cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlled unidirectional energy transfer in luminescent self-assembled conjugated polymer superlattices

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of multi-layered organic superlattices made by polyelectrolyte self-assembly. Self-assembled films were formed from a water-soluble form of poly(phenylene vinylene) with high-photoluminescence quantum efficiency (QE). We observed a self-quenching of the luminescence with increasing film thickness. This quenching can be reversed by inserting spacer layers between each active conjugated layer. A red shift of the luminescence was also observed as additional poly(phenylene vinylene) layers were added. We attribute the red shift and increasing QE to changing polymer conformation, together with efficient unidirectional energy transfer. We rule out quantum confinement as the origin of the red shift.
Acquired resistance to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in clinical practice (tamoxifen & raloxifene) by selection pressure in breast cancer cell populations

Tamoxifen, a pioneering selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has long been a therapeutic choice for all stages of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. The clinical application of long-term adjuvant antihormone therapy for the breast cancer has significantly improved breast cancer survival. However, acquired resistance to SERM remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment. The evolution of acquired resistance to SERMs treatment was primarily discovered using MCF-7 tumors transplanted in athymic mice to mimic years of adjuvant treatment in patients. Acquired resistance to tamoxifen is unique because the growth of resistant tumors is dependent on SERMs. It appears that acquired resistance to SERM is initially able to utilize either E2 or a SERM as the growth stimulus in the SERM-resistant breast tumors. Mechanistic studies reveal that SERMs continuously suppress nuclear ER-target genes even during resistance, whereas they function as agonists to activate multiple membrane-associated molecules to promote cell growth. Laboratory observations in vivo further show that three phases of acquired SERM-resistance exists, depending on the length of SERMs exposure. Tumors with Phase I resistance are stimulated by both SERMs and estrogen. Tumors with Phase II resistance are stimulated by SERMs, but are inhibited by estrogen due to apoptosis. The laboratory models suggest a new treatment strategy, in which limited-duration, low-dose estrogen can be used to purge Phase II-resistant breast cancer cells. This discovery provides an invaluable insight into the evolution of drug resistance to SERMs, and this knowledge is now being used to justify clinical trials of estrogen therapy following long-term antihormone therapy. All of these results suggest that cell populations that have acquired resistance are in constant evolution depending upon selection pressure. The limited availability of growth stimuli in any new environment enhances population plasticity in the trial and error search for survival.
Effectiveness of Anode in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with Hydrogen/Oxygen Mixed Gases

Abstract A porous Ni/YSZ cermet in mixed hydrogen and oxygen was investigated for its ability to decrease oxygen activity as the anode of a single chamber SOFC. A cell with a dense 300 μm YSZ electrolyte was operated in a double chamber configuration. The Ni–YSZ anode was exposed to a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen of varying compositions while the cathode was exposed to oxygen. Double chamber tests with mixed gas on the anode revealed voltage oscillations linked to lowered power generation and increased resistance. Resistance measurements of the anode during operation revealed a Ni/NiO redox cycle causing the voltage oscillations. The results of these tests, and future tests of similar format, could be useful in the development of single chamber SOFC using hydrogen as fuel.
The Submillimeter Spectrum of MnH and MnD (X7Σ

The submillimeter-wave spectrum of the MnH and MnD radicals in their 7Σ+ ground states has been measured in the laboratory using direct absorption techniques. These species were created in the gas phase by the reaction of manganese vapor, produced in a Broida-type oven, with either H2 or D2 gas in the presence of a DC discharge. The N = 0 → 1 transition of MnH near 339 GHz was recorded, which consisted of multiple hyperfine components arising from both the manganese and hydrogen nuclear spins. The N = 2 → 3 transition of MnD near 517 GHz was measured as well, but in this case only the manganese hyperfine interactions were resolved. Both data sets were analyzed with a Hund's case b Hamiltonian, and rotational, fine structure, magnetic hyperfine, and electric quadrupole constants have been determined for the two manganese species. An examination of the magnetic hyperfine constants shows that MnH is primarily an ionic species, but has more covalent character than MnF. MnH is a good candidate species for astronomical searches with Herschel, particularly toward material associated with luminous blue variable stars.
Electrochemical synthesis and electronic properties of poly(3,4-dibutyl-α-terthiophene)

Abstract Electrochemically prepared poly(3,4-dibutyl-α-terthiophene) has been investigated and the relationship between the electronic properties, the chemical structure of the monomer and the electrolyte used during the electropolymerization was studied. Doping studies were carried out with various electrolytes. We have electrochemically oxidized (p-doping) and reduced (n-doping) thin films of this polymer on platinum electrode under the same electrochemical conditions. We find that the films show a reversible oxidation wave yielding an electrically conducting polymer and a reversible reduction wave which is sensitive to the nature of the electrolyte. A value for the band gap derived electrochemically compares well with that obtained by optical absorption measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity varies by 10 12 S cm −1 between the doped and undoped states of the polymer. The temperature-independent magnetic susceptibility above 100 K is consistent with the conducting properties of this polymer. The electrochemically prepared material is compared with the chemically prepared one using the same monomer.
OP14.15: The effects of the maternal hyperoxygenation test on twin pregnancies with one intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetus

Objectives: To compare the effects of maternal hyperoxygenation on the Doppler waveforms in twin pregnancies where one fetus has IUGR and absent or reversed end diastolic flow (ARED) in room air. Methods: Women with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with one IUGR fetus with ARED in room air between 2006 and 2008 who were hospitalized after 24 weeks gestation for close surveillance and bed rest were included in the study. All fetuses had structurally normal hearts. None had evidence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Measurements of Doppler flow pattern in middle cerebral artery (MCA), free loop of umbilical artery (FLUA) and ductus venosus (DV) were made in room air and then after breathing 60% oxygen by face mask for twenty minutes. Results: Seven twin pregnancies were included. The normal cotwin in each case had normal Doppler waveforms in room air and oxygen. All seven IUGR fetuses had ARED in room air and dilated DV size. In five patients, the FLUA normalized (PI < 1.75) after breathing 60% oxygen (mean PI = 3.21 in room air versus mean PI = 1.65 in oxygen). These five patients who had positive change with oxygen delivered an average of 5 weeks (range 3–14 weeks) after hospitalization. The other two patients who had no change in FLUA with oxygen and had abnormal MCA and DV in room air were delivered for obstetric indications within one day of the test. Conclusions: Maternal hyperoxygenation may be associated with normalization of the FLUA in fetuses with ARED after 24 weeks of gestation. A positive maternal hyperoxygenation test can select IUGR fetuses who have an abnormal FLUA in room air with a better prognosis and may be useful in postponing delivery in these fetuses with ARED.
Personality types of IT professors

There has been a dramatic shift from students seeking computer science degrees to those seeking information technology degrees and enrollment in those programs continues to outpace that of computer science. While there are many reasons for this, one may be personality alignment between students and professors. Prior research has established that students are more comfortable with professors that have the same or similar personality types and are more likely to stay with a program. While there is a large body of literature on personality types in computer science programs, little exists in information technology programs. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine the personality types of professors teaching in information technology programs in the United States using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Understanding personality types may aid both CS and IT programs market, attract, and retain students.
Management of biopsy needle artifacts: techniques for RF-refocused MRI.

Several methods were investigated to improve the depiction of biopsy needles in radiofrequency (RF)-refocused magnetic resonance imaging. Distortion correction is performed by the use of view angle tilting (VAT): a gradient is employed on the slice-select axis during readout. Needle conspicuity is increased by offsetting the gradient echo from the spin echo and by inverting the 90° RF pulse slice-select gradient. VAT effectively re-registers in-plane shifts. Since this method changes the projection angle through the slice, some structures appear blurred, while other structures appear sharper. VAT does not correct errors in slice selection. Offsetting the spin echo from the gradient echo increases needle conspicuity but can result in a shift in the apparent location of the needle. Inverting the 90° slice-select gradient effectively increases the needle conspicuity with no shift in the needle location. These methods provide an easy and interactive means to manipulate needle artifacts but should be used cautiously.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;9:586–595. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Contributions of short-wavelength cones to goldfish ganglion cells.

There are conflicting reports about the existence and nature of a short-wavelength cone (S-cone) contribution to ganglion cells in the goldfish retina. The present study sought to resolve these discrepancies by examining the S-cone contribution while recording from single ganglion cells in the excised, isolated goldfish retina. The effect of variations in the retinal preparation (gas content and type of background lighting during recording) on the S-cone input was also examined. Cells were classified into one of three types based on the responses at light onset and offset, when responses were driven only by the long-wavelength cone system (L-cones) of the receptive field's center (L+/−(on-excitation/off-inhibition) L−/+, and L+/+). With rare exceptions, the threshold spectral sensitivities of the centers and surrounds of cells that possessed opposite on and off responses (L+/−and L−/+) exhibited S-cone contributions, either prior to and/or during chromatic adaptation of the middle-and long-wavelength cones; the S-cone response was antagonistic to the L-cone input. The L + / + center cells also contained a S-cone input, but it was synergistic to the L-cone input at suprathreshold intensities. These findings were robust across all of the retinal preparations employed. The discrepancies in the previous work were probably due to the incomplete classification of cells because of the use of threshold responses only.
Correlation of colloid collision efficiency with hydraulic conductivity of silica sands.

