cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cauchy-Schwarz Master Class: An Introduction to the Art of Mathematical Inequalities

This lively, problem-oriented text, first published in 2004, is designed to coach readers toward mastery of the most fundamental mathematical inequalities. With the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality as the initial guide, the reader is led through a sequence of fascinating problems whose solutions are presented as they might have been discovered - either by one of history's famous mathematicians or by the reader. The problems emphasize beauty and surprise, but along the way readers will find systematic coverage of the geometry of squares, convexity, the ladder of power means, majorization, Schur convexity, exponential sums, and the inequalities of Holder, Hilbert, and Hardy. The text is accessible to anyone who knows calculus and who cares about solving problems. It is well suited to self-study, directed study, or as a supplement to courses in analysis, probability, and combinatorics.
Good-Thomas PFA

The additive FFT algorithms of the preceeding two chapters make no explicit use of the multiplicative structure of the indexing set. We will see how this multiplicative structure can be applied, in the case of transform size N = RS, where R and S are relatively prime, to design a FT algorithm, similar in structure to these additive algorithms, but no longer requiring the twiddle factor multiplication. The idea is due to Good [2] in 1958 and Thomas [8] in 1963, and the resulting algorithm is called the Good-Thomas Prime Factor algorithm (PFA).
Chapter One The thalictrum alkaloids: Chemistry and Pharmacology (1985-1995)

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemistry and pharmacology of the thalictrum alkaloids. Many of these alkaloids have interesting and important pharmacological properties, and a plethora of studies involving the biological evaluation of these compounds have been undertaken and published. The purpose of this work is to review the research that has been published in the last decade. This chapter summarizes the isolation and identification of the alkaloids of Thalictrum cultratum Wall. The plant was collected in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and extracts of the whole plant proved to be a uniquely prolific source of benzylisoquinoline-derived alkaloids, including monomers of the aporphine, pavine, phenanthrene, and protoberberine groups, and dimers of the bisbenzylisoquinoline, secobisbenzylisoquinoline, and aporphine-benzylisoquinoline groups. Eighteen bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids were isolated, with these compounds belonging to the thalisopine, thalicberine, thalidasine, and thalmine series.
The Failure of Critical Thinking: Considering Virtue Epistemology as a Pedagogical Adventure

Few educators would oppose a pedagogical strategy that promised to enhance the general intellectual growth and academic development of students. It comes as no surprise, then, that the idea of critical thinking has gained such widespread popularity within contemporary educational discourse. I will not rehearse here the mountains of scholarship that emphasize the perceived importance of critical thinking, or the plethora of curricular documents that expect teachers to devote at least some attention to its mastery. Most educators are very familiar with its pervasive role in current curriculum development, and many include “critical thinking” in their own instructional practice.
Light-stimulated phosphorylation of bovine visual pigments by adenosine triphosphate.

Abstract Cattle retinal outer segments bind the γ-terminal phosphate residue from [γ-32P]ATP when incubated in the presence of Mg++ ion. The binding involves visual pigment molecules since, following labeling of the visual pigments with 11-cis-[3H]retinaldehyde and reduction on site with sodium borohydride, both the tritium and 32P peaks occur in identical protein bands when the outer segments are dissolved in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), reduced and disaggregated by dialysis against β-mercaptoethanol, and electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels containing SDS. Phosphorylation of visual pigments is slightly inhibited by Ca++ but is unaffected by Na+, K+, or adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. It is unrelated to Na,K-ATPase activity present in these preparations. The phosphorylation is increased by a factor of 1.5 to 2.0 by incubation in continuous white light over incubation in darkness; under continuous illumination up to 0.5 to 0.6 mole of Pi per mole of rhodopsin is incorporated. Phosphorylation is maximal after 10 min at 37° and decreases thereafter. Its extent is proportional to the fraction of rhodopsin bleached. The phosphorylation reaction does not appear to have greater specificity for rhodopsin than for other proteins present as minor components in retinal outer segment preparations; however, of a variety of soluble proteins added to the incubation mixture in high concentrations along with outer segment membranes, only calf thymus histone is capable of binding 32P from [γ-32P]ATP. Of possible mechanisms for the light-stimulated phosphorylation, the release of free retinaldehyde, which may activate a kinase or sensitize binding sites, and a light-stimulated Ca++ binding, which could free the Mg++-stimulated phosphorylation from inhibition, have been eliminated experimentally. Visual pigment protein appears capable of binding a single phosphate residue at any step of its bleaching cycle as well as in the dark-adapted state, but the intermediate with the greatest affinity for the γ-phosphate of ATP may be pararhodopsin. The physiological significance of the light-stimulated phosphorylation reaction is uncertain.
Dipolar Recoupling: Heteronuclear

