cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing Transmitter Ligands That Mediate Energy Transfer between Semiconductor Nanocrystals and Molecules

Molecular control of energy transfer is an attractive proposition because it allows chemists to synthetically tweak various kinetic and thermodynamic factors. In this Perspective, we examine energy transfer between semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) and π-conjugated molecules, focusing on the transmitter ligand at the organic–inorganic interface. Efficient transfer of triplet excitons across this interface allows photons to be directed for effective use of the entire solar spectrum. For example, a photon upconversion system composed of semiconductor NCs as sensitizers, bound organic ligands as transmitters, and molecular annihilators has the advantage of large, tunable absorption cross sections across the visible and near-infrared wavelengths. This may allow the near-infrared photons to be harnessed for photovoltaics and photocatalysis. Here we summarize the progress in this recently reported hybrid upconversion platform and point out the challenges. Since triplet energy transfer (TET) from NC donors to mol...
Surgical Anatomy of the Skull Base

Abstract A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the skull base is essential for the surgical treatment of chordomas and chondrosarcomas. The skull base can be divided into the anterior, middle, and posterior skull base. The sphenoid bone and sinus are central to understanding the endoscopic approaches for these lesions. The clivus can be divided into three segments with regard to the associated neurovascular structures and related endoscopic approaches. The superior clivus extends down to the floor of the sella and is associated posteriorly with the midbrain, the superior cerebellar artery, and the oculomotor nerve. The middle clivus extends from the floor of the sella to the roof of the choana and is associated with the pons, the abducens nerve, and the anterior cerebellar artery. The inferior clivus extends below the roof of the choana and is associated with the medulla, the hypoglossal nerve, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
Reflective Small Angle Electron Scattering to Characterize Nanostructures on Opaque Substrates.

Feature sizes in integrated circuits (ICs) are often at the scale of 10 nm and are ever shrinking. ICs appearing in today's computers and hand held devices are perhaps the most prominent examples. These smaller feature sizes demand equivalent advances in fast and accurate dimensional metrology for both development and manufacturing. Techniques in use and continuing to be developed include X-ray based techniques, optical scattering, and of course the electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Each of these techniques has their advantages and limitations. Here, the use of small angle electron beam scattering measurements in a reflection mode (RSAES) to characterize the dimensions and the shape of nanostructures on flat and opaque substrates is demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical evidence. In RSAES, focused electrons are scattered at angles smaller than 1° with the assistance of electron optics typically used in transmission electron microscopy. A proof-of-concept experiment is combi...
Predicting and binding: interacting algorithms supporting the consolidation of sequential motor skills

The efficient execution of serially ordered actions is crucial for many everyday tasks. Rather than emerge from a singular learning process, a growing body of evidence in both cognitive science and neuroscience suggests that the acquisition of habitual motor sequences relies on a multitude of learning systems that fall under two general classes of computation: fast prediction of transition probabilities between events and slower binding of serial actions into unified sets. Here we review the emerging empirical support for this multi-system model of sequential skill acquisition and show how these systems coordinate together to foster the crystallization of complex skills across time.
Lipid Modifications of GTP-Binding Regulatory Proteins

Modification by lipid groups is being increasingly appreciated as a mechanism to promote the interaction of a wide variety of proteins with cell membranes and, in many cases, to impart functional properties to these proteins. There are three basic classes of lipid-modified proteins, although others may exist. The first class are the acylated proteins, which contain probably the most common lipid modification. The lipid group is most often a saturated fatty acyl group, specifically myristoyl (14-carbon) or palmitoyl (16-carbon), and each of these groups are found on defined sites in proteins (Towler et al, 1988; James, and Olson, 1990). The glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored proteins comprise the second class; these proteins contain the most complex lipid modification from both structural, as well as biosynthetic, standpoints. The modifying group contains both sugar and lipid components, and this modification is confined to a discrete subset of proteins whose ultimate destination is the external face of the cell’s plasma membrane (Doering et al, 1990). Proteins in the third class of modified proteins contain the the most recent lipid modification identified. These so-called prenylated proteins are modified via addition of either the farnesyl (15-carbon) or the geranylgeranyl (20-carbon) isoprenoids to conserved cysteine residue(s) near or at the COOH-terminus of proteins (Casey, 1992; Maltese, 1990). Additionally, most if not all prenylated proteins are subject to further modifications at the COOH-terminus which apparently impart additional membrane-interaction and/or regulatory properties to these proteins. This review will be concerned with protein acylation and prenylation, since these modifications occur on GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins).
The Beauty of Numbers in Nature: Mathematical Patterns and Principles from the Natural World

The Beauty of Numbers in Nature is a tour de force of mathematical terms frequently set in their historical context. Aptly titled, “numbers” provide “important insights into the world we live in” (...
Is Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use Increasing? Assessing Trends Among U.S. College Women, 2008–2013

