cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An epidemiologic study of sports and weight lifting as possible risk factors for herniated lumbar and cervical discs

The associations between participation in several specific sports, use of free weights, and use of weight lifting equipment and herniated lumbar or cervical intervertebral discs were examined in a case-control epidemiologic study. Specific sports considered were baseball or softball, golf, bowling, swimming, diving, jogging, aerobics, and racquet sports. Included in the final analysis were 287 patients with lumbar disc herniation and 63 patients with cervical disc herniation, each matched by sex, source of care, and decade of age to 1 control who was free of disc herniation and other conditions of the back or neck. Results indicated that most sports are not associated with an increased risk of herniation, and may be protective. Relative risk estimates for the association between individual sports and lumbar or cervical herniation were generally less than or close to 1.0. There was, however, a weak positive association between bowling and herniation at both the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine. Use of weight lifting equipment was not associated with herniated lumbar or cervical disc, but a possible association was indicated between use of free weights and risk of cervical herniation (relative risk, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 4.74).
Exceeding the Pauli paramagnetic limit in the critical field of ( TMTSF ) 2 PF 6

The resistive upper critical field along the b axis ${(H}_{c2}\ensuremath{\parallel}b)$ in ${(\mathrm{TMTSF})}_{2}{\mathrm{PF}}_{6}$ is investigated in detail in fields to 17.5 T and temperatures to ${T/T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{1}{60},$ at various pressures near the border between spin-density wave and metallic states. Remarkably, in an optimum pressure setting reported here, it is found that the onset of superconductivity persists up to 9 T $(g{4H}_{p}),$ which strongly suggests triplet Cooper pairing. Strong upward curvature with nearly diverging behavior of the critical field seems to suggest a field-dependent dimensional crossover, although the ${H}_{c2}$ enhancement is considerably more than that predicted by recent theories.
Planar bio/magnetic bead separator with microfluidic channel

ABSTRACT A new micromachined planar bio/magnetic bead separator that can separate magnetic beads from suspended liquid solutionshas been realized on a silicon wafer as a bio-sampling component for miniaturized biological detection systems. Therequisite magnetic field gradients are generated by an embedded serpentine conductor coil and electromagnet under thebottom of a microfluidic channel, which yields several advantages in design flexibility, compactness, electrical and opticalmonitoring, and integration feasibility. Applying 10 35 mA of DC current, the fabricated device has been successfullytested for magnetic beads separation on the top of the inductive components. The maximum flow rate and fluid velocity inwhich the DC current can hold the beads without losing them has been also measured. The realized bio/magnetic beadseparator can hold the separated beads in the fluid flow whose average velocity is up to 1 mm/s when a 30 mA of DC currentis applied. The separated magnetic beads are also easily released when the applied current is removed, achieving the primarypurpose of a separator. The test results show that the microfabricated bio/magnetic bead separator has a high potential inbiological or biomedical applications, especially in separating or manipulating small amounts of cells, enzymes, or DNA thatare marked with magnetic beads.Keywords: magnetic bead, filterless bio-separator, electromagnets, u-TAS
Interstitial Trapped Hydrogen Molecules in Pecvdamorphous Silicon

New NMR measurements show that interstitial T site-trapped molecular hydrogen can amount to more than one third of the contained hydrogen in high quality PECVD amorphous silicon. Microvoid-contained dense molecular hydrogen is negligible in these good films. Experiments on a sequence of hydrogenated and/or deuterated a-Si films have characterized individually-trapped molecular HD and D2 in films deposited from SiD4, and from SiH4+D2. The T site-trapped molecular hydrogen fraction observed here is larger than previously reported because of recent efforts to measure very slowly relaxing molecular components and the employment of radiofrequency pulse sequences to detect ortho-D2 with nuclear spin I=2. The population of interstitially trapped molecular hydrogen increases with increasing photovoltaic quality over a range of an order of magnitude in photoresponse product ημτ. Above 200 K, hopping transport of molecular hydrogen among the amorphous equivalent of interstitial T sites occurs with an activation energy near 50 meV.
Observation of an extrinsic critical velocity using matter wave interferometry

We report an experiment that uses a superfluid helium quantum interference device to probe the initial onset of the motion of a single vortex line driven by axial flow in a macroscopic channel. When the superfluid velocity reaches a temperature independent critical value (v{sub c}{approx}1 mm/s) periodic 2{pi} phase slippage occurs with a frequency of the order of a few Hz. As the axial flow velocity increases, the frequency increases, possibly stepwise.
Ryanodine Receptor‐Targeted Anti‐Arrhythmic Therapy

