cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence of quantum dots on e-beam patterned and DNA origami substrates

Attachment of quantum dots or fluorescent molecules to gold nanoparticles has a variety of optical labeling and sensory applications. In this study, we use both e-beam lithography and DNA origami to examine the fluorescence enhancement of fluorescent molecules and quantum dots with a systematic approach to understanding the contribution of gold nanoparticle size and interparticle spacing. The unique design of our patterns allows us to study the effects of size and spacing of the gold nanoparticles on the enhancement of fluorescence in one quick study with constant conditions – removing undesirable effects such as differences in concentration of quantum dots or other chemistry differences that plague multiple experiments. We also discuss the fluorescence and bonding of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots to both gold as well as DNA for use in self assembled DNA constructs. Specifically, bioconjugated CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots were synthesized and functionalized with MPA using both traditional ligand exchange as well as newly developed in situ functionalization techniques used to increase the quantum yield of the quantum dots. We will present fluorescent images showing results of optimal size and spacing for fluorescence as well as demonstrating attachment chemistry of the quantum dots.
Broadband acoustic vector sensing in a forested environment

The horizontal acoustic particle velocity and acoustic pressure, concurrent with atmospheric data, were collected during a series of outdoor field tests. Here, we present the effects of a forested environment on acoustic vector sensing for broadband sources. The sources are representative of battlefield signals of interest. The complex distributions are studied in the unsaturated, partially saturated, and fully saturated regimes. Distinct path-dependent, frequency-dependent propagation effects are observed.The horizontal acoustic particle velocity and acoustic pressure, concurrent with atmospheric data, were collected during a series of outdoor field tests. Here, we present the effects of a forested environment on acoustic vector sensing for broadband sources. The sources are representative of battlefield signals of interest. The complex distributions are studied in the unsaturated, partially saturated, and fully saturated regimes. Distinct path-dependent, frequency-dependent propagation effects are observed.
Transpalpebral Approach "Eyelid Incision" for Surgical Treatment of Intracerebral Aneurysms: Lessons Learned During a 10-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND The classic pterional, pretemporal, and orbitozygomatic approaches achieve large areas of exposure with easy maneuverability. In select cases (eg, some anterior circulation aneurysms), the minimally invasive fronto-orbital craniotomy can yield adequate exposure that must be balanced with its risk of frontalis injury. OBJECTIVE To detail a 10-yr experience using the transpalpebral approach, characterized by an incision whose camouflage is the natural eyelid crease, notably the effectiveness and outcomes of this exposure for anterior circulation aneurysms. METHODS In this retrospective review, 82 patients with 88 aneurysms underwent a supraorbital frontal minicraniotomy via the eyelid incision performed by a single neurosurgeon and closure by an oculoplastic surgeon (2007-2016). Incision of the orbiculi oculi developed a plane between the muscle and orbital septum superiorly. Outcomes recorded included aneurysm occlusion or residual, treatment modality (clipping/wrapping), postoperative hemorrhage or stroke, postoperative wound healing, and overall cosmesis. RESULTS Of 85 (97%) aneurysms treated by clipping, postoperative and follow-up imaging showed complete obliteration in 81 (95%) aneurysms and residuals in 4 (5%). Cosmetic outcomes for the eyelid incision were excellent: 81 (99%) patients noted excellent wound healing at follow-up and no scarring; 1 patient developed significant temporalis wasting and upper eyelid scarring after posterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping. Overall, 13 minor and 8 major complications affected 19 patients. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm the versatility of the eyelid supraorbital frontal minicraniotomy for common anterior circulation aneurysms. This large series found that postoperative complication risks were similar to traditional techniques and cosmetic results were excellent.
Understanding interaction effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rice under elevated carbon dioxide conditions.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), particularly the Glomerales group, play a paramount role in plant nutrient uptake, and abiotic and biotic stress management in rice, but recent evidence revealed that elevated CO2 concentration considerably reduces the Glomerales group in soil. In view of this, the present study was initiated to understand the interaction effect of native Glomerales species application in rice plants (cv. Naveen) under elevated CO2 concentrations (400 ± 10, 550 ± 20, and 700 ± 20 ppm) in open-top chambers. Three different modes of application of the AMF inoculum were evaluated, of which, combined application of AMF at the seedling production and transplanting stages showed increased AMF colonization, which significantly improved grain yield by 25.08% and also increased uptake of phosphorus by 18.2% and nitrogen by 49.5%, as observed at 700-ppm CO2 concentration. Organic acids secretion in rice root increased in AMF-inoculated plants exposed to 700-ppm CO2 concentration. To understand the overall effect of CO2 elevation on AMF interaction with the rice plant, principal component and partial least square regression analysis were performed, which found both positive and negative responses under elevated CO2 concentration.
Clinical Decision Making Using CTA in Conjoined, Bipedicled DIEP and SIEA for Unilateral Breast Reconstruction