Column experiments were conducted in the laboratory to study the relationship between local-scale colloid filtration parameters and physical heterogeneity as represented by soil or rock hydraulic conductivity. Natural (polydisperse) sand was sieved into distinct classes to produce relatively homogeneous porous media for the experiments. Silica particles 0.45 μm in diameter were used as the transported colloids. The column experiments were carried out under carefully controlled chemical conditions. The hydraulic conductivity of each packed column was determined using a constant-head permeameter arrangement. Conservative transport parameters (dispersivity and effective porosity) were obtained using a salt tracer. Comparison of solute and colloid breakthrough curves indicated that particle deposition rates were unsteady in the column. This behavior was analyzed using a blocking function which describes the alteration of the sand surface due to the accumulation of deposited colloids. By this method, clean-bed collision efficiency factors were obtained for colloid filtration in each of the sand sizes. An inverse relationship was observed between the collision efficiency factor and the grain size of the collector medium. This relationship was attributed to a variation of surface heterogeneity with sand particle size. This theory is supported by the direct correlation of collision efficiency with surface heterogeneity parameters of the blocking function. The colloid filtration data were used to parameterize a linear correlation between the collision efficiency factor and the natural logarithm of the medium hydraulic conductivity. The collector efficiency, normally calculated from theoretical models for colloid transport in the vicinity of collector grains, was also shown to be a linear function of the natural logarithm of hydraulic conductivity. Correlations of this type can be used effectively in stochastic modeling of colloid transport through heterogeneous porous media.
Wet fingerprint recognition: Challenges and opportunities

Many fingers wrinkle or shrivel when immersed in water. When used for biometric identification, the recognition rate for wrinkled fingers degrades. The impact of wrinkling has so far not been well-understood. In this study, we present an investigation of how the finger-skin expansion due to wrinkling impacts the quality of scanned fingerprints and characterize the qualitative changes that affect recognition. We also introduce the Wet and Wrinkled Finger (WWF) database that we will make available to other researchers. In this database of 300 fingers, 185 are visibly wrinkled after immersion; multiple images of dry and immersed fingerprints were acquired. In this paper, we present baseline recognition rates on WWF using two algorithms - a commercial fingerprint recognition algorithm and the publicly available Bozorth3 matcher. Specifically, we show a degradation in accuracy with both algorithms when comparing Dry-finger to Dry-finger verification with Dry-finger toWet-finger verification. We analyze performance on a per-finger basis and note a difference in accuracy amongst fingers, and as consequence make recommendations about which fingers to use in environments where fingers are apt to be wet. Additionally, we propose an implementation of a classifier that can decide if the incoming query is wrinkled.
Facile one-pot method for the synthesis of novel glycosylidene-based quinolines

A one-pot approach to the synthesis of novel glycosylidene-based quinolines is described. The reaction involves a Lewis acid catalyzed Povarov addition followed by oxidation of the resulting spiroanellated tetrahydroquinoline intermediates to yield the open-ring glycosylidene-derived quinoline.
Immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes are preferentially infected by measles virus in human thymic organ cultures

Cells of the human immune system are important target cells for measles virus (MeV) infection and infection of these cells may contribute to the immunologic abnormalities and immune suppression that characterize measles. The thymus is the site for production of naive T lymphocytes and is infected during measles. To determine which populations of thymocytes are susceptible to MeV infection and whether strains of MeV differ in their ability to infect thymocytes, we used ex vivo human thymus organ cultures to assess the relative susceptibility of different subpopulations of thymocytes to infection with wild type and vaccine strains of MeV. Thymocytes were susceptible to MeV infection with the most replication in immature CD4+CD8+ double positive cells. Susceptibility correlated with the level of expression of the MeV receptor CD150. Wild type strains of MeV infected thymocytes more efficiently than the Edmonston vaccine strain. Thymus cultures from children ≥3 years of age were less susceptible to MeV infection than cultures from children 5 to 15 months of age. Resistance in one 7 year-old child was associated with production of interferon-gamma suggesting that vaccination may result in MeV-specific memory T cells in the thymus. We conclude that immature thymocytes are susceptible to MeV infection and thymocyte infection may contribute to the immunologic abnormalities associated with measles.
Validation of Laboratory Tests and Methods

Laboratory test method validation typically refers tothe multi-tiered process of evaluating the performance of a new instrument or test methodology, often in relation to an instrument or methodology that is currently in use. In its broadest sense, method validation comprises the evaluation of test performance following a change in reagents, instruments, methodology, or-unique to veterinary clinical laboratories—introduction of a new species. The ultimate goal of method validation is to provide objective evidence that the evaluated method will show acceptable reproducibility and accuracy so as to be clinically applicable. Consultation between a clinical laboratory and clinicians is often necessary to determine the acceptability of the data generated; successful test validation produces a reference interval, test sensitivity and specificity, or receiver operating characteristic curve that is medically useful. In the age of point-of-care instrumentation, issues of quality control and test validation are no longer restricted to clinical laboratories, but now fall upon the responsible clinician. The purposes of this article are to present a brief introduction to the concept of test method validation, to describe basic methods of validation, and to provide the clinician with a sense of the importance of test validation with respect to nonconventional species.
A partition bijection related to the Rogers--Selberg identities and Gordon's theorem

We provide a bijective map from the partitions enumerated by the series side of the Rogers-Selberg mod 7 identities onto partitions associated with a special case of Basil Gordon's combinatorial generalization of the Rogers-Ramanujan identities. The implications of applying the same map to a special case of David Bressoud's even modulus analog of Gordon's theorem are also explored.
Prevalence, timing, and predictors of transitions from inhalant use to inhalant use disorders.