Direct dipolar couplings, which report on internuclear distances, are a valuable source of information about three-dimensional molecular structure. Measurements of these couplings in polycrystalline solids containing low-γ spin-1/2 nuclei and undergoing magic-angle spinning can generally be achieved by using a variety of recoupling radiofrequency pulse schemes. While the utility of many such pulse schemes has been well established for samples containing isolated spin pairs, e.g., 13C–13C or 13C–15N, there is also a strong motivation for pursuing analogous types of experiments in highly or uniformly 13C,15N enriched molecules. Here we discuss several heteronuclear dipolar recoupling techniques, which overcome some of the main challenges associated with the accurate and precise measurements of weak 13C–15N dipolar couplings in uniformly 13C,15N labeled solids and permit the determination of multiple structurally interesting distance restraints in the ∼3–6 A regime. Applications of these methods to biomolecules of varying complexity, including small peptides and globular proteins in the microcrystalline phase, amyloid aggregates, and membrane-associated proteins, are highlighted. Keywords: solid-state NMR (SSNMR); magic-angle spinning; homonuclear and heteronuclear dipolar coupling; internuclear distance; recoupling; REDOR; TEDOR; peptides and proteins; structure
Calcium-activated cation nonselective current contributes to the fast afterdepolarization in rat prefrontal cortex neurons.

Haj-Dahmane, Samir and Rodrigo Andrade. Calcium-activated cation nonselective current contributes to the fast afterdepolarization in rat prefrontal cortex neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 1983–1989, 1...
Robotic assembly in a free-floating work environment

Freely moving systems in space conserve linear and angular momentum. As moving systems collide, the velocities get altered due to transfer of momentum. The development of strategies for assembly in a free-floating work environment requires a good understanding of primitives such as self motion of the robot, propulsion of the robot due to onboard thrusters, docking of the robot, retrieval of an object from a collection of objects, and release of an object in an object pool. The analytics of such assemblies involve not only kinematics and rigid body dynamics but also collision and impact dynamics of multibody systems. This paper presents analytical models of assembly primitives and strategies for overall assembly. >
Sexual Health Discussions between African-American Mothers and Mothers of Latino Descent and Their Children.

We examined approaches used by African-American mothers and mothers of Latino descent for informal sex-related discussions with their children to inform sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV intervention development efforts. We recruited mothers (of children aged 12–15) from youth service agencies and a university in southern California. Fourteen focus groups were conducted: eight with African-American mothers (n = 31) and six with mothers of Latino descent (n = 24). Data were transcribed, coded for most common themes by four of the authors and reviewed for differences by gender of child. Four key themes emerged when focusing on parent–child discussions about sex: (1) sexual activity discussions took place for both sons and daughters; (2) protection from STI/HIV and pregnancy was a key topic; (3) the use of a direct, honest approach was preferred by mothers; and (4) seizing the moment was important for discussion opportunities. These data help broaden our understanding about the strategies used by Afri...
Molecular and structural analysis of nuclear localizing anti-DNA lupus antibodies

To determine the structure of three nuclear localizing lupus anti-DNA immunoglobulins (Igs) and to search for clues to mechanisms of cellular and/or nuclear access, their H- and L-chain variable region sequences were determined and subjected to three-dimensional modeling. Although the results indicate heterogeneity in their primary structures, the H chains are encoded by 3 members of the J558 VH gene family with a common tertiary conformation that is not shared by a J558-encoded nonnuclear localizing anti-DNA control Ig. Furthermore, at least two of the Igs share a conformational motif in the H-chain CDR3, and all three Igs contain multiple positively charged amino acids in their CDRs, resembling nuclear localization signals that direct protein nuclear import. Notably, each VH and VK gene is also found recurrently among previously described autoantibodies. Molecular analysis further indicates that both germline-encoded and significantly mutated V genes can generate nuclear localizing anti-DNA Ig.
Comparison of image quality and arterial enhancement with a dedicated coronary CTA protocol versus a triple rule-out coronary CTA protocol.

Rationale and Objectives To compare the image quality of dedicated coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) to that of triple rule-out (TRO) CTA designed to evaluate the coronary arteries, thoracic aorta, and pulmonary arteries. Materials and Methods Consecutive cCTA examinations performed by a single radiologist over 1 year were reviewed. Biphasic injection protocols were employed: 70 mL of optiray-350 followed by 40 mL of saline injected at 5.5 mL/second for dedicated cCTA; 70 mL of optiray-350 followed by 25 mL of the contrast diluted with 25 mL of saline injected at 5.0 mL/second for TRO-CTA. Two independent cardiovascular radiologists reviewed the coronary vessels in each case and rated diagnostic image quality on a 5 point scale (1, suboptimal; 3, adequate; 5, excellent). Vascular enhancement was measured in the coronary arteries, aorta, and pulmonary arteries. Results There was excellent interobserver agreement between the cardiovascular radiologists (kappa = 0.91). Coronary image quality score were similar among 260 dedicated cCTA studies and 168 TRO-CTA studies (mean: 3.8–3.9. P > .18). At least one coronary segment demonstrated suboptimal image quality in 8% of examinations, including 18 dedicated cCTA studies and 16 TRO studies ( P = .94). Enhancement was greater in the distal thoracic aorta of TRO patients (336 vs. 311 Hounsfield units; P = .01); no other significant differences in enhancement were identified in the aorta and coronary arteries of dedicated cCTA and TRO studies. Vascular enhancement was adequate for diagnostic evaluation of the pulmonary arteries in all TRO studies. Conclusions A TRO-CTA protocol using 95 mL of contrast can provide comparable coronary image quality and coronary vascular enhancement as compared to dedicated cCTA with 70 mL of contrast.
Dissemination of results in community-based participatory research.

