cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bending crystals. Solid state photomechanical properties of transition metal complexes containing semiquinonate ligands

The properties of transition metal complexes containing catecholate and radical semiquinonate ligands have often been found to be unusual and unexpected. Crystals of Rh(CO)2(3,6-DBSQ), containing the 3,6-di-tert-butyl-1,2-semiquinonate ligand, form as long thin needles that are observed to bend reversibly upon irradiation with NIR light. Crystallographic characterization reveals a stacked solid state lattice with planar molecules aligned with metal atoms atop one another. Electronic spectra recorded in the solid state and in solution show an intense band at 1600 nm that maps the energy dependence of crystal bend angle. The transition is a property of the stacked assembly, rather than of an individual complex molecule, and appears associated with an MLCT process that transfers charge from an antibonding band formed by interacting Rhd z 2 orbitals to the vacant quinone π* orbital. Related observations have been made on the [Co(μ-pyz)(3,6-DBSQ)(3,6-DBCat)]npolymer. Photomechanical properties appear associated with electronic transitions that lead to a physical change in axial length of a linear polymer, coupled with a soft solid state lattice that permits axial contraction/expansion without crystal fracture.
High-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy: Line Widths And Line Shapes Of Spectral Lines Emitted From Helium And Mixed-Gas Inductively Coupled Plasmas

Previous studies of line widths and shapes of spectral lines emitted from the inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) have concentrated on plasmas sustained in pure argon [1]. For the present study, we used the Los Alamos Fourier transform spectrometer to estimate line widths and line shapes of Fe I lines emitted from helium and argon-nitrogen ICP discharges. The effect of gas composition and plasma operating conditions on widths and shapes of the spectral lines were examined. Line widths and line shapes of Fe lines were compared with those of argon and helium for Ar ICP and He ICP discharges. Results were used to calculate Doppler temperatures and electron number densities of the cited plasmas.
Supported lipid bilayers lifted from the substrate by layer-by-layer polyion cushions on self-assembled monolayers

Abstract The formation of lipid bilayers, lifted from the solid substrate by layer-by-layer polyion cushions, on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold was investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The polyions poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) sodium salt were used for the layer-by-layer polyion macromolecular assembly. The cushion was formed by electrostatic interaction of PDDA/PSS/PDDA layers with a negatively charged surface of an SAM of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) on gold. The lipid bilayer membranes were deposited by vesicle fusion with different compositions of SOPS (an anionic lipid, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylserine) and POPC (a zwitterionic lipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine). In the case of pure SOPS and for lipid mixtures with a POPC composition up to 25%, single bilayers were deposited. FRAP experiments showed that single bilayers supported on PDDA/PSS/PDDA/MUA were mobile at room temperature, with lateral coefficients of approximately (1.2–2.1)×10 −9 cm 2 /s. The kinetics of the addition of the ion-channel-forming peptide protegrin-1 to the supported bilayers was detected by SPR. A two-step interaction was observed, similar to the association behavior of protegrin-1 with bilayers supported on PDDA/MUA. The results are similar to that of supported lipid bilayers without a layer-by-layer cushion. The model membrane system in this work is a potential biosensor for mimicking the natural activities of biomolecules and is a possible tool to investigate the fundamental properties of biomembranes.
Competitive Interactions between Cultivated and Red Rice as a Function of Recent and Projected Increases in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Because wild lines of the same species often represent a weedy constraint to cultivated crops in the field, any differential response to atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, [CO], may alter weed–crop competition and seed yield. We evaluated the growth and reproduction of cultivated rice (L.; Clearfield, CL161) and red or weedy rice (Stuttgart, StgS) in monoculture, and at two competitive densities (8 and 16 plants m) using [CO] that corresponded to the 1940s, current levels, and that projected for the middle for the current century (300, 400, and 500 μmol mol, respectively). Competition was determined using plant relative yield (PRY) for biomass and seed yield as a function of [CO]. At maturity, PRY significantly increased for wild rice, but decreased for the cultivated line as a function of competitive density. Increases in [CO] resulted in significant decreases in the PRY of seed yield at both competitive densities for CL161; while significant increases in seed yield and aboveground biomass were noted for StgS, but only at the higher competitive density. In addition, the relative increase in seed yield for CL161–StgS, determined at the same competitive density, increased as a function of [CO] suggesting a greater amount of seed rain from the weedy rice. Overall, these are the first data to indicate that for rice, weedy lines may have been favored as a function of rising carbon dioxide, with greater relative impact on the seed yield and biomass of cultivated rice lines.
Triggered release of hydrophilic agents from plasmologen liposomes using visible light or acid

