cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress Factors that Impact Robot Operator Control in High-Stress Dynamic Scenarios

This research investigates the evaluation of a key component in human-robot interaction (HRI), the psychological and physical stress of humans interacting with a robot. This research for understanding the role of stress in human-robot teaming will consist of two phases. The first phase of this research evaluates different methods of inducing stress in unstructured and dynamic scenarios and provides a comparison to traditional stress induction methods such as showing a video or solving math problems without the use of paper and pencil. The second phase of this research includes a study of human-robot interactions using a human to operate a robot with and without induced stress. It is expected that improved usability and user experience for the robot operator can be achieved through this research and an understanding of the stress levels a robot operator experiences in unstructured and dynamic scenarios, such as those experienced by tactical officers. By understanding how stress impacts interactions under different modes of robot operation, methods can be developed to reduce operator stress by designing different modes of robot operation that be used during human-robot teaming in dynamic and unstructured scenarios.
Binaural perception of stereo noise bursts as a function of burst duration and degree of interchannel coherence

Amplitude panning for virtual sound source rendering in stereo and multi-channel audio reproduction is well established. Binaural fusion can be represented by vector addition of the acoustic wave propagation vectors from individual speakers; however, this applies only to stereo signals with perfect interchannel coherence and does not provide a description of the perceived sound image when the interchannel coherence is less than complete. Listening tests show that the stereo image formed by continuous incoherent noise fills the space between the loudspeakers; however, for a single short noise burst (a few milliseconds long) the virtual source collapses to a single point in space with its location determined by the position of the maximum of the interchannel correlation function. Concatenation of an ensemble of short noise bursts with a distribution of interchannel correlation function maxima creates a long noise burst displaying a broad peak in its interchannel correlation function; the location and width ...
Parasomnia Overlap Disorder

Parasomnias occur when there is breakdown of state boundaries. In parasomnia overlap disorder, the features of disorders of arousal and parasomnias usually associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep occur in the same patient. Dream enactment and sleepwalking or confusional arousals can occur. Parasomnia overlap syndrome may be idiopathic, or may be secondary to other neurological or medical disorders. The presence of parasomnia overlap disorder suggests that the primary underlying feature of both REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias may be motor disinhibition. In status dissociatus, state boundaries break down with the subsequent appearance of wake (W), NREM sleep, and REM sleep. In agrypnia excitata, there is severe insomnia, mental confusion with dream enactment, motor and autonomic activation, and an inability to generate slow wave sleep. This represents a complete breakdown of state boundaries. Treatment of some of these parasomnias can be effective.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Massive Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears: A Critical Analysis Review.

Massive rotator cuff tears that are treated nonoperatively demonstrate increases in tear size, fatty infiltration, muscular atrophy, and arthritis.The pooled retear rate following complete repair of massive rotator cuff tears is 79%.Absorbable and nonabsorbable graft augmentation following rotator c
Factors Related to Adherence to Opioids in Black Patients With Cancer Pain

Abstract Context Cancer pain relief is often inadequate because of poor adherence to pain medication, especially for black patients. Objectives The purpose of this study is to describe factors related to adherence to around-the-clock opioids among 110 black patients being treated for cancer pain. Methods Sociodemographic, clinical, symptoms, and social support data were collected at baseline; pain and adherence data were collected at 30 days. Associations between these variables and opioid adherence measured by Medication Event Monitoring System were estimated using multiple regression. Results Mean age was 56 (±10.1), the majority were women (63%) and college educated (56%). Mean pain severity at baseline equaled 4.6 (±2.3). Mean dose adherence was 60% (±28.5), while mean schedule adherence was 33.0% (±31.0). In adjusted analysis, 26% of the variance in dose adherence was explained by recent chemotherapy, changes in pain, concerns about nausea, and doctors' focus on cure versus pain control (P Conclusion Findings confirm pain medication adherence is poor and pain was not well relieved. Multiple factors influence adherence to around-the-clock opioids. Clinicians need to partner with patients by providing a personalized pain treatment plan including an in-depth assessment of treatment choices and adherence.
The Meiji Restoration as a Local Event: The Second Kiheitai in History and Memory

Through the story of the Second Kiheitai, a militia formed in the 1860s in the southeastern corner of the Chōshū domain (today’s Yamaguchi Prefecture), this article charts a local perspective on th...
Subsidence determination in the Central Valley, California

Twenty four hour GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data acquired monthly for 5 years from 8 CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Station) stations in Central Valley, California are processed and vertical velocities of the points are determined. To process GNSS data, online GNSS data processing service APPS (Automatic Precise Positioning Service) is used. GNSS data downloaded from NGS (National Geodetic Survey) CORS are analyzed and subsidence at these points is portrayed with graphics. It is revealed that elevation changes range from 5 mm uplift in the north to 163 mm subsidence in the southern part of the valley.
An Ethnographic Investigation into the Development of Engineers Without Borders USA Students During the Monitoring and Maintenance of a Potable Water System in Peru

