cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of working memory function in pediatric cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: an fMRI study

The goal of this study is to investigate the neural correlates of working memory function associated with chemotherapy in pediatric cancer survivors using event-related functional MRI (fMRI) analysis. Fifteen pediatric cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy and 15 healthy controls were studied. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) fMRI was acquired. A visual n-back task was used to test working memory function during the fMRI scan. Responses were recorded via an MRI compatible button box for analysis. fMRI scans were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping software. All statistics were corrected for multiple comparisons by false discovery rate, with p < 0.05 as significance. Patients however gave more incorrect responses (p < 0.05), more no responses (p < 0.05), and longer response times (p < 0.05) compared with healthy controls. Correct responses generated significantly lower BOLD responses in the posterior cingulate for pediatric cancer survivors compared with controls (p < 0.05). Incorrect responses generated significantly greater BOLD responses in the angular gyrus in survivors (p < 0.05), and no response trials generated greater BOLD responses within the superior parietal lobule (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Working memory impairment appears to be due to an inability to manipulate information and to retrieve information from memory. The ability to delineate the affected neural circuits associated with chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment could inform treatment strategies, identify patients at high risk of developing cognitive deficits, and pre-emptively tailor behavioral enrichment to overcome specific cognitive deficits.
Waste nutrients from U.S. animal feeding operations: Regulations are inconsistent across states and inadequately assess nutrient export risk.

Abstract Livestock production in the United States has been transformed over the past several decades, largely as a result of widespread development of industrial-scale mass production facilities, termed Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). These facilities generate massive amounts of animal waste that can concentrate in small areas. Animal wastes from AFOs have led to high levels of nutrients and other pollutants in nearby surface waters, as well as groundwater. The environmental problems associated with these disposal practices have led to federal and state modifications to the rules and regulations governing waste practices. We summarize the federal guidelines for AFO nutrient management, focusing on swine, and compare the regulations of four AFO-rich states in different regions of the USA. Furthermore, we discuss inconsistencies among regulations and regulatory gaps, and identify issues with waste nutrient management practices that lead to environmental degradation in watersheds hosting AFOs. Finally, we address these shortcomings and the need to implement policy updates that would alleviate some of these environmental and human concerns.
West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease associated with rituximab therapy

West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease (WNVND) manifests with meningitis, encephalitis, and/or acute flaccid paralysis. It represents less than 1% of the clinical syndromes associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in immunocompetent patients. Immunosuppressive therapy is associated with increased risk of WNVND and worse prognosis. We present a patient with WNVND during therapy with rituximab, and a review of the literature for previous similar cases with the goal to describe the clinical spectrum of WNVND in patients treated specifically with rituximab. Our review indicates that the most common initial complaints are fever and altered mental status, brain magnetic resonance imaging often shows bilateral thalamic hyperintensities, and cerebrospinal analysis consistently reveals mild lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein, positive WNV polymerase chain reaction, and negative WNV antibodies. Treatment is usually supportive care, with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) plus corticosteroids and WNV-specific IVIG also used. The disease is usually fatal despite intervention. Our patient's presentation was very similar to prior reports, however demonstrated spontaneous improvement with supportive management only. WNVND is a rare and serious infection with poor prognosis when associated with rituximab therapy. Diagnosis is complicated by absent or delayed development of antibodies. The presence of bilateral thalamic involvement is a diagnostic clue for WNVND. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of corticosteroids or IVIG.
Recurrent Xanthine Stones in a Young Patient with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.

Background: Lesch–Nyhan syndrome results from a rare X-linked inborn error of metabolism leading to a total body accumulation of uric acid. Clinical manifestations include self-mutilating behavior,...
Electrical Control of Spin-Injection Using Mixed Dimensional van der Waals Heterostructures

We demonstrate that van der Waals heterostructures based on CrI3, MoS2 and a 3D semiconductor source may allow for all electrical control of spin polarized carrier injection into MoS2. We demonstrate this possibility using a simple resonant tunneling device structure and model it using the transfer matrix method. Our results show that electrically controlled spin polarized carrier injection is theoretically possible at low device bias.
How Understanding Female Plus Size Body Shapes Throughout a Size Range Can Affect Apparel Grading and Design Attributes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported the prevalence of U.S. adult obesity at 39.8% of the population, which affects about 93.3 million (Hales, Carroll, Fryar & Ogden, 2017). Of those adults, 41% were estimated to be women (Hales, Carroll, Fryar & Ogden, 2017). This demographic represents a $21.4 billion apparel industry (George-Parkin, 2019). Over the last five years, there has been an increased interest from apparel companies to manufacture products for this body type (George-Parkin, 2019). As there is a lack of accessible measurements and sizing standardization for plus sizes, companies have developed their own systems, often linearly grading from existing sample “core sizes” - often a size small 4/6 or medium 8/10. These sample size bodies typically have an hourglass shape, so the question for this research was – do plus size women really have hourglass body shapes?
Heritability of Functional Connectivity in Resting State: Assessment of the Dynamic Mean, Dynamic Variance, and Static Connectivity across Networks