Abstract: Cardiac arrhythmia is an important cause of death in patients with heart failure (HF) and inherited arrhythmia syndromes, such as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Alterations in intracellular calcium handling play a prominent role in the generation of arrhythmias in the failing heart. Diastolic calcium leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2) may initiate delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered activity leading to arrhythmias. Similarly, SR Ca2+ leak through mutant RyR2 channels may cause triggered activity during exercise in patients with CPVT. Novel therapeutic approaches, based on recent advances in the understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying arrhythmias in HF and CPVT, are currently being evaluated to specifically correct defective Ca2+ release in these lethal syndromes.
Space charge injection into a dipolar glass

Space charges can be injected into dipolar (Li2B4O7)1−χ(WO3)χ glasses with the use of indium electrodes. They can be frozen in and are detected by their thermally stimulated depolarization currents. The large electric fields at the surface induce a ferroelectric domain above a critical field Ecrit0 = 3.8 kV cm-1. With increasing injection the induced ferroelectricity is destroyed periodically. This is interpreted in terms of the migration of the ferroelectric domain into the interior of the material.
Avowals and First-Person Privilege

When people avow their present feelings, sensations, thoughts, etc., they enjoy what may be called “first-person privilege.” If I now said: “I have a headache,” or “I'm thinking about Venice,” I would be taken at my word: I would normally not be challenged. According to one prominent approach, this privilege is due to a special epistemic access we have to our own present states of mind. On an alternative, deflationary approach the privilege merely reflects a socio-linguistic convention governing avowals. We reject both approaches. On our proposed account, a full explanation of the privilege must recognize avowals as expressive performances, which can be taken to reveal directly the subject's present mental condition. We are able to improve on special access accounts and deflationary accounts, as well as familiar expressive accounts, by explaining both the asymmetries and the continuities between avowals and other pronouncements, and by locating a genuine though non-epistemic source for first-person privilege.
A Novel Superconducting Toroidal Field Magnet Concept Using Advanced Materials

The plasma physics database indicates that two distinct approaches to tokamak design may lead to commercial fusion reactors: low Aspect ratio, high plasma current, relatively low magnetic field devices, and high Aspect ratio, high field devices. The former requires significant enhancements in plasma performance, while the latter depends primarily upon technology development. The key technology for the commercialization of the high-field approach is large, high magnetic field superconducting magnets. In this paper, the physics motivation for the high field approach and key superconducting magnet (SCM) development issues are reviewed. Improved SCM performance may be obtained from improved materials and/or improved engineering. Superconducting materials ranging from NbTi to high-Tc oxides are reviewed, demonstrating the broad range of potential superconducting materials. Structural material options are discussed, including cryogenic steel alloys and fiber-reinforced composite materials. Again, the breadth of options is highlighted. The potential for improved magnet engineering is quantified in terms of the Virial Theorem Limit, and two examples of approaches to highly optimized magnet configurations are discussed. The force-reduced concept, which is a finite application of the force-free solutions to Ampere's Law, appear promising for large SCMs but may be limited by the electromagnetics of a fusion plasma. The Solid Superconducting Cylinder (SSC) concept is proposed. This concept combines the unique properties of high-Tc superconductors within a low-Tc SCM to obtain (1) significant reductions in the structural material volume, (2) a decoupling of the tri-axial (compressive and tensile) stress state, and (3) a demountable TF magnet system. The advantages of this approach are quantified in terms of a 24 T commercial reactor TF magnet system. Significant reductions in the mechanical stress and the TF radial build are demonstrated.
Global synthetic seismograms using a 2-D finite-difference method

Two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference (FD) synthetics, which fill the gap between fast 1-D analytic synthetics and time-consuming full 3-D synthetics in our ability to model seismograms, have been used in many studies. We address several issues involving 2-D FD methods in generating global synthetic seismograms. These include: (1) interfacing point source excitation for earthquakes with 2-D FD methods; (2) out-of-plane spreading corrections and (3) reducing the spherical Earth to the flattened models. The first issue is tackled using two methods, a ‘transparent source box’ approach and a moment tensor excitation approach, where each has its own advantages. Moreover, our ‘source box’ excitation does not have the late-time drift problem that occurred in previous studies. The out-of-plane geometric spreading correction is accounted for by estimating the ray parameter and applying a post-simulation filter to 2-D synthetics. Finally, parameters of the Earth-flattening transformation are discussed and validated. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by comparing our synthetics with frequency–wavenumber summation, normal-mode and 3-D spectral-element synthetics.
Expert systems—a technology for intelligent assistance

Researchers in artificial intelligence have developed several systems capable of providing an expert level of assistance in solving complex problems. Areas addressed have included medical diagnosis and therapy, determination of molecular structure, design of experiments in molecular genetics, and application definition. These systems are generating interest in both the industrial and academic communities, and widespread development is beginning to emerge.Expert systems share a common architecture and this presentation will describe this architecture and contrast it with classical problem solving techniques. Several examples of these systems will be discussed, including a new expert system developed at the IBM Scientific Center in Palo Alto. While most expert systems have been programmed in LISP, this one was built using APL, and the experience has illuminated both strengths and weaknesses of APL as a language for this area of artificial intelligence.
The interaction of testosterone and breeding phase on the reproductive behavior and use of space of male zebra finches