This research category full paper is focused on the engineering co-curricular organization Engineers Without Borders (EWB) USA. This research investigates the travel experience of one group of EWB students at the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU) chapter from the Peru Team. The researcher was embedded as a participant observer on the EWB travel team joining the team on their trip to northern Peru where the team performed maintenance and monitoring tasks on a potable water system implemented the previous summer. The following research question was investigated: What are the impacts of the CU EWB travel experience on the development of CU engineering students? Several themes emerged from the analysis. The most prominent are: (1) Skill Development, throughout the experience the students were seen to gain skills not traditionally taught in an engineering classroom, (2) Passion, students involved with EWB commit many hours each week to the club and are passionate about what the club stands for, (3) Perspective, the students gained perspective on the world by traveling to a new place and experiencing a new culture, and (4) Career Interests, this trip made students more aware of the unique ways they can use their engineering skill sets.
‘A Deeper Channel Floats all Boats’: The Port Economy as Urban Growth Engine

This paper analyzes an urban growth strategy revolving around port logistics. The growing significance of port economies is linked to the larger process of globalization and the increasing geograph...
Equipment Used in the Performance of Experiments in Nuclear Reactors at the Argonne National Laboratory

Experimental development of in-pile equipment over the last ten years has resulted in the design of unique systems involving a variety of experiments. The experiments range from simple corrosion and fuel irradiation tests to complex irradiation environment studies and fast reactor fuel failure tests. A summary is given of the type of facilities designed at the Argonne National Laboratory for these experiments and of the purpose for which the design was intended. In addition, typical values for test parameters are included to acquaint the reader with the conditions encountered during a test. The intent of the summary is to demonstrate the span of engineering experiments possible in reactors. Consequently, the results of the tests are not described or discussed since these results have been published in other papers. Instead, attention is directed toward the nature of equipment which has been brought into existence. (auth)
Effect of a prospective opioid reduction intervention on opioid prescribing and use after radical prostatectomy: results of the Opioid Reduction Intervention for Open, Laparoscopic, and Endoscopic Surgery (ORIOLES) Initiative.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of a prospective opioid reduction intervention after radical prostatectomy (RP; based on a surgery-specific guideline and education) on post-discharge opioid prescribing, use, disposal, and need for additional opioid medication. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective, non-randomised, pre-post interventional trial of patients undergoing RP for prostate cancer (August 2017-November 2018) was conducted as part of the Opioid Reduction Intervention for Open, Laparoscopic, and Endoscopic Surgery (ORIOLES) Initiative. An evidence-based intervention including: a discharge sheet, nursing education, and standardised prescribing guideline, was applied with the primary outcome of total oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ) used after RP. Secondary outcomes included opioid prescribing, opioid disposal, need for additional opioid medication, and presence of incisional/post-surgical abdominal pain at 30 days after RP. RESULTS A total of 214 (Pre-Intervention arm) and 229 (Post-Intervention arm) adult patients were enrolled (100% follow-up). The intervention reduced post-discharge opioid prescribing (from 224.3 to 120.3 mg; -46.4%, P = 0.01), reduced opioid use (from 52.1 to 38.3 mg; -26.5%, P < 0.01), and increased opioid disposal (+13.5%, P < 0.01). Greater prescribing of opioids at discharge, higher body mass index, and use of opioid medication prior to surgery, were independently associated with greater post-discharge opioid use, while history of a chronic pain diagnosis was not statistically significant. In the Post-Intervention cohort, 2.2% of patients needed additional medication for post-surgical pain (0.9% obtained a prescription) and 1.3% initiated long-term use. CONCLUSIONS A prospective, evidence-based intervention reduced post-discharge opioid prescribing and use, while increasing disposal after RP. Risk factors for increased opioid use were identified. The results support expanding the use of evidence-based opioid reduction interventions to other surgical specialties.
The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) accurately predicts outcomes in elderly patients undergoing emergency general surgery.

Abstract Background The performance of the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS), a validated risk calculator, in the elderly emergency general surgery (EGS) patient remains unclear. We hypothesized that ESS accurately predicts outcomes in elderly EGS patients, including octogenarians and nonagenarians. Methods Using the 2007–2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, we included all EGS patients ≥65 years old. The correlation between ESS, mortality and morbidity was assessed in the 3 patient cohorts (>65, octogenarians and nonagenarians), using the area under the curve (AUC). Results A total of 124,335 patients were included, of which 34,215 (28%) were octogenarians and 7239 (6%) were nonagenarians. In patients ≥65 years, ESS accurately predicted mortality (AUC 0.81). For octogenarians and nonagenarians, ESS predicted mortality moderately well (AUC 0.77 and 0.69, respectively. Conclusion ESS accurately predicts mortality and morbidity in the elderly EGS patient, but its accuracy in predicting morbidity decreases for nonagenarians.
Use of a conformational switching aptamer for rapid and specific ex vivo identification of central nervous system lymphoma in a xenograft model

