cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A statistical method for predicting seizure onset zones from human single-neuron recordings.

Objective. Clinicians often use depth-electrode recordings to localize human epileptogenic foci. To advance the diagnostic value of these recordings, we applied logistic regression models to single-neuron recordings from depth-electrode microwires to predict seizure onset zones (SOZs). Approach. We collected data from 17 epilepsy patients at the Barrow Neurological Institute and developed logistic regression models to calculate the odds of observing SOZs in the hippocampus, amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, based on statistics such as the burst interspike interval (ISI). Main results. Analysis of these models showed that, for a single-unit increase in burst ISI ratio, the left hippocampus was approximately 12?times more likely to contain a SOZ; and the right amygdala, 14.5?times more likely. Our models were most accurate for the hippocampus bilaterally (at 85% average sensitivity), and performance was comparable with current diagnostics such as electroencephalography. Significance. Logistic regression models can be combined with single-neuron recording to predict likely SOZs in epilepsy patients being evaluated for resective surgery, providing an automated source of clinically useful information.
Reflections on Reading Cope and Kalantzis' “‘Multiliteracies’: New Literacies, New Learning”

This paper offers what is meant to be a long footnote to Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis' paper, “‘Multiliteracies’: New Literacies, New Learning”. The footnote is about my perspective on learning and how that perspective has developed from and since the New London Group meetings. At the same time, I reflect on particular aspects of the first New London Group meeting; for example, the important role the notion of design played, from a perspective of looking back now, many years later.
''They Sweat for Science'': The Harvard Fatigue Laboratory and Self-Experimentation in American Exercise Physiology

In many scientific fields, the practice of self-experimentation waned over the course of the twentieth century. For exercise physiologists working today, however, the practice of self-experimentation is alive and well. This paper considers the role of the Harvard Fatigue Laboratory and its scientific director, D. Bruce Dill, in legitimizing the practice of self-experimentation in exercise physiology. Descriptions of self-experimentation are drawn from papers published by members of the Harvard Fatigue Lab. Attention is paid to the ethical and practical justifications for self-experimentation in both the lab and the field. Born out of the practical, immediate demands of fatigue protocols, self-experimentation performed the long-term, epistemological function of uniting physiological data across time and space, enabling researchers to contribute to a general human biology program.
Microstructural formations and phase transformation pathways in hot isostatically pressed tantalum carbides

Abstract A series of X Ta:(1 − X )C (0.5 X 2 C had equiaxed grain morphologies. The multiphase microstructures had either equiaxed TaC grains with a crisscross pattern of Ta 4 C 3 laths or acicular grain morphologies with rafts of TaC, Ta 4 C 3 and Ta 2 C laths running parallel to the major axis of the grains. The effect of phase transformations on the microstructure of these specimens is discussed and compared to those microstructures seen in a reaction diffusion couple formed between Ta and TaC powders processed under the same HIP conditions. This couple revealed the depletion of carbon from the TaC phase and its reaction with the tantalum metal to form the various Ta-rich carbide phases. The precipitation sequence was found to be paramount in controlling the grain morphology. A close-packed plane and direction orientation relationship was seen between all the phases. The crisscross pattern of Ta 4 C 3 precipitation in TaC was a consequence of TaC’s multiple variant {1 1 1} orientations and had little or no effect on the grain morphology. In contrast, the single variant close-packed plane {0 0 0 1} in Ta 2 C resulted in the parallel alignment of the precipitated phases within its grain and an anisotropic growth direction that facilitated the acicular grain morphology.
Complex dynamics in the Barkhausen effect

Abstract We propose and analyze a simple, almost exactly solvable model which simulates the motion of domain walls in a ferromagnet with impurities. The model is found to exhibit rather complex dynamics of the domain wall crossing a single impurity. In the range of parameters investigated here, the dynamics was found to depend sensitively on the parameters, but no chaotic dynamics on strange attractors was found.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids suppress ER- and oxidative-stress in cultured neurons and neuronal progenitor cells from mice lacking PPT1

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage brain lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, as well as DNA and may contribute to neurodegeneration. We previously reported that ER- and oxidative stress cause neuronal apoptosis in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), a lethal neurodegenerative storage disease, caused by palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) deficiency. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential components of cell membrane phospholipids in the brain and excessive ROS may cause oxidative damage of PUFA leading to neuronal death. Using cultured neurons and neuroprogenitor cells from mice lacking Ppt1, which mimic INCL, we demonstrate that Ppt1-deficient neurons and neuroprogenitor cells contain high levels of ROS, which may cause peroxidation of PUFA and render them incapable of providing protection against oxidative stress. We tested whether treatment of these cells with omega-3 or omega-6 PUFA protects the neurons and neuroprogenitor cells from oxidative stress and suppress apoptosis. We report here that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids protect the Ppt1-deficient cells from ER- as well as oxidative stress and suppress apoptosis. Our results suggest that PUFA supplementation may have neuroprotective effects in INCL.
The role of nutrition in cancer development and prevention

