cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Best Peripheral Nerve Transfers for Spinal Cord Injury.

Learning objectives After reviewing this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of spinal cord injury and the resulting upper and lower motor neuron syndromes. 2. Recognize who may benefit from nerve transfers. 3. Understand the role of history, examination, imaging, and electrodiagnostics in the determination of time-sensitive lower motor neuron injury versus non-time-sensitive upper motor neuron injury. 4. Outline the surgical options and perioperative care for those undergoing nerve transfer and the expected outcomes in restoring shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand function. Summary This article outlines how to localize and differentiate upper motor neuron from combined upper and lower motor neuron injury patterns in spinal cord injury by means of detailed history, physical examination, imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies to formulate appropriate surgical plans to restore function in this complex population.
Funneling aromatic products of chemically depolymerized lignin into 2-pyrone-4-6-dicarboxylic acid with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans

Lignin is an aromatic heteropolymer found in plant biomass. Depolymerization of lignin, either through biological or chemical means, invariably produces heterogenous mixtures of low molecular weight aromatic compounds. Microbes that can metabolize lignin-derived aromatics have evolved pathways that funnel these heterogeneous mixtures into a few common intermediates before opening the aromatic ring. In this work, we engineered Novosphingobium aromaticivorans DSM12444, via targeted gene deletions, to use its native funneling pathways to simultaneously convert plant-derived aromatic compounds containing syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G), and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) aromatic units into 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC), a potential polyester precursor. In batch cultures containing defined media, the engineered strain converted several of these depolymerization products, including S-diketone and G-diketone (non-natural compounds specifically produced by chemical depolymerization), into PDC with yields ranging from 22% to 100%. In batch cultures containing a heterogeneous mixture of aromatic monomers derived from chemical depolymerization of poplar lignin, 59% of the measured aromatic compounds were converted to PDC. Overall, our results show that N. aromaticivorans has ideal characteristics for its use as a microbial platform for funneling heterogeneous mixtures of lignin depolymerization products into PDC or other commodity chemicals.
An Application of Can Slim Investing in the Dow Jones Benchmark

This paper provides an alternative view of the popular CAN SLIM investing strategy by modifying and weighting the criterion. The modified criterion is used to build a portfolio in each of three overlapping time frames. The results of the study are compared to a Dow Jones Industrial Average benchmark over the same time frame and is evaluated on a risk adjusted basis. The study finds that the system outperforms the market on a risk adjusted basis in all three time frames and holds a high R Squared for each timeframe. The null hypothesis for the majority of this paper is to test whether the mean returns of the strategy are significantly different from zero on a monthly basis. This is tested over three overlapping timeframes of five years, ten years and sixteen years respectively. A further hypothesis is tested for the 2008-2009 timeframe and is whether the mean excess returns of the strategy are significantly different from zero when compared to the Dow Jones benchmark. This paper finds that the null hypothesis is rejected over all time frames with strong evidence. An exception is the 16-year time frame where the null is rejected with weak evidence.
Mapping endocannabinoid signaling networks in the mammalian brain

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are an important class of signaling lipids that act on both central and peripheral cannabinoid receptors, which also mediate the effects of delta9-tetrahy...
Psychiatrists Beware! The Impact of COVID-19 and Pandemics on Mental Health

Psychiatrists are uniquely situated to help both their patients and the greater community understand the potential impact of the virus and help patients, families, and society deal with this latest threat.
First-Year Undergraduate Employment and Students’ Academic Motivation:

Given the importance of academic motivation for student retention and persistence and that most undergraduate students participate in paid employment, this study investigated first-year undergradua...
Prächirurgische Intensivdiagnostik epileptischer Anfälle im Schlaf und ihre Differentialdiagnose

Die differentialdiagnostische Abgrenzung epileptischer von nicht-epileptischen Ereignissen im Schlaf ist entscheidend abhangig von der Qualitat der vorhandenen Untersuchungs-methoden: genaue Anamnese, sorgfaltigeEEG-Diagnostik, Video-Dokumentation, iktale Testung, Abgrenzung von Artefakten und nicht-epileptischen EEG-Veranderungen, hochauflosendes MRI. Die Diagnose einer fokalen Epilepsie beinhaltet eine Hypothese der Anfallsursprungszone, die mit den Ergebnissen aller diagnostischen Methoden konvergent ist; dabei mussen die haufigen Ausbreitungswege interiktaler und iktaler epileptischer Aktivitat berucksichtigt werden. Bei Patienten mit epileptischen Anfallen findet man im EEG in der Regel interiktale epilepsietypische Potentiale (ETP) und wahrend des fraglicher Akeignisses ein EEG-Anfallsmuster (gelegentlich allerdings artefaktgestort); die klinische Semiologie bietet meist verschiedene Anfallsintensitaten (isolierte Auren, Anfalle mit Auren und Automatismen, generalisierte tonisch-klonische Anfalle mit vorlaufender Aura and/oder Automatismen), die nicht nur im Schlaf, sondern auch tags im Wachen auftreten. Selten habe Patienten ausschlieslich an den Schlaf gebundene Anfalle, besonders bei idiopathischen fokalen Epilepsien. Diskrete klinische Ereignisse (z. B. Auren, Schlafbewegungen) sind auch mit der genannten Diagnostik schwer einzuordnen. Unverzichtbar ist die Testung des Patienten im Ereignis und postikal; fur diese Aufgabe sollte das nicht-arztliche Personal (Krankenpflege, EEG-Team) geschult sein.
Hydrogen Bonding in Supramolecular Polymer Networks: Glasses, Melts, and Elastomers