Improved tools for providing specific intraoperative diagnoses could improve patient care. In neurosurgery, intraoperatively differentiating non-operative lesions can be challenging, often necessitating immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures which require up to 24-48 hours. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of generating rapid ex vivo specific labeling using a novel lymphoma-specific fluorescent switchable aptamer. Our B-cell lymphoma-specific switchable aptamer produced only low-level fluorescence in its unbound conformation and generated an 8-fold increase in fluorescence once bound to its target on CD20-positive lymphoma cells. The aptamer demonstrated strong binding to B-cell lymphoma cells within 10 minutes of incubation. We applied the switchable aptamer to ex vivo xenograft tissue harboring B-cell lymphoma and astrocytoma, and within one hour specific visual identification of lymphoma was routinely possible. In this proof-of-concept study in human cell culture and orthotopic xenografts, we conclude that a fluorescent switchable aptamer can provide rapid and specific labeling of B-cell lymphoma, and that developing aptamer-based labeling approaches could simplify tissue staining and drastically reduce time to histopathological diagnoses compared with IHC-based methods. We propose that switchable aptamers could enhance expeditious, accurate intraoperative decision-making.
Employing WiFi Direct to Build a Wireless Network over both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.

Almost all the WiFi networks today provide single band (either 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz) wireless communication functionality for connected mobile nodes. In a single band network, the interference depends on number of nodes in the network and the presence of other networks in the proximity. As the number of nodes in a Network increases, the interference in the network also increases which reduces the throughput of the network. If there are two single band networks, one operating in 2.4 GHz frequency band and other in 5.8 GHz frequency band, then nodes in network 1 will not cause any interference with nodes in network 2. This can be used as a basic idea to implement a network where the nodes in the same network use both the frequency bands to minimize the interference between nodes. We show that building dual band multi-hop network gives better performance in terms of throughput compared to that of a network with single frequency band.
Role of tissue-factor bearing extracellular vesicles released from ovarian cancer cells in platelet aggregation in vitro and venous thrombosis in mice

Abstract Objective Venous thromboembolism (VTE) contributes to morbidity and mortality in women with ovarian cancer. Underlying mechanisms of venous thrombosis in ovarian cancer are not well-understood. The aim of this study was to identify the potential role of tissue factor (TF)-bearing extracellular vesicles (EVs) originated from cancer cells in venous thrombosis in ovarian cancer models. Methods We examined the expression of TF on EVs generated by ovarian cancer cells and the effect of TF-positive EVs on platelet aggregation. Furthermore, we performed TF-knockdown or induced TF-overexpression in ovarian cancer cell lines and examined the effects of EVs obtained from these cells on platelet aggregation. We examined the effect of TF-bearing EVs originated from ovarian cancer cells on venous thrombosis in a mouse model of inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis. Results TF was expressed in several ovarian cancer cell lines. EVs derived from ovarian cancer cell lines expressing TF promoted platelet aggregation. TF-knockdown in TF-high CAOV3 and OVCAR8 ovarian cancer cells delayed platelet aggregation induced by their EVs in vitro. Conversely, TF overexpression in TF-low A2780 and HeyA8 cells shortened platelet aggregation time induced by their EVs. EVs from TF-overexpressing A2780 ​cells enhanced thrombosis formation in the IVC stenosis model and resulted in a larger clot burden as compared to EVs from A2780 control cells. Conclusions TF expression in ovarian cancer cell-derived EVs promoted platelet aggregation and thrombosis in preclinical models. These findings may have implications for reducing VTE rates in women with ovarian cancer.
Information Asymmetry in Spinoffs: The Role of Incremental Disclosure

Prior research argues that one reason firms engage in corporate spinoffs is to increase firm value by reducing information asymmetry with shareholders (the “information hypothesis”). However, the literature has yet to identify a mechanism through which this reduction in information asymmetry occurs. We argue that incremental disclosure is one mechanism by which spinoffs reduce information asymmetry. Using text re-use detection software to compare the initial 10-Ks of spun-off firms to the 10-Ks of pre-spinoff combined entities, we predict and find a positive association between pre-spinoff information asymmetry and incremental post-spinoff disclosure. However, these results are driven by cross-industry spinoffs that are likely to be operationally motivated. Taken together, these results suggest that the “information hypothesis” does not appear to have standalone merit, in that information-motivated spinoffs do not appear to occur in the absence of operational motives. Finally, we examine consequences of innovation in disclosure following spinoffs and find that incremental disclosure is indeed associated with decreases in information asymmetry and increases in firm value. Overall, we find that 10-K disclosures are a mechanism by which spinoffs reduce information asymmetry, but that reducing information asymmetry does not appear to be the sole motivation for these transactions.
News Shocks across Countries: An Empirical Investigation