Abstract Background Few studies of the natural history of DSM-IV inhalant substance use disorders (I-SUDs) have been conducted. This investigation examined the prevalence, timing, and predictors of transitions from inhalant use to formal I-SUDs among inhalant users within a nationally representative sample. Methods Participants were 664 U.S. residents participating in the 2000–2001 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions who reported lifetime inhalant use. Respondents completed structured interviews assessing DSM-IV psychiatric/substance use disorders. Bivariate and Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for transitions from inhalant use to I-SUDs. Results Nearly one in five (19.4%) persons initiating inhalant use developed an I-SUD. Most I-SUD transitions were to inhalant abuse rather than inhalant dependence. Risk for development of I-SUDs was greatest in the first year following initiation of inhalant use and low thereafter. Multivariate proportional hazards models indicated that presence of a mood/anxiety disorder (HR = 7.7, CI = 3.1–18.9) or alcohol use disorder (HR = 11.9, CI = 5.46–26.00) antedating initiation of inhalant use predicted significantly elevated risk for I-SUDs, whereas being married conferred a lower risk for onset of I-SUDs. Conclusions I-SUDs were relatively common among inhalant users, generally occurred in the year following initiation of inhalant use, and were associated with early-onset mood/anxiety and alcohol use disorders. Given the young average age at onset of inhalant use and the rapidity with which most I-SUDs developed, interventions directed to adolescents who have initiated inhalant use might be effective in reducing the proportion of inhalant users who develop I-SUDs.
Extracellular potential fields of single PT-neurons.

Abstract Extracellular potentials were recorded from antidromically activated PT-neurons and data were obtained in two dimensions in the field around the cells. Isopotential contours were plotted from data at 6 points in time during the course of a PN extracellular potential. The present analysis of potentials involved an area extending about 200–300 μm around the cells. Although it was not possible to relate the potential fields clearly to activity in different areas of the PT-cells, this region seemed to encompass the area in which the majority of PT-cell extracellular potentials can be recorded and probably includes the soma and proximal dendrites. The present results also indicated that in general the extracellular potential field was of an open type and did not give evidence of conducted potentials moving over this region.
Brain Pyruvate Dehydrogenase: Phosphorylation and Enzyme Activity Altered by a Training Experience

The active portion of the alpha subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase in rat frontal cortex was elevated after a training experience. No change in total pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was observed. The phosphorylation in vitro of pyruvate dehydrogenase (band F-2) was also elevated after training. Since activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase requires its dephosphorylation, the following sequence is proposed. Training alters frontal cortex and reduces the phosphate content of pyruvate dehydrogenase in vivo; this leads to enzyme activation; and an increase in back-titration of sites available for phosphorylation in vitro.
PROFITABILITY IN BUYING PUTS AND CALLS

It is a rather widely held view that a large majority of purchases of put and call options are unprofitable, and that the profit to be made is in writing the options. A number of authors have suggested that selling options can be a profitable adjunct to institutional portfolio management. The results of an analysis of variance factorial design of a random selection of options in various market trends, shows that only a slim majority of the options purchased would have been unprofitable. In addition, if one is able to forecast the market trend, a random selection of the proper type of options would yield a high return.
Isotope effect, energy gap law and temperature effect in resonance energy transfer

The purpose of this paper is to derive an expression for the energy transfer probability that differs from that of Forster and Dexter in that it can be used explicitly for discussing the effects of deuteration and temperature on the rate of energy transfer, and the relation between the energy gap of the donor and acceptor molecules and the rate of energy transfer. It is found that, as in radiationless transitions, the temperature dependence of the rate of energy transfer can be expressed as and effects of isotope substitution, and the energy gap between the excited donor and unexcited acceptor molecules on the energy transfer probability, are determined mainly by the Franck-Condon factor.
Stick-On Piezoelectromagnetic AC Current Monitoring of Circuit Breaker Panels