Recent efforts to evaluate the heritability of the brain's functional connectome have predominantly focused on static connectivity. However, evaluating connectivity changes across time can provide valuable insight about the inherent dynamic nature of brain function. Here, the heritability of Human Connectome Project resting-state fMRI data was examined to determine whether there is a genetic basis for dynamic fluctuations in functional connectivity. The dynamic connectivity variance, in addition to the dynamic mean and standard static connectivity, was evaluated. Heritability was estimated using Accelerated Permutation Inference for the ACE (APACE), which models the additive genetic (h2), common environmental (c2), and unique environmental (e2) variance. Heritability was moderate (mean h2: dynamic mean = 0.35, dynamic variance = 0.45, and static = 0.37) and tended to be greater for dynamic variance compared to either dynamic mean or static connectivity. Further, heritability of dynamic variance was reliable across both sessions for several network connections, particularly between higher-order cognitive and visual networks. For both dynamic mean and static connectivity, similar patterns of heritability were found across networks. The findings support the notion that dynamic connectivity is genetically influenced. The flexibility of network connections, not just their strength, is a heritable endophenotype that may predispose trait behavior.
Examining the impact of children's exploration behaviors on creativity.

Abstract Creativity is typically measured using divergent thinking tasks where participants are asked to generate multiple responses following a prompt. However, being able to generate responses captures only a partial picture of creativity. Convergent thinking, in which a single solution is chosen, is an equally important part of creativity that is often left out of divergent thinking assessments. Moreover, as the field of creativity evolves, exploration is starting to be recognized as an understudied component of how children generate and apply creative solutions. The current study moved beyond typical divergent thinking tasks and examined a measure of creativity that also captured 4- to 6-year-old children’s convergent thinking and exploration behaviors. A total of 130 children participated in a creative problem-solving task where they were asked to remove a ball from a jar using everyday objects. Children’s actions were coded as divergent thinking, convergent thinking, or exploration behaviors. Results demonstrated that divergent and convergent thinking performance was not associated with success on the task, indicating that simply generating and selecting more responses is not always enough to achieve a creative outcome. Children’s exploration behaviors were positively associated with success on the task. Exploration behaviors were more likely to lead to success if they were purposeful and iterative. These findings provide some of the first evidence that children’s exploration is a vital component of creativity.
The Essential Question

How many IBM PCs can you fit in an 18-wheeler? That, according to historian James W. Cortada, is the most interesting question he's ever asked.
Uncooled Ni-Cr micro/nano-bolometers with NEP of 14 pW/Hz1/2

This paper presents air-suspended Ni-Cr micro/nano-bolometers with very low NEP. Analysis indicates that the thermal loss to the surrounding air cannot be ignored and therefore the reduction in the bolometer size leads to substantial improvement in the bolometer performance by minimizing the heat conduction in the air. Ni-Cr micro/nano-bolometers with a sheet resistance of 5.3–5.6 Ω/sq., widths of 0.6–2µm, and resistance up to 275 Ω are fabricated and tested at room temperature. The responsivity of the micro-bolometer (w b =2 µm) saturates at 83 V/W due to the heat conduction from the surrounding air, while that of the nano-bolometer (w b =0.6 µm) continuously increases up to 315 V/W. The nano-bolometer achieves a minimum NEP of 14 pW/√Hz for w b =0.6 µm, l b =20 µm, and R b =184 Ω, which is ∼2x better than published results and is in the state-of-the art level.
Shape-based averaging for combination of multiple segmentations

Combination of multiple segmentations has recently been introduced as an effective method to obtain segmentations that are more accurate than any of the individual input segmentations. This paper introduces a new way to combine multiple segmentations using a novel shape-based averaging method. Individual segmentations are combined based on the signed Euclidean distance maps of the labels in each input segmentation. Compared to label voting, the new combination method produces smoother, more regular output segmentations and avoids fragmentation of contiguous structures. Using publicly available segmented human brain MR images (IBSR database), we perform a quantitative comparison between shape-based averaging and label voting by combining random segmentations with controlled error magnitudes and known ground truth. Shape-based averaging generated combined segmentations that were closer to the ground truth than combinations from label voting for all numbers of input segmentations (up to ten). The relative advantage of shape-based averaging over voting was larger for fewer input segmentations, and larger for greater deviations of the input segmentations from the ground truth. We conclude that shape-based averaging improves the accuracy of combined segmentations, in particular when only a few input segmentations are available and when the quality of the input segmentations is low.
Activation-Induced Nonresponsiveness: A Th-Dependent Regulatory Checkpoint in the CTL Response