We estimate the role of news shocks to total factor productivity, foreign interest rates and commodity terms of trade in explaining the variance of output and other macro aggregates in a large sample of countries. To correct for the small-sample bias of the variance decomposition estimates we develop a Bootstrap-after-Bootstrap method. We find that the mean difference of variance share of output explained by news shocks between developing and developed countries is: I) Negligible for news shocks to total factor productivity. II) Positive for news shocks to foreign interest rates (6 p.p.) and to commodity terms of trade (8.3 p.p.). Using cross-sectional data, we find that countries with less financial development have a larger share of output variance explained by news shocks to foreign interest rates, and countries with higher total trade of commodities to output ratio and less developed financial markets exhibit a larger share of output variance explained by news shocks to commodity terms of trade. These results suggest that to study the role of news shocks in the economy, one-sector models with only shocks to total factor productivity are not adequate, and that there must be a structural distinction regarding financial markets' development when modeling developing countries as opposed to developed in a general equilibrium framework.
Stark broadening of hydrogenic spectral lines by two-dimensional multimode quasimonochromatic electric fields

We studied the profile of the hydrogenic Ly-alpha line under the two-dimensional multimode quasimonochromatic electric field. We obtained the Stark profile of the main line and of the satellites in the form of the onefold integral. We demonstrated analytically and by numerical calculations that the Stark profile of the main line and of its satellites has a cusp in its center. This unusual shape of the Stark profile is a counterintuitive result.
A critical review and commentary on recent progress of additive manufacturing and its impact on membrane technology

Abstract Membrane separations has been increasingly recognized as a key technology platform for improving the energy efficiency and intensification of many separations processes. Likewise, additive manufacturing (AM), or 3-dimensional (3D) printing as it is often called, is a rapidly emergent technology platform for manufacturing in many industrial sectors. It has become increasingly common to marry these two platforms to take advantage of the additive nature of 3D printing with the increasing need for membrane technology that is adaptable to separations needs. Conventional membrane manufacturing approaches, such as casting, typically result in thick membranes that limit productivity and potentially waste material in a non-performing support layer. Interfacial polymerization (IP) offered a new vision for thin-film composite membranes, yet was limited to certain chemistries while exhibiting other drawbacks. Additive manufacturing offers certain benefits over these techniques to membranes, including the ability to expand the library of materials that can be processed while also offering a degree of customization that is impossible in conventional processing. This review article evaluates an increasing amount of literature on using printing to make membranes and considers the limitations and opportunities for printing to enhance existing membrane technology and expand the reach of membranes into other industries. We also provide a perspective from leading experts in membrane technology to see where there are opportunities to use printing in different membrane disciplines.
Die Verteilung einer auf eine ebene Fläche wirkenden Normalkraft (Spannungen bleiben dabei unterhalb der Elastizitätsgrenze)

Hat man mit Hilfe der Methoden der Statik die auseren auf einen Korper wirkenden Krafte bestimmt, so mus man fur jeden Punkt des Korpers den Spannungszustand, d. h. Grose und Richtung der in jedem Punkt in jeder Ebene wirkenden Spannungen festlegen. Die Spannungen durfen dabei uber einen gewissen Betrag nicht hinausgehen, der je nach dem verwendeten Material und dem Konstruktionsteil verschieden ist und vielfach durch behordliche Vorschriften festgelegt ist.
Mass-modulation schemes for a class of wave energy converters: Experiments, models, and efficacy

In a recent series of works, mass-modulation schemes have been proposed for a class of ocean wave energy converter (WEC). The goal of the schemes is to improve the energy harvesting capabilities of these devices by taking advantage of the ambient water. However this improvement comes at the cost of increased system complexity and possible impulse loadings at the instances where the mass changes. In the present work, experimental results for a pair of these schemes are presented and one of them is shown to be effective in increasing the energy harvesting potential of a WEC. Building and testing prototype WECs are costly and challenging and so, in order to examine as wide a range of parameters and designs as possible, a detailed two degree-of-freedom model is developed for a WEC equipped with a mass-modulation scheme. Numerical analysis of the model also shows the potential benefits of the mass-modulation scheme.
An Expert System for Sensor Data Validation and Malfunction Detection

Nuclear power plant operation and monitoring in general is a complex task which requires a large number of sensors, alarms and displays. At any instant in time, the operator is required to make a judgment about the state of the plant and to react accordingly. During abnormal situations, operators are further burdened with time constraints. The possibility of an undetected faulty instrumentation line, adds to the complexity of operators’reasoning tasks. Failure of human operators to cope with the conceptual complexity of abnormal situations often leads to more serious malfunctions and further damages to plant (TMI-2 as an example). During these abnormalities, operators rely on the information provided by the plant sensors and associated alarms. Their usefulness however, is quickly diminished by their large number and the extremely difficult task of interpreting and comprehending the information provided by them. The need for an aid to assist the operator in interpreting the available data and diagnosis of problems is obvious.
Expression of the prostate-specific membrane antigen