Nature utilizes hydrogen bonding to guide the supramolecular assembly of lipids, proteins, and DNA, thereby imparting remarkable stimuli-responsiveness, structure-forming ability, and elasticity. Supramolecular polymers and networks containing reversibly associating groups are now synthetically accessible and offer diverse properties that are highly sensitive to temperature and other stimuli. This review examines how dynamic hydrogen bonding between functional macromers influences supramolecular network formation and physical properties. The emphasis is on condensed phases, including concentrated solutions, melts, and glasses. We discuss how microscopic factors such as the polymer architecture, backbone mobility, mesoscopic ordering, and aggregation or phase segregation of binding groups influence the supramolecular structure, phase behavior, and dynamics of these materials. This understanding is crucial to advance emerging technologies such as thermoplastic elastomers, shape-memory elastomers, and self-healing materials.
A quantitative characterization of micro-gravity and unit-gravity processed ZBLAN glass

Abstract Micro-gravity processing has been proven to suppress crystallization in ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF (ZBLAN) glass. Crystallization suppression and characterization is the next step towards the development of low-loss mid-Infrared (IR) fiber optics. This study focuses on the characterization of micro-gravity versus unit-gravity processed ZBLAN glass. A unique quantitative crystallization characterization technique was employed on the samples that utilize a combination of Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) optical microscopy with on board microscope counting and measuring software techniques. To date, past researchers who have studied the crystallization suppression of ZBLAN glass in micro-gravity have only characterized their material through visual inspection of micrographs. This study makes use of optical micrographs while providing additional quantitative data that has been lacking from previous studies. This novel characterization technique provides additional insight into understanding the crystallization behavior of ZBLAN glass that can lead to the development of low-loss mid IR fiber optics. The results from this study show that the quantification data agrees with the micrographs, however, the new results show a more precise degree of crystallization suppression through quantified data, such as crystallite size and amount per sample.
Negative mood regulation expectancies moderate the association between happiness emotion goals and depressive symptoms

Abstract Research suggests that happiness emotion goals (i.e., cognitive representations that happiness is the desired emotional endpoint) may confer risk for depression. Based upon prior speculations that emotion regulation could be important for understanding the association between happiness emotion goals and depression, in Study 1, we examined whether expressive suppression moderated the association between happiness emotion goals and depressive symptoms using a sample of community adults located in the United States ( N = 465). Contrary to study predictions, expressive suppression did not moderate that association. In Study 2, we proposed and examined whether negative mood regulation (NMR) expectancies moderated the association between happiness emotion goals and depressive symptoms among an independent sample of community adults located in the United States ( N = 439). Along with replicating Study 1 findings, we found support for the proposed moderating effect of NMR expectancies in Study 2. Happiness emotion goals were only associated with depressive symptoms when individuals held low NMR expectancies. Conceptual and therapeutic implications are discussed.
A 1987 overview of free-piston Stirling technology for space power application

The Lewis Research Center program concerned with the development of a free-piston Stirling engine for space-power applications is examined. The system mass of a Stirling system is compared to that of a Brayton system for the same peak temperature and output power; the advantages of the Stirling system are discussed. The predicted and experimental performances of the 25 kWe opposed-piston space power demonstrator engine are evaluated. It is determined that in order to enhance performance the regenerator needs to be modified, and the gas bearing flow between the displacer and power piston needs to be isolated in order to increase the operating stroke. Identification and correction of the energy losses, the design and operation of the linear alternator, and heat exchange concepts are considered. The design parameters and conceptual design characteristics for a 25 kWe single-cylinder free-piston Stirling space-power converter are described.
The optimal power allocation for equal-length twisted-pair channels

This paper investigates the power allocation for upstream and downstream signals in twisted-pair channels in order to maximize data rate. The channels interfere with each other in two forms: the near-end crosstalk and far-end crosstalk. These interferences can be mitigated by the joint optimization of upstream and downstream power spectral density (PSD). We derive the condition under which a subchannel is shared by both streams of monopolized by only one direction stream. In addition, the optimal power-allocation algorithm based on the greedy approach is developed under the discrete-rate constraint. Numerical results show that the optimal power-allocation achieves substantially more data rate than suboptimal schemes: the equal PSD scheme and frequency division duplexing (FDD) scheme.
A Comparative Analysis of Civilian Technology Strategies Among Some Nations

