cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What's in a dental practice-based research network?: Characteristics of Northwest PRECEDENT dentists, their patients and office visits

Objectives The authors conducted a study to describe the general dentists, practices, patients and patient care patterns of the dental practice-based research network (PBRN) Northwest Practice-based REsearch Collaborative in Evidence-based DENTistry (PRECEDENT).
Technical note: Artificial vagina vs a vaginal collection vial for collecting semen from rams.

The time required to train rams to an artificial vagina (AV) makes collecting semen from large numbers of rams difficult. To manage this problem, we developed a glass, round-bottomed, 1.9-cm i.d. x 9.8-cm long vaginal collection vial (VCV). Three experiments were conducted to determine whether the VCV affected 1) semen volume per collection, 2) percentage of motile spermatozoa, 3) forward progressive motility score before and after extension and after freezing and thawing, and 4) our ability to collect semen from untrained rams. A soft rubber cap with a hole in the center was used to cover the VCV. A VCV was inserted into the vagina of an estrual ewe, and a monofilament line attached to the VCV was clipped to the wool near the vulva. Rams were joined with unrestrained ewes in a pen until they ejaculated into the VCV. In Exp. 1, five rams trained to an AV were used in a switchback design with four collection periods. During each period (1 d), semen was collected with an AV and a VCV. Immediately after collection, semen volume and sperm motility were quantified. Semen was extended with an aloe vera gel-based diluent at a 1:4 dilution rate, motility was quantified again, and semen was frozen. At 1 h after freezing, semen was thawed and sperm motility was quantified. Ejaculate volume (mean = 0.7 mL) and all measures of motility after collection were similar (P > > 0.05) for the two collection methods. In Exp. 2, 10 rams trained to an AV were used in a switchback design with five collection periods (period = 3 d). On d 1 and 3 of each period, an AV and a VCV were used to collect semen. Collection method did not affect (P > 0.05) ejaculate volume (mean = 1.0 mL), percentage of motile cells, or forward progressive motility score. In Exp. 3, 51 untrained rams were used in a switchback design with a single collection period (2 d). Semen was collected with an AV and a VCV. Ability to collect an ejaculate and time required for collection were recorded. The likelihood of collecting semen from untrained rams was greater (P 0.05) ejaculate volume (mean = 0.8 mL), percentage of motile cells, or forward progressive motility score. We concluded that a VCV could be used to collect semen from rams that are not trained for semen collection without decreasing ejaculate volume or sperm motility.
The SOAVE Platform: A Service-Oriented Architecture for Virtual Enterprises

The flexibility and reusability afforded by service-oriented architectures seems to be of singular applicability to the management of virtual enterprises. In this paper we describe the architecture of the SOAVE platform: a Service-Oriented Architecture for Virtual Enterprises. The platform provides the members of a networked community with a set of tools with which they can collaborate on the production of complex products. It allows members to perform enterprise management functions, as well as manufacture enterprise products collaboratively by means of peer-to-peer transactions.
Potentials of Gene Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy: The Use of Nucleic Acid Constructs Containing a TXNIP Promoter.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is considered as a chronic eye disease leading to blindness. DR is associated with hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation and premature cell death. DR affects retinal capillaries, neuroretina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Recently, the thioredoxin-interacting protein TXNIP has been shown as a pro-oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic protein, highly induced by diabetes and high glucose in all cells examined including the retina. TXNIP's actions involve binding to and inhibition of anti-oxidant and thiol-reducing capacities of thioredoxins (Trx) causing cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Trx1 is found in the cytosol and nucleus while Trx2 is the mitochondrial isoform. Several studies provided evidence that knockdown of TXNIP by siRNA or chemical blockade ameliorates early abnormalities of DR including endothelial dysfunction, pericyte apoptosis, Muller cell gliosis and neurodegeneration. Therefore, TXNIP is considered a potential target for preventing or slowing down the progression of DR. We recently proposed that nucleic acid constructs containing a proximal TXNIP promoter linked to a redox gene or shRNA that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation may be used to treat DR. The TXNIP promoter is sensitive to hyperglycemia therefore can drive expression of the linked gene or shRNA under high glucose environment such as seen in diabetes while remaining unresponsive at physiological glucose levels. Such a TXNIP-promoter linked gene or shRNA construct can be delivered to the retina by using adeno-associated viral vectors including AAV2 and AAV2/8 or an appropriate carrier via the intravitreal or sub retinal delivery for long-term gene therapies in DR.
Molecular and cellular regulation of human glucokinase