Context Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been promoted as an approach to understanding complex health problems not amenable to research conducted solely by outside investigators. Although broad dissemination of research results is a key element of the CBPR approach, existing dissemination efforts have not been assessed. Evidence acquisition In this systematic review, researchers evaluated studies utilizing the CBPR approach to characterize dissemination of research results beyond scientific publication. Specifically, the focus was on dissemination to community participants and the general public. The literature search encompassed articles published between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009. Corresponding authors were also invited to complete a web-based survey. Data were collected and analyzed between July 1, 2008, and March 8, 2010. Evidence synthesis In all, 101 articles met inclusion criteria. All articles were assessed for the quality of community involvement in research. Scores ranged from 1.4 to 3.0 (on a 3-point scale), with a mean of 2.3. The 21 articles in which an intervention was evaluated were scored for the rigor of research methods. Scores ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 (on a 3-point scale), with a mean of 2.4. Dissemination beyond scientific publication was reported in 48% of publications with varying levels of detail. However, among survey respondents, 98% reported dissemination of results to community participants and 84% reported dissemination to the general public. Conclusions Among research meeting strict criteria for inclusion as CBPR, dissemination beyond scientific publication is largely occurring. However, myriad challenges to timely and widespread dissemination remain, and current dissemination to community participants and the general public is variable.
Adaptive control techniques forfrictioncompensation

Abstract In this paper, we design two adaptive controllers for a second-ordermechanicalsystem which incorporates frictional effects such as Coulomb, static, Stribeck, andviscousfriction. First, we design a modular position tracking controller that can accommodate avarietyof adaptive update laws. The proposed controller is shown to compensate foruncertaintyassociated with the friction parameters which appear linearly in the model. In thesecond controlscheme, we show how a Lyapunov-based adaptive position setpoint controller canbe designed tocompensate for parametric uncertainty throughout the mechanical systemincluding the Stribeckeffect related constant which does not appear linearly in the model.Experimental results areprovided to illustrate the performance of the proposed controllers.
The role of fuel cells in our energy future

Abstract This paper reviews the potential role of fuel cell technology in meeting the diverse needs of both stationary and mobile power generation and how the special technical performance characteristics of fuel cells are becoming increasingly valued by policy/regulatory trends in response to growing environmental pressures. The growing value attached to the high efficiency and very low emissions of fuel cells combined with the technical advances in fuel cell technology will help ensure their commercial success in the coming decades.
The Relevance of Systems Thinking in the Quest for Multifinal Social Enterprises

Human deprivation and suffering around the world are increasing despite the efforts of traditional aid-based approaches focused on alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities. There is ample evidence that billions of dollars in aid money have been expended on development projects that are fundamentally unsustainable. On the other hand, social enterprises, which improve lives and livelihoods through practical market-based approaches, are growing in number. Systems Thinking can be especially helpful in navigating the complexity and chaos inherent in social ventures in developing communities. Lack of clarity in the roles, responsibilities, and returns for the various stakeholders epitomizes this chaos and is a major contributor to the failure of such projects. By employing Systems Thinking, entrepreneurs can establish accountability mechanisms, ensure equity for all stakeholders, and facilitate system sustainability. Though much research exists on both Systems Thinking and social enterprise, few sources discuss how Systems Thinking can be practically applied to conceptualize, build, and sustain social enterprises in an easy-to-understand manner. This paper synthesizes definitions of the tenets of Systems Thinking including interdependence, holism, multifinality, equifinality, differentiation, regulation, abstraction, and leverage points. The relevance of each of these tenets to social entrepreneurship is described, and further reinforced, with examples. A practical understanding of these tenets can empower entrepreneurs as they navigate chaotic environments in the quest for social enterprises that create win–win situations for all stakeholders.
Low-power front-end amplification and frequency generation techniques for ultra-wideband millimeter-wave transceivers

This paper presents low-power design techniques for wideband LNA's and wide-tuning frequency generation circuits operating at mm-wave. Transformer neutralization techniques enable the design of current-reuse and low-voltage LNA's. Transformer-based VCO's with resonance mode switching are introduced to achieve very wide tuning range. The design and characterization of several prototype circuits is presented to validate these concepts.
Public policies to support new technology-based firms (NTBFs)

