cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optically Active Phonon Processes in CdS and ZnS

Transmission spectra of thin (10 to 30 \ensuremath{\mu}) CdS single-crystal samples have been recorded in the hitherto uninvestigated region of 250 to 400 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. A number of new absorption maxima are located which necessitated a new phonon assignment with considerably lower values of the acoustic modes. Some 30 absorption peaks are attributed to multiphonon combinations of the following Brillouin zone-edge frequencies: LO=295 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{O}}_{1}$=261 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$=238 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, LA=149 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{A}}_{1}$=79 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and T${\mathrm{A}}_{2}$=70 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The transmission spectrum of hexagonal ZnS is obtained for the first time in the region 300 to 750 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Again some 27 absorption maxima are assigned to multiphonon combinations of LO=346 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{O}}_{1}$=318 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$=297 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, LA=181 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, T${\mathrm{A}}_{1}$=92 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and T${\mathrm{A}}_{2}$=73 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The phonon assignment for the optical lattice absorption in cubic ZnS due to Deutsch is shown to be inconsistent with the requirements of the Brout sum rule and other regularities expected for the zincblende-type semiconductors. Two new assignments (LO=339 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, TO=298 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, LA=155 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and TA=93 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and LO=339 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, TO=298 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, LA=190 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and TA=115 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) only slightly different from each other are proposed. The characteristic phonon frequencies are discussed in terms of structure and effective ionic charge.
Oral contraceptives: side effects and depression in adolescent girls

Abstract Objective The study was undertaken to determine the side effects, including depression, of oral contraceptives (OCs) in adolescent girls. Methods We conducted a randomized trial of OCs for dysmenorrhea, which assessed side effects and depression. Seventy-six adolescents received an OC (20 μg of ethinyl estradiol/100 mg of levonorgestrel) or a placebo in a double-blind fashion for 3 months. We ascertained OC side effects using open-ended and closed question formats. Participants self-administered the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess depressive symptoms. Results Fifty-seven participants (77%) reported at least one side effect (median=2, range=0–8, interquartile range=1.0–3.25). The number and the type of side effects reported in the OC group and in the placebo group were similar. Mean exit CES-D scores were comparable between groups [OC group, 14.0 (SD=9.2); placebo group, 14.4 (SD=8.1); p=.86]. Conclusion Adolescents treated with an OC or a placebo experienced similar numbers and types of OC side effects, as well as depressive symptoms.
Stability of the ligand-estrogen receptor interaction depends on estrogen response element flanking sequences and cellular factors

To determine whether accessory proteins mediate the ligand- and DNA sequence-dependent specificity of estrogen receptor (ER) interaction with DNA, the binding of partly purified vs highly purified bovine ER to various estrogen response elements (EREs) was measured in the presence of different ER ligands. Partly purified estradiol-liganded ER (E2-ER) binds cooperatively to stereoaligned tandem EREs flanked by naturally occurring AT-rich sequences, with a stoichiometry of one E2-ER dimer per ERE. In contrast, highly purified E2-ER binds with a 10-fold lower affinity and non-cooperatively to EREs flanked by the AT-rich region. Moreover, the binding stoichiometry of highly purified E2-ER was 0.5 E2-ER dimer, or one monomer per ERE, independent of the ERE flanking sequence. Interestingly, the binding of ER liganded with the antiestrogen 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT-ER) was non-cooperative with an apparent stoichiometry of 0.5 4-OHT-ER dimer per ERE, regardless of ER purity or ERE flanking sequence. We recently showed that when 4-OHT-ER binds DNA, one molecule of 4-OHT dissociates from the dimeric 4-OHT-ER-ERE complex, accounting for the reduced apparent binding stoichiometry. In contrast, ER covalently bound by tamoxifen aziridine (TAz) gave an ERE binding stoichiometry of one TAz-ER dimer per ERE, and TAz-ER binds cooperatively to multiple AT-rich EREs, regardless of the purity of the receptor. We have obtained evidence that purification of ER removes an accessory protein(s) that interacts with ER in a sequence- and/or DNA conformational-dependent manner, resulting in stabilization of E2, but not 4-OHT, in the ligand binding domain when the receptor binds to DNA. We postulate that retention of ligand by ER maintains the receptor in a conformation necessary to achieve high-affinity, cooperative ERE binding.
The Annealing Effect of the High-Pressure Phases of Silicon During Micro-Laser Assisted Machining

Micro-laser assisted machining (μ-LAM) is a novel micro/nano machining technique developed for ductile mode machining of ceramics and semiconductors. Ductile mode material removal is possible in a nominally brittle material due to the high-pressure phase transformation (HPPT) phenomenon during the machining process. The μ-LAM system utilizes an IR laser beam to preferentially heat and soften the workpiece material during the material removal process. The μ-LAM process has several direct benefits observed during the machining process: allows for deeper cuts in the ductile regime due to the enhanced ductility of the workpiece material, higher material removal rates as a result of deeper cuts, lower cutting forces due to the reduced workpiece hardness from the heating process, and less tool wear from the reduced hardness and lower cutting forces. The μ-LAM process also has an added benefit that eliminates any subsurface damage in the form of high-pressure phases (HPPs) that usually remain after the ductile mode material removal process. This paper discusses this added benefit that occurs due to an annealing effect that re-crystallizes the HPPs back to its original crystalline phase. Single point scratch tests are used to form the HPPs by performing ductile mode μ-LAM on single crystal silicon (Si). Micro-Raman (μ-Raman) spectroscopy is used to characterize the machined surface/subsurface and identify the HPPs and annealed phase.© 2012 ASME
Chemosensory mechanism in Periplaneta americana: electroantennogram comparisons of certain quinone feeding inhibitors.

Abstract Several feeding-inhibitory 1,4-naphthoquinones reduced amyl acetate-stimulated electroantennograms (EAG's) from adult male Periplaneta americana in the same order as they inhibit feeding in bioassays. EAG data on the quinone effects upon antennal nerves indicate both relatively reversible and irreversible actions. Classical sulphydryl reagents closely mimicked the quinones in their effects on EAG's.
Rapid release of substance P and LH-RH from synaptosomes prepared from the medial basal hypothalamus and substantia nigra.

Abstract We investigated Ca 2+ -dependent, depolarization-induced release of substance P (SP) and LH-RH from medial basal hypothalamic (MBH) and substantia nigra (SN) synaptosomes prepared from male rat brain. Depolarization of MBH synaptosomes evoked significant release of SP from 10.0±0.1 (5 mM K + ) to 28.0±2.4 (75 mM K + ) pg released/10 seconds. Fractional release was 1.0% and 2.7% respectively. In contrast, LH-RH was not released by depolarization of MBH synaptosomes: 11.6±0.9 (5 mM K + ) to 11.0±0.7 (75 mM K + ) pg released/10 seconds. Fractional release was 1.1 and 1.0% respectively. Depolarization-induced LH-RH release also did not occur in the presence of 10 −4 or 10 −6 M norepinephrine, 10 −7 M 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, PMA), 10 −5 M forskolin or in female rats. The inability of depolarizing concentrations of K + to stimulate LH-RH release in physiological buffers remains an enigma. Significant depolarization-induced SP release was seen from MBH and SN synaptosomes at 20, 15, 10, 5 and only 1 second of release. Despite comparable basal release of SP from MBH and SN synaptosomes, the rate and magnitude of evoked release were much more pronounced in SN synaptosomes. The initial rate (0–1 second) of SP release was 4.5-fold greater from SN than from MBH synaptosomes [k rel =0.027 −1 (SN), k rel =0.006 −1 (MBH)]. The magnitude of SP release from SN synaptosomes was 2- to 3-fold greater at any given time interval compared with release from MBH synaptosomes. This indicates that the release kinetics and/or readily releasable pools differ in these two populations of SP-containing nerve terminals. Increasing the external [Ca 2+ ] from 0.01 to 3.0 mM produced a graded increase in SP release from both MBH and SN synaptosomes during depolarization. The maximal release of SP was seen at physiological (1.2–1.4 mM) intercellular Ca 2+ concentrations for brain. The apparent half maximal saturation for calcium (K Ca ) was 0.25 and 0.1 mM for the MBH and SN respectively. This may indicate that substance P-containing nerve terminals in the SN have a higher resting cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration. TPA (10 −6 M) had no effect on basal release but potentiated evoked SN substance P release by 26%. Hence, protein kinase C activation potentiates the intrasynaptosomal stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism(s) in SP-containing nerve terminals.
Bromine tissue residue and hepatotoxic effects of octabromobiphenyl in rats

Abstract Enlargement of the liver due to hepatocellular hypertrophy was induced in rats fed 100 and 1000 ppm of octabromobiphenyl for 2 and 4 wk, respectively. Microscopic lesions were hepatocellular hypertrophy, laminated cytoplasmic inclusions, foamy cytoplasm, and margination of basophilic cytoplasm. Electron microscopy revealed hyperplasia of the agranular reticulum, depletion of particulate glycogen, peripheral displacement of granular reticulum, and a slight increase in lipid droplets. The cytoplasmic inclusions were identified as myelin-like configurations of paired smooth membranes often enclosing lipid bodies. The number and size of these inclusions and their regression rate were proportional to the dosage and correlated with the pathological changes. The inclusions seen in rats at 100 ppm decreased in number 2 wk after withdrawal of the chemical, and subsequently disappeared by the sixth wk whereas the inclusions seen at 1000 ppm still persisted 18 wk after cessation of treatment. Analyses of the tissues revealed a dose-related build-up of bromine predominantly in the fat as well as liver. Much less was found in muscle during treatment at levels of 10 ppm or higher. After withdrawal of treatment, bromine decreased progressively in liver and muscle while bromine in adipose tissue continued to accumulate. After 4 wk of feeding of 1000 ppm, the bromine concentration in adipose tissue was 600 times greater than that of controls and was more than 800 times greater 18 wk after withdrawal of chemical.
Relationship between vigorous exercise frequency and substance use among first-year drinking college students.

