cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma bovis: Comparison of Assay Performance with a Conventional PCR Assay and Another Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a Taqman real-time PCR assay for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). Unique primers targeting the highly conserved house-keeping gene (uvrC) were designed and the probe sequence was derived from a previously published microarray study. There was 100% agreement in the outcome between our assay and the other two published assays for M. bovis detection. The analytical limit of detection of our assay is 83 copies of the uvrC gene. This assay was validated on a total of 214 bovine clinical specimens that were submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL), Texas, USA. The specificity of the assay was assessed to be 100% since no cross-reactivity occurred with 22 other bacterial and other Mycoplasma species. We conclude that the uvrC gene serves as a good and reliable diagnostic marker for the accurate and rapid detection of M. bovis from a wider variety of specimen matrices.
Infrared-visible sum frequency generation investigation of Cu corrosion inhibition with benzotriazole.

Infrared−visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy is used to investigate the corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTAH) adsorbed on Cu(100) and Cu(111) in acidic solution. Potential-dependent in situ spectra indicate that the adsorbed molecule is the benzotriazole anion (BTA-) at all potentials investigated. The Cu(100) surface is shown to form an ordered adlayer at all potentials probed, while the Cu(111) face is shown to be disordered at negative potentials, but to order with applied positive potential. The ordered adlayer is shown to consist of the BTA- in two configurations, one coordinated to the surface and Cu+ ions in solution and the other coordinated only to the surface. The BTA- coordinated to Cu+ is shown to be more stable with respect to Cl- addition than BTA- coordinated to only the surface. This study demonstrates the viability of using sum frequency generation to study corrosion inhibition in situ.
Darwinism and the expansion of evolutionary theory

The essence of Darwinism lies in the claim that natural selection is a creative force, and in the reductionist assertion that selection upon individual organisms is the locus of evolutionary change. Critiques of adaptationism and gradualism call into doubt the traditional consequences of the argument for creativity, while a concept of hierarchy, with selection acting upon such higher-level "individuals" as demes and species, challenges the reductionist claim. An expanded hierarchical theory would not be Darwinism, has strictly defined, but it would capture, in abstract form, the fundamental feature of Darwin's vision--direction of evolution by selection at each level.
Computational Issues in an Infinite-Horizon, Multiechelon Inventory Model

Clark and Scarf Clark, A., H. Scarf. 1960. Optimal policies for a multi-echelon inventory problem. Mgmt. Sci.6 475-490. characterize optimal policies in a two-echelon, two-location inventory model. We extend their result to the infinite-horizon case for both discounted and average costs. The computations required are far easier than for the finite horizon problem. Further simplification is achieved for normal demands. We also consider the more interesting case of multiple locations at the lower echelon. We show that, under certain conditions, this problem can be closely approximated by a model with one such location. A rather simple computation thus yields both a near-optimal policy and a good approximation of the cost of the system.
Aromatase activity of isolated and recombined hamster granulosa cells and theca.

The major synthesis of estrogen by the follicle is postulated to require both theca and granulosa cells. Theca in this scheme provide androgens to the major aromatizing site in the follicle, and the granulosa cell. One aspect of this theory was tested here. We investigated the comparative ability of isolated granulosa and theca, alone and in recombination to aromatize androgen in vitro. We found that the granulosa aromatize [14C]substrate more efficiently than do theca, and compare with the recombined system in their ability to aromatize [14C]androgen. The data therefore substantiates one aspect of the theory regarding the nature of the synergism, i.e., that the granulosa cells, at least in vitro, are the major site of aromatization of the preovulatory follicle.
The reliability of (AlGa)As CW laser diodes

This paper reviews the major factors bearing on the reliability of (AlGa)As CW laser diodes. The degradation modes of facet mirror damage, contact degradation, and internal damage are discussed in terms of our present knowledge of their effects on device performance, their origin, and their reduction or elimination. Detailed results are presented for oxide-defined stripe-contact lasers and, although reliability results are a strong function of fabrication technology, there are many issues common to all fabrication technologies, and these are emphasized. Lasers have been operated in our laboratory for more than 40 000 h with extrapolations indicating a median time to failure (MTTF) between 105and 106h. In these lasers both facet damage and contact degradation appear to be under control and internal damage remains the dominant failure mechanism. While still not well documented, for internal damage a so called "activation energy" of 0.7 eV may be useful for high temperature accelerated lifetests. Most of the reliability data deals with threshold current increase, however, shifts in far-field pattern and changes in laser modulation characteristics, such as self-sustained oscillations, may affect laser performance in real systems.
Partial purification and sugar nucleotide inhibition of UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from Lilium longiflorum pollen