It is well known that androgens play a critical role in mediating the reproductive behavior of males. However, many laboratory experiments that examined the effects of testosterone in male songbirds typically limited their investigations to the early phase of breeding. We sought to determine the influence of testosterone on social behavior, pair bonding, nesting, and use of space in captive zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) males as a function of breeding stage (pre-laying, incubation, and nestling phases). Fourteen males were released into an aviary with 14 females and allowed to breed for 7 weeks. Half of the males were given testosterone implants and half were given control implants. During the pre-laying phase, testosterone-implanted males spent significantly more time in nesting activities than control birds and more time elapsed from starting to build a nest to when their mates initiated egg-laying. During the incubation phase, testosterone-implanted subjects spent significantly more time in female-directed and undirected singing. Use of space varied between hormone conditions depending upon breeding phase: there was no difference during pre-laying, but during the incubation and nestling phases, testosterone-implanted subjects used significantly more space. This significant increase in “home range” during the latter phase of the breeding cycle coincides with results from field studies on other species. These results underscore the importance of considering breeding phase in assessing the behavioral sensitivity to hormones.
Preclinical Evaluation of An Anti-HCV miRNA Cluster for Treatment of HCV Infection

We developed a strategy to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by replacing five endogenous microRNA (miRNA) sequences of a natural miRNA cluster (miR-17–92) with sequences that are complementary to the HCV genome. This miRNA cluster (HCV-miR-Cluster 5) is delivered to cells using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and the miRNAs are expressed in the liver, the site of HCV replication and assembly. AAV-HCV-miR-Cluster 5 inhibited bona fide HCV replication in vitro by up to 95% within 2 days, and the spread of HCV to uninfected cells was prevented by continuous expression of the anti-HCV miRNAs. Furthermore, the number of cells harboring HCV RNA replicons decreased dramatically by sustained expression of the anti-HCV miRNAs, suggesting that the vector is capable of curing cells of HCV. Delivery of AAV-HCV-miR-Cluster 5 to mice resulted in efficient transfer of the miRNA gene cluster and expression of all five miRNAs in liver tissue, at levels up to 1,300 copies/cell. These levels achieved up to 98% gene silencing of cognate HCV sequences, and no liver toxicity was observed, supporting the safety of this approach. Therefore, AAV-HCV-miR-Cluster 5 represents a different paradigm for the treatment of HCV infection.
Polarity of the Forssman glycolipid in MDCK epithelial cells

To determine whether epithelial plasma membrane glycolipids are polarized in a manner analogous to membrane proteins, MDCK cells grown on permeable filters were analyzed for the expression of Forssman ceramide pentasaccharide, the major neutral glycolipid in these cells. In contrast to a recent report which described exclusive apical localization of the Forssman glycolipid (Hansson, G.C., Simons, K. and Van Meer, G. (1986) EMBO J. 5, 483-489), immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic staining revealed the Forssman glycolipid on both the apical and basolateral surfaces of polarized cells. Immunoblots indicated that the Forssman antigen was detectable only on glycolipids and not on proteins. Analysis of metabolically labeled glycolipids released into the apical and basal culture medium, either as shed membrane vesicles or in budding viruses, also demonstrated the presence of the Forssman glycolipid on both apical and basolateral membranes of polarized cells. Quantitation of the released glycolipid indicated that the Forssman glycolipid was concentrated in the apical membrane. These results are consistent with previous reports which described quantitative enrichment of glycolipids in the apical domain of several epithelia.
Response to gallamine: an indicator of diminished neuromuscular function in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

A test for diminished neuromuscular function in animals with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis is described. Within minutes following an injection of gallamine triethiodide, mice exhibit a dramatic yet transient response which is dose-dependent. Mice previously inoculated with acetylcholine receptor are approximately twice as sensitive to gallamine as normal mice. Positive results have been found in over 80% of receptor-inoculated BALB/c mice and in 94% of C57B1/6 mice.
Dosimetric impact of an 192Ir brachytherapy source cable length modeled using a grid-based Boltzmann transport equation solver.

