cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Distinction between Intrinsic and Spurious Contact E.M.F.S and the Question of the Absorption of Radiation by Metals in Quanta.

Stopping potentials for photo-electrons from Na, K and Li surfaces, as determined with a Faraday cylinder in vacuo for monochromatic ultraviolet light, were found to be accurately the same for all. This result makes general the conclusion that the stopping potential for a given frequency is the same for all clean metals. It is not the same for an oxidized copper surface, however, or for any surface showing a spurious contact e.m.f.Contact e.m.f.'s between Na, K and Li and the oxidized Cu surface of a Faraday cylinder were not found to be constant, but their changes were found to keep pace exactly with changes in the common stopping potential. These changes are attributed to the entanglement of electrons in the copper oxide surface, thus giving rise to a spurious e.m.f.Intrinsic contact e.m.f. between any two metals is shown to be a definite quantity equal to $\frac{(h{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}h\ensuremath{\nu}_{0}^{\ensuremath{'}})}{e}$, when $\ensuremath{\nu}_{0}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{0}$ are the threshold frequencies for photo-electric emission from the two metals. This equation enables intrinsic to be distinguished from spurious contact e.m.f. For if the observed contact e.m.f. differs from this value, (which it does not do for clean metals), there is a spurious contact e.m.f. equal to this difference and also equal to the difference in stopping potentials.The Photo-electric quantity hv0 is shown to be equal to the thermionic work function $\ensuremath{\varphi}e$ measured at the same temperature.Theory of photo-electric emission.---Proof is adduced for the conclusion that either the free, conduction electrons of a metal have the power of taking up the energy $h\ensuremath{\nu}$ from the incident light, or that, as Barkla has claimed, absorption does not take place in whole quanta. The difficulties associated with each conclusion are pointed out.
Wired Multidecker Sandwich Assemblies. Stepwise Construction of a Hexanuclear Benzene-Centered Tris(alkynyl triple-decker) Complex1

A complex containing three multidecker sandwich units anchored to a central benzene ring, 1,3,5-[Cp*Co(2,3-Et2C2B3H2-5-C⋮C)CoCp*]3C6H3 (8), has been synthesized via two different routes starting wi...
Nanotechnologies for the Life Sciences, Vol. 3: Nanosystem Characterization Tools in the Life Sciences (Kumar, C.S.S.R.; 2006) [Book review]

This book presented several important characterization tools that are currently used in life science and in the process of development of biological applications. This text is written by more than 20 authors, with a wide range of expertise in characterization techniques. The authors assume that the readers are familiar with basic concepts and terminologies of engineering and biology. Each characterization tool is organized into a chapter, and the chapters are written at a level that this reviewer would suggest as a reference text for graduate students, researchers, and scientists who are interested in characterization techniques for the life science. The book covers very broad characterization tools and would be too intense for most undergraduates.
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to cultured nodose sensory neurons.

Recent advances have enabled transfer of genes to various types of cells and tissues. The goals of the present study were to transfer genes to nodose sensory neurons using replication-deficient adenovirus vectors and to define the conditions needed to optimize the gene transfer. Neurons were dissociated from rat nodose ganglia and maintained in culture. Cultures were exposed for 30 min to vectors containing the β-galactosidase gene lacZ driven by either the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) or the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Cultures were fixed and treated with X-gal to evaluate lacZ expression 1–7 days after exposure to virus. Increasing concentrations of virus led to dose-related increases in the number of neurons expressing lacZ. LacZ was expressed in 8±2, 39±6, and 82±3% of neurons 1 day after exposure to 107, 108, and 109 pfu/ml of AdRSVlacZ, respectively (P<0.05). The same doses of AdCMVlacZ led to expression in 41±9, 60±10, and 86±4% of neurons. Expression driven by the CMV promoter was essentially maximal within 1 day and remained stable for at least 7 days. In contrast, expression driven by the RSV promoter was less on day 1 but increased over time (1–7 days). There was no lacZ expression in vehicle-treated cultures and exposure to the adenovirus vectors did not adversely influence cell viability. Exposure of the neuronal cultures to an adenovirus vector containing the gene for green fluorescent protein (AdRSVgfp, 109 pfu/ml) enabled visualization of successful gene transfer in living neurons. The results indicate that gene transfer to cultured nodose neurons can be accomplished using adenovirus vectors. The expression of the transferred gene persists for at least 7 days, occurs more rapidly when expression is driven by the CMV compared with the RSV promoter, and occurs without adversely affecting cell viability.
Donor risk index for African American liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus

African American (AA) liver transplant (LT) recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have higher rates of graft loss than other racial/ethnic groups. The Donor Risk Index (DRI) predicts graft loss but is neither race- nor disease-specific and may not be optimal for assessing donor risk for AA HCV-positive LT recipients. We developed a DRI for AA with HCV with the goal of enhancing graft loss predictions. All U.S. HCV-positive adult AA first deceased donor LTs surviving ≥30 days from March 2002 to December 2009 were included. A total of 1,766 AA LT recipients were followed for median 2.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.3-4.9) years. Independent predictors of graft loss were donor age (40-49 years: hazard ratio [HR] 1.54; 50-59 years: HR 1.80; 60+ years: HR 2.34, P 8 hours, P = 0.03). Importantly, the negative effect of increasing donor age on graft and patient survival among AAs was attenuated by receipt of an AA donor. A new donor risk model for AA (AADRI-C) consisting of donor age, race, and CIT yielded 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year predicted graft survival rates of 91%, 77%, and 68% for AADRI 2.44. In the validation dataset, AADRI-C correctly reclassified 27% of patients (net reclassification improvement P = 0.04) compared to the original DRI. Conclusion: AADRI-C identifies grafts at higher risk of failure and this information is useful for risk-benefit discussions with recipients. Use of AA donors allows consideration of older donors. (Hepatology 2013;58:1263–1269)
A Taxonomy for Categorizing Generalizations: Generalizing Actions and Reflection Generalizations

This article presents a cohesive, empirically grounded categorization system differentiating the types of generalizations students constructed when reasoning mathematically. The generalization taxonomy developed out of an empirical study conducted during a 3-week teaching experiment and a series of individual interviews. Qualitative analysis of data from teaching sessions with 7 seventh-graders and individual interviews with 7 eighth-graders resulted in a taxonomy that distinguishes between students' activity as they generalize, or generalizing actions, and students' final statements of generalization, or reflection generalizations. The three major generalizing action categories that emerged from analysis are (a) relating, in which one forms an association between two or more problems or objects, (b) searching, in which one repeats an action to locate an element of similarity, and (c) extending, in which one expands a pattern or relation into a more general structure. Reflection generalizations took the f...
Time-space tradeoffs for algebraic problems on general sequential machines

Abstract This paper establishes time-space tradeoffs for some algebraic problems in the branching program model, including convolution of vectors, integer multiplication, matrix-vector products, matrix multiplication, matrix inversion, computing the product of three matrices, and computing PAQ where P and Q are permutation matrices. The lower bounds apply to general sequential models of computation. Although the lower bounds are for a more general model, they are as large as the known bounds for straight-line programs (even improving the known straight-line bounds for matrix multiplication) except for the case of computing PAQ , for which non-oblivious algorithms can outperform oblivious ones, and integer multiplication, where our lower bound is a polylogarithmic factor below the known straight-line bound. Some of the tradeoffs are proved for expected time and space, where all inputs are equally likely.
Line intensities: the good, the bad and the ugly

Atmospheric remote sensing requires that line intensities be measured and modeled to 5% or better in laboratory studies. Successes and failures for analyses of carbon monoxide, methane, methanol and nitric acid will be reviewed.
A mononuclear molybdenum(V) mono-oxo biphenyl-2,2'-dithiolate complex in which the metal resides within a cleft formed by the ligands and that exhibits N-H...S hydrogen bonding in the solid state.

The reaction of Mo(O)2(acac)2, H2L (2,2′-dimercaptobiphenyl), and NEt3 produced the mononuclear Mo(V) complex Et3NH[Mo(O)(L)2] (1). Molybdenum mono-oxo tetrathiolate complexes such as 1 are studied as potential structural or functional models for pyranopterin-containing molybdoenzymes. Complex 1 has been crystallographically characterized. The solid-state structure reveals that the molybdenum ion sits within a cleft formed by the biphenyl backbone of the ligands, providing some steric protection. In addition, there is a hydrogen bond between the amine hydrogen of [Et3NH]+ and one of the thiolate sulfur atoms. A difference in solution reactivity between 1 and a derivative without a hydrogen-bonding counterion suggests that hydrogen bonding occurs in solution also. There are two short S-S contacts and small S-Mo-S angles in the structure of 1 that may reflect a slight bonding interaction. Such short S-S distances and small angles have been found in a couple of other Mo-thiolate complexes and in many of the molybdoenzyme crystal structures. Further characterization of 1 by EPR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopies, as well as by cyclic voltammetry, is discussed and compared to known Mo(V)-oxo-tetrathiolate complexes as well as to relevant molybdoenzyme data. Reactions to generate Mo(VI) complexes from 1 resulted in net oxidation at the ligand to form its disulfide derivative, which dissociated from the metal center. This result suggests that modifications to the ligand to prevent this process are needed.
Cadherin inhibition of β-catenin signaling regulates the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells

The generation and differentiation of neurons during development requires coordination of intercellular interactions with spatio-temporal changes in gene expression. To examine the role of adhesion in cerebral cortical development, we overexpressed full-length cadherin and dominant-negative truncated cadherin in mouse cortical precursors. Full-length cadherin allowed for the maintenance of cell contact between daughter cells following cell division while dominant-negative cadherin decreased cell contact. Paradoxically, both cadherin isoforms inhibited precursor proliferation, induced premature neuronal differentiation, and inhibited β-catenin dependent signaling. Furthermore, alteration of cadherin or β-catenin function led to additional changes in precursor identity and division symmetry as demonstrated by altered expression of the radial glial marker, Pax6, and the intermediate precursor marker, Tbr2. Moreover, clonal analysis demonstrated asymmetric distribution of Tbr2 following precursor mitosis. Together, these results show that cadherins affect neural precursor fate determination through a cell-autonomous regulation of catenin signaling distinct from cadherin adhesive function.
Approaching the capacity of sampled analog channels

We explore the capacity of sub-Nyquist sampled analog channels based on modulation and filter bank sampling techniques. In particular, we derive the capacity of sampled analog channels under sampling via modulation banks and filter banks. A connection between these sampling mechanisms and MIMO Gaussian channels is illuminated. For sampling with a single branch of modulation and filtering, we identify the modulation sequence that optimizes capacity. These results illustrate the importance of the sampling technique on the capacity of sampled analog channels for a broad class of nonuniform sampling structures.
Lymphocyte reactivity of antisera to cryoproteins in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Cryoglobulins from the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythamatosus (SLE) contain lymphocytotoxic antibodies. Since cryoprecipitation may be a property of antigen—antibody complexes, the presence of antibody to lymphocytes in SLE cryoprotein led us to examine the cryoprecipitated material for evidence of lymphocyte membrane antigens. Rabbit antisera to each of eight SLE cryoproteins were incubated with 51 Cr-labeled human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The lymphocytes were tested for their ability to function as antibody-sensitized targets in an antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay. Normal rabbit serum (NRS) and rabbit antiserum to human IgM, IgG, brain tissue (HBT), and thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) were used as control sera. Antibody binding to target lymphocytes resulting in greater than 5% 51 Cr-release occurred with SLE lymphocyte targets sensitized with anti-HBT ( 16 16 ). TDL ( 13 13 ), IgM ( 8 16 ), and IgG ( 2 14 ), but not with NRS ( 0 16 ). Normal lymphocytes were sensitized by anti-HBT ( 17 17 ), TDL ( 17 17 ), and IgM ( 2 11 ), but not with IgG ( 0 7 ) or NRS ( 0 17 ). Of the eight antisera to SLE cryoproteins, three sensitized both SLE and normal lymphocytes, whereas, the remaining five recognized cell-surface antigens contained only on SLE lymphocytes. The lymphocyte antigens detected by the anticryoprotein antisera remained on the target cell surfaces following overnight incubations. The demonstration of lymphocyte reactivity by antisera to SLE cryoprotein indicates that the SLE cryoprecipitates contain lymphocyte membrane antigens or, at least, antigens cross-reactive with cell-surface determinants. The SLE specificity of select antisera suggests the existence of SLE cell-associated lymphocyte antigens.
Predicting fluxes of latent and sensible heat of lakes from surface water temperatures

Wind velocity, air temperature, and humidity fluctuations were measured over Orange Lake, Florida, using an ultrasonic anemometer-thermometer and Lyman alpha humidity sensor. Latent and sensible heat fluxes were calculated from the data using the eddy correlation technique. Lake temperature at a 2.5-cm depth was measured in order to compare eddy correlation results with fluxes and the Bowen ratio predicted by the formulae of Hicks (1975) and Priestley and Taylor (1972) in which temperature is the sole parameter. Bowen ratio results were in good agreement with the formulations of Hicks (1975) and Priestley and Taylor (1972) if property values were evaluated at a temperature intermediate to the lake and 10-m air temperature. Disagreement with fluxes predicted by Hicks (1975) indicates that such formulations are inadequate for short-term flux evaluations under the meteorological conditions in which surface water temperature is changing with time.
Effect of intravenous inoculation of avian influenza virus on reproduction and growth in mallard ducks

An avian influenza virus isolate, A/Mallard/Ohio/184/86 (H5N1), was evaluated for its effects on reproduction in isolation-reared adult mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and growth rate in juvenile mallards after intravenous inoculation. There was a significant decrease in egg production in the experimental group during the first week after inoculation, but it returned to the normal production level during the second week. No effect was seen on egg weight, shape, or fertility. Ducklings receiving this influenza virus isolate did not differ from controls in their rate of growth.
Protection against Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Maternal Milk. I. Role of Milk Leukocytes

Summary: A ral model of necrotizing enterocolitis of the neonate in which maternal milk had been protective was studied to determine what components of the milk afforded protection and by what mechanism. Frozen and thawed rat milk was not protective, but formula supplemented with rat milk cells was. It was concluded that the cells provided protection. The cells, which are principally mononuclear phagocytes, can phagocytize and kill the Klebsiella pneumoniae strain used in the animal model. Animals with necrotizing enterolitis had peritonitis and bacteremia caused by this bacillus. Speculation: Milk mononuclear phagocytes may protect the neonatal rat from enterocolitis by their antibacterial and wound-healing activities or by their ability to enhance the neonatal immune response. The etiologic role of bacteria in this disease, not proven in these experiments, must be determined by experiments in germfree rats.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a psoralen-inactivated dengue-1 virus vaccine candidate in Aotus nancymaae monkeys