Objective To assess LARC use trends among college women (18-24 years) and identify groups that have increased LARC use. Methods Data were extracted from the National College Health Assessment-II (NCHA-II) fall 2008-2013 surveys. Logistic regression statistics were used to assess LARC use. Results Although LARC use increased from 2008 to 2013 (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI 2.23-3.07), less than half of the sample (44%) reported using contraception at last vaginal sex. Only 2.5% of college women in this study reported using a LARC method; of LARC users, 90% reported using an intrauterine device. Nearly all sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with increases in LARC use including: age, sexual orientation, and insurance status. Conclusions LARC use significantly increased among college women. However, less effective methods such as condoms and short-acting reversible contraceptives are used more frequently. Promoting LARC use for women who desire to effectively prevent pregnancy can reduce unintended pregnancy and improve health outcomes for women while in college. Future work should examine the importance of individual and lifestyle factors that influence college women's decision to choose a LARC method and seek to eliminate barriers to college women choosing a contraceptive method they believe works best for them.
Electron motion in the gases CF 4 , C 2 F 6 , C 3 F 8 , and n-C 4 F 10

The drift velocity w of electrons has been measured in the perfluoroalkanes n-${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{N}}$${\mathrm{F}}_{2\mathrm{N}+2}$ (N=1--4) over the density-reduced electric field (E/N) range 0.03\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}17}$ V ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\le}E/N\ensuremath{\le}500\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}17}$ V ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ using a pulsed Townsend experimental method. The present measurements of w are the first to be obtained for ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{F}}_{8}$, and n-${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{F}}_{10}$ at low E/N values. The electron-drift-velocity measurements in ${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{F}}_{8}$ and n-${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{F}}_{10}$ are dependent on gas pressure at high E/N values, even after allowing for nonequilibrium and boundary corrections to the measured electron swarm transit time. This is the first observation of a pressure dependence in the electron drift velocity in these gases and is believed to be due to changes in the electron energy distribution function f(\ensuremath{\varepsilon},E/N) with gas pressure resulting from increases in the density-normalized electron attachment coefficient \ensuremath{\eta}/N with gas pressure. The perfluoroalkanes ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$, and ${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{F}}_{8}$ exhibit regions of pronounced negative differential conductivity (NDC) similar to but smaller in magnitude than that in ${\mathrm{CH}}_{4}$. Possible mechanisms leading to the observation of NDC effects in these molecular gases are discussed.
Methods for Viral RNA Isolation and PCR Amplification for Sequencing of Near Full-Length HIV-1 Genomes

HIV-1 in plasma represents the viral quasispecies replicating in the patient at any given time. Studies of HIV-1 viral RNA from plasma or other body fluids therefore reflect the virus present in real time. To obtain near full-length genomic sequences derived from virion RNA it is first necessary to carefully isolate and amplify the RNA.The procedure described below, involves viral RNA extraction, reverse transcription (RT) of the extracted RNA to produce cDNA copies, and PCR amplification of long HIV-1 gene fragments using site-specific, overlapping primers. The primers are based on subtype B HIV-1 strains, and plasma specimens are used in the procedures. However, the protocol can easily be adapted to other HIV-1 subtypes by modifying the primers to match the subtype of interest.
Gas chromatography of methyl glycosides as their trimethylsilyl ethers

Abstract Gas chromatographic procedures for the analysis of carbohydrates in glyco-proteins frequently include methanolysis and re-N-acetylation steps. The usual methanolysis conditions were found to result in almost complete conversion of the methanolic HCl into methyl chloride. A neutral solution of methyl chloride in methanol was found capable of releasing fucose, sialic acid, and a portion of the galactose from a1-acid glycoprotein. During the re-N-acetylation of the amino sugars O-acetylation of the alditols commonly employed as internal standards occurs. Addition of the standards after the re-N-acetylation step avoided the problem. The complete procedure for the determination of both neutral and amino sugars has been simplified to involve only one transfer step prior to final gas chromatography.
Stabilizability Conditions for Linear Time Invariant Systems Across a Gaussian MAC Channel