Triggered release from liposomes composed of semi-synthetic 1-alk-1′-enyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (plasmologen) lipids has been demonstrated using either aerobic visible illumination or low pH to induce leakage. The photodynamic release system consists of three functional components: (1) small ( 640 nm) at 37°C of air-saturated 1-alk-1′-enyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (PlasPPC)/ 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) (8:1 mol/mol) liposomes at physiologically relevant temperatures results in glucose release rates that are twice those of the corresponding dark control. Photolysis of argon-saturated PlasPPC/DPPC liposomes or of identical vesicles lacking either ZnPc or the plasmalogen vinyl ether bond exhibit glucose release curves which are indistinguishable from the dark control. Irradiation under identical conditions, but in the presence of 100 mM sodium azide, also results in no increased rate of glucose release above that of the dark control. TLC analysis indicates that oxidized lipid species are produced only in air-saturated, irradiated plasmologen liposomes. The acid lability of the plasmologen vinyl ether linkage has also been used to trigger release of entrapped calcein. At pH 4.2, the release rate at 37°C is increased 4-fold over rates observed at pH 8. TLC analysis indicates formation of a lysoplamalogen product. Taken together, these results indicate that both photodynamic and acid triggering can be used to increase plasmalogen liposome permeability and suggest that these liposomes are potentially useful for drug delivery applications.
Vibration-rotation bands of trans N2F2 and the molecular geometry

Two type-A bands of trans N2F2 have been resolved and analyzed to yield estimates of the rotational constant Bc = 12(B + C) of 0.14821 and 0.14876 cm−1. These values are consistent with the geometry previously obtained by Bauer from electron diffraction measurements; i.e. rNN = 1.224 A, rNF = 1.397 A, ∠NNF = 106·3°. Two type-B and two type-C bands have been partially resolved and are also discussed.
Factors associated with bed-sharing for African American and White mothers in Wisconsin.

Mother-infant bed-sharing has been associated with a higher risk of sleep-related infant deaths, which affects African Americans at a disproportionately higher rate. Although “separate but proximate sleep surfaces” for infants has been recommended since 2005, bed-sharing remains a common practice, especially among African Americans. This study examined factors associated with bed-sharing among African American and White mothers. Separate logistic regression models were constructed for African American and White respondents to the 2007–2010 Wisconsin Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. The sample consisted of 806 African Americans and 1,680 Whites (N = 2,486). A significantly larger proportion of African Americans (70.6 %) reported bed-sharing than Whites (53.4 %). For both races, partner-related stress was significantly associated with bed-sharing; no significant differences were found between the two racial groups. For African Americans, partner stress (OR 1.8: 1.2–2.6) and maternal education of 13–15 years (OR 2.0: 1.2–3.4) or ≥16 years (OR 2.7: 1.1–6.3) was associated with increased odds of bed-sharing. For Whites, partner stress (OR 1.3: 1–1.8), breastfeeding (OR 2.5: 1.9–3.1), income of $35,000–$49,999 (OR 1.6: 1.2–2.3), being unmarried (OR 1.5: 1.1–2.2), needing money for food (OR 1.6: 1.1–2.3), and non-supine sleep (OR 1.8: 1.2–2.6) were associated with increased odds of bed-sharing. Differences were found in bed-sharing factors between racial groups which suggests a need for culturally-relevant, tailored safe infant sleep interventions. Providers should ask families about their infant’s sleeping environment and address safety issues within that environment. More research is needed on the context and reasons for bed-sharing.
Application of Genetic Algorithm based PSS for two - area AGC system in deregulated scenario

This paper proposes an approach for the design of multiple Power System Stabilizers (PSS) for multi-area Automatic Generation Control (AGC) system with new deregulated scenario. Here, the concept of DISCO Participation Matrix (DPM) is also included. The analysis is conducted considering three pre-defined cases, out of which one is the violation of contract case. The optimal parameters of the PSS are obtained employing Genetic Algorithm (GA) using Integral of Time multiplied Absolute value of the Error (ITAE) error criteria. A two-area non reheat thermal system is considered to exemplify the optimum parameter search.
Myocardial infarction in users of low-dose oral contraceptives.

Objective To determine the relationship between the use of low-dose (less than 50 /mg estrogen) oral contraceptives (OC) and myocardial infarction. Methods In this population-based case-control study, all incident myocardial infarctions in women, ages 15–44 years who were members of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Northern and Southern California regions were ascertained during a 39-month period from 1991 through 1994. For each woman with myocardial infarction, up to three age- and facility-matched controls were chosen at random from female members. Information about OC use (predominantly low-dose preparations) was obtained in face-to-face interviews. Results There were 187 incident cases of myocardial infarction during 3.6 million woman-years of observation (incidence rate, 5.2 per 100,000 woman-years). The prevalence of several risk factors for myocardial infarction was lower in controls who were current users of OCs than in controls who were noncurrent (past and never) users. The odds ratio for myocardial infarction in current OC users compared with noncurrent users was 1.65 (95% confidence interval 0.45, 6.06) after adjustment for major risk factors and for race and ethnicity, corresponding to an excess risk of less than one case per 100,000 woman-years. The study had 80% power to detect a relative risk of 2.3 (one-sided test, α = .05). The odds ratio of myocardial infarction in past OC users was not elevated. Conclusion With respect to myocardial infarction, low-dose oral contraceptives can be used safely by women who lack risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Hip Hop Honey or Video Ho: African American Preadolescents’ Understanding of Female Sexual Scripts in Hip Hop Culture