Abstract Psoralens are photoreactive compounds that cross-link pyrimidines after exposure to UVA radiation. In this experiment, we tested the protective efficacy of a psoralen-inactivated dengue vaccine candidate in non-human primates. Two groups of 7 Aotus nancymaae monkeys received either 10 ng per dose of inactivated DENV1 plus alum adjuvant or alum alone (controls). Doses were injected intradermally on days 0, 14, and 28. Monkeys then received a challenge inoculation of 1.1 × 104 PFUs of WestPac 74 DENV-1 on day 132. At 62 days, only 1/7 vaccinated monkeys had detectable IgM, but IgG and neutralizing antibody remained detectable in 7/7. No IgM, IgG, or neutralizing antibody was detectable in control monkeys. DENV-1 viremia was detected after challenge in 3/7 vaccinated monkeys and 5/6 control monkeys (with one removed due to pregnancy) (p = 0.27), but days of viremia were reduced from 3.67 days/animal among controls to 0.71 days/animal among vaccinated monkeys (p = 0.051). Psoralen-inactivated DENV1 is immunogenic in Aotus nancymaae with a trend towards a reduction in days of viremia following experimental challenge.
Equal-time anticommutator of the BRST current for the bosonic string and the critical dimension

Abstract The equal-time anticommutator of the BRST current is calculated to obtain the critical dimension D =26 in the case of bosonic string theory. There is no ambiguity in defining the BRST current and hence in calculating the equal-time anticommutator, in contrast to the case of the equal-time commutator of the energy-momentum tensor.
A 3D virtual desktop

Virtual workspaces can take many forms but the common problem is to develop an easy and intuitive way to interact with the environment. The application of a three-dimensional interface device that is based on traditional hand gestures promises to provide an effective way to interface with a flexible virtual workspace.
Ward atmosphere: A longitudinal and factorial analysis

A psychiatric unit that is characterized by rapid staff and patient turnover was studied longitudinally on four occasions at 6-week intervals, using measures of ward atmosphere, ward activities, perception of patients, and population characteristics. Although the ward did show a great deal of change demographically, perceptions of it were highly stable for patient and staff groups. It was further shown that, in addition to stable perceptions of specific activities or aspects of the milieu, there were also broader underlying perceptual dimensions that were consistent across time. Stable staff-versus-patient and intra-staff differences in perceptions were also found. The results are discussed in terms of the factors that might contribute to the maintenance of such a stable environment, and in terms of the importance of attending to individual variations in perceptions of ward atmosphere.
Zonal Expression of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Sheep and Rhesus Adrenal Cortex

There is mounting evidence that nitric oxide (NO) may inhibit adrenal steroidogenesis by binding to the heme group of P450 enzymes, particularly the rate-limiting steps cholesterol side-change cleavage P450, aldosterone synthase P450, and 17α-hydroxylase/C17/20-lyase P450. Using immunohistochemistry, nitrotyrosine was detectable throughout the ovine adrenal cortex, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was further identified in zona glomerulosa (ZG) and at a higher level throughout the zona fasciculata, increasing toward the medulla. Caveolin-1, 90-kDa heat shock protein, ERK-1/2, and Akt, all known and proposed regulators of eNOS activity, were detected throughout the ovine adrenal cortex. Western immunoblotting confirmed the identity of these proteins as well as the absence of neuronal NOS, inducible NOS, caveolin-2, and caveolin-3. Through dual immunostaining we further identified for the first time a zona intermedia without strong staining for 17α-hydroxylase/C17/20-lyase P450 or angiotensin II type 1 re...
Trends in early childhood vaccination coverage: progress towards US Healthy People 2010 goals.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate trends in national vaccination coverage from 2000 to 2007 among children aged 19–35 months for at least four doses of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis vaccine (4 + DTaP), three doses of poliovirus vaccine (3 + Polio), one dose of measles–mumps–rubella vaccine (1 + MMR), three doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (3 + Hib), three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (3 + HepB), one dose of Varicella vaccine (1 + Var), and the standard vaccine series of these six vaccines (4:3:1:3:3:1). To predict vaccination coverage levels in 2008–2010 for those vaccines that have not yet reached the Healthy People 2010 coverage targets of 90% for individual vaccines and 80% for the vaccine series. Methods Data were analyzed for 167,086 children aged 19–35 months in the 2000–2007 National Immunization Survey. Vaccination coverage trends were analyzed with weighted least squares linear regression models. Nonlinear Weibull and logarithmic regression models were fitted to these past results, and extrapolation was used to predict vaccination coverage levels for 4 + DTaP, 1 + Var, and the 4:3:1:3:3:1 series from 2008 to 2010. Results From 2000 to 2007, observed vaccination coverage increased significantly for four of the six vaccines and the standard vaccine series, and reached the 90% target for 3 + Polio, 1 + MMR, 3 + Hib, and 3 + HepB. Increases in coverage were not significant for 1 + MMR and 3 + Hib; however, coverage for these vaccines was consistently > 90% throughout the study period. Both Weibull and logarithmic regression models predicted that coverage with 1 + Var and the 4:3:1:3:3:1 series will surpass the 2010 target by 2008, while coverage with 4 + DTaP will fall short of the target at 86% in 2010. Conclusions The United States is well on the way toward reaching most of the Healthy People 2010 objectives for early childhood vaccination coverage. Enhanced efforts are needed to ensure that these trends continue, and to increase coverage with 4 + DTaP.
Prospects for improving health through reducing risk factors.

