cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multifunction series inductive AC-link universal power converter with reduced-switch count

This paper proposes a new family of series inductive ac-link universal power converter with a lower number of switches compared to other series inductive ac-link universal converters. The number of switches in the proposed three-phase ac-ac configuration is reduced to 18; whereas, the original series inductive ac-link converter requires 24 switches. In this converter, the power is transferred from input to output entirely or partially through a small link inductor. A small capacitor that is placed in parallel with this inductor allows all the switches to benefit from zero-voltage switching (ZVS), which results in significant reduction of switching losses, stresses over the active switches, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The converter structure enables an input voltage to be stepped up or down, and provides unidirectional power flow. This converter, in which the input and output can be dc, single-phase ac, or multi-phase ac, is capable of functioning in buck, boost, and buck-boost modes of operation. A combination of these operation modes is also feasible. Operating the converter in buck or boost functions leads to substantially decreased inductor link peak current, stress of the switches, and total power-loss compared to other inductive-link universal power converters. Galvanic isolation in the proposed converter can be provided by means of a compact lightweight single-phase high-frequency (HF) transformer connected to the link instead of a low-frequency transformer, which is a prominent contributor to size and weight of a conventional isolated converter. In view of these advantages, the proposed configuration offers improved efficiency, increased power-density, high reliability, reduced total cost, and wide range of operation in terms of input voltage. In this paper, the detailed behavior of the proposed converter is investigated, and performance of the converter is evaluated at various operating points through simulation and experimental results.
Patients With Hip or Knee Arthritis Underreport Narcotic Usage.

Abstract Background Patients taking narcotics chronically are more likely to have worse outcomes after total joint arthroplasty. These negative outcomes may be avoided when modifiable risk factors such as narcotic use are identified and improved before elective joint replacement. An accurate assessment of narcotic use is needed to identify patients before surgery. This study examines the amount of reported narcotic use in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis and compares this with the narcotic prescriptions recorded in our state’s drug prescription monitoring database. Methods All new patients seen during a 1-year period by our adult reconstruction practice were identified. Patients’ electronic health records were reviewed to determine whether narcotic use was reported. A subsequent search was performed using the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to determine if the patient had been previously prescribed a narcotic. Results A total of 502 patients were included in the study. One hundred seventy patients (34%) were prescribed a narcotic within 3 months of the clinic visit according to the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, but only 111 (22%) reported narcotic use in their electronic health record (P Conclusion This study demonstrates that patients significantly underreport their narcotic use to their physician. The availability of a state prescription drug monitoring program allows physicians to check the frequency of filled narcotic prescriptions by their patients.
Three-dimensional culture systems to induce chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells

Stem cells can easily be harvested from adipose tissue in large numbers for use in tissue-engineering approaches for cartilage repair or regeneration. In this chapter, we describe in vitro tissue-engineering models that we have used in our laboratory for the chondrogenic induction of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). In addition to the proper growth factor environment, chondrogenesis requires cells to be maintained in a rounded morphology in three-dimensional (3D) culture, and thus properties of the biomaterial scaffold also play a critical role in ASC differentiation. Histologic and immunohistologic methods for assessing chondrogenesis are also presented. In general, 10-12 weeks are required to assess ASC chondrogenesis in these model systems.
Quantitative Microinjection of Mouse Oocytes and Eggs

Quantitative microinjection is used to introduce known quantities of molecules or probes into single cells to examine cellular function. The relatively large mammalian oocyte or egg is easily manipulated and can be injected with impermeant reagents including a variety of signaling molecules and fluorescent probes. Techniques have been developed to inject picoliter quantities of solution into oocytes and eggs with precision and reliability. The methods described here outline the quantitative injection procedures as they are used to inject mouse oocytes and eggs in a culture dish on the stage on an inverted microscope. The techniques are applicable to the oocytes, eggs, and early embryos of most mammalian species. Included are some general instructions on fabrication of transfer pipettes, holding pipettes, beveled injection pipettes, and equipment for quantitative injection.
“ We Need Not Fear ” Expressivity and Silence in the Early Work of John Cage

In John Cage’s career as a composer, spanning nearly six decades, the years 1951 and 1952 provide for many purposes a convenient line of distinction. From the earlier year came the Concerto for Prepared Piano and the Music of Changes, Cage’s first compositions to make extensive use of chance operations, followed the next by 4′33″ — the “silent” piece. While it is certainly true that his subsequent works and methods compel their own attention, indeed presuming new analytic tools, it is not unreasonable to regard these compositions as epochal, defining the aesthetic and philosophical positions which made Cage the most broadly influential artist of the second half of the century.
Advanced Topics in Univariate Generalizability Theory

Chapter 3 discussed G studies for random models primarily, although Section 3.5 provided general procedures for estimating G study variance components for any model. By contrast, the D study procedures in Chapter 4 are based solely on using random effects G study estimated variance components. The obvious gap in these discussions is a consideration of general procedures for D studies. That is the subject of Section 5.1. Subsequent sections treat stratified objects of measurement, conditional standard errors of measurement, and several other issues.
Acetaminophen enhances the reflective learning process.