Nutrition has long been suspected to play an important role in cancer etiology. The biologic properties of nutrients make them prime candidates to aid in cancer prevention. Indeed, early epidemiologic cancer studies seemed to confirm the relevance of diet. These studies, however, were plagued by recall bias and confounding and may have thus been misleading. The results from large, prospective cohorts do not support a strong relation between nutrition and cancer. Given the difficulties in precisely assessing habitual diet, modest associations may exist, which may be impossible to capture when relying on self-reported dietary information. Energy balance, reflected in a low body weight and high level of physical activity, has been more convincingly related to lower cancer rates. The potential importance of more extreme dietary regimens and of nutrition during earlier periods of life remains to be explored. Finally, epigenetic research is likely to contribute to the understanding of nutritional regulation of gene expression.
REINFORCEMENT VARIABLES IN THE CONTROL OF UNIT TEXTUAL RESPONSES

The present study was concerned with the effects of schedules of reinforcement upon the rate of verbal responding to written material in children. Four multiple schedules were used; multiple CRF-EXT, multiple CRF-VR, multiple CRF-VI, and multiple VR-VI, one subject being run on each schedule. Rates under CRF were lower than under VR, and somewhat higher than under VI, and much higher than under extinction. The subject run on multiple VR-VI showed little rate difference in the two components.
Recurrent idiopathic familial facial nerve palsy and ophthalmoplegia.

Introduction Idiopathic facial nerve palsy is a common neurologic condition but episodes of ophthalmoplegia in these patients are uncommon. Materials and Methods Retrospective case series. Results ...
Ecotourism Projects: Impact on Environmental Attitudes in Introductory Hospitality Courses

This research project investigated the effects of experience with a group project about ecotourism on attitudes about the environment. Using a pretest, posttest design, students enrolled in an introductory hospitality course were asked their attitudes about the environment. Then, they participated in a group project in which they studied an ecotourism business and were exposed to environmental issues affecting the industry. After the project was completed, the instructors again measured students' attitudes about the environment. No significant differences in environmental attitudes were found from pretest to posttest, although gender differences and unexpected other findings have implications for the future of the industry and instruction.
Distortions in trihapto-allyls induced by electronic asymmetry: A comparison of the structures of (η5-C5H5)Mo(CO)2(η3-C3H5) and (η5-C5H5)Mo(NO(I)(η3-C3H5)

Abstract The electronic asymmetry induced by replacing two carbonyls by a nitrosyl and iodide ligand causes severe distortion in the allyl moiety. The allyl group in the nitrosyl complex is bound in a sigma-pi mode rather than the symmetrical mode found in the dicarbonyl. This change in ground state structure alters the exo—endo conformer interconversion mechanism from a rotation of the allyl in the dicarbonyl to a sigma-pi interconversion in the nitrosyl iodide.
Numerical Reduction of Position Error in a Mechanical Tracking Linkage for Arthroscopic Hip Surgery

The selection of a tracking system for locating patient anatomy and/or surgical tools is of critical importance for many computer aided techniques in minimally invasive surgery. A mechanical tracking system has many advantages in a medical situation since it avoids the occlusion and distortion issues of optical and electromagnetic systems. However, few mechanical tracking systems exist due to the challenges of minimizing error accumulation along a serial linkage. To minimize error, the existing mechanical tracking linkages are large and bulky, making them impractical for a surgical setting.© 2011 ASME
De-noise biological network from heterogeneous sources via link propagation

Lots of recent bioinformatics works have focused on the inference of various types of biological networks, such as gene coexpression networks, protein-protein interaction networks, signal transduction networks, etc. Unfortunately, these raw biological network data often contain much noise, especially the false positive predictions which in many cases hinder accurate reconstruction of biological networks. In addition, since the labeled data is scarce and expensive, we hope that the knowledge from other domains can help handle this lack of labeled data problem. In order to construct a more robust and reliable biological network, we propose a novel link propagation based algorithm to de-noise false positives from the target biological network through propagating information from few labeled samples and a set of auxiliary domain networks. While comparing with many current state-of-the-art algorithms, our proposed approach has shown good performance in de-noising biological network.
Gonadotropins induce higher active renin levels in the follicular fluid of normal and hyperstimulated cycles.