This article compares the national civilian technology policies, strategies, and priorities of France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, the Untied Kingdom, and the United States. An analysis is given of similarities and differences and of the national “systems;” data on research and development funding, science, and engineering personnel and technological outputs is provided; and options are presented. At the end, a summary of what we know and do not know about technology transfer is given.
Lupus anticoagulant assays: questions answered and to be answered

Abstract Context.—Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies with heterogenous specificities to phospholipids. They have been associated with clinical syndromes consisting of thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss. Objective.—To address questions about the laboratory assay aspects of lupus anticoagulants. This review is intended for clinicians managing lupus anticoagulant testing in clinical laboratories. Data Sources.—Published literature on lupus anticoagulants, with emphasis on laboratory assay methods. Conclusions.—Although there are published criteria for confirming the presence of a lupus anticoagulant, there is no consensus on assay methods for lupus anticoagulant testing. The mixing study is a useful screening test for lupus anticoagulants, but it may have limited utility. Clinical context may necessitate the performance of factor assays in addition to lupus anticoagulant testing to rule out factor deficiency or factor-specific inhibitor. Additionally, the presence of different anticoagulants may affect the...
The Family Sanctum: The Promise of Love’s Continuing Enlargement Across the Lifespan

Humanistic psychology acknowledges that spirituality is woven into the very fabric of human existence; however, this article furthers the position that the human striving for love and connection is the very definition of human spirituality. By suggesting that the original human intention to connect re-emerges in each subsequent developmental stage, merely reconfiguring to fit the requirements of current developmental tasks, it argues that the early family is an important arbiter of human spirituality across the lifespan. Finally, this article posits that the experience and expression of spirituality in older age reflects either an unbroken link to the original affectionate connection to (biological or surrogate) family members, or the intentional vitalization of weakly formed early family ties.
Fractional Neural Network Operators Approximation

Here we study the univariate fractional quantitative approximation of real valued functions on a compact interval by quasi-interpolation sigmoidal and hyperbolic tangent neural network operators.
Models for Categorical Dependent Variables

The analysis of categorical dependent variables requires special care in both model specification and parameter interpretation. Researchers must understand that models for categorical data are designed to forecast the discrete probability distribution of categorical outcomes, not the actual outcome itself. By far, the most prominent analysis tools used in marketing research are variants of the multinomial logit model (random utility theory (RUT) logit, common logit). These models can be viewed as special types of generalized linear models (GLM). More complex models can be developed through the use of latent variables. In particular, latent variables permit the construction of models that incorporate ordinal relationships among outcomes (ordinal regression), differing patterns of similarity among alternatives (multinomial probit), and heterogeneity in response parameters (latent class and random coefficient treatments of logit and probit). Recent research has begun the development of multivariate models (multivariate probit, autologistic regression) that allow for correlations among categorical dependent variables. Keywords: generalized linear model; multinomial logit; multinomial probit; ordinal regression; multivariate probit; autologistic regression
Angiotensin-converting enzyme is present in the subfornical organ and other circumventricular organs of the rat

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II, EC 3.4.15.1) activity was measured by a radiochemical assay in isolated circumventricular organs of the rat. ACE activity was unevenly distributed, with a 100-fold difference between the lowest (subcommisural) and the highest (subfornical organ) activities. Our results suggest that angiotensin II could be locally formed in circumventricular organs and especially in the subfornical organ. The high angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the subfornical organ could indicate a physiological role of endogenous angiotensin II in this structure.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric identification of iodine species arising from photo-chemical vapor generation

Abstract Ultraviolet irradiation of aqueous solutions of iodide/iodate ion containing low molecular weight organic acids generates volatile iodine species that are amenable to detection by atomic spectrometry. In the presence of formic, acetic or propionic acids, photo-chemical generation results in the formation of HI, methyl- and ethyl-iodide respectively, the latter two products being directly identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Deuterium and 13C-labeled reagents were employed to elucidate the provenance of the alkyl group. Use of 13CH3–COOH produced 13CH3–I; deuterated acetic acid (D3C-COOD) resulted in the formation of CD3–I. These observations indicate direct transfer of the alkyl group from the carboxylic acid to iodide, consistent with the suggestion that the mechanism of synthesis involves radical induced reactions.
Learning Organization and Transfer: Strategies for Improving Performance.

Purpose – This study aims to explore a relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training as strategies for learning and managing knowledge to make performance improvements and gain or maintain a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – Various similarities are identified in the literature that are indicative of a relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training such as: emphasis on both as strategies for a competitive advantage, focus on learning and knowledge, emphasis on taking action to improve performance, link between individual learning and organizational learning, and the focus of previous studies. This paper proposes a positive relationship suggesting that learning organizations are more likely to practice transfer of training.Findings – The importance placed on the learning organization and transfer of training as critical factors for improving performance and gaining a competitive advantage necessitate that both areas be further investigate...
IMMUNOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE HOMOGENEITY OF BOVINE SUBMAXILLARY MUCINS.