We present a stick-on wireless electric current monitoring system that is designed to measure and report electricity usage from circuit breaker panels in residential and commercial settings. This monitoring system uses piezoelectromagnetic (PEM) AC current sensors to couple to the magnetic fields produced by the current-carrying conductors. The PEM sensors can be easily attached to the surfaces of common circuit breaker panels, facilitating the installation by non-technical individuals. This paper describes the sensing principles and provides an analytical model of the PEM AC sensors. It also presents the architecture for a wireless current monitoring system and describes its implementation for sub-metering a circuit breaker panel in a building at the University of California, Berkeley. The theory and experimental validation of a signal deconvolution and calibration method, essential for extracting signals from cross-coupled magnetic fields, are also included.
Studies on Ion Scattering and Sputtering Processes Relevant to Ion Beam Sputter Deposition of Multicomponent Thin Films

Results from computer simulation and experiments on ion scattering and sputtering processes in ion beam sputter deposition of high Tc superconducting and ferroelectric thin films are presented. It is demonstrated that scattering of neutralized ions from the targets can result in undesirable erosion of, and inert gas incorporation in, the growing films, depending on the ion/target atom ass ratio and ion beam angle of incidence/target/substrate geometry. The studies indicate that sputtering Kr{sup +} or Xe{sup +} ions is preferable to the most commonly used Ar{sup +} ions, since the undesirable phenomena mentioned above are minimized for the first two ions. These results are used to determine optimum sputter deposition geometry and ion beam parameters for growing multicomponent oxide thin films by ion beam sputter-deposition. 10 refs., 5 figs.
Conversion to full sternotomy during minimal-access cardiac surgery: reasons and results during a 9.5-year experience.

Objective A hemisternotomy approach to minimal-access cardiac surgery is associated with a faster postoperative recovery because of reduced postoperative pain and improved respiratory function. Conversion to a full sternotomy is occasionally required for reasons that remain inadequately reported. Methods Between January 1996 and June 2005, 907 cardiac surgical patients were planned for an upper hemisternotomy and 528 for a lower hemisternotomy. We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients who required conversion to a full sternotomy. Results Twenty-four (2.6%) of 907 patients required a conversion from upper hemisternotomy because of bleeding (n = 8), ventricular dysfunction (n = 5), refractory ventricular arrhythmia (n = 3), poor exposure (n = 2), and other causes (n = 6). Eight (33.3%) of 24 patients died perioperatively. Of the 883 patients who went on to have an operation through the upper hemisternotomy approach, the mortality was 1.7% (15/883). Twenty-one (4.0%) of 528 patients required conversion from a lower hemisternotomy because of poor exposure (n = 16), bleeding (n = 1), refractory ventricular arrhythmia (n = 3), and a retained venous cannula (n = 1). None of these patients died postoperatively. Of the 507 patients who went on to have an operation through the lower hemisternotomy approach, the mortality was 1.2% (6/507). Conclusion Conversion to a full sternotomy occurs infrequently during minimal-access cardiac surgery. Upper hemisternotomy conversions are usually urgent after crossclamp removal and are often associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Conversely, lower hemisternotomy conversions are performed electively in the prebypass period because of poor exposure and are not associated with complications.
Peptide folding simulations

Developments in the design of small peptides that mimic proteins in complexity, recent advances in nanosecond time-resolved spectroscopy methods to study peptides and the development of modern, highly parallel simulation algorithms have come together to give us a detailed picture of peptide folding dynamics. Two newly implemented simulation techniques, parallel replica dynamics and replica exchange molecular dynamics, can now describe directly from simulations the kinetics and thermodynamics of peptide formation, respectively. Given these developments, the simulation community now has the tools to verify and validate simulation protocols and models (forcefields).
The Role of Men in Addressing Domestic Violence: Insights from India

Nata Duvvury and Madhabika B. Nayak outline a broad framework for understanding domestic violence and masculinity based on emerging data from an ongoing multi-site project in India. They highlight the links between norms and practices of masculinity and violence and the affects of socio-cultural, political and economic processes.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Complex Alternatives in Multiple Choice Achievement Test Items

Discrimination indices and difficulty levels of multiple-choice achievement test items containing only substantive response alternatives were compared with items containing each of three complex alternative types: All of the above; None of the above; and combination complex alternatives (e.g., A and B; Either A or B; Two of the above, etc.). The same item statistics were compared, with items reclassified according to type of alternative keyed as the correct answer. Items containing combination complex alternatives were found to be most difficult, and items containing an "All of the above" alternative were found to be least difficult (especially when that alternative was keyed as the correct answer). Discrimination index was less affected by the inclusion or exclusion of complex alternatives than was difficulty level, but the highest discrimination occurred in items containing only substantive alternatives; the lowest in items in which "None of the above" was keyed as the correct answer. It was also found ...
Nanoscale faceting due to elastic interactions and crystal shapes near Si(1 1 3)