The objective of this study was to analyze follicular fluid active renin and its relationship to steroid hormones throughout the normal and gonadotropin-stimulated menstrual cycle. Active renin was measured in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing tubal sterilization (n = 16) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 25); IVF patients were either in a natural cycle (n = 7) or undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (n = 18). The largest visible follicle was aspirated at the time of laparoscopic tubal sterilization; ultrasound guided transvaginal follicular aspiration was used in the IVF group. Follicular fluid active renin, estradiol and progesterone levels were measured with immunoradiometric and fluoroimmunoassays. The cycle day was correlated with the spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, as well as active renin, estradiol, progesterone levels and the estradiol/progesterone ratio using simple and multiple regression and analysis of var...
The strength of metal matrix composites

There is intensive interest in metal matrix composites (MMCs) for automotive components, and the first production applications in Japan use discontinuous fibers as the reinforcements. These fibers are randomly oriented, resulting in an MMC with isotropic properties. However, there are conflicting reports on the tensile strengths attainable. In some cases, the strength increases with increasing volume fraction(Vf) of fibers, while in other cases, there is little or no benefit. A simple method is proposed to calculate the strength of this type of MMC. It is shown that the fibers oriented perpendicular to the stress direction play a key role, and the strength depends upon the strength of the interfacial bond. Upper and lower limits of the composite strength are calculated. If the bond strength is larger than the matrix strength, the composite strength has a maximum value which increases withVf. If the bond strength is weaker than the matrix, the composite strength has a minimum value which is either weakly dependent or even independent ofVf. These calculations are in good agreement with examples taken from the literature of aluminum composites reinforced with either A12O3, graphite, or SiC. The strength of the matrix alloy is shown to be a very important parameter: weak alloys are easily strengthened, while in certain cases, strong alloys may be weakened.
A note on Hamiltonian structure

On donne des resultats sur la determination de la structure hamiltonienne pour un ensemble d'equations d'evolution
Scattering effects within an absorbing sphere immersed in a field of neutrons

Abstract We study the flux distribution within an isolated sphere in a field of neutrons, in the one-speed approximation. The sphere is characterized by its rad average flux within the sphere to the unperturbed flux (into which the sphere was placed) is designated ƒ. We show that ƒ is independent of the dir
A superoperator derivation of the 2p—h TDA equations

Abstract We present an alternative derivation of the two particle—one hole Tamm—Dancoff approximation (2p—h TDA) using the superoperator formalism. This approximation is shown to follow from the use of an effective interaction which is logically obtained as a projection of the perturbation superoperator on the 2p—h subspace of the full vector space of all Fermion-like field operators. The diagonal 2p—h TDA derived and employed in previous work is shown to neglect terms which, in fact, are diagonal and lead to an overcounting of all diagrams containing diagonal ladder parts.
Rare earth element diffusion in diopside: influence of temperature, pressure, and ionic radius, and an elastic model for diffusion in silicates

Volume diffusion rates for five rare earth elements (La, Ce, Nd, Dy, and Yb) have been measured in single crystals of natural diopside at pressures of 0.1 MPa to 2.5 GPa and temperatures of 1,050 to1,450 °C. Polished, pre-annealed crystals were coated with a thin film of rare earth element oxides, then held at constant temperature and pressure for times ranging from 20 to 882 h. Diffusion profiles in quenched samples were measured by SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) depth profiling. At 1 atm pressure, with the oxygen fugacity controlled near the quartz–fayalite–magnetite buffer, the following Arrhenius relations were obtained for diffusion normal to (001) (diffusion coefficient D in m2/s): log10 D Yb =(–4.64±0.42)–(411±12 kJ/mol/2.303RT); log10 D Dy =(–3.31±1.44)–(461±41 kJ/mol/2.303RT); log10 D Nd =(–2.95±2.64)–(496±77 kJ/mol/2.303RT); log10 D Ce =(–4.10±1.08)–(463±31 kJ/mol/2.303RT); log10 D Lu =(–4.22±2.66)–(466±78 kJ/mol/2.303RT). Diffusion rates decrease significantly with increasing ionic radius, with La a factor of ~35 slower than Yb. The relationship between diffusivity and ionic radius is consistent with a model in which elastic strain plays a critical role in governing the motion of an ion through the crystal lattice. Activation volumes for Yb and Ce diffusion, at constant temperature and oxygen fugacity, are 9.0±2.0 cm3/mol and 8.9±3.2 cm3/mol, respectively, corresponding to an order of magnitude decrease in diffusivity as pressure is increased from 0 to 3 GPa at 1,200 °C. Diffusion of Nd is such that grain-scale isotopic equilibrium in the mantle can be achieved in ~1 My under conditions near the peridotite solidus (~1,450 °C at 2.5 GPa). The equilibration time is much longer under P, T conditions of the lithospheric mantle or at the eclogite solidus (~1 Gy at 1.5 GPa and 1,150 °C). Because of the relatively strong decrease in diffusivity with pressure (two orders of magnitude between 2.5 and 15 GPa along an adiabatic temperature gradient), Nd transport in clinopyroxene will be effectively frozen at pressures approaching the transition zone, on time scales less than 100 My. Rare earth element diffusion rates are slow enough that significant disequilibrium uptake of REE by growing clinopyroxene phenocrysts may be preserved under natural conditions of basalt crystallization. The relative abundances and spatial distributions of REE in such crystals may provide a sensitive record of the cooling and crystallization history of the host lava.
PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES AND ANTI-ENZYMES OF NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CEREBRO-SPINAL FLUIDS