America's future economic growth is closely tied to the growth of new technology-based firms (NTBFs). Since 1980, the Federal Government has instituted active policies and programs in support of these dynamic firms. While these programs only represent a fraction of US total investment in R&D, they have a significant impact. They represent a national commitment to encourage small technology-based businesses to address federal research needs and to create and commercialize new products and processes. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Agrichemical movement in the root-zone of claypan soils: ridge- and mulch-tillage systems compared

Abstract Climate, poor internal drainage in claypan soils, and cultural factors make it difficult to control agrichemical movement in the southern fringe of the Corn Belt, USA. Ridge- and mulch-tillage systems were evaluated for root-zone water quality and grain production on a claypan soil. In northcentral Missouri the Mexico silt lam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udollic Ochraqualfs; FAO-Mollic Planosols) has a pronounced B t horizon. Zero-tension pan lysimeters at 91 cm were used to monitor nitrate–nitrogen (NO 3 –N) and herbicide concentrations in three farming systems: (1) a high chemical input mulch-tillage in a corn ( Zea mays L.)–soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation (MTH); (2) a reduced chemical input with mulch-tillage in a corn–soybean–wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) rotation (MTR); (3) a reduced chemical input with ridge-tillage in a corn–soybean rotation (RTR). Farming system treatments were replicated three times with lysimeters placed in two replications. By band-applying herbicide over rows, herbicide mass applied to the MTR and RTR system was 50% less than applied to MTH, where herbicides were broadcast. Only marginal benefits to root-zone water quality could be attributed to this reduced herbicide input. Leachate water flow volume and chemical concentration intercepted by the pans were influenced more by intrinsic, site-specific soil hydrology and year-to-year variation of rainfall intensity and timing than by the management. Root-zone leachate in both MTH and RTR farming systems in 1992 were below USEPA maximum contaminant levels (MCL) of 10 mg l −1 for NO 3 –N and 3 μg l −1 for atrazine used for drinking water. Rainfall after herbicide application was more frequent and intense in 1993, but the extent of leaching was site-specific with significant variation among plots within all treatments. For example, maximum NO 3 -N and atrazine concentrations in leachate were 42 mg l −1 and 100 μg l −1 , respectively, in one MTH plot, and in second plot they were below 7 mg l −1 and 2 μg l −1 , respectively. High concentration variability also occurred between RTR plots. Nitrate–N and atrazine were consistently below their MCL on MTR plots. While herbicide movement and loss may be slightly reduced with banding, this management will have low adoption on claypan soils because of the yield-loss risks associated with the small time window allowed for field operations. The same risk is associated with split N applications.
Mastering the Rules of the Rude

Abstract A starter set of “rules” is provided as a way of governing patrons' use of cellular phones as a way to further annoy reference librarians.
Analysis of the marine sediment reference material PACS-1 by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract The determination of sixteen trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl, Pb and U) in the new marine sediment reference material PACS-1 by a combination of external calibration and isotope dilution strategies is described. The use of the background ion 40 Ar + 2 as an internal standard for multielement analysis was evaluated and found to be most effective when concentrations of concomitant elements are high enough to cause a large change in sensitivity or to induce a severe calibration drift. For most of the analyses reported here, concomitant effects were not large enough for this approach to result in a dramatic improvement in precision or accuracy.
Multi-baryons and many-body forces

In order to overcome the well-knowngravitational instability of very massive stars at low temperature, we postulated previously that high pressure favor particles with large masses, here called multibaryons. This is, however, suggested also byquantum theory because high densities favor the forces generated by the cyclic interchange of quanta among many particles. Although those «many-body forces» are insignificant at ordinary densities, their nonlinear superposition makes them so strongly growing with the density that the formation of «multi-baryons» seems quite natural.
Disharmony of the spheres: Recent trends in planetary surface nomenclature

Inadvisable departures from tradition in naming newly mapped features on Mars, Mercury, and the moon have been implemented and proposed since 1970. Functional need for place names also has become confused with cartographic convenience. Much of the resulting new nomenclature is neither unique, efficient, nor imaginative. The long-standing classical orientation in Solar System geography needs to be firmly reasserted. The Maedler scheme for designating smaller craters on the moon should be retained and extended to the farside. Names of surface features on other bodies might best reflect the traditional connotations of planet and satellite names: for example, most craters on Mars would be named for mythical heroes and military personalities in ancient history, craters on Mercury might commemorate explorers or commercial luminaries, and features on Venus would bear the names of famous women.
Aggregation effect and forecasting temporal aggregates of long memory processes

