cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NanoRNAs: a class of small RNAs that can prime transcription initiation in bacteria.

It has been widely assumed that all transcription in cells occur using NTPs only (i.e., de novo). However, it has been known for several decades that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic RNA polymerases can utilize small (2 to ∼5 nt) RNAs to prime transcription initiation in vitro, raising the possibility that small RNAs might also prime transcription initiation in vivo. A new study by Goldman et al. has now provided the first evidence that priming with so-called "nanoRNAs" (i.e., 2 to ∼5 nt RNAs) can, in fact, occur in vivo. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that altering the extent of nanoRNA-mediated priming of transcription initiation can profoundly influence global gene expression. In this perspective, we summarize the findings of Goldman et al. and discuss the prospect that nanoRNA-mediated priming of transcription initiation represents an underappreciated aspect of gene expression in vivo.
Serious and Fatal Air Gun Injuries: More Than Meets the Eye

Objective. To describe the epidemiology of air gun injuries to children that required hospitalization. Design. A consecutive series of children with air gun injuries. Setting. Urban pediatric teaching hospitals in Cincinnati, OH; Kansas City, MO; and Seattle, WA. Methods. A retrospective chart review. Results. A total of 101 children were studied: 81% were male; 80% were white, 18% were black, and 2% were other races. The median age was 10.9 years (range, 0.5 to 18.8). Victims were most commonly shot by a friend (30%) or sibling (21%). A total of 34% occurred at the victim9s home, and 36% occurred at the home of a friend or relative. Although 71% of shootings were unintentional, 5% were assaults, and 1% were suicides. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1 to 17 days). Fifteen children (15%) required treatment in intensive care. A total of 56% required at least one surgical procedure. Forty-nine had injuries to the head, including 38 with injuries to the eye, 10 with intracranial injuries, and 1 with a skull injury. Fourteen children were shot in the neck; 15 were shot in the chest, with 2 patients sustaining lacerations of the pericardium and 1 having a right ventricular foreign body. Another child had a laceration of the innominate artery. Nineteen had abdominal injuries, including laceration of the stomach (N = 3), small bowel (N = 4), colon (N = 2), and liver (N = 3). Three of 10 children with intracranial injuries died. Two had long-term neurologic deficits. Of children with eye injuries, 25 (66%) had permanent visual loss and 15 (39%) of these were blind. Conclusion. Air guns are associated with serious and fatal injuries. Families should be counseled that air guns may cause serious injuries and even death. Furthermore, pediatric care givers should advocate for increased regulation of air guns and expansion of safety standards.
Differential response of macrophages to core–shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles and nanostars

Murine RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to spheroidal core–shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (SCS-NPs, ca. 34 nm) or nanostars (NSTs, ca. 100 nm) in the presence of bovine serum albumin, with variable effects observed after macrophagocytosis. Uptake of SCS-NPs caused macrophages to adopt a rounded, amoeboid form, accompanied by an increase in surface detachment. In contrast, the uptake of multibranched NSTs did not induce gross changes in macrophage shape or adhesion, but correlated instead with cell enlargement and signatures of macrophage activation such as TNF-α and ROS. MTT assays indicate a low cytotoxic response to either SCS-NPs or NSTs despite differences in macrophage behavior. These observations show that differences in NP size and shape are sufficient to produce diverse responses in macrophages following uptake.
Structure and protein distribution for the capsid of Caulobacter crescentus bacteriophage φCbK

Abstract Electron microscope images of negatively stained empty capsids of Caulobacter crescentus bacteriophage φCbK have been analyzed by computer Fourier methods. Two-dimensional computer density maps for the distribution of material in the capsid wall have been obtained by computer Fourier filtering which made possible the complete separation of contributions from the front and back of the capsid including overlapping Fourier coefficients. After scaling for the capsid thickness, using a one-dimensional reconstruction of data from edge-on views of the capsid wall and using topographical information provided by low-angle metal shadowing, a three-dimensional density distribution has been derived. A model for the distribution of subunits in the capsid is proposed which places each of the two major capsid subunit proteins (which are present in a 2:1 ratio) in quasi-equivalent bonding environments. A tentative model is presented in which assembly of the capsid (an elongated T = 7 l icosadeltahedron) is regulated by the bonding geometry of the penton proteins.
On the various and changing meanings of organizational membership: A field study of organizational identification

The primary aim of this study was to analyze and interpret some aspects of the process of organizational identification in a corporate field setting. Specifically, the study focused on how an individual's identification (or identifying) with an employing organization influences on‐the‐job decision making. Past research efforts have been limited by their treatment of organizational identification as a product or state, rather than as a process. The wider perspective on identification is well represented by Herbert A. Simon and Kenneth Burke, whose writings were integrated to provide a theoretical framework for this study. While this study neither examined the phenomenon of identification over time nor placed it in a clearly‐defined causal chain, it explicitly recognized identification as a continuing development involving many changes. The study employed two methodologies for the examination of identification in a corporate field setting: moderately‐scheduled interviews that produced largely qualitative da...
Creating Value at the Intersection of Sourcing, Hedging & Trading

Higher commodity prices, and higher currency and commodity price volatility have combined with challenging economic circumstances to make for very challenging economics within many industries today. These factors introduce risk to both top line revenue as well as the cost structure to wreak havoc on net cash flow and profitability, if left unmanaged. We expect high prices and increased volatility to continue in many global commodity categories. This culmination of headwinds puts both sourcing and hedging near the top of the strategic agenda for many companies.Many companies already anchor their hedging (and sometimes sourcing) processes around goals of reducing cash flow volatility and optimizing value (versus simply minimizing sourced or manufactured unit cost). Nevertheless, many have expressed an interest in a more systematic approach to risk management, and developing a combined sourcing-hedging policy.Rising pressure for growth and profitability has also led companies with large commodities exposures – both those who are naturally long and those with a natural short – to explore a greater presence around commodity hedging and trading, as well as the use of innovative risk-shifting mechanisms on inbound and outbound material flows. For many companies, this must involve the expertise and capabilities of, as well as coordination across, the Purchasing, Treasury, Selling and Marketing organizations.
On the scaling behavior of dipole and quadrupole modes in coupled plasmonic nanoparticle pairs

We investigate shifts of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) caused by coupling between Ag nanospheres in close proximity to one another by using three-dimensional (3D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations and exact Mie solutions. Our findings agree well with previous reports of universal scaling in coupled nanostructures where the relative fractional shift in dipole plasmon resonance wavelength decays over an inter-particle gap with the same universal trend independent of particle size, shape and material composition. To expand upon this, we investigate universal scaling of the dipole mode in coupled particle pairs greater than 100 nm in diameter where higher-order modes of resonance (i.e. both dipole and quadrupole modes of resonance) are present. It is shown that fractional shifts of the quadrupole mode in coupled sphere-pairs do not follow a universal scaling trend independent of particle size. Rather, the fractional shifts are dependent on a predetermined set of particle sizes defined by the particle-pair spacing at which the onset of shifts follow bands that are dependent on the center-to-center particle distance.
Sum rules and static local-field corrections of electron liquids in two and three dimensions

The dielectric functions of electron liquids which take into account short-range electron-electron correlations via the static local-field corrections are examined in the light of the frequency-moment sum rules. The formation is given for degenerate as well as classical electron liquids in arbitrary (d) spatial dimensions, which is suitable for comparison between the two- and three-dimensional cases. By using the virial equations of state it is shown that such dielectric functions cannot satisfy the compressibility sum rule and the third-frequency-moment sum rule simultaneously. In the degenerate case, the plasmon, single-pair, and multipair contributions to the sum rules are analyzed, and the reason for this incompatibility is discussed.
Potential of Chevrel phases for thermoelectric applications

A low lattice thermal conductivity is one of the requirements to achieve high thermoelectric figures of merit.
Laser-based measurement of liquid temperature or concentration at a solid–liquid interface

Abstract This work presents a real-time, non-contact, laser-based thermoreflectance technique to measure changes in temperature or concentration of stationary or flowing liquids at a transparent solid–liquid interface, e.g., a glass window. Variations in temperature or concentration result in a change in refractive indices of the liquid, which, in turn, alter the reflectivity at the interface. A 3 mW semiconductor laser diode serves as the light source, and a silicon photodiode monitors the intensity variations of the reflected laser beam. The temperature of three liquids, water, ethanol, and 1-propanol, are measured with very good agreement found between the laser technique and a calibrated thermistor. The concentration of a methanol–propanol solution is successfully measured as well. The maximum uncertainty is 0.6°C for the temperature measurement and 0.2% for the concentration measurement, respectively. The presented experimental configuration is simple, inexpensive and reliable. Additionally very high spatial and temporal resolution are possible: the beam spot size can be readily reduced to ∼20 μm or less, and a temporal resolution of ∼1 μs or less can be achieved with a high-speed data acquisition system. Thus, temperature or concentration changes in a flowing liquid in small-scale devices such as microelectro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) and microfluidic structures, and the systems with fast temporal variation, e.g., rapid solidification and fast mixing, can be effectively measured.
Reproduction‐Induced Neuroplasticity: Natural Behavioural and Neuronal Alterations Associated with the Production and Care of Offspring

As a female transitions into motherhood, many neurobiological adaptations are required to meet the demands presented by her offspring. In addition to the traditional maternal responses (e.g. crouching, nursing, retrieving, grooming), our laboratories have observed several behavioural modifications accompanying parity, especially in the areas of foraging and emotional resilience. Additionally, brain modifications have been observed in the hippocampus and amygdala, providing support for neural plasticity extending beyond the expected hypothalamic alterations. Interestingly, we have observed parenting-induced neuroplasticity to persist into late adulthood, even providing protection against age-related brain and memory deficits. Although the majority of work on the parental brain has been conducted on females, preliminary research suggests similar changes in the biparental male California deer mouse. Taken together, research suggests that the parental brain is dynamic and changeable as it undergoes diverse and, in some cases, long-lasting, modifications to facilitate the production and care of offspring.
A Designed β-Hairpin Peptide for Molecular Recognition of ATP in Water

A designed 12-residue beta-hairpin peptide with a diagonal tryptophan (Trp) pair was shown to bind ATP in water through a combination of aromatic and electrostatic interactions. The affinity for ATP was 5800 M-1 (DeltaG approximately -5.0 kcal/mol), a remarkable affinity for a short, structured peptide in water, consisting of entirely natural amino acid residues. Proton NMR measurements indicate that the adenine ring of the nucleotide is intercalated between the diagonal tryptophans in the bound state. Delineation of the contributions to ATP binding to the hairpin suggest that aromatic interactions contribute approximately -1.8 kcal/mol, while individual electrostatic interactions involving the ATP phosphates and positively charged side chains of the hairpin contribute approximately -1 kcal/mol each. The designed beta-hairpin receptor presents a novel minimalist system to investigate the energetic contributions to protein-nucleic acid recognition through the surface of a beta-sheet.
Wireless dry EEG for drowsiness detection

Fatigue is a well recognized safety concern for drivers and other industrial workers who must stay alert and attentive for long periods of time. Currently, drowsiness detectors using EEG technology exist but are cumbersome and unreliable. The large number of standard EEG channels requires extensive wiring, while the conventional wet electrodes cause discomfort in long-term monitoring. We propose a simple and cheap one-channel drowsiness detection technology suitable for detecting drowsiness in a variety of environments. Our design incorporates pronged dry-AgCl electrodes in a headband harness, which eliminates the discomfort of gel electrodes while obtaining strong signals from hair covered areas of the scalp. The electrodes send signals to a wireless base unit which then transfers the signal to a computer where it is analyzed using an unique algorithm. With solely this one-channel system, we obtained strong EEG signals from which alpha, beta and theta waves can be observed.
Treatment of oromandibular dystonia with botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin produces muscle weakness by inhibition of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. The toxin has been used successfully for symptomatic treatment of focal dystonias. Our experience in the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of oromandibular dystonia in five patients is reported. Improvement following treatment was reported as marked by 1 patient, moderate by 1 patient, and mild by 3 patients. Similar improvement was noted by the examiners. One patient with mild cosmetic improvement developed significant dysphagia requiring feeding by a nasogastric tube for a 3-month period.
Relationship of carbon crystallization to the metal-dusting mechanism of nickel.

Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the mechanism of metal-dusting corrosion of nickel and Alloy 601. The Raman bandwidths and the relative intensities of the 1330- and 1580-cm-1 bands are related to the crystallinity and defect structure of coke. Both Raman and XRD analyses suggest that there is a relationship between metal dusting and the catalytic crystallization of carbon. Coke cannot crystallize well by deposition from carburizing gases at low temperature without catalytic activation because of its strong C−C bonds and high melting temperature. Participation of nickel during the coke-crystallizing process tends to improve the crystallinity of the coke. At the same time, nickel particles are liberated from metal. A decrease in free energy from highly disordered carbon to well-crystallized carbon is the driving force of metal dusting.
P4.018 “Just One Thing on the Plate”–Views of Community Members and Providers on Sexual Health Services in the Fort McPherson Area of Southwest Atlanta: Findings from a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment

Background The neighbourhoods surrounding Fort McPherson in southwest Atlanta, GA are in transition due to closure of the Fort in 2011 and pending redevelopment. Health services in the area are in transition due to budget cuts and changes to the US health system. Neighborhoods surrounding the Fort have some of the highest STD rates in the US. The objective of this assessment was to obtain community member and provider views on available services for sexual health, and potential changes to services as a result of redevelopment and health system changes. Methods We carried out 35 in-depth interviews with representatives from 23 health and social service agencies and 12 community residents in July 2012. A checklist of available sexual and reproductive health services was administered to 18 agencies. Qualitative and checklist data were analysed using QSR’s NVivo 8 and MS Excel. Results Providers and community members perceived that affordable, accessible options for sexual health care in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the Fort had severely declined in recent years, due to economic pressures and neighbourhood deterioration. Providers stressed the need for more holistic models of health care that address a range of client health and psychosocial needs, in addition to sexual health. While sexual health services are available within 5 miles of the Fort, there are significant social and structural barriers that may prevent community members from using them, including lack of awareness of existing services, cost, transportation barriers, stigma, and geographic and social isolation. Conclusions Reaching vulnerable populations with sexual health services will continue to be challenging even as the US health system evolves. Nesting sexual health services within a broader array of health and social services, and developing stronger linkages and referral networks between STD programmes and other agencies may improve reach to those who most need these services.
Field and remotely sensed measures of soil and vegetation carbon and nitrogen across an urbanization gradient in the Boston metropolitan area

Understanding the impact of urbanization on terrestrial biogeochemistry is critical for addressing society’s grand challenge of global environmental change. We used field observations and remotely sensed data to quantify the effects of urbanization on vegetation and soils across a 100-km urbanization gradient extending from Boston to Harvard Forest and Worcester, MA. At the field-plot scale, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was positively correlated with aboveground biomass (AGB) and foliar nitrogen (N) content and negatively correlated with impervious surface fraction. Unlike previous studies, we found no significant relationship between NDVI or impervious surface area (ISA) fraction and foliar N concentration. Patterns in foliar N appeared to be driven more strongly by changes in species composition rather than phenotypic plasticity across the urbanization gradient. For forest and non-residential development, soil nitrogen content increased with urban intensity. In contrast, residential land had consistently high soil N content across the gradient of urbanization. When field observations were scaled-up to the Boston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), we found that soil and vegetation N content were negatively correlated with ISA fraction, an indicator of urban intensity. Our results demonstrated the importance of accounting for the influence of impervious surfaces when scaling field data across urban ecosystems. The combination of field data with remote sensing holds promise for disentangling the complex interactions that drive biogeochemical cycling in urbanizing landscapes. Empirical data that accurately characterize variations in urban biogeochemistry are critical to gain a mechanistic understanding of urban ecosystem function and to guide policy makers and planners in developing ecologically sensitive development strategies.
Use of the fast Fourier transform algorithm in the calculation of the operating characteristics of group sequential clinical trials

The calculation of Types I and II error probabilities associated with a group sequential clinical trial involves recursive integration, the integrals typically being evaluated using a simple numerical method such as Simpson's rule. This paper describes an alternate method for performing the recursive integration which is based on the fast Fourier transform algorithm and demonstrates that a significant savings in terms of computing time can be achieved using a fast Fourier transform based algorithm compared to a simple quadrature method such a Simpson's rule.
First principles calculations of lattice dynamics and ionicity in La2CuO4 and YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract Studies of the lattice dynamics of La2CuO4 and YBa2Cu3O7 using both a non-empirical ionic model and the linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method show that ionic contributions are important in the high temperature oxide superconductors. Preliminary frozen phonon calculations with the LAPW method show large enhancements of electron phonon matrix elements over the rigid muffin tin approximations. Calculated phonon frequencies are in good agreement with Raman and infrared data.
A super-Weyl-invariant spinning membrane

Abstract We present a super-Weyl-invariant spinning membrane, both in superspace and in component form. To do this, we give the explicit relation between D = 3 superspace and component supergravity. The model is an explicit counterexample to a recent “no-go theorem” for spinning membranes.
Effect of immobilization on glucose transporter expression in rat hindlimb muscles.

Abstract Three days after denervation, the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein decreases by approximately 50% in rat hindlimb muscles, while GLUT1 mRNA increases transiently by approximately 500%. Although postreceptor insulin resistance of glucose transport develops before GLUT4 declines, the latter likely contributes to the time-dependent increased severity of the resistance. To determine whether muscle inactivity contributes to changes in glucose transporter expression, one rat hindlimb was immobilized in a plaster cast for 3 days; the unencumbered hindlimb served as control. Muscle GLUT4 mRNA decreased by 32% ( P P
Intramolecular rearrangements of polyketones

A number of polymeric ketones with the carbonyl groups in the polymer backbone (ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers) have been converted to polyamides by means of Schmidt and Beckmann rearrangements. The high degree to which these reactions are intramolecular has permitted conversion with little loss in molecular weight.
A Statistical Analysis of Mathematical Measures for Linear Simplification

The implementation of automated cartography has resulted in the digitization of linear data and the development of simplification algorithms for generalizing these data. Some algorithms, such as the nth point and random point methods are simple in both practice and operation. Others, such as polynomial reconstruction, appear to be conceptually overly complex and computationally time consuming. This study presents a method for the evaluation of simplification algorithms. Thirty mathematical measures are developed for this purpose, including both single attribute measurements, which may be applied to a single line, and measures of displacement for evaluating differences between a line and its simplification. These measures are used to compare thirty-one unsimplified naturally-occurring lines with two simplifications of each. Using principal components analysis, correlation matrices, and cartographic judgment, the thirty measures are reduced to six by eliminating statistical redundancy. The resulting six mea...
Symmetry breaking of systems of linear second-order ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients

Abstract We show that the structure of the Lie symmetry algebra of a system of n linear second-order ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients depends on at most n - 1 parameters. The tools used are Jordan canonical forms and appropriate scaling transformations. We put our approach to test by presenting a simple proof of the fact that the dimension of the symmetry Lie algebra of a system of two linear second-order ordinary differential with constant coefficients is either 7, 8 or 15. Also, we establish for the first time that the dimension of the symmetry Lie algebra of a system of three linear second-order ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients is 10, 12, 13 or 24.
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONS FOR THE R AND T OPERATORS ON PLANE-PARALLEL MEDIA.

SIO Reference 57-47. In this note we consider the case of finite, non-separable plane-parallel media. As is shown below, the study of these media requires not two but four functions: a reflectance-transmittance pair for each of the two boundaries of the medium. The four principles of invariance for a non-separable plane-parallel medium are formulated, and are found to be just sufficient to yield the appropriate integro-differential equations governing the four functions-.
A force vector and surface orientation sensor for intelligent grasping

The paper discusses a force vector and surface orientation sensor suitable for intelligent grasping. The use of a novel four degree-of-freedom force vector robotic fingertip sensor allows efficient, real time intelligent grasping operations. The basis of sensing for intelligent grasping operations is presented and experimental results demonstrate the accuracy and ease of implementation of this approach.
Role of biotransformation in the in vitro preimplantation embryotoxicity of naphthalene

Abstract The in vitro developmental toxicity of the bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene was characterized with a preimplementation mouse embryo culture system. Day 3 ICR mouse blastocysts were co-cultured with naphthalene for 1 h either alone or in media supplemented with an Aroclor-induced rat S-9 preparation and cofactors. Toxin-treated blastocysts were subsequently cultured in NCTC 109 media with 10% fetal bovine serum for 72 h to observe the developmental effects of exposure. Developmental parameters observed included viability, hatching, culture dish attachment and trophoblastic outgrowth with the presence of a distinct inner cell mass. At media concentrations up to 0.78 mM, naphthalene alone exhibited negligible toxic effects in culture; however naphthalene co-cultured with Arocolor-induced rat hepatic S-9 fractions exhibited concentration-dependent embryolethality with an approximate LC 50 of 0.18 mM in media. Naphthalene also induced concentration-dependent embryotoxicity at all observed parameters in S-9-supplemented media at concentrations ranging from 0.20 to 0.78 mM. These findings document the role of biotransformation in naphthalene's embryotoxicity to early mouse blastocysts and implicate naphthalene as a potentially embryotoxic and abortifacient component of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures.
Intrusion of overerupted upper first molar using two orthodontic miniscrews. A case report.

Abstract Loss of the mandibular first molar often leads to the overeruption of the opposing maxillary first molar, resulting in occlusal interference, loss of periodontal bony support, and inadequate room to restore the mandibular edentulous space. Without orthodontic molar intrusion or segmental surgical impaction, restoring the posterior occlusion often entails the need for significant reduction of maxillary molar crown height, with the potential need for costly iatrogenic root canal therapy and restoration. The literature has cited successful maxillary molar intrusion with minor prosthodontic reduction using palatal orthodontic miniscrews and buccal zygomatic miniplates. In this report, the authors present successful maxillary molar intrusion with two orthodontic miniscrews in a patient with extreme dental anxiety and significant dental erosion due to gastric reflux. Using two orthodontic miniscrews for skeletal anchorage to intrude the maxillary molar simplified the orthodontic treatment by eliminatin...
On determining the internal stress using Hall-Petch data

Accurate evaluation of σμ, the internal stress, is essential for determining σ∗, the effective stress, because experimental yield stress data yield only the sum of σ∗ and σμ. In the past, the most popular method of determining σμ has been the back extrapolation technique which assumes that σ∗ = 0 at the flow stress plateau of a constant strain rate σ vs. T plot, so that in this region σ = σμ. Back extrapolating this σμ to absolute zero while giving it the temperature dependence of the shear modulus was then assumed to determine σμ at temperatures below the plateau. This technique has been shown to seriously overestimate σμ and underestimate σ∗ and it has been shown that σμ may be measured more accurately [1,2,3] using strain rate sensitivity data. However, strain rate sensitivity data at sub-ambient temperatures are very difficult to obtain accurately. This paper discusses another possible method for measuring σμ based on Hall-Petch data, which appears to be much easier to use and of still greater accuracy.
Mechanisms of stress relief in polycrystalline films

The stress required to operate dislocation sources within a grain, at a grain boundary, and at surfaces is found to be larger than the intrinsics tresses observed in polycrystalline films. It is therefore unlikely that a dislocation flow mechanism can relieve stresses in films. Grain boundary sliding and diffusional creep can, however, relieve stresses in films and equations describing the kinetics of stress relaxation are derived. It is suggested that stress relief occurs primarily by a diffusion-creep mechanism. Growth of hillocks during annealing of a film is briefly discussed in terms of the diffusion-creep mechanism.
Effect of 2-cyclohexene-1-one-induced glutathione diminution on ischemia/reperfusion-induced alterations in the physical state of brain synaptosomal membrane proteins and lipids.

Abstract Glutathione is able to protect membrane proteins from oxidative stress. In ischemia/reperfusion injury, free radicals cause synaptosomal membrane protein and lipid oxidation that is prevented by the free radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone [Hall N. C. et al. (1995) Neuroscience 64, 81–89; 69, 591–600]. We wondered if diminution of glutathione would lead to further membrane alterations. Accordingly, the effects of glutathione depletion, by intraperitoneal administration of 2-cyclohexene-1-one, on the physical state of cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins and lipids, with and without global ischemia/reperfusion, were studied in vivo and in vitro in adult and aged gerbils utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry. 2-Cyclohexene-1-one (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to 10-min ischemia followed by 1 or 14 h reperfusion. This glutathione reduction agent was also administered to gerbils under the same temporal schedule in the absence of ischemia and compared to untreated controls. Synaptosomal membranes were labeled with a protein-specific spin label, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-maleimidopiperidine-1-oxyl, or a lipid-specific spin probe, 5-doxylstearic acid. There were no significant changes in the physical state of the lipid portion of synaptosomal membranes when comparing ischemia reperfusion and 2-cyclohexene-1-one-treated ischemia reperfusion in either the adult or aged gerbils. However, glutathione depletion without ischemia/reperfusion caused significant changes in the physical state of the protein portion of cortical synaptosomal membranes in both the adult and aged models. Glutathione depletion, without ischemia/reperfusion, in the adult model showed a maximum change at 3 h that returned to control values by 14 h. In contrast, the aged model showed significant changes at 1 h reperfusion, which did not return to control values by 14 h reperfusion. Glutathione depletion combined with ischemia/reperfusion caused initial protein change in both adult and aged models at 1 h reperfusion, which did not return toward control values by 14 h reperfusion. The results of this study suggest that glutathione depletion increases the severity of membrane protein damage associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Variability in the Persistence Length of an Atactic Polymer Due to Quenched Randomness, As Illustrated by Atactic Polystyrene

The persistence lengths of atactic polystyrene (PS) have a broad distribution due to the quenched randomness of the stereochemical sequences. The breadth of this distribution, and the implications for dynamic properties, is deduced from explicit calculations of the averaged end-to-end vector, 〈r〉, for all 2x stereochemical sequences of methyl-terminated oligomers with x up to 15, where x denotes the number of phenyl side chains in the methyl-terminated oligomer. There is a large variation in the values of 〈r〉 for long subchains of atactic PS, depending on the stereochemical sequence within the given subchain. Average results, and the fluctuations in these results, are obtained for PS over the entire range of the probability of a meso diad, pm, with the assumption of Bernoullian statistics for the stereochemical sequences. These fluctuations are large at the intermediate values of pm characteristic of conventional atactic PS. The results imply that beads representing Kuhn monomers in a given atactic PS cha...
Elevation of Plasma MB Creatine Kinase and the Development of New Q Waves in Association with Pericarditis

A 64-year-old woman with an acute exacerbation of chronic relapsing pericarditis had initial clinical and ECG features that were consistent with an acute anterior myocardial infarction. Transient Q waves were observed in the precordial leads, and she also exhibited elevated plasma MB creatine kinase (MB CK) activity. However, the overall clinical and laboratory data, including angiographic and radionuclide studies, suggest that the myocardial damage was secondary to pericarditis per se, rather than ischemic myocardial infarction. This case emphasizes that Q waves and elevated MB CK activity can be seen in association with pericarditis, and this must be differentiated from myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery disease.
A 20Gb/s 136fJ/b 12.5Gb/s/μm on-chip link in 28nm CMOS

A high data rate, low power on-chip link in 28nm CMOS is presented. It features a double-sampling receiver with dynamic offset modulation and a capacitively-driven transmitter. The functionality of the link was validated using 4-7mm minimum-pitch on-chip wires. It achieves up to 20Gb/s of data rate (13.9Gb/s/μm) with BER<; 10-12. It has better than 136fJ/b of power efficiency at 10Gb/s. The total area of the transmitter and receiver is 1110μm2.
How in the world did we ever get into that mode? Mode error and awareness in supervisory control

New technology is flexible in the sense that it provides practitioners with a large number of functions and options for carrying out a given task under different circumstances. However, this flexib...
EXTRAMAMMARY PAGET's DISEASE OF THE PENIS AND SCROTUM: EXCISION, RECONSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION OF OCCULT MALIGNANCY

Purpose: We describe treatment and reconstruction in patients after surgery for extramammary Paget's disease of the penis and scrotum. We also investigated whether this disease causes an increased risk of undiagnosed visceral malignancy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the databases at our institution from 1996 to 2000 and identified 6 men 67 to 87 years old (mean age 76). In addition, we reviewed the literature on the clinical and pathological features of this disease.Results: In our 6 patients scrotal involvement was present in 83% and penile extramammary Paget's disease was present in 33%. Each man underwent wide local excision and large skin defects were immediately reconstructed with split-thickness skin grafts. In 1 case extramammary Paget's disease had spread to the superficial inguinal nodes. At a mean followup of 29 months there has been no local recurrence and internal malignancy has not been diagnosed. Our literature review revealed 13 patients with penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease an...
Spontaneous perilymphatic fistula: myth or fact.

Controversy exists surrounding the diagnosis of spontaneous perilymphatic fistula. In an effort to help resolve this controversy the author conducted a review of the literature as well as a review of 212 of his patients who underwent surgical exploration for suspected perilymphatic fistula. Interpretation of the literature reviewed was hampered by the lack of a uniformly accepted definition for the word spontaneous. Dorland's Medical Dictionary defines spontaneous as that which occurs without external influence. Webster's Dictionary, on the other hand, provides a much more confining definition of the word by stating that a spontaneous event is one that occurs or is produced by its own energy
The effect of property tax limitation measures on local government fiscal behavior

Abstract Previous evidence on the effects of tax and expenditure limitation measures has not been conclusive. Difficulties arise in characterizing differences in fiscal institutions across states, and estimating behavior in the absence of limitation measures. A recently enacted tax limitation measure limits the growth in local property taxes in some Illinois jurisdictions, but not in others. Such differential treatment of otherwise similar jurisdictions provides a natural experiment for estimating the impact of the tax cap on local government fiscal behavior. We find that the cap has been effective in that the fiscal behavior of capped jurisdictions differs from that of never-capped jurisdictions.
The flashing behavior of thunderstorms

Abstract The distribution in time of individual lightning flashes recorded visually during 20 storms in New Mexico and on 23-cm radar screens during several storms in the south-central United States has been analyzed. The logarithms of the intervals between flashes within a given storm are normally distributed with a standard deviation σ of approximately one natural-log unit. The available data do not reject the hypothesis that there are no statistically significant variations in σ among storms. The autocorrelation of the intervals between flashes in one storm is very small. The implications of these findings are briefly explored.
Model and controller reduction applied to structural control using passivity theory

In this paper, model and controller reduction problems for the large-scale control of building models are analyzed. First, the model reduction problem is posed in a projection framework, and some techniques are shown, such as modal reduction, balanced truncation, and moment matching by Krylov subspace, to obtain reduced-order models. Based on those techniques, reduced-order controllers are obtained from the large-scale building models. However, there is the lack of closed-loop stability guarantees using the above methods. In order to overcome this issue, it is proposed to use the so-called passivity preserving model reduction, where one performs reduction based on the spectral zeros of the system and passive controller design. It is shown from the results of some simulations applied to the second generation of benchmark building control problem that the proposed algorithm indeed guarantees closed-loop stability and offers good performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Thermodynamics of Swelling

An attempt has been made to bring together from the literature the important results of studies on swelling processes which have been made from the thermodynamic point of view. The quantities involved are swelling pressure, free energy, heat of swelling entropy and vollume contraction. Each is related either to the vapor pressure of the gel by equations derived by simple thermodynamic, methods, or is related to the water concentration of the gel by empirical formulas. A comparison of swelling pressure with osmotic pressure is made and it is demonstrated that both arise in the same fundamental process. Entropy changes with swelling are related to the distribution of the water molecules within the gel. Volume contraction is ascribed to the dissociation of ordinary water, which has a complex molecule, to the simple monomolecular form in the gel. Since swelling and capillarity are intimately related phenomena the important points of contact of the two are discussed.
Electrokinetic bioprocessor for concentrating cells and molecules.

Bioprocessors for concentrating bioparticles, such as cells and molecules, are commonly needed in bioanalysis systems. In this microfluidic processor, a global flow field generated by ac electroosmosis transports the embedded particles to the regions near the electrode surface. The processor then utilizes electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic forces, which are effective in short range, to trap the target cells and molecules on the electrode surface. By optimizing the operating parameters, we have concentrated various biological objects in a large range of sizes, including Escherichia coli bacteria, λ phage DNA, and single-stranded DNA fragments as small as 20 bases that have a radius of gyration of only 3 nm.
Alcohol Misuse is an Independent Risk Factor for Poorer Postoperative Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

The influence of alcohol misuse on outcomes following primary total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty is poorly understood. Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey, a cohort representative of 8,372,232 patients (without cirrhosis) who underwent THA or TKA between 1990 and 2007 was identified and divided into two groups: (1) those who misused alcohol (n=50,861) and (2) those who did not (n=8,321,371). Differences in discharge status, comorbidities and perioperative complications were analyzed. Compared to patients with no diagnosis of alcohol misuse, alcohol misusers were nine times more likely to leave against medical advice and had longer hospital stays (P<0.001). Alcohol misuse was independently associated with higher odds of in hospital complications (OR: 1.334, range: 1.307-1.361), surgery related complications (OR: 1.293, range: 1.218-1.373) and general medical complications (OR: 1.300, range: 1.273-1.327).
““To Recall Him …… Will be a Subject of Lamentation””: Anna Comnena as Rhetorical Historiographer

Abstract In this article, the authors analyze the history of 12th-century Byzantine intellectual Anna Comnena with attention to the use of rhetoric in her life and work. By analyzing the fragmentary historical record about Anna, they revise earlier readings of her relation to power, shifting critical scrutiny from a psychological perspective on Anna as an emotional and disappointed woman to her rhetorical performance and choices as a historiographer. By studying her strategies of self-presentation and use of figured discourse, they locate Anna as a participant in world-changing events: a writer who communicates the losses and pain experienced by those living in violent and politically volatile times.
Carbon Monoxide Production in Silent Discharge Plasmas of Air and Air-Methane Mixtures

CO production in high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) silent discharge plasmas of air and air-methane mixtures at atmospheric pressure has been investigated by matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy. In pure air, CO is produced by decomposition of CO2. A steady-state CO/CO2 ratio was determined by varying the flow rate. CO production was considerably enhanced when methane was added to the plasmas. CO production was observed even at very low oxygen concentrations, and did not noticeably decrease due to secondary oxidation reactions, even when methane was discharged in a pure oxygen carrier. CO production in air-methane mixtures is shown to depend on input power. CO production from CO2 and hydrocarbons in air appears to be a significant obstacle for development of a plasma-based air purification device.
Endoscopic polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Development of endoscope-compatible fiber-optic probes and polarization-sensitive detection schemes have each independently expanded the utility of optical coherence tomography. Several application areas have emerged which require polarization-sensitive measurements to be combined with endoscopic imaging techniques, in order to proceed to in vivo studies. Endoscopic-OCT typically requires a section of the sample arm fiber to be scanned during image acquisition, which produces a dynamically changing polarization state of light incident on the sample. Here, we demonstrate the effects of linear-scanning, and rotary-scanning probes in the sample arm of a PS-OCT system, and demonstrate the necessary modifications to be made for successful endoscopic PS-OCT imaging.
Wave-driven setup and alongshore flows observed onshore of a submarine canyon

[1] The effect of alongshore variations in the incident wavefield on wave-driven setup and on alongshore flows in the surfzone is investigated using observations collected onshore of a submarine canyon. Wave heights and radiation stresses at the outer edge of the surfzone (water depth ≈2.5 m) varied by up to a factor of 4 and 16, respectively, over a 450 m alongshore distance, resulting in setup variations as large as 0.1 m along the shoreline (water depth ≈0.3 m). Even with this strong alongshore variability, wave-driven setup was dominated by the cross-shore gradient of the wave radiation stress, and setup observed in the surfzone is predicted well by a one-dimensional cross-shore momentum balance. Both cross-shore radiation stress gradients and alongshore setup gradients contributed to the alongshore flows observed in the inner surfzone when alongshore gradients in offshore wave heights were large, and a simplified alongshore momentum balance suggests that the large [O(1 kg/(s2 m)] observed setup-induced pressure gradients can drive strong [O(1 m/s)] alongshore currents.
Factors controlling glycogen breakdown in the alligator

Abstract 1. Catecholamines were injected into normal alligators and into others pre-treated with an α blocker (phenoxybenzamine) or a β blocker (propranol). 2. Liver glycogenolysis after epinephrine, norepinephrine or isoproterenol was blocked by the β blocker, and muscle glycolysis after epinephrine or norepinephrine by an α blocker. Isoproterenol-induced glycolysis was blocked by the β blocker. 3. Glycolysis proceeded 10 × as fast after work as after catecholamines and it could not be blocked. 4. Work had little effect on blood glucose. 5. It was concluded that glycolysis from work did not involve catecholamine stimulation.
Biodegradable polyphosphazenes for drug delivery applications.

Abstract Biodegradable polymers such as poly(α-hydroxy acids), poly(anhydrides), poly(ortho esters), poly(amino acids) and polyphosphazenes have raised considerable interest as short-term medical implants due to their transient nature. Among these, polyphosphazenes are a relatively new class of polymers, quite distinct from all the biodegradable polymers synthesized so far, due to their synthetic flexibility and versatile adaptability for applications. These are high molecular weight, essentially linear polymers with an inorganic backbone of alternating phosphorous and nitrogen atoms bearing two side groups attached to each phosphorous atom. Controlled tuning of physico-chemical properties, including biodegradability, can be achieved in this class of polymers via macromolecular substitutions. Biodegradable polyphosphazenes, due to their hydrolytic instability, nontoxic degradation products, ease of fabrication and matrix permeability, are an excellent platform for controlled drug delivery applications. This review discusses the mode of degradation and drug delivery applications of biodegradable polyphosphazenes.