The experiments which have been presented show that the spinal fluid occupies a unique position among the fluids which accumulate in serous cavities of the body. It contains normally neither proteolytic enzyme nor anti-enzyme, whereas blood serum, from which it is derived, exhibits both enzymotic and anti-enzymotic activity. In the blood anti-enzyme greatly predominates over enzyme, so that proteolysis does not occur, unless the anti-enzymotic power of the serum has been destroyed by the addition of acid. In pathological conditions both enzyme and anti-enzyme may make their appearance in the spinal fluid. With inflammations of other serous cavities of the body the anti-enzyme of the exuded serum as a rule preponderates over and restrains the activity of the proteolytic enzyme freed from leucocytes. On the other hand, in infection of the meninges with Diplococcus lanceolatus and with Streptococcus mucosus free proteolytic enzyme has been present in considerable amount in four of five fluids which have been tested. Free proteolytic enzyme has not been observed in the spinal fluid in cases of epidemic meningitis. The cases which have been studied demonstrate that in epidemic meningitis some anti-enzymotic action may be present in the early stages of the disease; but it tends to disappear rapidly so that anti-enzyme seems to be constantly at a low ebb. It is possible that the absence of anti-enzyme in normal spinal fluid, and the tendency for it to disappear so much more rapidly than in other inflammatory exudates, may explain in part the severity of acute meningeal infections. Non-inflammatory transudates into the subdural spaces differ from inflammatory exudates in that the inhibitory element of the blood serum accumulates, and this accumulation suggests an interference with the elimination of the antibody from the spinal fluid. Such interference is not evident in so-called serous meningitis. In content of anti-enzyme the spinal fluid of chronic conditions, such as tuberculous meningitis, apparently occupies an intermediate position between acute inflammation and serous effusion, and five of seven tuberculous fluids which were tested exhibited various degrees of anti-enzymotic action. Variations in content of enzyme and anti-enzyme, noted above, may depend upon the rapidity with which the fluid, carrying the elements mentioned, enters the spinal cavity, as well as upon the rate of their elimination from the spinal fluid. Subdural injection of large quantities of anti-meningitis serum (horse's blood serum) does not increase the anti-enzymotic activity of fluids withdrawn twenty-four hours after its injection; disappearance of anti-enzyme being caused by rapid elimination of serum from the spinal fluid.
Community Perspectives on the Risk of Indoor Air Pollution Arising from Contaminated Groundwater

The migration of volatile contaminants into overlying buildings, known as vapor intrusion, is a health concern for people living above contaminated groundwater. As public health and environmental agencies develop protocols to evaluate vapor intrusion exposure, little attention has been paid to the experiences and opinions of communities likely to be affected by vapor intrusion. Using a community-driven research approach and qualitative interviews, we explored community perspectives on the vapor intrusion pathway and the perceived impact on community health and well-being among neighbors living atop a large, shallow-chlorinated solvent plume in San Antonio, TX. Most participants associated vapor intrusion with health risks, expressing concern about the unavoidable and uncontrollable nature of their exposure. Few were satisfied with the responsiveness of public officials. Above all, participants wanted more accurate, transparent information and additional independent scientific investigations.
Color match of machinable lithium disilicate ceramics: Effects of cement color and thickness.

Statement of problem The effects of cement color and thickness on the color of machinable lithium disilicate (MLD) ceramic luted on metal foundation restorations is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cement color and thickness on the shade matching of MLD restorations luted on silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) foundations. Material and methods Fifteen 1.5-mm-thick ceramic specimens were made from shade A1 LT lithium disilicate blocks. Five resin cements with different colors and opacities (Multilink Automix white opaque, Multilink Automix yellow, Nexus3 white opaque, Nexus3 white, Nexus3 yellow) of 3 thicknesses (300 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm) were sequentially luted to a roughened Ag-Pd alloy foundation restoration block. Five shade measurements were made with a portable spectrophotometer after optically connecting the ceramic specimen to each cement foundation block. The color differences (ΔE) between each specimen assembly and the target block (a 14×14×12-mm shade A1 LT crystalized e.max block) were recorded with the CIE (Commission internationale de l'eclairage) L*a*b* system. Clinical significance was determined by comparing color differences to perceptibility and acceptability thresholds with the 1-sample t test (α=.05). Results Both cement color and cement thickness significantly affected the mean values of the color difference (ΔE) of lithium disilicate ceramic assemblies to the target block ( P P P =.022, respectively). The means of ΔE were below the clinically acceptable level (ΔE P 5.5) for Multilink white opaque and Multilink yellow of 300-μm cement thickness. Conclusions The colors of machinable lithium disilicate ceramic restorations placed on Ag-Pd foundation were affected by both the color and thickness of cements. Among the 5 cements tested in this study, Nexus3 white opaque cement of 100 μm or 300 μm yielded shade matches below the clinical perceptible threshold (ΔE
Theoretical study of the voltage and concentration dependence of the anomalous mole fraction effect in single calcium channels: new insights into the characterization of multi-ion channels