We have recently cloned a 2.65-kilobase complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSM) recognized by the 7E11-C5.3 anti-prostate monoclonal antibody. Immunohistochemical analysis of the LNCaP, DU-145, and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines for PSM expression using the 7E11-C5.3 antibody reveals intense staining in the LNCaP cells with no detectable expression in both the DU-145 and PC-3 cells. Coupled in vitro transcription/translation of the 2.65-kilobase full-length PSM cDNA yields an M(r) 84,000 protein corresponding to the predicted polypeptide molecular weight of PSM. Posttranslational modification of this protein with pancreatic canine microsomes yields the expected M(r) 100,000 PSM antigen. Following transfection of PC-3 cells with the full-length PSM cDNA in a eukaryotic expression vector, we detect expression of the PSM glycoprotein by Western analysis using the 7E11-C5.3 monoclonal antibody. Ribonuclease protection analysis demonstrates that the expression of PSM mRNA is almost entirely prostate specific in human tissues. PSM expression appears to be highest in hormone-deprived states and is hormonally modulated by steroids, with 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone down-regulating PSM expression in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP by 8-10-fold, testosterone down-regulating PSM by 3-4-fold, and corticosteroids showing no significant effect. Normal and malignant prostatic tissues consistently show high PSM expression, whereas we have noted heterogeneous, and at times absent, expression of PSM in benign prostatic hyperplasia. LNCaP tumors implanted and grown both orthotopically and s.c. in nude mice abundantly express PSM, providing an excellent in vivo model system to study the regulation and modulation of PSM expression.
Design and experimental study of a new thrown robot based on flexible structure

Purpose – The paper aims to present a new thought for design of a thrown robot based on flexible structures. The aim of the design is to reduce the weight and improve the anti-impact capability for mini thrown robot. Design/methodology/approach – A mass-spring wheeled robot model is proposed and an impact analysis is given in this paper. Some principia were derived for configuration design and material choice to get a light and robust thrown reconnaissance robot. Based on the theoretical analysis, flexible elements like flexure hinges or rubber shell were utilized to build two generation of robots that both showed excellent performances of anti-impact ability. Findings – A second-generation thrown robot (2,050 g) was developed, which could survive dropping from the height of 6 m more than 10 times without apparent damage. Originality/value – The method based on the flexible structure provides the thrown robot with high survivability from impact, as well as light weight. It can be used in the design of the...
INVERSE SCATTERING PROBLEMS FOR SCHRODINGER OPERATORS WITH MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC POTENTIALS

Consider the Schrodinger equation in R n , n ≥ 3, with magnetic potential A(x) = (A 1(x),…,A n (x)) and electric potential V(x): $$ {\left( {\frac{1}{i}\frac{\partial }{{\partial x}} + A\left( x \right)} \right)^{2}}u + V\left( x \right)u = {k^{2}}u$$ (1.1) or equivalently $$ - \Delta u - 2i\sum\limits_{{j = 1}}^{n} {Aj} \left( x \right)\frac{{\partial u}}{{\partial {x_{j}}}} + q\left( x \right)u = {k^{2}}u$$ (1.2) where We will assume that the potentials A and V are real-valued and exponentially decreasing, i.e.
A comparative study for performance evaluation of sit-to-stand task with body worn sensor and existing laboratory methods.

Human movement such as sit-to-stand (STS) is one of the most fundamental and essential movement among daily living activities. Elderly who are unable to stand are severely limited in daily activities and rely on others for their care. In the coming next two decades about 20% of US population will be above the age of 65 years, and considering ever-increasing elderly population and health care expenses, the rehabilitation of functionally limited elderly is becoming a topic of greater concern. Clinically STS movement is looked upon with great interest, such as its analysis is meaningful in order to evaluate motor control and stability in elderly patients with functional limitations and may be more helpful than traditional medical evaluations in diagnosing and treating mobility problems in elderly. A few previous research studies describe controlled STS movements with constrains in laboratory environments and have established STS standardized events. A comparative study is presented in this work using and inertial measurement unit (IMU) and existing laboratory based sit-to-stand phases and events. The aims of this study are (1) to define phases and identify events of STS movement based on those previously described, using wireless IMU (2) to test the consistency of these events and phases in total of seven young healthy subjects (ages 25–35 years). We found significant differences in peak flexion angular velocities (p<0.001), peak extension angular velocities (p<0.01) and accelerations at seat-off (p<0.01) between participants when using chair arm rest versus knee as support during rising. Also, we have found significant differences in time events for pre seat off flexion decelerations and post seat off extension angular accelerations with the two different rising supports. Thus these distinct and consistent phases of STS movement using IMU can help identify individuals at fall risk in non-laboratory environments.
Immunosuppression and Alteration of Resistance to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Guinea Pigs by Protein Undernutrition