This qualitative study identifies African American preadolescents’ acceptance and usage of Stephens and Phillips (2003) sexual scripts—the Diva, Gold Digger, Freak, Dyke, Gangster Bitch, Sister Savior, Earth Mother, and Baby Mama. These eight sexual scripts were found to be recognized and have shared meanings about sexual behaviors for participants. In turn, these were found to influence participants’ conceptualizations of their own and general African American female sexuality, which differed significantly according to gender. Findings from this study are particularly important given the lack of research on sexual scripting among this population, filling a void of knowledge related to race and intraethnic variations in beliefs and attitudes about sexuality.
Site differences in the clone structure of an emergent sedge, Cladium jamaicense

Abstract While a great deal is known about seral variation in clonal growth patterns of plants, little is known about variation in the clonal growth of mature populations growing in different habitats. In this study, clone size (maximum radius) and clone structure (numbers and locations of live and dead culms within clones) were examined in an emergent sedge, sawgrass ( Cladium jamaicense Crantz), at three different wetland sites within Everglades National Park. One population was a productive, nearly pure stand of recently burned sawgrass growing in deep hydric peat. The other two populations were located within a less productive seasonally flooded marl prairie in the interior of the park mixed with other species. Most of the variables related to clone size (e.g. clone radius, mean and median rhizome length, rhizomes per clone) did not differ significantly among sites. There were significant differences in the proportion of culms that were alive among sites. The proportion of culms that were alive was greatest at the pure-stand peat site and lowest at the unburned marl site. The size and relative location of live and dead culms within clones suggested that either higher rates of culm mortality or lower growth rates of culms resulted in live culms being restricted to more peripheral parts of clones at the marl prairie sites than at the pure-stand peat site. These data suggest that the site differences in the productivity of a mature stand of sawgrass are associated with differences in patterns of clonal growth.
Temporal expression pattern of progesterone receptor in the uterine luminal epithelium suggests its requirement during early events of implantation.

Objective To determine the precise timing of progesterone receptor (PR) disappearing from the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) to help understand the significance of the dynamic PR expression in the LE during embryo implantation. Design Experimental rodent models. Setting University research laboratories. Animal(s) Mice and hamsters. Intervention(s) Pseudopregnancy and artificial decidualization. Main Outcome Measure(s) Blue dye injection for detecting embryo attachment; immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization for detecting gene expression. Result(s) Progesterone receptor remained expressed in the LE up to 6 hours after the initial detection of blue dye reaction in mice (day 3, 22:00 hours), but disappeared first from LE cells at the implantation site and subsequently from the entire LE layer by day 4, 06:00 hours, when uterine stromal decidualization had become obvious. Progesterone receptor remained highly expressed in the LE of day 4 at 11:00 hours in pseudopregnant mice, but it disappeared from the entire LE layer by day 4 at 06:00 hours in artificially decidualized pseudopregnant mice. Conclusion(s) Progesterone receptor disappears from the LE after implantation has initiated and before the histologic decidualization manifests, suggesting an active role of continued PR expression in the LE for the initial implantation process. The disappearance of PR expression in the LE is regulated by uterine factor(s) produced upon embryo attachment.
Alternative leader sequences in insulin-like growth factor I mRNAs modulate translational efficiency and encode multiple signal peptides.

Rat insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNAs contain multiple 5'-untranslated regions due to the use of leader exons transcribed from several transcription initiation sites and to alternative splicing within leader exon 1. Synthetic RNAs with 5'-ends corresponding to the use of exon 1 transcription initiation sites were translated in vitro into prepro-IGF-I peptides initiated at a Met-48 codon in exon 1 or a Met-22 codon in exon 3, and RNAs with a 5'-end corresponding to the major exon 2 transcription start site were translated into a prepro-IGF-I peptide initiated at a Met-32 codon in exon 2. All forms of prepro-IGF-I were processed by canine pancreatic microsomes, suggesting that all these prepeptides function as signal peptides. The translational efficiency of IGF-I RNAs was inversely proportional to the length of the 5'-untranslated region. Mutation of the first of three upstream AUG codons in exon 1, which potentially initiates a 14-amino acid open reading frame, did not affect prepro-IGF-I transla...
Cancer drug discovery: the wisdom of imprecision

Drug discovery is either an exact business that is based on detailed knowledge of target structure or it is a fishing expedition that uncovers new drugs through screening of random compounds for their biological effect on target function. Isolation of a new p53 activator with anticancer properties strengthens the reputation of this second approach ( pages 1321–1328 ).
Catalytic conversion of olefins on supported cubic platinum nanoparticles: Selectivity of (1 0 0) versus (1 1 1) surfaces