Several recent independent studies on macroscopic Ca currents have demonstrated the anomalous mole fraction effect in mixtures of Ca and Ba at concentrations of 10 mM or less. Recently, Hess and Tsien (1984; Nature 309) proposed a dual binding site model, based upon Eyring rate theory, to account for this effect in L-type cardiac Ca channels. This model predicts that the anomalous mole fraction effect can be accounted for solely in terms of open single channel permeation properties; it was able to adequately reproduce the effect for macroscopic Ca currents recorded in 10 mM solutions. However, the electrochemical gradients under which single Ca channel current recordings are routinely made with the patch clamp technique vary dramatically from those used for macroscopic Ca currents. To properly assess the general validity of the Hess and Tsien model at the single Ca channel level, the effects of both large electrical potentials and elevated divalent concentrations must be understood. Computer simulations were therefore carried out using the original parameters used by Hess and Tsien under conditions designed to mimic those used in patch clamp studies. The permeation behavior generated by this model is quite complex. In particular, hyperpolarization and increased divalent concentration combine to reduce and ultimately abolish the anomalous mole fraction effect. It may therefore be very difficult to observe the anomalous mole fraction effect at the single Ca channel level; the dual-site model displays a relationship between current and mole fraction generally associated with a single-site model under the conditions frequently employed to resolve single Ca channel activity. Nonetheless, analysis of such monotonic mole fraction behavior can still be used as a test for the general validity of the dual-site model. Apparent Kms for Ca and Ba can be extracted from such monotonic behavior, and may not only be functions of membrane potential but may also depend upon the total divalent cation concentration. This is a unique prediction which is incompatible with the simple single-site model. Our analysis provides (a) a possible resolution for the apparent discrepancies presently existing in the experimental literature regarding the existence of the anomalous mole fraction effect at the single Ca channel level, (b) a mechanistic description of previously unexplained observations on the voltage-dependence of the anomalous mole fraction effect, and (c) a useful theoretical framework for future experimentation designed to test the general validity of the dual binding site model of the Ca channel.
Evaluating Reflux and Drainage in Foam Fractionations

Extreme care must be exercised in assigning an observed increase in enrichment to the beneficial effects of reflux or drainage, particularly in a single-solute system. The use of a system containing two or more solutes is recommended.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs. Medical Therapy: What Are the Implications for Women?

There have been eight major studies assessing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs. medical therapy in the past 10 years. Women were inadequately represented in many of these studies, but because of similar long-term survival curves in women and men, most of the PCI data can be applied to women until more trials are published. According to currently available data, PCI offers greater angina relief and improvement in exercise tolerance than medicine alone, but has a greater risk of procedure-related complications in women. As a result of the rapid advancement of cardiovascular therapy, many of these studies did not incorporate optimal medical therapy or current PCI therapies. It is likely that for most patients (including women) with moderate angina, the best management may be a combination of PCI, medical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Antidromic influence on lateral geniculate excitability.

Eighty-four percent of principal cells in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body exhibited a transient depression of spontaneous activity following optic tract stimulation. Antidromic corticofugal activity, generated by the evoked cortical field potential, was seen in 21% of the cells studied. In those cells, depression of spontaneous activity lasted an average of 20 msec longer than in those cells where no antidromic activity was present. Longer duration post-stimulus depression of spontaneous activity was often followed by a period of rebound excitation. These findings support the hypothesis that antidromic activity, generated during the evoked response in striate cortex, has a significant influence on the excitability pattern of principal cells in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body.
The effect of heating rate on the stability of stationary fluids

A horizontal fluid layer whose lower surface temperature is made to vary with time is considered. The stability analysis for this situation shows that the criterion for the onset of instability in a fluid layer which is being heated from below, depends on both the method and the rate of heating. For a fluid layer with two rigid boundaries, the minimum Rayleigh number corresponding to the onset of instability is found to be 1340. For slower heating rates the critical Rayleigh number increases to a maximum value of 1707·8, while for faster heating rates the critical Rayleigh number increases without limit.Two specific types of heating are investigated in detail, constant flux heating and linearly varying surface temperature. These cases correspond closely to situations for which published data exist. The results are in good qualitative agreement.
Transmission of spinning acoustic modes in a slightly non-uniform duct

Abstract The transmission of spinning acoustic modes through a throat in a long cylindrical duct is considered. Gradients in the mean axial flow as well as non-uniform physical boundaries cause back scattering of the incident waves. Only part of the incident wave energy is transmitted. At an axial flow Mach number of 0·6 a substantial attenuation of wave energy is found for throats with reasonable area reduction.
Quasi-confinement of quarks☆

Abstract Reformalization group methods indicate that quarks and color can be completely confined if color gauge fields couple to massless fermions. For quarks with small mass parameters, they are effectively confined at energies on the scale of color singlet baryon masses.
Inhibition of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase by pyridine derivatives and its possible relation to experimental and idiopathic parkinsonism