1. 1. Immunochemical methods were used to study the homogeneity and immunological relationships of bovine submaxillary mucin preparations isolated according to the methods described by Gottschalk1 and by Pigman2 and their collaborators and disgnated BSM-G (“described by Gottschalk” and BSM-G (“described by Pigman”), respectively. 2. 2. Antisera suitable for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis were obtained after intravenous and subcutaneous (with Freunds's adjuvant) injections into rabbits of submaxillary gland extracts and mucins. Antibodies directed against the principal mucin components were produced after injection of BSM-P; this was demonstrated by the quantitative precipitation of sialic acid upon addition of BSM-P to anti-BSM-P. 3. 3. Neither BSM-G nor BSM-P were homogenous by precipitin-curve analysis. Immunoelectrophoresis showed that BSM-G preparations contained from four to nine components, three of which were glycoproteins. BSM-P did not contain extraneous proteins, but it consisted of at least two glycoproteins. Two of the glycoproteins in BSM-G formed confluent arcs with BSM-P. 4. 4. Further fractionation2 BSM-G afforded a fraction which was indistinguishable from BSM-P and which corresponds to approx. 60% of the dry weight of BSM-G.
Lactose Crystallization in Skim Milk Powder Observed by Hydrodynamic Equilibria, Scanning Electron Microscopy and 2H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Lactose crystallization in medium heat nonfat dry milk as a function of water activity (0.01 to 0.94 aw) and time (2 wk) at constant temperature (20°C) was investigated by changes in moisture during the equilibration period and scanning electron microscopy. Discontinuous sorption behavior observed at aw 0.54 and above was ascribed to lactose undergoing a transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state. Scanning electron micrographs taken throughout the equilibration period revealed increasing lactose crystallization with time at and above aw 0.54. Deuterium(2H) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the water mobility during the amorphous to crystalline state transition. Changes in water mobility were found to be directly related to the observed moisture changes and the transition of lactose from the amorphous to crystalline state.
A pilot study of biological predictors of treatment outcome in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Although serotonin reuptake blockers such as clomipramine (The Clomipramine Collaborative Study Group 1991) and fluoxetine (Liebowitz et al 1989) are at least partially effective in approximately 60% of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), up to 40% of patients remain refractory. The ability to predict which patients will have a poor response to serotonin (5-HT) reuptake blockers is of clinical interest, as adequate medication trials may involve a minimum of 10-12 weeks, and other alternatives, such as behavior therapy, exist. Some evidence suggests that OCD patients with schizotypal personality (Jenike et al 1986) or with multiple axis II diagnoses (Baer et al 1992) may have a poor response to 5-HT reuptake blockers. In the multicenter clomipramine study, baseline characteristics such as age, gender, duration, severity of OCD, and depression did not correlate significantly with outcome (DeVeaugh-Geiss et al 1990). Phenomenological subtypes of OCD also do not appear to correlate with outcome (Goodman et al 1989). Although some studies fail to show an association between blood levels of clomipramine or desmethylclomipramine and trcatment outcome (Flament et al 1985; Thoren et al 1980), others report that higher clomipramine, but not desmethylclomipramine levels are associated with better outcome (Mavissakalian et al 1990). Other biological variables predictive of treatment outcome have not yet been clearly determined. Selective response of OCD to 5-HT reuptake blockers suggests that serotonin dysfunction may play an important role in this disorder (Zohar and Insel 1987). This hypothesis has been strengthened by pharmacological challenge ~tudies (Zohar et al 1987). We previously reported on the use of the partial 5-HT agonist m-chlorophenyipiperazine (mCPP) to assess 5-HT sensitivity in OCD (Hollander et al 1992). Eleven out of 20 patients (55%) experienced exacerbation of OCD symptoms following mCPP, but none had exacerbations after placebo. Prolactin re-
Phospholipase D-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine occurs with P-O bond cleavage.

Mammalian phospholipase D has been implicated in signal-transduction mechanisms, most recently in association with stimuli that enhance phosphatidylcholine (PC) turnover. It was previously unknown whether hydrolysis of PC by phospholipase D proceeds via P O or C O bond cleavage. Commercially available phospholipase D isolated from Streptomyces chromofuscus was used to hydrolyse distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC) in a detergent-containing buffer consisting of 90% 18 O-water. The product of hydrolysis, phosphatidic acid (PA), was purified by thin-layer chromatography and analyzed using californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry. An increase of two mass units was observed, compared to a distearoyl PA control, consistent with a reaction mechanism involving cleavage of the P O bond.
Neocortical damage alters synaptic responses of neostriatal neurons in vitro.

