cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GABAergic inhibition and the induction of spontaneous epileptiform activity by low chloride and high potassium in the hippocampal slice.

Abstract Intracellular recordings from CA3b/c neurons in rat hippocampal slices showed that reduction of the extracellular Cl − concentration from 136 to 53 mM produced a positive (+ 10 mV) shift in the reversal potential of GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). This shift was not significantly different from the shift produced by raising K + from 3.5 to 8.5 mM. Spontaneous interictal bursting occurred in both low Cl − and high K + . Extracellular recordings from the pyramidal cell layer in the CA3b/c region of hippocampal slices showed that bursts in 56 mM Cl − were of the same waveform and intensity as bursts produced by high K + . However the frequency of spontaneous bursting was much lower (6.6 ± 1.2/min, n = 10) in low Cl − compared to high K + (42.2 ± 3.0/min, n = 33). Burst frequency was a linear function of the shift in IPSP reversal potential produced by high K + , but not low Cl − . Replacing 60% of the Cl − with methylsulfate or isethionate was sufficient to produce spontaneous bursting, whereas it was necessary to replace 80% of the Cl − when propionate was used as a substitute. All 3 Cl − substitutes lowered the ionized Ca 2+ concentration, but raising the extracellular Ca 2+ concentration back to normal did not change the burst frequency. Since the amplitude of IPSPs is reduced to a similar extent in low Cl − and high K + solutions, whereas bursting is much faster in high K + , we suggest that impaired GABAergic inhibition is insufficient to fully account for spontaneous interictal bursting that is produced in hippocampal slices by raised extracellular K + .
Spectral and complexity analysis of scalp EEG characteristics for mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) often is an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MCI is characterized by cognitive decline departing from normal cognitive aging but that does not significantly interfere with daily activities. This study explores the potential of scalp EEG for early detection of alterations from cognitively normal status of older adults signifying MCI and AD. Resting 32-channel EEG records from 48 age-matched participants (mean age 75.7 years)-15 normal controls (NC), 16 early MCI, and 17 early stage AD-are examined. Regional spectral and complexity features are computed and used in a support vector machine model to discriminate between groups. Analyses based on three-way classifications demonstrate overall discrimination accuracies of 83.3%, 85.4%, and 79.2% for resting eyes open, counting eyes closed, and resting eyes closed protocols, respectively. These results demonstrate the great promise for scalp EEG spectral and complexity features as noninvasive biomarkers for detection of MCI and early AD.
Amusements in the history of mathematics

ABSTRACT Dr. Gray teaches a one quarter course and Dr. Mena teaches a two semester sequence in the History of Mathematics. Their courses emphasize diversity and multiculturalism. We have developed several activities that engage the students and promote discussion. The following examples are included in this paper: (1) Crossword Puzzle; (2) Date the Event; (3) Quotes Matching; (4) Famous Mathematical Expressions; (5) Calendar Scramble; and (6) Map Puzzle.
Tetany following resuscitation after abruptio placentae.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Serum ionized calcium and magnesium are normally decreased during later stages of pregnancy. A further rapid decline may be caused by the rapid infusion of blood bank products in which citrate is used as an anticoagulant/preservative. Tetany, as reported here, may be precipitated by such infusions. CASE: A gravid woman presented in hemorrhagic shock due to abruptio placentae. Rapid infusion of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma precipitated signs of tetany, muscle rigidity, posturing, high airway pressure during mechanical ventilation, etc. Ionized calcium and magnesium blood levels were very low (0.58 mmol/L and 1.0 mg/dL, respectively), but responded to rapid electrolyte administration. CONCLUSION: Binding of calcium and magnesium by citrate may lead to hypo-ionized calcemic and hypomagnesemic tetany after rapid replacement of blood products in the pregnant patient. This consequence is worsened when extreme alkalemia due to respiratory or metabolic causes is also present.
A millimeter-wave 0.18-μm BiCMOS sub-nanosecond pulse-generator with extremely low RF leakage

An ultra-low-leakage RF pulse generator capable of producing very narrow RF pulses with small rising and falling time for short-range high-resolution radar and high-data-rate communication systems is developed using 0.18-μm BiCMOS technology. The RF pulse generator exhibits an extremely-low RF leakage implementing the RF leaking suppression technique, in which the RF leaking signal is cancelled by combining with its replica using an active balun. In addition, the active balun also amplifies the gated RF pulses hence providing gain for the RF pulse generator. A graphical analysis based on the insertion loss and isolation contours, enabling selection of the optimum sizes for transistors in the series-shunt switches, is also presented. From 31 to 37.1 GHz, the designed RF pulse generator exhibits -1.9 dB (loss) to 1.1 dB (gain) and 14.5-30 dB input return loss. The output return loss is higher than 10 dB from 33 to 35.9 GHz. From 30 to 40 GHz, the isolation is higher than 40 dB and, especially at 34 GHz, the isolation reaches 70 dB. The rising and falling times were measured as 136 ps and 70 ps, respectively. Very narrow RF pulses of 200 ps have been generated. The RF pulse generator consumes a 7.3 mA from a 1.8-V power supply and occupies a chip area of 0.225 mm 2 .
Simulation Usage in Nursing Fundamentals: Integrative Literature Review