4-Phenyl-N-methylpyridinium (MPP+), the xxidation product of the neurotoxic amine MPTP, is considerably more inhibitory to the oxidation of NAD+-linked substrates in intact mitochondria in State 3 than is 4-phenylpyridine. On adding uncouplers, the inhibition by MPP+ progressively diminishes, while the effect of 4-phenylpyridine remains. This is in accord with the fact that MPP+ is rapidly concentrated in the mitochondria by an energy-dependent process, while 4-phenylpyridine seems to enter passively with the concentration gradient. Collapse of the electrical gradient after addition of uncouplers thus leaves the inhibiton by 4-phenylpyridine unaffected but causes efflux of MPP+ from the mitochondria and a reversal of its inhibitory action. In isolated inner membranes the inhibition of NADH oxidation via the respiratory chain by 4-phenylpyridine is much greater than by MPP+. MPTP and 4-phenyl-N-methylpyridinone also inhibit more than MPP+, whereas N-methylpyridinium has relatively little effect. The block is not at the point of entry of electrons into the flavoprotein since the NADH-ferricyanide activity is not inhibited by MPP+ at Vmax.
3D Transmissibility and Relative Transmissibility of Immobilized Supine Humans during Transportation

The three-dimensional translational multi-input/output relative transmissibility and the transmissibility of supine humans during transportation were introduced in this work and were compared with the single-axis input/output condition. Eight healthy subjects were tested under multi-axis input/output whole-body vibration of white noise random signals with frequency content of 0.5–20 Hz and vibration magnitude of 1 m/s 2 RMS applied at the platform level, considering three immobilization conditions: rigid-platform, litter-board, and litter-board-collar. The results showed the diagonal components of the multiaxis input/out transmissibility and relative transmissibility to be considerably larger than their out-of-diagonal components. Significant correlations (R 2 > 0.93) were found between the diagonal components of the transmissibility of the multiaxis input/output and those of the individual single-axis input/output wholebody vibrations; however, weaker correlation (R 2 > 0.11) was shown between
Measurements of Water-Ice Budget Changes at −5C in AgI-Seeded Tropical Cumulus

Abstract During the 1965 Project Stormfury experiments a combination of six cloud physics aircraft instruments were used to measure the changes in the water-ice budget in a large tropical cumulus which had been seeded. Pyrotechnic “Alectos” were used to produce an estimated 180 AgI nuclei per liter effective at −5C in the seeded area. Measurements showed an 80 per cent conversion to ice at the −5C level (17,000-ft pressure altitude) in a 1 km region of the cloud 5 min after seeding, together with a 1.5C rise in temperature. At the same time the adjacent unseeded region of the same cloud decreased in percentage ice at that level, but increased about the same amount in temperature, probably because of increased updraft induced by the heat of fusion energy released in the seeded region. On two passes 10 min apart 300-m length of “wisp” visible outside the main cloud produced many 10–20 μ replicas of ice particles in air which had a measured 75 to 90 per cent relative humidity, including the moisture from the...
Ramanujan-sum expansions for finite duration (FIR) sequences

Ramanujan sums have in the past been used to represent arithmetic sequences. It is shown here that for finite duration (FIR) sequences with length N, the traditional representation is not suitable. Two new types of Ramanujan-sum expansions are proposed here for the FIR case, each offering an integer basis. One of these is particularly suited to identify periodicities in the FIR sequence. This representation in fact expresses any FIR sequence as a sum of orthogonal sequences each with a hidden periodicity corresponding to a divisor of N.
Overflow oscillations in state-space digital filters

A sufficient condition is established for the stability of general state-space digital filters implemented with two's complement arithmetic for the addition operation. A necessary and sufficient condition is established for the existence of period-T limit cycles in second-order direct-form digital filters. This theorem can be used to determine existence regions in the parameter plane for limit cycles of arbitrary period. Given the filter coefficients, this theorem can be used to find initial conditions that yield period-T limit cycles for any T, and all possible limit cycle vector sequences. >
Optimal betting strategies in Keno: an illustration of risk and preference analysis

We analyse the casino game of Keno using elementary probability, expected value decision criteria and preference theory. It is demonstrated how preference theory enables one to determine optimal betting strategies for various risk attitudes which may be counterintuitive to the average individual. Factors are considered which standard expected value analysis ignores.
A droplet-to-digital (D2D) microfluidic device for single cell assays