Abstract This article studies the parsimonious effect of temporal aggregation on long memory time series with ARFIMA structure, and the efficiency of forecasting temporal aggregates of long memory processes using low order ARFIMA models. It is well known that the aggregates of an ARFIMA(0, d , 0) process (where d is a positive real number) have autocorrelations that follow an ARFIMA (0, d , ∞) structure in general. In this paper, we derive a low order ARFIMA(0, d , d¯ 1 ) approximation to the aggregate structure as the level of aggregation tends to infinity (where d¯ 1 is the greatest integer strictly less than d + 1). Numerical evaluation and simulation experiments show that this approximation is close, getting more precise as the value of d increases. For forecasting future aggregates, the efficiency of using the low order approximation for the aggregate series and the efficiency of using the underlying disaggregate model is compared. A simulation study is performed to illustrate the results.
Are secular variations in seawater chemistry reflected in the compositions of basinal brines

Abstract It has been proposed that brines in Phanerozoic sedimentary basins inherited their chemistries and salinities from evaporated paleoseawaters during times when the world oceans were Ca-rich and SO 4 -poor, such as the Silurian and Devonian. However, the compositions of typical Silurian and Devonian-hosted brines in the Illinois and Michigan basins show significant deviations from calculated Silurian seawater evaporation trends, reflecting instead, diagenetic control of compositions. In addition, brines in many basins show evidence for the dissolution of halite being an important source of salinity in addition to, or instead of, evaporated seawater. As long as there is halite present, generation of salinity could continue to occur long after the deposition of evaporites and the influx of evaporated seawater. Thus, even the concept of assigning an age to a basinal brine is problematic given the dynamics of fluid flow, mixing, and solute transport which can occur in sedimentary sequences.
Regime, Polity, and Economic Growth: The Latin American Experience

ABSTRACT This article conducts a time series cross-sectional analysis of Latin American countries over the period of 1982–1988; it examines the relationship between regime type (civilian/military) and polity type (democratic/authoritarian) on one hand, and economic growth on the other, taking advantage of a specially designed econometric method and the availability of large economic and political data sets. The conclusion from this study is that the economy grows faster under a civilian government than under a military government, and both political rights and civil liberties contribute to growth.
Modification of lipid-related atherosclerosis risk factors by ω3 fatty acid ethyl esters in hypertriglyceridemic patients

Abstract The efficacy of ω3 fatty acid ethyl esters was evaluated in 10 mildly hypertriglyceridemic patients in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. Patients were given capsules (1 per 10 kg body weight) containing 640 mg/g of ω3 fatty acids or an olive oil placebo for two 4-week treatment periods separated by a 1-week washout phase. Plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins: phospholipid FA composition; the susceptibility to oxidation of the apolipoprotein B-100 containing lipoproteins; and bleeding times were determined at the end of each period. Plasma triglyceride levels were reduced by 37% ( P ), whereas low density lipoprotein cholesterol and the cholesterol content of subfraction 2 of high density lipoproteins increased by 23 and 56%, respectively (both P ). Changes in plasma lipid parameters and in phospholipid FA patterns occurred rapidly, usually stabilizing within 1 week, and returned to baseline levels within 10 days after stopping supplementation with ω3 fatty acids. Bleeding times were not changed. However, the susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation was increased during the ω3 fatty acid period. We conclude that ω3 fatty acid ethyl esters are effective hypotriglyceridemic agents, and that they impact lipoprotein metabolism very quickly. How they may alter the atherogenic process is not clear from this study because some risk factors worsened and other improved.
Using Plain English in Designing the User Interface

As a human factors specialist, the language you use in the design of the user interface to software is critical to putting the user in control, helping them to get their work done, and supporting them when they err. The language you use should be clear, direct, and straightforward, that is, in plain English. Your role in the software development process allows you to apply the principles of plain English to the development of effective software interfaces. We describe a set of guidelines you can use to apply these principles to your designs.
Energy pathways of hepatoma No. 5123.

SINCE the original experiments of Warburg with slices of tumour there has been intense investigation of, and discussion about, a specific tumour energy metabolism1,2. This concept, originally characterized by high rates of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis, has been extended to include certain ancillary features: a moderate respiratory rate with minimal increase in respiration following the addition of succinate and other respiratory substrates3, a respiratory quotient (R.Q.) between 0.75 and 0.90 signifying a mixed protein, fat, carbohydrate respiratory substrate4, and a protein-synthesizing system which effectively incorporates amino-acid anaerobically if glucose is present5. Up to the present time the major exceptions to the concept of a specific tumour metabolism have been certain normal tissues (renal medulla, jejunal mucous membrane, myeloid bone marrow and retina) which share one or more of the characteristics of the tumour slice2. Occasional mouse tumours have been observed which display active anaerobic glycolysis without aerobic glycolysis6, a finding which has been explained by the active respiratory rate and normal Pasteur effect of mouse tissues. The present communication is of particular interest because for the first time a rat tumour is described which displays very low rates of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis.
A primer on health-related quality of life in chronic pain medicine.