Abstract Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase was purified 34-fold from ungerminated pollen of Lilium longiflorum using ammonium sulfate fractionation, sephadex G-200 gel filtration, and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange column chromatography. Its kinetic properties and inhibition by uridine diphosphate sugars were determined using an isotopic assay which employs retention of the product, UDP-[ 14 C] glucose, on DEAE cellulose discs. The Michaelis-Menten constants for the substrates UTP and glucose-1- P were 0.14 m m and 0.46 m m , respectively. Inhibitor studies showed UDP-glucose, UDP-glucuronic acid, UDP-galacturonic acid, UDP-xylose, UDP-galactose, and UDP-mannose to be noncompetitive with the substrate glucose-1- P (only V max decreased), and mixed competitive and noncompetitive ( K m increased, and V max decreased) with the substrate UTP. The apparent inhibition constants ( K i ) were determined to be; UDP-glucose, 0.13 m m ; UDP-glucuronic acid, 0.75 m m ; UDP-galacturonic acid, 0.93 m m ; UDP-xylose, 1.6 m m ; UDP-galactose, 4.8 m m ; and UDP-mannose, 9.6 m m . In various combinations tested these inhibitors showed simple additive inhibition when present at low individual concentrations (0.4 m m for UDP-galactose, and 0.1 m m for the others) in the presence of low substrate concentrations (UTP at 0.32 m m and glucose-1- P at 0.58 m m ). The results of these in vitro studies indicate the possibility that the uridine diphosphate sugars and uridine diphosphate sugar acids, which are the last soluble precursors for cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis, participate in vivo in a cumulative feedback manner at the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase reaction. Such feedback could, in turn, modulate the flow of carbon into pathways leading to cell wall polysaccharides.
Viral DNA and a viral peptide can act as cofactors of adenovirus virion proteinase activity

HUMAN adenovirus (Ad2), like many other viruses1, contains a virion-associated proteinase essential for the synthesis of infectious virus particles2–4. We observed proteinase activity in wild-type virus but not in the ts-1 virus2, which contains a mutation in the Ad2 L3 endoprotease gene5 that confers temperature-sensitive processing of virion precursor proteins. Unexpectedly, we did not observe proteinase activity with purified recombinant6,7 endoprotease protein (Mr 23 K). Purified recombinant endo-protease protein, however, complemented the mutation in ts-1 virions, restoring proteinase activity when mixed together. This implied that cofactors may be required. Here we reconstitute proteinase activity in vitro with three purified viral components: (1) the recombinant endoprotease protein; (2) an 11-amino-acid peptide that originates from the carboxy terminus of pVI, the precursor to virion component VI; and (3) adenovirus DNA. The use of DNA for a proteinase activity is unprecedented.
The Effects of Health Value on Healthful Food Selection Intention at Restaurants: Considering the Role of Attitudes Toward Taste and Healthfulness of Healthful Foods

Abstract This study investigated restaurant customers’ intent to choose healthful (e.g., low-fat or low-calorie) menu items using the value–attitude–behavior model. The sample was comprised of customers who had previously consumed these types of healthful items at a casual dining restaurant. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Results revealed that customers’ health values had a positive effect on attitudes and behavioral intentions and that customers’ attitudes toward low-fat or low-calorie menu items positively influenced behavioral intentions. However, attitudes toward taste of healthful menu items exerted a greater impact on behavioral intentions to choose, recommend, and spread a positive word-of-mouth about those menu items. To meet customers’ desire, restaurants should continue to focus on great-tasting healthful foods.
A GENERAL METHOD FOR THE QUANTITATION OF IMMUNE CYTOLYSIS

THE cytolytic effect of immune serum has been the subject of study by a number of investigators. It has been shown1 that cells other than erythrocytes undergo lytic changes in the presence of antibody and complement. It has been further shown2, using cells labelled with phosphorus-32, that the lysis of such cells is accompanied by a release of intracellular proteins, similar to the release of haemoglobin from lysed erythrocytes. It appeared that the immune lysis of tissue cells is quite analogous to the immune lysis of erythrocytes. On this basis, a test was developed using radioactive labelled cells which provides a means of quantitating immune lysis for cells derived from a variety of tissues.
Special Issue: Exploring languages for expressing medium to massive on-chip parallelism

The many-year trend of increasing processor speed has ended, and high-performance computing (HPC) is looking for a path to Exascale computation (i.e., at a rate exceeding 1018 operations per second) that does not involve simply improving the processor speed/ clock rate. Indeed, ‘Going to the exascale’ will mean a radical change in computing architecture – basically, vastly increasing the levels of parallelism to the point of millions of processors working in parallel. Newer processors tend to have larger numbers of cores, and there is a hierarchy of shared memory cores and distributed nodes containing those cores. A natural way to deal with this increase in the number of cores as well as the lack of uniform memory access is to re-examine programming languages. This Special Issue addresses the programming model developments that are being studied to deal with the next generation of hardware, including a new language effort and new features in current languages.
Intestinal Resistance to 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D in Mice Heterozygous for the Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Allele