Purpose: To evaluate the dose distributions of an I 192 r source (model VS2000) in homogeneous water geometry calculated using a deterministic grid-based Boltzmann transport equation solver (GBBS) in the commercial treatment planning system (TPS) (BRACHYVISION-ACUROS v8.8). Methods: Using percent dose differences ( % Δ D ) , the GBBS (BV-ACUROS) was compared to the (1) published TG-43 data, (2) MCNPXMonte Carlo(MC) simulations of the I 192 r source centered in a 15 cm radius water sphere, and (3) TG-43 output from the TPS using vendor supplied (BV-TG43-vendor) and user extended (BV-TG43-extended) 2D anisotropy functions F ( r , θ ) . BV-ACUROS assumes 1 mm of NiTi cable, while the TPS TG-43 algorithm uses data based on a 15 cm cable. MC models of various cable lengths were simulated. Results: The MC simulations resulted in > 20 % dose deviations along the cable for 1, 2, and 3 mm cable lengths relative to 15 cm. BV-ACUROS comparisons with BV-TG43-vendor and BV-TG43-extended yielded magnitude of differences, consistent with those seen in MC simulations. However, differences > 20 % extended further ( θ ≤ 10 ° ) when using the vendor supplied anisotropy function F ven ( r , θ ) . These differences were also seen in comparisons of F ( r , θ ) derived from the TPS output. Conclusions: The results suggest that % Δ D near the cable region is larger than previously estimated. The spatial distribution of the dose deviation is highly dependent on the reference TG-43 data used to compare to GBBS. The differences observed, while important to realize, should not have an impact on clinical dosimetry in homogeneous water.
Electrophoretic protein patterns in relation to low temperature tolerance and growth regulation of alfalfa.

Abstract Disc electrophoresis and densitometry of polyacrylamide gel columns were used to evaluate the relationship between concentrations of water-soluble proteins of alfalfa and plant cold tolerance and growth. Variations in protein concentration were produced by hardening cultivars at different temperatures and by treating plants with chemicals. Cold-tolerant ‘Vernal’ and cold-sensitive ‘Arizona Common’ cultivars of alfalfa were given foliar applications of guanine, cytosine, gibberellic acid, 2-chloroethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, or water and hardened at day temperatures of 7, 13, or 24 °C. After hardening for 40 days, cold-tolerance determinations and protein analyses were conducted on crown and root tissues. Protein concentrations of plant samples were found to vary most with plant cultivars, less with hardening temperature, and least with chemical treatments. Protein concentrations on 10 of 14 column regions and in total soluble protein were found to be closely associated with cold tolerance even though sizable alterations in growth were observed. It was concluded that either several proteins separated by electrophoresis or total soluble concentration per se may be intimately involved in the development of cold tolerance of alfalfa regardless of the amount of topgrowth produced during hardening.
REVIEW OF 1,116 CONSECUTIVE OUTPATIENT PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY VISITS.194

1,116 outpatient visits to a single cardiologist (EW) from 1993-95 were reviewed. 405 new and 711 follow-up patients (pts) were seen.
Systems biology of the microvasculature

The vascular network carries blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen to tissues and providing a pathway for communication between distant organs. The network is hierarchical and structured, but also dynamic, especially at the smaller scales. Remodeling of the microvasculature occurs in response to local changes in oxygen, gene expression, cell–cell communication, and chemical and mechanical stimuli from the microenvironment. These local changes occur as a result of physiological processes such as growth and exercise, as well as acute and chronic diseases including stroke, cancer, and diabetes, and pharmacological intervention. While the vasculature is an important therapeutic target in many diseases, drugs designed to inhibit vascular growth have achieved only limited success, and no drug has yet been approved to promote therapeutic vascular remodeling. This highlights the challenges involved in identifying appropriate therapeutic targets in a system as complex as the vasculature. Systems biology approaches provide a means to bridge current understanding of the vascular system, from detailed signaling dynamics measured in vitro and pre-clinical animal models of vascular disease, to a more complete picture of vascular regulation in vivo. This will translate to an improved ability to identify multi-component biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of therapy that are easy to measure in vivo, as well as better drug targets for specific disease states. In this review, we summarize systems biology approaches that have advanced our understanding of vascular function and dysfunction in vivo, with a focus on computational modeling.
Radioimmunoassay of amphetamines in rat parotid saliva

Amphetamines, a commonly abused class of drugs, have been detected in various biological specimens, in particular, urine and blood. However, little information is available concerning the detection of these drugs in saliva. This investigation, utilizing the rat salivary secretions, has been attempted to establish the ability of amphetamines to be secreted in saliva and to determine the feasibility of using radioimmunoassay (RIA) for drug detection in saliva. The results of this investigation showed that (1) d-amphetamine and methamphetamine decreased salivary flow, (2) after d-amphetamine RIA tests were demonstrated in both saliva and plasma for a period of fifty minutes, and (3) positive RIA reactions were obtained by the following metamphetamine metabolites: amphetamine, 4-hydroxynorephedrine and 4-hydroxyamphetamine. Methamphetamine and 4-hydroxy-N-methylamphetamine were found to be non-reactive in the radioimmunoassay procedure. The results indicate that saliva could be radioimmunoassayed for the detection of amphetamine or amphetamine derivatives after the administration of either d-amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Membrane turnover in rod photoreceptors: ensheathment and phagocytosis of outer segment distal tips by pseudopodia of the retinal pigment epithelium