Abstract Intervention against both bodily risk factors such as hypertension, high serum cholesterol, cervical dysplasia, and trisomy 21; and behavioral risk factors such as cigarette smoking, too little exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption, offers improving prospects for reducing major current causes of death. The MRFIT program and other trials of intervention in North Karelia, Finland, and in northern California, are aimed at delineating how effective this strategy may be. Already it is clear that the risk factor intervention strategy may incorporate one or both of two tactics: the “medical model,” i.e., selecting individuals for intervention efforts on the basis of medical examinations; or the “community model,” i.e., directing efforts for risk factor reduction at a total community. This new approach to prevention represents a shift away from the clinical entities as the focus of medicine toward the identification and reduction of the factors that lead to clinical disease. The aim is not just to avoid clinical disease but to maintain health in the sense of physiologic function, anatomic regularity, chemical balance, genetic integrity, immunologic status, and healthful behavior.
First-Principles Study of Bond Rupture of Entangled Polymer Chains

The entanglement of neighboring chains is a common topological defect found in polymers. The limiting stress and mechanism of rupture of two entangled polyethylene chains, subjected to external loading, has been investigated using first-principles molecular dynamics calculations. Our results show that intermolecular entanglement significantly weakens each polymer strand. Interchain bond−bond or atom−bond friction is the major driving force in the rupture process.
Variation in triggers and use of perioperative blood transfusion in major gastrointestinal surgery

Background The decision to perform intraoperative blood transfusion is subject to a variety of clinical and laboratory factors. This study examined variation in haemoglobin (Hb) triggers and overall utilization of intraoperative blood transfusion, as well the impact of transfusion on perioperative outcomes. Methods The study included all patients who underwent pancreatic, hepatic or colorectal resection between 2010 and 2013 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Data on Hb levels that triggered an intraoperative or postoperative transfusion and overall perioperative blood utilization were obtained and analysed. Results Intraoperative transfusion was employed in 437 (15·6 per cent) of the 2806 patients identified. Older patients (odds ratio (OR) 1·68), patients with multiple co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity score 4 or above; OR 1·66) and those with a lower preoperative Hb level (OR 4·95) were at increased risk of intraoperative blood transfusion (all P < 0·001). The Hb level employed to trigger transfusion varied by sex, race and service (all P < 0·001). A total of 105 patients (24·0 per cent of patients transfused) had an intraoperative transfusion with a liberal Hb trigger (10 g/dl or more); the majority of these patients (78; 74·3 per cent) did not require any additional postoperative transfusion. Patients who received an intraoperative transfusion were at greater risk of perioperative complications (OR 1·55; P = 0·002), although patients transfused with a restrictive Hb trigger (less than 10 g/dl) showed no increased risk of perioperative morbidity compared with those transfused with a liberal Hb trigger (OR 1·22; P = 0·514). Conclusion Use of perioperative blood transfusion varies among surgeons and type of operation. Nearly one in four patients received a blood transfusion with a liberal intraoperative transfusion Hb trigger of 10 g/dl or more. Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with higher risk of perioperative morbidity.
Correlations between peripheral blood mononuclear cell production of BDNF, TNF‐alpha, IL‐6, IL‐10 and cognitive performances in multiple sclerosis patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and inflammatory factors in the development of cognitive dysfunctions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We correlated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of BDNF, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 with performances on specific neuropsychological tasks in a selected series of MS patients. We studied a sample of 30 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR)MS, segregated by gender and matched for age, education, disease duration, type of immunomodulating therapy, degree of disability and overall cognitive status. We found that low BDNF levels were correlated with increased time of execution on a divided attention and visual scanning task whereas high levels of IL-6 were correlated with low Mini Mental State Examination scores. We did not observe any significant correlations between IL-10, TNF-a levels and cognitive performances in our patients. In conclusion our study shows a correlation between low BDNF and high IL-6 production by PBMCs and poorer performances in cognitive tasks in RRMS patients suggesting a possible role of these factors in cognitive impairment in MS. V V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fertilization and plant diversity accelerate primary succession and restoration of dune communities

