cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dipole-Modulated Downconversion Nanoparticles as Label-Free Biological Sensors.

Ultrasensitive detection of proteins and biomolecules has been previously achieved by optical nanoparticles (NPs) using the principles of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, the inherent need for labeling the target analyte in these assays hinders their applicability in point-of-use (POU) diagnostics. In this work, a label-free NP-based sensor has been developed that utilizes downconversion luminescence and surface electric dipoles as a novel approach for the detection of avidin. The long-lived luminescence of Eu3+-doped biotinylated NPs was effectively quenched in the presence of avidin in a concentration-dependent manner. The NPs exhibited high avidin selectivity and sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.8 nM and a wide dynamic range spanning 1 nM to 10 μM in deionized (DI) water. The application of the assay in a complex biological matrix consisting of cell growth medium supplemented with 10% v/v serum was verified with minor effects on avidin sensitivity exhibited by an LOD o...
Coupled solute effects enable anomalous high-temperature strength and stability in nanotwinned Al alloys

Abstract Nanoprecipitates or grain refinement can effectively enhance the mechanical strength of Al alloys, but the room-temperature strengths of precipitation hardened and nanocrystalline Al alloys often fall below 1 GPa. Furthermore, they are largely plagued by precipitous mechanical softening at elevated temperature below 300°C, mostly due to degraded microstructural stability. Here, we report a mechanism of coupled solute effect in nanotwinned Al-Fe-Ti alloys that enables stability of nanograins up to 400°C and an unprecedented high-temperature flow stress of ~ 1.7 GPa at 300°C. The supersaturated Fe solutes in Al act as effective grain refiner, forming superstrong solid solution alloys. More importantly, empirical evidence combined with first principle calculations indicate that the Ti solutes delay the agglomeration of Fe solutes, thereby remarkably extending the temperature window for the stability of nanograins in nanotwinned Al alloys. This study highlights the opportunity to design ultrastrong and stable nanostructured alloys for potential high temperature applications via a coupled solute effect.
Improved Classification of Medical Data Using Meta-Best Feature Selection

Feature selection provides a useful method for reducing the size of large data sets while maintaining integrity, thereby improving the accuracy of neural networks and other classifiers. However, running multiple feature selection models and their accompanying classifiers can make interpreting results difficult. To this end, we present a data-driven methodology called Meta-Best that not only returns a single feature set related to a classification target, but also returns an optimal size and ranks the features by importance within the set. This proposed methodology is tested on six distinct targets from the well-known REGARDS dataset: Deceased, Self-Reported Diabetes, Light Alcohol Abuse Risk, Regular NSAID Use, Current Smoker, and Self-Reported Stroke. This methodology is shown to improve the classification rate of neural networks by 0.056 using the ROC Area Under Curve metric compared to a control test with no feature selection.
Positron-Annihilation Radiation from Neutron Stars

Matter accreted on the surfaces of neutron stars consists of energetic particles of a few tens to one or two hundred MeV per nucleon, depending on the neutron-star mass. In addition to heat, such particles produce nuclear reactions with the surface material. It is proposed that the recently observed 473 plus or minus 30 keV spectral feature from the galactic center is gravitationally redshifted positron-annihilation radiation produced at the surfaces of neutron stars. The principal observational tests of the model would be the detection of nuclear gamma-ray lines from the galactic center.
Curse of optimality, and how we break it

We strive to seek optimality, but often find ourselves trapped in bad ``optimal" solutions that are either local optimizers, or too rigid to leave any room for errors, or simply based on wrong models. A way to break this ``curse of optimality" is to engage exploration through randomization. Exploration broadens search space, provides flexibility, and facilitates learning via trial and error. We review some of the latest development of this exploratory approach in the stochastic control setting with continuous time and spaces.
Stress, social support and their relationship to depression and anxiety among Latina immigrant women.

Abstract Objective Latina immigrant women in the United States are at increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes due to economic, political, cultural and social stressors related to migration and resettlement. However, few studies have described how stress and social supports are related to depression and anxiety symptoms among Latina immigrant women. Method This cross-sectional study used survey data collected from a community-based sample as part of the Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA) study to describe levels of stress, social support, depression and anxiety among Latina immigrant women (N=153). We also estimated associations between stressors, social supports and mental health. Results At baseline, 29% of participants reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 32% of participants reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. In adjusted regression models, stressors including social isolation (β=0.2, p Conclusions Latina immigrant women experience a number of stressors associated with immigration and their social position, which in turn are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Future research should examine how social support, along with programs and policies that reduce stress, can improve mental health outcomes in this population.
Development and Implementation of a Total Worker Health® Mentoring Program in a Correctional Workforce.