We consider the problem of stabilizing two scalar plants across a Gaussian multiple access channel (MAC). The states of both the plants are encoded separately and transmitted across a shared MAC channel to a joint decoder/controller. The decoder receives the sum of the two transmissions corrupted by an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). A necessary condition for stabilization of the two plants with any encoder and decoder design is obtained. Particular encoder and decoder designs are presented to provide sufficient conditions for stabilization. Two cases are considered: When the encoders can cooperate with each other by sharing information and when they cannot. The results suggest interesting similarities and differences as compared to stabilization of a single plant across a point to point AWGN channel.
CHANNEL CHANGES IN ARID BADLANDS, BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Geometric, hydraulic, and sediment characteristics in arid badlands near Borrego Springs, California, are examined in relation to precipitation events of varying magnitude and frequency. The longitudinal and cross profiles of five ephemeral channels occupying a 2.5 km2 catchment were surveyed under pre-and post-storm conditions during the February 1976-December 1978 period. Such arid region channels offer the opportunity to observe and explain rates and methods of profile change under different flow types in a short period of time. Catchment responses to light winter events include substantial lags between initial precipitation and channel runoff, the limited downstream movement of small slugs of sediment, high losses of discharge into channel alluvium, and prolonged mass movement of debris from adjacent hillslopes into the channels following the storm events thus promoting aggradation along certain channel reaches. Responses to intense summer storms include explosive channel and hillslope runoff and loca...
Deep Venous Thrombosis and Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in the Neurocritical Care Unit

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening complication in critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis in this population has been reported to be as high as 34% when prophylaxis was not given. Pulmonary embolism is the primary cause of death in half of these patients. Risk factors for VTE in this population include delayed ambulation due to paralysis or coma, lengthy hospital stays, and length of neurosurgical procedures. Also, brain tumors, inflammatory diseases of the nervous system, and stroke lead to vascular endothelium activation. There is a wide variability in clinical practice for VTE prophylaxis in these patients, partly due to paucity of data based on randomized clinical trials. The lack of evidence has led to the publication of evidence-based guidelines. The available evidence supports the use of mechanical and chemical VTE prophylaxis as beneficial in reducing the risk of developing DVT and PE; unfortunately, the risk of hemorrhagic complications when starting chemical prophylaxis remains a substantial concern for health-care providers.
Massive-Scale Models of Urban Infrastructure and Populations

As the world becomes more dense, connected, and complex, it is increasingly difficult to answer “what-if” questions about our cities and populations. Most modeling and simulation tools struggle with scale and connectivity. We present a new method for creating digital twin simulations of city infrastructure and populations from open source and commercial data. We transform cellular location data into activity patterns for synthetic agents and use geospatial data to create the infrastructure and world in which these agents interact. We then leverage technologies and techniques intended for massive online gaming to create 1:1 scale simulations to answer these “what-if” questions about the future.
A bioink blend for rotary 3D bioprinting tissue engineered small-diameter vascular constructs.

Abstract 3D bioprinted vascular constructs have gained increased interest due to their significant potential for creating customizable alternatives to autologous vessel grafts. In this study, we developed a new approach for biofabricating fibrin-based vascular constructs using a novel rotary 3D bioprinter developed in our lab. We formulated a new bioink by incorporating fibrinogen with gelatin to achieve a desired shear-thinning property for rotary bioprinting. The blending of heat-treated gelatin with fibrinogen turned unprintable fibrinogen into a printable biomaterial for vessel bioprinting by leveraging the favorable rheological properties of gelatin. We discovered that the heat-treatment of gelatin remarkably affects the rheological properties of a gelatin-fibrinogen blended bioink, which in turn influences the printability of the ink. Further characterizations revealed that not only concentration of the gelatin but the heat treatment also affects cell viability during printing. Notably, the density of cells included in the bioinks also influenced printability and tissue volumetric changes of the printed vessel constructs during cultures. We observed increased collagen deposition and construct mechanical strength during two months of the cultures. The burst pressure of the vessel constructs reached 1110 mmHg, which is about 52% of the value of the human saphenous vein. An analysis of the tensile mechanical properties of the printed vessel constructs unveiled an increase in both the circumferential and axial elastic moduli during cultures. This study highlights important considerations for bioink formulation when bioprinting vessel constructs. Statement of Significance There has been an increased demand for small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts. Vascular 3D bioprinting holds the potential to create equivalent vascular grafts but with the ability to tailor them to meet patient’s needs. Here, we presented a new and innovative 3D rotary bioprinter and a new bioink formulation for printing vascular constructs using fibrinogen, a favorable biomaterial for vascular tissue engineering. The bioink was formulated by blending fibrinogen with a more printable biomaterial, gelatin. The systematic characterization of the effects of heat treatment and gelatin concentration as well as bioink cell concentration on the printability of the bioink offers new insight into the development of printable biomaterials for tissue biofabrication.
The Balance Between n-6 and n-3 and its Relation to Executive Function

Abstract Herein, we discuss the balance of omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) in the brain and their roles in executive functions (EFs). EFs are higher-order cognitive functions that control emotion, cognition, and behavior. Both n-6 and n-3 FA are integral to neuronal growth and communication. Whereas the frontal cortex is the focus of most investigations of EF, they are subserved by functional cortical networks that incorporate areas outside the frontal cortex. We approach EFs in terms of the role of the frontal cortex and connected brain networks and the inherent qualities that encompass all EFs. We (1) provide an evolutionary perspective on FAs in the brain, (2) discuss the importance of the balance of n-6 and n-3 FA, (3) discuss EFs and the brain networks that support EFs, and (4) discuss the rationale supporting the role of the balance of n-6 and n-3 FA in EFs.
Anisotropic microstructure evolution of an AZ31B magnesium alloy subjected to dry sliding and its effects on friction and wear performance