Background Using a hemi-abdominal flap for unilateral breast reconstruction in patients may not be ideal due to paucity of abdominal tissue, presence of a lower abdominal midline scar, or a larger and/or ptotic contralateral native breast. Several algorithms exist to make these flaps successful, but all of them require an anastomosis sequence ultimately. In this study, we present our experience with the use of imaging to predict flap dominance and anastomosis sequence to make them consistently successful. Methods Seventy-five consecutive conjoined, bipedicled abdominal composite free flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction were performed. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was obtained to depict the pattern of perforators, flap dominance, and feasibility for intraflap anastomosis. Patient demographics, type/weights of flaps, number of anastomoses, location of perforators, length/type of pedicles, and flap-related complications were reviewed. Results Seventy-five patients underwent composite deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and/or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. There were 62 DIEP-DIEP flaps, 11 DIEP-SIEA flaps, and two SIEA-SIEA flaps. The mean age was 57 years with an average body mass index of 27 kg/m2 and flap weight of 1,054 g. Thirty-one patients underwent intraflap (41%) and 44 patients underwent crania/caudal anastomoses (59%). In comparison to bilateral DIEPs, the total number of perforators was significantly lower (2.9 vs. 3.8), and fat necrosis rate was lower (2.7 vs. 14.4%) as well. Conclusion Guided by preoperative CTA imaging, we recommend the consistent use of these conjoined, bipedicled hemi-abdominal flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction, primarily those with delayed reconstruction and radiation deficits. Preoperative CTA imaging is crucial in directing perforator dissection to maximize overlapping perfusion zones and guide in performing anastomoses.
Vital Staining: Fluorescent and Immunofluorescent, and Review of Nonfluorescent Dyes

To stain cells and tissues of live hydra with fluorescent dyes or by immunofluorescence. Such methods aid in identifying specific tissues or cells in grafts or in aggregates of cells.
“Figure 4, Peyote”: Comics and Graphic Narrative in Anarchist Cookbooks, 1971-Present

Journalists, politicians, and law enforcement professionals have linked anarchist cookbooks to various crimes including bank robberies, hijackings, terrorist attacks, and mass shootings. By braidin...
Numerical solutions of biharmonic equations on non-convex polygonal domains

Abstract To construct C 1 -continuous basis functions for the numerical solutions of two dimensional biharmonic equations on non-convex domains with clamped and/or simply supported boundary conditions, we use B-spline basis functions instead of conventional Hermite finite element basis functions. The C 1 -continuous B-spline approximation functions constructed on the master patch are moved onto a physical domain by a geometric patch mapping. However it is difficult to cover a non-convex polygonal domain by one smooth patch mapping. Hence we decompose a non-convex domain into several overlapping rectangular subdomains and use the Schwartz alternating method to assemble local solutions for the global solution. Furthermore, in order to handle the corner singularities arising in non-convex domains, we introduce the implicitly enriched Galerkin method, which is similar to the explicit enrichment techniques used in XFEM, G-FEM, PUFEM, that are successful in handling the singularity problems arising in second-order differential problems.
Diagnosis and management of uterine serous carcinoma: current strategies and clinical challenges

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a subtype of endometrial cancer accounting for a disproportionate number of uterine cancer-related deaths. Recent studies have enhanced the understanding of the pa...
High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry Screening Platform for Discovering New Chemical Reactions under Uncatalyzed, Solvent-Free Experimental Conditions

A gas-phase high-throughput reaction screening platform was developed for the first time to study chemical structures of closely related functional groups and for the discovery of novel organic reaction pathways. Experiments were performed using the contained atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source that enabled nonthermal, nonequilibrium plasma chemistry to be monitored by mass spectrometry (MS) in real time. This contained-APCI MS platform allowed an array of reagents to be tested, resulting in the studies of multiple gas-phase reactions in parallel. By exposing headspace vapor of the selected reagents to corona discharge, solvent-free Borsche-Drecsel cyclization reaction, Katritzky chemistry, and Paal-Knorr pyrrole synthesis were examined in the gas phase, outside the high vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer. A new radical-mediated hydrazine coupling reaction was also discovered, which provided a selective pathway to synthesize secondary amines without using a catalyst. The mechanisms of these atmospheric pressure gas-phase reactions were explored through the direct capture of intermediates and via comparison with the corresponding bulk solution and droplet-phase reactions.
Posterolateral Corner Injury

The posterolateral corner (PLC) is a frequently misunderstood region of the knee. Multiple anatomic structures comprise the PLC, and all contribute in some way to posterior and external rotational stability of the knee joint. When not recognized or treatment is delayed, injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee can result in significant long-term morbidity for patients. For this reason, prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of PLC injuries are imperative.
Does international migration impact economic institutions at home