Objective: The authors explored the relationship between self-reported vigorous exercise frequency and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use behaviors among first-year college students who self-identified as drinkers. Participants: The authors recruited 391 freshman college students in Northeast Florida to participate in an alcohol abuse prevention study. Methods: The authors conducted a multivariate analysis of variance to assess the relationship between vigorous exercise frequency and 6 measures of ATOD use at baseline. Results: Frequent exercisers drank significantly more often and a significantly greater quantity than did infrequent exercisers. However, frequent exercisers smoked cigarettes significantly less often than did infrequent exercisers. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vigorous exercise frequency is differentially associated with alcohol and cigarette consumption among college students. Researchers should further examine the reasons for these differences.
Apodization and image contrast

Apodization is often defined in a restricted sense as the suppression of the outer parts (i.e., the concentric rings) of wave optical point images, which results in a higher relative concentration of energy in the central image area. In a wider sense, apodization is defined as any modification of the transmission distribution across the aperture. Generally the modulation transfer function (MTF) is not used in the treatment of apodization. To see how the imaging performance is modified, the MTF is introduced into the discussion. Besides the constant transmission, two transmission distributions which are functions of the aperture radius are considered.
WITHDRAWN: Be careful about drawing big conclusions from big data

Available online 12 January 2015 This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .
Comparison of albumin and fibrinogen biosynthesis in stimulated rats and cultured fetal rat hepatocytes

Abstract Evidence is presented that cultured fetal rat hepatocytes, when incubated with a crude leucocytic extract derived from rabbits undergoing an inflammatory response, show a marked increase in fibrinogen production and a concomitant decrease in albumin production. Antibody binding to polyribosomes synthesizing fibrinogen and albumin shows the same inverse relationship in rats undergoing an artificially induced inflammatory response. These data demonstrate directly and unequivocally that during the acute phase (inflammatory) response, the biosynthesis of these two plasma proteins is inversely affected by a factor or factors acting directly on the liver.
The simple microscale differential thermal analysis of explosives

Abstract The apparatus described is capable of obtaining good differential thermal analysis curves on samples smaller than 10 mg. and uses interchangeable, expendable cell components.
Evolution of interfacial intercalation chemistry on epitaxial graphene/SiC by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract A rapid and facile evaluation of the effects of physical and chemical processes on the interfacial layer between epitaxial graphene monolayers on SiC(0 0 0 1) surfaces is essential for applications in electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics. Here, the evolution of the atomic scale epitaxial graphene-buffer-layer–SiC interface through hydrogen intercalation, thermal annealings, UV-ozone etching and oxygen exposure is studied by means of single microparticle mediated surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (smSERS). The evolution of the interfacial chemistry in the buffer layer is monitored through the Raman band at 2132 cm −1 corresponding to the Si H stretch mode. Graphene quality is monitored directly by the selectively enhanced Raman signal of graphene compared to the SiC substrate signal. Through smSERS, a simultaneous correlation between optimized hydrogen intercalation in epitaxial graphene/SiC and an increase in graphene quality is uncovered. Following UV-ozone treatment, a fully hydrogen passivated interface is retained, while a moderate degradation in the quality of the hydrogen intercalated quasi-freestanding graphene is observed. While hydrogen intercalated defect free quasi-freestanding graphene is expected to be robust upon UV-ozone, thermal annealing, and oxygen exposure, ozonolytic reactivity at the edges of H-intercalated defected graphene results in enhanced amorphization of the quasi-freestanding (compared to non-intercalated) graphene, leading ultimately to its complete etching.
A Review of: “Pharmaceutical Dissolution Testing”

Dressman and Kramer have edited a superb and useful book on dissolution testing, highly relevant for both industrial and academic scientists. The chapters are well organized, covering topics such a...
Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in Normoglycemic Subjects with a Strong Family History of Type 2 Diabetes is Associated with Decreased Insulin-Stimulated Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Normoglycemic subjects with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant, but the mechanism of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of such individuals is unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine whether abnormalities in insulin-signaling events are present in normoglycemic, nonobese subjects with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with percutaneous muscle biopsies were performed in eight normoglycemic relatives of type 2 diabetic patients (FH+) and eight control subjects who had no family history of diabetes (FH−), with each group matched for age, sex, body composition, and ethnicity. The FH+ group had decreased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (6.64 ± 0.52 vs. 8.45 ± 0.54 mg · kg−1 fat-free mass · min−1; P < 0.05 vs. FH−). In skeletal muscle, the FH+ and FH− groups had equivalent insulin stimulation of insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, the FH+ group had decreased insulin stimulation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 tyrosine phosphorylation (0.522 ± 0.077 vs. 1.328 ± 0.115 density units; P < 0.01) and association of PI 3-kinase activity with IRS-1 (0.299 ± 0.053 vs. 0.466 ± 0.098 activity units; P < 0.05). PI 3-kinase activity was correlated with the glucose disposal rate ( r = 0.567, P = 0.02). In five subjects with sufficient biopsy material for further study, phosphorylation of Akt was 0.266 ± 0.061 vs. 0.404 ± 0.078 density units ( P < 0.10) and glycogen synthase activity was 0.31 ± 0.06 vs. 0.50 ± 0.12 ng · min−1 · mg−1 ( P < 0.10) for FH+ and FH− subjects, respectively. Therefore, despite normal insulin receptor phosphorylation, postreceptor signaling was reduced and was correlated with glucose disposal in muscle of individuals with a strong genetic background for type 2 diabetes.
On the Possibility of Directional Analysis for Geo-neutrinos

The possibility of terrestrial antineutrino directionality studies is considered for future unloaded liquid scintillator detectors. Monte-Carlo simulations suggest that the measurable displacement between prompt and delayed antineutrino signals makes such studies possible. However, it is estimated that on the order of 1000 terrestrial antineutrino events are required to test the simplest models, demanding detectors of 100 kt size to collect sufficient data in a reasonable period of time.
Building the Chicago School

The Chicago School of Political Science, which emerged at the University of Chicago in the 1920s and 1930s, is widely known for its reconception of the study of politics as a scientific endeavor on the model of the natural sciences. Less attention has been devoted to the genesis of the school itself. In this article, we examine the scientific vision, faculty, curriculum, and supporting institutions of the Chicago School. The creation of the Chicago School, we find, required the construction of a faculty committed to its vision of the science of politics, the muster of resources to support efforts in research and education, and the formation of curriculum to educate students in its precepts and methods. Its success as an intellectual endeavor, we argue, depended not only on the articulation of the intellectual goals but also, crucially, on the confluence of disciplinary receptiveness, institutional opportunity, and entrepreneurial talent in support of a science of politics.
Cervical preparation for surgical abortion between 12 and 18 weeks of gestation using vaginal misoprostol and Dilapan-S.

Abstract Background We investigated the safety and efficacy of using misoprostol and Dilapan-S™ hygroscopic cervical dilators to prepare the cervix for surgical abortion from 12 to 18 weeks of gestation in an outpatient office setting. Study design This retrospective cohort study evaluated 554 consecutive women who had a surgical abortion from 12 to 18 weeks of gestation using a cervical preparation protocol at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania between September 2007 and September 2009. Lamicel® osmotic dilators were used for nulliparous women between 12 1/7 and 13 6/7 weeks of gestation and all women 14 to 18 weeks of gestation until September 2008 after which it was no longer available. New guidelines based on available literature included misoprostol 400 mcg vaginally for nulliparous women between 12 1/7 and 13 6/7 weeks of gestation and all women between 14 and 15 6/7 weeks of gestation, and Dilapan-S between 16 and 18 weeks of gestation. Cervical preparation was intended to allow rigid dilation, if necessary, to complete a same-day procedure. We evaluated the ability to complete the procedure on the same day with both protocols and frequency of adverse events. Results A total of 239 and 168 women received a cervical preparation agent under the old and new protocols, respectively. Demographic characteristics were similar between study cohorts. All procedures in both groups were completed on the same day. Severe complications occurred in two women under the old protocol (excessive bleeding with transfer to hospital) and none with the new protocol. Conclusions Early experience for same-day surgical abortion from 12 to 18 weeks of gestation in an outpatient setting using misoprostol and Dilapan-S for cervical preparation is positive in regard to efficacy and safety.
An inherently-robust 300°C MEMS temperature sensor for wireless health monitoring of ball and rolling element bearings

Presented is an inherently-robust wireless capacitive MEMS temperature sensor capable of operating to 300°C. The heart of the sensor is an array of bimorph (metal-dielectric) cantilevers whose deflections are sensed by an array of appropriatelyplaced electrodes. The key advantages of this configuration are the following. First, its dielectric layer is SiO 2 thermally-grown at 1,100°C as opposed to conventional low-temperature PECVD or sputtered films. Second, the lack of a sensing surface directly beneath the movable structures renders stiction nearly impossible. Third, the fringing-field sensing results in constant sensitivity throughout the entire temperature range. Fourth, the employed passive approach is immune to high-temperature reliability issues faced by active devices. Furthermore, the fabrication yield is over 99%, even in an academic cleanroom (Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University). When configured with an inductor and wirelessly interrogated, the measured resonant frequency has a linear shift from 206 MHz at room temperature to 199 MHz at 300°C.
Space Inefficient Functions

Not all APL functions can be adapted easily to the demand driven space efficient implementation technique described in the last few chapters. In this chapter we consider the remaining APL functions and show how, despite this fact, code can be generated for them that combines smoothly with the code generated for other functions.
Influence of mouse hepatitis virus on the growth of human melanoma in the peritoneal cavity of the athymic mouse.

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection was found in 15 of 40 athymic mice (Balb/c nu/nu) used in an experimental model designed to study the effect of cell mediated immunity on target human melanoma cells growing in the peritoneal cavity. Most non-MHV-infected mice died of peritoneal tumor within predictable periods following injection of the melanoma cells. Twelve of 15 MHV-infected mice which showed either poor or no tumor growth died of MHV infection, whereas only 3 showed good tumor growth. Peritoneal marcrophages in the ascites from the MHV-infected mice were greatly reduced in number compared to those in the ascites from the non-MHV-infected mice. Although the fibrohistiocytic reaction was more prominent in the MHV-infected mice, other aspects of spleen and lymph node lymphocytic reactions exhibited no remarkable differences between the two groups. The possible mechanisms whereby MHV infection influences tumor growth in nude mice are discussed.
Optimum multiple antenna quantization for reception of fading signals in noise

A multiple antenna diversity scheme is investigated for digital wireless communications. Antenna observations are immediately quantized and sent to a fusion center to decide which symbol was transmitted. The optimum reception scheme is described for the case where frequency shift keying is employed and where slow Rayleigh fading and Gaussian additive noise are present. Two cases are studied. In the first case an accurate estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio is available at each receiver. In the second case estimates are not available. Results indicate that two or three bit quantizations may be most appropriate.
The effect of age on rat rotator cuff muscle architecture

Background: Understanding rotator cuff muscle function during disease development and after repair is necessary for preventing degeneration and improving postsurgical outcomes, respectively. The rat is a commonly used rotator cuff animal model; however, unlike humans, rats continue to grow throughout their lifespan, so age-related changes in muscle structure may complicate an understanding of muscle adaptations to injury. Methods: Infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle mass, fiber length, pennation angle, sarcomere length, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) were measured in Sprague-Dawley rats (n ¼ 30) with a body mass ranging from 51 to 814 g (approximately 3 weeks to approximately 18 months). Results: Both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus showed a striking conservation of sarcomere length throughout growth. There was linear growth in muscle mass and PCSA, nonlinear growth in muscle length and fiber bundle length, and a linear relationship between humeral head diameter and fiber bundle length, suggesting that muscle fiber length (serial sarcomere number) adjusted according to skeletal dimensions. These muscle growth trajectories allowed sarcomere length to remain nearly constant. Discussion: During the typical rat rotator cuff experimental period (animal mass, 400-600 g), muscle mass will increase by 30%, fiber length will increase by 7%, and PCSA will increase by 27%, but sarcomere lengths are nearly constant. Therefore, these normal growth-induced changes in architecture must be considered when muscle atrophy or fiber shortening is measured after rotator cuff tears in this model. Level of evidence: Basic Science Study, Histology, Animal Model. 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.
Structure of the afferent terminals in the terminal ganglion of a cricket and persistent homology

In many areas of biology there is an abundance of noisy and imprecise data, but often a lack of high precision quantitative data. It is therefore important to design, and use, data analysis methods that are insensitive to small errors in measurements. We present such a robust data analysis as we investigate the three dimensional spatial structure of the locus of afferent neuron terminals in crickets Acheta domesticus. Each afferent neuron innervates a filiform hair positioned on a cercus: a protruding appendage at the rear of the animal. The hairs transduce air motion to the neuron signal that is used by a cricket to respond to the environment. We stratify the hairs (and the corresponding afferent terminals) into four classes, which depend on hair length as well as the position of each hair. Our analysis uncovers significant structure in the relative position of these terminal classes and suggests the functional relevance of this structure. Our method is very robust to the presence of significant experimental and developmental noise. It uses ideas from persistent homology [1-3]. This method is applicable to any point cloud data set that exhibits an underlying topological structure corrupted by noise. We show that each individual terminal class has similarly positioned significant tunnels and/or voids. However, while each class' point cloud is of similar shape and structure, the space that each class occupies is slightly offset, resulting in no significant tunnels and/or voids in the set of terminals of all hairs. This result is not surprising from an efficiency standpoint: the space in the terminal ganglion is limited and the terminals of afferent neurons are filling the entire available space. While, we emphasize that there are still visible tunnels and/or voids in the entire point cloud, our analysis provides us with the conclusion that these remaining tunnels are not significant, and very likely contain the dendrites of the interneurons in the terminal ganglion. These are downstream from the afferents, and make synaptic contact with the afferent terminal cloud.
The aging athlete: part 2, "boomeritis" of the upper extremity.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this review is to describe the upper extremity injuries that frequently accompany aging, the typical clinical presentations, and the differential diagnoses with an emphasis on the injury most likely encountered with each presentation. CONCLUSION. Expectation of continued participation in exercise and sports activities by the baby boomer population has presented new challenges to the medical field. The concepts behind factors that predispose older athletes to certain pathologic conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, and bones of the upper extremity must be understood.
Hematocrit changes after uncomplicated percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract Certain aspects of percutaneous transhuninal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), such as blood loss during PTCA, have not been investigated. This study reports blood loss in 90 patients undergoing uncomplicated successful PTCA.
Measurements and Counts of Large Protein Particles in Sterile Concentrated Skimmilk