We tested the hypothesis that low vitamin D receptor (VDR) level causes intestinal vitamin D resistance and intestinal calcium (Ca) malabsorption. To do so, we examined vitamin D regulated duodenal Ca absorption and gene expression [transient receptor potential channel, vallinoid subfamily member 6 (TRPV6), 24-hydroxylase, calbindin D9k (CaBP) mRNA, and CaBP protein] in wild-type mice and mice with reduced tissue VDR levels [i.e. heterozygotes for the VDR gene knockout (HT)]. Induction of 24-hydroxylase mRNA levels by 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3] injection was significantly reduced in the duodenum and kidney of HT mice in both time-course and dose-response experiments. TRPV6 and CaBP mRNA levels in duodenum were significantly induced after 1,25(OH)2 D3 injection, but there was no difference in response between wild-type and HT mice. Feeding a low-calcium diet for 1 wk increased plasma PTH, renal 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) mRNA level, and plasma 1,25(OH)2 D3, and this response was greater in HT mi...
Proposed Experiment for Validation of CFD Methods for Advanced SFR Design: Upper Plenum Thermal Striping and Stratification

In response to the goals outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, an effort is underway to develop an integrated multi-physics, multi-resolution thermal-hydraulic simulation tool package for the evaluation of nuclear power plant design and safety. As part of this effort, initial guidance has been proposed for the development of experiments to supply validation data sets for the CFD-based thermo-fluid simulation capability. To demonstrate that the proposed data requirements can be achieved using current generation measurement methods and to refine correlation and data comparison methods suitable for very large data sets, an initial experiment focused on turbulent mixing in the upper plenum of an advanced sodium fast reactor has been proposed. Prior validation efforts to support the use of one-dimensional lumped parameter models in the analysis of reactor safety performance relied primarily on data from carefully scaled integral system experiments to validate and tune correlations used to represent the physics associated with a particular transient in a particular reactor design. Unlike the correlation-based lumped parameter codes, computational fluid dynamics simulations reduce the reliance on experimentally derived correlations to the prediction of local turbulence effects rather the prediction of integral quantities like pressure drop and heat transfer coefficients. As a consequence, simpler separate effects experiments, which capture the turbulence effects but not necessarily the integral effects within a specific component of a system, can be utilized as the primary validation basis for the CFD codes. However, while the need for large carefully scaled integral experiments is reduced, the high spatial and temporal resolution of these codes requires that experimental data be collected at fine spatial and temporal resolutions. An initial series of simulations has been completed to support the development of the proposed experimental facility using air as a surrogate for the sodium coolant. Design options considered in RANS simulations using the commercial CFD code Star-CCM+ include mixing facility dimensions, the number of inlet jets to be included and outlet position. The use of RANS simulations is supported by an initial benchmarking comparison with predictions from the spectral element large eddy simulation code Nek5000 for the nominal experimental geometry.© 2009 ASME
Flexibility in nest density and social structure in invasive populations of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile

The extraordinary success of unicolonial insect invaders has renewed interest in the origins and maintenance of unicoloniality, a social system characterized by the absence of aggressive behavior between individuals of neighboring conspecific nests. In this study, I explore how traits associated with unicoloniality, particularly nest budding and the local exchange of workers between nests, vary across environments. Comparisons of nest characteristics in three introduced populations of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, reveal considerable variation in nest density and social structure across populations. The population with the highest nest density has smaller, less productive nests and fewer queens per nest than the two populations with low nest densities. Nestmate relatedness is low in all populations, but multi-locus genotype analyses reveal that levels of connectivity vary among populations. In particular, high nest density is associated with higher levels of genotypic similarity between nests. Assignment distances in the two populations with low nest density are similar to a native population, suggesting that the amount of mixing between neighboring nests is shared among some native and introduced populations. Because the study populations are similar in age and genetic diversity, these results suggest that the social structure of L. humile populations depend on the ecological context. Understanding the patterns of expression of unicolonial traits in different environments helps to shed light on the origins of unicoloniality and to explain the success of Argentine ants as invaders.
The transgenerational family effect on new venture growth strategy

We examine family-based resiliencies and transgenerational phenomena in family business contexts and introduce the transgenerational family effect (TFE) construct. The TFE influences long-term strategy and culture in family-based entrepreneurial ventures. We clarify the boundaries of the construct based on evidence from 414 cases in the panel study of entrepreneurial dynamics. Then, we operationalise it with two-by-two permutations of family membership and strategic tradition. Finally, we develop and assess hypotheses about venture strategic vision, growth orientation and wealth orientation. Our findings suggest that the TFE promotes vision and wealth creation across generations in family businesses.
Corporate Bond Spreads and the Business Cycle: Introducing GS-SPREAD

The corporate bond market is becoming an important focus for more and more fixed-income market participants, and a growing number of fund managers require a valuation framework to enhance portfolio returns by altering their exposure to corporate bonds relative to government bonds. The authors model Baa corporate bond yields over Treasuries using forty years of quarterly data. The data includes annual changes in real GDP, the annualized “financing gap” of non-farm non-financial U.S. corporations as a percentage of GDP, and stock market volatility, defined as the standard deviation of daily returns on the S&P 500 index. The model indicates that credit spreads are currently above “fair value,” but are projected to fall modestly on average in the course of the year. This suggests that bond investors should overweight U.S. corporate bonds relative to government bonds.
Precipitation Extremes Estimated by GPCP and TRMM: ENSO Relationships