Glucose metabolism in humans is tightly controlled by the activity of glucokinase (GCK). GCK is predominantly produced in the pancreas, where it catalyzes the rate-limiting step of insulin secretion, and in the liver, where it participates in glycogen synthesis. A multitude of disease-causing mutations within the gck gene have been identified. Activating mutations manifest themselves in the clinic as congenital hyperinsulinism, while loss-of-function mutations produce several diabetic conditions. Indeed, pharmaceutical companies have shown great interest in developing GCK-associated treatments for diabetic patients. Due to its essential role in maintaining whole-body glucose homeostasis, GCK activity is extensively regulated at multiple levels. GCK possesses a unique ability to self-regulate its own activity via slow conformational dynamics, which allows for a cooperative response to glucose. GCK is also subject to a number of protein-protein interactions and post-translational modification events that produce a broad range of physiological consequences. While significant advances in our understanding of these individual regulatory mechanisms have been recently achieved, how these strategies are integrated and coordinated within the cell is less clear. This review serves to synthesize the relevant findings and offer insights into the connections between molecular and cellular control of GCK.
Mindfulness Training among Parents with Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a mindfulness-based training session (MBTS) for parents of neonates born at ≤32 weeks' gestation in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design Within 14 days of admission, parents completed the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire (PSS:NICU), Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS-R), and a survey on stress management techniques. Parents then participated in a MBTS with instruction in mindfulness-based practices and were asked to practice the techniques during the NICU stay. At discharge, parents repeated the surveys to evaluate their mindfulness-based practice experience. Results Of the 98 parents approached, 51 consented to participate (52%). Of these, 28 completed MBTS, initial, and discharge surveys. One parent had previously practiced mindfulness. The majority of parents (79%) reported that mindfulness practice was helpful, and 71% stated that they would continue their practice after NICU discharge. There was no difference in PSS:NICU or CAMS-R at discharge. Conclusion An MBTS was feasible to provide to parents in our NICU. Parents practiced the mindfulness-based techniques and reported benefit from their mindfulness-based practice. Future studies are needed to evaluate if an MBTS is a valuable resource for NICU parents' coping.
Constraining silicon isotope exchange kinetics and fractionation between aqueous and amorphous Si at room temperature

Abstract Silicon (Si) isotopes are useful tracers for the modern and ancient Si cycle, but their interpretation is limited by inadequate understanding of Si isotope exchange kinetics and fractionation factors at low temperature. This study investigated Si isotope exchange and fractionation between aqueous and amorphous Si at circumneutral pH and room temperature through a series of 29Si-spiked isotope-exchange experiments. Four different amorphous Si solids with varied surface areas were reacted with aqueous Si solutions of high ionic strength similar to seawater, or low ionic strength typical of freshwater, under conditions close to chemical equilibrium with respect to amorphous Si solubility. In contrast to the common perception of negligible Si isotope exchange at low temperature, ∼50–85% isotope exchange was achieved between aqueous and amorphous Si within ∼60 days. Larger solid surface areas and higher aqueous ionic strength generally promoted Si isotope exchange. Drying/aging of Si gel, however, impedes Si isotope exchange between amorphous and aqueous Si relative to freshly prepared Si gels. Excluding the experiments that used the aged Si gel, temporal trajectories of Si isotope evolution of the two phases from all other experiments showed significant curvature in three-isotope space (29Si/28Si and 30Si/28Si). These results can be best explained by a model that comprises two Si isotope exchange processes with different exchange rates and fractionation factors during the interactions between aqueous and amorphous Si towards isotope equilibrium. The faster exchange is associated with surface sites, and slower exchange occurs between exterior and interior Si atoms of the solid. Exchange with surface sites tends to partition heavy Si isotopes in the aqueous phase relative to the solid surface, whereas exchange between surface and interior sites in the solid tends to enrich heavy Si isotopes in the interior. Two experiments that achieved >80% isotope exchange provided the best estimates of equilibrium Si isotope fractionation factors between bulk amorphous Si solid and aqueous monomeric silicic acid H4SiO4 (Δ30Siamorphous–aqueous) at 23 °C: +0.52‰ (±0.15‰, 1sd) at seawater ionic strength, and −0.98‰ (±0.12‰) at freshwater ionic strength. The observed “salt effect” on Si isotope exchange kinetics and fractionation factor is interpreted to reflect an influence of cations on Si speciation of solid surfaces. This work highlights the value of three-isotope method in studying both reaction kinetics and isotope fractionation mechanisms. The observed Si isotope exchange between amorphous and aqueous Si at low temperature implies that Si isotope re-equilibration, a previously neglected process, may be important in controlling Si isotope compositions of natural samples.
Differences in Local and Systemic TFV PK Among Premenopausal Versus Postmenopausal Women Exposed to TFV 1% Vaginal Gel.

Objective:We describe and compare the local and systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) of tenofovir (TFV) and TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in healthy premenopausal (PRE) and postmenopausal (POST) women using TFV 1% gel and correlate local PK with other mucosal end points.Methods:PRE (n = 20) and POST (n = 17) w
Key Recovery for LWE in Polynomial Time.

We discuss a higher dimensional generalization of the Hidden Number Problem and generalize the Boneh-Venkatesan method [BV96, Shp05] for solving it in polynomial time. We then use this to analyze a key recovery (decoding) attack on LWE which runs in polynomial time using the LLL lattice basis reduction algorithm [LLL82] and Babai’s nearest planes method [Bab86]. We prove that success can be guaranteed with overwhelming probability when the error distribution is narrow enough and q ≥ 2, where n is the dimension of the secret key. An explicit constant in the exponent is given, but in practice the performance is observed to be significantly better. Our focus is on attacking the search variant of LWE. Known attacks include combinatorial methods [BKW03, ACFFP13], polynomial system solving (Grobner basis) methods [AG11, ACFP14], and lattice reduction methods [LP11, LN13, BG14, LM09]. Typically the performance of the lattice reduction attacks involves estimating the performance and complexity of BKZ-2.0 [CN11], which is difficult. Still another option is to attack the decision version of LWE [MR09] and use the search-to-decision reductions to break the search problem [BLPRS13, MP12]. Our key recovery attack is interesting because it is runs in polynomial time, and yields simple and concrete security estimates for a wide range of parameters depending in a clear and explicit way on the effective approximation factor in the LLL algorithm and in Babai’s nearest planes method. We ran the attack for hundreds of LWE instances demonstrating successful key recovery attacks and yielding information about the effective approximation factor as the lattice dimension grows (see Figure 3). For example, we successfully recover the secret key for an instance with n = 350 in about 3.5 days on a single machine, provided that the modulus is large enough, and the error distribution narrow enough.
American Vogue and Sustainable Fashion (1990–2015): A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis:

Discursive practices employed by American Vogue to recontextualize sustainable fashion between 1990 and 2015 were explored through the lens of a discourse-historical approach and multimodal critica...
Do Adverse Childhood Experiences Influence the Desistance Process

Prior work has found that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase the likelihood of offending while turning points decrease the likelihood of offending. However, these two research areas are ...
Bisexual Women’s Experiences of Stigma and Verbal Sexual Coercion: The Roles of Internalized Heterosexism and Outness:

In the current study, we examined how bisexual women’s unique experiences of sexual identity stigma might elevate their risk for verbal sexual coercion. Online survey data were collected from 350 s...
Age, blood transfusion, and survival after trauma.

Blood transfusion affects outcomes after trauma, but whether elderly patients are disproportionately affected remains unknown. To determine the possible interaction between age, packed cell transfusion volume (PCTV), and mortality after injury, we designed a 6-year retrospective review (January 1995 through December 2000) of patients ≥16 years of age who received blood transfusion within the first 24 hours after injury. One thousand three hundred twelve patients ≥16 years of age admitted to our trauma center received packed red blood cells in the initial 24 hours after admission. Of the 1312 patients, 1028 (78%) were ≤55 years and 284 (22%) were >55 years of age, and overall mortality was 21.2 per cent. Age, Injury Severity Score (ISS) Glasbow Coma Scale (GCS), and PCTV emerged as independent predictors of mortality. PCTV for elderly survivors (4.6 units) was significantly less than that of younger survivors (6.7 units). Furthermore, mean PCTV for all survivors decreased progressively with advancing age. No patient >75 years with a PCTV > 12 units survived. Age and PCTV act independently, yet synergistically to increase mortality following injury.
PSD of Excited Hydrogen from KCl

The electronic interaction of hydrogen with surfaces is of fundamental interest in the study of DIET processes. The hydrogen-surface model system provides important information on bond-breaking mechanisms at surfaces which lead to excitation and charge transfer processes and desorption. The ejection of protons from surfaces has been studied previously [1–3]. We present first measurements of fluorescence radiation from excited hydrogen neutrals desorbed from KCl under photon bombardment. The observed temperature and time dependences of the Balmer alpha (Hα) radiation cast light upon the nature and strength of the hydrogen bond on alkali hande surfaces. In addition, the introduction of hydrogen is also seen to dramatically affect the desorption yield of excited-state substrate potassium atoms. This work is an extension of and complementary to that presented in DIET II [4] on the electron stimulated desorption of hydrogen neutrals from alkali halide substrates.
Linking EMT programmes to normal and neoplastic epithelial stem cells.

Epithelial stem cells serve critical physiological functions in the generation, maintenance and repair of diverse tissues through their ability to self-renew and spawn more specialized, differentiated cell types. In an analogous fashion, cancer stem cells have been proposed to fuel the growth, progression and recurrence of many carcinomas. Activation of an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a latent cell-biological programme involved in development and wound healing, has been linked to the formation of both normal and neoplastic stem cells, but the mechanistic basis underlying this connection remains unclear. In this Perspective, we outline the instances where aspects of an EMT have been implicated in normal and neoplastic epithelial stem cells and consider the involvement of this programme during tissue regeneration and repair. We also discuss emerging concepts and evidence related to the heterogeneous and plastic cell states generated by EMT programmes and how these bear on our understanding of cancer stem cell biology and cancer metastasis. A more comprehensive accounting of the still-elusive links between EMT programmes and the stem cell state will surely advance our understanding of both normal stem cell biology and cancer pathogenesis. This Perspective outlines the connections of epithelial–mesenchymal transition programmes to the stem cell state in both normal and cancer stem cells and discusses emerging concepts related to the heterogeneous and plastic cell states generated by an epithelial–mesenchymal transition that influence our understanding of cancer stem cell biology and cancer metastasis.
Providing Consumer Health Information to the Underserved Public at Remote Area Medical Events in East Tennessee

The University of Tennessee’s Preston Medical Library (PML) collaborated with local libraries for outreach at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) event. Librarians staffed a resource table and distributed ...
Is Overbuilding Risk Declining? Evidence From Hotel Markets

In the old days, construction statistics and other important data were closely guarded secrets. Developers can now look at competitors’ numbers and tell at a glance if an area is becoming overbuilt.” From a Wall StreetJournal article about U.S. office markets, January 23, 2004.
Development and Maintenance of Isometric Strength of Subjects with Diverse Initial Strengths

Abstract Male college students (N=104) ranging in age from 17 to 28 years with diverse initial elbow flexion strengths were trained four days each week for nine weeks. The strength development period was followed by an eight-week period of strength maintenance during which the intensity and frequency of performing single isometric contractions were varied. The results indicated that groups of subjects with different beginning strength levels make about the same absolute gains in strength at about the same rate. Intensity of isometric contractions seemed to be of greater importance in the maintenance of newly developed strength than the frequency at which contractions were performed.
A tessellation for Fermat surfaces in CP3

For each positive integer n, we present a tessellation of CP^2 that can be lifted, through the branched covering, to a symmetric tessellation of the Fermat surface (a 4-manifold) of degree n in CP^3. The process is systematic and symbolically algebraic. Each four-cell in the tessellation is bounded by four pentahedrons, and each pentahedron has four triangular faces and one quadrilateral face. Graphically, one can produce the entire surface from one single four-cell using translations generated by permutations and phase multiplications of the homogeneous coordinates of CP^3. Note that the tessellation of the Fermat surface of degree 4, a K3 surface, has exactly 24 vertices.
Bag cell extract inhibits tail-siphon withdrawal reflex, suppresses long-term but not short-term sensitization, and attenuates sensory-to- motor neuron synapses in Aplysia