Abstract Large casein particles dissociated in NaCl solution (.9% w/v) used as electrolyte to count particles in the Coulter counter. Replacing 10% of the NaCl ions with CaCl 2 stopped dissociation and made possible Coulter counts of large protein particles in sterile concentrated skimmilks. Comparisons were made between direct microscopic counts, counts from photomicrographs taken immediately after processing, and Coulter counts of summer milk after 260 days storage. Counts of particles in winter milk were from photomicrographs taken immediately after processing and Coulter counts after 80 days storage. Particles in winter milk were smaller than those in the summer milk. This cannot be explained by the data available because other winter milks processed similarly have had particles as large as those in summer milk. The predominant size in volume was 3 μ d for summer milk. Eleven and nine-tenths per cent of the particles in summer milk (3 μ d) included 41.5% of the total volume. In winter milk 2- μ d particles made up 41.9% of the total count and 66.3% of total volume. About 55% of total phosphate in large particles was inorganic. This suggests that calcium phosphate is the bond that holds large particles together.
Oxicams Bind in a Novel Mode to the Cyclooxygenase Active Site via a Two-water-mediated H-bonding Network

Oxicams are widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but little is known about the molecular basis of the interaction with their target enzymes, the cyclooxygenases (COX). Isoxicam is a nonselective inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2 whereas meloxicam displays some selectivity for COX-2. Here we report crystal complexes of COX-2 with isoxicam and meloxicam at 2.0 and 2.45 angstroms, respectively, and a crystal complex of COX-1 with meloxicam at 2.4 angstroms. These structures reveal that the oxicams bind to the active site of COX-2 using a binding pose not seen with other NSAIDs through two highly coordinated water molecules. The 4-hydroxyl group on the thiazine ring partners with Ser-530 via hydrogen bonding, and the heteroatom of the carboxamide ring of the oxicam scaffold interacts with Tyr-385 and Ser-530 through a highly coordinated water molecule. The nitrogen atom of the thiazine and the oxygen atom of the carboxamide bind to Arg-120 and Tyr-355 via another highly ordered water molecule. The rotation of Leu-531 in the structure opens a novel binding pocket, which is not utilized for the binding of other NSAIDs. In addition, a detailed study of meloxicam·COX-2 interactions revealed that mutation of Val-434 to Ile significantly reduces inhibition by meloxicam due to subtle changes around Phe-518, giving rise to the preferential inhibition of COX-2 over COX-1.
Are T-Cell Responses to GAD65 Influential in Type 1 Diabetes?

Autoimmune diabetes in the popular nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse results from a T-cell–mediated destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells (1) and serves as a model for human type 1 diabetes (2,3). The mechanisms that initiate early peri-islet inflammation and the destructive components that arise later specifically targeting β-cells occur naturally in NOD mice (2,3). Two obstacles hinder our progress in unraveling the rudiments of type 1 diabetes: 1 ) the identification of the antigens involved in the earliest stages of autoimmunity and 2 ) the event(s) that provokes the initial autoimmunity and loss of homeostasis in the islets. The hope has been that the former would aid in sorting out the latter. The NOD mouse provides us with a framework for understanding T-cell–mediated autoimmune diseases in general. Discovering the nature of the initial organ-infiltrating cells is a key to the prevention of inflammatory autoimmune disease. Does spontaneous insulitis, which precedes type 1 diabetes, begin by a random accumulation of lymphocytes into the pancreatic islets, or is there an essential temporal pattern to the activation and recruitment of organ-specific lymphocytes? An answer to this question seems essential to our grasping the complexities of disease susceptibility and onset. Infectious agents have long been postulated to have a role as incendiary triggers for abnormal tissue inflammation and the genesis of a tissue-specific adaptive autoimmune/immune response. Either through …
Quadratic phase coupling in auditory evoked potentials from healthy old subjects and subjects with Alzheimer's dementia

Auditory evoked potentials (EPs) were recorded from healthy old (mean age 70) and Alzheimer's (mean age 75) subjects in four experimental oddball series. In three series, targets occurred randomly with global probabilities of 20, 50 and 80%. In the fourth series, targets occurred predictably every fifth tone (20% global probability). EPs were recorded at Fz, Cz, Pz, and left and right temporo-parietal sites. Bicoherence analyses revealed that quadratic phase coupling occurred in the EPs in the classic delta, theta, alpha, and beta EEG frequency bands. Quadratic phase coupling patterns displayed a fronto-central topography and varied directly with global stimulus probability. The data suggest an inverse relationship between P300 amplitude and degree of quadratic phase coupling in the delta band. Quadratic phase coupling patterns were altered in Alzheimer's patients. This is the first demonstration that task-dependent quadratic nonlinearities can be detected in transient evoked potentials. >
Phloroglucinol functions as an intracellular and intercellular chemical messenger influencing gene expression in Pseudomonas protegens