Abstract The present experiments were designed to investigate the physiological impact of a partial decortication upon neostriatal synaptic responses using intracellular recording techniques in the in vitro brain slice preparation. In the intact rat, the locally evoked neostriatal synaptic response is primarily mediated by excitatory amino acid receptor activation. Following neocortex damage, the contributions of both N-methyl- d -aspartate and non-N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor activation were significantly diminished, although responses remained robust in amplitude and duration. Components of the locally evoked synaptic response mediated by activation of GABAA receptors were relatively unchanged while presynaptic inhibition mediated by activation of GABAB receptors was markedly reduced. Furthermore, the normally minimal acetylcholine contribution to the synaptic response was significantly increased after neocortical damage. This enhanced cholinergic role in the generation of the synaptic response appeared to be mediated primarily by activation of nicotinic receptors. Thus, neocortical damage leads to novel physiological relationships between intrinsic neostriatal cholinergic interneurons and the GABAergic projection neurons. One possibility is that cholinergic interneurons have the potential for substituting for the loss of excitation created by the absence of neocortical glutamatergic input.
Are cultic environments psychologically harmful

This article is the first critical review of research that addresses the question of whether cult membership is psychologically harmful. The available evidence warrants three conclusions: (a) persons entering cults do not necessarily exhibit psychopathology; (b) current cult members appear psychologically well-adjusted generally, and demonstrate few conspicuous symptoms of psychopathology. However, pathology may be masked by conformity pressures and demand characteristics associated with the cultic environment; (c) a small but growing body of research indicates that at least a substantial minority of former cult members experience significant adjustment difficulties. There also are indications that these difficulties cannot be ascribed to demand characteristics. Although the review highlights definitional and methodological issues and problems that temper conclusions that can be drawn from the literature, no evidence indicates that cults improve adjustment after members leave the cultic environment.
Salinity induced cytosomal morphogenesis in the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

Abstract 1. 1. Lamellar transformations of cytosomes, DOPA decarboxylase and lateral ciliary activity were measured in neuronal elements and/or ctenidia of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin). 2. 2. Rapid salinity changes, exposure to light, hypoxic conditions and perfusion with EGTA (a calcium chelator) and A-23187 (a calcium releasing agent) increase lamellar transformations. 3. 3. This is accompanied by a decrease in decarboxylase and lateral ciliary activity. 4. 4. The magnitude of the cilioinhibition and decarboxylase activity is directly related to the number of secondary conversions, habitat and reacclimation salinities.
Agonistic Interactions of Juvenile Savanna Baboons I. Fundamental Features

juvenile members of known genealogies in two wild baboon groups were studied over a 16- month period to compare the ontogeny of agonistic experience and dominance relations for males and females. Juveniles of all age-sex classes were disproportionately likely to receive aggression from and submit to adult males per unit of time spent in proximity. This pattern intensified with increasing juvenile age. With age, juvenile females more often submitted to unrelated adult females from higher- ranking families, whereas this was not true for juvenile males. All juveniles received aggression from older group members more often during feeding than was expected by chance. High rates of agonistic interaction with unrelated adult females accounted for old juvenile females (3-5.5 years-old) interacting agonistically more frequently than male age peers and young juveniles of either sex (1-2.5 years-old). Adult females were also more aggressive toward females among young juveniles, suggest- ing that adult females target females among juveniles for aggression and resistance to rank reversal. Within juvenile age groups, males dominated all females and all younger males, irrespective of maternal dominance status. Dominance relations among female age-peers were generally isomorphic with relations among their mothers. No juvenile targeted any older male for rank reversal. Males targeted all older females, whereas females typically targeted only older females from families lower- ranking than their own. The strong sexual dimorphism in adult body size in baboons may explain why juvenile males' dominance relations with peers and adult females are not structured along lines of family membership as is true for the less dimorphic macaques. Acquisition of higher agonistic status probably allows juveniles of both sexes to increase their success in within-group feeding competition during late stages of juvenility, which, in turn, could affect important life-history traits such as age at menarche and adult body size.
Oxygen Reduction on TiO2-Coated Carbon Nanofibers Decorated with Graphene Platelets