Abstract Global monthly and daily precipitation extremes are examined in relation to the El Nino–Southern Oscillation phenomenon. For each month around the annual cycle and in each 2.5° grid block, extremes in the Global Precipitation Climatology Project dataset are defined as the top five (wet) and bottom five (dry) mean rain rates from 1979 to 2004. Over the tropical oceans El Nino–Southern Oscillation events result in a spatial redistribution and overall increase in extremes. Restricting the analysis to land shows that El Nino is associated with an increase in frequency of dry extremes and a decrease in wet extremes resulting in no change in net extreme months. During La Nina an increase in frequency of dry extremes and no change in wet extremes are observed. Thus, because of the juxtaposition of tropical land areas with the ascending branches of the global Walker Circulation, El Nino (La Nina) contributes to generally dry (wet) conditions in these land areas. In addition, daily rain rates computed fro...
Shock-wave propagation in a sonoluminescing gas bubble

The motion of the bubble radius and of the air trapped inside the bubble during sonoluminescence are determined self-consistently by coupling the solution of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation governing the bubble radius to the solution of Euler's equations for the motion of air in the bubble. Results are presented for three slightly different conditions of excitation, in two of which shocks are formed during the collapse of the bubble, and in which such high temperatures are attained that the air is ionized. Estimates are made of the duration and intensity of the light then radiated by the plasma.
Variable-Thickness Chest Filtration: The Effect Of High Atomic Number Filter Materials

Summary and ConclusionsMaterials having very different x -ray absorption properties were fabricated intoequalization filters which provided very similar improvements in mediastinal penetrationon PA chest radiographs. Images produced with these filters were compared in terms ofcontrast and scatter fraction. Despite the considerable differences in the incidentx -ray spectra resulting from the use of K edge and non K edge filters, only relativelysmall differences were observed in the properties of the images produced with thesefilters. The 10 percent differences in contrast noted between the nickel and K edgefilters are considerably less than the changes in contrast often observed due to theusual patient -to- patient variation in height or weight. Observed differences in patientexposure for these filters were also small, generally being of the order of 10 percent inmagnitude. Although such results are clearly dependent on factors such as the energyresponse of the screen -film system and the efficiency of scatter elimination, we believethat the efficient scatter removal employed in this experiment will tend to maximize theeffects of the shape of the primary spectra emerging from the filters. If this is thecase, it would appear that the choice of filter material is a relatively minor considera-tion in the construction of equalization filters for chest radiography.AcknowledgmentsThis work was supported in part by USPHS Grant CA 24806 from the National CancerInstitute.References
Aerosolized Montelukast Polymeric Particles—An Alternative to Oral Montelukast–Alleviate Symptoms of Asthma in a Rodent Model

Purpose Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) propagate inflammatory reactions that result from allergen exposure in asthma. Montelukast, a CysLT type-1 receptor antagonist, disrupts mediator–receptor interactions and minimizes inflammatory response. In this study, we have evaluated anti-asthmatic efficacy of inhalable montelukast-loaded large porous particulate formulations in ovalbumin-induced rat airway inflammation model that mimics asthma.
Genetic basis of bilateral macronodular hyperplasia.

ABSTRACT Objective: To review the genetic basis of bilateral macronodular hyperplasia (BMAH). Methods: Case presentation, review of literature, table, and bullet point conclusions. Results: BMAH, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent macronodular hyperplasia (AIMH), can cause Cushing syndrome or mild hypercortisolism. Recent studies have demonstrated that hyperplastic tissue reproduces ectopic ACTH, implying that BMAH is the more proper term, as the syndrome is not ACTH-independent. BMAH was thought to be sporadic, but recent data have shown that there is likely a genetic component in the majority of cases. Mutations in ARMC5, a putative suppressor gene, have been found in many familial cases of BMAH and are thought to be responsible for the disorder. As these nodules inefficiently produce cortisol, large nodules are required to produce a clinical syndrome. ARMC5 likely requires a second somatic mutation to become clinically apparent. Clinical manifestations are not generally noted until the fifth to sixth decades of life. Conclusion: BMAH is an underrecognized genetic condition that can lead to Cushing syndrome and should be screened for in patients and susceptible family members. Abbreviations: ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone AIMAH = ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia ARMC5 = armadillo-repeat containing 5 BMAH = bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia CT = computed tomography MEN1 = multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 UFC = urinary free cortisol
Highly Loaded Low-Pressure Turbine: Design, Numerical, and Experimental Analysis