Abstract The consequences of Marchenko’s demonstration that striction effects lead to elimination of edges in equilibrium shapes of crystals are explored in detail. The shape of the curved portion of the crystal replacing the edge is explicitly given, and the treatment is extended to the case of step-bunched surfaces vicinal to Si(1 1 3), recently studied in a series of experiments by Song et al. and Yoon et al. A key feature that emerges from our analysis is a novel transition point, which we call the rounded Pokrovsky–Talapov (RPT) point, that separates regions of the crystal surface that are uniformly stepped and regions that contain step-bunches. On the basis of this new observation, earlier interpretations of the experimental results in terms of tricritical points and first-order transitions are shown to be incorrect. Orientational phase diagrams that incorporate the RPT points are given, including a new type of critical point, the Marchenko point, which replaces the tricritical point. It is also shown that the corrugated surfaces emerging from Marchenko’s analysis are rough.
Targeting G protein-coupled receptor kinases to their receptor substrates

Membrane association is essential for GRK function and because of this the GRKs have evolved complex regulatory mechanisms for associating with the membrane. Although the GRKs are highly homologous, each kinase utilizes a distinct mechanism for associating with the membrane, which makes it unique within the family. Initially, the carboxyl terminus of the GRKs was identified as the “membrane association domain” but recent evidence suggests that the amino terminus may also play a critical role in localizing the kinases to the membrane (Murga et al., 1996; Pitcher et al, 1996). It is within these two domains that the GRKs are most variable at the amino acid level. The GRKS exhibit an absolute requirement for phospholipids not only for association with the membrane but also for activity. There are differences in preference and binding sites for the phospholipids within the GRK family, which may reflect differential targeting of the GRKs to G protein-coupled receptors situated in different lipid environments. There are hundreds of G protein-coupled receptors and only six known GRKs. All the GRKs appear to phosphorylate the same receptor substrates in vitro (Sterne-Marr & Benovic, 1995; Premont et al., 1995). Receptor specificity, in a cellular
SOME PERSPECTIVES ON CHINESE PHILOSOPHY

The Chinese philosophical tradition is one of three great traditions going back to the Sixth Century B.C. It inherited a branch of the Indian tradition, Mahayana Buddhism, and gave it a unique development. The two native Chinese schools, Taoism and Confucianism, were strongly contrasting and to some extent mutually corrective. The third great tradition, the Western, began in Greece and developed, in Europe, the near East, and America into Jewish, Islamic, and Christian forms.
Changes in water status and ABA content in peach leaves following foliar application of CGA 15281.

Abstract A single foliar application of the ethylene (C2H4) releasing compound (2-chloroethyl)-methylbis(phenylmethoxy)silane (CGA 15281) to mature peach trees (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, cultivar ‘Redhaven’) was followed by increased evolution of C2H4 owing to degradation of the chemical. The highest rate of C2H4 evolution occurred 2 h after treatment, then declined rapidly approaching control values at 48–72 h. A marked increase in endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) noted 2 h after treatment was the earliest change detected in the leaves, while stomatal conductance and transpiration decreased within 4 h after treatment. Concurrent changes in the water potential were closely related to changes in stomatal conductance. Restrictions in assimilate production brought about by a synergistic action of ABA and C2H4 might be a significant factor in hastening abscission of leaves and fruits.
Sildenafil in LVAD Is Safe and Well Tolerated

Purpose Right heart failure is problematic in LVAD therapy. The use of pulmonary vasodilators has become increasingly common to unload the right ventricle in LVAD patients, but there is a paucity of data to support this practice. To better define characteristics and outcomes of LVAD patients on sildenafil, we present a retrospective analysis of patients at our institution. Methods and Materials A detailed chart review of all LVAD patients surviving index hospitalization was performed. Patients taking sildenafil were compared to recipients of the same time period not on sildenafil. Endpoints were time to death, HF hospitalization, GI bleeding, or transplantation, each evaluated individually. Results From January 2007 - May 2012, 53/122 (43.4%) patients were placed on sildenafil. Six patients discontinued sildenafil for the following reasons: 1 for dizziness, 1 for nausea, 2 for hypotension, 1 for resolved PH, and 1 due to insurance. Patients on sildenafil were more likely to be male, have OSA, and have higher baseline creatinine. Baseline medications, labs, and hemodynamics were similar between groups. Renal and liver function changed equally in both groups over time. Sildenafil use was not associated with differences in mortality, HF admissions, GI bleeding, or transplantation. Sildenafil use has significantly increased from 2007 – 2012 (p figure 1 ] Conclusions Sildenafil appears to be well tolerated and safe in LVAD. Given the recent increase in sildenafil use over the last several years, prospective evaluation of its use and efficacy is warranted, and can be performed with clinical equipoise. Sildenafil Use, Cox Proportional Hazards Model Outcome HR 95% CI p-value Death 1.041 (0.480, 2.257) 0.92 HF Admission 2.122 (0.837, 5.382) 0.11 GI Bleed 1.500 (0.701, 3.210) 0.30 Transplant 1.316 (0.604, 2.864) 0.49
Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence Imaging of Carrot Defect in 4H-SiC Epitaxy

Electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) imaging techniques were successfully used to reveal defect features in 34 carrots in 4H-SiC epilayers. Because EL and PL techniques are nondestructive and require minimal sample preparations, many carrots can be examined over a reasonable time. Our findings showed that some carrots had the basic components consistent with the model proposed by Benamara et al., but also contained additional features beyond the basic components. Eight carrots contained multiple bright line features, and 25 out of 50 bright line features exhibited multiple line characteristics. Eleven carrots were discovered to contain basal plane faults (B’s) and the corresponding small stacking faults (S’s) near the carrot heads. Not all the carrots lie along the off-cut direction; a couple were oriented 5° from the off-cut. Of the seven carrots with shape lengths -200 μm, one had a corresponding bright line length of 370 μm. Based on this line length, the calculated depth of origin was about midway in the epilayer, while all of the other carrots originated from the substrate. In summary, both EL and PL techniques were consistent in showing that carrots exhibit variable defect structures on a microscopic scale.
Distributed Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Dynamic Sensor Thresholds

This paper presents a new approach for distributed target detection in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Contrary to the conventional practice where every sensor uses an identical threshold for decision-making, an unequal and dynamic local sensor threshold selection scheme is proposed. This threshold selection scheme is based on a recently proposed statistical metric for multiple testing problems called the False Discovery Rate (FDR). Assuming a signal attenuation model, where the received signal power decays as the distance from the target increases, various performance indices like the system level probability of detection and the probability of false alarm are studied. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
A hybrid multilevel inverter with both staircase and PWM switching schemes

In this paper, a new method to control multilevel converters is proposed. The considered multilevel converter consists of a three-phase three-level diode-clamped converter (main converter). Two H-bridge cells are then connected in series with each output phase of the main converter. The operation of the main converter and one of the cascading Hbridge cells is based on the staircase switching method. The firing angles of these converters are selected in a way that the dc voltage required for the last H-bridge cell is minimized. The switching pattern of the second H-bridge cell is based on the pulse-width modulation method. This last cell generates the remaining parts of the desired sinusoidal output voltage. The combination of these converters and their switching methods result in an output waveform with low harmonics. Here, a fifteen-level converter is designed based on this approach. Simulation results and laboratory measurements verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology and modulation method.
Stability of photodiodes under irradiation with a 157-nm pulsed excimer laser.

We have measured the stability of a variety of photodiodes exposed to 157-nm light from a pulsed excimer laser by using a radiometry beamline at the Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The intense, pulsed laser light exposed the photodiodes, whereas the low-intensity, continuously tunable light from the synchrotron source measured changes in the characteristics of the photodiodes, such as in the responsivity and the reflectance from the surface of a photodiode. Photodiodes studied include both silicon pn-junction and Schottky-barrier types. Among these photodiodes, we found that the damage mechanism for photodiodes with SiO2-based passivating layers is mainly the buildup of SiO2–Si interface trap states. The interface trap state buildup is well known for other semiconductor devices and is generally recognized as a product induced by radiation with an energy more than the 9-eV SiO2 bandgap energy rather than the 7.9-eV energy of the 157-nm radiation. Based on the generation of interface trap states, a model is proposed to describe the dependence of detector responsivity on exposure to 157-nm radiation. We also observed slow recovery in some of the damaged photodiodes, confirming that some of the interface trap states are only semipermanent. Radiation damage induced by low-power continuous 157-nm synchrotron light was also studied. As for the other photodiodes with no SiO2 layers, measurement results support the assumption that the changes in responsivity are due mainly to the deposition of thin layers on the tops of the detectors during laser irradiation.
Antiarrhythmic drugs and devices for the management of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in ischemic heart disease

Ischemic heart disease is the most frequent cardiac abnormality in patients with sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The goals of therapy in such patients are to decrease the severity and incidence of symptoms and prolong life. In this article, we review the current views on antiarrhythmic drug therapy and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in patients with ischemic heart disease. The importance of β blockade as part of the therapy is emphasized. In addition, the superiority of sotalol and amiodarone over class I drugs, the benefits of combined treatment with amiodarone and a β blocker, and the impact and limitations of current trials comparing the effectiveness of drug therapy with that of an ICD are all considered. Also discussed is the combined use of an antiarrhythmic drug and an ICD. In this approach sotalol is generally the agent of choice, with amiodarone the second choice.
Predicting cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