The impact of chronic moderate protein deficiency on resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis was studied in a guinea pig model. Inbred and outbred guinea pigs were maintained on isocaloric diets containing 30% or 10% ovalbumin, vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine and infected by the respiratory route with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Protein deficiency was associated with significant loss of dermal tuberculin hypersensitivity, reduced purified protein derivative (PPD)-driven lymphoproliferation in vitro and diminished interleukin-2 production. The proportion of E rosette receptor (CD2) positive lymphocytes was significantly lower in the blood and thymus of low-protein guinea pigs. Increased levels of circulating anti-PPD antibodies were associated with loss of delayed hypersensitivity in protein-deprived animals. Immune complexes containing these antibodies may act on T cells bearing Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G (T gamma cells), which appear to exert a suppressive effect on antigen-induced lymphoproliferation of Tnon-gamma cells in vitro. These results imply an important immunoregulatory role for T gamma cells in tuberculosis and suggest one mechanism whereby resistance to tuberculosis is altered in protein malnutrition.
Contrasting actions of a convulsant barbiturate and its anticonvulsant enantiomer on the α1β3γ2L GABAA receptor account for their in vivo effects

Key Points Most barbiturates are anaesthetics but unexpectedly a few are convulsants whose mechanism of action is poorly understood. We synthesized and characterized a novel pair of chiral barbiturates that are capable of photolabelling their binding sites on GABAA receptors. In mice the S-enantiomer is a convulsant, but the R-enantiomer is an anticonvulsant. The convulsant S-enantiomer binds solely at an inhibitory site. It is both an open state inhibitor and a resting state inhibitor. Its action is pH independent, suggesting the pyrimidine ring plays little part in binding. The inhibitory site is not enantioselective because the R-enantiomer inhibits with equal affinity. In contrast, only the anticonvulsant R-enantiomer binds to the enhancing site on open channels, causing them to stay open longer. The enhancing site is enantioselective. The in vivo actions of the convulsant S-enantiomer are accounted for by its interactions with GABAA receptors. Abstract Most barbiturates are anaesthetics but a few unexpectedly are convulsants. We recently located the anaesthetic sites on GABAA receptors (GABAARs) by photolabelling with an anaesthetic barbiturate. To apply the same strategy to locate the convulsant sites requires the creation and mechanistic characterization of a suitable agent. We synthesized enantiomers of a novel, photoactivable barbiturate, 1-methyl-5-propyly-5-(m-trifluoromethyldiazirinyl) phenyl barbituric acid (mTFD-MPPB). In mice, S-mTFD-MPPB acted as a convulsant, whereas R-mTFD-MPPB acted as an anticonvulsant. Using patch clamp electrophysiology and fast solution exchange on recombinant human α1β3γ2L GABAARs expressed in HEK cells, we found that S-mTFD-MPPB inhibited GABA-induced currents, whereas R-mTFD-MPPB enhanced them. S-mTFD-MPPB caused inhibition by binding to either of two inhibitory sites on open channels with bimolecular kinetics. It also inhibited closed, resting state receptors at similar concentrations, decreasing the channel opening rate and shifting the GABA concentration–response curve to the right. R-mTFD-MPPB, like most anaesthetics, enhanced receptor gating by rapidly binding to allosteric sites on open channels, initiating a rate-limiting conformation change to stabilized open channel states. These states had slower closing rates, thus shifting the GABA concentration–response curve to the left. Under conditions when most GABAARs were open, an inhibitory action of R-mTFD-MPPB was revealed that had a similar IC50 to that of S-mTFD-MPPB. Thus, the inhibitory sites are not enantioselective, and the convulsant action of S-mTFD-MPPB results from its negligible affinity for the enhancing, anaesthetic sites. Interactions with these two classes of barbiturate binding sites on GABAARs underlie the enantiomers’ different pharmacological activities in mice.
Cytokines: Molecular keys to homeostasis, development, and pathophysiology

Identification and definition of the role and diversity of action of cytokines, the regulatory proteins including lymphokines, monokines, interleukins, interferons, and a variety of other growth factors produced by virtually every nucleated cell into the body and having pleiotropic regulatory effects on hematopoietic and many other cell types [Thompson, 1991], are in the forefront of biomedical research. The explosive development of cytokine research is reflected by the inclusion of "cytokine," first introduced as a term in 1974 to recognize that lymphokines could be produced by other than lymphoid cells in 4,267 biomedical articles published by the end of 1992. From the initial reference to cytokines in 1974 to inclusion in 45 articles in 1985, the doubling of citations each succeeding year, together with 45% of all the citations since 1974 occurring in 1992 alone, attests to the continued rapid expansion of this area of biological research. The important roles of cytokines in many physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions, although largely descriptive in nature, were recognized during the early development of this field of investigation [Balkwill and Burke, 1989; Cohen et al., 1974]. Current and future directions, as highlighted by the series of Prospect articles featuring areas as diverse as embryologic, extracellular matrix, bone, hematologic, and neurologic development and function as well as in the organism's response to foreign organisms in this issue of the Journal, are focused on broadening our understanding of the positive and negative influence of cytokines in normal and abnormal differentiation and development and on the molecular pathways underlying cytokine action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isolation of a phenol-soluble endotoxin from Leptotrichia buccalis.