The performance and detailed flow physics of a highly loaded, transonic, low-pressure turbine stage has been investigated numerically and experimentally. The mean rotor Zweifel coefficient was 1.35, with dh/U2 = 2.8, and a total pressure ratio of 1.75. The aerodynamic design was based on recent developments in boundary layer transition modeling. Steady and unsteady numerical solutions were used to design the blade geometry as well as to predict the design and off-design performance. Measurements were acquired in a recently developed, high-speed, rotating turbine facility. The nozzle-vane only and full stage characteristics were measured with varied mass flow, Reynolds number, and free-stream turbulence. The efficiency calculated from torque at the design speed and pressure ratio of the turbine was found to be 90.6%. This compared favorably to the mean line target value of 90.5%. This paper will describe the measurements and numerical solutions in detail for both design and off-design conditions.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Tax Reform and the Value of Real Estate Income Property

This paper examines the effect of recent proposals for tax reform (Treasury I and Treasury II) on the tax benefits and value of real estate income property. The effect on tax benefits is measured by the effective tax rate, and the potential impact on value is measured by the capitalization rate (user cost). The analysis of Treasury I provides insight into the effect of a tax-neutral system on real estate since this proposal comes close to meeting the criteria of tax neutrality. The importance of debt in evaluating tax neutrality is also shown. The paper demonstrates that the interaction between tax law changes and the way interest rates adjust to inflation are critical to the conclusions.
Clinical versus statistical assessment of psychotherapy: a mathematical model of the dilemma.

In principle any therapeutic technique can and should be subjected to a formal statistical trial. Those patients helped and those patients harmed should be counted. Only if the first number significantly exceeds the second should the treatment be retained. In practice, remarkable difficulties supervene. Abundant consideration has been given in the past to the problems of defining psychotherapy, of defining improvement, and of achieving reliability among judges to identify improvement. The abstracting effect of the common statistical techniques, however, has been less commonly recognized as a problem. Presented here is a mathematical model of a controlled statistical trial of psychotherapy. It illustrates how accurate clinical perceptions about individuals and valid statistics about groups may provide apparently conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
Hormone sensitive calcium uptake by liver microsomes.

Abstract The effects of glucagon and insulin on hepatic microsomal calcium uptake were investigated. Microsomes isolated from perfused rat liver accumulated calcium in the presence of ATP and oxalate. Addition of glucagon to the perfusate significantly increased calcium uptake by microsomes subsequently isolated. In contrast, addition of insulin to the perfusate resulted in a decreased microsomal calcium uptake and inhibition of the glucagon effect. Because the effects of glucagon and insulin on hepatic microsomal calcium uptake are opposite, as are the metabolic effects of these hormones, it is likely that the observed differences are of physiological importance.
The Marginality Hypothesis Electoral Insecurity, Self-Interest, and Voting Behavior

The issue of legislative pay raises offers several advantages as a perspective from which to study the connection between voting behavior and electoral insecurity (the marginality hypothesis). The ...
Understanding Student Attempts to Find a Line of Fit

Summary The least squares method of fitting a line is not one that naturally occurs to students. We present three tasks to understand student views on how lines may be fit.
Electronic structure from operator recursion analysis

Abstract A form of Hill's equation is chosen to represent the Schroedinger equation for a single particle in a periodic lattice lacking a center of symmetry. Recursion equations for energy eigenstate matrix elements of a complete set of circular functions are constructed and analyzed by transforming them into a set of “characteristic eigenvalue” equations. The electronic charge densities, energy spectra, direct transitions, and band gaps can be obtained directly from the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the “characteristic” matrices. The extension of the method to three dimensions and to the many body problem is briefly discussed.
Lipoma of the oral cavity.

Abstract A clinicostatistical analysis of 42 cases of intra-oral lipomas is presented with a review of the literature on lipomas and intra-oral lipomas. In this series the mean age of presentation was 51.6 years in males and 61.5 years in females; 76% of males presented before 60 years while 60% of females presented after 60 years of age. This large series has allowed a re-appraisal of current theories and statistical data.
The Family Health System Approach to Family Systems Nursing

This article explores the Family Health System (FHS) approach, which offers a holistic perspective in examination, assessment, and care delivery for families. It demonstrates that other theoretical...
Saprospira grandis: A flexibacterium that can catch bacterial prey by "ixotrophy"

A marine, multicellular, filamentous flexibacterium, Saprospira grandis Gross, can not only live heterotrophically on dissolved organic substrata, but can subsist on other microbes and can even catch motile bacteria by their flagella before killing and digesting them.
Silver staining of DNA in polyacrylamide gels

Nucleic acids can be detected at the picogram level using a quick and simple silver staining method (2). Using very thin polyesterbacked polyacrylamide gels, a further simplified protocol was compared to other widely used silver staining procedures. The improved protocol described here was the most sensitive, the fastest to perform, and had relatively few steps and reagents. This method also produced the least number of staining artifacts and offered images of high contrast.
Microfabrication of an asymmetric, multi-layered microdevice for controlled release of orally delivered therapeutics