Plant species richness can increase primary production because plants occupy different niches or facilitate each other (“complementarity effects”) or because diverse mixtures have a greater chance of having more productive species (“selection effects”). To determine how complementarity and selection influence dune restoration, we established four types of plant communities [monocultures of sea oats (Uniola paniculata), bitter panicgrass (Panicum amarum) and saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) and the three-species mixture] under different soil treatments typical of dune restorations (addition of soil organic material, nutrients, both, or neither). This fully factorial design allowed us to determine if plant identity, diversity and soil treatments influenced the yield of both the planted species and species that recruited naturally (volunteers). Planted species responses in monocultures and mixtures varied among soil treatments. The composition of the plantings and soils also influenced the abundance of volunteers. The mixture of the three species had the lowest cover of volunteers. We also found that the effect of diversity on production increased with fertilizer. We partitioned the biodiversity effect into complementarity and selection effects and found that the increase in the diversity effect occurred because increased nutrients decreased dominance by the largest species and increased complementarity among species. Our findings suggest that different planting schemes can be used to meet specific goals of restoration (e.g., accelerate plant recovery while suppressing colonization of non-planted species).
Dehydrodiscretine, an infrequently occurring quaternary protoberberine alkaloid from heptacyclum zenkeri

Abstract Dehydrodiscretine, a quaternary protoberberine alkaloid, has been isolated from Heptacyclum zenkeri Engl. (syn. Penianthus zenkeri Diels). This is the first reported isolation of this alkaloid from a member of the Menispermaceae and only the second reported isolation from nature.
Induction of c-fos protein by patterned visual stimulation in central visual pathways of the rat

Localized patterned visual stimulation was used in rats to investigate the feasibility of stimulus-dependent induction of the immediate early gene c-fos in neurons of cortical and subcortical visual centers of this mammal. Moving and stationary visual patterns, consisting of gratings and arrays of dark dots, induced Fos-like immunoreactivity in populations of neurons in retinotopically corresponding stimulated regions of the dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN, vLGN), stratum griseum superficiale of the superior colliculus, nucleus of the optic tract, and primary (striate) visual cortex. Only moving stimuli induced Fos-like immunoreactive (FLI) neurons in extrastriate visual areas, particularly in the anterolateral (AL) visual area. This suggests that area AL is equivalent to the motion sensitive areas MT and PMLS of the monkey and cat. Stimulus-induced FLI neurons in the striate cortex were predominantly distributed in layers 4 and 6, while few labeled neurons were present in layers 2-3, and almost none in layer 5. The laminar distribution of stimulus-induced FLI cells in the extrastriate cortical area AL was similar to that of the striate cortex, with the exception that more FLI cells were present in layer 5. Statistical comparison of somata size of the stimulus-induced FLI neurons in dLGN with that of Cresyl violet stained neurons in the same sections revealed that the population of geniculate FLI neurons is composed of relay cells and interneurons.
The red blood cell, ATP and integrated vascular responses to neuronal stimulation

Abstract Purpose: To provide new insights for linking neuronal activation, local sensing of metabolic need and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from red blood cells to conducted vasomotor responses as a mechanism to regulate cerebral microvascular blood flow according to the local tissue needs as seen after, e.g., whisker barrel stimulation [J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 13 (1993) 899]. Methods: We measured low PO2 and/or acidosis-induced ATP release from red blood cells. In isolated and pressurized rat-penetrating arterioles, we simulated neuronal ATP release with local microapplication to study local and conducted vasomotor responses [Am. J. Physiol.: Heart Circ. Physiol. 271 (1996) H1109]. In arterioles of hamster retractor muscle, we microinfused ATP to simulate ATP release from red blood cells. Finally, we measured low PO2-induced ATP release in red blood cell-perfused cerebral arterioles. Results: Red blood cells release ATP in response to low PO2 and/or acidosis. Extraluminally applied ATP causes constriction (via smooth muscle cell P2X1 receptor) with subsequent dilation (via endothelial P2Y2 stimulation), with the dilation conducted along the vessel. Microinfused ATP causes retrogradely conducted vasodilation, which is blunted with high ATP doses. Only in red blood cell-perfused arterioles does low PO2 causes vasodilation coincident with an increase in ATP in the perfusate. Conclusion: Local release of ATP either from neurons or from red blood cells (as a sensor for oxygen need) or both may cause local microvascular vessel dilation which is conducted retrogradely to precisely adjust local microvascular flow to metabolic tissue need.
Does Complex Metaheuristic Out-Perform Simple Hill-Climbing for Optimization Problems? A Simulation Evaluation