We have developed a new hybrid droplet-to-digital microfluidic platform (D2D) that integrates droplet-in-channel microfluidics with digital microfluidics (DMF) for performing multi-step assays. This D2D platform combines the strengths of the two formats—droplets-in-channel for facile generation of droplets containing single cells, and DMF for on-demand manipulation of droplets including control of different droplet volumes (pL–μL), creation of a dilution series of ionic liquid (IL), and parallel single cell culturing and analysis for IL toxicity screening. This D2D device also allows for automated analysis that includes a feedback-controlled system for merging and splitting of droplets to add reagents, an integrated Peltier element for parallel cell culture at optimum temperature, and an impedance sensing mechanism to control the flow rate for droplet generation and preventing droplet evaporation. Droplet-in-channel is well-suited for encapsulation of single cells as it allows the careful manipulation of flow rates of aqueous phase containing cells and oil to optimize encapsulation. Once single cell containing droplets are generated, they are transferred to a DMF chip via a capillary where they are merged with droplets containing IL and cultured at 30 °C. The DMF chip, in addition to permitting cell culture and reagent (ionic liquid/salt) addition, also allows recovery of individual droplets for off-chip analysis such as further culturing and measurement of ethanol production. The D2D chip was used to evaluate the effect of IL/salt type (four types: NaOAc, NaCl, [C2mim] [OAc], [C2mim] [Cl]) and concentration (four concentrations: 0, 37.5, 75, 150 mM) on the growth kinetics and ethanol production of yeast and as expected, increasing IL concentration led to lower biomass and ethanol production. Specifically, [C2mim] [OAc] had inhibitory effects on yeast growth at concentrations 75 and 150 mM and significantly reduced their ethanol production compared to cells grown in other ILs/salts. The growth curve trends obtained by D2D matched conventional yeast culturing in microtiter wells, validating the D2D platform. We believe that our approach represents a generic platform for multi-step biochemical assays such as drug screening, digital PCR, enzyme assays, immunoassays and cell-based assays.
Thermal Effects on the Vibration Damping Properties of Shape Memory Alloys

We study the effects of heat transfer on the vibration damping properties of a shape memory wire. We assume that the pseudoelastic behavior of the shape memory wire is due to a stress-induced phase transformation which is governed by a temperature-dependent kinetic relation. Impulsively initiated unforced motions and forced periodic oscillations are considered, and the results are compared to results from an earlier work where isothermal phase transformations were assumed. We demonstrate how the temperature dependence of the kinetic relation can be used to control the amplitude of steady state motions in the case of impulsively initiated motions.
Synthesis of a new conformationally defined serotonin homologue by intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition

Abstract Treatment of 1-[(p-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-2-methyl-3-[N-allyl-N-methyl-3-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)propylamino]indole 3 with triethylamine in chlorobenzene at 135°C results in the formation of 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,11c-octahydro-7-[(p-methoxypyhenyl)-sulfonyl]-3-methyl-7H-pyrido[3,4-c]carbazole 1b in 58% yield. The reaction is selective in giving predominantly the trans isomer.
Diversity: A normative study for education, health care, administrative, and manufacturing industries

An organization that encourages diversity through its practices and policies creates a favorable climate affecting a broad range of organizational attitudes, perceptions, and performance. This study provides insight into where organizations are today in achieving diversity in their workforce.
Reduced advection into Atlantic Ocean deep eastern basins during last glaciation maximum

Causes of change in deep water δ13C can be either global or local in extent. Global causes include (1) climatically-induced changes in the amount of terrestrial biomass which alter the average carbon isotopic composition of the oceanic reservoir1, and (2) erosion and deposition of organic-rich, continental shelf sediments during sea level fluctuations which change the mean oceanic carbon: phosphorus ratio2. Regional gradients of δ13C are created by remineralization of organic detritus within the deep ocean itself thus reflecting the distribution of water masses and modern thermohaline flow. Changes in a single geological record of benthic foraminiferal δ13C can result from any combination of these global and abyssal circulation effects. By sampling a large number of cores collected over a wide bathymetric range yet confined to a small geographical region we have minimized the ambiguity. We can assume that each δ13C record was equally affected by global causes of δ13C variation. The differences seen between the δ13C records must, therefore, reflect changes in the distribution of δ13C in the deep ocean. We interpret these differences in distribution in terms of changes in the ocean's abyssal circulation. Benthic foraminiferal carbon isotopic evidence from a suite of Sierra Leone Rise cores indicates that the deeper parts of the eastern Atlantic basins underwent a reduction in [O2] during the maximum of the last glaciation. Reduced advection of O2-rich deep water through low-latitude fracture zones, associated with increased delivery of organic matter to the deep ocean, lowered the δ13C of deep water ΣCO2 at all depths below the sill separating the eastern and western Atlantic basins.3 This decreased advection into the eastern Atlantic Ocean coincides with the overall decrease in deep water production in the North Atlantic during the last glacial maximum4–7.
Black electoral power, white resistance, and legislative behavior

This paper examines the relationship between black electoral power and white legislative behavior in Mississippi. The initial theoretical foundation is provided by the work of William R. Keech. Keech's implicit model is presented and a more elaborate model which views black payoffs as a function of black electoral power and white resistance, and the political generation of white legislators is developed and tested. A typology of electoral contexts is constructed, and the impact of such contexts on the relationships between the key variables is examined. The findings suggest that the processes responsible for the curvilinear relationship between black electoral power and black payoffs are more complex than previous research has implied and that the nature of electoral contexts may have a substantial influence on these processes.
Does the duration of gonadotropin stımulation affect embryo quality on post-retrieval day 3?