Abstract Simulation is a transformational tool for nurse educators as they strive to develop students who are skilled in critical thinking, communication, and psychomotor skills. Implementation of simulation often begins in fundamental nursing courses and is then threaded through entire programs. These courses offer high levels of laboratory access, which focuses on skill development and clinical preparation. This article reviews current evidence as it relates to simulation application in foundational nursing education. Findings from this study affirm the effectiveness of simulation as an educational tool. It promotes cognitive and psychomotor results equivalent to traditional methods with higher levels of faculty satisfaction and critical thinking development.
Chromium picolinate does not improve key features of metabolic syndrome in obese nondiabetic adults.

Abstract Background: The use of chromium-containing dietary supplements is widespread among patients with type 2 diabetes. Chromium's effects in patients at high risk for developing diabetes, espec...
Energy Simulation of Urban Dwellings in Temperate Climates

This paper is primarily intended to determine the importance of specific urban design variables as they might affect the energy demand for heating and cooling of an urban dwelling. Building energy use for heating and cooling is predicted in a range of theoretical urban forms in the climate of Adelaide, Australia. The results show that higher urban densities and deeper street canyons than those based on solar access criteria will not result in a noticeable increase in the residential heating and cooling energy use in temperate climates. A unique aspect of the results is based on quantifying the heat island effect as a counterbalance to reduced solar access in higher density developments.
Electronic structures of linear C4, C6, C8, and C10 carbon clusters and a symmetry breaking phenomenon

Abstract The electronic structures of linear C 4 , C 6 , C 8 , and C 10 carbon clusters are studied using the self-consistent-field (SCF) and single and double configuration interaction (CISD) methods in conjunction with a double-zeta plus polarization basis set. The relative energies of various electronic states and that of two distinct linear geometries, cumulenic and acetylenic, are considered. It is found that the energy difference between the lowest triplet and singlet states of the cumulenic structure and that between the cumulenic and acetylenic structures decrease monotonically as the carbon chain lengthens. For C 8 and C 10 these energy differences are very small. A symmetry breaking phenomenon is observed in the 1 A g component (in D 2h ) of the 1 Δ g singlet state. Its symmetry-adapted, D ∞h symmetric SCF wave function is unstable and the symmetry-broken, D 2h symmetric solution has lower energy.
Microfluidic device for super-fast evaluation of membrane protein crystallization

Membrane proteins embedded in bi-layer lipids of cell membrane have unique functions including inter-cell communication, ions/molecules transport. And there is more than 50% of drug design emphasizes on membrane proteins specifically studying on their structure and formation. Recently we reported the structural and functional studies of membrane protein lipid nanoparticles in native biological membrane. This virus-like nanoparticle formed by a self-assembly crystallization process of membrane protein and lipids is critical to pharmaceutical industrial. These nanoparticles have a variety of potential applications in drug delivery and drug design that can carry specific the membrane protein on aim or release control. The previous studies stay on an inefficient method with a standard dialysis process that has low-throughput, time consumption, and protein sample waste. However, the interdisciplinary cooperation between in biology and Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) has been tremendous developed such as Bio-MEMS and Lab-on-achip technologies. Here we demonstrate a new concept with a high-throughput membraneless microfluidic device to fast produce the reconstitution of membrane protein nanoparticles. The reconstitution process in continuous micro flow dominated by convection-diffusion phenomena in microfluidic channel can be completed in seconds to form protein/lipid particles under multiple conditions applied. The controllable syringe pumps is used to test a combination of conditions rather than using inefficient hand pipette. Moreover this novel microfluidic device can save protein sample consumption down to only nanoliter or picoliter. By using this device, we have an ability to rapidly form uniform membrane protein lipid nanoparticles and we believe this new method will make a transformative impact to commercial applications in variety of areas from biology to pharmacology.
Nonlinear power amplification at the second harmonic in TRAPATT diodes

The letter describes a microstrip-amplifier circuit where both the triggering of the trapped-plasma state and amplification occur at the second harmonic of the fundamental TRAPATT frequency. Peak power output of 24 W and a gain of 6.5 dB have been observed with this amplifier at a frequency of 2.29 GHz.
microRNA Alterations Driving Acute and Late Stages of Radiation-Induced Fibrosis in a Murine Skin Model