The creation of an oral drug delivery platform to administer chemotherapeutic agents effectively can not only increase patient compliance, but also potentially diminish drug toxicity. A microfabricated device offers advantages over conventional drug delivery technology. Here we describe the development of a multi-layered polymeric drug-loaded microfabricated device (microdevice) for the oral delivery of therapeutics, which offers unidirectional release of multiple therapeutics. The imaging and release of therapeutics from the multi-layered device was performed with three different fluorescently labeled albumins. The release of insulin and chemotherapeutic camptothecin was also observed to be released in a controlled manner over the course of 180 min in vitro. Furthermore, asymmetric delivery was shown to concentrate drug at the device/cell interface, wherein 10 times more drug permeated an intestinal epithelial cell monolayer, compared to unprotected drug-loaded hydrogels. The bioactivity of the released chemotherapeutic was shown with cytostasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Cytostasis of drug loaded hydrogels was significantly higher than control empty hydrogel laden microdevices. Our results conclude that microfabrication of a hydrogel laden microdevice leads to a viable oral delivery platform for chemotherapeutics.
A twin arginine signal peptide and the pH gradient trigger reversible assembly of the thylakoid ΔpH/Tat translocase

The thylakoid ΔpH-dependent/Tat pathway is a novel system with the remarkable ability to transport tightly folded precursor proteins using a transmembrane ΔpH as the sole energy source. Three known components of the transport machinery exist in two distinct subcomplexes. A cpTatC–Hcf106 complex serves as precursor receptor and a Tha4 complex is required after precursor recognition. Here we report that Tha4 assembles with cpTatC–Hcf106 during the translocation step. Interactions among components were examined by chemical cross-linking of intact thylakoids followed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. cpTatC and Hcf106 were consistently associated under all conditions tested. In contrast, Tha4 was only associated with cpTatC and Hcf106 in the presence of a functional precursor and the ΔpH. Interestingly, a synthetic signal peptide could replace intact precursor in triggering assembly. The association of all three components was transient and dissipated upon the completion of protein translocation. Such an assembly–disassembly cycle could explain how the ΔpH/Tat system can assemble translocases to accommodate folded proteins of varied size. It also explains in part how the system can exist in the membrane without compromising its ion and proton permeability barrier.
The role of tenofovir in preventing and treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in immunosuppressed patients. A real life experience from a tertiary center.

Abstract Introduction/aim Patients who present HBV reactivation during immunosuppressive treatment are prone to develop life threatening decompensation of the liver function, therefore prophylaxis and treatment are strongly recommended. So far there are no data regarding the role of tenofovir in this context. Therefore, the aim of our study was to describe our “real life” experience with the use of tenofovir (TDF) in patients who underwent immunosuppressive treatment. Results 38 patients with immunosuppression received antiviral treatment with tenofovir (25 patients as prophylaxis and 13 patients as treatment of HBV reactivation). In all 25 patients in whom prophylactic treatment with tenofovir was administered no HBV flare occurred during immunosuppression and the levels of serum HBV-DNA became or remained undetectable during the follow up period (mean follow up 17.2 months, range 6–54). One patient experienced HBsAg seroconversion. In the 13 patients who exhibited HBV reactivation TDF treatment resulted in complete biochemical and virological response within 6 months except two patients with high pretreatment HBV-DNA levels who became HBV-DNA negative at 9 months. No exacerbation of liver disease or liver related death has been observed. One patient who presented with decompensated cirrhosis during HBV reactivation returned into a compensated state after treatment. No side effects of tenofovir have been documented. Conclusion Tenofovir seems to be highly effective and safe in the prophylaxis and rescue treatment of HBV reactivation in patients who receive immunosuppression therapy.
THERMODYNAMICS OF ALKALI AND ALKALINE EARTH METAL ION-EXCHANGE ON ZIRCONIUM SULPHOPHOSPHONATES

Abstract The thermodynamics of alkali and alkaline earth metal ion exchange on a layered zirconium sulphophosphonate having the general composition Zr(O3PC6H4SO3H) ×(HPO4) 2−× yH2O have been investigated. Enthalpy and entropy changes accompanying the M2+ - H+ exchange (M = Na+, Cs+, Mg2+ and Ba2+)were determined by the temperature variation method. For the monovalent ions, Na+ and Cs+, the enthalpy terms favor exchange whereas the entropy terms are unfavorable. In contrast, for the divalent ions, Mg2+ and Ba2+, the exchange is due to highly favorable entropy terms.
Use of image analysis for estimation of the numerical densities of neurons and synapses in cerebral cortex

Abstract Relating to the protocol by Mikki et al. [Brain Res. Protocols 2 (1997) 9–16], the use of an image analysis system is recommended in place of micrographs and photoprints for the counting and measuring of neuronal nuclei.
Molecular Tools: Biology, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Triage

Diffuse gliomas in adults continue to have a dismal prognosis with the current standard therapeutic methods, including maximal surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of adult glioma is complex, involving the loss of function of tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes, which are involved in a network of interconnected signaling pathways. Through activation of these pathways, characteristics of malignant gliomas, including uncontrolled proliferation and growth, invasion, and angiogenesis, are driven. Evolving therapeutic approaches are focused on specifically targeting these genetic lesions. This content gives an overview of the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of adult diffuse gliomas, emphasizing new targeted treatment approaches.
On Nehari disks and the inner radius

