titanium disks that were suitable for insertion into an instrument package to be placed into the DANCE detector. The purification methods used, the electroplating setup and the solutions to various problems that were encountered in making these targets are discussed. The analytical results are discussed as well as the yields from the electrodeposition process. Comparison of these yields with those from similar experiments utilizing 235U and 243Am are also discussed.
Vitamin E deficiency as hepatic peroxisomal proliferator: electron microscopic evidence.

Abstract Vitamin E is a component of phospholipid chain of biological membrane and it is known to control the membrane stability and permeability (Lucy, 1972). This vitamin being an antioxidant also plays an important role in preventing oxidation of polyunsaturated lipids in cells (Tappel, 1972; Green, 1972). The report describes the proliferation and significant increase in size of peroxisomes (microbodies) of hepatocytes of vitamin E deficient male Wistar King rats. The proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum also occurs simultaneously. The matrical plates are formed in the peroxisomes as they increase in size. The loss of peroxisomal limiting membrane leaving the matrical plates in the cytoplasm is also observed which seems to be the advance stage. This phenominon seems to be the result of lack of vitamin E in the membranes allowing peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipid or loss of membrane lipid causing membrane instability (or membrane breakage). The peroxisomal increase is probably associated with increase in their catalase to scavenge increased peroxides generated by the peroxidation.
A comparative study of multiple-model algorithms for maneuvering target tracking

Many multiple-model (MM) algorithms for tracking maneuvering targets are available, but there are few comparative studies of their performance. This work compares seven MM algorithms for maneuvering target tracking in terms of tracking performance and computational complexity. Six of them are well known and widely used. They are the autonomous multiple-model algorithm, generalized pseudo-Bayesian algorithm of first order (GPB1), and of second order (GPB2), interacting multiple-model (IMM) algorithm, B-best based MM algorithm, and Viterbi-based MM algorithm. Also considered is the reweighted interacting multiple-model algorithm, which was developed recently. The algorithms were compared using three scenarios. The first scenario consists of two segments of tangential acceleration while the second scenario consists of two segments of normal acceleration. Both of these scenarios have maneuvers that are represented by one of the models in the model set. The third scenario, however, has a single maneuver that consists of a tangential and a normal acceleration. This type of maneuver is not overed by the model set and is used to see how the algorithms react to a maneuver outside of the model set. Based on the study, there is no clear-cut best algorithm but the IMM algorithm has the best computational complexity among the algorithms that have acceptable tracking errors. It also showed a remarkable robustness to model mismatching, and appears to be the top choice if the computational cost is of concern.
Spatial and Temporal Occurrence of Blue Whales off the U.S. West Coast, with Implications for Management

Mortality and injuries caused by ship strikes in U.S. waters are a cause of concern for the endangered population of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occupying the eastern North Pacific. We sought to determine which areas along the U.S. West Coast are most important to blue whales and whether those areas change inter-annually. Argos-monitored satellite tags were attached to 171 blue whales off California during summer/early fall from 1993 to 2008. We analyzed portions of the tracks that occurred within U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone waters and defined the ‘home range’ (HR) and ‘core areas’ (CAU) as the 90% and 50% fixed kernel density distributions, respectively, for each whale. We used the number of overlapping individual HRs and CAUs to identify areas of highest use. Individual HR and CAU sizes varied dramatically, but without significant inter-annual variation despite covering years with El Nino and La Nina conditions. Observed within-year differences in HR size may represent different foraging strategies for individuals. The main areas of HR and CAU overlap among whales were near highly productive, strong upwelling centers that were crossed by commercial shipping lanes. Tagged whales generally departed U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone waters from mid-October to mid-November, with high variability among individuals. One 504-d track allowed HR and CAU comparisons for the same individual across two years, showing similar seasonal timing, and strong site fidelity. Our analysis showed how satellite-tagged blue whales seasonally used waters off the U.S. West Coast, including high-risk areas. We suggest possible modifications to existing shipping lanes to reduce the likelihood of collisions with vessels.
Social Ties and Generalized Trust, Online and in Person: Contact or Conflict-The Mediating Role of Bonding Social Capital in America

Results of the present survey (n = 888) suggest that having strong social ties (or bonding social capital) fosters generalized trust, in support of conflict theory. There was no link between bridging social capital, or one's more diverse ties, and trust. Facebook use was found to have an indirect but positive influence on trust through levels of bonding social capital. Civic engagement was also positively related to trust through the same measure of bonding social capital, allowing like-minded members of civic groups to connect, which spilled over to trust. Neither Facebook use nor civic engagement directly influenced generalized trust. This study suggests the viability of both physical (civic) and digital (Facebook) modes of reengaging trust in an ever-diversifying society. The âvirtuous circle,â in which social trust and civic engagement prop one another up in a reciprocal fashion, instead looks like a figure eight here. Each measure indirectly boosted the other by first growing bonding social capital. When considered alongside divergent findings from Canada, this appears to be an American response to the increasing size of racial minority groups. Hispanic citizens make up the same portion of the American population as do all minority groups in Canada combined. These findings then represent a White reaction to an increasing Hispanic presence in America. Bounded solidarity in the form of strong, homogenous ties is shown as the path to trust in this setting.
Traffic and residue management systems: effects on fate of fertilizer N in corn

Abstract Soil compaction has been recognized as a problem limiting crop production, especially in the Southern Coastal Plain of the USA. Development of tillage and residue management systems is needed to alleviate soil compaction problems in these soils. Fertilizer nitrogen (N) management is also an important factor in these management systems. In 1988, a study was initiated with a wide-frame (6.3 m) vehicle to determine the interactive effects of traffic, deep tillage, and surface residue management on the fate of fertilizer N applied to corn ( Zea mays L.) grown on a Norfork loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, Thermic, Typic Kandiudults). Corn was planted into a winter cover crop of ‘Tibbee’ crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.). Treatments included: traffic (conventional equipment or no traffic); deep tillage (no deep tillage, annual in-row subsoiling, or one-time only complete disruption); residue management (no surface tillage or disk and field cultivation). The one-time only complete disruption was accomplished by subsoiling at a depth of 43 cm on 25 cm centers in spring 1988. In 1990–1991, fertilizer applications were made as 15 N-depleted NH 4 NO 3 to microplots inside each treatment plot. The 1990 and 1991 data are reported here. In 1990 an extreme drought resulted in an average grain yield of 1.8 Mg grain ha −1 , whereas abundant rainfall in 1991 resulted in 9.4 Mg grain ha −1 . Deep tillage increased corn dry matter production in both years. In 1991, grain yields indicated that corn was susceptible to recompaction of soil owing to traffic when residues were incorporated with surface tillage. In the dry year, plant N uptake was increased 27% with deep tillage and decreased 10% with traffic. In the wet year, a surface tillage × deep tillage × traffic interaction was observed for total N uptake, fertilizer N uptake, and total fertilizer N recovery in the plant-soil system. When combined with traffic, plant N uptake was reduced with the highest intensity tillage treatment (135 kg N ha −1 ) because of rootrestricting soil compaction, and with the lowest intensity tillage treatment (129 kg N ha −1 ) because of increased N losses. In these soils, leaving residues on the soil surface can reduce the detrimental effect of traffic on corn production, but if no surface tillage is performed, deep tillage is needed.
The analysis of data on nuclear scattering of charged particles

Synopsis The elastic scattering of charged particles of energies up to a few MeV by nuclei is discussed. The point of view is the analysis and interpretation of the experimental data. Two general types of data are considered: broad resonances or non-resonant interactions and narrow resonances. In the case of broad resonances, only s-waves are treated, but the analysis covers the s-wave interactions quite generally and extracts the nuclear parameters in various forms. The narrow resonance treatment covers resonances of arbitrary l and J superposed on a region of s-wave interactions. The more complicated cases, where phase shifts for 1 > 0 are important and slowly varying, are not treated.
Divalent cations cooperatively stabilize close membrane contacts in myelin.

Abstract Intact nerve myelin compacts to a dehydrated structure of closely apposed membranes when exposed to isotonic solutions at least 10 mM in calcium or tetracaine. The repeat period of the membrane pair in the compacted structure measured by X-ray diffraction is about 126 A in both central and peripheral mammalian nerve myelins whereas the normal periods are about 158 and 178 A, respectively. The electron density profile of compacted myelin shows an asymmetric membrane unit with thickness similar to that of the symmetric bilayer of flocculated myelin lipids. The centrosymmetrically averaged myelin membrane profile is similar to that of the lipid bilayer except at the surface where residual protein is concentrated. Dispersions of extracted total myelin lipids flocculate under similar conditions to those causing myelin compaction, indicating that similar forces act in both processes. Compaction is always accompanied by lateral segregation of intramembrane particles out of the close-packed domains. Lateral displacement of intramembrane proteins from compacted domains can be driven by the attraction of the lipid surfaces for each other. Rates of compaction vary with compacting reagent, concentration, tissue, and temperature, and probably reflect the permeability of the tissue. Extensive compaction by calcium or tetracaine leads to disruption and vesiculation of the spirally wrapped myelin membranes.
Chiral perturbation theory for B→D* and B→D semileptonic transition matrix elements at zero recoil

Abstract Heavy quark symmetry predicts the value of B→D and B→D ∗ transition matrix elements of the current c γ μ (1 − γ 5 )b , at zero recoil (where in the rest frame of the B the D or D ∗ is also at rest). We use chiral perturbation theory to compute the leading corrections to these predictions which are generated at low momentum, below the chiral symmetry breaking scale.
ICT1 comes to the rescue of mitochondrial ribosomes

In the current issue, [Richter et al (2010)][1] show that mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes contain a ribosomal protein (ICT1) that acts as a ribosome‐dependent, codon‐independent peptidyl‐tRNA hydrolase. This ribosomal protein can rescue ribosomes stalled on mRNAs lacking a termination codon. [1]: #ref-3
Interactions between diphenylhydantoin and tolbutamide in mice.

Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) has been reported to induce alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in some humans and in most species of laboratory animals. These effects are often associated with high or even toxic doses of the drug. The present study was conducted to determine whether the effects of DPH on carbohydrate metabolism could be detected in the mouse when the dosage level of the drug was the anticonvulsant ED50 value. The ip ED50 value of DPH in the supramaximal electroshock test was found to be 5.5 mg/kg. In all subsequent experiments the ip dose of DPH was 5.0 mg/kg. The administration of DPH to normally fed mice did not alter resting blood glucose levels, but it significantly reduced glucose tolerance. Similarly, DPH did not alter the hypoglycemic effect of exogenously administered insulin, but it reversed the hypoglycemic effect of tolbutamide. The reversal of tolbutamide-induced hypoglycemia appears to be mediated through the adrenal glands since DPH reduced but did not reverse the hypoglycemic effect of tolbutamide in adrenalectomized mice. Also, DPH potentiates the hyperglycemic effect of epinephrine. The results of these studies suggest that there may be a clinically significant interaction between DPH and tolbutamide.
Childhood Loneliness: Implications and Intervention Considerations for Family Therapists

Childhood loneliness may be an enduring condition of emotional distress that is often overlooked or misunderstood. In this article, the relationship between a lonely child’s early family experiences and subsequent peer interactions is explored. Interventions aimed at addressing childhood loneliness within the family and school are offered.