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) generally contain platinum-group-metal (PGM) electrocatalysts supported on a variety of different carbons. However, the long term durability of PGM electrocatalysts is decreased due to carbon support corrosion and loss of the electrochemically active surface area (ESA) as a result of nanoparticle agglomeration and/or Ostwald ripening. Moreover, the prohibitive expense of PGM materials has forced consideration of non-PGM alternatives. One way to mitigate carbon corrosion and increase long-term operation is by using metal oxide supports. For example, Huang et al. compared PEMFC performance of Pt/TiO2 to Pt/C (TKK) after subjecting both catalysts to an accelerated stress testing (AST) protocol, and found that Pt/TiO2 catalyst essentially retained its ESA and prevented Pt nanoparticle agglomeration. Wu et al. studied the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.5 M H2SO4 on Fe-containing carbonized polyaniline supported on TiO2 (PANI-FeTiO2), and found an onset and half-wave (E1/2) potential of 0.98 and 0.83 V vs. RHE, respectively. The authors found that the PANI-Fe-TiO2 catalyst showed better results than Pt/C, and suggested that adding TiO2 not only decreased carbon corrosion but facilitated the ORR. In this study, we focus on developing durable non-PGM electrocatalysts for PEMFCs. We carbonize electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and coat them with TiO2 using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Furthermore, we enhance the surface area and reactive edges of the CNFs by adding nitrogendoped graphene platelets to the surface with a plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. PAN CNFs are attractive due to their inherent ORR activity and conductivity. Park et al. carbonized electrospun CNFs and reported a ~2x increase in bulk conductivity compared to XC-72R. The addition of TiO2 may act to alleviate carbon corrosion. We plan to study the ORR on TiO2-coated CNF/graphene electrocatalysts with rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry. Additionally, we attempt to compare the ORR activity for TiO2 coatings deposited with different ALD precursors. Physical characterizations such as XRD, XPS, TEM and SEM are performed to understand the electrocatalyst morphology, TiO2 loading and imaging, respectively. Figure 1a and 1b show carbonized PAN CNFs before and after growing graphene platelets onto the nanofiber walls, respectively.
Chromatin structure of the promoter region of the human c-K-ras gene

The chromatin structure of the human c-K-ras gene has been investigated in various cultured normal and tumor human cells and in a rat cell line transformed with the human oncogene. The promoter region is hypersensitive to DNAse I, micrococcal nuclease, endogenous nucleases and to S1 nuclease in supercoiled plasmids. This hypersensitive region is present in the different cell types analyzed and both normal and mutant alleles exhibit similar general sensitivity to DNAse I digestion in the same tumor cells. However, the 5' more distal DNAse I hypersensitive site, which is coincident with a region of the gene containing sequence homologies with known enhancers, exhibits variable sensitivity which appears to be higher in the tumor than in the normal and in the human than in the rat cells which we have analyzed. These data suggest the presence of specific factors interacting with the promoter sequences and delimits the transcription unit of the c-K-ras locus.
Amplification of acoustic waves in laminated piezoelectric semiconductor plates

Two-dimensional equations for coupled extensional, flexural and thickness-shear motions of laminated plates of piezoelectric semiconductors are obtained systematically from the three-dimensional equations by retaining lower order terms in power series expansions in the plate thickness coordinate. The equations are used to analyze extensional waves in a composite plate of piezoelectric ceramics and semiconductors. Dispersion and dissipation due to semiconduction as well as wave amplification by a dc electric field are discussed.
Characterization of nanometer-scale defects in metallic glasses by quantitative high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Although defects can have a significant effect on the properties of amorphous materials, in many cases these defects are poorly characterized and understood. This is at least partly due to the difficulty of imaging defects in amorphous materials in the electron microscope. In this work, we demonstrate the utility of quantitative analysis of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy for the identification and characterization of nanometer-scale defects in metallic glasses. For a proper identification of such defects, it is important to carefully consider the effects of the imaging conditions and thickness variations in the sample, both of which we describe in detail. As an example, we show that regions of localized plastic deformation ~shear bands! in bulk metallic glasses contain a high concentration of nanometer-scale voids. These voids apparently result from the coalescence of excess free volume once the applied stress is removed.
Direct and indirect association of the small GTPase ran with nuclear pore proteins and soluble transport factors: Studies in Xenopus laevis egg extracts

Abstract Ran is a small GTPase that is required for protein import, mRNA export, and the maintenance of nuclear structures. To gain a better understanding of Ran's role in the nucleus, we have sought to use Xenopus egg extracts for the purification and characterization of proteins from egg extracts bound with a high affinity to a glutathione-S-transferase-Ran fusion protein (GST-Ran). We found that GST-Ran associates specifically with at least 10 extract proteins. We determined the identifies of six Ran-interacting proteins (Rips), and found that they include RanBP2/Nup358, Nup153, Importin beta, hsc70, RCC1, and RanBP1. On the basis of peptide sequence, a seventh Rip (p88) seems to be similar but not identical to Fug1/RanGAP1, the mammalian Ran-GTPase-activating protein. Gel filtration analysis of endogenous extract proteins suggests that Importin beta acts as a primary GTP-Ran effector. Both Ran and Importin beta are coimmunoprecipitated by anti-p340RanBP2 antibodies in the presence of nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues, suggesting that Ran-Importin beta complexes interact with p340RanBP2. Two other Rips, p18 and p88, are coprecipitated with p340RanBP2 in a nucleotide-independent manner. Analysis of the Ran-GTPase pathway in Xenopus extracts allows the examination of interactions between Ran-associated proteins under conditions that resemble in vivo conditions more closely than in assays with purified components, and it thereby allows additional insights into the molecular mechanism of nuclear transport.
A modular approach to computer network simulation