Abstract The surface chemistry and catalytic conversion of cis- and trans-2-butenes on platinum (1 0 0) facets were characterized via surface-science and catalytic experiments. Temperature-programed desorption studies on Pt(1 0 0) single crystals pointed to the higher hydrogenation probability of the trans isomer at the expense of a lower extent of C C double-bond isomerization. To test these trends under catalytic conditions, shape selective catalysts were prepared by dispersing cubic platinum colloidal nanoparticles (which expose only (1 0 0) facets) onto a high-surface-area silica xerogel support. Infrared absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the conditions needed to remove the organic surfactants without loosing the original narrow size distribution and cubic shape of the original metal nanoparticles. Catalytic kinetic measurements with these materials corroborated the surface-science predictions, and pointed to a switch in isomerization selectivity from preferential cis-to-trans conversion with Pt(1 0 0) surfaces to the reverse trans-to-cis reaction with Pt(1 1 1) facets.
Optimizing CO2 Storage in a Deep Saline Aquifer with the Capacitance-resistance Model

Abstract CO2 storage in deep brine-filled structures accompanied by brine extraction has several advantages over conventional large-scale storage schemes. Using conventional reservoir simulators to optimize CO2 injection/brine extraction requires a model of the petrophysical properties of the storage formation. When those properties are poorly characterized, a useful alternative tool is the Capacitance-injection/extraction histories as input. One important characteristic of CRM is that it identifies the connectivities between injectors and extractors. We show the effectiveness of the method on a homogeneous aquifer with variable injection rates. We further describe a workflow that optimizes subsequent CO2 storage in the aquifer using the CRM model parameters obtained from the injection/extraction history. The approach is illustrated on a heterogeneous storage aquifer and the results show a significant improvement in the amount of CO2 stored in the aquifer.
Ex-situ Raman spectroscopy to optimize the manufacturing process for a structural MWNT nanocomposite

The G and D doublet, an intrinsic Raman feature of multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs), was monitored in an ex-situ fashion for all intermediate stages of a manufacturing process of a MWNT/polymer nanocomposite. The G peak position and D/G ratios were monitored to characterize the changes in load transfer and disorder, respectively, of the MWNTs. Differences in Raman characteristics desired during the manufacturing process for different structural applications are discussed. Techniques are presented that could optimize any manufacturing parameters for pressurized filtration and resin infusion using the G position and D/G integrated intensity ratio. Similar Raman control techniques could be applied to any intermediate phase of a manufacturing process to develop enhanced novel carbon nanotube composites for structural applications.
NRE: a tool for exploring neutral loci in the human genome

Background Analyzing regions of the genome where genetic variation is free from the confounding effects of natural selection is essential for many population genetic studies. Several recent studies in humans have stressed the large effect of natural selection at linked neutral sites and have shown that the choice of putatively neutral regions can have a marked effect on estimates of demographic history.
Laparoscopic Procedures for Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery

After over a decade of debate and controversy, it is now well established that laparoscopic colon surgery for cancer when compared with open surgery, results in short-term benefits while maintaining at least equivalent long-term outcomes. Consequently, more and more patients are undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery, but the adoption rate still remains relatively low in the United States. Similarly, there are many potential benefits to performing rectal surgery laparoscopically. Although not well documented, laparoscopic rectal surgery is under active investigation and may result in the usual short-term benefits associated with laparoscopic surgery. In this article, short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer are reviewed. In addition, different technical options for laparoscopic approaches to colon and rectal cancer are compared.
STEP COVERAGE PREDICTIONS USING COMBINED REACTOR SCALE AND FEATURE SCALE MODELS FOR BLANKET TUNGSTEN LPCVD

A reactor scale model (RSM) for a stagnation point, single wafer reactor for blanket tungsten LPCVD is used to calculate concentrations at the wafer surface. These concentrations and the wafer temperature, which is assumed to be measurable, are needed to determine the local tungsten deposition rate on the wafer and local film conformality (step coverage) in features on patterned wafers. Two feature scale models (FSMs) are used to determine step coverages in infinite trenches which have rectangular initial cross sections and an aspect ratio of five, as a function of reactor operating conditions; 1. a continuum-like diffusion-reaction model (DRM) for simultaneous Knudsen diffusion and heterogeneous surface reactions, and 2. a flux based model which includes ballistic transport of molecules and heterogeneous surface reactions (BTRM).|The RSM establishes “boundary conditions” for the feature scale models, by providing the flux of each species to the local wafer surface. Step coverages predicted using the FSMs...
Neuron generation in dissociated cell cultures from fetal rat cerebral cortex