CD8 T cells undergo autocrine IL-2-dependent proliferation upon TCR engagement and costimulation, but within 3-4 days, they become activation-induced nonresponsive (AINR) and display a split anergy. They can lyse targets and secrete IFN-gamma but they cannot produce IL-2 in response to TCR ligation and costimulation, due at least in part to an inability to up-regulate mitogen-activated protein kinases and IL-2 mRNA. Exogenous IL-2 can drive continued proliferation of AINR cells and nonresponsiveness is reversed within 1-2 days so that Ag-driven proliferation can resume. Mitogen-activated protein kinases and IL-2 mRNA can again be up-regulated, but "rewiring" has occurred so that these events no longer depend upon costimulation; TCR engagement is sufficient. Development of AINR appears to be a normal part of the differentiation program of CD8 T cells, providing a regulatory checkpoint to convert the initial helper-independent response to one that depends upon CD4 T cell help for continued expansion of the effector CTL. Once permission is given, in the form of IL-2, to pass this checkpoint, the CTL can make a prolonged response to persisting Ag in the absence of further CD4 T cell help.
Energy content of diets of variable amino acid composition

Variation in the distribution of dietary nitrogen among the different amino acids is one factor that can modify the calorie equivalent per weight of amino acid or protein. This is important to consider when experimental diets with different amino acid compositions are compared and when indirect calorimetry is used to determine substrate oxidation rates. We developed a computer program to compute the energy content, oxygen equivalent, and respiratory quotient for arbitrary mixtures of amino acids and representative carbohydrates and fats. The calorie content of individual free amino acids was calculated by correction of the heat of combustion for the incomplete oxidation of amino acids characteristic of humans. Although these computations were presented before, we not report the limit of applicability of published values and the availability of the computer program to do these calculations.
Abstract 21: B-1b Cells Secrete Atheroprotective IgM and Attenuate Atherosclerosis

Rationale: B cells contribute to atherosclerosis through subset specific mechanisms. Whereas some controversy exists about the role of B-2 B cells, B-1a B cells are atheroprotective. The function of B-1b B cells, a unique subset of B-1 cells that can produce T cell-independent (TI) memory, has not been studied within the context of atherosclerosis. Objective: To determine whether B-1b cells produce atheroprotective IgM antibodies and function to protect against diet induced atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We demonstrate that B-1b cells are sufficient to produce IgM antibodies against oxidation specific epitopes (OSE) on LDL in vitro in response to activating stimulation. Additionally, we demonstrate that B-1b cells provide direct atheroprotection after adoptive transfer into B and T cell deficient (Rag1-/-Apoe-/-) hosts. To support these findings, we utilize a B cell specific Id3 knockout mouse model (Id3BKO), which develops increased numbers of B-1b cells systemically, to demonstrate that these mic...
Modeling the texture dependence of environmentally assisted growth of long and short cracks

The deflection of long cracks subject to far field Mode I loading is modeled for simply kinked and zig-zag configurations representing local Mode I/Mode II loading and for simply twisted and doubly twisted configurations representing local Mode I/Mode III loading. Twisted crack geometries are considered in both plane stress and plane strain conditions. Crystallographic texture is incorporated explicitly into the model through the texture parameter,f, and model predictions express a normalized CTOD as a function off. Data for the propagation threshold in fracture mechanics specimens of ZIRCALOY* exposed to an iodine environment at 573 K agree well with model predictions. Discrepancies are explained by plastic processes complementing the transgranular cleavage. An analogous model predicts the threshold stress for propagation of short cracks as a function of texture using the normalized CTOD from the long crack data. Model predictions are correlated with threshold stress data for ZIRCALOY tubing exposed to an iodine environment at 593 K. Model assumptions are discussed relative to the applicability of LEFM to short cracks. The model predicts a low threshold stress in materials with a texture well oriented for transgranular cleavage.
The Effects of Real-World Knowledge on Text Processing Among Older Adults

In the present study, the effects of knowledge on text processing were investigated among older adults. Past research has shown that knowledge reduces processing time among older readers, however, ...
A high-throughput microfluidic single-cell screening platform capable of selective cell extraction

Microfluidic devices and lab-on-a-chip technologies have been extensively used in high-throughput single-cell analysis applications using their capability to precisely manipulate cells as well as their microenvironment. Although significant technological advances have been made in single-cell capture, culture, and analysis techniques, most microfluidic systems cannot selectively retrieve samples off-chip for additional examinations. Being able to retrieve target cells of interest from large arrays of single-cell culture compartments is especially critical in achieving high-throughput single-cell screening applications, such as a mutant library screening. We present a high-throughput microfluidic single-cell screening platform capable of investigating cell properties, such as growth and biomolecule production, followed by selective extraction of particular cells showing desired traits to off-chip reservoirs for sampling or further analysis. The developed platform consists of 1024 single-cell trapping/culturing sites, where opening and closing of each trap can be individually controlled with a microfluidic OR logic gate. By opening only a specific site out of the 1024 trapping sites and applying backflow, particular cells of interest could be selectively released and collected off-chip. Using a unicellular microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, single-cell capture and selective cell extraction capabilities of the developed platform were successfully demonstrated. The growth profile and intracellular lipid accumulation of the cells were also analyzed inside the platform, where 6–8 hours of doubling time and on-chip stained lipid bodies were successfully identified, demonstrating the compatibility of the system for cell culture and fluorescent tagging assays.
The Impact of Data Time Span on Forecast Accuracy through Calibrating the SLEUTH Urban Growth Model