Purpose Although ionizing radiation is critical in treating cancer, radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) can have a devastating impact on patients' quality of life. The molecular changes leading to radiation-induced fibrosis must be elucidated so that novel treatments can be designed. Methods and Materials To determine whether microRNAs (miRs) could be responsible for RIF, the fibrotic process was induced in the right hind legs of 9-week old CH3 mice by a single-fraction dose of irradiation to 35 Gy, and the left leg served as an unirradiated control. Fibrosis was quantified by measurements of leg length compared with control leg length. By 120 days after irradiation, the irradiated legs were 20% ( P =.013) shorter on average than were the control legs. Results Tissue analysis was done on muscle, skin, and subcutaneous tissue from irradiated and control legs. Fibrosis was noted on both gross and histologic examination by use of a pentachrome stain. Microarrays were performed at various times after irradiation, including 7 days, 14 days, 50 days, 90 days, and 120 days after irradiation. miR-15a, miR-21, miR-30a, and miR-34a were the miRs with the most significant alteration by array with miR-34a, proving most significant on confirmation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, c-Met, a known effector of fibrosis and downstream molecule of miR-34a, was evaluated by use of 2 cell lines: HCT116 and 1522. The cell lines were exposed to various stressors to induce miR changes, specifically ionizing radiation. Additionally, in vitro transfections with pre-miRs and anti-miRs confirmed the relationship of miR-34a and c-Met. Conclusions Our data demonstrate an inverse relationship with miR-34a and c-Met; the upregulation of miR-34a in RIF causes inhibition of c-Met production. miRs may play a role in RIF; in particular, miR-34a should be investigated as a potential target to prevent or treat this devastating side effect of irradiation.
Effect of cytosine arabinoside on replicon initiation in human lymphoblasts.

Abstract Cytosine arabinoside inhibited DNA synthesis in human lymphoblasts by inhibiting the initiation of DNA replication units. This effect was observed by a decrease in the incorporation of (3H) thymidine into low molecular weight DNA analyzed by velocity sedimentation in alkaline sucrose gradients. In contrast, there was no detectable effect on chain elongation and joining of those molecules that initiated replication before addition of the drug. These data indicate that cytosine arabinoside acts preferentially at the level of initiation of DNA replication rather than chain elongation.
Modes and scaling in aquatic locomotion

Organisms spanning a 10 7 -fold range in length of the body engage in aquatic propulsion—swimming; they do so with several kinds of propulsors and take advantage of several different fluid mechanical mechanisms. A hierarchical classification of swimming modes can impose some order on this complexity. More difficult are the issues surrounding the different kinds of propulsive devices used by different organisms. These issues can be in part exposed by an examination of how speeds and accelerations scale with changes in body length, both for different lineages of swimmers and for all swimmers collectively. Clearly, fluid mechanical factors impose general rules and constraints; just as clearly, these only roughly anticipate actual scaling. Indeed, collections of data on scaling can serve as useful correctives for assumptions about functional mechanisms. They can also reveal size-dependent constraints on biological designs.
Microtubule dynamics: Controlling split ends

The rapid switching between growth and shrinkage at microtubule ends is important for many cellular processes. Recent studies on the structure of the microtubule and on the mechanism of action of the microtubule regulators XKCM1 and OP18 have revealed how these switching events are regulated.
Ethical foundations of the demand-revealing process

This paper examines the merit of the demand-revealing process as a way of making collective decisions. The paper begins with a rationale for utilitarian ethics, and follows with four proposed criteria for evaluating alternative rules: efficiency, equality, wealth certainty, and decision-making cost. Each criterion is then defined and justified in some detail. Next, the demand-revealing process is examined by each criterion. Then the demand-revealing process is compared against three common alternative decision procedures: direct majority rule, representative government by majority rule, and decisions by issue-specializing autocrats in a bureaucracy. In a final section the section the case for the demand-revealing process is summarized.
SU-FF-T-330: Optimal Dose Fractionation Schedules Computed with Different Tumor Reoxygenation Rates

Purpose: We investigate optimal fractionation schedules for radiotherapy of cancer which maximize surviving fraction of normal tissue and tumorcontrol probability (TCP). Optimal fractionation schedules are computed upon assumption of tumor reoxygenation at different rates. Method and Materials: We consider an optimization problem for fractionated radiotherapy where the dose fractions should be optimized to maximize TCP and survival fraction of normal cells surrounding the tumor. We assume that a tumor consists of aerobic cells with normal concentration of oxygen and hypoxic cells with low concentration of oxygen which are resistant to radiotherapy. We utilize a two level population model where only live oxygenated and hypoxic cells are present. Cells disappear from the system when they are killed. It is also assumed that the hypoxic fraction of tumor is oxygenated during the course of treatment. We use a reoxygenation model where a portion of surviving hypoxic cells becomes oxygenated after irradiation with each dose fraction. The cell survival is simulated using the linear‐quadratic (LQ) model. A minimum of the objective function is found using a version of quasi‐Newton algorithm. Results: We have obtained optimized dose schedules which are non‐uniform and reoxygenation rate dependent. Dose fractions are increasing with fraction number if the hypoxic tumor portion becomes reoxygenated. Survival fraction of normal tissue for optimized fractionation schedules is greater by a factor of 2÷3 than the surviving fraction of normal tissue calculated using uniform dose schedules. Conclusions: Numerical results indicate that optimized dose fractionation schedules with variable dose fraction sizes can improve therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy for the tumors which undergo the process of reoxygenation.
Synthesis and Chemosensory Behavior of Anthracene Bisimide Derivatives