Examination of dissociated cell cultures of rat fetal cortex revealed that mature cultures contained more neurons (identified by phase contrast morphology and tetanus toxin staining) than the number of cells initially adhering to the coverslips. Labeling with [3H]thymidine confirmed that neuronal precursors were undergoing mitosis throughout at least the first 10 days in vitro.
Device-level placement for analog layout: an opportunity for non-slicing topological representations

Layout design for analog circuits has historically been a time consuming error-prone, manual task. Its complexity results not so much from the number of devices, as from the complex interactions among devices, as from the complex interactions among devices or with the operating environment, and also from continuous-valued performance specifications. This paper addresses the problem the device-level placement for analog layout in a non-traditional way. Different from the traditional approaches -exploring a huge search space with a combinatorial optimization technique, where the cells are represented by means of absolute coordinates, being allowed to illegally overlap during their moves in the chip plane - this paper advocates the use of non-slicing topological representations, like (symmetric-feasible) sequence-pairs, ordered- and binary- trees. Extensive tests, processing industrial analog designs, have shown that using skillfully the symmetry constraints (very typical to analog circuits) to remodel the solution space of the encoding systems, the topological representation techniques can achieve a better computation speed than the traditional approach, while obtaining a similar high quality of the designs.
Rate of Urinary Excretion of Test Doses of Ascorbic Acid

SummaryThe rate of excretion of ascorbic acid was determined after the oral and intravenous administration of test doses to unsaturated and saturated subjects. In those subjects whose reserves of vitamin C had been depleted, there was only a slight increase in the rate of excretion during the first few hours, regardless of the method of administration. In saturated subjects, an average of 80 to 85% of the total 24-hour excretion occurred during the first 12 hours after administration of the test dose. When the latter was given intravenously, maximum excretion occurred during the 1st and 2nd hours. After oral administration, maximum excretion occurred during the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th hours.
Neuroblastoma stage Iv-S

A review of stage IV-S neuroblastoma is provided. The possible uses of prognostic features to guide treatment options in this group of infants with neuroblastoma are suggested. The biologic basis for the spontaneous regression of widespread tumor involvement in some infants with stage IV-S neuroblastoma is discussed. The reasons that some infants with IV-S disease progress to a fatal outcome, while most undergo maturation or involution and eventual long term cure are suggested. The influence of such factors as age at diagnosis, clinical staging, and tumor biology on eventual outcome are covered. Biological variables and markers discussed include: genetic (cytogenetics (1p deletions), nuclear genomic content), molecular biologic (N-myc oncogene amplification,mdr-1, ras, andtrk, gene expression), immunological (major histocompatibility antigen density, cellular and humoral immunity), and biochemical (creatine kinase isoenzyme profile, neuron specific enolase, ferritin, chromatograffin, lactic acid dehydrogenase and catecholamine levels).
Monte Carlo simulation of neutrino production by medium-energy protons in a beam stop

Abstract We describe a Monte Carlo program that generates the distribution of stopped pions produced by medium-energy protons in a beam stop. This distribution can be used to predict the absolute neutrino flux from this source to 7.3%. The same Monte Carlo program also calculates neutrino fluxes from the in-flight decay of pions and muons in the beam stop environment.
WinCuts: manipulating arbitrary window regions for more effective use of screen space

Each window on our computer desktop provides a view into some information. Although users can currently manipulate multiple windows, we assert that being able to spatially arrange smaller regions of these windows could help users perform certain tasks more efficiently. In this paper, we describe a novel interaction technique that allows users to replicate arbitrary regions of existing windows into independent windows called WinCuts. Each WinCut is a live view of a region of the source window with which users can interact. We also present an extension that allows users to share WinCuts across multiple devices. Next, we classify the set of tasks for which WinCuts may be useful, both in single as well as multiple device scenarios. We present high level implementation details so that other researchers can replicate this work. And finally, we discuss future work that we will pursue in extending these ideas.
FAIMS Operation for Realistic Gas Flow Profile and Asymmetric Waveforms Including Electronic Noise and Ripple

The use of field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) has rapidly grown with the advent of commercial FAIMS systems coupled to mass spectrometry. However, many fundamental aspects of FAIMS remain obscure, hindering its technological improvement and expansion of analytical utility. Recently, we developed a comprehensive numerical simulation approach to FAIMS that can handle any device geometry and operating conditions. The formalism was originally set up in one dimension for a uniform gas flow and limited to ideal asymmetric voltage waveforms. Here we extend the model to account for a realistic gas flow velocity distribution in the analytical gap, axial ion diffusion, and waveform imperfections (e.g., noise and ripple). The nonuniformity of the gas flow velocity profile has only a minor effect, slightly improving resolution. Waveform perturbations are significant even at very low levels, in some cases ∼0.01% of the nominal voltage. These perturbations always improve resolution and decrease sensitivity, a trade-off controllable by variation of noise or ripple amplitude. This trade-off is physically inferior to that obtained by adjusting the gap width and/or asymmetric waveform frequency. However, the disadvantage is negligible when the perturbation period is much shorter than the residence time in FAIMS, and ripple adjustment appears to offer a practical method for modifying FAIMS resolution.
Copper uptake and intracellular distribution during retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells

Abstract Because neutropenia is a sign of copper deficiency, the HL-60 cell line was used to examine copper distribution during cellular differentiation. This study measured the accumulation and distribution of copper in differentiating (retinoic acid-treated) and nondifferentiating (untreated) HL-60 cells by radiolabeling the cells with 67Cu. The intracellular distribution of total copper as well as 67Cu was examined. Retinoic acid-treated cells had twice as much copper as control cells. Copper uptake from 67Cu labeled ceruloplasmin was greater in retinoic acid-treated cells at 24 and 48 hr after induction compared with the control cells. The intracellular distribution of 67Cu was found predominantly in high molecular weight fractions (100,000 D) and a low molecular weight fraction (20,000 D). The high molecular weight protein had greater 67Cu associated with it in the retinoic acid-treated cells than in the untreated control cells. This protein may be responsible for the greater levels of copper found in the retinoic acid treated cells. Copper uptake is clearly regulated during the process of differentiation.
Characteristics and costs of surgical scheduling errors.

Abstract Background Errors that increase the risk of wrong-side/-site procedures not only occur the day of surgery but also are often introduced much earlier during the scheduling process. The frequency of these booking errors and their effects are unclear. Methods All surgical scheduling errors reported in the institution's medical event reporting system from January 1, 2011, to July 31, 2011, were analyzed. Focus groups with operating room nurses were held to discuss delays caused by scheduling errors. Results Of 17,606 surgeries, there were 151 (.86%) booking errors. The most common errors were wrong side (55, 36%), incomplete (38, 25%), and wrong approach (25, 17%). Focus group participants said incomplete and wrong-approach bookings resulted in the longest delays, averaging 20 minutes and costing at least $320. Conclusions Although infrequent, scheduling errors disrupt operating room team dynamics, causing delays and bearing substantial costs. Further research is necessary to develop tools for more accurate scheduling.
A CFD study of the throat during aerosol drug delivery using heliox and air

Abstract Deposition of a series of monodisperse aerosol injections in 70/30 helium/oxygen (Heliox) and air for the larynx and trachea was numerically analyzed with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. The CFD mesh was prepared from a cadaver-based throat (female, aged 84). Monosize droplets ranging between 0.25 and 10 μm in droplet radius were used for both Heliox and air simulations. The coupled simulation was performed with the KIVA-3V software for a flow rate of 18 l / min , an approximate adult breathing condition. Flow measurements were validated against previous experimental simulations of this cadaver model. It was found that Heliox and air had highly similar flow structures in the simulated region. Flow measurements such as turbulent kinetic energy and velocity magnitude typically differed by less than 5%. Particle deposition was shown to be affected by these small differences in the carrier gas. The use of Heliox led to less particle deposition for all droplet sizes indicating that Heliox will lead to a reduction of in vivo extrathoracic deposition due to the intrinsic properties of the gas phase. This numerical simulation suggests that a continuous Heliox phase provides a stronger steering force to the discrete phase.
The use of handheld mobile devices: their impact and implications for library services

Cummings, Joel, Alex Merrill and Steve Borrelli. The Use of Handheld Mobile Devices: Their Impact on Library Services. Library Hi-Tech. 28 (1), 2010, p. 22-40.
Localization of insulinomas.

Hypothesis Intraoperative ultrasonography is more sensitive than preoperative and other intraoperative techniques for localizing insulinoma. Design Retrospective review. Setting A tertiary referral center. Patients All patients with a biochemical diagnosis of organic hyperinsulinism who were referred to University of California, San Francisco, from 1975 to 1998. Methods Sensitivities of the localization techniques for insulinoma were evaluated. Results The sensitivities of tumor localization with arteriography, computed tomography, preoperative ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium, transhepatic venous sampling, palpation, and intraoperative ultrasonography were 47%, 24%, 50%, 30%, 40%, 55%, 76%, and 91%, respectively. Nine of the 11 nonpalpable and nonvisible tumors at operation were localized by intraoperative ultrasonography. Conclusion The currently available preoperative localization tests are not reliable enough to be recommended when intraoperative ultrasonography is available.
Foliar Boron Sprays Do Not Affect Highbush Blueberry Productivity

Abstract Mature 'Jersey' and 'Bluecrop' highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) received either no boron (B), low B (125 to 250 mg B/liter) or high B (250 to 500 mg B/liter) in multiple foliar sprays over six years to determine if bushes containing relatively low leaf B levels would respond to B supplements. Sprays supplied B at an average annual rate of 0.17 kg B/ha (Low B) or 0.34 kg B (High B). Average leaf B levels over the six years were 16.0 ppm B (control), 21.6 ppm (Low B), and 27.3 ppm (High B). Treatments had no effect on yields or mean berry weight in any year, indicating that leaf B levels above about 15 ppm are sufficient for these varieties.
Mapping and characterization of 129 cosmids on human chromosome 11p.