Correctional officers (COs) are exposed to a number of occupational stressors, and their health declines early in their job tenure. Interventions designed to prevent early decline in CO health are limited. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a one-year peer health mentoring program (HMP) guided by Total Worker Health® principles and using a participatory action research to collectively address worker safety, health, and well-being of newly hired COs. The HMP aimed to provide new COs with emotional and tangible forms of support during their first year of employment, including peer coaching to prevent early decline in physical fitness and health. The development and implementation of the HMP occurred across five main steps: (1) participatory design focus groups with key stakeholders; (2) adaptation of an existing mentoring handbook and training methods; (3) development of mentor–mentee recruitment criteria and assignment; (4) designing assessment tools; and (5) the initiation of a mentor oversight committee consisting of union leadership, corrections management, and research staff. Correctional employee engagement in the design and implementation process proved to be efficacious in the implementation and adaptation of the program by staff. Support for the HMP remained high as program evaluation efforts continued.
Two-Hybrid Analysis of Ras–Raf Interactions

The yeast two-hybrid system (1) is a genetic method that enables the experimentor to determine whether two proteins can form complexes within yeast cells. The method comprises expressing the proteins of interest as “hybrid” proteins, one fused to a DNA-binding domain and the other protein fused to a transcription-activating domain. If the fusion proteins interact, a reporter gene IS transcribed
A Review of “The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self Regulation”

Relational therapy is experiencing a shift toward honoring a biopsychosocial model of individuals and families. One only needs to look to the 2011 American Association for Marriage and Family Thera...
The Laplace Transform

This chapter discusses the significance of the Laplace transform in the representation of signals as well as of systems. The Laplace transform provides a complementary representation to the time representation of a signal, so that damping and frequency, poles and zeros, together with regions of convergence conforms a new domain for signals. The solution of differential equations and the different types of responses are obtained algebraically with the Laplace transform, which provides a simple and yet very significant solution to the convolution integral. It also provides the concept of transfer function, which will be fundamental in analysis and synthesis of linear time-invariant systems. The common thread of the Laplace and the Fourier transforms is the Eigen function property of linear time invariant (LTI) systems. The frequency domain analysis of continuous-time signals and systems using transforms. The Laplace transform provides complementary representations of a signal to its own in the time domain, and an algebraic characterization of systems. The growth or decay of a signal in the time domain are characterized in the Laplace domain by the location of the roots of the numerator and denominator, or zeros and poles, of the Laplace transform of the signal. Stability, and transient and steady-state responses, one- and two-sided laplace transforms, region of convergence and the Fourier transform, and Eigen-functions of LTI systems are also discussed in this chapter.
Materials science. Toward pore-free ceramics.

Efforts are under way to create perfectly dense ceramics for use in applications ranging from lasers to health care.
GAP-43 amino terminal peptides modulate growth cone morphology and neurite outgrowth

The neuronal growth-associated protein GAP-43 is expressed maximally during development and regeneration, and is enriched at the cytosolic surface of the growth cone membrane. GAP-43 can activate the GTP-binding protein G(o) which is also a major component of the growth cone membrane. These findings have led to the hypothesis that GAP-43 might modulate neurite outgrowth by altering G-protein activity. Here we define the sequence requirements for GAP-43 amino terminal peptide stimulation of G(o), and test these peptides as potential modulators of neurite outgrowth. The first 10 amino acids of GAP-43, Met-Leu-Cys-Cys-Met-Arg-Arg-Thr-Lys-Gln, stimulate G(o). Substitutions at particular residues reveal that cys3, cys4, arg6, and lys9 are critical, but arg7 is not. Both the GAP-43(1-10) peptide and the G-protein-activating peptide mastoparan induce growth cone collapse and inhibit neurite extension from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion and retinal neurons. This is likely to be mediated by G-proteins: pertussis toxin blocks the inhibition, and mutant peptides that do not activate G(o) do not alter outgrowth. In contrast to the case with embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion cells, neurite outgrowth from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells is stimulated by GAP-43(1-10). This is probably also a G-protein-mediated event because it is blocked by pertussis toxin, because the sequence requirements match those for G(o) stimulation, and because mastoparan stimulates outgrowth from these cells. The longer GAP-43(1-25) peptide does not alter neurite outgrowth unless the cells are permeabilized, suggesting an intracellular site of action. These data identify a novel set of compounds that modulate neurite outgrowth, and also support the notion that GAP-43 can alter neurite extension by modulating pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein activity in the growth cone.
Scattering theory in the mixed representation

The recently proposed mixed representation in quantum mechanics is discussed and applied to the scattering of a particle by a potential in three dimensions. Such scattering becomes equivalent to a one-dimensional reflection problem with a nonlocal potential. [/p]
Effect of endotoxin on isolated cat papillary muscle.