Aim. To determine if the duration of ovarian hyperstimulation affects quality of embryos on the 3rd day.Methods. Retrospective cohort study was designed in a University affliated hospital. Six-hundred fifteen women undergoing first IVF treatment were grouped according to the duration of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in long-down regulated cycles. Group A consisted of women with 8 or less days of COH, Group B consisted of women who had between 9 and 10 days of COH and Group C had 11days or more COH. The degree of fragmentation and asymmetry of blastomeres were compared for the 3rd day after oocyte retrieval.Results. On day 3, there were more embryos with 10–25% fragmentation in Group A than in Group B. Embryos were also less symmetrical in Group A than in Group B.Conclusions. COH cycles which are shorter than 9 days result in more embryos with more than 10% fragmentation on post-retrieval day 3.
Information Utility: Quantifying the Total Psychometric Information Provided by a Measure.

Although advances have improved our ability to describe the measurement precision of a test, it often remains challenging to summarize how well a test is performing overall. Reliability, for example, provides an overall summary of measurement precision, but it is sample-specific and might not reflect the potential usefulness of a test if the sample is poorly suited for the test’s purposes. The test information function, conversely, provides detailed sample-independent information about measurement precision, but it does not provide an overall summary of test performance. Here, the concept of information utility is introduced. Information utility provides an index of how much psychometric information a measure (e.g., item, test) provides about a trait overall. Information utility has a number of important applied implications, including test selection, trait estimation, computerized adaptive testing, and hypothesis testing. Information utility may have particular utility in situations where the accuracy of prior information about trait level is vague or unclear.
Reactions of Phosphorus Trifluoride with Anionic Nucleophiles in the Gas Phase

The kinetics and products of a range of reactions between 14 different anions and phosphorus trifluoride were studied in a flowing afterglow apparatus. These reactions are best rationalized as proceeding via a mechanism involving initial attack by the anion (Nu−) at phosphorus to form an energized tetracoordinate anion intermediate [NuPF3]−, which either undergoes collisional stabilization with helium or undergoes fragmentation via loss of HF if the original anion contains an acidic proton(s). This study suggests that PF3 is a general and useful reagent for the gas-phase synthesis of a range of phosphorus containing anions with phosphorus–carbon, phosphorus–nitrogen, phosphorus–oxygen, phosphorus–silicon and phosphorus–sulfur bonds.
Erythromycin Resistance Peptides Selected From Random Peptide Libraries

Translation of a 5-codon mini-gene encoded inEscherichia coli 23 S rRNA was previously shown to render cells resistant to erythromycin (Tenson, T., DeBlasio, A., and Mankin, A. S. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 93, 5641–5646). Erythromycin resistance was mediated by a specific interaction of the 23 S rRNA-encoded pentapeptide with the ribosome. In the present study, peptides conferring erythromycin resistance were selected from in vivo expressed random peptide libraries to study structural features important for peptide activity. Screening of a 21-codon mini-gene library (the general structure ATG (NNN)20 TAA) demonstrated that only short peptides (3–6 amino acids long) conferred erythromycin resistance. Sequence comparison of erythromycin resistance peptides isolated from the 5-codon library (ATG (NNN)4 TAA) revealed a strong preference for leucine or isoleucine as a third amino acid and a hydrophobic amino acid at the C terminus of the peptide. When tested against other antibiotics, erythromycin resistance peptides rendered cells resistant to other macrolides, oleandomycin and spiramycin, but not to chloramphenicol or clindamycin. Defining the consensus amino acid sequence of erythromycin resistance peptides provided insights into a possible mode of peptide action and the nature of the peptide binding site on the ribosome.
Congenital anomalies in relatives of schizophrenic probands may indicate a retinoid pathology

Retinoic acid, the morphogenic derivative of vitamin A, has been shown to alter patterns of neurulation and to regulate the expression of many genes involved in central nervous system development. Retinoid toxicity can result in craniofacial, limb, digit, heart and urogenital abnormalities. Hydrocephalus, due to increased ventricular size and/or decreased size of the hind- or forebrain, occurs frequently. Comparison of the frequency and type of congenital anomalies in extended pedigrees of 12 Ashkenazi probands with schizophrenia and seven normal Ashkenazi control probands indicates that relatives of the schizophrenic probands present a gamut of both minor and major congenital anomalies similar to, but less severe than, those caused by retinoid excess or deficiency, and at a frequency significantly greater than in control pedigrees. Within schizophrenic pedigrees, those diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses are more likely to present such anomalies than are non-spectrum members. Retinoic acid receptors are present in all parts of the cranial region and delivery of retinoids is exquisitely controlled throughout embryonic and fetal development. Alterations in the functioning of the retinoid cascade may have profound implications for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia.