cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of continuous fiber ceramic composites using a combination of steric-stabilization and depletion-flocculation phenomena

A combination of depletion-flocculation and steric-stabilization phenomena has been used in the preparation of highly fluid, concentrated suspensions. Both of these characteristics are beneficial for the fabrication of fiber-reinforced composite materials formed by infiltration of single- and multiple-ply fiber weaves by suspension. To illustrate this processing approach, suspensions of submicron silicon particles in cyclohexane were prepared via the depletion-steric method. These suspensions were used to infiltrate weaves of five different types of ceramic fibers. Scanning electron micrographs of the fired composites indicate the high density and uniformity of the infiltration achieved using this approach.
Sollbruchstelle: Deep Uncertainty and the Design of Monetary Institutions

Sollbruchstelle: this German engineering term translates as ‘part that is supposed to break down’. It stands for that part of a machine that is deliberately designed to be weaker, and less costly, than other parts of the machine so that it, rather than the more expensive parts, takes the hit when the machine comes under stress. A breakdown thus comes with little collateral damage and is fixed quickly and at low cost. ??This paper applies the idea of Sollbruchstelle to the design of fiat monetary institutions. Well-designed institutions are credibly committed to follow a sound monetary policy. But they are also flexible in the face of deep uncertainty. They respond to novel economic and social developments as well as shifting understandings of the way the macroeconomy works. When necessary, they accommodate political pressures, renege on promises, and change their institutional stripes. As they become obsolete, they go gently into that good night – and if they must break down, they do so forgivingly.
Training of Geologists: ABSTRACT

How can geology attract and train the best high-school graduates? The competition for potential leaders in science is keener than ever. Geology obtains a small part of the good science students, but needs to be better known in high schools. High-school and undergraduate college training should enable a student to assume a responsible place as a citizen. Ideally he should have breadth of training, he should write well, and he should have a core of solid knowledge upon which to build in future years. Four years are insufficient for adequate training of a geologist for independent work. At least a fifth year of concentrated study in his specialty is necessary. For research and teaching the student needs to obtain a doctorate degree. Geology, more so than the exact sciences and engineering, requires careful weighing of sometimes tenuous evidence. Small classes and close contact with experienced men are recommended. Successful geologists must be enthusiastic about their science, and their moral integrity must be unquestioned. They must also have ideas and imagination, and possess the courage and drive to implement these ideas. Industry is becoming increasingly aware of the need to support higher education. Many ways of extending such help exist. End_of_Article - Last_Page 357------------
Downfield 1H NMR shifts induced by electron-rich substituents

The 1H NMR signal due to the peri proton H-5 in imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines exhibits large downfield shifts when the 3-position bears a substituent (−XY) containing an electron-rich atom (Y) two bonds removed from C-3. Such shifts are observed not only when the ring electron density can be decreased by resonance interaction [from −1.29 to −1.87 ppm for 3-COR, 3-(2′-quinoxalyl) and 3-No in CDCl3], but also when electron withdrawal must be minimal: −1.10 ppm when X is an sp3 center [3-CH(OH)CCl3 in CDCl3], −1.0 ppm when the 3-substituent is negatively charged (3-CO2−Na+ in D2O), and −1.32 to −1.46 ppm when the ring system is protonated (3-COR and 3-NO2 in TFAA). The effect is largest in those compounds for which orientation of lone-pair electrons on atom Y toward H-5 can be invoked. The desielding is attributed primarily to a through-space electric field effect.
Mechanism of generation of volatile hydrides of trace elements by aqueous tetrahydroborate(III). Mass spectrometric studies on reaction products and intermediates.

The mechanism of generation of volatile metal/metalloid hydrides by derivatization with borane complexes is presented. This reaction has been employed for ultratrace element analysis since 1972 and...
Particle balance in a TFTR supershot

Particle balance in a TFTR supershot is studied self-consistently. The TRANSP analysis code is used to model plasma parameters within the last closed flux surface, deriving time-dependent plasma profiles from measurements. The poloidal flux surfaces are derived using TRANSP and an equivalent-filament analysis code which distributes axisymmetric currents to match measurements of the poloidal field and flux and the total plasma current. The plasma in the edge and scrape off regions are modeled during a relatively steady state phase of the neutral beam injection using the B2 code which calculates plasma profiles in 2 dimensions. The recycled hydrogenic neutrals from the limiter are modeled with the DEGAS neutrals code. The recycling rates within the last closed flux surface are input into TRANSP. The edge and scrape off modeling results are compared with those from TRANSP in the main plasma and with measurements of the D{sub {alpha}} emission and thermocouple measurements of temperature increases in the inner limiter. The recycling coefficients at the last closed flux surface and at the limiter are discussed.
Ion transport restriction in mechanically strained separator membranes

Abstract We use AC impedance methods to investigate the effect of mechanical deformation on ion transport in commercial separator membranes and lithium-ion cells as a whole. A Bruggeman type power law relationship is found to provide an accurate correlation between porosity and tortuosity of deformed separators, which allows the impedance of a separator membrane to be predicted as a function of deformation. By using mechanical compression to vary the porosity of the separator membranes during impedance measurements it is possible to determine both the α and γ parameters from the modified Bruggeman relation for individual separator membranes. From impedance testing of compressed pouch cells it is found that separator deformation accounts for the majority of the transport restrictions arising from compressive stress in a lithium-ion cell. Finally, a charge state dependent increase in the impedance associated with charge transfer is observed with increasing cell compression.
Neurons that co-localize aromatase- and kisspeptin-like immunoreactivity may regulate the HPG axis of the Mallard drake (Anas platyrhynchos)

Kisspeptin is a potent regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. The activation of several vernal and pubertal behaviors involves the action of locally synthesized estradiol by hypothalamic aromatase-expressing neurons. Little is known about kisspeptin in non-mammalian systems, and its interaction with aromatase remains unexamined. The Mallard drake is a seasonal breeder and an excellent model for studying the neural mechanisms that regulate the HPG. The goals of these studies were to determine (a) if and how kisspeptin regulates the drake HPG, (b) if kisspeptin and aromatase are expressed in the Mallard brain, and (c) if kisspeptin is co-localized or in apposition with, aromatase- and gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) positive neurons. Central kisspeptin administration increased plasma luteinizing hormone, an effect blocked by pretreatment with the GnRH antagonist, acyline, suggesting a conservation of kisspeptin function and mechanism of action in birds and mammals. The distribution of kisspeptin in the mallard brain was examined with immunocytochemistry (ICC). Neurons that express kisspeptin-like immunoreactive (ir) protein were observed in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and in ir fibers throughout the drake brain. Virtually all POM kisspeptin-ir soma also expressed aromatase-ir, suggesting that autocrine mechanisms may predominate in the interaction between steroid provision and kisspeptin expression. No co-localization was observed between KP-ir and GnRH-ir, although both were easily detected in close-proximity in the tuberoinfundibular area. Taken together, these data suggest that in the drake, estradiol synthesized by aromatase and kisspeptin co-expressing POM neurons may regulate the HPG via an effect on GnRH secretion.
Ion-beam-induced densification of zirconia sol-gel thin films

Densification of sol–gel zirconia films was achieved using ion implantation instead of conventional heat treatment. Densification was observed with Xe+-ion doses as low as 1014 ions/cm2. Ion implantation resulted in hydrogen and carbon losses as measured by forward recoil elastic spectrometry (FRES) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) using 12C(α,α)12C resonance, respectively. The density and chemical composition of the highest-dose implanted sol–gel films were comparable with those obtained by high-temperature sintering. The chemical and microstructural modifications in the films were attributed to both electronic interactions and nuclear collisions between the Xe+ ions and the target atoms.
Web-Exclusive Articles in Traditionally Print Periodicals

This article examines the phenomenon of Web-exclusive articles offered by traditionally print periodicals and provides examples of various types of periodicals with inconsistent contents between their Web and print editions. The author discusses citation issues that confuse users and librarians with inconsistencies and lack of standards in coverage of Web-exclusive articles in full-text databases and by publishers. These inconsistencies cause difficulties in retrieving, archiving, and OpenURL linking to Web-exclusive articles.
Properties of Riesz fractional derivatives for Korteweg–de Vries solitons

Riesz fractional derivatives are defined as fractional powers of the Laplacian, Dα = (−Δ)α/2 for \({\alpha \in \mathbb{R}}\). For the soliton solution of the Korteweg–de Vries equation, u0(X) with X = x − 4t, these derivatives, uα(X) = Dαu0(X), and their Hilbert transforms, vα(X) = −HDαu0(X), can be expressed in terms of the full range Hurwitz Zeta functions ζ+(s, a) and ζ−(s, a), respectively. New properties are established for uα(X) and vα(X). It is proved that the functions wα(X) = uα(X) + ivα(X) with α > −1 are solutions of the differential equation $$-\frac{\rm d}{{\rm d}X}\left(P_{\alpha}(X)\frac{{\rm d}w}{{\rm d}X}\right)+Q_{\alpha}(X)w = \lambda\rho_{\alpha}(X)w,\qquad X \in \mathbb{R},$$ for λ = 1. Here Pα(X), ρα(X) > 0 and Qα(X) is real. The Wronskian W[uα, vα] is proved to be positive for all α > −1 and \({X \in \mathbb{R}}\). An estimate is given of the number of zeros of uα(X) and vα(X) on any finite interval. The fact that W[uα, vα] > 0 leads to a new inequality for the Hurwitz Zeta functions.
Protein Kinase C ε–Src Modules Direct Signal Transduction in Nitric Oxide–Induced Cardioprotection: Complex Formation as a Means for Cardioprotective Signaling

An essential role for protein kinase C epsilon (PKCepsilon) has been shown in multiple forms of cardioprotection; however, there is a distinct paucity of information concerning the signaling architecture that is responsible for the manifestation of a protective phenotype. We and others have recently shown that signal transduction may proceed via the formation of signaling complexes (Circ Res. 2001;88:59-62). In order to understand if the assembly of multiprotein complexes is the manner by which signaling is conducted in cardioprotection, we designed a series of experiments to characterize the associations of Src tyrosine kinase with PKCepsilon in a conscious rabbit model of nitric oxide (NO)-induced late preconditioning. Our data demonstrate that PKCepsilon and Src can form functional signaling modules in vitro: PKCepsilon interacts with Src; the association with PKCepsilon activates Src; and adult cardiac cells receiving recombinant adenoviruses encoding PKCepsilon exhibit increased Src activity. Furthermore, our results show that NO-induced late preconditioning involved PKCepsilon-Src module formation and enhanced the enzymatic activity of PKCepsilon-associated Src. Inhibition of PKC blocked cardioprotection, module formation, and PKCepsilon-associated Src activity, providing direct evidence for a functional role of the PKCepsilon-Src module in the orchestration of NO-induced cardioprotection in conscious rabbits.
VARIATION IN BIOGEOCHEMISTRY AND SOIL BIODIVERSITY ACROSS SPATIAL SCALES IN A POLAR DESERT ECOSYSTEM

Desert ecosystems are characterized by distinct spatial patterning in soil biogeochemistry and biodiversity. In the Antarctic Dry Valleys, soil polygons are prominent features of the landscape and may be key units for scaling local ecological information to the greater region. We examined polygon soils in each of the three basins of Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Our objectives were to characterize variability in soil biogeochemistry and biodiversity at local to regional scales, and to test the influence of soil properties upon invertebrate communities. We found that soil biogeochemical properties and biodiversity vary over multiple spatial scales from fine ( 10 km) scales. Differences in biogeochemistry were most pronounced at broad scales among the major lake basins of Taylor Valley corresponding to differences in geology and microclimate, while variation in invertebrate biodiversity and abundance occurred at landscape scales of 10–500 m, and within individual soil polygons. Variation in biogeochemistry and invertebrate communities across these scales reflects the influence of physical processes and landscape development over ecosystem structure in the dry valleys. The development of soil polygons influences the spatial patterning of soil properties such as soil organic matter, salinity, moisture, and invertebrate habitat suitability. Nematode abundance and life history data indicate that polygon interiors are more suitable habitats than soils in the troughs at the edges of polygons. These data suggest that physical processes (i.e., polygon development) and biogeochemistry are important influences on the spatial variability of biotic communities in dry valley soil ecosystems.
A self-powered static-strain sensor based on differential linear piezo-floating-gate injectors

In this paper we describe a self-powered micro-sensor that can be used for embedded measurement of static-strain. At the core of the proposed design is a linear floating-gate injector that can achieve more than 13 bits of precision in sensing, signal integration and non-volatile storage. The injectors are self-powered by piezoelectric transducers which convert mechanical energy due to strain-variations into electrical energy. A differential injector topology is then used to measure static-strain by integrating the difference between the signal energy generated during the positive and negative strain-cycles. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept using measurement results obtained from prototypes fabricated in a 0.5-µm standard CMOS process.
Amyloid-β peptide induces temporal membrane biphasic changes in astrocytes through cytosolic phospholipase A2

Abstract Oligomeric amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is known to induce cytotoxic effects and to damage cell functions in Alzheimer's disease. However, mechanisms underlying the effects of Aβ on cell membranes have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, Aβ 1–42 (Aβ42) was shown to cause a temporal biphasic change in membranes of astrocytic DITNC cells using fluorescence microscopy of Laurdan. Aβ42 made astrocyte membranes became more molecularly-disordered within the first 30 min to 1 h, but gradually changed to more molecularly-ordered after 3 h. However, Aβ42 caused artificial membranes of vesicles made of rat whole brain lipid extract to become more disordered only. The trend for more molecularly-ordered membranes in astrocytes induced by Aβ42 was abrogated by either an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, or an inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), but not by an inhibitor of calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2). Apocynin also suppressed the increased production of superoxide anions (O2−) and phosphorylation of cPLA2 induced by Aβ42. In addition, hydrolyzed products of cPLA2, arachidonic acid (AA), but not lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) caused astrocyte membranes to become more molecularly-ordered. These results suggest (1) a direct interaction of Aβ42 with cell membranes making them more molecularly-disordered, and (2) Aβ42 also indirectly makes membranes become more molecularly-ordered by triggering the signaling pathway involving NADPH oxidase and cPLA2 in astrocytes.
Empirically eliciting complementarities in capabilities: integrating quasi-experimental and panel data methodologies

Resource-based researchers are finding considerable support for the association between the creation and application of organizational capabilities and competitive advantage. However, measuring organizational capabilities presents empirical researchers with substantial difficulties. This study proposes quasi-experimental research design and panel data estimation techniques for future empirical work on capabilities: this approach takes advantage of more easily measured resources transferred in the strategic factor market to elicit what otherwise would be unknowable capabilities. This approach also allows researchers to uncover how, when building organizational capabilities through factor market resource acquisitions, firms differ significantly in their ability to leverage tangible and intangible complementary resources to enhance the operational performance of acquired resources. This empirical approach is illustrated through an investigation of the US international airline industry from 1983 to 1992, duri...
Incorporation of [14C]glucose into the tunic of the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis (linnaeus)

The tunic of Ciona intestinalis contains tunicin fibers, blood cells, and a mucopolysaccharide ground substance. [14C]Glucose is rapidly taken up by the epidermal cells of the body wall underlying the tunic. Radioactivity is incorporated into the tunic, eventually becoming uniformly distributed throughout this structure during the 21-day postlabeling period. This labeled material is easily removed by mild acid hydrolysis, a procedure that separates the ground substance and most protein from the tunic. We conclude that the majority of the [14C] glucose is utilized by the epidermal cells in the production of the mucopolysaccharide of the ground substance. Some label remains associated with the tunic residue even after extensive acid hydrolysis, however, indicating that only a small amount of the labeled glucose may be incorporated into the tunicin fibers themselves.
The effects of purchasing alcohol and marijuana among adolescents at-risk for future substance use.

Background: Among high-risk youth, those who may be at increased risk for adverse alcohol and other drug (AOD) use outcomes may benefit from targeted prevention efforts; how youth acquire AOD may provide an objective means of identifying youth at elevated risk. Methods: We assessed how youth acquired alcohol and marijuana (purchasing vs. other means), demographics, AOD behaviors/consequences, and environment among adolescents referred to a diversion program called Teen Court (N = 180) at two time points (prior to the program and 180 days from baseline). Participants were predominantly White and Hispanic/Latino(a). Results: In cross-sectional analyses among alcohol and marijuana users, purchasing marijuana was associated with more frequent marijuana use and consequences, time spent around teens who use marijuana, higher likelihood of substance use disorders, and lower resistance self-efficacy compared to non-purchasers. Teens who purchased both alcohol and marijuana experienced similar outcomes to those who purchased only marijuana, and also reported more frequent and higher quantity of drinking, greater alcohol-related consequences, time spent around teens who use other drugs, and prescription drug misuse. Longitudinally, purchasing alcohol and marijuana at baseline was associated with more frequent and higher quantity of drinking compared to non-purchasers at follow-up. Marijuana only purchasers had a greater likelihood of substance use disorders at follow-up compared to non-purchasers. Conclusions: In an era where drinking is commonplace and attitudes towards marijuana use are becoming more tolerant, it is essential to evaluate how accessibility to AOD and subsequent purchasing behaviors affect youth consumption and intervene accordingly to prevent future consequences.
Synchronization of large sequential circuits by partial reset

In this paper, we present a technique to synchronize large synchronous sequential circuits, which uses partial reset to break feedback loops in the circuits such that they become synchronizable. The method also provides a synchronizing sequence. Experimental results for ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits are presented, including the largest circuits, which were not synchronized previously.
Cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with oxacillin

A 67-year-old man who was treated with oxacillin for one week because of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, developed renal failure and diffuse, symmetric, palpable purpuric lesions on his feet. Necrotic blisters were noted on his fingers. Skin biopsies showed findings diagnostic of leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Oxacillin was discontinued and patient was treated with corticosteroids. The rash disappeared after three weeks and renal function returned to normal. Leucocytoclastic vasculitis presents as palpable purpura of the lower extremities often accompanied by abdominal pain, arthralgia, and renal involvement. Etiologic factors or associated disorders include infections, medications, collagen vascular disease and neoplasia. However, in half of the cases no etiologic factor is identified. Usually it is a self-limited disorder, but corticosteroid therapy may be needed in life-threatening cases since early treatment with corticosteroids in severe cases can prevent complications. Oxacillin should be included among the drugs that can cause leucocytoclastic vasculitis.
Simultaneous prevention of glutamine synthesis and high-affinity transport attenuates Salmonella typhimurium virulence.

In Salmonella typhimurium, transcription of the glnA gene (encoding glutamine synthetase) is under the control of the nitrogen-regulatory (ntr) system comprising the alternate sigma factor sigma54 (NtrA) and the two-component sensor-transcriptional activator pair NtrB and NtrC. The glnA, ntrB, and ntrC genes form an operon. We measured the virulence of S. typhimurium strains with nitrogen-regulatory mutations after intraperitoneal (i.p.) or oral inoculations of BALB/c mice. Strains with single mutations in glnA, ntrA, ntrB, or ntrC had i.p. 50% lethal doses (LD50s) of 10(5) bacteria, as did delta glnA ntrA and delta glnA ntrC strains, suggesting that glnA strains require an ntr-transcribed gene for full virulence. High-level transcription of the glutamine transport operon (glnHPQ) is dependent upon both ntrA and ntrC, as determined by glnHp-lacZ fusion measurements. Moreover, delta glnA glnH and delta glnA glnQ strains are attenuated, similar to delta glnA ntrA and delta glnA ntrC strains. These results reveal that access of S. typhimurium to host glutamine depends on the ntr system, which apparently is required for the transcription of the glutamine transport genes. The delta(glnA-ntrC) strain exhibited a reduced ability to survive within the macrophage cell line J774, identifying a potential host environment with low levels of glutamine. Finally, the delta(glnA-ntrC) strain, when inoculated at doses as low as 10 organisms, provided mice with protective immunity against challenge by the wild-type strain, demonstrating its potential use as a live vaccine.
Coupling of multiple opioid receptors to GTPase following selective receptor alkylation in brain membranes.

phatase (GTPase) in membranes, from the brain of the rat by up to 34%, with potencies the rank order of which corresponded to the respective binding affinities to opioid receptor. In general, kappa ligands stimulated GTPase to a lesser degree than mu or delta opiates. The coupling of a given type of opioid receptor to GTPase was resolved by direct or protective alkylation of the other receptors. Treatment of the membranes with I-funaltrexamine abolished the stimulation of GTPase by sufentanil and levorphanol (mu), but not by bremazocine (kappa) or DSLET (delta). On the other hand, prior incubation with Superfit, an alkylating agent with selectivity for the delta opioid receptor, specifically eliminated the effect of DSLET. Partial alkylation by increasing concentrations of Superfit gradually reduced the extent of stimulation of GTPase by DSLET. The successive treatment of membranes with Superfit and /?-funaltrexamine blocked the actions of DSLET, sufentanil and levorphanol, but had no effect on the stimulation of the GTPase by bremazocine. Selective coupling of an opioid receptor to GTPase was also obtained after incubation of membranes with B-chlornaltrexamine in the presence of protective concentrations of mu, kappa or delta opioid ligands. Alkylation resolved the coupling of the non-selective opiate etorphine: the sum of stimulation of GTPase in the receptor-selective membranes equalled maximal stimulation of enzyme in untreated membranes. Naloxone blocked the stimulation of GTPase by mu, kappa or delta agonists, but ICI-174,864 specifically inhibited the effect of DSLET. The results describe the use of receptor-selective membranes from brain to characterize the coupling of multiple opioid receptors to high-affinity GTPase, the inhibitory binding protein for GTP of the adenylate cyclase complex.
Formation and properties of nylon 6 nanocomposites

Sodium montmorillonite clay consists of platelets, one nanometer thick with large lateral dimensions, which can be used to achieve efficient reinforcement of polymer matrices. Formation of these nanocomposites requires modifying the clay with an appropriate organic surface treatment and optimized processing. Some of these techniques and the resulting property improvements (modulus, thermal expansion, heat distortion temperature, etc.) are reviewed here. It is shown that shear stress exerted on stacks of clay platelets play an important role in the mechanism of exfoliation. The modulus enhancement observed is of the order predicted by composite theories; however, the clay particles clearly affect the crystalline morphology of the polymer phase which may have an additional effect on some composite properties.
Identification of CsrC and Characterization of Its Role in Epithelial Cell Invasion in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

The csr regulatory system of Salmonella regulates the expression of the genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) required for the invasion of epithelial cells. This system consists of the posttranscriptional regulator CsrA and an untranslated regulatory RNA, CsrB, that opposes the action of CsrA. Here we identify and characterize the role of a second regulatory RNA, CsrC, whose ortholog was discovered previously in Escherichia coli. We show that a mutant of csrC has only mild defects in invasion and the expression of SPI1 genes, as does a mutant of csrB, but that a double csrB csrC mutant is markedly deficient in these properties, suggesting that the two regulatory RNAs play redundant roles in the control of invasion. We further show that CsrC, like CsrB, is controlled by the BarA/SirA two-component regulator but that a csrB csrC mutant exhibits a loss of invasion equivalent to that of a barA or sirA mutant, indicating that much of the effect of BarA/SirA on invasion functions through its control of CsrB and CsrC. In addition to their control by BarA/SirA, each regulatory RNA is also controlled by other components of the csr system. The loss of csrB was found to increase the level of CsrC by sevenfold, while the loss of csrC increased CsrB by nearly twofold. Similarly, the overexpression of csrA increased CsrC by nearly 11-fold and CsrB by 3-fold and also significantly increased the stability of both RNAs.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and carpal tunnel syndrome among dental hygienists.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common problems in general industry as well as dental hygiene. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of CTS and other MSDs among dental hygienists. No previous studies involving dental hygienists have combined nerve conduction studies (NCS) and symptoms in their CTS case definitions. Methods Dental hygienists (N = 95) completed a symptom and job factors survey, hand symptom diagram, and underwent NCS across the wrist. Results At least one MSD was reported by 93%. Prevalence of CTS was 8.4% utilizing a case definition of symptoms and NCS, but 42% if defined by symptoms alone. Age, BMI, and the number of patients treated per day were significant factors associated with CTS. Conclusions Dental hygienists are exposed to occupational factors that increase the risk of CTS. A case definition that does not include NCS overestimates CTS prevalence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:248–257, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Monetary policy, foreign exchange intervention, and the exchange rate in a unifying framework

Abstract The structural VAR model is developed to jointly analyze the effects of foreign exchange intervention and (money or interest rate setting) conventional monetary policy on the exchange rate, the two types of policy reactions to the exchange rate, and interactions between the two types of policies. First, many interactions among the two types of policies and the exchange rate are found, which suggests that a joint analysis is important. Second, foreign exchange intervention has substantial effects on the exchange rate, reacts to the exchange rate significantly (to stabilize the exchange rate), and signals future conventional monetary policy stance changes (to back up the intervention). This suggests the importance of modeling foreign exchange intervention explicitly in the study of monetary policy and exchange rate behaviors. Many other interesting results on the interactions among the two types of policies and the exchange rate are also documented.
Time and Cost Analysis: Pediatric Dental Rehabilitation with General Anesthesia in the Office and the Hospital Settings

Pediatric dental patients who cannot receive dental care in the clinic due to uncooperative behavior are often referred to receive dental care under general anesthesia (GA). At Stony Brook Medicine, dental patients requiring treatment with GA receive dental care in our outpatient facility at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (SDM) or in the Stony Brook University Hospital ambulatory setting (SBUH). This study investigates the time and cost for ambulatory American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class I pediatric patients receiving full-mouth dental rehabilitation using GA in these 2 locations, along with a descriptive analysis of the patients and dental services provided. In this institutional review board-approved cross-sectional retrospective study, ICD-9 codes for dental caries (521.00) were used to collect patient records between July 2009 and May 2011. Participants were limited to ASA I patients aged 36-60 months. Complete records from 96 patients were reviewed. There were significant differences in cost, total anesthesia time, and recovery room time (P < .001). The average total time (anesthesia end time minus anesthesia start time) to treat a child at SBUH under GA was 222 ± 62.7 minutes, and recovery time (time of discharge minus anesthesia end time) was 157 ± 97.2 minutes; the average total cost was $7,303. At the SDM, the average total time was 175 ± 36.8 minutes, and recovery time was 25 ± 12.7 minutes; the average total cost was $414. After controlling for anesthesia time and procedures, we found that SBUH cost 13.2 times more than SDM. This study provides evidence that ASA I pediatric patients can receive full-mouth dental rehabilitation utilizing GA under the direction of dentist anesthesiologists in an office-based dental setting more quickly and at a lower cost. This is very promising for patients with the least access to care, including patients with special needs and lack of insurance.
Neurexophilins Form a Conserved Family of Neuropeptide-Like Glycoproteins

Neurexophilin was discovered as a neuronal glycoprotein that is copurified with neurexin Iα during affinity chromatography on immobilized α-latrotoxin (Petrenko et al., 1996). We have now investigated how neurexophilin interacts with neurexins, whether it is post-translationally processed by site-specific cleavage similar to neuropeptides, and whether related neuropeptide-like proteins are expressed in brain. Our data show that mammalian brains contain four genes for neurexophilins the products of which share a common structure composed of five domains: an N-terminal signal peptide, a variable N-terminal domain, a highly conserved central domain that is N-glycosylated, a short linker region, and a conserved C-terminal domain that is cysteine-rich. When expressed in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells with a replication-deficient adenovirus, neurexophilin 1 was rapidly N-glycosylated and then slowly processed to a smaller mature form, probably by endoproteolytic cleavage. Similar expression experiments in other neuron-like cells and in fibroblastic cells revealed that N-glycosylation of neurexophilin 1 occurred in all cell types tested, whereas proteolytic processing was observed only in neuron-like cells. Finally, only recombinant neurexin Iα and IIIα but not neurexin Iβ interacted with neurexophilin 1 and were preferentially bound to the processed mature form of neurexophilin. Together our data demonstrate that neurexophilins form a family of related glycoproteins that are proteolytically processed after synthesis and bind to α-neurexins. The structure and characteristics of neurexophilins indicate that they function as neuropeptides that may signal via α-neurexins.
Columnar activity regulates astrocytic beta-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity in V1 of adult monkeys

Recent results indicate that astrocytic beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR) participate in noradrenergic modulation of synaptic activity. In this study, we sought to examine whether neural activity can, in turn, regulate astrocytic beta AR. To address this question, an antiserum that recognizes beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR) specifically in astrocytes was used to assess the distribution of the receptors across ocular dominance columns in V1 of two monocular and four visually intact adult monkeys. Cytochrome oxidase histochemistry (CO) was used to identify the position of the cortical laminae and of the ocular dominance columns receiving visual inputs from the intact and enucleated eyes. This stain revealed the expected pattern within V1 of monocular monkeys--i.e. darker and lighter bands of equal widths (ca. 500 microns) spanning laminae 4-6, each associated with larger and smaller blobs, respectively, in lamina 2/3. Alignment of CO sections with adjacent sections stained for astrocytic beta AR by the immunoperoxidase method revealed intense beta AR-like immunoreactivity (beta AR-li) in the superficial laminae, a slightly weaker staining in the infragranular laminae and weakest staining in lamina 4C. Within lamina 4C, a prominent striped pattern was evident. The darker bands of the stripe closely matched widths and positions of the lighter CO columns associated with the enucleated eye. On the other hand, immunocytochemical staining for the astrocytic intermediate filament protein, GFAP, within V1 of monocular monkeys revealed no inter-columnar difference in the density of astrocytic cell bodies or processes. Nissl stain also revealed no overt inter-columnar differences in cell density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Lateral modes of broad area semiconductor lasers: theory and experiment

Calculations of the lateral modes of an ideal broad area laser, including the nonlinear interaction between the carriers and the optical field, are made. The results include periodically modulated near fields and single- and double-lobed far fields similar to those previously measured. The unsaturable losses are higher and quantum efficiencies are lower than those determined from plane-wave approximations. Broad area InGaAs-GaAlAs-GaAs quantum-well lasers were fabricated and measured and found to closely agree with the theory in near, far, and spectrally resolved near fields. An occultation experiment on the far field confirms previously predicted unstable resonatorlike modes with V-shaped fronts. >
An APOBEC3A hypermutation signature is distinguishable from the signature of background mutagenesis by APOBEC3B in human cancers

Elucidation of mutagenic processes shaping cancer genomes is a fundamental problem whose solution promises insights into new treatment, diagnostic and prevention strategies. Single-strand DNA-specific APOBEC cytidine deaminase(s) are major source(s) of mutation in several cancer types. Previous indirect evidence implicated APOBEC3B as the more likely major mutator deaminase, whereas the role of APOBEC3A is not established. Using yeast models enabling the controlled generation of long single-strand genomic DNA substrates, we show that the mutation signatures of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B are statistically distinguishable. We then apply three complementary approaches to identify cancer samples with mutation signatures resembling either APOBEC. Strikingly, APOBEC3A-like samples have over tenfold more APOBEC-signature mutations than APOBEC3B-like samples. We propose that APOBEC3A-mediated mutagenesis is much more frequent because APOBEC3A itself is highly proficient at generating DNA breaks, whose repair can trigger the formation of single-strand hypermutation substrates.
The human colonic thiamine pyrophosphate transporter (hTPPT) is a glycoprotein and N-linked glycosylation is important for its function

The recently identified human thiamine pyrophosphate transporter (hTPPT; product of the SLC44A4 gene) is responsible for absorption of the microbiota-generated TPP in the large intestine. The hTPPT is highly expressed in the colon, but not in other regions of the intestinal tract and is localized exclusively at the apical membrane domain of epithelia. The hTPPT protein is predicted to have multiple TM domains with a number of putative N-glycosylation sites, but it is not known if the protein is actually glycosylated, and if so at which site, and their role in the functionality of the transporter. Using several approaches including inhibiting de novo N-glycosylation in human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells with tunicamycin as well as enzymatic de-glycosylation, we show that the hTPPT protein is, indeed, a glycoprotein. Glycosylation of hTPPT was shown, by mean of site-directed mutagenesis, to occur at Asn(69), Asn(155), Asn(197), Asn(393), and Asn(416). However, only N-glycosylation at Asn(69), Asn(155), and Asn(393) appeared to be important for transporter functionality possibly through an effect on protein conformation and/or interaction with its ligand (but not through changes in expression at the cell membrane as determined by live cell confocal imaging). Results of this study showed, for the first time, that the hTPPT is glycosylated and that N-linked glycosylation occurs at multiple sites with some of them being important for function. The results also provide an indirect support for a membrane topology for hTPPT with 10 transmembrane domains as predicted by the TMHMM transmembrane helixes prediction program.
Peer Review and the Politicization of Government Science

The idea that government should obtain peer review of the scientific information on which it plans to rely may seem to be unexceptional. Nevertheless, the use of peer review by the government is different from its use in science in important ways, and these distinctions require a different approach to peer review in the regulatory context. In many situations, independent peer review will be unnecessary because the government already has adequate and long-established means to vet scientific information. In such instances, requiring peer review by independent scientists adds little to the regulatory process and imposes costs and delays that are not justified. Nevertheless, groups who seek to delay government action will support it. Moreover, peer review must occur under conditions that ensure its integrity. Peer review should only be used to resolve scientific issues and not policy issues. Finally, without proper protections, peer review can be politicized by interest groups and their administrative allies. The peer review process must therefore be transparent, accountable, balanced, and free of conflicts-of-interest. Unfortunately, the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the primary law addressing these concerns, has been significantly eroded by judicial and administrative interpretations. Congress should amend FACA to plug these serious gaps and restore the accountability of the peer review process in regulatory government.
Characterizing nanoscale scanning probes using electron microscopy: A novel fixture and a practical guide.

The nanoscale geometry of probe tips used for atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements determines the lateral resolution, contributes to the strength of the tip-surface interaction, and can be a significant source of uncertainty in the quantitative analysis of results. While inverse imaging of the probe tip has been used successfully to determine probe tip geometry, direct observation of the tip profile using electron microscopy (EM) confers several advantages: it provides direct (rather than indirect) imaging, requires fewer algorithmic parameters, and does not require bringing the tip into contact with a sample. In the past, EM-based observation of the probe tip has been achieved using ad hoc mounting methods that are constrained by low throughput, the risk of contamination, and repeatability issues. We report on a probe fixture designed for use in a commercial transmission electron microscope that enables repeatable mounting of multiple AFM probes as well as a reference grid for beam alignment. This communication describes the design, fabrication, and advantages of this probe fixture, including full technical drawings for machining. Further, best practices are discussed for repeatable, non-destructive probe imaging. Finally, examples of the fixture’s use are described, including characterization of common commercial AFM probes in their out-of-the-box condition.
The effect of heparin on growth of mammalian cells in vitro.

SummaryThe effect of heparin on the growth of four cell types cultivated in vitro has been investigated. The results suggest that heparin appears to have some growth promoting effects on prepuce cells, while it showed little effect on the growth of Novikoff hepatoma, monkey kidney and baby hamster kidney cells. Heparin reversed the inhibitory effect of prednisolone-21-sodium-succinate on the growth of prepuce and baby hamster kidney cells.The authors thank Gregg Jorgenson and Chris Bjornson for their excellent techincal assistance. The opinions and statements contained herein are the private ones of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Navy Department of the Naval Service at large.
The Marriage “Solution”: Misplaced Simplicity in the Politics of Fatherhood: 2001 Presidential Address to the Pacific Sociological Association

Marriage and fatherhood policies, inspired by the Christian Right and backed by conservative think tanks, have gained widespread support based on moral framing of family issues and simplistic inter...
AN APPROACH TO DECISION MAKING FOR LEFT VENTRICULAR THROMBUS AND INFECTION ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPORARY MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT: A MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE

Use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with advanced heart failure and complex PCI is on the rise. Temporary MCS use is associated with thrombosis and infection. The coexistence of these complications is rare, and poses management challenges in cases requiring permanent
Evaluating Eco-Efficiency of Construction Materials: A Frontier Approach

Sustainability assessment tools are critical in the process of achieving sustainable development. Eco-efficiency has emerged as a practical concept which combines environmental and economic performance indicators to measure the sustainability performance of different product alternatives. In this paper, an analytical tool that can be used to assess the eco-efficiency of construction materials is developed. This tool evaluates the eco-efficiency of construction materials using data envelopment analysis; a linear programming based mathematical approach. Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost are utilized to derive the eco-efficiency ratios, and data envelopment analysis is used to rank material alternatives. Developed mathematical models are assessed by selecting the most eco-efficiency exterior wall finish for a school building. Through this study, our goal is to show that DEA-based eco-efficiency assessment model could be used to evaluate alternative construction materials and offer vital guidance for decision makers during material selection.
Older couples with and without cardiovascular disease: testing associations between and among affective communication, marital satisfaction, physical and mental health

The American Heart Association (Go et al., 2013) estimated that about 2,150 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease (CVD). For those 65 years of age or older, the total cost of heart related services in 2009 was $121.2 billion (Go et al., 2013). Many people live with the chronic conditions of cardiovascular disease (Petersen et al., 2005). Researchers have identified the genetic, medical, and lifestyle habits of those with CVD, yet there is a dearth of literature focusing on the relational/social aspects of cardiovascular disease and how such factors are associated with the risk, presentation, and maintenance of cardiovascular illness. Considering that men have a higher lifetime risk for developing CVD than women (51.7% to 39.2%; Roger et al., 2012), the purpose of this study was to compare various aspects of the couple relationship among and between couples with a husband who reports CVD and couples in which neither report CVD.
Bevacizumab Presurgical Treatment For Proliferative Sickle-cell Retinopathy-related Retinal Detachment

Purpose:To report the use of presurgical intravitreal bevacizumab in the context of proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy with retinal detachment.Methods:Intravitreal bevacizumab was injected 3 days before the surgical procedure for traction retinal detachment. Vitrectomy, membrane peeling, endolase