Summary In a system shown to be sensitive to Isuprel, calcium and potassium, E. coli endotoxin did not affect the contractility of isolated left ventricular papillary muscle in the cat.
Reconstituted Cl- pump protein: a novel ion(Cl-)-motive ATPase.

Cl− absorption by theAplysia californica foregut is effected through an active Cl− transport mechanism located in the basolateral membrane of the epithelial absorptive cells. These basolateral membranes contain both Cl−-stimulated ATPase and ATP-dependent Cl− transport activities which can be incorporated into liposomes via reconstitution. Utilizing the proteoliposomal preparation, it was demonstrated that ATP, and its subsequent hydrolysis, Mg2+, Cl−, and a pH optimum of 7.8 were required to generate maximal intraliposomal Cl− accumulation, electrical negativity, and ATPase activity. Additionally, an inwardly-directed valinomycininduced K+ diffusion potential, making the liposome interior electrically positive, enhanced both ATP-driven Cl− accumulation and electrical potential while an outwardly-directed valinomycininduced K+ diffusion potential, making the liposome interior electrically negative, decreased both ATP-driven Cl− accumulation and electrical potential compared with proteoliposomes lacking the ionophore. Either orthovanadate orp-chloromercurobenzene sulfonate inhibited both the ATP-dependent intraliposomal Cl− accumulation, intraliposomal negative potential difference, and also Cl−-stimulated ATPase activity. Both aspects of Cl− pump transport kinetics and its associated catalytic component kinetics were the first obtained utilizing a reconstituted transporter protein. These results strongly support the hypothesis that Cl−-ATPase actively transports Cl− by an electrogenic process.
Medication compliance in outpatient psychiatry

Abstract Evidence continues to accumulate supporting the efficacy of psychotropic medication in treatment and prophylaxis of psychotic disorders. Simultaneously, we are learning that psychotropic drugs are not innocuous substances that can be indiscriminately dispensed for indefinite periods at arbitrary dosages. For each patient, the lowest dose necessary to maintain remission must be ascertained. As practitioners must monitor patients with increased rigor, the issue of compliance with medication becomes vital. No amount of technical expertise in psychodiagnostics or psychopharmacology is significant if the patient is unable or unwilling to comply fully with the doctor's recommendation. It is generally accepted that significant deviation in following physicians' orders occurs among 30%–50% of patients in general medical practice. Rates of noncompliance among psychiatric patients are likely to be at least as high as 50%. 1 Our experience is exclusively with psychiatric aftercare patients at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Institute of Psychiatry's Sustaining Care Program and at The Thresholds rehabilitation agency, Chicago. From our experience, and reviews of compliance in general medical practice, 2,3 especially that of Blackwell, 4 an outline of factors relating to compliance among psychiatric outpatients is presented. These factors are organized into three areas: features of the therapeutic regimen, features of the patient, and features of the physician.
Comments on “Inertial Instability and Mesoscale Convective Systems. Part I”

Rectification d'une erreur qui s'etait glissee dans l'analyse lineaire de la stabilite, parue ibid. 1979, 36, 2425-2449
m-Calpain Activation/Depletion is Associated With Androgen-Induced Reduction of Protein Kinase C and Proliferation of Male Accessory Sex Organ Smooth Muscles Cells

ABSTRACTPurpose: In the guinea pig seminal vesicle smooth muscle (SVM), androgen-dependent proliferation and terminal differentiation appear to be coupled to protein kinase C (PKC). This is based on the observations that both the soluble (cytosolic) enzyme and the Triton X-100 solubilizable form of the particulate enzyme were reduced during proliferation but were androgen-resistant in the amitotic state of adults. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the reduction in PKC activity was linked to the translocation of the activated enzyme to acceptor sites in the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction of the cell or reflected enzyme depletion due to proteolysis by androgen-dependent activation of the u- and/or m-calpains.Materials and Methods: SVM was harvested from treated animals, homogenized and separated into soluble and particulate components. The particulate material was further fractionated into Triton X-100 soluble and insoluble fractions. PKC activity was determined in all fractions ...
Melt processed single phase hollandite waste forms for nuclear waste immobilization: Ba1.0Cs0.3A2.3Ti5.7O16; A = Cr, Fe, Al

Abstract Cs is one of the more problematic fission product radionuclides to immobilize due to its high volatility at elevated temperatures, ability to form water soluble compounds, and its mobility in many host materials. The hollandite structure is a promising crystalline host for Cs immobilization and has been traditionally fabricated by solid state sintering methods. This study presents the structure and performance of Ba1.0Cs0.3A2.3Ti5.7O16; A = Cr, Fe, Al hollandite fabricated by melt processing. Melt processing is considered advantageous given that melters are currently in use for High Level Waste (HLW) vitrification in several countries. This work details the impact of Cr additions that were demonstrated to (i) promote the formation of a Cs containing hollandite phase and (ii) maintain the stability of the hollandite phase in reducing conditions anticipated for multiphase waste form processing.
An empirical study of the use of business expert systems