Abstract Extraction of strains of Leptotrichia with hot aqueous phenol yielded two lipopolysaccharide fractions, the minor component being in the water phase and the major component in the phenol phase. Both gave the Shwartzman reaction in rabbits. Both contained heptose but lacked detectable keto-deoxy-octonic acid. The main difference was the presence of large amounts of deoxy-sugars in the phenol-soluble lipopolysaccharide, and none or only small amounts in the water soluble fraction. Phenol-soluble products were also isolated from one strain each of Bacteroides melaninogenicus and Fusobacterium polymorphism .
Acyclic and cyclopropyl analogues of adenosine bisphosphate antagonists of the P2Y1 receptor: structure-activity relationships and receptor docking.

The activation of P2Y1 receptors in platelets contributes to platelet aggregation, and selective antagonists are sought as potential antithrombotic agents. We reported (Kim et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 746−755) that acyclic analogues of adenine nucleotides, containing two phosphate groups on a symmetrically branched aliphatic chain, attached at the 9-position of adenine, are moderately potent P2Y1 receptor antagonists. In this study we have varied the chain structure, to include asymmetric substitution, olefinic, and cyclopropyl groups. These antagonists inhibited the stimulation of phospholipase C in turkey erythrocyte membranes induced by 30 nM 2-MeS-ADP in the micromolar range. In the series of symmetrically branched aliphatic groups substituted with two phosphate groups, the optimal antagonist potency occurred with the 2-methylpropyl group. A 2-chloro-N6-methyladenine derivative, 2-[2-(2-chloro-6-methylaminopurin-9-yl)methyl]propane-1,3-bisoxy(diammoniumphosphate) (7), was a full antagonist at the P...
Blockade of substantia nigra dopamine D1 receptors reduces intravenous cocaine reward in rats

Rationale We have recently found that blockade of dopamine D1-type receptors in the ventral tegmental area reduces the rewarding effects of intravenous cocaine; here, we explored the possibility that blockade of D1 receptors in the adjacent substantia nigra (SN)—not usually considered part of reward circuitry—might have similar effects.
Experience with congruity in the perception of incongruity

The recognition thresholds for the perception of a trick card were higher than that of normal cards. Sensitivity to the incongruous item was not influenced by the amount of congruous information, whether manipulated prior to, or during the experiment. It was concluded that differential degrees of congruent experience does not affect the perception of incongruity when the critical material is already highly familiar.
Multiscale 3D reference visualization

Reference grids are commonly used in design software to help users judge distances and understand the orientation of the virtual workspace. Despite their ubiquity in 3D graphics applications, little research has gone into important design considerations of the 3D reference grids themselves, which directly impact their usefulness. We have developed two new techniques; the multiscale reference grid and position pegs that form a consistent foundation for presenting relative scale and position information to the user. Our design of a multiscale reference grid consistently subdivides and coalesces gridlines, based on the computation of a closeness metric, while ensuring that there are neither too many nor too few subdivisions. Position pegs extend the grid so that objects that are lying above or below the ground plane can be brought into a common environmental frame of reference without interfering with the grid or object data. We provide a stable analytic viewpoint-determined result, solving several depth cue problems, that is independent of viewing projection.
Belmont Hyperthermia Pump in the conduct of intra-operative heated chemotherapy.

Intra–operative heated chemotherapy (IOHC) has been performed in the Thoracic surgical department of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH, Boston, MA, USA) for over a decade. A “home-grown” system was developed for this purpose with limited improvements made to it through the years. This technology is used for neo-adjuvant therapy in the conduct of extra-pleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy for treatment of mesothelioma. Improvements to the traditional BWH system were sought due to the hazardous nature of the chemotherapy solution and the relative complexity of the IOHC circuit. Belmont Instrument (Belmont Instrument Corporation, Billerica, MA, USA) applied their proprietary infusion/warming technology to develop the Belmont™ Hyperthermia Pump. The Hyperthermia Pump was designed to recirculate large volumes of fluid while maintaining perfusate temperatures up to 46oC at a flow rate of up to 750 ml/min. Approval from the FDA for clinical use of this device was granted June 2007. Parameters were defined and i...
Patterns of interaction in adolescent romantic relationships: Distinct features and links to other close relationships