Does the spacing of time intervals used for model input data have an impact on the model's subsequent calibration and so projections of land use change and urban growth? This study evaluated the performance of the SLEUTH urban growth and land use change model through two independent model calibrations with different temporal extents (1972 to 2006 vs. 2000 to 2006) for the historical Italian cities of Pisa Province and their surroundings. The goal in performing two calibrations was to investigate the sensitivity of SLEUTH forecasts to longer or shorter calibration timelines, that is does calibrating the model over a longer time period produce better model fits and therefore forecasts? The best fit parameters from each calibration were then used in forecasting urban growth in the area up to the year 2027. The authors findings show that the spatial growth estimated by the model was strongly influenced by the physical landscape and road networks. The forecast outputs over 100 Monte Carlo trials reflect the start of newly formed detached settlements towards and along existing roads, i.e., classic urban sprawl. The authors conclude that the short term calibration was a better model fit compared to the long term calibration. Nevertheless, the absolute preference for the short-term calibration over long-term implies that time-sensitivity in calibration remains a challenge for SLEUTH applications.
Effects of orientation of applied electric field in electrical fixing

We demonstrate the effects of the applied field orientation during the writing period in electrical fixing. The dependency of the diffraction efficiency on the direction of the applied electric field while writing a hologram is studied. Our experiments show that during writing, when the electric field is applied opposite to the c-axis the grating can be successfully revealed with both positive and negative dc voltages. However, when the grating is written with a field parallel to the c-axis, the grating can only be revealed with a field applied in the opposite direction. This situation generates the largest diffraction efficiency of nearly 78%. Theoretical analyses of these observed phenomena are performed.
Grain boundary segregation of copper, tin and antimony in C-Mn steels at 900°C

The segregation of copper, tin and antimony to austenite grain boundaries at 900° C has been investigated in C-Mn steels using a scanning Auger microprobe (SAM). The specimens for microanalysis were prepared in a manner such that the prior austenite grain boundaries could be exposed by fracturing at room temperature in the UHV chamber of the SAM unit. Initial bulk concentrations ranged between 600 and 2600 ppm Cu, 50 and 360 ppm Sn and 8 and 35 ppm Sb. Significant enrichment of copper, tin and antimony was detected along the austenite grain boundaries. The grain boundary concentration of copper and tin was found to vary depending upon the initial bulk concentration while the average concentration of antimony at the grain boundaries was found to be approximately 1 at % for all of the heats studied. For heats in which a significant level of copper segregation was detected, a relationship of at % Cu = at % (Sn+Sb) at the austenite grain boundaries was observed. Deformation at 900° C prior to fracture in UHV was found to be necessary to promote segregation. Samples that were annealed at 900° C but not hot worked did not exhibit evidence of copper, tin or antimony segregation. These results have been interpreted in terms of the effects of deformation on segregation kinetics, and were correlated with hot ductility measurements made at 900° C.
Cluster of Serratia marcescens Associated with Tap Water Utilization in High-Flow Nasal Cannula: Identification, Investigation, and Correction

Abstract BACKGROUND: Providence St. Vincent Hospital (PROVSTV), a 450-bed acute-care facility in Portland, was alerted to a significant increase in hospital-associated Serratia marcescens isolates from respiratory sources during March–May 2003. OBJECTIVES: Identify processes putting patients at risk, correct process breakdowns, and share information for future prevention with other clinical staff. METHODS: Data-mining services are provided to PROVSTV. Monthly reports are generated to detect unsuspected patterns of infection within the hospital and community. In June 2003, Infection Control (IC) received an alert describing a 310% increase (p=0.041) in patients with non-duplicate hospital-associated Serratia marcescens isolates from upper respiratory sources among post cardiac surgery and critical care patients. Upon IC investigation it was discovered that respiratory care staff on the units involved were utilizing tap water in the humidifiers on the ventilators. Cost was given as the reason sterile water was not being used. Respiratory Therapy investigated the cost impact of utilizing sterile water for this purpose. A pre-packaged humidifier with sterile water was discovered which would be cheaper than the old system. This system was implemented. RESULTS: Continuing electronic surveillance for hospital-associated Serratia marcescens respiratory isolates revealed only five isolates in the subsequent 6 months following the implementation of corrective measures. Compared with the 3-month period in which the alert was generated, this was a 58% reduction. CONCLUSION: Investigation of a cluster of Serratia marcescens respiratory isolates yielded improved respiratory care at lower cost.
Level structure of 37Ar and 41Ar