Two innovative anthracene bisimides were synthesized and their chemosensory behavior was evaluated. Under neutral or basic conditions, the luminescence of ABI−NH2 was nearly completely quenched via efficient intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (PET). When exposed to acid or acid halides, the luminescence was dramatically enhanced.
Effects of starch on ruminal fermentation and detergent fibre digestion in lambs fed bermudagrass hay

Abstract Twelve cannulated Suffolk wether lambs (30.1 kg) were used in a randomised complete block design experiment to determine the effects of increasing dietary concentrate (corn starch-based) on ruminal digestive kinetics and fermentation characteristics and digestion of bermudagrass hay (BGH) fibre in lambs. Treatments consisted of as-fed concentrate:BGH ratios (C:F) of 10:90, 40:60 and 70:30. Ruminal digestion of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and hemicellulose (HC) declined linearly (P 0.10) by C:F at any digestive site. Integrated pH-hours below pH 6.7 declined linearly (P 0.10) by C:F. Ruminal forage particulate passage rate tended (P = 0.12) to increase with increasing C:F and was correlated with the ruminal digestion of both NDF (r = −0.67, P = 0.023) and HC (r = −0.57, P = 0.063). While virtually all potentially digestible ADF (cellulose) was digested in the rumen, ruminal escape of HC increased with increasing C:F. Data suggest that HC is the cell wall fraction of BGH that is the most sensitive to dietary starch level.
Prognostic value of intravenous dipyridamole thallium scintigraphy after an acute myocardial ischemic event.

Abstract Seventy-seven patients recovering from an acute coronary event were studied by intravenous dipyridamole thallium scintigraphy to evaluate the prognostic value and safety of the test in this patient subset. Forty-four patients (58%) had unstable angina and 33 (42%) had an acute myocardial infarction. One death occurred within 24 hours of testing. Sixty-eight patients were followed for an average of 12 months; 25, 31 and 23% had a fixed, reversible or combined thallium defect on their predischarge thallium scan. During follow-up, 10 patients died or had a nonfatal myocardial infarction; in each case, a reversible or combined myocardial thallium defect was present. Univariate analysis of 17 clinical, scintigraphic and angiographic variables showed that a reversible thallium defect and the angiographically determined extent of coronary artery disease were predictors of future cardiac events. The extent of coronary disease and global left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of subsequent reinfarction or death. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a reversible thallium defect (p
Mid-eclipse brightening of the Galilean satellites

Brinkmann (1973) has suggested that the Galilean satellites might briefly manifest a brightening at mid-eclipse due to a concentration of light refracted into the geometric umbra of Jupiter by the atmosphere around the terminator. Results obtained using two different models of the Jovian atmosphere indicate that such a brightening is unlikely even for Callisto due to the probable aerosol concentration in the Jovian atmosphere at the relevant altitudes.
OP19.09: Isolated mild fetal Pyelectasis and infant outcome

1) Overall survival rates were 78.3% (18/23) in neonates with isolated CDH and 12.5% (1/8) in those with major anomalies. 2) Median GAC score was 5.7 (range 0.2–8.6) in group 1, 7.7 (range 6.1–8.2) in group 2, and 7.6 (range 5.4–12.9) in group 3. Group 1 had significantly lower median GAC score than group 2 (P < 0.05) and group 3 (P < 0.01). 3) In isolated CDH, all 12 neonates with GAC score less than 6 survived. However, the survival rate of neonates with GAC score equal to 7 or more was 42.9% (3/7) (Table).
Microstructural study of as-extruded and heat-treated ribbons of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole)

Ribbons of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBT) prepared by extrusion from methane sulphonic acid solution into acid-water coagulation baths, were examined by electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and small angle X-ray scattering. Electron diffraction patterns and corresponding dark-field images of as-extruded ribbons suggest that the chains are well oriented in the extrusion direction, with laterally-ordered regions averaging 2 nm in width. Upon heat treatment, the equatorial reflections sharpen and dark-field imaging indicates an increase in lateral order to about 15 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering patterns show very little scattered intensity except for strong equatorial scattering attributed to voids elongated parallel to the extrusion direction. The absence of distinct crystalline images in 0 0l dark-field is supporting evidence for axial shift of the molecules along the chain axis, as suggested by previous diffraction studies.
Elastic interactions of defects on (111) Au surfaces.

We report on the results of molecular-dynamic simulations of vacancy and vacancy-step interactions on a (111) Au surface. Near the vacancy the strain field decays as ${\mathit{r}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{n}}$ with n\ensuremath{\sim}2 and the dilatational strain undergoes a rapid oscillatory decay to zero at a distance of 1 nm from the vacancy. This result suggests that there is no direct long-range elastic interaction between vacancies on this surface. The elastic interaction between a vacancy and a step only becomes significant at separations of less than \ensuremath{\sim}1 nm and is controlled by a mixing of the oscillatory pressure field of the step with the dilatational field of the vacancy. Our calculations indicate that a vacancy on the upper portion of a terrace associated with a step has to overcome an energy barrier of \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 eV in order for vacancy annihilation to occur at the step edge.
Regeneration of resected and crossed sciatic nerves in parabiotic rats.

strength of hand preference is approximately equal, and that the proportion of rightand left-handedness is similar in the two species. Finch's more elaborate technique probably provided a more valid measure of hand preference than that of the present study, but there appears to be little evidence for assuming any significant difference in the degree of lateral dominance found in the rhesus monkey and the chimpanzee in so far as the experiments provided accurate measures of handedness in the two species. Kounin (3) has criticized observations of the hand used for picking up food as a test of handedness, since 'unnoticeable posturing and situational expediencies" render this task too unreliable for demonstrating the existence of handedness in monkeys. The results of the present investigation, however, suggest that Kounin's Xconclusion, based on very small samples, may perhaps have been prematurely pessimistic.
Production of the weanling rat dorsomedial hypothalamic syndrome by cathodal electrolytic lesion current.

Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral electrolytic lesions in the dorsomedial hypothalamic area by means of a direct cathodal current. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Ponderal and linear growth, obesity index, food intake, and several indices of intermediary metabolims of adipose tissue and muscle were measured. Cathodal lesions, as did anodal lesions reported on previously, resulted in retardation of body weight, length, and food intake, while the obesity index remained in the normal range. Similarly, the metabolic data in adipose tissue and muscle are comparable to those from experiments in which dorsomedial lesions were placed by anodal current: incorporation of glucose into CO2, lipid, and glycogen of muscle tissue (diaphragm) were similar in DMN-lesioned rats and controls. The difference between anodal and cathodal lesions in this hypothalamic syndrome is a delay in the onset of hypophagia until about 30 days after the hypothalamic operation. The data support the concept that lesions in the hypothalamus, in general, exert their effect by destruction of neuronal assemblies, i.e., nerve cells and/or fiber tracts passing through the lesioned area.
A study of hydrocarbon dissociation in a microwave induced plasma sustained in Ar gas

Abstract The dissociation processes occurring for a simple hydrocarbon introduced into a microwave induced plasma are characterized in terms of an equilibrium model. The plasma is sustained in Ar using a TM010 resonant cavity operating at 2.45 GHz. Propane was used as the test hydrocarbon. It has a relatively simple molecular structure and can easily be introduced into the plasma in the gas phase, which requires that the plasma only uses energy to dissociate and excite emission from the sample constituents. The dissociation of propane was studied by measuring emission from C and C2 at different spatial positions in the plasma and as a function of the amount of analyte introduced. The emission intensities are converted to number densities of each species using a combination of instrumental calibration factors obtained from photon counting and monochromator grating efficiency. An equilibrium constant expression for the dissociation of C2 to C is calculated for both the side-on and end-on viewing of the plasma. The effect of contaminant water vapor and N2 on the formation of C and C2 is discussed. Analysis of equilibrium constant data shows that the chemical reactions involving carbon occurring in the plasma are not in equilibrium. Rather these processes are better characterized as occurring under steady state conditions in which the emission measurements are made prior to C and C2 reaching their equilibrium concentrations. Equilibrium is precluded by gas flow turbulence and energy gradients in the plasma.
A new polysulfide chelate, (NH4)3RhS15

Abstract The new polysulfide chelate, (NH 4 ) 3 Rh(S 5 ) 3 , has been synthesised and found to be unusually sensitive to solvents.
Oscillations in high-order finite difference solutions of stiff problems on non-uniform grids

This work investigates the mitigation and elimination of scheme-related oscillations generated in compact and classical fourth-order finite difference solutions of stiff problems, represented here by the Burgers and Reynolds equations. The regions where severe gradients are anticipated are refined by the use of subdomains where the grid is distributed according to a geometric progression. It is observed that, for multi-domain solutions, both the classical and compact fourth-order finite difference schemes can exhibit spurious oscillations. When present, the oscillations are initially generated around the interface between the uniform and non-uniform grid subdomains. Based on a thorough study of the grid distribution effects, it is shown that the numerical oscillations are caused by inadequate geometric progression ratios within the non-uniformly discretized subdomains. Indeed, accurate solutions are obtainable if and only if the grid ratios in the non-uniform subdomains are greater than a critical threshold ratio. It is concluded that high-order classical and compact schemes can be used with confidence to efficiently solve one- or two-dimensional problems whose solutions exhibit sharp gradients in very thin regions, provided that the numerically generated oscillations are eliminated by an appropriate choice of grid distribution within the non-uniformly discretized subdomains. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A micromechanical continuum model for the tensile behavior of shape memory metal nanowires