Background Pain is a complex and individual experience that is often difficult for patients to fully describe using a conventional pain intensity scale. Health-related quality of life is an additional metric by which to assess patients' subjective perspective on their chronic pain experience and its adverse effect on their lives. Health-related quality of life encompasses those aspects of health and well-being valued by patients, specifically, their physical, emotional, and cognitive function, and their ability to participate in meaningful activities within their family, workplace, and community. Methods A methodical search of the medical literature was undertaken to identify the most commonly applied health-related quality of life measurement instruments. These measurement instruments were then assessed within the context of chronic pain medicine clinical practice and research. Results This primer provides an overview of the concept of health-related quality of life as a clinical measurement and the specific means by which to measure health-related quality of life across various cultures in adults, as well as in children and adolescents, suffering from chronic pain conditions. Conclusions We have the ability and impetus to routinely assess adult and pediatric health-related quality of life in chronic pain medicine. However, further attention needs to be focused on overcoming barriers to the more widespread measurement of health-related quality of life. A valid preference-based, utility measure of health-related quality of life is a requirement for performing a cost-utility (cost-effectiveness) analysis and undertaking formal decision analysis modeling.
Potential usefulness of CTC detection in follow up of prostate cancer patients. A preliminary report obtained by using Adnagene platform.

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) represents one of the most important medical problems for males, being the second major cause of cancer death. Routinely, PCa patients are followed up with both periodic evaluation of serum PSA levels and imaging. Recently, alternative laboratory methods were proposed for PCa patients’ monitoring, with contrasting results. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a new commercially CE-IVD kit for detection of prostate circulating tumour cells. Our intention was to verify the Adnagene platform usefulness to identify patients with disease progression, whatever treatment ongoing, in order to modify the therapeutic process even before treatment failure is evident with imaging methods. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients were enrolled and subdivided into three groups: n = 10 high risk tumor PCa patients; n = 6 low risk PCa patients; n = 5 sbjects without any signs of PCa. AdnaTest Prostate Cancer kit was used for enrichment and molecular characterization of prostate circulating tumour cells. Results: Healthy subjects (with BPH) and patients without metastases resulted as negative, while 3 out of 10 high risk PCa patients were positive at least for one molecular marker like PSA, while only two showed positivity for PSMA mRNA. Our results indicate that the test specificity is 100% and the sensitivity is 100%; of course the sample is too small to give it statistical validity. In detail we verified that only the “not responder” patients resulted positive for AdnaTest. Conclusions: The present preliminary report provides evidence that isolation and detection of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is feasible and it may be useful in the follow-up of patients with advanced prostate cancer. If the results of this preliminary study would be confirmed by a large prospective cohort study, it could be demonstrated that this test is a rapid diagnostic method, based on the analysis of a blood sample and useful to the clinician to decide when to change therapy for patients resistant to castration or able to confirm that, at that time, the therapy is effective.
Epigenetic mechanisms and gastrointestinal development

This review considers the hypothesis that nutrition during infancy affects developmental epigenetics in the gut, causing metabolic imprinting of gastrointestinal (GI) structure and function. Fundamentals of epigenetic gene regulation are reviewed, with an emphasis on the epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation. Recent data indicate that transient nutritional and other stimuli during critical periods of prenatal and early postnatal development can affect the establishment or developmental maturation of gene-specific DNA methylation, thereby inducing permanent changes in gene expression. Although epigenetic processes are clearly involved in postnatal mammalian GI development, we currently know very little about these mechanisms. Data indicating that epigenetic gene regulation plays an important role in GI development and pathology are reviewed, and suggestions for future research in this area are offered.
Stabilizing nanocrystalline grains in ceramic-oxides.

Nanocrystalline ceramic-oxides are prone to grain growth rendering their highly attractive properties practically unusable. Using atomistic simulations of ceria as a model material system, we elucidate a framework to design dopant-pinned grain boundaries that prevent this grain growth. While in metallic systems it has been shown that a large mismatch between host and dopant atomic sizes prevents grain growth, in ceramic-oxides we find that this concept is not applicable. Instead, we find that dopant–oxygen vacancy interaction, i.e., dopant migration energy in the presence of an oxygen vacancy, and dopant–oxygen vacancy binding energy are the controlling factors in grain growth. Our prediction agrees with and explains previous experimental observations.
Survival, reproduction and bioconcentration in invertebrates and fish exposed to hexachlorobenzene

The cladoceran Daphnia magna, the amphipods Hyalella azteca and Gammarus lacustris, the annelid worm Lumbriculus variegatus and the fathead minnow Pimephales promelas were exposed to hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in flow-through tests ranging from 2 to 68 d in duration to determine the effects of HCB on survival, tissue bioconcentration and Hyalella and Lumbriculus growth and reproduction. No effects on survival, growth or reproduction were observed at concentrations of HCB up to saturation (5.0 μ/L) or at tissue HCB concentrations of up to 223 μg/g. Tissue HCB concentrations increased with increasing water concentrations, and tissue bioconcentration values were generally similar. Rapid uptake and change of tissue HCB concentration with change in water concentration occurred, with rapid depuration when the animals were no longer exposed to HCB in the water column, and tissue HCB concentrations were correlated closely with HCB water concentrations.
Effects of Fast Temperature Cycling on Aluminum and Gold Metal Systems