We constructed cosmid libraries from human-hamster somatic cell hybrids that possess all or part of the short arm of chromosome 11 as their only human complement and isolated 129 human 11p clones. These cosmids map to 22 of 25 intervals distinguished by a hybrid panel for chromosome 11p. Forty-eight single-copy sequences were subcloned from 25 cosmids. Six of 17 (35%) single-copy sequences tested identify 11 new polymorphisms. Restriction endonuclease analysis identified CpG islands in 16 of 68 cosmids (23.5%). Analysis of the distribution of restriction endonuclease sites recognizing CpG dinucleotides showed that clusters of these sites, including those associated with the 5′ region of an 11p13 Wilms' tumor gene,WT1, can span greater distances than generally recognized. The cosmids reported here should contribute to the construction of long-range physical maps and the isolation of additional genes on the short arm of chromosome 11.
P01-316 - Ethnicity and its Influence on Psychiatric Treatment in a Newly Established Greek Inpatient Unit

Objectives Ethnicity may influence treatment decisions and treatment quality in mental disorders. There have been suggestions of institutional racism in mental health services. Methods In this study we aimed to compare treatment quality between two groups: Greeks and immigrants and prove whether in our clinic, ethnicity is a significantly restricting factor of treatment quality. This study was conducted with all in-patients of Second Psychiatric Clinic University of Athens at Attikon Hospital between April and December 2008. Results A total of 101 in-patients aged 16-56 years old, were studed. There were 73 Greeks and 18 immigrants. The diagnoses were schizofrenia:36(49,31%) for Greeks and 10(55,55%) for immigrants, and mood disorders:37(50,68%) for Greeks and 8(44,44%) for immigrants. We considered that treatment quality is composed of factors such as: days of hospitalization, number of psychiatric medicines used before-during and after hospitalization, doses of: conventional and atypical antipsychotics, SSRI'S, SNRI'S, and mood stabilizers used before-during and after hospitalization. Conclusion In this study ethnicity was not significantly associated with rates of polypharmacy during and after admition. There was a reduction of medication prescribed after admission in both groups. Immigrants had longer inpatient stays than Greek patients. We saw similar rates of antipsychotics used in both groups, but Greeks were more likely to take mood stabilizers and SSRI'S-SNRI'S. There were also higher rates of atypical antipsychotics than antipsychotics used in both groups.
Renal and Extrarenal Erythropoietin Production in Anaemic Rats

It has been shown in anephric animals and man that small amounts of extrarenal erythropoietin is generated in response to severe anemia or hypoxia. Although this response is inadequate to do more than maintain a hematocrit of 10 to 20%, it seems possible that a stimulated production of extrarenal erythropoietin could replace renal production in anephric patients and provide a new therapeutic approach to patients with impaired renal endocrine function.
A review of the worst performance rule: Evidence, theory, and alternative hypotheses

This paper reviews evidence, theory, and alternative hypotheses for the worst performance rule (WPR), which states that on multitrial cognitive tasks, worst performance trials predict general intelligence (g) better than best performance trials. A review of the relevant evidence indicates that the WPR has been found for a variety of participants, tasks, and measures. A review of relevant theories reveals that the WPR appears to be related to cognitive factors (e.g., lapses in working memory) as well as biological factors (e.g., individual differences in neural oscillations). A review of alternative hypotheses shows that the WPR cannot be attributed to statistical or data artifacts such as outliers, unreliable measurement, or variance compression. The preponderance of evidence supports the hypothesis that the WPR holds for cognitive tasks high in g saturation but not for cognitive tasks low in g saturation. The paper ends with a call for research on the causes of the WPR and for research on the correlates of best performance.
A perspective on conducting oxide buffers for Cu-based YBCO-coated conductors

The physical and electrical characteristics of oxide buffer layers for Cu-based coated conductors are reviewed, with emphasis on the need for conductive buffers and advanced Cu-based substrates. Methods for preventing Cu oxidation are discussed because it is an anticipated problem for applications using Cu-based rolling assisted biaxially textured substrates (RABiTS).
“Non nocere: but we both care”: Commentary on “Non nocere if you really care” by Dr Kripke, MD