A total of 24 subjects with type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were studied. Cardiac parasympathetic function was measured by supine heart rate variability (HRV) in the respiratory frequency 0.10–0.50 Hz and the sympathetic index was measured as the ratio of HRV between 0.055 and 0.098 Hz to that between 0.004 and 0.5 Hz. Factors assessing diabetic control and complications, and factors unrelated to diabetes but possibly influencing HRV, were recorded. Association with depressed HRV was assessed with correlation, and prediction of depressed HRV was determined with multiple regression. Factors associated with depressed HRV but not independently predictive were renal dysfunction and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone. Elevated glycosylated haemoglobin was not significantly correlated with depressed HRV. Four factors (presence of diabetic retinopathy, male gender, duration of diabetes and increasing age) were significant in the regression and sufficed to predict 81% of the sample variance. The relative weights (β) were −0.65, 0.40, −0.40 and 0.26, respectively. Supine sympathetic index was not sufficient to demonstrate sympathetic dysfunction. It is proposed that the regression model may be used to identify patients likely to have cardiac parasympathetic autonomic dysfunction.
Mössbauer, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and Crystallographic Characterization of a High-Spin Fe(I) Diketiminate Complex with Orbital Degeneracy

The synthesis and X-ray structure of the low-coordinate, high-spin FeI compound LFe(HCCPh) (L = HC(C[tBu]N[2,6-diisopropylphenyl])2]-), 1, are reported. Low-temperature Mossbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies reveal that the electronic ground state is a Kramers doublet with uniaxial magnetic properties (effective g values gx = 8.9, 0 < gy, gz < 0.3) that is well isolated from the excited states. The observation of a large and positive magnetic hyperfine field, Bint = +68.8(3) T, demonstrates that the orbital angular moment is essentially unquenched along one spatial direction. Relaxation rates obtained from variable-temperature Mossbauer spectra were fit to an Orbach process, yielding Δ = 130−190 cm-1 for the energy gap (“zero-field splitting”) between the two Kramers doublets of the S = 3/2 multiplet. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations give insight into the electronic structures of the ground and excited states. The oxidation state of the iron a...
Do folk crop varieties have a role in sustainable agriculture

R ecently there has been increasing attention to the importance of biodiversity in agriculture (NRC 1993), especially for ecological sustainability (NRC 1992, Pimentel et al. 1992). The role of folk crop varieties, and their wild and weedy relatives, has been especially well publicized (Keystone Center 1991, Plucknett et al. 1987). Folk varieties, also known as landraces, traditional varieties, or primitive varieties, have been defined as "geographically or ecologically distinctive populations which are conspicuously diverse in their genetic composition both between populations and within them" (Brown 1978, p. 145) and as the product of local selection by farmerbreeders (Harlan 1992, NRC 1993). The level of international attention achieved by crop genetic resources, folk varieties, and farmerbreeders was reflected at the 1992
What price attractiveness? Stereotype and risk factors in suntanning behavior.

Two experiments examined stereotype and risk factors in suntanning. In the first, subjects formed more positive impressions of a target described as having a suntan than of a control target. Ratings were not as positive, however, if the tan was portrayed as having been intentionally sought. A negative facet to the tan stereotype, in terms of perceived vanity, was also observed. In the second, subjects observed a videotape documenting the risks associated with sun exposure either before or after responding to a questionnaire dealing with attitudes and beliefs about suntanning. The results were consistent with the interpretation that the tape influenced observers in the direction of perceiving a tan as less attractive and enhancing their concern about the dangers of tanning. Subjects displayed the “optimistic bias” effect (Weinstein, 1980) in their estimated likelihood of getting skin cancer. While those with higher reported tan levels were more likely to endorse the attractiveness stereotype associated with a suntan, there was minimal evidence that these individuals were apprehensive or concerned about the risk factors. Their responses to a number of items suggested a measure of resistance or denial. Women generally indicated greater awareness and concern about risks than did men. The results of both studies suggest the important role played by images perceived to be associated with suntanning. In the context of mounting evidence regarding the carcinogenic properties of sun exposure, implications for changes in tanning behavior were considered.
Decolonization to prevent Staphylococcus aureus transmission and infections in the neonatal intensive care unit

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) continues to be a leading cause of outbreaks and health-care-associated infections in neonatal intensive care units. In the first few months of life, many neonates acquire S. aureus as part of their delicate and evolving microbiota. Neonates that asymptomatically acquire S. aureus colonization are at increased risk of developing a subsequent S. aureus infection. This review discusses the epidemiology and prevention of S. aureus disease in neonates and how decolonization to eradicate S. aureus may decrease S. aureus transmission and infections in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Commitment to High School Teaching

Typically, although commitment is conceptualized as a multidimensional phenomenon, it is measured unidimensionally. In this study, the measurement of likely dimensions of commitment to teaching was explored, drawing on commitment theory and conceptualization. Items from the Administrator and Teacher Survey of 1984 were used to analyze factor models of increasing dimensionality. The results indicate that a multidimensional measurement of teaching commitment is warranted. Research and policy implications of treating commitment to teaching as multidimensional are discussed.