We have documented the ultrastructural changes that occur within the photoreceptor outer segment and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during photosensitive membrane turnover. We employed an in vitro eyecup preparation from Xenopus laevis in which a large shedding event was induced by adding the excitatory amino acid L-aspartate (Greenberger & Besharse 1985; J. comp. Neurol. 239, 361-372). We found that during L-aspartate-induced shedding the RPE cells formed, on their apical domains, previously undescribed processes that were directly involved in disc phagocytosis. These processes are structurally similar to processes formed by macrophages during phagocytosis and are accordingly referred to as pseudopodia. Pseudopodia were distinguishable from the apical villous process normally extended from the RPE in that they were closely applied to the surface of the outer segment, had a cytoplasmic matrix of low electron density that was devoid of most cellular organelles and were enriched in thin (7 nm diameter) filaments. Filament size, specific pseudopodial staining with the actin-specific probe rhodamine phalloidin and inhibition of pseudopod formation by cytochalasin D suggested that the thin filaments were composed of actin. Pseudopodial formation also occurs during a normal light-initiated shedding event. However, the low frequency of shedding, the asynchrony of the individual shedding events and the transient appearance of the pseudopodia prevented a full appreciation of their role during normal disc shedding. Associated with massive shedding and pseudopodial formation, there was an increased adherence between retina and RPE. During L-aspartate treatment, the apical portions of the RPE cells partitioned with the distal outer segment during retinal isolation. This effect was directly related to the development of pseudopodia and may reflect alteration of surface features of the rod outer segment (ROS)--RPE interface related to phagocytosis. Our observations show that transiently forming pseudopodia are the organelles of phagocytosis and that they may play a role in disc detachment as well.
The ontogeny of immunoreactive β-endorphin and β-lipotropin in the rat ovary

Abstract We have investigated the ontogeny of, and the effect of hypophysectomy on, immunoreactive β-endorphin in rat ovaries. Total levels rose with ovarian weight from nondetectable levels at 5 days of age to approximately 0.15 pmol/ovary at 80 days; thereafter, the levels remained constant through 201 days of age. Hypophysectomy decreased both ovarian weight and the total content of immunoreactive β-endorphin, but the concentration per weight was not significantly altered. Most of the immunoreactive β-endorphin before puberty chromatographed like authentic β-endorphin, but after puberty most chromatographed like β-lipotropin. Hypophysectomy did not alter this chromatographic pattern.
Best project management and systems engineering practices in the preacquisition phase for federal intelligence and defense agencies

The analysis of several government defense and intelligence agency large-scale acquisition programs that experienced significant cost and schedule growth shows that several critical factors need to...
Multipath scattering in ultrawide-band radar sea spikes

This paper presents sea scatter data collected with an ultrawide-band (UWB) polarimetric radar system that indicates that multipath scattering plays an important role in the generation of sea spikes. The radar system used in this study produces short pulses with a bandwidth of approximately 3 GHz centered at 9 GHz for a range resolution of approximately 4 cm. Pulse-to-pulse switching allows collection of the microwave echoes produced by all four combinations of linear transmit and receive polarizations [vertical-transmit vertical-receive (VV), horizontal-transmit horizontal-receive (HH), horizontal-transmit vertical receive (HV), and vertical-transmit horizontal-receive (VH)] each of which is collected by a sampling oscilloscope utilizing equivalent time sampling. In June 1996, upwind sea scatter data at grazing angles of 10/spl deg/, 20/spl deg/, and 30/spl deg/ were collected while the system was deployed on a research pier on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. An analysis of the strongest echoes (sea spikes) from this data set is presented and discussed. First, the cumulative distribution functions are presented. Second, an increase of approximately 5 dB is shown to occur in the polarization ratio (HH/VV) of the strongest echoes as the grazing angle decreases from 30/spl deg/ to 10/spl deg/. Third, differences in the spatial and spectral characteristics of the VV and HH spikes are described. Through comparisons with laboratory results and a simple scattering model, these observations are explained by the presence of a multibounce scattering mechanism. The use of the model to extract wave height from the sea-spike frequency response is also explored.
Prediction of phase equilibria and transport properties in carbon-dioxide expanded solvents by molecular simulation

We review our recent work on the calculations of the phase equilibrium and transport properties in carbon-dioxide (CO2) expanded liquids (CXLs) via Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the volume expansion, the pressure–composition and pressure–density phase diagrams for CO2 expanded acetonitrile, acetone, methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, toluene and 1-octene. MD simulations were conducted to compute the translational diffusion coefficients, rotational correlation times and shear viscosities in CO2 expanded acetonitrile. Potential parameters for the pure component together with standard mixing rules were used to describe the interactions between the mixture components. A good agreement between simulation results and available experimental data is achieved. The simulation results for the volume expansion, the pressure–composition and pressure–density phase diagrams were in some cases superior to the Peng–Robinson (PR) equatio...
Long-Term Depression Properties in a Simple System