Abstract Due to their hexagonal closed-packed (HCP) crystal structure, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys typically exhibit strong plastic anisotropy which gives rise to their orientation-dependent mechanical properties. Tribological performance in terms of friction and wear is of critical importance to manufacturing and applications of Mg alloys, particularly for components subjected to sliding motion. However, anisotropic microstructure evolution of Mg alloy and its effects on friction and wear properties have rarely been investigated. In this study, the orientation-dependent microstructure behaviors of an AZ31B Mg alloy during dry sliding were investigated. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of worn surfaces were analyzed and compared. The results indicated pronounced anisotropic friction and wear behaviors. The mechanism responsible for the anisotropic tribological behaviors was discussed.
Semiconductor Processing Applications of Microwave Plasmas

Plasmas with electron densities ranging from 108 to 1012 electrons/cc. are pervasively used in the microelectronics industry for a variety of purposes. These include etching, deposition and surface treatment of materials ranging from insulators such as polymers or inorganic dielectrics to conductors or semiconductors such as metals, silicon, gallium arsenide and other such materials.
Buckling of Columns

If a common hacksaw blade is held between the palms and a gradually increasing compressive load is applied, it quickly collapses into a bowed shape. This is an example of column buckling; the blade fails as a structural element under compressive loads that are tiny compared to the compressive loads necessary to cause yielding of the steel blade. The chapter begins with the derivation of the buckling load of a pin-ended prismatic bar subjected to compression, known as the Euler buckling load. In theory, the bar can buckle into a one-half cycle sine shape (the familiar bowed shape), a full cycle sine shape, a one-and-one-half cycle sine shape, etc., with increasing corresponding buckling loads. These different solutions are called buckling modes. (As intuition indicates, the higher modes are unstable and the bar actually buckles in the first mode.) Analyses are presented of the buckling of bars with other types of end conditions, which can greatly affect the resulting buckling load. A concept known as the effective length is introduced. Suppose that a given column buckles in a particular mode and the buckling load is P. The effective length is the length of a column whose Euler buckling load equals P. In some cases, the effective length of a buckled column can be determined or approximated by observation and used to determine the buckling load. The final topic is the behavior of a bar subjected to eccentric axial loads, that is, loads that are a specified distance from the centroid of the cross section. Such bars do not buckle but assume a bowed shape whose maximum deflection increases with the magnitude of the axial load. An expression for the maximum compressive stress in the bar, known as the secant formula, is derived.
Enhancing the Cultural Sensitivity of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety in Diverse Populations.

The diversity among individuals living in the United States has rapidly increased over the past few decades with people of color making up 36.2% of the United States population in 2011 (US Census, 2011). In addition, 3.4% of adults living in the United States identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender in 2012 (Gallup Study, 2011) and 32.8% of Americans experience physical functioning impairments or disabilities in 2011 (National Health Survey, 2011). While these statistics represent just a few of several marginalized and underserved populations in the United States, this rapid increase highlights the importance of focusing on the mental health needs of diverse populations including the treatment of anxiety disorders within marginalized populations. In reference to diverse populations, we will use the term “marginalized groups”, which refers to groups that are often perceived negatively in society, which can result in separation or exclusion from mainstream society, unequal treatment, unequal access to resources, and overall social devaluation (Sue, 2010). In the context of the United States, marginalized groups can include racial and ethnic minorities, LBGT individuals, women, people who identify as working class, and individuals with disabilities. Because clinicians with higher levels of cultural competence experience more favorable outcomes with their clients (Sue, 2001), utilizing multicultural competency to effectively tailor CBT may better serve the mental health needs of marginalized populations (Hofmann, 2006; Pantalone et al., 2009; Safren, 2001). These papers highlight the need for including cultural considerations in CBT, provide a framework for incorporating multicultural principles, and provide suggestions to consider when working with marginalized populations, while the current paper focuses on a few specific examples of how we have adapted CBT in our work treating individuals with social anxiety disorder. Specifically, in this paper we will explore ways to enhance common elements of CBT for anxiety disorders in diverse populations. Through case examples taken from our work on a CBT treatment study for social anxiety disorder, we will discuss our use of CBT strategies with individuals who identify with marginalized statuses and the ways that we have integrated multicultural perspectives.
Student-athlete stress: An examination in United States Collegiate Athletics

It has been well documented that stress can negatively impact the mind and body of long-term sufferers. As well, there is a great deal of literature highlighting the prevalence of stress in athleti...
Does the way charges and transferred electrons are depicted in an oxidation–reduction animation affect students’ explanations?