Most computer network simulations have allowed only simple parametric analysis of a specific network. The higher-level problems of network design such as routing, error handling, and flow control, have not been part of the user/model interface and are changed only with great difficulty. This communication describes a structural simulation model which allows a user to access, modify and experiment with the actual logical design of computer networks. This allows the model user to get specific quantitative information on the efficiency of alternate protocols for a particular environment and leads to meaningful network design decisions.
INTEGRATED SHOP FLOOR CONTROL USING AUTONOMOUS AGENTS

In this paper, we present a generic framework for controlling the work flow in computer controlled manufacturing systems. Based on a market-like model and a combination of objective and price mechanism, the framework allows heterogeneous job objectives, admits job priorities, recognizes multiple resources types, and allows multiple step negotiation between parts and resources. The framework is designed to accommodate frequent changes in the environment such as machine failures, tool shortages, and process requirement variations. An object-oriented simulation system is built to demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of die proposed framework. The results show that the proposed framework provides a foundation for highly adaptive, real time shop floor control.
Species-Specific Exclusion of APOBEC3G from HIV-1 Virions by Vif

Abstract The HIV-1 accessory protein Vif (virion infectivity factor) is required for the production of infectious virions by CD4 + lymphocytes. Vif facilitates particle infectivity by blocking the inhibitory activity of APOBEC3G (CEM15), a virion-encapsidated cellular protein that deaminates minus-strand reverse transcript cytosines to uracils. We report that HIV-1 Vif forms a complex with human APOBEC3G that prevents its virion encapsidation. HIV-1 Vif did not efficiently form a complex with mouse APOBEC3G. Vif dramatically reduced the amount of human APOBEC3G encapsidated in HIV-1 virions but did not prevent encapsidation of mouse or AGM APOBEC3G. As a result, these enzymes are potent inhibitors of wild-type HIV-1 replication. The species-specificity of this interaction may play a role in restricting HIV-1 infection to humans. Together these findings suggest that therapeutic intervention that either induced APOBEC3G or blocked its interaction with Vif could be clinically beneficial.
Molecular response of a glassy polymer to active deformation

Abstract The behavior of a glassy polyethylene-like polymer undergoing active compressive deformation was investigated via molecular dynamics simulation. Several important features can be identified within the stress–strain response of the system. Namely, the system deforms elastically, yields, softens, and then at large strains exhibits strain hardening. Simulations reveal that the actively deforming polymer exhibits several distinct characteristics at the molecular scale. Active deformation is found to significantly increase the transition rate between different dihedral angle states as well as promote the propagation of dihedral angle flips along the chain. When deformation is stopped, the transition rates decrease and propagation of these transitions along the chain is once again hindered. Below the glass transition temperature, transitions are heterogeneously distributed within the system. However, a local density-transition rate correlation study shows that this transitional heterogeneity is not attributable to heterogeneity in the local density. Instead, the high local transition rates must be caused by stresses propagated along the chain backbone as indicated by changes in neighbor correlations with stress. The yield stress is determined as a function of strain rate between strain rates of 10 8 s −1 and 5×10 10 s −1 . The activation volume within the context of the Eyring model is calculated to be 0.21 nm 3 for this system.
High expression of nitrobenzylthioinosine-insensitive dipyridamole binding sites in postmortem human ependymal tissue.

Abstract The presence of both nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive and nitrobenzylthioinosine-insensitive dipyridamole binding sites in postmortem human ependymal tissue is reported. Displacement studies using 15 nM [ 3 H]dipyridamole revealed 50–60% of the sites were sensitive to nitrobenzylthioinosine. Non-linear analysis of binding isotherms to estimate the density of nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive and -insensitive sites revealed a maximum number of nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive binding sites ( B max ) of 395 ± 19 fmol/mg protein and a nitrobenzylthioinosine-insensitive B max of 3910 ± 700 fmol/mg protein (corresponding K d values of 0.1 nM and 114 nM respectively). Thus there are approximately 10 times as many nitrobenzylthioinosine-insensitive sites as nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive [ 3 H]dipyridamole binding sites in human ependymal membranes.
A single-oven gas chromatograph with a simple, all-quartz, flame ionization detector.

Abstract A compact, inexpensive, single-oven gas chromatograph is described that has good stability and sensitivity. The flame ionization detector, flash chamber and column are mounted as an assembly on the oven top. The oven is constructed from a 4″x12″ aluminum pipe containing a continuous groove for retaining a nichrome heating wire. This design suggests the use of the apparatus on rechargeable nickelcadmium or lead-acid batteries in field studies. The oven may be operated isothermally above 300° with low power input on either a.c. or d.c. The oven has been in continuous operation for over 3 years without maintenance. A simple flame ionization detector constructed entirely of quartz is also described. Although the gas chromatograph was constructed for glass columns in biomedical investigations, the apparatus can be used with metal columns as well as with other detectors in industrial applications. Detection of sub-microgram quantities of androgens is discussed.
Delineation of ecosystem regions

As a means of developing reliable estimates of ecosystem productivity, ecosystem classification needs to be placed within a geographical framework of regions or zones. This paper explains the basis for the regions delineated on the 1976 mapEcoregions of the United States. Four ecological levels are discussed—domain, division, province, and section—based on climatic and vegetational criteria. Statistical tests are needed to verify and refine map units.
"Visual" performance of a functionally blind person.