Let D be a simply connected plane domain and B the unit disk. The inner radius of D, \( \sigma (D) \), is defined by \( \sigma ({\rm D}) = {\rm sup}\left\{a: a \geq 0, \Vert{\rm S}_{f}\Vert_{\rm D} \le a\,{\rm implies}\,f\, {\rm is\,univalent\,in\,D} \right\} \). Here Sf is the Schwarzian derivative of f, \( \rho_{\rm D} \) the hyperbolic density on D and \( \Vert{\rm S}_{f}\Vert_{\rm D} = {\rm sup}_{z \in {\rm D}}\mid {\rm S}_{f}(z)\mid \rho_{\rm D}^{-2} (z) \). Domains for which the value of \( \sigma {\rm (D)} \) is known include disks, angular sectors and regular polygons, as well as certain classes of rectangles and equiangular hexagons. All of the mentioned domains except non-convex angular sectors have an interesting property in common, namely that \( \sigma {\rm (D)} = 2 - \Vert{\rm S}_h \Vert_{\rm B} \), where h maps B conformally onto D. Because of the importance of this property for computing \( \sigma {\rm(D)} \), we say that D is a Nehari disk if \( \sigma {\rm (D)} = 2 - \Vert{\rm S}_h \Vert_{\rm B} \) holds.¶This paper is devoted to the problem of characterizing Nehari disks. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a domain to be a Nehari disk provided it is a regulated domain with convex corners.
Service contracts and aggregate utility functions

Utility functions are used by clients of a service to communicate the value of a piece of work and other QoS aspects such as its timely completion. However, utility functions on individual work items do not capture how important it is to complete all or part of a batch of items; for this purpose, a higher-level construct is required. We propose a multi-job aggregate-utility function, and show how a service provider that executes jobs on rented resources can use it to drive admission control and job scheduling decisions. Using a profit-seeking approach to its policies, we find that the service provider can cope gracefully with client overload and varying resource availability. The result is significantly greater value delivered to clients, and higher profit (net value) generated for the service provider
Fast Collect in the absence of contention

We present a generic module, called Fast Collect. Fast Collect is an implementation of single-writer multi-reader (SWMR) shared-memory in an asynchronous system in which a processor updates its cell and then reads in any order all the other cells. Our simple implementation of Fast Collect uses some multiwriter multi-reader (MWMR) variables and one local Boolean per processor, such that eventually, in the absence of contention, i.e. if only a single processor repeatedly performs collect, the amortized cost per each collect is a constant. With the example of Disk Paxos we show how Fast Collect can be used as a building block in wait-free algorithms.
Nonmonotonic variation of seawater 87 Sr/ 86 Sr across the Ivorian/Chadian boundary (Mississippian, Osagean); evidence from marine cements within the Irish Waulsortian limestone

ABSTRACT Detailed analysis of compositionally unaltered marine fibrous cements (MFC) from a single core through the Mississippian Irish Waulsortian Limestone indicates that the variation of seawater 87Sr/86Sr is nonmonotonic across the Ivorian-Chadian boundary. This nonmonotonic variation has not been recognized by previous studies. Furthermore, marine cements yielded 87Sr/86Sr ratios lower than previously reported values for the Ivorian-Chadian (Osagean). Marine fibrous cements are interpreted to be compositionally unaltered on the basis of nonluminescent character and stable isotope (C, O) composition comparable to previous estimates of Mississippian marine calcite. The isotope chemistry (C, O, Sr) and cathodoluminescent character of the marine fibrous cements therefore remained intact during their conversion from high-Mg calcite to low-Mg calcite + microdolomite, a conversion that probably took place in marine water during precipitation of Zone 1 calcite cement, the oldest non-MFC cement. High stratigraphic resolution was obtained by restricting the sample set to a single core, 429 m long, thereby eliminating chronostratigraphic correlation errors. The MFC cements are pre-Arundian (based on previous study), and are interpreted to be in stratigraphic order and to be approximately the same age as the host limestones. The core is estimated to represent about 9.8 million years of Waulsortian Limestone deposition. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of pristine MFC samples range from a high of 0.707908 in the early Ivorian to a low of 0.707650 in the late Ivorian and mid-Chadian, with an early Chadian maximum at 0.707800. The maximum rate of change in seawater 87Sr/86Sr is -0.00012/Ma, comparable in magnitude to Tertiary values. Our data document the presence of fine-scale seawater 87Sr/86Sr modulations for the Ivorian/Chadian, in contrast to the previously published monotonic seawater 87Sr/86Sr curve for this interval, and emphasize the importance of well characterized intraformational isotopic baselines.
Stability Model for Ultra-thin Lubricant Films with a Slider