Abstract This paper investigates and exploits the exogenous variation in the number of a country's migrants abroad driven by regional and global trade integration to estimate the impact of international migration on economic institutions at home. While the significance of the country's geographical orientation in cross-border migration is well-documented, time-invariant geographic variables are eliminated by panel models with fixed-effects. Exploiting the time-varying joint effect of geography and trade on international migration that allows to account for both endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity, this study finds evidence of adverse impacts of international migration on the home-country's economic institutions, with large negative estimates for the countries that are grappling with weak political institutions. The results are robust to alternative model specifications and estimation methods. In addition, this paper offers no empirical support for the recent claims that the effect of emigration on institutional quality is destination-specific.
Morbidly Obese Patients with Ileocolic Crohn's Disease May Benefit from Robotic Surgery.

Background and objectives Obesity is increasing as a comorbid condition for patients requiring surgery for Crohn's disease. Minimally invasive colectomy is ideal for a patient with combined obesity and Crohn's disease. However laparoscopic colon resection is associated with high operative conversion rates in these cases. Data examining the use of robotic surgery in the obese patient with Crohn's disease is sparse. Methods We examined the feasibility and outcomes of performing a minimally invasive colectomy using the Da Vinci robot in a prospective case series of morbidly obese patients with ileal Crohn's disease. Results A robotic ileocolectomy was performed in four morbidly obese patients with Crohn's disease. There were no operative conversions or complications with a median length of stay of 3 days. Conclusion A robotic approach is a promising minimally invasive surgical alternative to laparoscopic surgery for these complex patients.
The Effectiveness of CDC's Rx Awareness Campaigns on Reducing Opioid Stigma: Implications for Health Communication.

Often health communication campaigns addressing misusing prescription opioids and opioid use disorder (OUD) do not pay enough attention to the associated stigma. This study investigated the effecti...
Blocking probability in WDM switching networks with limited wavelength conversion

We study the benefits of wavelength conversion in all-optical WDM switching networks. In particular, we focus on investigating network performance improvement by using the more realistic limited wavelength conversion. We present an analytical model for calculating the blocking probability of WDM switching networks with limited wavelength conversion and validate the model through simulations. The analytical and simulation results reveal that a significant improvement in the blocking performance of the network can be achieved by limited wavelength conversion with small conversion degrees (e.g., d=2,3,4). We take the view that utilizing limited wavelength conversion with small conversion degrees in a WDM switching network is a more cost-effective choice.
Family Dynamics, Childhood Depression, and Attempted Suicide in a 7‐Year‐Old Boy

ABSTRACT: Overt suicidal behavior in children is uncommon. The few papers discussing this area include only minimal descriptions of family dynamics and do not, in general, utilize the concept of childhood depression in the formulation of this behavior. This paper reviews the literature in the two areas of suicidal behavior and depression in children and presents in detail the family dynamics surrounding a suicidal attempt in a 7-year-old boy. The case is formulated in terms of childhood depression, and the course of treatment is discussed.
[An Interdisciplinary Theory-Based ESL Curriculum to Teach English as a Second Language.]

Among Hispanic immigrants in the United States (US), learning English is considered necessary for economic and social achievement. Asa consequence, there is a high demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Despite the recognized benefits of ESL programs,both at the individual and social levels, more research is needed to identify education strategies that effectively promote all aspects of learningEnglish as a second language. This article describes an ESL curriculum that incorporates a theory-based pedagogical approach specificallydesigned for immigrant Hispanic adults on the US-Mexico border region. The article also describes the implementation of the curriculum aswell as the results of the evaluation, which was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative results indicate thatthe participants significantly improved their English proficiency (L2). Qualitative results suggest that participants were positively impactedby both the content and pedagogical approaches used by the curriculum. Their experience with the ESL class was positive in general. It canbe concluded that the curriculum achieved its objective. This approach could serve as a model for second language teaching for adults
Combined exfoliation and pigment dispersion: paradigm of an overlap syndrome.

Abstract Objective To describe a series of patients with combined pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and to introduce a concept, the overlap syndrome, to aid in assessing multiple risk factors for glaucomatous damage. Design Clinic-based, cross-sectional study. Setting New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Participants Twenty-six patients identified from the glaucoma database as having combined pigment dispersion syndrome–glaucoma and exfoliation syndrome–glaucoma. Main outcome measures Quantification of patients with both pigment dispersion syndrome–glaucoma (PDS/PG) and exfoliation syndrome–glaucoma (XFS/XFG) and its clinical implications. Results Among the 26 patients (all white) having both XFS/XFG and PDS/PG, the average age was 64.3 ± 9.8 years and 19 of 26 were men. All patients had bilateral PDS/PG. Bilateral XFS/XFG was present in 9 of 26 patients and, of the 17 patients with unilateral involvement, the left eye was affected in 13. Conclusions Both XFS and PDS are common. Middle-aged patients with known PDS/PG should be suspected of having the onset of XFS if one eye escapes intraocular pressure control. Patients with unilateral XFG at presentation may also have signs of PDS/PG, often remitted. We define the term overlap syndrome to describe the sequential appearance over time of two or more risk factors for glaucomatous damage. The appearance of a new risk factor in a patient whose condition has been stable can alter the course and prognosis of the disease. This concept should prove useful in dealing with secondary and normal-tension glaucomas.
Synergistic stressors and the dilemma of conservation in a multivariate world: a case study in Allegheny woodrats.

Contemporary patterns of species decline frequently stem from multiple, synergistic pressures, which much like the genetic concept of lethal equivalents, must be interpreted in sum rather than as independent deleterious entities. For example, the recent, range-wide decline of the Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) is likely a result of numerous, minor, human-mediated stressors including habitat fragmentation and disruption of metapopulation dynamics, reduced hard mast availability associated with the functional extirpation of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and recent shifts in forest composition, and expansion of a human-adapted species, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the parasites it carries (Baylisascaris procyonis). To evaluate the assertion that range-wide woodrat declines have been caused by a concatenate of stressors, we used principal component (PC) analysis to identify latent relationships among a suite of biological and ecological factors (reflecting those stressors listed above) and evaluated PC scores relative to the three conservation states of woodrat populations in Indiana (stable, diminished and extirpated). Populations of differing conservation states segregated along each of the three retained PCs, providing support for the assertion that a combination of stressors has contributed to the range-wide decline of woodrat metapopulations, although intriguingly, independent stressors appeared to cause the decline of individual populations. These results suggest specific, minimal site attributes must be met for each of the habitat attributes evaluated to support stable woodrat populations. Our findings further suggest that variation in relative pressures exerted by individual stressors across populations will require site-specific management actions if woodrat populations are to be recovered throughout their range. Our case study of Indiana woodrats exemplifies the first step in identifying site-specific causes for species’ declines, necessary to guide subsequent management and recovery actions when a combination of interwoven factors likely are contributing to metapopulation degeneration.
Function of iron in chloroplasts

Abstract This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the roles of iron in chloroplast structure and function and in chloroplast development. The uptake and transport of iron to leaves and the relationship of chlorophyll to leaf iron content are also reviewed briefly. In addition, we present some original data on the protein composition of thylakoid membranes and on chlorophyll biosynthesis as affected by iron deficiency and resupply.
Optimal control of swinging alliances in a parabolic competition model

Abstract A system of parabolic partial differential equations describes the interaction of three populations, modeling a dynamic competition/cooperation scenario. More precisely, two populations are always competing with each other, but the third population can switch the mode of alliance with the other two populations between cooperation and competition. The control is a function measuring the strength and nature of the alliance and the goal is to maximize the population with the swinging alliance while keeping the other two populations close to each other and minimizing the cost of the alliance action. Various scenarios are illustrated with numerical results.
Links between Snow Cover, Surface Skin Temperature, and Rainfall Variability in the North American Monsoon System.

The influence of land‐atmosphere interactions on the variability of the North American monsoon system (NAMS) is investigated using the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) Pathfinder, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) gauge precipitation, and observed snow water equivalent (SWE). Three hypotheses are tested regarding the connection between land surface variables and precipitation in the NAMS region. First, there is a weak negative correlation between 1 April SWE and subsequent surface temperature in the southern Rocky Mountains (SRM) region. However, this connection persists only until June and, therefore, cannot directly influence monsoon rainfall in July and August. Second, there is a negative correlation between SRM surface temperature and NAMS precipitation during the monsoon season, rather than the positive correlation previously proposed. Third, there is a highly significant negative correlation between rainfall and surface temperature within the NAMS region. On the monthly timescale, surface temperature decreases by ;4 K per 1 mm day21 increase in rainfall, consistent with a positive soil moisture‐rainfall feedback. The substantial variability of SRM skin temperature (;10 K) may modulate the temperature gradient between land and ocean. However, these skin temperature anomalies persist only for ;1 month, so their effects are variable throughout the monsoon season.
Ionization chamber volume averaging effects in dynamic intensity modulated radiation therapy beams

The commercial cylindrical ionization chamber ionization integration accuracy of dynamically moving fields was evaluated. The ionization chambers were exposed to long (14 cm), narrow (0.6, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 cm) 6 MV and 18 MV fields. Rather than rely on the linear accelerator to reproducibly scan across the chamber, the chambers were scanned beneath fixed portals. A water-equivalent phantom was constructed with cavities that matched the chambers and placed on a computer-controlled one-dimensional table. Computer-controlled electrometers were utilized in continuous charge integrate mode, with 10 samples of the charge, along with time stamps, acquired for each chamber location. A reference chamber was placed just beneath the linear accelerator jaws to adjust for variations in linear accelerator dose rate. The scan spatial resolution was selected to adequately sample regions of steep dose gradient and second spatial derivative (curvature). A fixed measurement in a 10 x 10 cm2 field was used to normalize the profiles to absolute chamber response. Three ionization chambers were tested, a microchamber (0.009 cm3), a Farmer chamber (0.6 cm3) and a waterproof scanning chamber (0.125 cm3). The larger chambers exhibited severe under-response at the small field's centers, but all of the chambers, independent of orientation, accurately integrated the ionization across the scanned portal. This indicates that the tested ionization chambers provide accurate integrated charges in regions of homogeneous dose regions. Partial integration (less than the field width plus the chamber length plus 2 cm), yielded integration errors of greater than 1% and 2% for 6 MV and 18 MV, respectively, with errors for the Farmer chamber of greater than 10% even for the 4 cm wide field.
Estimates of convective heat fluxes and gravity wave amplitudes in the Venus middle cloud layer from VEGA balloon measurements

Atmospheric temperatures and vertical velocities obtained from the VEGA balloon measurements indicate that the dynamical heat flux is upward and has an amplitude that ranges from 0 to 360 W m^(−2) in the middle cloud region. The static stability is positive and ranges from 0 to 2.0 K km^(−1). Time series analysis of these results indicates that convection is the principal mechanism for generating the large vertical motions. Gravity waves were also detected at these levels and account for about 15% of the covariance between temperature and vertical velocity.
Incremental elastic compliance and electric resistance of a cylinder with partial loss in the cross-sectional area

Motivated by material science applications, the paper focuses on quantitative characterization and comparison of two microstructural elements typical for lamellar materials – crack and contacting area – in the context of their effect on macroscopic elastic and conductive (thermal or electrical) properties of a body of finite size. The problem is solved in axisymmetric formulation – axial load or axial heat flux is applied to a circular cylinder containing a centered crack, either internal or external. The latter case corresponds to the welding of two halves of the cylinder at the center. The changes in the elastic and conductive properties of the cylinder due to these types of cracks are obtained in explicit analytical form. It is shown that the contributions of internal and external cracks into elastic and conductive properties are similar if the relative loss in the cross-sectional between two parts of the cylinder is up to 70% for elasticity problem and up to 85% for conductivity problem. We also show that the changes in elastic compliance and conductive properties generated by both microstructural elements are interrelated by cross-property connection identical to one obtained for an unbounded material.
K-flows are forward deterministic, backward completely non-deterministic stationary point processes☆

Abstract Stationary processes with discrete time parameter and finitely many states are forward deterministic if and only if they are backward deterministic. In contrast to this we prove in the case of continuous time parameter: Every K-flow in a Lebesgue space is isomorphic to the flow of shifts of a stationary forward deterministic, backward completely non-deterministic process (Xt, t ϵ R1) with two states and with right-continuous paths having only finitely many jumps in any finite time-interval. The process may be considered as a point process. The result is obtained from a representation theorem for flows, describing increasing sub-σ-algebras of a flow up to “equivalence.”
Fruits of Improved Communication: The Experiences of Hispanic Couples in a Relationship Education Program

Marital and relationship education (MRE) has demonstrated its efficacy as a viable intervention helpful to couples and individuals who receive it. However, an overrepresentation of Caucasian populations existed in MRE research resulting in a need to understand how MRE is received by those in underserved populations. The current study reports the findings derived from focus groups consisting of Hispanic individuals and couples who attended and completed 20 hours of MRE using a PREP-based curriculum. Participants were asked five questions regarding differences they perceived in their relationships as a result of attending the MRE program. While participants agreed that they had learned and acquired new communication skills, they also reported substantial changes in the amount of peace and calm in their homes as well as increased understanding of and patience toward their partners. Additionally, participants reported sharing what they had learned in the MRE with family members who were not in attendance. Thi...
Optogenetic Control of Skeletal Muscle Excitability

We assessed the feasibility of using light-activated channels and pumps to modulate the excitability of adult skeletal muscle fibers. Fibers were enzymatically isolated from FDB muscles of the mouse and studied under current- or voltage-clamp conditions using a two-microelectrode amplifier. Fibers were kept in Tyrode at a resting (or holding) potential of −90mV. Contraction was arrested by adding 40mM EGTA to the pipettes' solution. Plasmids coding channelrhodopsin-2-EYFP [CHR2; Addgene] and archaerhodopsin-3-ECFP [ARCH; subcloned from pFCK-ARCH-CFP (Addgene) into pECFPN1], were transfected into FDB fibers via in vivo electroporation. Expression was evaluated 7-10 days later. CHR2 and ARCH were excited with the 488nm and 514nm laser lines from an argon laser. Light power was controlled with an acousto-optic modulator, and focused onto selected areas (10-20μm) of the fibers via optic fibers. TPLSM imaging showed that CHR2 and ARCH were targeted to t-tubules and surface membranes. In fibers expressing CHR2, 1-3ms light pulses of increasing power elicited graded transient depolarizations until an action potential (AP) was triggered. The amplitude and FDHM of light-triggered APs were similar to those in response to current pulses. At all powers used, illuminating non-transfected fibers had no effect. Repetitive (<10Hz) pulsed illuminations elicited trains of APs with no failures. Failures at higher frequencies could be reduced by increasing the muscle fiber's input resistance (e.g. by blocking the chloride conductance with 9-AC), and/or increasing the illumination power. In voltage-clamped fibers, 40ms light pulses elicited slowly decaying inward currents with amplitudes graded with the applied illumination power. When fibers expressing ARCH were illuminated (at 514nm) otherwise supra-threshold current pulses became ineffective to trigger APs. Our results demonstrate that optogenetic tools can be used to excite or depress the excitability of adult skeletal muscle fibers.Supported by NIH/NIAMS grants AR047664, AR041802, and AR054816.
Magnitudes of Experimental Effects in Social Science Research

How the magnitude of an experimental effect may be measured has been a matter of concern for at least two decades. The phenomenon of effect size is still not well under stood, and it cannot be infe...
Patterns of exchange and intergenerational responsibilities after divorce and remarriage

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reciprocal and nonreciprocal patterns of exchange on beliefs about intergenerational responsibilities in parent–child and stepparent–stepchild relationships. A national sample of 1044 adults responded to a multiple segment factorial survey. Normative responsibilities to assist kin were greater than to assist step-kin and normative responsibilities to assist an older family member were greater when patterns of exchanges were reciprocal than when they were not. The open-ended responses and quantitative data suggest ambiguous views of intergenerational transfers.
Coordinate rings for the moduli stack of SL2(C) quasi-parabolic principal bundles on a curve and toric fiber products

Abstract We continue the program started in Manon (2010) [M1] to understand the combinatorial commutative algebra of the projective coordinate rings of the moduli stack M C , p → ( SL 2 ( C ) ) of quasi-parabolic SL 2 ( C ) principal bundles on a generic marked projective curve. We find general bounds on the degrees of polynomials needed to present these algebras by studying their toric degenerations. In particular, we show that the square of any effective line bundle on this moduli stack yields a Koszul projective coordinate ring. This leads us to formalize the properties of the polytopes used in proving our results by constructing a category of polytopes with term orders. We show that many of results on the projective coordinate rings of M C , p → ( SL 2 ( C ) ) follow from closure properties of this category with respect to fiber products.
Managing Gray Markets Through Tolerance of Violations: A Transaction Cost Perspective

Exclusive territory distribution arrangements are commonly observed in many markets. Once deployed, such arrangements are often subject to gray market activity, in the form of unauthorized sales which violate assigned restrictions. Interestingly, however, firms frequently choose to tolerate violations, rather than pursuing complete enforcement (i.e., by terminating violators) or abandoning exclusivity entirely. We draw from the literature on transaction cost economics to propose that tolerance of gray market activity is a function of a firm’s ability to detect violations, and of the existence of credible threats and commitments. We also draw on the traditional literature on exclusive territories to suggest that minimizing distributor free-riding on services, which influences the decision to use exclusive territories in the first place, continues to be a concern after deployment. We collect micro-level data and test our predictions through a survey of managers who were responsible for the distribution decisions in their respective companies. Our results suggest that tolerance of violations is influenced both by transaction cost and free-riding considerations. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of Group Psychotherapy to Reduce Depressive Symptoms among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Depressed mood is highly prevalent among HIV-infected individuals. Some but not all studies have found group psychotherapy to be efficacious in this population. We performed a systematic review and...
Enhanced preservation of acutely ischemic myocardium and improved clinical outcomes using glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solutions

Although the primary energy source for normal myocardium is free fatty acids, glucose appears to be a more favorable energy substrate for the myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion. Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solutions have been shown to limit ischemic damage in experimental models of ischemia. This review summarizes our experimental and clinical studies involving GIK solutions during urgent surgical revascularization of ischemic myocardium. A pig model was used to simulate the conditions of urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The second and third diagonal vessels were occluded with snares for 90 minutes followed by 30 minutes of cardioplegic arrest and 180 minutes of reperfusion. Animals receiving GIK during the periods of coronary occlusion and reperfusion had significantly less tissue acidosis, better recovery of wall motion scores, and smaller infarct size. In a prospective, randomized, clinical study involving patients undergoing CABG surgery for unstable angina, GIK therapy resulted in higher cardiac indices, less weight gain, earlier extubation, lower incidence of atrial arrhythmia, and shorter ICU and hospital stays. In conclusion, GIK enhances myocardial performance during ischemia and results in faster recovery after CABG surgery for unstable angina.
Multiphase-Leg Coupling Current Balancer for Parallel Operation of Multiple MW Power Modules