Bacteria can be both highly communicative and highly competitive in natural habitats and antibiotics are thought to play a role in both of these processes. The soil bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 produces a spectrum of antibiotics, two of which, pyoluteorin and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), function in intracellular and intercellular communication, both as autoinducers of their own production. Here, we demonstrate that phloroglucinol, an intermediate in DAPG biosynthesis, can serve as an intercellular signal influencing the expression of pyoluteorin biosynthesis genes, the production of pyoluteorin, and inhibition of Pythium ultimum, a phytopathogenic oomycete sensitive to pyoluteorin. Through analysis of RNAseq data sets, we show that phloroglucinol had broad effects on the transcriptome of Pf-5, significantly altering the transcription of more than two hundred genes. The effects of nanomolar versus micromolar concentrations of phloroglucinol differed both quantitatively and qualitatively, influencing the expression of distinct sets of genes or having opposite effects on transcript abundance of certain genes. Therefore, our results support the concept of hormesis, a phenomenon associated with signalling molecules that elicit distinct responses at different concentrations. Phloroglucinol is the first example of an intermediate of antibiotic biosynthesis that functions as a chemical messenger influencing gene expression in P. protegens.
Dynamics of geckos running vertically

Geckos with adhesive toe pads rapidly climb even smooth vertical surfaces. We challenged geckos (Hemidactylus garnotii) to climb up a smooth vertical track that contained a force platform. Geckos climbed vertically at up to 77·cm·s ‐1 with a stride frequency of 15·Hz using a trotting gait. During each step, whole body fore‐aft, lateral and normal forces all decreased to zero when the animal attached or detached its toe pads. Peak fore‐aft force was twice body weight at mid-step. Geckos climbed at a constant average velocity without generating decelerating forces on their center of mass in the direction of motion. Although mass-specific mechanical power to climb was ten times the value expected for level running, the total mechanical energy of climbing was only 5‐11% greater than the potential energy change. Fore- and hindlegs both pulled toward the midline, possibly loading the attachment mechanisms. Attachment and detachment of feet occupied 13% and 37% of stance time, respectively. As climbing speed increased, the absolute time required to attach and detach did not decrease, suggesting that the period of fore‐aft force production might be constrained. During ascent, the forelegs pulled toward, while hindlegs pushed away from the vertical surface, generating a net pitching moment toward the surface to counterbalance pitch-back away from the surface. Differential leg function appears essential for effective vertical as well as horizontal locomotion. Summary
Bench Mitral Valve Repair of Donor Hearts Before Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Cardiac transplantation remains the most effective therapy for end-stage heart failure in appropriate candidates, with a median posttransplant survival of 10 years. At any given point of time there are ≈3000 candidates on the heart transplant waiting list in the United States with annual mortality on the waiting list ≈15%. The number of heart transplants performed in the United States per year has been fairly constant at ≈2500. In spite of this, many donor hearts remain unused. Bench repair of mitral valves remains rarely practiced and significant mitral valve regurgitation (MR) remains a standard contraindication to use of a donor heart. A 53-year-old male donor who had a cerebral infarct became available for a 61-year-old man with blood group O who received left ventricular assist device, Heartmate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA), for decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy. The donor coronary angiogram was normal. Donor transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed inferior wall hypokinesis, interventricular septum 1.15 cm, …
PHOTO-STATIONARY STATE OF UV PUMPED MATRIX ISOLATED O2

The 193 nm excitation of 02 in crystalline Ar and Kr leads to a photo-stationary state, whereby = 50% of the population is transferred from O2(X 3 E~) to a(1Ag). A kinetic analysis yields absorption cross sections of = 10 -21 cm 2, from X and a states, and establishes the final states as ,~(3A u) and the repulsive 11] surface, respectively. The P~ ~ X transition is enhanced = 3 orders of magnitude in the solid, by borrowing intensity from the 3I] ,-- X transition. Only molecules isolated at defect sites, undergo permanent dissociation. Substitutionally isolated 02 does not dissociate at excess energies ~< 2.5 eV.
Developmental changes in attention and visual search throughout adulthood.

The focus of this chapter is to review current work on age-related limitations in visual search within the framework of a two process model of attention. Three hypotheses are presented to account for discrepancies in research findings and interpretations for age-related decrements in visual search. The underlying bases for these decrements are discussed, as well as the impact of these limitations on the performance of routine daily activities. We report that there is clear evidence for age differences at both the attentive and preattentive levels of processing in visual search. However, the bases for diminished performance, when they occur, vary between individuals. Therefore, future investigations should not ignore the high degree of individual differences found in performance among older individuals, but should consider analyzing results in terms of the functional deficit or deficits unique to the individual.
Book Review Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents. A psychopharmacological approach By: D Nutt, C Bell,C Masterson and C Short (2001)

Martin Dunitz Ltd, Taylor & Francis Medical Books, 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE, United Kingdom Softcover, ISBN 1-8531-7924-8, £22.50 http://www.tandf.co.uk/books/ , e-mail: book.orders@tandf.co.uk Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2004, 16(1): 65
Florida Glass Company (a)

The materials manager of the Florida Glass Company noticed that the monthly run of the Energy Planning Model was scheduled for that day. This model calculated the optimal mix of products for the coming month and the quantities of energy (electricity and distillate-fuel oil) required. In the past, when the manager received the results of the model, he simply placed an order for the recommended quantity of distillate-fuel oil. But now he decided to question his perfunctory monthly ordering of distillate as the model made calculations on a monthly basis, and as a result, it ignored the opportunity to purchase more than one month’s supply of distillate, even though ample storage capacity was available. During the past few years of oil price volatility, he had never taken advantage of a relatively low price, and the current situation in October 1982 seemed an ideal time to address the policy of single-month purchases.
Election Integrity and the Chain of Democratic Accountability in Africa

How do improvements in the integrity of elections influence citizens’ ability to hold political elites accountable? The literature regards free and fair elections as a necessary condition for ensuring vertical accountability, yet few studies have explored how changes in election integrity affect the chain of democratic accountability. This paper examines the consequences of improvements in election quality on citizens’ perceptions of the accountability and responsiveness of elected representatives in Nigeria. In 2011, Nigerian voters experienced the most credible national elections since the re-introduction of multiparty rule in 1999. Using public opinion data from the Afrobarometer, the paper explores whether the 2011 elections strengthened the chain of democratic accountability. With less than two years since the 2011 elections, preliminary findings indicate that Nigerians have begun to assume greater responsibility for ensuring that elected representatives are responsive to their demands. However, Nigerians remain skeptical that their ability to sanction elites through the ballot box has increased the supply of responsive and effective governance.
Unsexing Care: Beyond Gendered Parenting Terms - A Response to Darren Rosenblum’s Unsex Mothering: Toward a Culture of New Parenting

This response piece to Darren Rosenblum’s provocative article Unsex Mothering: Toward a Culture of New Parenting argues that Rosenblum’s call for unsexed mothering has three primary flaws. First, Professor Rosenblum’s narrative avoids any substantial discussion of the myriad ways in which “mother” and “mothering” are highly loaded terms whose perceived grant of power is not equally distributed. To the extent that the social construction of “mother” and capacity for mothering varies across race, class, sexual orientation, immigration status, marital status, and other categories of difference, it will surely differ across biosex as well and perhaps in ways that Rosenblum does not anticipate and/or in ways that undermine the goals of an unsexing process. Second, I argue against the goal of freeing men to “mother” as Rosenblum describes it. Rather, the goal should be to create space for men to provide care. In other words, the goal here need not be for men to call themselves mothers and women to call themselves fathers, but for men to be thought of as eager and talented caretakers and for women to be free to reject such a role as natural and intuitive. Third, and finally, I assert that there are theoretical and practical components to my resistance to his attempt to unsex mothering. On the practical end, I ponder whether he leaves any room for mothering and the term “mother” as simply descriptive terms. In other words, if stripped of normative content, is there any harm in referring to a person who identifies as a woman as a mother and to a person who identifies as a man as a father? In the more theoretical realm, I worry about the stickiness of gender identification. The reality is that many of the circumstances in which men are given or take on roles traditionally gendered as female occur on the fringe, where assuming those roles is intended for comedy, or, more perniciously, to pillory women. If I am right about this, then I am concerned that many men — perhaps most men, but particularly heterosexual men — will not see the potential for liberation in a world in which they too can be “mothers.”
Electrochromism and Optical Waveguiding as Diagnostics of Corona-Poled Electro-Optic Polymer Films

Corona poling1 has recently been applied as an effective means of creating macroscopic nonlinear susceptibilities in polymeric materials funtionalized or doped with hyper-polarizable groups or molecules. In contrast with a standard electrode, the corona poling voltage can be higher, hut its value may be only poorly known because leakage currents in organic films increase dramatically at the temperatures near the glass transition, Tg. To optimize the nonlinear response of a sample, it is desirable to provide a real-time monitor of the degree of orientation during and after poling. The Maker fringe technique2 has been used to observe second-harmonic generation and can give bulk susceptibilities directly, but involves a sophisticated experimental setup and works best for samples thick enough to display several coherence fringes.
Hospice care and palliative care: a perspective from experience.

SUMMARYThe establishment of the first Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care in a Medical Center in the United States is noteworthy. Since the design of the Department integrates a full-fu...