Abstract Argon gas targets containing 99.6% 40 Ar and 99.1% 36 Ar, respectively, were bombarded with 11 MeV deuterons. The emitted protons were magnetically analysed and recorded on nuclear emulsions. Measurements were made of 122 proton groups corresponding to levels in 41 Ar below 8.3 MeV excitation energy and of 76 proton groups corresponding to levels in 37 Ar below 9.1 MeV excitation energy.
College Students as Paraprofessional Career Specialists

The utilization and effectiveness of students as paraprofessionals in student services has been demonstrated. Their use in career development services has not been documented through empirical research, but has been discussed through the use of subjective data collected over ten years at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This particular model for using paraprofessionals in career planning and placement services represents one of the most successful and long-running models in the country. It is the hope of the authors that others, interested in the development or reorganization of a peer model, use this article as a “think-piece” in identifying the key elements that they will need to address on their particular campus and in their particular agency. This model has worked at the University of Missouri-Columbia's CPPC and is guaranteednot to work anywhere else without the modifications that each location demands. Materials describing the program, including training manual, selection materials, and job descriptions are available from the authors.
In Vivo Autopolysialylation and Localization of the Polysialyltransferases PST and STX

A select group of mammalian proteins have been shown to possess α2,8-polysialylated oligosaccharide chains. The best studied of these proteins is the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Polysialylation of NCAM has been shown to decrease NCAM-dependent and independent cell adhesion. PST (ST8Sia IV) and STX (ST8Sia II) are the two polysialyltransferases responsible for NCAM polysialylation. Recent studies revealed that PST itself is autopolysialylated in vitro (Muhlenhoff, M., Eckhardt, M., Bethe, A., Frosch, M., and Gerardy-Schahn, R. (1996) EMBO J.15, 6943–6950). Here we report studies on the biosynthesis and localization of the PST and STX polysialyltransferases. Both PST and STX are expressed as high molecular mass, polydisperse forms that are associated with the cell and found soluble in the medium. Analysis of these high molecular mass forms by glycosidase digestion and serial immunoprecipitation/immunoblot experiments demonstrated that PST and STX are autopolysialylated in vivo. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that autopolysialylated PST and STX are localized in the Golgi, on the cell surface, and in the extracellular space. The cell surface and extracellular localization of these polysialylated polysialyltransferases suggest that their polysialic acid chains, like those of NCAM, may modulate cell interactions.
Huge Data Sets and the Frontiers of Computational Feasibility

Abstract Recently, Huber offered a taxonomy of data set sizes ranging from tiny (102 bytes) to huge (1010 bytes). This taxonomy is particularly appealing because it quantifies the meaning of tiny, small, medium, large, and huge. Indeed, some investigators consider 300 small and 10,000 large while others consider 10,000 small. In Huber's taxonomy, most statistical and visualization techniques are computationally feasible with tiny data sets. With larger data sets, however, computers run out of computational horsepower and graphics displays run out of resolution fairly quickly. In this article, I discuss aspects of data set size and computational feasibility for general classes of algorithms in the context of CPU performance, memory size, hard disk capacity, screen resolution and massively parallel architectures. I discuss some strategies such as recursive formulations that mitigate the impact of size. I also discuss the potential for scalable parallelization that will mitigate the effects of computational ...
The relative influence of several factors on simulation performance

The purpose of this study is to examine the relative impact of several independent variables on performance in a business simulation. This is unusual in that most studies attempt to prove or disprove the influence of one or a very few antecedent factors on performance In this study, there were 44 specific independent variables falling into six categories: ability, motivation, interes4 confidence, cohesion, and organizational formality. The study was undertaken in a university setting. The results showed (a) that 44% of the variance associated with performance was explained by this study's independent variables and (b) that two motivational and two interest variables influenced performance significantly, whereas ability, confidence, cohesion, and organizational formality variables did not. More specifically, backwards multiple regression results indicated that an increased desire to play the game as it progressed, choosing "easy to work with " teammates, future plans for employment rather than graduate sch...
Effects of scopolamine on spontaneous alternation and shuttle avoidance in rats exposed to alcohol in utero

Abstract The behavioral effects of the anticholinergic scopolamine were examined in rats exposed to alcohol prenatally. Pregnant Long-Evans rats received isocaloric liquid diets containing either 35% or 0% ethanol-derived calories on Days 6–20 of gestation. A pair-feeding procedure was used, and a lab chow control group was also included. In Experiment 1, adult offspring were tested on a spontaneous alternation task following 1 mg/kg scopolamine or saline. Independent of prenatal treatment, scopolamine caused an increase in the number of trials to alternate. In Experiment 2, offspring were tested on a two-way shuttle avoidance learning task following a 1 mg/kg injection of scopolamine or methylscopolamine. Alcohol-exposed animals injected with methylscopolamine made fewer avoidances than controls on the second day of testing while treatment with scopolamine enhanced avoidance performance to control levels. These data suggest that prenatal exposure to alcohol does not interfere with scopolamine-induced changes in the behavior of adult rats.
Comparative kinetic model of fluorescence enhancement in selective binding of monochlorobimane to glutathione