Parallel operation of multiphase bridge legs can reach high current in application to megawatt (MW) power conversion systems. However, direct parallel operation without any current balancing circuit may result in huge circulating current and short circuit because of differences of time delay and parameter tolerance in control circuits and switching speed difference in IGBTs. This paper proposes a multiphase coupling current balancing technique for parallel operation of multiphase legs to achieve multiple MW power converter/inverter modules. Multiphase coupling current balancer (CB) circuit modeling, analysis, and design demonstrate in detail how to implement such CBs. A 4.3-MW/3600-A inverter module is prototyped to illustrate the proposed scheme's implementation and validation. Six phase legs are operated in parallel to achieve the 3600-A rms inverter current rating. Each phase leg employs 1200-A IGBTs to provide 600-A rms output current. To achieve compactness and light weight, a very high permeability magnetic core with no air gap is used for the CB. Simulation and experimental results verify the excellent current balancing ability in parallel operation of multiple MW power modules.
Optical characteristics and formation processes of aerosols produced by an ozone and 1-butene reaction in oxygen

Abstract Emissions from UV excitations of aerosols produced by an O 3 and 1-butene (1-C 4 H 8 ) reaction in a flow tube were investigated. Excimer lasers and various microwave discharge lamps were used as light sources. Emissions from aerosols excited by excimer laser photons were dispersed. The emission spectrum shows molecular structure. The emission intensity is closely correlated with the aerosol scattering intensity, indicating that the emission is produced from the optical excitation of aerosols. The excitation functions for producing the aerosol scattering and emission light were investigated at various excitation wavelengths, O 3 and 1-C 4 H 8 concentrations and reaction times. The aerosol formation process is speculated in accord with the data of aerosol scattering and emission light intensities. It is suggested that aerosols may be produced by two major processes: one by active chemical species initially produced from ozonolysis of 1-C 4 H 8 and the other by less active species or secondary reaction products.
Arginine and citrulline protect intestinal cell monolayer tight junctions from hypoxia-induced injury in piglets

Arginine and citrulline protect intestinal cell monolayer tight junctions from hypoxia-induced injury in piglets
Neonatal Urinary Bladder Inflammation Produces Adult Bladder Hypersensitivity

Abstract Inflammatory events experienced during early development may permanently alter sensory processing. Because urinary tract infections frequently occur during early development in females and painful bladder disorders have a high female prevalence, the present studies were undertaken to determine whether inflammation of the bladder in female rats could lead to altered sensory processing later in life. Female rat pups were anesthetized and treated as neonates (14th-16th days of life) or as adolescents (28th-30th days of life) with either intravesical zymosan (yeast cell wall component that produces robust inflammation), intravesical normal saline, or only with anesthesia. As adults, rats that had their bladders inflamed as neonates exhibited increased spontaneous micturition frequency and, after reinflammation of the bladder, increased cardiovascular and abdominal muscle contractile responses to urinary bladder distension when compared with controls. Similar effects were not observed in rats which did not experience inflammation of the bladder until adolescence. Evan’s blue extravasation, a measure of the magnitude of inflammatory changes, was also greater in rats treated as neonates with intravesical zymosan. Thermal and mechanical hindpaw sensitivity was not altered by bladder inflammation. Altogether, this suggests that neonatal bladder inflammation increases bladder sensitivity and may be a cause of the hypersensitivity of painful bladder syndromes. Perspective The present study observed that bladder inflammation experienced in a neonatal rat led to accentuated responses to urinary bladder distension when tested as adults. This suggests that events experienced during development may permanently sensitize visceral sensory systems and so represent one of the causes of painful bladder disorders.
α-Tocopherol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in mice

Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines. Because inflammatory cytokines induce sickness behavior, we hypothesized that antioxidants, namely alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and selenium would inhibit sickness behavior caused by LPS. In an initial study, mice were injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) with vehicle, 2, or 20mg alpha-T for 3 consecutive days and then challenged with vehicle, 1, 10, or 100 microg of LPS. Sickness behavior was quantified by measuring social exploratory behavior. Vehicle pretreated mice injected with LPS showed a marked reduction in social behavior at 4h (p < .01). However, sickness behavior induced by the lowest dose of LPS was partially or completely blocked by 2 or 20mg alpha-T, respectively. alpha-T did not prevent sickness from higher doses of LPS. In a second study, mice were fed AIN93-M modified diets containing 10, 75, and 500 mg alpha-T/kg and 0.05, 0.15, and 2mg selenium/kg for 8 weeks and then challenged with saline or LPS (1 microg). The highest concentration of dietary alpha-T and selenium tended (p = .1) to reduce LPS-induced sickness behavior. Mice fed diets low in antioxidants had reduced plasma alpha-T levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (p = .08 and p < .01, respectively) and elevated liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < .001) 24h post LPS. Collectively, these data indicate that alpha-T improved the oxidative status after exposure to LPS, which may explain its ability to ameliorate symptoms of sickness.
Mammographic density as a marker of breast cancer risk

Mammographic density is a strong, independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with high mammographic density have a fourfold increased risk for breast cancer compared with women with low density. Because age and obesity are the strongest predictors of mammographic density, it is important to adjust for them in risk analyses. In randomized trials, tamoxifen decreased risk for breast cancer and also decreased mammographic density. Combined estrogen plus progestin therapy increased mammographic density. Density is a strong risk factor in low-risk groups (Asian women) and high-risk groups (BRCA mutation carriers). Several risk assessment tools now incorporate mammographic density, including an updated Gail model, though these models require additional validation before they should be used widely. Improvements in density measurements may allow risk assessment to occur routinely with mammography and improve targeting of breast cancer prevention efforts.
Reliability of multiple-component measuring instruments: improved evaluation in repeated measure designs.

A covariance structure analysis method for improved point and interval estimation of composite reliability in repeated measure designs is outlined that accounts for specificity variance. The approach also permits the testing of time-invariance in reliability of multiple-component instruments in terms of the ratio of ‘pure’ measurement error variance to observed scale score variance. In addition, the procedure allows interval estimation of the difference in composite reliability coefficients across assessment occasions. The method described is illustrated with data from a cognitive intervention study.
Mixing of two binary nonequilibrium phases in one dimension

The mixing of nonequilibrium phases has important applications in improved oil recovery and geological CO2-storage. The rate of mixing is often controlled by diffusion and modeling requires diffusion coefficients at subsurface temperature and pressure. High-pressure diffusion coefficients are commonly inferred from changes in bulk properties as two phases equilibrate in a PVT cell. However, models relating measured quantities to diffusion coefficients usually ignore convective mass transport. This work presents a comprehensive model of mixing of two nonequilibrium binary phases in one-dimension. Mass transport due to bulk velocity triggered by compressibility and nonideality is taken into account. Ignoring this phenomenon violates local mass balance and does not allow for changes in phase volumes. Simulations of two PVT cell experiments show that models ignoring bulk velocity may significantly overestimate the diffusion coefficients. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Thermal stability and cross-linking of HB New York [β113(G15)Val→Glu]

Hb New York [beta 113(G15)Val----Glu] has been cross-linked with bis (3,5-dibromosalicyl) fumarate, a reagent known to cross-link Lys 82 beta 1 and Lys 82 beta 2. Thermal denaturations of met Hb New York and its derivative have been compared to those of the corresponding Hb A samples. The structural transitions, observed as absorbance changes at 418 nm, were at 40.2 degrees C for Hb New York, 42.2 degrees C for Hb A, 53.7 degrees C for cross-linked Hb New York, and 56.2 degrees C for cross-linked Hb A. Transitions observed at 280 nm were approximately 2 degrees C higher. Thus, a single inter-subunit cross-link can stabilize an abnormal hemoglobin. A model of Hb New York in which Glu beta 113 forms a salt bridge to His beta 117 can explain the small changes in both the stability and the electrophoretic mobility of this protein.
Cryogenic Far-Infrared Detectors for the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT)

SPIRIT is a spatial and spectral interferometer with an operating wavelength range 25µm – 400µm. As a double-Fourier interferometer, SPIRIT features sub-arcsecond spatial resolution and R = 3000 spectral resolution over a 1 arcmin field of view. Its three primary scientific objectives are to: (1) Learn how planetary systems form from protostellar disks, and how they acquire their chemical organization; (2) Characterize the family of extrasolar planetary systems by imaging the structure in debris disks to understand how and where planets form, and why some planets are ice giants and others are rocky; and (3) Learn how high-redshift galaxies formed and merged to form the present-day population of galaxies. The detector subsystem provides a set of far-infrared detector arrays in the SPIRIT instrument. These arrays are used for science purposes by detecting the faint interferometric signal. The resulting technology requirement is for a set of eight arrays operating at wavelengths of 25µm-400µm, divided into two arrays per octave. At the short wavelength end, the arrays are 14x14, shrinking to 2x2 at the longest band. The per-pixel sensitivity requirement of 10–19 W/√Hz, coupled with speed of tau_effective~150µs, make these relatively small arrays challenging. Their operating temperature will be around 50mK. Over the majority of the SPIRIT wavelength range and sensitivity requirement, there are no commercial vendors of detector arrays, and thus they will require a separate NASA-supported development.
The NMR spectrum of pentafluorothiophenol

High-precision line measurements and tickling were shown to yield information, often not accessible, on the assignment and signs of spin coupling constants. For pentafluorothiophenol-d, this information was obtained for the three meta-JFF's. Relative to C6F5SH, the 19F resonances in C6F5SD experienced an upfield ‘isotope’ shift.