In this paper we compare the performance of metaheuristic methods, namely simulated annealing and Tabu Search, against simple hill climbing heuristic on a supply chain optimization problem. The benchmark problem we consider is the retailer replenishment optimization problem for a retailer selling multiple products. Computation and simulation results demonstrate that simulated annealing and Tabu search improve solution quality. However, the performance improvement is less in simulations with random noise. Lastly, simulated annealing appears to be more robust than Tabu search, and the results justify its extra implementation effort and computation time when compared against hill climbing.
Matching partition a linked list and its optimization

We show the curve O( n log i p + log n + log i) for the time complexity of computing a maximal matching for a linked list, where n is the size of the input list, p is the number of processors used in the algorithm and i is an adjustable parameter. For all constructible i the time complexity represented by the curve can be realized. Our algorithm is optimal using up to O( n log n ) processors with an arbitrarily large constant i. This algorithm can be used to compute a maximal independent set or a 3 coloring for a linked list.
On Rayleigh–Ritz ratios of a generalized Laplacian matrix of directed graphs

Abstract In [C.W. Wu, Algebraic connectivity of directed graphs, Linear and Multilinear Algebra, in press] a generalization of Fiedler’s notion of algebraic connectivity to directed graphs was presented that inherits many properties of the algebraic connectivity of undirected graphs and has applications to the synchronization of coupled dynamical systems with both constant and time-varying coupling. However, it did not inherit nonnegativity and some of its bounds for combinatorial properties such as maximum directed cut and isoperimetric number are less strict that their undirected counterparts. In particular, these bounds do not have the corresponding bounds for undirected graphs as limiting cases. The purpose of this paper is to present a refinement of this algebraic connectivity which preserve nonnegativity for strongly connected graphs and have bounds which contain the undirected graphs as special cases. In particular, we study quantities related to a generalized Laplacian matrix of directed graphs and obtain bounds on combinatorial properties such as diameter, bandwidth, and bisection width for general directed graphs. Finally, we give an application to the synchronization of coupled dynamical systems with constant coupling. In particular, we show that strong enough cooperative coupling will synchronize a network of coupled systems if the underlying directed graph is strongly connected.
Commentary on ‘Adjusting the pH of lidocaine for reducing pain on injection’

This is a commentary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Cepeda MS, Tzortzopoulou A, Thackrey M, Hudcova J, Arora Gandhi P, Schumann R. Adjusting the pH of lidocaine for reducing pain on injection. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD006581. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD006581.pub2. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Implications of an inverse branching aftershock sequence model.

The branching aftershock sequence BASS model is a self-similar statistical model for earthquake aftershock sequences. A prescribed parent earthquake generates a first generation of daughter aftershocks. The magnitudes and times of occurrence of the daughters are obtained from statistical distributions. The first generation daughter aftershocks then become parent earthquakes that generate second generation aftershocks. The process is then extended to higher generations. The key parameter in the BASS model is the magnitude difference m* between the parent earthquake and the largest expected daughter earthquake. In the application of the BASS model to aftershocks m* is positive, the largest expected daughter event is smaller than the parent, and the sequence of events aftershocks usually dies out, but an exponential growth in the number of events with time is also possible. In this paper we explore this behavior of the BASS model as m* varies, including when m* is negative and the largest expected daughter event is larger than the parent. The applications of this self-similar branching process to biology and other fields are discussed.
Detrusor instability in men: correlation of lower urinary tract symptoms with urodynamic findings.

Purpose: We evaluated the correlation of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability with urodynamic findings in men.Materials and Methods: Enrolled in our prospective study were 160 consecutive neurologically intact men referred for urodynamic evaluation of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. All patients had storage symptoms suggestive of detrusor instability. Patients were further clinically categorized according to the chief complaint of urge incontinence, frequency and urgency, nocturia or difficult voiding. The clinical and urodynamic diagnosis in all patients as well as specific urodynamic characteristics of those with detrusor instability were analyzed according to the these 4 clinical categories.Results: Mean patient age was 61 ± 15 years. The chief complaint was urge incontinence in 28 cases (17%), frequency and urgency in 57 (36%), nocturia in 30 (19%) and difficult voiding in 45 (28%). Detrusor instability was diagnosed in 68 cases (43%). A higher incidence of detrusor...
Using cluster analysis to identify patterns in students’ responses to contextually different conceptual problems

This study examined the evolution of student responses to seven contextually different versions of two Force Concept Inventory questions in an introductory physics course at the University of Arkansas. The consistency in answering the closely related questions evolved little over the seven-question exam. A model for the state of student knowledge involving the probability of selecting one of the multiple-choice answers was developed. Criteria for using clustering algorithms to extract model parameters were explored and it was found that the overlap between the probability distributions of the model vectors was an important parameter in characterizing the cluster models. The course data were then clustered and the extracted model showed that students largely fit into two groups both pre- and postinstruction: one that answered all questions correctly with high probability and one that selected the distracter representing the same misconception with high probability. For the course studied, 14% of the students were left with persistent misconceptions post instruction on a static force problem and 30% on a dynamic Newton's third law problem. These students selected the answer representing the predominant misconception slightly more consistently postinstruction, indicating that the course studied had been ineffective at moving this subgroup of students nearer a Newtonian force concept and had instead moved them slightly farther away from a correct conceptual understanding of these two problems. The consistency in answering pairs of problems with varied physical contexts is shown to be an important supplementary statistic to the score on the problems and suggests that the inclusion of such problem pairs in future conceptual inventories would be efficacious. Multiple, contextually varied questions further probe the structure of students' knowledge. To allow working instructors to make use of the additional insight gained from cluster analysis, it is our hope that the physics education research community will make these methods available though their Web sites.
First Measurements of the Complete Heavy-ion Charge State Distributions of C, O, and Fe Associated with Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections

We present the first analysis of the complete charge state distributions of heavy ions in interplanetary coronal mass ejections (CMEs), from singly charged to fully ionized. We develop a novel analysis technique that requires the combination and cross-calibration of two different data sets from the Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer on the Advanced Composition Explorer. The first contains ions of higher charge states, and includes an identification of their mass, mass-per-charge, and energy-per-charge. The second data set contains singly and low-charge ions, and identifies only their mass-per-charge and energy-per-charge. Focusing on C, O, and Fe, we find ionic charge states representative of temperatures from ≤60,000 K to over 5,000,000 K contained within interplanetary CMEs observed near 1 AU. We interpret these data in the context of near-Sun observations of filament material associated with CMEs. We find that singly charged ions are embedded within selected interplanetary CMEs, and we examine their densities and durations. These data thus provide the most unambiguous in situ diagnostic of solar prominence plasma in the heliosphere.
The Mendocino Crustal Conveyor: Making and Breaking the California Crust

The northward migration of the Mendocino triple junction has resulted in a fundamental modification of the crust of coastal California. As a consequence of viscous coupling between the southern edge of the Gorda slab and the base of the North American crust beneath the Coast Ranges of central and northern California, the crust of coastal California was first thickened and then thinned. This viscous coupling and ephemeral crustal thickening has produced a distinctive pattern of uplift that allows us to map the three-dimensional extent of crustal modification. This pattern of crustal deformation has combined with the strain field of the developing San Andreas fault system to produce the observed pattern of near-surface deformation. The rapid rise in heat flow south of the triple junction observed in the northern Coast Ranges is a direct consequence of development and removal of the crustal welt that migrated with the triple junction.
Cellular correlates of progressive hearing loss in 129S6/SvEv mice.

Several strains of mice hear well initially but show progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Affected cochlear cell types include all those known to be affected in human age-related hearing loss (ARHL), or presbycusis. Thus these mice have been offered as models of human ARHL. At present, however, few mouse ARHL models are sufficiently well described to serve as the basis for specific hypotheses about human ARHL. We examined 1-month-old and 15-month-old 129S6/SvEv (129S6) mice and compared them with BALB/cJ and CBA/J mice. Age-related elevation of compound action potential thresholds was interpreted in the light of endocochlear potentials and changes in hair cells, afferent neurons, fibrocytes in spiral limbus and ligament, and supporting cells within the organ of Corti. Aging in 129S6 mice was associated with high-frequency hearing loss. Four components of age-related cochlear degeneration emerged from quantitative analyses, including 1) basal loss of outer hair cells; 2) basal loss of type IV fibrocytes in the spiral ligament; 3) apical loss of fibrocytes in spiral limbus, and 4) anomalies of supporting cells in the cochlear base. Although neuronal loss was not consistently found, two mice showed loss of afferent dendrites and cell bodies in the cochlear apex without inner hair cell loss. Despite multifaceted degeneration, hearing loss in 129S6 mice appears to be best explained by degenerative changes in outer hair cells and in the organ of Corti, conforming to human sensory ARHL. Age-related changes in the apical spiral limbus may promote pathology of the medial organ of Corti and eventual loss of afferent neurons, with possible implications for human neural ARHL. J. Comp. Neurol. 469:377–390, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling study of a Li–O2 battery with an active cathode

Abstract In this study, a new organic lithium oxygen (Li–O2) battery structure is proposed to enhance battery capacity. The electrolyte is forced to recirculate through the cathode and then saturated with oxygen in a tank external to the battery. The forced convection enhances oxygen transport and alleviates the problem of electrode blockage during discharge. A two dimensional, transient, non-isothermal simulation model is developed to study the heat and mass transfer within the battery and validate the proposed design. Results show that this novel active cathode design improves the battery capacity at all discharge current densities. The capacity of the Li–O2 battery is increased by 15.5 times (from 12.2 mAh g−1 to 201 mAh g−1) at the discharge current of 2.0 mA cm−2 when a conventional passive electrode is replaced by the newly designed active electrode. Furthermore, a cathode with non-uniform porosity is suggested and simulation results show that it can reach a higher discharge capacity without decreasing its power density. Detailed mass transport processes in the battery are also studied.