Abstract The evolution of computers from computational tools to “thinking machines” is causing businesses to evaluate their views of the computer's role. The inevitable availability of smart computers leads to questions of how and when fifth generation hardware and software will be integrated into corporate culture. Here, we present the results of a survey given to information systems managers to determine the extent of expert systems development by data processing departments and expert systems usage in organizations. The attitudes of management toward the future of expert systems are also discussed using the survey data. It was discovered that, while computer managers are receptive toward this new tool, most have no definite plans to develop expert systems in the near future. These results seem to be in conflict with other evidence about the growing numbers of expert systems in business applications. One explanation is that this new technology is part of the continuing “grass roots” movement of end-user computing.
Issue salience and gender differences in congressional elections, 1994–1998

Abstract We examine how male and female voters differ in their use of issue salience in congressional voting. We use American National Election Survey (ANES) data for 1994, 1996, and 1998 to construct a multivariate model of gender differences in partisan voting in U.S. House races. We use four categories of independent variables: demographics, ideology, economic evaluations, and issue positions. A logistic regression for each election, by sex, was tested. Our results suggest that although there are similarities in how issues are politicized in presidential and congressional voting decisions, the patterns are not identical. Second, issue salience is not uniform across elections. Third, women are slightly more likely to attach greater weight to economic evaluations and social spending. Fourth, there is only weak evidence that group identity influences women’s congressional voting. Finally, we find that men focused on the Clinton scandal in 1998, but women also used other issues in choosing how to vote.
Conformational changes of the insulin receptor upon insulin binding and activation as monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy.

We have characterized the changes in intrinsic fluorescence that the insulin receptor undergoes upon ligand binding and autophosphorylation. The binding of insulin to its receptor results in an increase in the receptor's fluorescence intensity, emission energy and anisotropy. We monitored the time course of the anisotropy change, and these data, coupled with studies monitoring the energy transfer from insulin receptor tryptophan donors to a fluorescent-labeled insulin, allowed us to conclude that the change in anisotropy is due to a conformational change in the receptor induced by hormone binding. Since insulin association is very fast, the time course also allowed us to estimate the slower rate of formation of this conformationally-altered state. The time course of receptor autophosphorylation was measured under similar conditions and was found to be similar to the ligand-induced anisotropy time course. The simultaneous use of two fluorescent-labeled insulin analogs also allowed us to assess the maximum ...
Neonatal Systemic Juvenile Xanthogranuloma with an Ominous Presentation and Successful Treatment

This case report originated from a case of neonatal multisystemic juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). The patient presented with blue muffin rush, cervical mass, bone destruction, lung nodule, hepatosplenomegaly, and coagulopathy and was successfully treated with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) based chemotherapy treatment. Similar cases in literature were reviewed and it seems that JXG, a relatively benign entity, when presented in its systemic form with liver involvement, could have an aggressive course and portend quite poor prognosis. Challenges and special consideration of the diagnosis, treatment, and future case observation are discussed.
Quantifying the membrane potential during E. coli growth stages

Abstract The presence of the resting membrane potential has a strong effect on the dielectric behavior of cell suspensions. Using this observation and a well-established theoretical model, the low frequency dielectric dispersion curves of E. coli cell suspensions are de-convoluted to obtain the resting membrane potential of E. coli cells at various growth stages. Four regions of the exponential growth stage are investigated and the measurements indicate that the membrane depolarizes from − 220 mV in the early exponential phase to − 140 mV in the late exponential phase. The conductivity of the cell suspension is also found to decrease as the cells progress from the early to the late exponential phases.
An application of ion exchange chromatography to the identification of virus activity with characteristic particles

Abstract A chromatographic procedure, frontal analysis using a strongly basic anion exchange resin, has been developed as a means for identifying an infectious entity with a characteristic particle. The retention of Southern bean mosaic virus nucleoprotein by the resin was studied as functions of pH, ionic strength, and concentration. The retention of the infectious entity was the same as that of the nucleoprotein under all the conditions studied. Because of the sharpness of the boundaries, the experimental error was not greatly influenced by the accuracy of the bioassay. The variation of retention volume with pH, ionic strength, and concentration describes at least five independent funda mental parameters. Four of these parameters are related to the variation of charge with pH, and another is related to the configuration of the virus.
Identification and Epidemiological Typing of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of the Genus Rhodococcus with Use of a Digoxigenin-Labeled rDNA Gene Probe

Rhodococcus species are ubiquitous in the environment, and several species have been reported to have pathogenic potential for humans. Rhodococcus equi, in particular, has been reported to cause infections in patients with AIDS. However, the identification of Rhodococcus species with use of conventional biochemical tests is problematic, and no simple and reproducible method exists for their rapid identification and differentiation. We found that the type strains of the 20 recognized species in the genus Rhodococcus could be clearly distinguished with use of a combination of the Pvu II and Pst I rRNA gene restriction endonuclease patterns and a digoxigenin-labeled Escherichia coli rDNA probe. Analysis of four clinical or environmental isolates confirmed as Rhodococcus bronchialis showed no interstrain variation of rRNA gene bands. Analysis of 15 isolates confirmed as R. equi from 13 patients showed 11 different rRNA gene patterns. No discernible difference was observed in the ribotype patterns between R. equi isolates from patients for whom AIDS had been diagnosed and those from patients who did not have AIDS, and there was no evidence of geographic clustering of R. equi ribotype patterns. Three of five Rhodococcus species isolates that could not be differentiated with use of conventional biochemical methods were identified with use of ribotype analysis. Therefore, ribotype analysis may provide an important adjunct to current biochemical identification of environmental and clinical isolates of Rhodococcus species.
Contribution of BDNF-Mediated Inhibition in Patterning Avian Skin Innervation

Multiple factors are involved in the development and regulation of sensory innervation in skin. The findings we report here suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated inhibition may play an important role in determining the pattern of sensory innervation in avian skin. In birds, cutaneous innervation is restricted to dermis, where axons form a ring of innervation around the base of each feather. Here we show that both BDNF message and protein are more abundant in avian epidermis than dermis when innervation is being established; the BDNF in dermis is localized to feather buds. In vitro, BDNF caused growth cones of NGF-dependent dorsal root ganglion neurons to collapse. Similarly, outgrowth of neurites toward BDNF-secreting fibroblasts was inhibited. The inhibitory effects of BDNF appear to be mediated by the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor, rather than a trk receptor. Thus, the distribution of BDNF in embryonic avian skin and the inhibitory effects of BDNF on cutaneous neurites in vitro suggest that BDNF may be important in restricting axons from entering the epidermis and the core of feather buds during development in vivo.
Registration of multimodal brain images: some experimental results

Joint histogram of two images is required to uniquely determine the mutual information between the two images. It has been pointed out that, under certain conditions, existing joint histogram estimation algorithms like partial volume interpolation (PVI) and linear interpolation may result in different types of artifact patterns in the MI based registration function by introducing spurious maxima. As a result, the artifacts may hamper the global optimization process and limit registration accuracy. In this paper we present an extensive study of interpolation-induced artifacts using simulated brain images and show that similar artifact patterns also exist when other intensity interpolation algorithms like cubic convolution interpolation and cubic B-spline interpolation are used. A new joint histogram estimation scheme named generalized partial volume estimation (GPVE) is proposed to eliminate the artifacts. A kernel function is involved in the proposed scheme and when the 1st order B-spline is chosen as the kernel function, it is equivalent to the PVI. A clinical brain image database furnished by Vanderbilt University is used to compare the accuracy of our algorithm with that of PVI. Our experimental results show that the use of higher order kernels can effectively remove the artifacts and, in cases when MI based registration result suffers from the artifacts, registration accuracy can be improved significantly.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Timing of treatment for nonneutropenic patients colonized with Candida

There has been a continuing evolution of the clinical spectrum of Candida infection in nonneutropenic patients. With better understanding of the predisposing factors for fungemia in critically ill patients, interest now centers on indications for early therapy, prior to the progression of colonization to fungemia. Recent prospective trials have identified persistence of Candida species in repetitive cultures of various sites as an essential if not necessary precursor for fungemia. Treatment for patients requiring prolonged intensivecare-unit residence and demonstrating colonization with Candida is suggested, based on the frequency with which such patients progress to fungemia. The efficacy of such treatment is undocumented, and clinical trials of various regimens of polyene or azole antifungals is needed.
Reducing the gray zone: imaging spectrum of hypoperfusion and hypoxic brain injury in adults

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of hypoperfusion and hypoxic brain injury in adults, a clinical scenario not uncommon in the emergency room setting. The imaging findings can be subtle or marked depending on the type of injury and the time elapsed from injury to imaging. Accurate recognition of the imaging findings in hypoperfusion and hypoxic injury in adults is important for accurate therapy and family-patient counseling.
Being fruitful: genetics of reproduction in Arabidopsis

Reproduction in flowering plants requires a series of interactions between the haploid and diploid phases of the life cycle of the plant. Mutations that affect these interactions have been identified in Arabidopsis, thus giving insight into the processes of gamete development and pollination. These studies promise to yield new information on diverse topics in plant biology, from cell-cell recognition to the evolution of mating interactions.
Effect of cisplatin and ACTH4–9 on neural transport in cisplatin induced neurotoxicity

Abstract Cisplatin causes a dose limiting peripheral neuropathy, however, the biological mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Murine N1E.115 neuroblastoma cells and neural crest derived pigment cells have similar transport mechanisms to human neural cells and were used to study the effect of cisplatin on cellular transport. Cisplatin reduced both the number and velocity of organelles moving in the anterograde and retrograde direction, compared to control cells. Cisplatin induced inhibition of transport was prevented by the simultaneous administration of ACTH 4–9 . This analog alone had no effect on N1E.115 organelle, or erythrophore granule, movement. In both N1E.115 and pigment cells cisplatin inhibited transport within 1 h of exposure to the drug. The degree of inhibition did not increase significantly if pigment cells were incubated in cisplatin for 48 h compared to acute exposure. Microtubules in both pigment cells and N1E.115 neurites retained their structural integrity suggesting that factors other than changes in gross microtubule morphology are responsible for cisplatin neurotoxicity. Cisplatin reduces N1E.115 neurite growth after 48 h incubation but this can be prevented by simultaneous use of ACTH 4–9 . This study demonstrates for the first time that cisplatin and ACTH 4–9 affect fast axonal transport by specific mechanisms which appear related to their observed neurotoxic and neuroprotective roles, respectively.
Introduction to the Special Issue-Trade and environment: local versus multilateral reforms

[We] must ensure that ordinary citizens in all countries actually benefit from tradeA‘a trade that...protects the environment.President William J. ClintonState of the Union Address, 19 January 1999The hullabaloo that was the World Trade Organization's millenium meeting in Seattle has shown us that ordinary people have serious misgivings about the multilateral trading regime-both the rules and the process. Future progress in trade liberalization will depend on convincing the wider public that trade agreements are good for the environment and good for development (including labour and human rights), not just GDP. This is more than a public relations challenge. The concerns voiced by the Seattle protesters-some of them, anyway-raise profound intellectual questions.
Current status of sporadic and neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are highly aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that rarely occur in the general population but have a lifetime incidence of 8% to 13% in those with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Complete surgical resection is the standard treatment for MPNSTs. Unresectable MPNSTs carry a poor prognosis, and survival appears to be worse in NF1-associated tumors than in sporadic tumors. The response rate of MPNSTs to standard chemotherapeutic agents used to treat pediatric and adult soft tissue sarcomas is unknown and is currently undergoing evaluation in a multi-institutional clinical trial. With an increasing understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MPNSTs, clinical trials with targeted agents have become available and have established that histology-specific trials in this rare malignancy are feasible. This knowledge, coupled with the availability of preclinical MPNST models, likely will accelerate the development of effective treatments for this malignancy.
Cat carotid bodies reinnervated by normal or foreign nerves

The carotid body of the cat was reinnervated with either its native nerve, the carotid sinus nerve (CSN, re-anastomosis), or a foreign nerve, the lingual branch of the IXth cranial nerve (LN, cross-anastomosis). In both types of preparations, regenerating axons from the LN or CSN readily penetrated carotid body parenchymal tissue, as demonstrated by axoplasmic transport of radiolabeled material from the petrosal (sensory) ganglion. Electron microscopy revealed nearly normal fiber invasion into lobules of glomus (type I) and sustentacular (type II) cells following reinnervation by either the foreign or native nerve. However, while the regenerated CSN fibers formed a normal complement of specialized axon terminals in contact with type I cells, the incidence of such terminals in LN reinnervated carotid bodies was reduced by over 90% (2-19 months survival time). This low incidence of specialized LN endings was correlated with reductions in the magnitude of the chemosensory discharge elicited in these preparations by asphyxia, NaCN or acetylcholine. These data suggest that chemosensitivity depends upon intimate association between glomus cells and afferent nerve endings; and that the ability to form such contacts may reside in particular axons whose incidence is higher in the CSN than in the LN.
Hyperthermal vapor deposition of copper: reflection and resputtering effects

Three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of hyperthermal copper atom impacts with copper surfaces have been used to investigate the effects of incident atom energy upon atomic reflection and resputtering during physical vapor deposition. No reflection or resputtering has been observed for incident energies below 10 eV. However, as the incident energy was increased to 20 eV and above, the likelihood of both adatom reflection and sputtering of predeposited atoms rapidly increased. The probability of reflection increased with the angle of incidence and was greatest for oblique (glancing) angle impacts. The reflected adatoms were strongly forward scattered and retained a large fraction of their initial incident energies. The resputtering yield was highest for incident angles around 40° to the surface normal. The resputtered atoms were typically ejected with significantly smaller energies than those of the incident atoms, and were preferentially ejected in the forward direction with a maximum probability at an angle of about 45° to the surface normal. These results have been compared with the published experimental data for low energy ion impact. The dependence of the reflection probability, the resputtering yield, as well as the angular and energy distributions of both reflected and resputtered atoms upon the adatom's incident energy and angle have been obtained and fitted to simple relations suitable for incorporation in models of vapor deposition.
Six Myths About Spatial Thinking