Dr Kripke’s commentary “Non Nocere, If You Really Care” [1] on my paper “Hypnotic Medication in the Treatment of Chronic Insomnia” [2], provides an outstanding example of civil discourse in exploring an important professional difference of opinion: the role, if any, of hypnotics in the treatment of chronic insomnia. His comments underscore that one can disagree without being disagreeable, a point some of our colleagues have yet to learn [3]. This does not mean that Dr Kripke is dispassionate in his concern about the dangers of using hypnotics over long periods of time. On the contrary, he urges that the practice stop until a more definitive study of the problem is undertaken to establish the risks and benefits, if any, of prescribing hypnotic medications long-term [4]. Unfortunately, I am constrained by editorial considerations to respond only to his commentary on my review [2] and not on his review itself [4] or his two earlier papers [5, 6] all of which I would urge the interested reader to examine. I want to state at the outset that Dr Kripke’s major recommendation that we undertake long-term controlled trials of hypnotic efficacy and safety is a recommendation with which I would, of course, agree. I do not believe that my concern about whether such trials could be successfully carried out reflects a hopelessness on my part. Rather, it is the recognition of the difficulties likely to be encountered and the desirability of considering additional strategies to monitor effectiveness and side effects. The development of large, systematic databases, as has been recommended recently [7] as appropriate to study some types of health problems, should be applied to studying the long-term use of hypnotics in chronic insomnia. Dr Kripke recognises the problems the clinician has in treating patients with profound insomnia. In the clinical illustration in my article [2], Ms B., an 87-year-old woman, had been on benzodiazepines for 15 years and has anxiety and a sleep complaint. She was urged by her physician to reduce her benzodiazepine as he was concerned that it might be harming her health. Ms B. had had her symptoms of anxiety and poor sleep since young adulthood. With her medication reduced by 75%, she described her
Seminal plasma contains "BPSA," a molecular form of prostate-specific antigen that is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND We previously reported that levels of BPSA, a modified form of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), are significantly elevated in prostate transition-zone tissue exhibiting nodular hyperplastic changes associated with the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPSA was purified and found to contain a characteristic clip between Lys182 and Ser183. We now describe the identification of BPSA in seminal plasma. METHODS PSA was purified from seminal plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified PSA was further resolved by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and the individual PSA forms were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and N-terminal amino-acid sequencing. RESULTS BPSA comprised about 8% of the PSA in pooled seminal plasma, and was identical to BPSA purified from prostate tissues. BPSA was cleanly resolved from all active and inactive forms of PSA. Other inactive forms of PSA in seminal plasma consisted largely of PSA clipped at Lys145, though about 30% of the inactive seminal plasma PSA was intact, mature PSA. CONCLUSIONS BPSA represents a distinct form of inactive PSA in the seminal plasma that may represent a specific marker for the biochemical changes associated with nodular development in the prostate transition zone found in patients with BPH. Prostate 45:271–276, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gun availability and use of guns for murder and suicide in Canada

The accidental death rate from guns in Canada was associated with the percentage of guns used by suicides and on homicide victims except for elderly persons.
Outcomes of thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke in dialysis-dependent patients in the United States

Objective To determine the outcomes of dialysis-dependent renal failure patients who had ischemic stroke and were treated with intravenous (IV) thrombolytics in the United States. Methods We analyzed the data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2009) for all thrombolytic-treated patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke with or without dialysis dependence. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital complications including secondary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), sepsis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, urinary tract infections, and discharge outcomes (mortality, minimal disability, and moderate-to-severe disability) were compared between the groups. Results Of the 82,142 patients with ischemic stroke who receive thrombolytic treatment, 1072 (1.3%) was dialysis dependent. The ICH rates did not differ significantly between patients with ischemic stroke with or without dialysis who received thrombolytics (5.2% versus 6.1%). The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in dialysis-dependent patients treated with thrombolytics (22% versus 11%, P ≤ .0001). After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, dialysis dependence was associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality in patients treated with thrombolytics (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.78, P = .0005). Conclusions The 2-fold higher odds of in-hospital mortality associated with administration of IV thrombolytics in dialysis-dependent patients who present with acute ischemic stroke warrant a careful assessment of risk–benefit ratio in this population.
Progress on spacecraft contamination model development

This paper provides a progress report on the development of a new contamination prediction code, the Aerospace Satellite Contamination Model Evaluator (ASCME). In this development, we intend to exploit the growing ASTM E1559 database for outgassing and desorption measurements and to incorporate realistic physical and kinetic models of condensation and photochemical deposition.
Effort of Preparation and Age

In an experiment on 24 men and women who were selected for short simple RT (reaction time) and who ranged from 22 to 86 yr. of age, choice RT increased monotonically over 3.5 sec. of waiting time during which there was high momentary probability of stimulus occurrence. As use of a choice reaction minimized the possibility of a response set, the occurrence of a waiting decrement was regarded as support for Naatanen's 1971 proposal of short-term mental exhaustion, which was derived from a similar study but for simple RT. The effect of age on endurance was not clear. There appeared to be no greater waiting decrement with age up to about 65 yr., but the possibility of greater decrements beyond that age cannot be discounted. The existence of short-term exhaustion is consonant with Kahneman's (1973) view that effort is required for the generation of processing capacity. Kahneman and other investigators of mental effort have unanimously rejected the existence of any appreciable effort during preparation. However...