Long-term depression (LTD) in pairs of cultured rodent hippocampal neurons was examined to study the molecular basis of this form of synaptic plasticity. We have previously characterized two components of transmitter release: a synchronous, fast phase that requires synaptotagmin I, and an asynchronous, slow component that persists in the absence of synaptotagmin I. Are these two release components differentially affected by the presynaptic changes of LTD, or is the mechanism of plasticity common to both? We find that LTD is expressed as parallel changes in the fast and slow components of release, and that this form of synaptic plasticity is still seen in the absence of functional synaptotagmin I. Any alterations in the presynaptic release machinery observed during LTD thus involve mechanisms shared by both modes of release.
Multiscale Polycrystal Plasticity

Polycrystal plasticity models are commonly developed with a narrow focus on the grain as the fundamental unit of crystallographic orientation and anisotropic behavior. However, deformation and strengthening mechanisms occur simultaneously at multiple length scales and may lead to bulk deformation behavior of metals that is substantially different from that predicted by simple forms of polycrystal plasticity. The development of dislocation substructure occurs at subgrain scales while, at the same time, geometrically necessary dislocation boundaries (GNBs) are generated that extend over several grain diameters. A framework is presented here for the efficient treatment of multiple, simultaneously evolving strengthening mechanisms. The theory focuses on a macroscale hardening surface representation of the strengthening due to GNB formation. Crystallographic shear flow resistance is determined via a mapping procedure of the macroscale hardening surface to the length scale of grains. Predicted stress-strain curves based on the hardening surface formulation are compared to experimental data and polycrystal plasticity predictions for OFHC Cu. It is demonstrated that the hardening surface model of GNB strengthening mechanisms can provide improved predictive capability of nonproportional loading behavior of Cu compared to conventional slip system hardening laws commonly used in polycrystal plasticity applications.
Lead Exposure: Expression and Activity Levels of Oct-2 in the Developing Rat Brain

Lead is a highly neurotoxic metal, and the developing central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead. In this study, transcription factors (TFs) that are altered due to lead exposure were identified using macroarray analysis. Rat pups were lactationally exposed to 0.2% lead acetate from birth through weaning. Changes in the developmental profiles of 30 TFs were screened in hippocampal tissue on postnatal day (PND) 5, 15, and 30. The temporal patterns of some TFs were transiently upregulated or repressed following lead exposure in a stage-specific manner; however, Oct-2, which is involved in the regulation of key developmental processes, exhibited sustained elevations during the entire period of study. Lead-induced elevation of Oct-2 was validated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis; however, significant elevation of Oct-2 mRNA expression was detected only on PND 5. The DNA-binding activity and protein levels of Oct-2 were further evaluated and found to be consistently induced on PND 5. The elevations observed in Oct-2 mRNA and protein levels as well as DNA-binding activity on PND 5 suggest that developmental maintenance of Oct-2 DNA binding could be impacted through de novo synthesis. These findings identify Oct-2 as a potential molecular target for Pb and suggest that Oct-2 may be associated with lead-induced disturbances in gene expression.
Occurrence, Efficacy, Metabolism, and Toxicity of Triclosan

Triclosan has broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity against most gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is widely used in personal care products, household items, medical devices, and clinical settings. Due to its extensive use, there is potential for humans in all age groups to receive life-time exposures to triclosan, and, indeed, triclosan has been detected in human tissues and the environment. Data gaps exist regarding the chronic dermal toxicity and carcinogenicity of triclosan, which is needed for the risk assessment of triclosan. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nominated triclosan to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for toxicological evaluations. Currently, the NTP is conducting several dermal toxicological studies to determine the carcinogenic potential of triclosan, evaluate its endocrine and developmental-reproductive effects, and investigate the potential UV-induced dermal formation of chlorinated phenols and dioxins of triclosan. This paper reviews data on the human exposure, environmental fate, efficacy of anti-microbial activity, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination, endocrine disrupting effects, and toxicity of triclosan.
Creativity, Intelligence, and Problem Solving: a Definition and Design for Cross-Cultural Research and Measurement Related to Giftedness:

A new definition of giftedness is proposed based on a review of the constructs of intelligence, creativity, and problem solving. A research design employed in a series of studies of giftedness in children and adults is presented, along with a summary of important results. Finally, implications of the design for both research and practice are outlined.
Using a Cost-Effectiveness Model to Determine the Applicability of OvoControl G to Manage Nuisance Canada Geese

Abstract OvoControl G is a relatively new product that reduces hatchability of Canada goose (Branta canadensis) eggs, and few data are available on its cost effectiveness. Variables such as presence of nontargets, alternative foods, and public support can affect cost efficacy. We present a model that uses these and other factors to estimate the cost of application of OvoControl G for managing nuisance Canada geese. We found that at low goose densities (<35 pairs of geese), fixed labor was a significant portion of costs. As goose densities increase, OvoControl G becomes more cost effective than other methods, such as egg oiling or addling. Managers can use this model to determine whether OvoControl G will provide a successful and cost-effective treatment for population control of Canada geese in specific management areas.
A digital video system for the automated measurement of repetitive joint motion

Automated measurement and analysis of human motion during performance of workplace tasks are desirable for ergonomic studies. While numerous technologies exist for accurate measurement of biomechanical data, their use is often not feasible in the workplace environment. We present a digital-video based system suitable for measuring human motion of repetitive workplace tasks. Due to practical considerations, a single-camera solution is exploited by adding some control over the environment. We present an analysis of experiments demonstrating the accuracy of our system.
Using model checking to help discover mode confusions and other automation surprises

Abstract Automation surprises occur when an automated system behaves differently than its operator expects. If the actual system behavior and the operator's ‘mental model’ are both described as finite state transition systems, then mechanized techniques known as ‘model checking’ can be used automatically to discover any scenarios that cause the behaviors of the two descriptions to diverge from one another. These scenarios identify potential surprises and pinpoint areas where design changes, or revisions to training materials or procedures, should be considered. The mental models can be suggested by human factors experts, or can be derived from training materials, or can express simple requirements for ‘consistent’ behavior. The approach is demonstrated by applying the Muro state exploration system to a ‘kill-the-capture’ surprise in the MD-88 autopilot. This approach does not supplant the contributions of those working in human factors and aviation psychology, but rather provides them with a tool to examine properties of their models using mechanized calculation. These calculations can be used to explore the consequences of alternative designs and cues, and of systematic operator error, and to assess the cognitive complexity of designs. The description of model checking is tutorial and is hoped to be accessible to those from the human factors community to whom this technology may be new.
Etravirine, a Next-Generation Nonnucleoside Reverse-Transcriptase Inhbitor

Etravirine is the first next-generation nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that is approved for the treatment of HIV infection in patients who have experienced virologic failure while receiving an NNRTI-containing regimen. The drug is taken as two 100-mg tablets twice daily after a meal. Because the drug is metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, it cannot be coadministered with a number of other drugs (fosamprenavir, high-dose ritonavir, atazanavir, rifampin, and several antiepileptic medications). Etravirine demonstrates potent in vitro activity against wild-type and NNRTI-resistant strains of HIV. In vitro resistance and treatment failure is associated with the development of multiple NNRTI resistance mutations other than the K103N mutation. Several large clinical studies have documented the benefit of adding etravirine to an optimized background regimen in patients with virologic failure who are infected with multidrug-resistant HIV. The major adverse effects of etravirine therapy are nausea and rash, which are typically self-limiting and do not lead to treatment discontinuation.
Effects of juvenile hormone, ecdysterone, actinomycin D, and mitomycin C on the cuticular proteins of Tenebrio molitor

Juvenile hormone (JH), ecdysterone and some antibiotics cause Tenebrio molitor to form a second pupa or pupal-adult intermediate. Incorporation of labelled leucine into the cuticular proteins of JH-induced second pupae did not differ from incorporation in normal pupae, and the soluble cuticular proteins from these young second pupae were indentical to those extracted from normal pupal exocuticle when analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, as these second pupae aged, the major early bands did not undergo a normal decrease in staining intensity, indicating a JH effect on protein insolubilization (sclerotization). The transport of protein into the cuticle may also have been altered by JH; electrophoretic analysis of the new cuticle of treated animals showed intense staining of bands with RF's similar to those of blood proteins. The new exocuticle produced after treatment of pupae with ecdysterone had soluble proteins which were typical of normal pupae, but extracts from such animals aged prior to cuticle removal yielded bands characteristic of normal adults. Pupae treated with actinomycin D occasionally form new abdominal cuticle with characteristic pupal morphology. These cuticles yielded soluble proteins which, upon analysis, had pupal, pupal and adult, or adult banding patterns. Animals treated with mitomycin C, although retaining vestiges of pupal abdominal characters, had adult cuticular proteins.
Microevolution and Macroevolution: Introduction

Microevolution and macroevolution are terms for describing biological patterns and processes observed at short and long time scales, respectively. A deeper question is whether different biological processes account for microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change. Keywords: biodiversity; natural selection; palaeontology; speciation; systematics
Genomics of T-ALL Reveals a Weapon of an Evasive Foe