Abstract The highly specific binding of fluorescent label monochlorobimane (MCB) to thiols has been investigated using a tripeptide thiol, glutathione (GSH), a biomolecule protecting cells against oxidative stress and damaging radicals. Due to the reported uneven distribution of MCB in living cells and compartmentalization of GSH in cells, we have explored binding of MCB to GSH in a higher concentration range than normally applied in fluorimetric analysis. Since at higher concentrations, a concentration quenching may interfere with the analysis and because MCB binding to GSH is controlled by kinetics, a special comparative kinetic model of the binding reaction has been developed and utilized in fluorimetric determinations of GSH and in an independent non-optical isothermal reaction-heat measurement. The rate constants: k1 = 0.274 ± 0.012 and 0.315 ± 0.004 s−1 M−1, have been obtained from fluorescence and microcalorimetric methods, respectively. The molar enthalpy of binding, ΔH = −48.46 ± 0.61 kJ/mol, has been determined. The low value of k1 obtained from fluorimetric measurements precludes concentration quenching for MCB concentrations up to 330 μM and GSH concentrations up to 5 mM. The DFT quantum mechanical calculations have been performed to elucidate changes in vibrational characteristics of bimane fused rings upon GSH binding. The predicted relaxing of rings vibrational modes has been confirmed in Raman scattering spectra and is consistent with the increased fluorescence emission of the adduct. Plausible elucidation of the mechanism of this process is discussed.
Some relationships between outcome expectancies and sample stimuli in pigeons' delayed matching

Two sets of experiments examined how differential outcomes affect conditional stimulus control by the samples in delayed matching-to-sample. Pigeons were initially trained on symbolic delayed matching with reinforcing outcomes that were either differential or nondiffereatial with respect to the samples. In one set of experiments, the outcome manipulation involved different (p = 1.0 vs. 0.2) versus the same (p = 0.6) probabilities of food; in the other, food and no-food outcomes were used. Following initial acquisition and mixed-delay tests, the matching procedure in each study was discontinued while the samples were nondifferentially reinforced with the same probability of food, or with food and no food, respectively. When later retested on delayed matching with those nondifferential outcomes, birds initially trained with different reinforcement probabilities matched at the same levels of accuracy as those trained with the same probability. By contrast, birds initially trained with food versus no-food outcomes showed lower levels of matching accuracy than their nondifferential controls. Subsequent transfer tests showed that matching performances by the differential birds in both studies had been originally cued in part by differential outcome expectancies. Apparently, the expectancies based upon different probabilities of food provided a source of conditional stimulus control that did not compete with the samples. By contrast, the expectation of food versus no food reduced (overshadowed) sample-stimulus control.
Racial Disparities in the Quality of Medication Use in Older Adults: Baseline Findings from a Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND Medication-related problems are prevalent in older adults and adversely affect the quality of care. It has been suggested that racial differences exist in medication use. Most efforts to evaluate the quality of medication use target specific drugs or disease states, or a set of pre-defined quality indicators, rather than the patient.
Defective neutrophil chemotaxis with variant ichthyosis, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, and recurrent infections.

Host defense mechanisms were evaluated in a 41/2-year-old boy with recurrent pyogenic infections and a unique hyperkeratotic skin disorder. The patient's neutrophils were consistently defective in chemotactic responsiveness but had normal NBT reduction, glucose oxidation, and iodination. Serum concentrations of IgE were markedly elevated and the secondary antibody response was abnormal. No T-cell dysfunction was detected. These findings suggest a relationship between this patient, and patients with other syndromes associated with recurrent infections, cutaneous disease, defective chemotaxis, immunodeficiency, and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E.
Ethnography, Orientalism and the avant‐garde film

Drawing on the work of Edward Said and James Clifford, this article discusses the theoretical and practical possibilities for producing images of “otherness” which do not participate in an Orientalist discourse. Works by two avant‐garde filmmakers, Leslie Thornton and Trinh T. Minh‐ha, are examined in the light of these theoretical discussions. While avant‐garde film practice is no guarantee of escaping the pitfalls of Orientalism or cultural relativism, selective viewing of avant‐garde work may provide useful models for visual production.
The mediating role of leadership and people management practices on HRD and organizational performance

Drawing upon prior research, we identify strategic value and transaction effectiveness as two significant HRD contributions and examine their dyadic effect on leadership and people management practices, and influence on firm performance. Results of path analysis on 138 participants supported the dyadic effect hypothesis. More significantly, we found leadership and people management practices as a significant predictor on the relationship between strategic value and organizational performance, which suggests that organizational performance is affected by the combined effect of leadership and people management practices. A key implication of this research is that where organizations had effective leadership and people management practices, both types of HRD contributions – strategic value and transaction effectiveness – significantly enhanced firm performance.
Efficacy, dosage, and duration of action of branched chain amino Acid therapy for traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in long-lasting cognitive impairments for which there is currently no accepted treatment. A well-established mouse model of mild to moderate TBI, lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI), shows changes in network excitability in the hippocampus including a decrease in net synaptic efficacy in area CA1 and an increase in net synaptic efficacy in dentate gyrus. Previous studies identified a novel therapy consisting of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which restored normal mouse hippocampal responses and ameliorated cognitive impairment following FPI. However, the optimal BCAA dose and length of treatment needed to improve cognitive recovery is unknown. In the current study mice underwent FPI then consumed 100 mM BCAA supplemented water ad libitum for 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 days. BCAA therapy ameliorated cognitive impairment at 5 and 10 days duration. Neither BCAA supplementation at 50 mM, nor BCAAs when dosed 5 days on then 5 days off, was sufficient to ameliorate cognitive impairment. These results suggest that brain injury causes alterations in hippocampal function which underlie and contribute to hippocampal cognitive impairment which are reversible with at least 5 days of BCAA treatment, and that sustaining this effect is dependent on continuous treatment. Our findings have profound implications for the clinical investigation of TBI therapy.
An arsenic-activation detector for bursts of 2.5 and 14 MeV neutron☆

Abstract An activation detector has been developed for measuring the output of pulsed neutron generators. This detector utilizes the 75 As(n, n′) 75m As reaction and detection of the 0.3 MeV gamma rays from 75 m As (τ 1 2 =17 ms ) by a plastic scintillator. The efficiency in counts per incident neutron is about 0.25% at 2.5 MeV and 0.35% at 14 MeV.
The Trojan Horse Liposome Technology for Nonviral Gene Transfer across the Blood-Brain Barrier

The application of blood-borne gene therapy protocols to the brain is limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Viruses have been extensively used as gene delivery systems. However, their efficacy in brain is limited by the lack of transport across the BBB following intravenous (IV) administration. Recent progress in the “Trojan Horse Liposome” (THL) technology applied to transvascular non-viral gene therapy of the brain presents a promising solution to the trans-vascular brain gene delivery problem. THLs are comprised of immunoliposomes carrying nonviral gene expression plasmids. The tissue target specificity of the THL is provided by peptidomimetic monoclonal antibody (MAb) component of the THL, which binds to specific endogenous receptors located on both the BBB and on brain cellular membranes, for example, insulin receptor and transferrin receptor. These MAbs mediate (a) receptor-mediated transcytosis of the THL complex through the BBB, (b) endocytosis into brain cells and (c) transport to the brain cell nuclear compartment. The expression of the transgene in brain may be restricted using tissue/cell specific gene promoters. This manuscript presents an overview on the THL transport technology applied to brain disorders, including lysosomal storage disorders and Parkinson's disease.
Response to My Critics

In the Preface to my book, Ecofeminist Philosophy: A Western Perspective on What It Is and Why It Matters,1 I describe as both "exciting and taxing" the process of writing the book over more than one decade (Warren, x). It was exciting because I was contributing to the still nascent field of ecofeminist philosophy; it was taxing because I often found it difficult to know what I wanted to say about ecofeminism as a philosophical position. The book that emerged is my attempt to say, in my own voice and in a language and style amenable to a reflective lay audience, what I understand ecofeminist philosophy to be and why I think it matters. Ecofeminist Philosophy is premised on the conviction that ecofeminist philosophy has liberating potential to generate insights and recommendations for any theory, practice, or policy that is feminist, ecofeminist, or environmental. The version of ecofeminist philosophy I defend focuses on a variety of contingent interconnections historical, empirical, socioeconomic, conceptual, linguistic, symbolic and literary, spiritual and religious, epistemological, metaphysical, political, ethical, and theoretical among the dominations of women, other subordinated humans, nonhuman animals, and nature. It locates the commonalities of mutually reinforcing "isms of domination" (e.g., sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, co-
Should surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma be increased in patients with cirrhosis and small liver nodules

Should surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma be increased in patients with cirrhosis and small liver nodules?
Molecular beams: our legacy from Otto Stern

It is an honor to contribute to this celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Otto Stern, who developed molecular beams to become one of the most nowerful and fruitful physics research methods.
Should it matter when we record? Time of year and time of day as factors influencing frontal EEG asymmetry

Resting frontal encephalographic (EEG) asymmetry, often conceptualized as a trait marker for depression, is influenced by occasion-specific factors, including time of year and the time of day of the recording session as demonstrated recently (Peterson and Harmon-Jones, 2009). The current study examined the influence of seasonal and chronological variables on resting frontal asymmetry, and also assessed whether different reference montages or surface transformations were equally susceptible to these influences. In a direct replication attempt, contrary to previous findings, no simple time of year by time of day interaction was found. Time awake at recording, however, was an important moderating variable of the relationship between photoperiod and time of day. EEG asymmetry scores based on current-source density (CSD) transformed data, however, appeared less vulnerable to these influences, providing further evidence to suggest that the CSD transform may be advantageous for examining stable trait estimates of frontal EEG asymmetry.
Plants—the origin of kairomones utilized by parasitoids of phytophagous insects?

Chemicals previously identified as kairomones utilized by parasitoids have been found in significant quantities in food plants of host insects. Different plant species contain varying concentrations and ratios of these chemicals. Feeding studies with chemically labeled kairomones indicate that these cues are concentrated and released unaltered by the host insect. In this report, a theoretical framework consistent with these findings is considered.
Timing of Ketogenic Diet Initiation in an Experimental Epilepsy Model

Following kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE), the ketogenic diet (KD) retards the development of epileptogenesis, with fewer spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and less mossy fiber sprouting than rats on a normal diet. In this study, we investigated whether there is a critical period for initiation of the KD, in terms of the diet's effectiveness in reducing SRS. In addition, we investigated whether early treatment with the KD prevents the deficits in spatial learning and memory that ordinarily follow KA-induced SE. Young rats (P30) underwent KA-induced SE, followed by assignment to one of three treatment groups: control diet ('KA'), KD begun 2 days after SE ('KD2'), and KD begun fourteen days after SE ('KD14'). For 12 weeks following SE, rats were monitored by closed circuit video recording (12 h/wk) to detect SRS. KD2 rats had significantly fewer SRS than rats in the control or KD14 groups. On water maze testing to assess spatial learning and memory, KD2 rats had significantly poorer acquisition of place learning than control (KA alone) or KD14 rats. KD2 rats also failed to gain weight well. There was no difference between groups on routine histologic examination of the hippocampus. In summary, P30 rats placed on the KD 2 days after SE were relatively protected from recurrent seizures, but showed behavioral and physical impairment. Rats placed on the KD 14 days after KA-induced SE did not differ from controls with regard to spontaneous seizure rate.
Alloplastic augmentation of the mandibular angle.

Purpose: This article describes the use of a large-pore polyethylene implant for mandibular angle augmentation. Patients and Methods: Patients with severe facial deformities who had previously undergone multiple surgical procedures and were now seeking esthetic improvement were included in this series. Their deficient mandibular angles and reduced ramus height were corrected with polyethylene implants appropriately sculptured and fixed to the mandible through extraoral incisions that preexisted in most patients. The surgical technique is described, and four representative cases are presented that illustrate the changes in facial contour and esthetics. Results: Postoperative appearance was considered very satisfactory, and the patients' esthetic expectations were met to a great extent. The mandibular angle was well outlined, and facial contour and proportions were enhanced. Conclusion: This surgical procedure is recommended for mandibular angle augmentation when proper indications are strictly observed and surgical steps are accurately followed.
Organic geochemical characterization of bitumens, seeps, rock extracts and condensates from Tanzania

Abstract Several bitumens, oil seeps, and rock extracts from several areas of Tanzania have been characterized by a variety of geochemical techniques. Samples analysed included liquid seeps from Pemba, Ruvuma, bitumen extracts from sandstone outcrops from the Wingayongo area, cores and cuttings from Kimbiji East-1, Mnazi Bay-1, Pemba-5 wells and a condensate from Songo Songo-1 well. Samples from two areas, Wingayongo and Msimbati (Ruvuma) were particularly noteworthy and are discussed in detail in this paper. The extracts of the Wingayongo sandstone outcrop are virtually devoid of n-alkanes and steranes; hopanes are dominated by isomers with the ss-stereochemistry suggesting an unusual source material or maturity history for this sample. The Msimbati seep samples are also characterized by high concentrations of immature hopanoids present as both hydrocarbons and fatty acids. The carbon isotopic compositions for the saturate and aromatic fractions are exceedingly light with δ 13C values of −47 and −59%, respectively. From the results of this study it is proposed that these seeps do not represent the biodegraded residues of mature crude oil but rather are a type of paraffin dirt where bacteria have utilized thermal methane as a substrate and biosynthesized the various compounds found in these samples. Evaluation of the biomarkers in a condensate from Songo Songo suggests the source rocks contained Type II/III kerogen. The only successful correlation that could be made was between a seep on Pemba Island and the Campanian/Maastrichtian formation of the Kimbiji East-1 well. This same seep did not correlate with extracts from the nearby Pemba-5 well and similarly the Ruvuma seeps did not correlate with extracts from the nearby Manzi Bay-1 well.