This study compares students’ explanations of the oxidation–reduction reaction between silver nitrate and copper metal after viewing a chemical demonstration and one of four different particulate-level computer animations. The animations differed in the way the ionic charges were depicted (shown or omitted) and the way the transferred electrons were depicted (as discrete “e−” particles or as fuzzy electron “halos” around the metal atoms). Students viewing animations explicitly showing the ion charges were better at determining the number of electrons gained by each silver ion and lost by each copper atom and wrote more correct balanced chemical equations for the reaction than students viewing animations with charges omitted. Compared to students who viewed animations depicting the transferred electrons as halos around the metal atoms, students viewing animations depicting transferred electrons as discrete particles provided better explanations for the number of electrons gained by the silver ions and lost by the copper atoms and the relative sizes of the silver/copper atoms and their respective cations. Based on comments from student interviews, it appears that several students did not know the proper charges of the silver, copper(II), and nitrate ions and that animations showing ionic charges provided students with relevant visual information they could use to improve their pictorial models of the reaction, which led to improved student-generated balanced equations for this reaction. Student interview comments also suggested that animations depicting the transferred electrons as discrete particles provided more relevant visual images (the number of electrons being transferred between silver ions and copper atoms and the relative sizes of the metal atoms and their cations) that were not provided by animations depicting the transferred electrons as halos, and this led students to construct more accurate pictorial models of the oxidation–reduction reaction. The results of this study and previous research by our group suggest that, although showing or omitting water molecules in animations depicting simple oxidation–reduction reactions had little effect on students explanations of the oxidation–reduction process, showing ion charges and depicting transferred electrons as particles (instead of halos) led to significant improvement of students’ explanations of the oxidation–reduction process.
COVID-19 Disease and Hypercoagulability Leading to Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction:SARS-Coronavirus-2 infection leading to COVID-19 disease presents most often with respiratory failure. The systemic inflammatory response of SARS-CoV-2 along with the hypercoagulable s...
An interview with Jeffrey S. Akman, MD

Jeffrey S. Akman, MD recently completed a nine-year tenure as the Vice President for Health Affairs (VPHA), the Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine and the Dean of the School of...
The Liability of Newness: Journalism, Innovation and the Issue of Core Competencies

Utilizing the theory for disruptive innovation, this study endeavors to better understand how working self-identified digital journalists conceptualize innovation and perceive the impact of technol...
Photosynthetic Characteristics of Picoplankton Compared with Those of Larger Phytoplankton Populations, in Various Water Masses in the Gulf of Maine

AbstractCell numbers of eucaryotes and cyanobacteria in phototrophic picoplankton and ratios of in vivo fluorescence of phycoerythrin: chlorophyll a indicated that chroococcalean cyanobacteria played a more prominent role in phytoplankton communities, at the least productive stations. At stations displaying large vertical density gradients, subsurface maxima of phytoplankton pigments were observed. Ratios of in vivo fluorescence of phycoerythrin: chlorophyll a were always greater at the pigment maximum than at the surface. Cyanobacteria from pigment maxima demonstrated greater phycoerythrin fluorescence intensity and photosynthetic rates than cyanobacteria from the surface. Photosynthetic characteristics of picoplankton ( 3 μm populations. The picoplankton differed from larger phytoplankton, in that (1) their pattern of photosynthetic carbon fixation did not vary significantly with decreasing light intensity, and at optimal intensities ...
Subjects in Human Factors: Who Should they be?

The already diverse workforce in America is expected to diversify at an even greater rate over the next decade. Projected workforce changes include those of age, gender, and race. The recently passed Americans with Disabilities Act also ensures that a growing number of persons with diverse physical needs will enter the workforce. Data from Moroney and Reising (1992) provide some clear indications of the types of subjects currently used in human factors experiments. Not surprisingly, these subjects represent a range of persons that is much less narrow than the range represented in the current and projected workforce. If not corrected, the differences between human factors subjects and those of the American workforce will increase at a magnified rate. To ensure that the results produced from human factors experiments are useful and valid, researchers should first analyze the diverse characteristics of their intended users and select subjects who possess these characteristics.
Kent’s Sweden, or what a rock band can tell us about a nation