Cancer cells specialize in adapting to evolutionary pressures through acquisition of somatic mutations and clonal evolution. This ability makes cancer a formidable nemesis, because tumor cells use an arsenal of genomic mechanisms to acquire resistance to therapies. Future genomic medicine approaches may entail profiling a patient’s tumor genome on an ongoing basis and adapting treatment in concert with the tumor’s evolving resistance mechanisms. Tzoneva et al . identified activating mutations of NT5C2 as a mechanism of chemoresistance to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and 6-thioguanine (6-TG), two drugs that are commonly used in the treatment of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Whole-exome sequencing of matched diagnosis, remission, and relapse samples from five pediatric T-ALL samples identified mutations of NT5C2 acquired at the time of relapse. NT5C2 mutations were observed in 22 of 98 relapsed T-ALL patients and 1 of 35 relapsed B-precursor ALL patients, but not in 23 T-ALL and 27 B-precursor ALL tumors sampled at diagnosis. The authors suggested that NT5C2 may confer chemoresistance based on its ability to inactivate metabolites mediating the cytotoxic effects of 6-MP and 6-TG. The authors demonstrated increased in vitro enzymatic activity of recombinant NT5C2 mutant proteins and used cell viability assays to demonstrate that mutant NT5C2 resulted in decreased sensitivity to 6-MP and 6-TG, but not nelarabine, a chemotherapy drug which is metabolized by a different mechanism. The work of Tzoneva et al . has potential translational relevance by suggesting NT5C2 mutation profiling of 6-MP–resistant T-ALL patients and potential nelarabine salvage therapy. More generally, this work represents an approach to cancer molecular medicine in which comparative analysis of cancer genomes corresponding to different clinicopathologic states can identify the underlying acquired mutations and suggest precision therapies. On a sobering note, the current work only partially explains a very specific chemoresistance mechanism, and salvage therapies are likely subject to additional resistance acquired in subsequent tumor evolution. Future cancer genomic medicine may indeed be resigned to a perpetual cat-and-mouse game with little hope of catching the proverbial mouse. However, a persistent community effort to characterize chemoresistance mechanisms may equip clinicians with the tools to stay one step ahead of such an agile foe. G. Tzoneva et al ., Activating mutations in the NT5C2 nucleotidase gene drive chemotherapy resistance in relapsed ALL. Nat. Med . 19 , 368–371 (2013). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v19/n3/abs/nm.3078.html
An accurate and complete frequency dependent transmission line characterization using S-parameter measurements

A very accurate and complete characterization of interconnects is presented. The method is based upon high-frequency S-parameter measurements of two lines of different lengths. The influence of the contact structures of the measurement probes are taken into account with the help of three additional measurements. A comparison of results obtained from measurements on a silicon substrate and from calculations is given and shows excellent agreement.
A correlation-based continuous window-shift technique to reduce the peak-locking effect in digital PIV image evaluation

In this paper the peak-locking phenomenon is investigated in the evaluation of digital PIV recordings by using a correlation-based interrogation algorithm with a discrete window shift and a correlation-based tracking algorithm. Statistical analyses indicate that nonuniformly distributed bias errors are the main cause of the peak-locking effect, and the amplitude variation of the random error is also an important source of the peak locking. Simulations and experimental examples demonstrate that very strong peak-locking effects exist for the correlation-based interrogation algorithm with discrete window shift in the cases of large particle images, small interrogation windows, and very small particle images. Very strong peak-locking effects are also observed for the correlation-based tracking algorithm when the particle images are overexposed, binarized, or very small. These strong peak-locking effects can be avoided without loss of evaluation accuracy by using a continuous window-shift technique in combination with the correlation-based interrogation algorithm.
Shedding of a low pathogenic avian influenza virus in a common synanthropic mammal--the cottontail rabbit.

Background: Cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) are common mammals throughout much of the U.S. and are often found in peridomestic settings, potentially interacting with livestock and poultry operations. If these animals are susceptible to avian influenza virus (AIV) infections and shed the virus in sufficient quantities they may pose a risk for movement of avian influenza viruses between wildlife and domestic animals in certain situations. Methodology/Principal Findings: To assess the viral shedding potential of AIV in cottontails, we nasally inoculated fourteen cottontails with a low pathogenic AIV (H4N6). All inoculated cottontails shed relatively large quantities of viral RNA both nasally (#10 6.94 PCR EID50 equivalents/mL) and orally (#10 5.09 PCR EID50 equivalents/mL). However, oral shedding tended to decline more quickly than did nasal shedding. No animals showed any obvious signs of disease throughout the study. Evidence of a serological response was found in all infected rabbits at 22 days post infection in convalescent sera. Conclusions/Significance: To our knowledge, cottontails have not been previously assessed for AIV shedding. However, it was obvious that they shed AIV RNA extensively via the nasal and oral routes. This is significant, as cottontails are widely distributed throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. These mammals are often found in highly peridomestic situations, such as farms, parks, and suburban neighborhoods, often becoming habituated to human activities. Thus, if infected these mammals could easily transport AIVs short distances.
Quantitation of Promethazine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography

AbstractA stability-indicating HPLC assay method has been developed to quantify promethazine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage forms, injection, oral liquids, suppositories and tablets. The method is accurate and precise with a percent relative standard deviation of 0.4 based on 6 readings. The recoveries from the synthetic mixtures were quantitative. Three new peaks in the chromatogram were detected from a decomposed sample. A number of active and inactive ingredients, colors, preservatives, flavors, antioxidants, phenylephrine and codeine present in the dosage forms did not interfere with the assay procedure.