Microwave power transistors in a radar-system may undergo ~ 1011 fast heating and cooling cycles during lifetime. Controlled temperature cycling tests have been carried out on Al, passivated Al, and gold metallization systems using both a special test pattern and commercially available transistors. Significant visible and electrical changes were observed for Al, glassed Al and a laboratory Ta-Pt-Ta-Au system, but not for a commercial gold transistor.
Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) microsatellite discovery using illumina sequencing

The spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) is a rarely-encountered species for which behavior and population attributes are largely unknown. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified and characterized 17 microsatellite loci, which were screened for 31 individuals from northern Arizona. Allelic diversity, observed heterozygosity, and power of discrimination were high (NA: 5–8 alleles per locus; HO: 0.55–0.90; P ID : 1.2 × 10−15). All loci were in HWE, there was no evidence of null alleles or linkage disequilibrium, and five loci amplified and were variable in another Vespertillionid (Eptesicus fuscus). We will use these loci to evaluate gene flow and genetic diversity across the range of the spotted bat and determine population size in northern Arizona. The latter information is important to resource managers, who attempt to set mortality thresholds for bats at wind energy facilities in this region.
“Baseball saved us”: Recreation as refuge in a world war ii Japanese American prison camp 1

Abstract This study evaluated the role of recreation in the lives of internees at Man‐zanar, a Japanese American World War II prison camp located in California's Owens Valley. Specifically, the meaning of various art forms, organized sports and games, clubs and associations, and nature appreciation were interpreted in light of Yamato Damashii, Japanese character or spirit. The results of the study indicated that recreational pastimes were an important form of solace for internees, young and old alike. Implications for the way in which the story of Manzanar—recently designated a National Historic Site— might shed light on the significance of recreation in times of civil unrest conclude the article.
Phenytoin-induced hypotension in animals receiving sympathomimetic pressor support.

The observation that intravenous phenytoin infusion in patients receiving dopamine hydrochloride causes pronounced hypotension stimulated a series of animal studies to investigate the mechanism of phenytoin-dopamine interaction and to determine if phenytoin can be used safely with other pressors. Intravenous phenytoin was administered at 25 or 50 mg/min to normotensive dogs and dogs rendered hypotensive by hemorrhage, coronary artery ligation, or endotoxin. Phenytoin infusion was superimposed on infusions of dopamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, or isoproterenol. Phenytoin infusion in hypotensive dogs on pressor support caused a significant decrease in systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.0001) and a substantial decrease in mean arterial pressure. Dogs supported by phenylephrine had the smallest observed change in mean arterial pressure. The decrease in systemic vascular resistance appears to be secondary to phenytoin induced peripheral vasodilation. It is concluded that when phenytoin infusion is required in the critically ill patient, it should be administered very slowly and with continuous monitoring. When pressor support is required concomitantly with phenytoin infusion, a pure a agonist may minimize the risk of an adverse reaction.
Developmental patterns and gender differences in the experience of peer companionship during adolescence

Adolescents in fifth through eighth grade (N = 218) carried electronic pagers for 1 week and completed self-report forms in response to signals received at random times. Four years later, the sample underwent the same procedure. Results indicate that thinking about the opposite sex occurs at an earlier age than spending time with the opposite sex alone and that both increase over time. Results also indicate little change in same-sex companionship over time. Girls spent more time with the opposite sex and spent more time thinking about opposite- and same-sex peers. Time with the opposite sex alone was experienced as very positive, whereas time spent thinking about the opposite sex was associated with less positive states as adolescents became older.
In vitro-in vivo correlations of human (S)-nicotine metabolism.

The profile of (S)-nicotine metabolism in human liver microsomes was examined at concentrations approaching in vivo conditions (10 microM). At such concentrations, no (S)-nicotine N-1'-oxygenation was seen, and thus C-oxidation to the (S)-nicotine delta 1',5'-iminium ion was the sole product observed in the metabolic profile in the presence of the human liver microsomes. For simplicity of analysis, the (S)-nicotine delta 1',5'-iminium ion formed was converted to (S)-cotinine in the presence of exogenously added aldehyde oxidase. To explain the lack of (S)-nicotine N-1'-oxygenation at low (S)-nicotine concentrations, inhibition of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) activity by (S)-cotinine was examined. Although (S)-cotinine was observed to inhibit pig FMO1 (Ki = 675 microM), partially purified cDNA-expressed adult human liver FMO3 was not inhibited by (S)-cotinine. We therefore concluded that the kinetic properties of the nicotine N'- and C-oxidases were responsible for the metabolic product profile observed. Kinetic constants were determined for individual human liver microsomal preparations from low (10 microM) and high (500 microM) (S)-nicotine concentrations by monitoring (S)-cotinine formation with HPLC. The mean Kmapp and Vmax for formation of (S)-cotinine by the microsomes examined were 39.6 microM and 444.3 pmol.min-1.(mg protein)-1, respectively. The formation of (S)-cotinine was strongly dependent on the previous drug administration history of each subject, and among the highest rates for (S)-cotinine formation were those of the barbiturate-pretreated subjects. The rate of (S)-cotinine formation at low (10 microM) concentration correlated well with immunoreactivity for cytochrome P450 2A6 (r = 0.89). In vitro-in vivo correlation of the results suggests that the low amount of (S)-nicotine N-1'-oxygenation and the large amount of (S)-cotinine formed in human smokers (i.e. 4 and 30% of a typical dose, respectively) are determined primarily by the kinetic properties of the human monooxygenase enzyme systems. However, additional non-hepatic monooxygenase(s) contributes to (S)-nicotine metabolism.
EFFECT OF EPINEPHRINE PRETREATMENT ON PENTOBARBITAL SLEEPING TIME OF MICE WITH ALTERED THYROID STATUS.

IN 1960, Conney and Garren1 reported that thyroid pretreatment prolonged the sleeping time from hexobarbital in rats. Later, Prange et al.2 found that in mice prior treatment with desiccated thyroid increased sleeping time and propylthiouracil decreased pentobarbital sleep time. Fonts3 recently reported a six-fold decrease in the ability of rat liver microsomes to metabolize hexo-barbital and chloropromazine when these animals were pretreated for three days with epinephrine (0.5 mg/kg every 12 h; 6 doses). In mice Ellinwood4 found analogous results in vivo with pentobarbital. Pentobarbital sleeping time was increased two-fold (P = 0.001) with epinephrine (0.5 mg/kg every 12 h; 6 doses) pretreatment, whereas a smaller dose of epinephrine (0.25 mg/kg) had no effect.
Emerging Roles of Kruppel‐Like Factor 6 and Kruppel‐Like Factor 6 Splice Variant 1 in Ovarian Cancer Progression and Treatment

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers and the fifth most frequent cause of female cancer deaths in the United States. Despite dramatic treatment successes in other cancers through the use of molecular agents targeted against genetically defined events driving cancer development and progression, very few insights into epithelial ovarian cancer have been translated from the laboratory to the clinic. If advances are to be made in the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this disease, it will be critical to characterize the common and private (personalized) genetic defects underlying the development and spread of epithelial ovarian cancer. The tumor suppressor Kruppel-like factor 6 and its alternatively spliced, oncogenic isoform, Kruppel-like factor 6 splice variant 1, are members of the Kruppel-like zinc finger transcription factor family of proteins, which have diverse roles in cellular differentiation, development, proliferation, growth-related signal transduction, and apoptosis. Inactivation of Kruppel-like factor 6 and overexpression of Kruppel-like factor 6 splice variant 1 have been associated with the progression of a number of human cancers and even with patient survival. This article summarizes our recent findings demonstrating that a majority of epithelial ovarian cancer tumors have Kruppel-like factor 6 allelic loss and decreased expression coupled with increased expression of Kruppel-like factor 6 splice variant 1. The targeted reduction of Kruppel-like factor 6 in ovarian cancer cell lines results in marked increases in cell proliferation, invasion, tumor growth, angiogenesis, and intraperitoneal dissemination in vivo. In contrast, the inhibition of Kruppel-like factor 6 splice variant 1 decreases cellular proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumorigenicity; this provides the rationale for its potential therapeutic application. These results and our recent demonstration that the inhibition of Kruppel-like factor 6 splice variant 1 can dramatically prolong survival in a preclinical mouse model of ovarian cancer are reviewed and discussed.
Hydrometeorological and physicochemical drivers of fecal indicator bacteria in urban stream bottom sediments.

High levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are the leading cause of surface water quality impairments in the United States. Watershed-scale models are commonly used to identify relative contributions of watershed sources and to evaluate the effectiveness of remediation strategies. However, most existing models simplify FIB transport behavior as equivalent to that of dissolved-phase contaminants, ignoring the impacts of sediment on the fate and transport of FIB. Implementation of sediment-related processes within existing models is limited by minimal available monitoring data on sediment FIB concentrations for model development, calibration, and validation purposes. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate FIB levels in the streambed sediments as compared to those in the water column and to identify environmental variables that influence water and underlying sediment FIB levels. Concentrations of Escherichia coli and enterococci in the water column and sediments of an urban stream were monitored weekly for 1 yr and correlated with a variety of potential hydrometeorological and physicochemical variables. Increased FIB concentrations in both the water column and sediments were most strongly correlated with increased antecedent 24-h rainfall, increased stream water temperature, decreased dissolved oxygen, and decreased specific conductivity. These observations will support future efforts to incorporate sediment-related processes in existing models through the identification of key FIB relationships with other model inputs, and the provision of sediment FIB concentrations for direct model calibration. In addition, identified key variables can be used in quick evaluation of the effectiveness of potential remediation strategies.