Abstract This study examined the similarities and differences between adolescents’ interactions with romantic partners and those with friends and mothers. Thirty-two adolescents were observed interacting with a romantic partner, a close friend, and their mother. Adolescents and romantic partners engaged in more conflict than adolescents and friends. Adolescents’ affective responsiveness was less positive with romantic partners than with their friends. Additionally, the dyadic positivity was lower in romantic relationships than in friendships. More off-task behavior occurred in romantic relationships than in mother–adolescent relationships. Romantic partners were also less skillful communicators and had lower levels of affective responsiveness than mothers. Adolescents perceived more support and fewer negative interactions in romantic relationships than in relationships with mothers. Consistent with expectations, adolescents’ interactions with romantic partners were associated with those with friends and mothers. Thus, romantic relationships are characterized by distinct patterns of interaction, yet also are associated with other close relationships.
A unified analysis of converters with resonant switches

Quasi-resonant converters are a recently introduced family of single-switch resonant converters featuring zero-current or zero-voltage switching. Recognition of the topological structure uniting these converters — and the PWM converters on which they are based — leads to general models of their dc and low-frequency ac behavior. An expression is derived that yields the dc conversion ratio of a quasi-resonant converter in terms of the well-known conversion ratio of the underlying PWM topology. A small-signal, low-frequency dynamic model is developed whose parameters also incorporate the PWM conversion ratio. The dc and ac models reveal that any quasi-resonant converter with a full-wave resonant switch has dc and low-frequency behavior identical to that of its PWM parent, with switching frequency control replacing duty ratio control. Converters with half-wave resonant switches act more like PWM converters under current programming or discontinuous conduction mode, exhibiting lossless damping in the small-signal model and output resistance at dc.
A comparative analysis of online education resources for patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Objective Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has become the most commonly performed surgical procedure for pituitary tumor removal. As such, there are many patient-oriented educational materials on the technique available online for members of the public who desire to learn more about the surgery. It has been recommended that educational resources be written to the national average reading level, which in the United States is between sixth and seventh grade. This study assesses the reading level of the educational materials currently available online for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and determines whether these resources are written at a suitable comprehension level for most readers. Methods Sixteen patient educational resources describing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery were identified online and assessed using 4 standard readability assessments. Results Patient educational resources written for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery are written far above the recommended reading level of sixth grade. Conclusions The online educational resources written for patients about endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery are above the recommended reading level for patient education materials. Further revisions to simplify these resources on endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery are needed to ensure that most patients can comprehend this important material and make informed decisions about their health care.
Fabrication and testing of a nickel-coated single-mode fibre magnetometer

A single-mode optical fibre was coated with nickel over its cladding using CVD. The thickness of nickel was greater than 90 ?m along a 15 cm span. The phase sensitivity of light in the fibre was measured interferometrically and found to be 1.5 × 10?7 radian Oe?1 after a thermal anneal. The measured sensitivity is within an order of magnitude of values obtained using bulk nickel mandrels. A frequency roll-off of sensitivity was in evidence beyond several hundred hertz.
Effect of surface roughness on liquid property measurements using mechanically oscillating sensors.

The resonant frequency and quality factor Q of a liquid immersed magnetoelastic sensor are shown to shift linearly with the liquid viscosity and density product. Measurements using different grade oils, organic chemicals, and glycerol-water mixtures show that the surface roughness of the sensor in combination with the molecular size of the liquid play important roles in determining measurement sensitivity, which can be controlled through adjusting the surface roughness of the sensor surface. A theoretical model describing the sensor resonant frequency and quality factor Q as a function of liquid properties is developed using a novel equivalent circuit approach. Experimental results are in agreement with theory when the liquid molecule size is larger than the average surface roughness. However, when the molecular size of the liquid is small relative to the surface roughness features molecules are trapped, and the trapped molecules act both as a mass load and viscous load; the result is higher viscous damping of the sensor than expected. c2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Gamma crystallins in Wolffian lens regeneration demonstrated by immunofluorescence

Abstract A fraction containing γ crystallins was isolated from the newt lens, and an antiserum against the fraction was prepared. Tests with immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion indicated that the fraction was not contaminated with other crystallins and that the antiserum reacted with γ crystallins, but not with other crystallins. An immunofluorescent reagent was prepared with this antiserum and used to detect γ crystallins. In the normal lens the reaction was positive in the fiber area but not in the lens epithelium. With this immunofluorescent reagent, appearance and distribution of γ crystallins were studied in Wolffian lens regeneration of adult Triturus viridescens . The γ-crystallin reaction was negative in the regenerates of stages I–IV, as well as in the normal iris epithelium. The reaction became positive in a small number of cells located in the internal wall of lens vesicle at stage V. Subsequently, increase was observed in the number of positive cells and in intensity of immunofluorescence in each cell. All cells which could be recognized as primary lens fiber cells were positive. Later than stage IX, when the secondary lens fiber cells were formed, they all become positive. In all fiber cells, γ crystallins were detected in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. No immunofluorescence was observed in the external layer of lens vesicle or in the lens epithelium of the growing lens. It was concluded that in Wolffian lens regeneration γ crystallins became detectable after the cells entered the terminal cell cycle and were accumulated in the cells during lens-fiber differentiation.