Abstract This report describes in detail the application of an operant-reinforcement procedure to the objective description and assessment of visual behavior in a functionally blind patient. The patient's performance was examined over the course of five experiments which covered 132 daily experimental sessions. His behavior was shown to be controlled by visual stimuli and readily influenced by social suggestion and manipulation, and by changes in response-contingent consequences. The procedures and conditions employed by the present investigators were compared and contrasted with those employed earlier with the same patient by Brady and Lind.
Fludarabine Pharmacokinetics after Subcutaneous and Intravenous Administration in Patients with Lupus Nephritis

Study Objective. To compare the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous and intravenous fludarabine in patients with lupus nephritis. Design. Open-label, randomized, crossover trial conducted with a phase I-II trial. Setting. Government research hospital. Patients. Five patients with lupus nephritis. Intervention. Fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 /day was administered either subcutaneously or as a 0.5-hour intravenous infusion for 3 consecutive days. All patients received oral cyclophosphamide 0.5 g/m 2 on the first day of each cycle. Measurements and Main Results. Plasma samples were collected before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after the first dose. Urine was collected at 6-hour intervals for 24 hours. Plasma and urine were analyzed for fluoroarabinofuranosyladenine (F-ara-A), fludarabine's main metabolite, using high-performance liquid chromatography Compartmental techniques were used to determine the pharmacokinetics of F-ara-A; a linear two-compartment model best described them. Comparison of the pharmacokinetics between subcutaneous and intravenous administration was done by using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. No significant differences were found between subcutaneous and intravenous administration in median (interquartile range) maximum concentrations of 0.51 (0.38-0.56) and 0.75 (0.52-0.91) mg/L, respectively, or in fitted area under the concentration-time curves from 0-24 hours of 4.65 (4.17-4.98) and 4.55 (3.5-4.94) mg.hour/L, respectively Bioavailability of F-ara-A after subcutaneous dosing was approximately 105% of the bioavailability after intravenous administration. Differences in renal clearance and percentage of dose excreted in urine for subcutaneous and intravenous administration were nonsignificant. No injection site reactions were seen with subcutaneous dosing. Conclusion. Subcutaneous and intravenous administration of fludarabine appear to have similar pharmacokinetics in patients with lupus nephritis. Subcutaneous injection may offer a convenient alternative to intravenous administration.
Gravity Shock Waves and Stratification in the Upper Atmosphere

Rocket measurements of small scale structure of ionization profile and wind speed fluctuations, propagation of gravity shock waves and stratification in upper atmosphere
Almond hulls in diets for lactating goats: effects on yield and composition of milk, feed intake, and digestibility

Four cubed rations of similar chemical composition were fed ad libitum to 16 lactating yearling Alpine goats. The rations contained 0, 15, 25, and 35% almond hulls; 0, .5, 1, and 1% urea; and 58.4, 42.5, 32.0, and 22.0% alfalfa hay (DM basis). Chromic oxide was added as a digestibility marker. Average nutrient composition of diets was 91% DM, 20% CP, 32% NDF, 9% ash, and 4.39 Mcal gross energy/kg. Goats were randomly assigned to one of four diet orders in four replications of a 4 X 4 Latin square, blocked by goat and period. Data were collected in the 3rd wk of each period. Diets containing 25 and 35% almond hulls increased DM intake and reduced milk protein percent and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, ash, and NDF. Dry matter intake and weight gain were highest for the diet containing 35% almond hulls and 1% urea. Results indicate that almond hulls and urea can be fed to lactating goats up to these amounts without adversely affecting lactation.
Criminal involvement of cocaine users enrolled in a methadone treatment program

This was a study of criminal activities of cocaine users versus non-users enrolled in a methadone treatment program in New York City. Of those 140 methadone clients studied, 100 (71%) were cocaine users. There were no demographic differences between the two groups except marital status. Married clients (including common-law married) were more likely than never-married single clients to be non-users. Cocaine users were significantly more depressed, using the subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90. Although numbers of lifetime arrests and criminal involvement (in the year immediately preceding the research interview) of cocaine non-users were distinctively lower than those of users, the differences were not significant. In a multiple regression analysis, length of stay in the methadone program was the strongest predictor of criminal involvement. Those who were retained longer in the treatment were significantly less likely to be involved in criminal activities, regardless of cocaine use.