Visualizations are an increasingly important part of scientific education and discovery. However, users often do not gain knowledge from them in a complete or efficient way. This article aims to direct research on visualizations in science education in productive directions by reviewing the evidence for widespread assumptions that learning styles, sex differences, developmental stages, and spatial language determine the impact of visualizations on science learning. First, we examine the assumption that people differ in their verbal versus visual learning style. Due to the lack of rigorous evaluation, there is no current support for this distinction. Future research should distinguish between two different kinds of visual learning style. Second, we consider the belief that there are large and intractable sex differences in spatial ability resultant from immutable biological reasons. Although there are some spatial sex differences (in some types of spatial tests although not all), there is actually only ver...
Cellular interactions of several enteroviruses and a reovirus after treatment with sodium borohydride or carbohydrases

Abstract After treatment with sodium borohydride, several proteases, or carbohydrases, the interactions were studied of a number of hemagglutinating enteroviruses, reovirus type 2, and poliovirus type 1 with human type O erythrocytes and rhesus kidney tissue cultures. The reactive site on the erythrocyte is a protein sensitive to trypsin and chymotrypsin. It is insensitive to a number of other proteases, carbohydrate-splitting enzymes, and sodium borohydride. Hemagglutinating activity of the virus particle is destroyed by sodium borohydride and certain glycosidases, but is not altered by a number of proteases. After reduction with sodium borohydride, infectivities of echovirus type 12 and reovirus type 2 were assayed. Both were noninfectious. Infectivity of reovirus type 2 was markedly diminished by incubation with N -acetyl glucosaminidase, but was also reduced by several other glycosidases. On the other hand, echoviruses types 7, 11, 12, and 19 were not altered by β-glucosidase, hyaluronidase, or β-glucuronidase. Lysozyme diminished infectivity of poliovirus and of echoviruses types 7, 11, and 19.
Farm-Scale Cost of Producing Perennial Energy Cane as a Biofuel Feedstock

Energy cane varieties are high-fiber sugarcane clones which represent a promising feedstock in the production of alternative biofuels and biobased products. This study explored the crop establishment and whole farm production costs of growing energy cane as a biofuel feedstock in the southeastern USA. More specifically, total production costs on a feedstock dry matter biomass basis were estimated for five perennial energy cane varieties over alternative crop cycle lengths. Variable production costs for energy cane production were estimated to be in the $63 to $76 Mg−1 range of biomass dry matter for crop cycles through harvest of fourth through sixth stubble crops. Total production costs, including charges for fixed equipment costs, general farm overhead, and land rent, were estimated to range between $105 and $127 Mg−1 of feedstock biomass dry matter material.
Use of indicator chemicals to characterize the plastic fragments ingested by Laysan albatross.

Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) ingest plastic marine debris of a wide range of shape, sizes and sources. To better characterize this plastic and provide insights regarding its provenance and persistence in the environment, we developed a simple method to classify plastic fragments of unknown origin according to the resin codes used by the Society of Plastics Industry. Known plastics were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify indicator chemicals characteristic of each plastic resin. Application of this method to fragments of ingested plastic debris from boluses of Laysan albatross from Kure Atoll, Hawai'i, yielded proportions of 0.8% High Density Polyethylene, 6.8% Polysty- rene, 8.5% Polyethylene Terephthalate, 20.5% Polyvinyl Chloride and 68.4% Polypropylene. Some frag- ments were composed of multiple resin types. These results suggest that infrequently recycled plastics are the dominant fragments ingested by albatross, and that these are the most prevalent and persistent resin types in the marine environment.
Beta decay and the origin of biological chirality: new experimental results.

The hypothetical connection developed by Vester and Ulbricht (1959), between the handedness of beta particles in radioactive decay and the (L) sign of biologial chirality is investigated in a radiolysis experiment. The experiment measured the predicted asymmetry in the formation triplet or 'ortho-' positronium (oPs) in amino acid enantiomers by low energy positrons under conditions of helicity reversal. The positrons were focused on amino acid powder samples. By measuring the time between positron arrival and emission of gamma rays, long-lived oPs were separated from other species. It is found that the asymmetry in leucine (0.8 x 10 to the -4th) is consistent with the theoretical prediction of 10 to the -6th. Neither the experimental limits nor the theoretical estimates are found to rule out a mechanism like that described by Vester and Ulbricht as the cause of the sign of the observed chiral polarization.
Interfacial debonding and fiber pull-out stresses of fiber-reinforced composites IV: sliding due to residual stresses