This paper investigates a thermodynamic stability model that defines the film stability with respect to the film thickness h, molecular weight M, and fly height of the slider hf. The model incorporates non-dispersive interaction between an endgroup of lubricant and carbon overcoat surface so that it is capable of a Fomblin Zdol type lubricant. The Zdol lubricant film exhibits autophobic dewetting, which is initiated by the functional endgroups localizing at substrate interface and by the low surface energy in its buckbone. In such a system, the surface free energy of the film must be properly described as a function of thickness to incorporate effects due to the characteristic nanostructure near the surface.
Central banks: between internationalisation and domestic political control

The paper examines the exercise, the efficiency, and the legitimacy of the monetary policy-making process. The goal of central bank autonomy in recent times is the outcome of a demand for price stability. The realisation of autonomy is also a consequence of the fragmentation of national decision making, in federal systems but also in regional and international monetary arrangements. Economic and financial crisis changes the political economy, and produces a transition from seeing the central bank as producing a general or universalisable good (price stability) to interpreting monetary policy as fundamentally a tool for redistributive or factional policies. The latter will only work in the framework of national policy.
Increased glutamate, GABA and glutamine in lateral geniculate nucleus but not in medial geniculate nucleus caused by visual attention to novelty.

This study is concerned with cortico-thalamic neural mechanisms underlying attentional phenomena. Previous results from this laboratory demonstrated that the visual sector of the GABAergic thalamic reticular nucleus is selectively c-fos activated in rats that are naturally paying attention to features of a novel-complex environment, and that this activation is dependent on top-down glutamatergic inputs from the primary visual cortex. By contrast, the acoustic sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus is not activated despite noise generated by exploration and c-fos activation of brainstem acoustic centers (e.g. dorsal cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus). A prediction of these results is that the levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA, and the glutamate-related amino acid glutamine, will be increased in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), but not in the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) of rats that explore a novel-complex environment in comparison to levels of these amino acids in control rats. By means of neurochemical analysis of these amino acids (HPLC) the results of this study confirmed this prediction. The results are consistent with the previously proposed 'focal attention' hypothesis postulating that a focus of attention in the primary visual cortex generates top-down center-surround facilitatory-inhibitory effects on geniculocortical transmission via corticoreticulogeniculate pathways. The results also supports the notion that a main function of corticothalamic pathways to relay thalamic nuclei is attention-dependent modulation of thalamocortical transmission.
Monolithic and discrete mm-wave InP lateral transferred-electron oscillators

A lateral InP transferred-electron device structure was investigated and its application to millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) was demonstrated. The discrete devices were tested in a tunable waveguide cavity. These tests showed a continuous-wave (CW) power output of 29.1 mW with a DC-to-RF conversion efficiency of 6.7% at 29.9 GHz. At W-band, CW power outputs of 0.9 mW and 0.4 mW were obtained at 75.2 GHz and 98.5 GHz, respectively. An 80-GHz monolithic oscillator incorporating the lateral transferred-electron devices is also described. Without external tuning, the circuit oscillated at 79.9 GHz with a pulsed power output of 0.1 mW. >
The Relocation of the Columbia Villa Community: Views from Residents

The federal program, Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI), is intended to revitalize the worst public housing developments in the nation. It assumes that these places contribute little, if anything, positive to the lives of residents. Surveys of 173 residents who were relocated from Portland's defense era housing, the 462-unit Columbia Villa, reveal that well-designed housing that is properly managed and safe provides the essential foundation on which families cope with the vicissitudes of poverty. Contrary to public opinion, Columbia Villa was a strong, close-knit, safe community for families, the disabled, and the elderly.
Another Look at the Efficiency of Corporate Travel Management Departments

In response to escalating business travel costs, many firms have formed corporate travel management departments to help control these expenses. This study examines how efficiently these departments are operating by employing a stochastic frontier technique in addition to a linear programming procedure. Both of these methods construct efficient frontiers that represent the minimum costs that need to be allocated to corporate travel given the number of trips that firms take. Any costs incurred beyond the efficient frontiers are deemed excess, and the firms are classified as inefficient. The results using both procedures indicate that the corporate travel management departments are relatively efficient. In a competitive market, it is expected that more firms will begin to use in-house travel management departments to help control the rise of travel-related expenses.
Apple Cultivar and Maturity Affect Haze‐Active Protein and Haze‐Active Polyphenol Concentrations in Juice

: Juices were prepared from single apple cultivars in 3 crop years. The levels of haze-active (HA) protein and HA polyphenol were much more similar in 1997 and 1998 than in 1996. Fuji had by far the highest HA protein while Spartan, Jonagold, and Monroe were intermediate. HA polyphenol levels were less consistent, but Empire, Liberty, and Monroe were low, and Jonamac, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Cortland, and Ida Red were intermediate. The highest HA polyphenol was found in Rome. During fruit maturation, HA protein tended to increase while HA polyphenol declined. This led to a distinct tendency toward a lower HA polyphenol/HA protein ratio with time.