Abstract We have previously discovered a novel shape memory effect and pseudoelastic behavior in single-crystalline face-centered-cubic metal (Cu, Ni, and Au) nanowires. Under tensile loading and unloading, these wires can undergo recoverable elongations of up to 50%, well beyond the recoverable strains of 5–8% typical for most bulk shape memory alloys. This phenomenon only exists at the nanoscale and is associated with a reversible lattice reorientation driven by the high surface-stress-induced internal stresses. We present here a micromechanical continuum model for the unique tensile behavior of these nanowires. Based on the first law of thermodynamics, this model decomposes the lattice reorientation process into two parts: a reversible, smooth transition between a series of phase-equilibrium states and a superimposed irreversible, dissipative twin boundary propagation process. The reversible part is modeled within the framework of strain energy functions with multiple local minima. The irreversible, dissipative nature of the twin boundary propagation is due to the ruggedness of strain energy curves associated with dislocation nucleation, glide, and annihilation. The model captures the major characteristics of the unique behavior due to lattice reorientation and accounts for the size and temperature effects, yielding results that are in excellent agreement with the results of molecular dynamics simulations.
Bioactive iridoids and a new lignan from Allamanda cathartica and Himatanthus fallax from the Suriname rainforest.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of both Allamanda cathartica and Himatanthus fallax (Apocynaceae) using the Sc-7 yeast strain resulted in the isolation of the weakly cytotoxic isoplumericin and plumericin. In addition, the new lignan 7(R)-methoxy-8-epi-matairesinol and three known compounds, plumieride, matairesinol, and pinoresinol, were isolated from H. fallax.
The Functional Consequences of HCM Troponin C Mutations in the Regulation of Slow Skeletal Muscle Contraction

The cardiac troponin C (cTnC) subunit of the troponin complex is expressed in both slow skeletal and cardiac muscle. Therefore, investigating the effects of cTnC mutations associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in slow skeletal muscle may reveal new insights into the mechanisms underlying cardiomyopathies. Glycerol SDS-PAGE analysis was performed on rabbit soleus muscle in order to determine the amount of slow myosin heavy chain type I (MHC I) present and its ratio to other myosin isotypes. The results show that the entire rabbit soleus muscle consists of MHC-1 slow type fibers; thereby, making it possible to use rabbit soleus muscle as a model system for slow skeletal muscle experiments. In order to determine the effects of TnC mutations on the Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction in skinned slow muscle fibers, native TnC was extracted and reconstituted with WT or mutant TnCs. The A8V, E134D, D145E and C84Y cTnC mutants were all tested and C84Y-cTnC was the only mutant that increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of force development in both the skinned cardiac and slow skeletal fibers. Additionally, none of the mutants affected the restored maximal force in the soleus fibers. The absence of a phenotype arising from most of the mutants in the soleus muscle suggests that the aberrant effects of cardiomyopathic cTnCs may be tissue specific, such that other proteins present in slow skeletal muscle may potentially rescue the deleterious effects of the mutations. In the next set of experiments we will determine if these mutations alter the energetics of crossbridges by evaluating the Actomyosin ATPase activities of soleus myofibrils that have their native TnC extracted and reconstituted with recombinant mutant cTnCs. Supported by J&E King 1KD03-33923 (DD), NIH R01-HL42325 (JDP) and NIH 1K99HL103840-01 (JRP).
Commitment and attunement

Heidegger’s view of attunement, and evolutionary theories of emotion, would appear to be wholly independent accounts of affects. This paper argues that we can understand the phenomenology of attunement and the evolutionary functionalist theory of emotions as distinct perspectives on those same emotions. The reason that the two perspectives are distinct is that some affects can act as commitment mechanisms, and this requires them to be experienced in a way that obscures their ultimate functional role. These perspectives are potentially mutually consistent, however, and being aware of both may provide insight for productive research programs. Although there are conflicts between the methods and background assumptions of these two approaches, I argue that we should allow these conflicts to stand if the outcome of interaction is productive.
Biting the bayesian bullet: Zeckhauser's problem

A troubling challenge to the basic principles of Bayesian decision theory is analyzed as a case where irrationality is no intellectual flaw but a characterological one, i.e., not stupidity but funk.
Non-classical antimetabolites—VIII. The bridge principle of specificity with exo-alkylating irreversible inhibitors☆

Five additional compounds related to the exo-alkylating irreversible inhibitor, 4-(iodoacetamido)salycylic acid (I), have been investigated as irreversible inhibitors of GDH and LDH. All five compounds reversibly inhibited and three irreversibly inhibited both enzymes. N-methyl-4-(iodoiacetamido)salicylic acid (II) inhibited LDH irreversibly, but not GDH. In contrast m-(iodoacetamido)-oxanilic acid irreversibly inhibited GDH, but not LDH. These differences are attributed to the bridge principle of specificity.
Prior and current health characteristics of postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy users compared with nonusers.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate whether selection of healthy women for postmenopausal estrogen therapy may confound observational studies of estrogen use and cardiovascular disease risk. STUDY DESIGN: Data were obtained from baseline (1981 to 1984) and follow-up (1990 to 1992) health surveys of two cohorts randomly selected from communities in southeastern New England. At follow-up postmenopausal women ≥40 years old were catagorized as current users ( n = 70) or nonusers ( n = 772) of noncontraceptive estrogens. Users and nonusers were compared on both prior characteristics from the baseline surveys and current characteristics measured at follow-up by use of analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Prior levels of total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure were similar for estrogen users and nonusers. Estrogen users were less likely to have smoked and more likely to have had their cholesterol checked and to exercise regularly. These differences were more pronounced for current characteristics than for baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of healthy women for treatment may not fully explain the apparent protective effect of estrogen replacement on cardiovascular risk. However, more healthy profiles among estrogen users may inflate the apparent benefit of treatment in observational studies.
Isolation and characterization of an estrogen-regulated ribosome-associated inactivator of tRNA aminoacylation in the uterus.