Music can communicate a great deal about the culture and society that it comes from. This is the case with the contemporary Swedish rock band Kent, who are not only the most popular band in recent Swedish music history, but also perceived as quintessentially Swedish. Of particular importance to understand this Swedishness is the band’s origin in the city of Eskilstuna, which communicates three interrelated ideas about Sweden: Eskilstuna as an archetypical Swedish small city; the band’s humble beginnings in Eskilstuna illustrates a “class journey” that resonates in Sweden; and Kent’s migration to Stockholm has resulted in an ambivalent relationship with their hometown. The path of Kent’s career has further reinforced the notion of Kent as a Swedish band, particularly as they failed outside the Nordic countries and how their concert choices and collective public persona create associations with Swedishness. Finally, the content of Kent’s music and lyrics are rich with spatial and environmental metaphors that can be conceptualized as four different landscapes representing Sweden: an inner landscape, a public landscape, an urban landscape, and a winter landscape.
Stories from the Anne Grimes Collection of American Folk Music

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Ann Grimes Year: 2010 Pages: 264 Publisher: Ohio University Press ISBN: 978-0821419083 (soft cover). Prices: $59.95(soft cover).
Comparative Effects of Two Different Delivery Systems on Gonadotropin‐releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonist‐induced Suppression of Gonadotropins and Testosterone in Man

The Nal-Glu gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, when given in daily subcutaneous (SC) doses of 5 mg or higher, maximally suppresses serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to near undetectable levels and induces azoospermia in normal men; lower doses (1.5 and 3.0 mg) are less effective. Cost and convenience are important considerations in contraceptive development. Studies with GnRH agonists suggest that constant delivery is more effective in suppressing gonadal function than equal doses by single daily injection. In this study, we examined whether the constant infusion (CI) of a submaximal suppressive dose (1.5 mg) of Nal-Glu would be more effective in suppressing the pituitary-gonadal axis than its repeated single daily injections (SDI). This (1.5 mg) dose was selected because the 5 mg dose given once daily SC for 21 days led to maximal suppression of LH, FSH, and testosterone (T) levels, whereas 1.5 mg once daily for 21 days gave only partial suppression. It was felt that if continuous infusion was considerably more effective than intermittent administration of this submaximal dose, then the development of long-acting sustained release delivery systems for contraceptives based on GnRH antagonist analogs would allow both reduced cost and enhanced convenience. One and a half mg of Nal-Glu was administered SC either as a SDI or CI over 24 hours for 21 days to two groups of five normal men. Three measurements of serum LH, FSH, and T were performed before antagonist injection and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours after Nal-Glu injection on days 0, 1, 7, 21.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Enzymatic Activities of Activated and Zymogen Forms of Human Hageman Factor (Factor XII)

Pro-Phe-Arg chloromethylketone (PPACMK) at 5.26 microM inactivated the amidolytic activity of native human Hageman factor with an apparent first-order rate constant of 0.75 min-1. The activated forms of Hageman factor, Hfa and HFf, were also inactivated by PPACMK with rate constants 0.82 and 0.72 min-1. These numbers indicate that the activity detectable in native Hageman factor is due to contamination with activated species. Uncleaved Hageman factor reacts slowly with 40 mM diisopropyl fluorophosphate with concomitant loss of its procoagulant activity. Incubation of native Hageman factor with PPACMK does not destroy its procoagulant activity, even in the presence of the activator dextran sulphate, but PPACMK inhibits autoactivation of Hageman factor, suggesting that no active site is formed in uncleaved, surface-bound Hageman factor. The activation of prekallikrein by Hageman factor under initial-rate conditions occurs after a lag and is prevented by an inhibitor of Hageman factor from corn. The kinetics of prekallikrein activation and the effects of inhibitors provide evidence that the amidolytic and proteolytic activities of human Hageman factor reside in the activated forms derived by limited proteolysis of the native molecule.
A data model based on paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy relations

Paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy set is an extension of intuitionistic fuzzy set or interval-valued fuzzy set. It relaxes the requirement that t + f ≤ 1, where t is grade of truth-membership and f is grade of false-membership. In paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy set, t, f ∈ [0,1],0 ≤ t + f ≤ 2. In this paper, we present a generalization of the relational model of data based on paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy set. Our data model is capable of manipulating incomplete as well as inconsistent information. Associated with each relation there are two membership functions which keep track of the extent to which we believe the tuple is in the relation and the extent to which we believe that it is not in the relation. In order to handle inconsistent situations, we propose an operator, called “split”, to transform inconsistent paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy relations into pseudo-consistent paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy relations. We may then manipulate these pseudo-consistent paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy relations by performing set-theoretic and relation-theoretic operations on them. Finally, we can use another operator, called “combine”, to transform the results back to paraconsistent intuitionistic fuzzy relations. For this model, we define algebraic operators that are generalization of the usual operators such as union, selection, join on fuzzy relations. Our data model can underlie any database management system that deals with incomplete or inconsistent information.
Calculating an optimal box size for ligand docking and virtual screening against experimental and predicted binding pockets

Computational approaches have emerged as an instrumental methodology in modern research. For example, virtual screening by molecular docking is routinely used in computer-aided drug discovery. One of the critical parameters for ligand docking is the size of a search space used to identify low-energy binding poses of drug candidates. Currently available docking packages often come with a default protocol for calculating the box size, however, many of these procedures have not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we investigate how the docking accuracy of AutoDock Vina is affected by the selection of a search space. We propose a new procedure for calculating the optimal docking box size that maximizes the accuracy of binding pose prediction against a non-redundant and representative dataset of 3,659 protein-ligand complexes selected from the Protein Data Bank. Subsequently, we use the Directory of Useful Decoys, Enhanced to demonstrate that the optimized docking box size also yields an improved ranking in virtual screening. Binding pockets in both datasets are derived from the experimental complex structures and, additionally, predicted by eFindSite. A systematic analysis of ligand binding poses generated by AutoDock Vina shows that the highest accuracy is achieved when the dimensions of the search space are 2.9 times larger than the radius of gyration of a docking compound. Subsequent virtual screening benchmarks demonstrate that this optimized docking box size also improves compound ranking. For instance, using predicted ligand binding sites, the average enrichment factor calculated for the top 1 % (10 %) of the screening library is 8.20 (3.28) for the optimized protocol, compared to 7.67 (3.19) for the default procedure. Depending on the evaluation metric, the optimal docking box size gives better ranking in virtual screening for about two-thirds of target proteins. This fully automated procedure can be used to optimize docking protocols in order to improve the ranking accuracy in production virtual screening simulations. Importantly, the optimized search space systematically yields better results than the default method not only for experimental pockets, but also for those predicted from protein structures. A script for calculating the optimal docking box size is freely available at www.brylinski.org/content/docking-box-size .
Structural phase transitions in SbCl5-intercalated graphite.

The structural behavior of ${\mathrm{SbCl}}_{5}$-intercalated graphite has been investigated as a function of temperature and stage with use of x-ray diffuse scattering techniques. We present a global description of the ordering of the intercalant layers and their stacking arrangements, based on the existence of two segregated molecular species, ${\mathrm{SbCl}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{SbCl}}_{6}$${\mathrm{}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. Strong interactions with the graphite host lead to a variety of long-period registered superlattices associated with the separate in-plane ordering of each molecular type. A new explanation for the structural phase transition at T\ensuremath{\approxeq}230 K is presented in terms of a dipole-dipole coupling of ${\mathrm{SbCl}}_{3}$ molecules.
An Acoustic Method for Determining Ballistic Coefficients

This paper presents a method for using a PC soundcard, microphone and a chronograph to determine bullet BC with an accuracy of 6%. This is useful when a second chronograph is unavailable or when the projectile accuracy is insufficient to use a far chronograph.
Characterization of prototype and clinically defined strains of Streptococcus suis by genomic fingerprinting.

A collection of Streptococcus suis strains from animal and human infections was examined for DNA-banding patterns after restriction endonuclease digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. The endonuclease HaeIII produced the most discriminating restriction profiles among 23 serotypes studied. DNA from serotypes 9, 11, 12, and 16 was resistant to HaeIII cleavage. DNA from serotypes 9 through 16 was cleaved with HindIII and showed substantial genomic differences. We also examined 106 epidemiologically unrelated strains isolated from cases of pig meningitis or pneumonia and 5 strains isolated from cases of human meningitis in order to compare genomic fingerprinting and serotyping as epidemiological tools. Heterogeneity was found among fingerprints of serologically identical isolates, indicating genetic diversity within some serotypes. DNA fingerprints of some serotype 2 strains from different sources appeared identical, suggesting a clonal relationship among strains of this serotype. The data suggest that this technique represents an important tool for examining the natural history of disease caused by S. suis. Images
Determination of Pressure Effects on the α → γ Phase Transition and Size of Fe in Nd-Fe-B Spring Exchange Magnets

Pressure effects in RE-lean Nd2Fe14B-based nanocomposite systems developed from nanocrystalline precursors are studied in this work. In particular, the pressure dependence of the α → γ phase transformation in the Fe phase is examined along with the suppression of coarsening (growth) in both phases at higher pressures. By synchrotron X-ray diffraction we determined that the α → γ-phase transformations occur at temperatures of 1120 K (847 °C) at 1 GPa and 960 K (687 °C) at 5 GPa. A composition rich in Fe appears to have an ~373 K (100 °C) range of temperature over which the α, γ-phases coexist for atmospheric pressure. We compare our experimental data with other reported observations for Fe and with equations of state (EOS) determined from first principle calculations. From this study we observe an important feature: the phase transition begins at a higher temperature in flake samples than in powder samples. We consider the magnetic contribution to the heat capacity in the EOS for Fe and describe the implications of dipole moments on the slope of the Clapeyron equation for the P–T phase diagram in Fe. Additionally, the phase transition occurs at temperatures where growth by diffusional coarsening is also operative. This is significant since the size of soft Fe nanostructures is important to spring exchange. Suppression of the phase transition and Fe coarsening at higher pressures suggest that there may be interesting mechanical processing routes to be investigated to optimize spring exchange effects in Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets.
Basic Features of a Cell Electroporation Model: Illustrative Behavior for Two Very Different Pulses

Science increasingly involves complex model- ing. Here we describe a model for cell electroporation in which membrane properties are dynamically modified by poration. Spatial scales range from cell membrane thick- ness (5 nm) to a typical mammalian cell radius (10 lm), and can be used with idealized and experimental pulse waveforms. The model consists of traditional passive components and additional active components representing nonequilibrium processes. Model responses include mea- surable quantities: transmembrane voltage, membrane electrical conductance, and solute transport rates and amounts for the representative ''long'' and ''short'' pulses. The long pulse—1.5 kV/cm, 100 ls—evolves two pore subpopulations with a valley at � 5 nm, which separates the subpopulations that have peaks at � 1.5 and � 12 nm radius. Such pulses are widely used in biological research, biotechnology, and medicine, including cancer therapy by drug delivery and nonthermal physical tumor ablation by causing necrosis. The short pulse—40 kV/cm, 10 ns— creates 80-fold more pores, all small (\3 nm; � 1n m peak). These nanosecond pulses ablate tumors by apopto- sis. We demonstrate the model's responses by illustrative electrical and poration behavior, and transport of calcein and propidium. We then identify extensions for expanding modeling capability. Structure-function results from MD can allow extrapolations that bring response specificity to cell membranes based on their lipid composition. After a pulse, changes in pore energy landscape can be included over seconds to minutes, by mechanisms such as cell swelling and pulse-induced chemical reactions that slowly alter pore behavior.
Preliminary evidence for low openness to experience as a pre-clinical marker of incipient cognitive decline in older adults

Abstract The current study examined self-reported Openness to Experience as a marker of incipient cognitive decline among older adults. Seventy five cognitively-intact, community-dwelling adults ages 58–87 were assessed with the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R; ( Costa & McCrae, 1992 ) and the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale 2nd edition (DRS-2; ( Mattis, Jurica, & Leitten, 1988 ) to examine association with incipient decline over approximately 1 year. Low Openness to Experience was associated with decline, controlling for baseline screening scores, age, education, and the other four personality factors. Examination of facet-level associations indicated that lower scores on the Values and Aesthetics facets of Openness primarily explained the association. Current findings build on prior research suggesting that exaggerated reaction to novelty may signal pre-clinical cognitive decline.
An Opto-Thermocapillary Cell Micromanipulator

An opto-thermocapillary micromanipulator (OTMm) capable of single-cell manipulation and patterning is presented here. The OTMm uses a near-infrared laser focused on an ITO substrate to induce thermocapillary convection that can trap and transport living cells with forces of up to 40 pN. The OTMm complements other cell-manipulation technologies, such as optical tweezers and dielectrophoresis, as it is less dependent upon the optical and electrical properties of the working environment, and can function in many types of cell culture media. The OTMm was used to construct single-cell matrices in two popular hydrogels: PEGDA and agarose. High viability rates were observed in both hydrogels, and cells patterned in agarose spread and migrated during subsequent culturing.
Management of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in Children

Bronchospasm precipitated by exercise is often indistinguishable from bronchospasm produced by other stimuli. Symptoms result from airflow limitation and include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, dyspnea and sometimes hypoxemia. The prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm varies from 30%-90%, but virtually all patients with current asthma will experience a decrease in lung function if the exercise is sufficiently vigorous, especially in cold, dry environmental conditions. Exercise-induced bronchospasm is more prevalent in children than in adults, probably because children are physically more active. It is also more prevalent among elite winter sports athletes. The pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchospasm involves a defect in respiratory heat exchange that probably triggers mast cell and eosinophil release of bronchoconstricting mediators. The goal of therapy is prevention of symptoms. This may be accomplished by pre-treating patients with isolated exercise-induced bronchospasm using an inhaled rapid-onset β2-adrenergic agonist before a scheduled activity or by treating the underlying inflammation when exercise-induced bronchospasm is part of the clinical syndrome of persistent asthma. In the later instance, either an inhaled corticosteroid, an oral leukotriene modifier, or a combination of both, depending on severity, may be required to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm associated with activities of daily living. In addition, some of these patients may still require pre-treatment with a short-acting inhaled β2-agonist before a scheduled vigorous activity, especially in very cold ambient temperatures. Because the duration of bronchoprotection decreases with daily use (tachyphylaxis), long acting β2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol) have a limited role in treating exercise-induced bronchospasm.