Abstract A fiber-reinforced elastic composite subjected to residual radial (compressive) and axial stresses, induced by mismatch strains between the fiber and the matrix, is considered. For an unbonded or a weak interface, sliding at the fiber-matrix interface can occur due to resiidual stresses. The sliding length and the stress distribution in the composite are analyzed in the present study. The results show that the sliding length is limited by he interfacial friction. The fiber can pop out of or sink beneath the surface of the composite depending mainly on the mismatch strain in the axial direction. However, the sliding phenomena are modified by the mismatch strain in the radial direction because of Poisson's effect.
Embedded Ag@SiO 2 nanoparticles for enhanced solar absorption in thin film photovoltaics

We analytically determine the contribution of plasmonic nanospheres embedded in absorbing media to total optical absorption. We estimate gains of ∼30% for a 1 µm µc-Si solar cell using 54 nm silica-coated silver nanoparticles.
Hybrid spiral plasmonic lens: towards an efficient miniature circular polarization analyzer

A hybrid spiral plasmonic lens that consists of alternating spiral slot and spiral triangular sub-aperture array can differentiate circular polarization of different handedness and enable a miniature circular polarization analyzer design with high efficiency. The improved performance compared to pure spiral slot lens comes from the fact that the hybrid lens is capable of focusing both the radial and the azimuthal polarization components of a circular polarization, doubling the coupling efficiency. In this paper, the spin-dependent plasmonic focusing properties of a spatially arranged triangular sub-aperture array and a hybrid spiral plasmonic lens are demonstrated using a collection mode near field scanning optical microscope. The coupling efficiency could be further improved through optimizing the geometry of the hybrid lens.
Meta-acousto-optics: the interaction of light and sound in an acoustic negative index medium

In acousto-optics (AO), light is diffracted by traveling ultrasound into upshifted or downshifted orders depending on their respective propagation vectors. In conventional AO (CAO), the acoustic group velocity has the same direction as the phase velocity, and hence, the acoustic propagation vector. However, in an acoustic metamaterial, the group velocity can be positive while the phase velocity is negative. The interaction between light and sound wave-vectors are different for meta AO (MAO), implying a new interpretation for upshifted and downshifted interactions in MAO. We provide a heuristic treatment and outline the theory for detailed analysis of interaction between light and pulsed and focused ultrasound in acoustic metamaterials.
Gender displays in portrait photographs.

Following the research of Goffman (1976) and Henley (1977) on sex differences in nonverbal behavior, 1,296 portrait photographs from high school and university yearbooks and from the media files of a university were analyzed for sex differences. Females smiled with a significantly greater frequency and expansiveness than males and head canted significantly more than males. Results supporting the hypothesis that males would face the camera more directly than females failed to reach the acceptable significance level. The prediction that persons working in opposite-sex roles would deintensify their gender displays failed to gain support.
Clinical manifestations and management of acute lithium intoxication

Acute lithium intoxication is a frequent complication of chronic lithium therapy for manic depressive disorders. Because of lithium's narrow therapeutic index and widespread use, lithium intoxication remains prevalent in 1994. This review summarizes information on the renal handling of lithium and the physiologic basis for toxicity. Recent reports that describe previously unrecognized side effects of lithium intoxication are discussed. We also present management guidelines based upon our understanding of the renal handling of lithium. In this review we compare the effectiveness of lithium removal by various dialysis methods, including bicarbonate dialysis, peritoneal dialysis and continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration. Hemodialysis remains the cornerstone for the treatment of acute lithium toxicity.
Surgical management of portal hypertension in Felty’s syndrome: A case report and literature review

Background/Aims Bleeding esophageal varices are a common complication of portal hypertension in patients with underlying liver disease. Often patients with hepatic cirrhosis have hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Felty's syndrome is a disorder where patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop splenomegaly, neutropenia, and on rare occasions, portal hypertension without underlying cirrhosis. Methods We present a case of a patient with portal hypertension secondary to Felty's syndrome and discuss the importance of recognizing this condition since the treatment of choice is surgical management with splenectomy. A review of the literature and underlying liver histologic features are discussed. Results Medical and surgical management of patients with Felty's syndrome is different from those with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Conclusion Splenectomy is the treatment of choice for complications of portal hypertension in patients with Felty's Syndrome.
Secondary Headache in Secondary Syphilis

We describe a patient with a history of recurrent headaches who developed severe and persistent left fronto-orbital and vertex head pain, in conjunction with a maculopapular rash, and was subsequently diagnosed with secondary syphilis. With the incidence of syphilis recently on the rise, we suggest that secondary syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient who presents with headache and a rash. Serologic screening tests for syphilis and a dermatology consultation should be obtained promptly for diagnostic confirmation and institution of treatment with antibiotics.