Abstract Estradiol (E 2 ) induces an increase in the peptide elongation rate of isolated uterine ribosomes assayed in a cell-free protein synthesis system. An inhibitory factor, extracted from ribosomes of E 2 -deprived rats, was found to inhibit the peptide elongation reaction by acting on certain tRNAs to render them incapable of binding to aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, thus reducing the availability of specific aminoacylated tRNAs required for the sequential translation of the codons in mRNA. The uterine ribosome-associated tRNA inactivator (RATI) has been partially purified and monoclonal antibodies (MABs) to RATI have been prepared. Specificity of the MABs for RATI was indicated by the inactivation of RATI in vitro by the anti-RATI MABs. RATI selectively inactivates deacylated, but not acylated, tRNAs and the inactivation does not appear to involve nuclease cleavage of the tRNA. Within 1 h after E 2 treatment 50% of both RATI activity and immunoreactivity were lost from the uterine ribosome extracts, suggesting that E 2 regulation of tRNA reutilization may occur through dissociation of RATI from the ribosomal site of tRNA deacylation or alteration in the structure of RATI resulting in inactivation both biologically and immunologically. We propose that RATI may function as an E 2 -regulatable ‘witch’ mechanism which inactivates, delays or defers the aminoacylation of certain tRNAs in the absence of E 2 and which participates in the regulation of protein synthesis at the translational level by creating rate-limiting levels of certain tRNAs in the E 2 -deprived uterus.
Telomere Shortening Is an in Vivo Marker of Myocyte Replication and Aging

To determine whether adult cardiac myocytes are capable of multiple divisions and whether this form of growth is restricted to a subpopulation of cells that retain this capacity with age, telomere lengths were measured in myocyte nuclei isolated from the left ventricle of fetal and neonatal Fischer 344 rats and rats at 4, 12, and 27 months after birth. Two independent methodologies were used for this analysis: laser scanning cytometer and confocal microscopy. In each case, fluorescence intensity of a peptide nucleic acid probe specific for telomeric sequence was evaluated. The two techniques yielded comparable results. Telomeric shortening increased with age in a subgroup of myocytes that constituted 16% of the entire cell population. In the remaining nondividing cells, progressive accumulation of a senescent associated nuclear protein, p16 INK4 , was evidenced. In conclusion, a significant fraction of myocytes divides repeatedly from birth to senescence, counteracting the continuous death of cells in the aging mammalian rat heart.
Virucidal properties of metal oxide nanoparticles and their halogen adducts

Selected metal oxide nanoparticles are capable of strongly adsorbing large amounts of halogens (Cl2, Br, I2) and mixed halogens. These solid adducts are relatively stable thermally, and they can be stored for long periods. However, in the open environment, they are potent biocides. Herein are described studies with a number of bacteriophage MS2, φX174, and PRD-1 (virus examples). PRD-1 is generally more resistant to chemical disinfection, but in this paper it is shown to be very susceptible to selected interhalogen and iodine adducts of CeO2, Al2O3, and TiO2 nanoparticles. Overall, the halogen adducts of TiO2 and Al2O3 were most effective. The mechanism of disinfection by these nanoparticles is not completely clear, but could include abrasive properties, as well as oxidative powers. A hypothesis that nanoparticles damage virons or stick to them and prevent binding to the host cell is a consideration that needs to be explored. Herein are reported comparative biocidal activities of a series of adducts and electron microscope images of before and after treatment.
Shear‐induced coalescence in two‐phase polymeric systems. I. Determination from small‐angle neutron scattering measurements

It has been found that flow-induced coalescence occurs at a very rapid rate during the mixing of polymeric fluids. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the dispersed and continuous phases, as well as the nature of the flow field used in their blending, can greatly influence this coalescence. The significance of these findings is that in the development of a mixing scheme to obtain a desired morphology with minimum expenditure of time or energy, attention is usually focused only on the particle breakup aspects of the blending process. The competing coalescence can, however, be accelerated by the same conditions often employed to facilitate particle breakup (e.g., higher shear rates, reduced dispersed-phase viscosity). A better understanding of the mechanism for coalescence of viscoelastic fluids is clearly required. In this manner optimal blending of immiscible polymers can be achieved with respect to both the nature of the final material and the ease with which it is obtained.
A simple method of measuring tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance on MRI: description of a novel and reliable technique.

Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance is a variable that helps guide surgical decision-making in patients with patellar instability. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and reliability of an MRI TT–TG measuring technique using a simple external alignment method to a previously validated gold standard technique that requires advanced software read by radiologists. TT–TG was calculated by MRI on 59 knees with a clinical diagnosis of patellar instability in a blinded and randomized fashion by two musculoskeletal radiologists using advanced software and by two orthopaedists using the study technique which utilizes measurements taken on a simple electronic imaging platform. Interrater reliability between the two radiologists and the two orthopaedists and intermethods reliability between the two techniques were calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). ICC and CCC values greater than 0.75 were considered to represent excellent agreement. The mean TT–TG distance was 14.7 mm (Standard Deviation (SD) 4.87 mm) and 15.4 mm (SD 5.41) as measured by the radiologists and orthopaedists, respectively. Excellent interobserver agreement was noted between the radiologists (ICC 0.941; CCC 0.941), the orthopaedists (ICC 0.978; CCC 0.976), and the two techniques (ICC 0.941; CCC 0.933). The simple TT–TG distance measurement technique analysed in this study resulted in excellent agreement and reliability as compared to the gold standard technique. This method can predictably be performed by orthopaedic surgeons without advanced radiologic software. II.
Estrogen Receptors Alpha (ESR1) and Beta (ESR2) Are Expressed in Circulating Human Lymphocytes

Bone marrow thymocytes in part mediate the bone-preserving effects of estrogen by decreasing their production of osteoclast growth factors such as interleukin-1 and -6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the presence of physiological amounts of estradiol. Although several in vitro studies implicate the T-lymphocyte as a candidate mediator of estrogen signaling in the skeleton, whether these cells or any lymphocytes ordinarily express one or both nuclear estrogen receptors was previously unresolved. The purpose of our investigation was therefore to ascertain, by using real-time PCR, immmunoblotting, and cytometric techniques, if any of the nuclear estrogen receptors could be detected in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) collected from healthy volunteers. The results of immunoblotting experiments revealed that both estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and beta (ESR2) proteins are expressed in nuclei, but not in the cytoplasm of PBMNC harvested from all of the 15 healthy male and female volunteers (aged 23-50 years) we tested. PBMNCs contained mRNA coding for the two major full-length isoforms of ESR2 and the expression of ESR2 protein was localized within a lymphocyte subpopulation by cytometric analysis. Our data provide further evidence that lymphocytes and monocytes are responsive to estrogen and underscore its importance in modulating the immune response, as well as the vascular and skeletal health of men and women.
Analysis of SiC BJT RBSOA

The reverse biased safe operating area (RBSOA) of 1200V SiC BJT has been systematically analyzed by numerical simulation and experiments for the first time and compared with those for Si BJT. A square RBSOA of SiC BJT is predicted and verified by experiments. Our experiment results show that the SiC BJT can safely turn off 1100V, 67A (2990A/cm2 ), corresponding to 3.7 MW/cm peak turn-off power density. This is an extremely high power density indicating that no early "second breakdown" occurs
Invivo inhibition of thromboxane synthetase in infarcted canine myocardium

Abstract The in vivo effectiveness of the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor OKY-1581 was tested in normal and infarcted canine myocardium. A rapid in vitro assay was developed which permits an accurate assessment of the status of the tissue thromboxane synthetase at the time of sacrifice. Reperfused infarcts were created by two hours of coronary artery occlusion followed by release of occlusion and three days of recovery. OKY-1581 was infused at 100 μg/kg/min for 15 minutes, a dose previously found to cause an 85% inhibition of canine platelet thromboxane synthetase in vivo . The heart was rapidly excised and transmural tissue plugs of infarcted and normal areas were obtained. These were incubated for 5 minutes with prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH2) in phosphate buffer. Thromboxane production was inhibited from 16 ± 1 ng TxB2 per tissue plug to 5 ± 1 in normal myocardium and from 27 ± 5 to 6 ± 1 in infarcted areas of myocardium. Control incubations showed no further inhibition with the in vitro addition of 20 μg/ml OKY-1581, confirming the completeness of in vivo inhibition. Thus significant inhibition of thromboxane synthetase by intravenous OKY-1581 occurs even in a reperfused zone of infarction.
The Rotten Barrel Spoils the Apples: How Situational Factors Contribute to Detention Officer Abuse Toward Inmates A Review of The Lucifer Effect, by Philip Zimbardo

This article reviews The Lucifer Effect, a fascinating and incisive book by Phillip Zimbardo, a professor emeritus at Stanford University. The book is a multilayered and compelling treatise about t...
Evaluation of Medium Access Technologies for Next Generation Millimeter-Wave WLAN and WPAN

The wide harmonized spectrum in the unlicensed millimeter-wave (60 GHz) band has been receiving increased attention, since it enables multi-Gbps data rates suitable for applications of next generation WLAN and WPAN such as wireless display, high-speed device synchronization, and the evolution of Wi-Fi. As such, the industry is in the process of defining new 60 GHz PHY and MAC technologies that can serve a wide variety of applications and usages, as to avoid the proliferation of non-coexistent devices operating in this unoccupied spectrum. Therefore, in this paper we discuss the challenges and trade-offs with three of the most "popular" medium access schemes, namely, CSMA/CA, TDMA, and polling, in meeting the diverse requirements of the applications and usages envisioned for the 60 GHz band. We also analyze the throughput performance of each access technology and discuss a hybrid MAC that takes advantage of each access mechanism to meet the requirements of the envisioned usages and applications of 60 GHz WLAN and WPAN.