Acetaminophen has been shown to influence cognitive and affective behavior possibly via alterations in serotonin function. This study builds upon this previous work by examining the relationship between acetaminophen and dual-learning systems, comprising reflective (rule-based) and reflexive (information-integration) processing. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a sample of community-recruited adults (N = 87) were randomly administered acetaminophen (1000 mg) or placebo and then completed reflective-optimal and reflexive-optimal category learning tasks. For the reflective-optimal category learning task, acetaminophen compared to placebo was associated with enhanced accuracy prior to the first rule switch (but not overall accuracy), with needing fewer trials to reach criterion and with a faster learning rate. Acetaminophen modestly attenuated performance on the reflexive-optimal category learning task compared to placebo. These findings indirectly support two positions that have been proposed elsewhere. First, they are consistent with the view that acetaminophen has an influence on the serotonergic system. Second, the findings are consistent with a proposed link between elevated serotonin function and relative dominance of effortful, rule-based processing.
Safety and efficacy of paclitaxel drug-coated balloon in femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis

The femoropopliteal (FP) segment is a common site of involvement in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and endovascular therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of FP disease...
Testing for drug use

In a recent book, Dr. Donald Ian Macdonald has pointed out the extent of the drug epidermic among the school population. It is not too difficult to compare the drug epidemic to other epidemics of infectious origin such as tuberculosis. I have prepared a commentary for Pediatrics designed to encourage dialogue regarding the routine testing for drugs among the school population as a public health measure. I have an estimate from the clinical chemistry laboratory at the Mayo Clinic that individual testing, a drug screening examination of the urine, could be done for as little as $10.
Advice & Consent: A Play in One Act

On September 27, 2018, the Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings concerning Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations that then-Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her in the mid-1980s. Advice and Consent is a play by award-winning writer and law professor Yxta Maya Murray, formed of interviews, found text, and transcripts, re-arranged, selected, and edited for poetic and provocative effect. Law professor Kathleen Kim authored the Introduction and composed the play's Musical Score. The drama is designed as a thought experiment about power, pathos, tragedy, politics, gender, race, and truth. Professors Murray and Kim have presented and performed Advice and Consent in various academic and art forums.
Measurement of PET Quantitative Bias In Vivo.

Quantitative imaging biomarkers are widely used in PET for both research and clinical applications, yet bias in the underlying image data has not been well characterized. In the absence of a readily available reference standard for in vivo quantification, bias in PET images has been inferred using physical phantoms, even though arrangements of this sort provide only a poor approximation of the imaging environment in real patient examinations. In this study, we used data acquired from patient volunteers to assess PET quantitative bias in vivo. Image-derived radioactivity concentrations in the descending aorta were compared with blood samples counted on a calibrated γ-counter. Methods: Ten patients with prostate cancer were studied using 2-(3-(1-carboxy-5-[(6-18F-fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl)-ureido)-pentanedioic acid PET/CT. For each patient, 3 whole-body PET/CT image series were acquired after a single administration of the radiotracer: shortly after injection as well as approximately 1 and 4 h later. Venous blood samples were obtained at 8 time points over an 8-h period, and whole blood was counted on a NaI γ-counter. A 10-mm-diameter, 20-mm-long cylindric volume of interest was positioned in the descending thoracic aorta to estimate the PET-derived radioactivity concentration in blood. A triexponential function was fit to the γ-counter blood data and used to estimate the radioactivity concentration at the time of each PET acquisition. Results: The PET-derived and γ-counter–derived radioactivity concentrations were linearly related, with an R2 of 0.985, over a range of relevant radioactivity concentrations. The mean difference between the PET and γ-counter data was 4.8% ± 8.6%, with the PET measurements tending to be greater. Conclusion: Human image data acquired on a conventional whole-body PET/CT system with a typical clinical protocol differed by an average of around 5% from blood samples counted on a calibrated γ-counter. This bias may be partly attributable to residual uncorrected scatter or attenuation correction error. These data offer an opportunity for the assessment of PET bias in vivo and provide additional support for the use of quantitative imaging biomarkers.
Personalized In Situ Steering for Analysis and Visualization

In situ analysis is now commonly used in many simulations. Prior to a simulation being run, the user specifies what in situ analysis should be run and the results of that analysis are saved to disk while the simulation is running. However, it is sometimes hard to know what analysis to run before a simulation has started, and that often results in the user saving full datasets to disk for analysis later. In this paper, we present a framework, Seer, that allows users to change, in real time, what in situ analysis to run. Moreover Seer also allows many users to each run their own in situ analysis, in a ”personalized workspace”, independent of each other. Finally Seer can be easily integrated into simulations and plays well with other in situ analysis frameworks, such as ParaView Catalyst.
Discrimination Litigation Vis-à-Vis Post-Colonial Colorism: Race Hegemony As Legacy of White Supremacy Eugenics

Although White supremacy and the false-science eugenics movement have dissipated, the colonial residues of human hierarchy remain, existing as byproducts of workplace discrimination litigation prompted by colorism. Colorism is a discriminatory behavior perpetuated by Caucasians and non-Caucasians against the darkest in skin color, regardless of race or ethnicity. Colorism is manifested as the Bleaching Syndrome, the internalization of physiological and sociological pathogens relative to dark skin that disrupt the process of assimilation. For indigenous peoples of central and southern Africa (Negroid groups) and populations of indigenous peoples of eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic region of North America (Mongoloid groups), the Bleaching Syndrome begins with the idealization of light skin, born of colonization and slavery. Workplace discrimination litigation should not be assessed by legal outcomes; the mere filing of workplace litigation establishes colorism via the disdain for dark skin, therefore driving workplace discrimination litigation in the new millennium.
Is Distance to Drop Box an Appropriate Proxy for Drop Box Treatment? A Case Study of Washington State:

In the United States, drop box mail-in voting has increased, particularly in the all vote by mail (VBM) states of Washington, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon. To assess if drop boxes improve voter turno...
Behind the times: Virginia Woolf in late Victorian contexts: by Mary Jean Corbett, Ithaca, Cornell UP, 2020, 296 pp., $48.95 (hardback), ISBN:978-1-5017-5246-9

Few, if any artists like to think of themselves as behind the times, but to modernists in the avant rather than rear garde of creative innovation the characterization would have seemed as ludicrous...
Innovative technology of flour confectionery products for therapeutic and preventive nutrition of patients with diabetes mellitus

Recently, much attention has been paid to the introduction of raw materials with a low glycemic index into the food industry, among which buckwheat, oat and barley flour occupy a special place. The use of raw materials with a low glycemic index in the formulation of flour confectionery products makes it possible to improve both the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the product. They also allow to reduce the energy value of such products by reducing the amount of wheat flour, low-calorie margarine, melange and at the same time significantly increase the biological value of the food product. With the aim of adjusting the chemical composition, three recipes for cookies have been developed wheat-oat, wheatbuckwheat and wheat-barley, with the replacement of water in the recipe with an infusion from the collection of herbs “Arfazetin-E”, replacing part of the low-calorie margarine with linseed oil, with the addition of wheat flakes and flaxseed, as well as an aqueous solution of sorbitol and stevioside, apple pectin, iodized salt and flavocene (dihydroquercetin). The introduced components will improve the structural and mechanical properties of the dough, organoleptic and physicochemical indicators of the finished product, and bring the composition closer to the formula for balanced nutrition. The use of unconventional raw materials with a low glycemic index in the food industry makes it possible to enrich the chemical composition of biscuits with dietary fiber, vitamins, and mineral components. From the results of the analysis of the nutritional value, it follows that the finished product contains vitamins B1, B2, β-carotene and E, which can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition. The use of non-traditional raw materials of vegetable origin in the recipe for cookies leads to an increase in the biological value of the product and a decrease in its calorie content.
The Idea of a Center for Global Nonviolence

As we look forward to the 21st century there is a need for a scholarly research, educational, and service institution to take up seriously the study of nonviolence as a contribution to global wellbeing. Such an Institution can help to liberate humankind from the self—fulfilling pessimism that violence from the family to the international community is inescapable. It can help to empower all with knowledge, skill, and confidence needed for creative discovery of nonviolent alternatives for overcoming threats to human survival in the areas of peace and security, economic justice, human rights, preservation of the biosphere, and global problem—solving cooperation. It can assist humanity on a voyage to discover its own nonviolent capabilities.
Melatonin, Oxidative Stress, and the Aging Brain

The changes associated with brain aging are discussed with emphasis on altered oxidative and inflammatory events and on mitochondrial dysfunction. Many of these changes are exacerbated in a variety of age-related neurologic diseases. This commonality has led to the idea that similar therapeutic approaches may be used in the treatment of several apparently unrelated neurodegenerative disorders. When aspects of these diseases are modeled in experimental animals and cell lines, the application of melatonin has been reported to be advantageous. The means by which melatonin can be protective probably is mediated by way of activation of melatonin receptors, of which several subtypes can be identified. This can initiate a sequence of intracellular signaling events and by activation of transcription factors lead to altered gene expression. The culmination of this cascade can lead to increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and depressed levels of inflammation. Melatonin may be useful both in the retardation of nonpathologic brain aging and in the amelioration of chronic brain disease associated with aging. The inexpensive nature and ready availability of melatonin together with its very low toxicity reinforce the need to place the beneficial properties of this agent on a firmer basis.
Similarity of the Active Site of Phosphorylation of the Adenosine Triphosphatase for Transport of Sodium and Potassium Ions in Kidney to That for Transport of Calcium Ions in the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Muscle

Abstract The active sites of phosphorylation of two ion pump proteins were compared. In this usage, "active site" means the site of covalent attachment of the phosphate group to the protein. The active site of the sodium and potassium ion transport adenosine triphosphatase of guinea pig kidney was compared with that of the calcium ion transport adenosine triphosphatase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle. Each enzyme was phosphorylated by radioactive adenosine triphosphate under its unique experimental conditions. Subsequently, the two phosphoenzymes were treated identically. Each phosphoenzyme was denatured with acid and digested to a limit radioactive phosphopeptide with pronase. The two limit phosphopeptides were indistinguishable with respect to (a) pH hydrolysis profile, (b) electrophoretic mobility at pH levels 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8, (c) oxidation by periodate, (d) lack of a positive charge below neutral pH as a result of acetylation of the phosphoenzyme before digestion, and (e) insensitivity to carboxypeptidase B. Furthermore, this limit phosphopeptide was released also from both phosphoenzymes by sequential digestion with papain first and then trypsin. Interpretation of these results suggests an active site tripeptide for each enzyme, seryl or threonyl, phosphoaspartyl lysine. Both phosphoenzymes also contained a cysteine near the active site on the NH2-terminal side. Digestion of each radioactive phosphoenzyme with pepsin showed clear differences between the enzymes with respect to radioactive peptides larger in molecular weight than about 2000. Simultaneous gel electrophoresis of the intact phosphoproteins showed a barely detectable difference in mobility.
The quest for qualitative methods in media research

Creswell, J.W. 1998. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Janesick, V.J. 1998. ‘Stretching’ exercises for qualitative researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Krueger, R.A. 1998. Analyzing and reporting focus group results. Focus Group Kit No. 6. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Krueger, R.A. 1998. Moderating focus groups. Focus Group Kit No. 4. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Krueger, R.A & King, J.A. 1998. Involving community members in focus groups. Focus Group Kit No. 5. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Miller, G. & Dingwall, R., eds. 1997. Context and method in qualitative research. London: Sage. Morgan, D.L. 1997. Focus groups as qualitative research. 2nd ed. Qualitative Research Methods Series, No. 16. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Pathogenic Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Resist and Inactivate Cathelicidin: Implication of a Novel Role for Polar Mycobacterial Lipids

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a large group of environmental organisms with worldwide distribution, but only a relatively few are known to be pathogenic. Chronic, debilitating lung disease is the most common manifestation of NTM infection, which is often refractory to treatment. The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease are increasing in the United States and in many parts of the world. Hence, a more complete understanding of NTM pathogenesis will provide the foundation to develop innovative approaches to treat this recalcitrant disease. Herein, we demonstrate that several species of NTM show broad resistance to the antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin (LL-37). Resistance to LL-37 was not significantly different between M. avium that contain serovar-specific glycopeptidolipid (GPL, M. aviumssGPL) and M. avium that do not (M. aviumΔssGPL). Similarly, M. abscessus containing non-specific GPL (M. abscessusnsGPL(+)) or lacking nsGPL (M. abscessusnsGPL(-)) remained equally resistant to LL-37. These findings would support the notion that GPL are not the components responsible for NTM resistance to LL-37. Unexpectedly, the growth of M. abscessusnsGPL(-) increased with LL-37 or scrambled LL-37 peptide in a dose-dependent fashion. We also discovered that LL-37 exposed to NTM had reduced antimicrobial activity, and initial work indicates that this is likely due to inactivation of LL-37 by lipid component(s) of the NTM cell envelope. We conclude that pathogenic NTM resist and inactivate LL-37. The mechanism by which NTM circumvent the antimicrobial activity of LL-37 remains to be determined.
Trial by Fire and Battle in Medieval German Literature

Medieval judicial ordeals, especially trial by fire or battle, conjure up vivid pictures in the modern imagination. Yet popular perceptions of the middle ages leave the reader without a context in which to understand these most drastic of medieval judicial remedies. This book analyzes literary texts that provide some of the most vivid and detailed accounts of the medieval ordeal, the dramatic treason trials in late medieval Charlemagne epics. The two epics chosen - Stricker's "Karl der Groe" and the "Karlmeinet" - treat trial by battle as the living legal reality it was in those times, yet display very different attitudes toward feud and punishment in their respective (13th- and 14th-century) societies. Gottfried's "Tristan" contains an ordeal by battle, of which the author approves, and an ordeal by fire, of which he does not, reflecting a common position of the intelligentsia of the time.Well after the condemnation of ordeals by the Fourth Lateran Council, the Kunigunde legend preserves the ordeal by fire much as it was portrayed in the mid-12th-century Richardis legend, while Stricker's short secular burlesque "The Hot Iron", written in the mid 13th century, makes sport of this formerly serious legal proceeding, reflecting its sudden abandonment as a legal proof following the council's decision. The study brings extensive background material in legal and cultural history to bear on literary texts, helping both medievalists and general readers understand the function of the ordeal in the texts as well as in the larger society for whom these works were written. Vickie L. Ziegler is professor of German and Director of the Center for Medieval Studies at the Pennsylvania State University.
Properties of Tyrosyl Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase from Two tyrS Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12

Tyrosyl transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase was purified from two tyrS mutants of Escherichia coli. A comparison of the properties of the mutant and wild type enzymes demonstrated a striking difference in the apparent Km for tyrosine; it had been increased by these mutations several hundred-fold in both the ATP-pyrophosphate exchange and the tRNA acylation reactions. The affinity for the tyrosine analogue, tyramine, was not as drastically affected. There was little or no change in the apparent Km for tRNA in the acylation reaction, in its Ki in ATP-PPi exchange and in the apparent Km for tyrosyl-tRNA in deacylation. The apparent Km for ATP was also probably not altered by these mutations. The change in the Km for tyrosine and the heat lability of the mutationally altered enzymes establish that tyrS is the structural gene for tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. The growth of tyrS mutants that were phenotypically Tyr- was inhibited by phenylalanine. Phenylalanine inhibited the uptake of tyrosine into the cell which prevented protein synthesis in these mutants but not in the wild type strain.
Controlling Factors in the Development of Ceruloplasmin in Pigs during the Neonatal Growth Period

The sequence of ceruloplasmin development and limiting factors controlling this process in neonatal piglets was studied in a randomized block design. Guided by the change in serum ceruloplasmin levels, the liver copper concentrations of piglets fed copper-deficient and copper-supplemented diets were compared in three different periods. The plasma of piglets was devoid of both apo- and holo-ceruloplasmin at birth. The system responsible for the synthesis of apoceruloplasmin developed shortly after birth as indicated by a steady increase in serum ceruloplasmin activity during the first week without being affected by the diet. Copper apparently was not the limiting factor at this stage since very high concentrations of copper were found in the livers of newborn piglets. However, the liver copper was depleted quickly within 1 to 2 weeks and became the limiting factor if the diet was deficient in copper. The livers of these piglets were fractionated by differential centrifugation to compare the liver copper distribution in the two dietary groups with and without copper supplementation. The treatments did not affect the copper distribution on a percentage of total liver copper basis. However, fractionation study revealed that, unlike adult pig livers, about 70% to 80% of copper was present in the heavier particle fractions of piglet livers.
Motivated and displaced revenge: Remembering 9/11 suppresses opposition to military intervention in Syria (for some).

We conducted an experimental test of the displaced international punishment hypothesis by testing whether reminding people about 9/11 would increase support for U.S. military intervention in Syria. A community sample of Americans were reminded of 9/11, the terrorist attacks in London in 2005, or were given no reminder before being asked their support for military intervention in Syria. Results indicated that there was a significant suppression effect of desired revenge for the 9/11 attacks on support for military intervention for liberals and moderates, but not conservatives. Liberal and moderate participants reminded of 9/11 supported military intervention because reminders of 9/11 primed strong desires for vengeance. These findings suggest that reminding people of a severe offense to their country triggers a desire for revenge, which increases the desire to punish a target symbolically similar to the original perpetrator, but only when doing so is politically expedient.
Worthless Warnings? Testing the Effectiveness of Disclaimers in Mutual Fund Advertisements

More than $11 trillion is invested in mutual funds in the United States. Mutual fund investors flock to funds with high past returns, despite there being little, if any, relationship between high past returns and high future returns. Because fund management fees are based on the amount of assets invested in their funds, however, fund companies regularly advertise the returns of their high-performing funds. The SEC requires these advertisements to contain a disclaimer warning that past returns do not guarantee future returns and that investors could lose money in the funds. This article presents the results of an experiment that finds that this SEC-mandated disclaimer is completely ineffective. The disclaimer neither reduces investors' propensity to invest in advertised funds nor diminishes their expectations regarding the funds' future returns. The experiment also suggests, however, that a stronger disclaimer—one that informs investors that high fund returns generally do not persist—would be much more effective.
A new simple method to determine the diffusion coefficient from Active Enzyme Centrifugation experiments

Abstract A simple and accurate procedure to determine the diffusion coefficient from Active Enzyme Centrifugation experiments is presented. Using computer-simulated concentration distributions we demonstrate that the procedure, derived by Vinograd for the conventional band sedimentation, is suitable to exploit Active Enzyme Centrifugation experiments when the Cohen's Difference Curves Method is used. This new empirical method avoids all the difficulties of the rigorous method previously proposed by Cohen et al., without any loss of accuracy. Optimal conditions are described which allow the determination of the enzyme diffusion coefficient with a 5% uncertainty. Such an easy determination of the sedimentation and diffusion coefficients by the AEC technique can provide a good and rapid estimation of the active enzyme molecular weight, either with a low amount of material or in very impure preparations.
Least squares frequency-invariant beamforming

Frequency invariant beamforming aims to parametrize array filter coefficients such that the spectral and spatial response profiles of the array can be adjusted independently. Solutions to this problem have been presented for particular array geometries and rely often on inversion formulas for Fourier or spherical harmonics. These decompositions are analytically appealing but require a larger number of sensors and/or a regular microphone spacing. However, in practical applications the number and location of sensors are often restricted. This paper proposes to use a linear basis that optimally reproduces a desired spatial response pattern for each frequency. This numerical least-squares inversion is applicable to arbitrary sensor configurations for which typically no exact analytical inverses are available. This basis can be combined further with spherical harmonics resulting in a readily steerable and low dimensional parametrization. This solution to frequency invariant beamforming effectively decouples the array geometry from the steering geometry. Here the method is demonstrated for the optimal design of the far-field response of an irregular linear array with as few as 3 microphones combined with Legendre polynomials to control the azimuth orientation of the frequency-invariant beam
Targeted drug delivery under MRI guidance

The main goal of local drug delivery is to increase the concentration of a specific therapeutic agent in a target tissue with minimal nontarget distribution. Compared to systemic therapy, local drug delivery provides a high level of therapeutic efficacy with minimal systemic effects. The current primary imaging modality for drug delivery has been x-ray angiography, but it has major limitations including anatomical ambiguity and inability to visualize the targeted tissues. Due to these inherent problems, MR guidance has been explored as an alternative imaging modality for guiding and monitoring of drug therapy. Recently, interventional MR (XMR) systems have been implemented that have both dual x-ray and MRI capabilities in a single suite and allow for real-time interventional procedures to be performed in a clinical setting. In cases where drug delivery is required, this system provides a significant leap for catheter-based therapies. Although clinical drug delivery procedures utilizing MR guidance are still in the early stages of development and application, recent technological advances should help further promote the adoption of such procedures. This review covers the emerging techniques of drug delivery using MR guidance.
Tridentate-Bridged Polyazine Complexes of Ruthenium(ll) and Osmium(ll) and their Application to the Development of Photochemical Molecular Devices

Abstract The application of polymetallic complexes to photochemical energy conversion is an active area of research. The use of tridentate complexes within this context has been less well explored than the highly studied trisbidentate structural motif. Recent interest has expanded to explore the class of tridentate bridged complexes that incorporate RuII and OsII chromophores. These systems hold promise in that they give rise to polymetallic systems that are stereochemically defined. This is important in the construction of molecular devices that utilize energy or electron transfer as it will allow control of donor—acceptor distance and orientation. This article describes some of the recent research in the construction and study of polyazine-based, tridentate-bridged complexes containing Ru11 and Os11 chromophores.
A Sequel to the Tale of p25/Cdk5 in Neurodegeneration

p25/Cdk5 dysregulation may contribute to neurodegeneration. In this issue of Neuron , Kim et al. show that cdk5 inactivates HDAC-1, leading to cell cycle deregulation and DNA damage accumulation. This study provides further insights into the function of p25/Cdk5 in neurons and points to HDAC-1 as a target for therapeutic interventions.
The Mechanical Properties of Nickel Oxide and Their Relationship to the Morphology of Thick Oxide Scales Formed on Nickel.

The oxidation of metals that form P-type semiconducting oxide scales, such as NiO on nickel and CoO on cobalt, takes place by outward cation diffusion and inward vacancy diffusion. The large number of cation vacancies precipitate in the scale near the oxide-metal interface and may coalesce to form macroscopic pores, resulting in a transition from a dense, columnar scale to a duplex scale which contains an inner, fine-grained, equiaxed, porous layer. Increasing temperature and/or purity eliminate the transition, which has been found to depend upon oxide plasticity. The mechanical properties of bulk nickel oxides having a range of porosities have been studied in compression. Three regimes were observed: (1) brittle at low temperatures, (2) ductile at elevated temperatures, and (3) a transition region at intermediate temperatures. Fracture strength in the brittle region was strongly dependent on porosity due to the effect of pores on the elastic modulus and the size of fracture-initiating flaws. The plastic flow stress in the ductile region depended primarily on grain size and impurity content except for very porous materials in which porosity substantially reduced the plastic flow stress. The development of the duplex structure in scales during oxidation has been shown to depend upon inhibition of slip on the {110} 〈110〉 system in the highly textured grains rather than by diffusion-controlled processes such as creep. The duplex structure forms when the rate of deformation of the scale is less than the rate of void formation. Grain size, porosity, and impurities play an important role; all of these effects are discussed in detail.
Addition of M- and L-series lines to NIST algorithm for calculation of x-ray tube output spectral distributions

Addition of M- and some minor L-series characteristic lines to an analytical algorithm for calculation of x-ray tube output spectral distributions is described. Such lines may be important for the analysis of elements of low atomic number (Z) where thin-window, high-Z target tubes are used for excitation.
Elastic half‐space under an oblique line impulse

This paper presents transient deformation of an elastic half-space under two types of line-concentrated impulsive loads applied simultaneously. One load is a sustainable normal force, while the other is a momentarily applied vector shear force. For each of the two loads the author gave the respective solution in two separate papers. Here the two solutions are superimposed to determine the response of the half-space under the combined loads. The present work is devoted to the salient wave propagation features seen in the resultant computer plots that disclose the strained half-space. Since each critical deformation is explicitly indicated in the plots by a wave front, the interpretation of the response of the half-space to the applied load is readily available at a glance. A comparison is then presented that identifies those deformation traits and wave fronts, among the nineteen here, that are more closely related to those found in previous works. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating Daily Surface Soil Moisture Using a Daily Diagnostic Soil Moisture Equation

AbstractOne common problem is associated with water balance calculation methods for determining soil moisture for scheduling irrigation: errors in the estimated soil moisture are cumulative and frequent recalibrations are needed. A simple and robust approach to estimation of daily soil moisture using a daily diagnostic soil moisture equation is suggested and studied. The estimated soil moisture is a function of the time-weighted summation of the ratio of historical precipitation rate to soil moisture loss coefficient. To capture the seasonal variation in soil moisture loss coefficient, a sinusoidal wave function of the day of year (DOY) is used to represent the seasonal variation in loss coefficient. A 3-year continuous data set of daily soil moisture and daily precipitation collected at each of four Soil Climate Analysis Network sites—AR2091; in Arkansas, GA2013 in Georgia, NM2107 in New Mexico, and PR2052 in Puerto Rico—is applied to test the proposed method. The land cover/land use of these four sites ...
On the helix-coil equilibrium in two- and three-stranded complexes involving complementary poly- and oligonucleotides.

The helix–coil equilibrium in molecular complexes formed between long homopoly-nucleotides and short complementary oligonucleotides is discussed. Each oligomer is allowed to bind to polymer(s) in an all-or-none fashion. The formal treatment of Lifson and Zimm is used as a basis for derivations. Approximations for long polymer(s) yield simple formulae describing the transition. The theory is applied to both a two-stranded complex (i.e., a complex, one strand of which is a long polymer and the other of which consists of a number of short oligomers) and to a three-stranded complex (i.e., a complex, two strands of which are long polymers and the third of which consists of a number of short oligomers). For the two-stranded complex, simple expressions result for average quantities when the interruption constant is much smaller than unity. For the three-stranded complex the matching and the mismatching models are considered in the case where the non-bonded segments of polymer chains may form closed loops, and it is shown that true phase transitions occur under certain conditions. For a highly cooperative transition the slope of the melting curve is shown to be independent of the cooperativity parameter, provided that residue molar concentrations of the polymer and oligomer are of comparable magnitude. It is thus possible to obtain the enthalpy of the transition directly from the slopes of the melting curves. Some experimental results on two- and three-stranded complexes are compared with the theory and yield the enthalpy and the entropy for the formation of base pairs and triplets.
Octylphenol (OP), an environmental estrogen, stimulates prolactin (PRL) gene expression.

Abstract A growing concern about “endocrine disrupters” and their impact on estrogen-dependent-phenomena led us to investigate the effects of OP, an environmental estrogen, on PRL gene expression. To this end, we found that OP stimulates the PRL gene to a similar degree as estradiol (E 2 ), although E 2 is a 1000-fold more potent in this regard. We then sought to confirm that OP exerts its effects through E 2 -receptors. Accordingly, we treated cells with tamoxifen (TAM), an anti-estrogen, and found that it blunted the response induced by OP, suggesting that E 2 -receptors mediated this response. Finally, using “real time” measurements of gene expression in living cells, we found that a large fraction of mammotropes were OP-responsive. These results clearly demonstrate that OP affects PRL gene expression in a manner identical to that of E 2 . Inasmuch as PRL subserves an obligatory role in the regulation of lactation as well as in neonatal development, we believe that environmental estrogens such as OP have the potential to adversely affect the maternal-infant unit by altering PRL gene expression.
N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptors and Ethanol: Inhibition of Calcium Flux and Cyclic GMP Production

Measurements of calcium uptake and cyclic GMP production by cerebellar granule cells grown in primary culture demonstrated that ethanol preferentially inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-gated cation channel function. Concentrations of ethanol as low as 10 mM inhibited NMDA-stimulated Ca2+ uptake by greater than 30%, and ethanol also inhibited NMDA-stimulated (Ca2+-dependent) cyclic GMP accumulation in a similar, dose-dependent manner. Responses to kainate were significantly less sensitive to ethanol. Studies using various concentrations of NMDA, as well as phencyclidine (PCP) and glycine, suggested that ethanol affected the "coagonist" binding site of the NMDA receptor-channel complex, rather than the PCP recognition site.
Factors influencing the oxygen consumption of larval Nigronia serricornis (Say) (Megaloptera: Corydalidae).

Abstract 1. 1. The oxygen consumption of larval Nigronia serricornis (Say) was evaluated in all seasons over a range of 10–35°C. 2. 2. Respiration increased with test temperature in all seasons; there appeared to be little, if any, seasonal acclimation to temperature. 3. 3. Recently hatched larvae differed little from large larvae in respiratory response to temperature and season. 4. 4. The influence of temperature and season on respiration was compared between N. serricornis , an inhabitant of summer-cold streams, and Corydalus cornutus , an inhabitant of summer-warm streams.
Neurogenic factors and hypertension in renal disease.

Neurogenic factors and hypertension in renal disease. Hypertension in chronic renal failure (CRF) is very common and contributes to morbidity and mortality and to the progression of renal disease. The pathogenesis of hypertension in CRF has been attributed mostly to sodium retention and to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. More recently an abundance of evidence has accumulated to support a role for increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in the genesis of hypertension associated with CRF. Evidence from our laboratory has also demonstrated that the rise in central SNS activity is mitigated by increased local expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-mRNA and nitric oxide (NO) production, and that the upregulation of NO production in the brain is mediated by IL-1β.
A pilot study of antidepressant -induced mania in pediatric bipolar disorder : Characteristics, risk factors, and the serotonin transporter gene

Background: Antidepressant-induced mania (AIM) has been described in bipolar disorder (BD) and has been associated with the short-allele of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT). We wished to investigate the frequency of and risk factors for AIM in pediatric patients with or at high risk for BD. Methods: Fifty-two children and adolescents (30 with BD and 22 with subthreshold manic symptoms, 15.1 3.4 years old), all with a parent with BD, were interviewed with their parents for manic/depressive symptoms occurring before and after past antidepressant treatment. The 47 subjects with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure were genotyped for the 5-HTT polymorphism. Results: Fifty percent of subjects were AIM and 25.5% had new onset of suicidal ideation. The AIM and AIM groups did not differ significantly in relation to allele (p .36) or genotype (p .53) frequencies of the 5-HTT polymorphism. The AIM subjects were more likely to have more comorbidities (3.2 vs. 2.4; p .02) and be BD type I (p .04) than AIM subjects. Conclusions: Youth with or at high risk for BD may be particularly vulnerable to SSRI AIM and thus should be monitored if given SSRIs. In this preliminary study, we did not find that the 5-HTT polymorphism significantly influenced vulnerability to AIM.
A new semi-active piezoelectric-based friction damper

A new way to perform vibration control on a single-degree-of-freedom system using a piezoelectric friction damper is developed. The damper consists of an actuator, which is based on a piezoelectric stack with a mechanical amplifying mechanism that provides symmetric forces within the isolator. The advantages of such an actuator are its high bandwidth, actuating response and its ability to operate in vacuum environments such as in space. The damper is constrained to move using an air bearing that produces a virtually ideal single-degree-of-freedom spring-mass system. Within this work, the actuating ability of the friction-based actuator is characterized. The relationship between the force generated by the actuator and the applied voltage was found to be linear. The maximum force generated by the friction damper in this study is 85 N for the specific friction pads used.
Parents of Older At-Risk Youth: A Retention Challenge for Preventive Intervention

We examined data from 162 families who participated in the prevention program Parents and Youth with Schools, which targeted at-risk high school youth and parents, to understand parent retention in the 15-session Parents as Partners program. We obtained reports from youth, parents and parent interventionists, which included both time-invariant and time-varying data regarding demographic factors; parent, youth and family characteristics; and parents’ response to intervention. Utilizing event history analysis, we examined data sequentially in order to determine those variables that predicted continued parent attendance. In the model examining all areas simultaneously, the predictors of parent retention across the full program were parent minority status and age, teen anger and parent–teen conflict over school attendance, as well as parents’ reports of group support and interventionists’ report of parents’ commitment. Overall, the analyses indicated that participants’ characteristics, as well as their measureable response to the intervention, can alert researchers to potential program disengagement. Monitoring indicators of disengagement will help researchers focus resources early in the intervention process in order to maximize parent attendance and increase the success of prevention programs.