The peptides released from the bag cells (bag cell peptides, BCPs) in Aplysia californica are responsible for eliciting or modulating a repertoire of behaviors preceding and accompanying egg laying. Our interest was in determining to what extent behaviors that can occur simultaneously with egg laying are modulated. To address this issue, we examined the effects of an extract (bag cell extract, BCE) that contained BCPs, as well as egg-laying hormone (ELH), an identified BCP, on both the tail-siphon withdrawal reflex and the ability of that reflex to exhibit sensitization, a simple form of nonassociative learning. In addition, we examined the ability of BCE, as well as the individual BCPs, to modulate a component of the circuitry of the reflex. Behavioral experiments indicated that BCE inhibited the baseline withdrawal reflex and suppressed long-term sensitization of the reflex while leaving short-term sensitization unaffected. These effects were not observed in animals receiving an extract of a control ganglion or in animals receiving ELH, and therefore may be attributed to the actions of one or more BCPs, but presumably not to ELH alone. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that BCE also attenuated the monosynaptic EPSP elicited in tail motor neurons by tail sensory neurons. In subsequent experiments in which the BCPs were individually applied, only one BCP, beta-BCP, significantly attenuated the EPSPs. This effect was independent of narrowing of the presynaptic action potential. Taken together, these results suggest a novel behavioral modification attributed to BCPs, inhibition of the tail-siphon withdrawal reflex, and suggest a possible locus of action and peptide candidate for this effect. In addition, these experiments raise the possibility that BCPs may exert a long-lasting effect (> 24 hr), selectively blocking a simple form of long-term memory.
Methane monooxygenase component B and reductase alter the regioselectivity of the hydroxylase component-catalyzed reactions. A novel role for protein-protein interactions in an oxygenase mechanism.

The soluble methane monooxygenase (MMO) system, consisting of reductase, component B, and hydroxylase (MMOH), catalyzes NADH and O2-dependent monooxygenation of many hydrocarbons. MMOH contains 2 mu-(H or R)oxo-bridged dinuclear iron clusters thought to be the sites of catalysis. Although rapid NADH-coupled turnover requires all three protein components, three less complex systems are also functional: System I, NADH, O2, reductase, and MMOH; System II, H2O2 and oxidized MMOH; System III, MMOH reduced nonenzymatically by 2e- and then exposed to O2 (single turnover). All three systems give the same products, suggesting a common reactive oxygen species. However, the distribution of products observed for most substrates that are hydroxylated in more than one position is different for each system. For several of these substrates, addition of component B to Systems I, II, or III causes the product distributions to shift dramatically. These shifts result in identical product distributions for Systems I and III in which MMOH passes through the 2e- reduced state ([Fe(II).Fe(II)]) during catalysis. In contrast, System II (in which MMOH probably does not become reduced) generally gives a unique product distribution. It is proposed that changes in MMOH structure occurring upon diiron cluster reduction and/or component complex formation cause substrates to be presented differently to the activated oxygen species. Kinetic studies show that component B strongly activates System I and, in most cases, strongly deactivates System II. The effect of component B on product distribution of System I (and III) occurs at less than 5% of the MMOH concentration, while nearly stoichiometric concentrations are required to maximize the rate of System I. This shows that component B has at least two roles in catalysis. EPR monitored titration of reduced MMOH ([Fe(II).Fe(II)]) with component B suggests that the effect of substoichiometric component B on product distribution is due to hysteresis in the MMOH conformational changes.
Considering renewables in capacity expansion models: Capturing flexibility with hourly dispatch

The Resource Planning Model co-optimizes dispatch and capacity expansion using a simplified, chronological dispatch period representation and high-resolution resource, load and infrastructure data. The computational tractability of capacity expansion models depends on model simplifications. We demonstrate the effects of various dispatch period representations on model results using the Resource Planning Model.
Phase Explosion and Ablation in Fused Silica Initiated by an Ultrashort-Pulse Tunable Mid-Infrared Free-Electron Laser

ABSTRACT Ultrashort laser pulses interacting with brittle dielectrics in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum produce a numberof novel effects which are potentially useful in materials processing and analysis. These include the texturing of the surface,the generation of hydrodynamic instabilities, and a surprisingly efficient and gentle ablation behavior. Nevertheless, themechanism of infrared laser ablation remains somewhat mysterious. Here we present evidence for a mechanism of explosivevaporization in fused silica, initiated by picosecond pulses from a tunable free-electron laser operating in the wavelength re-gion from 2-10 j.m. The unusual pulse structure of the free-electron laser  which produces I -Ps micropulses at intervals of350 ps in a macropulse lasting up to 4 ts  makes it possible to test separately the effects of intensity and fluence. We showin particular that thermal descriptions of the ablation process fail in the regime where there is high vibrational excitation den-sity in the solid due to resonant absorption ofmid-infrared laser light.Keywords: ablation, infrared, vibrational excitation, explosive vaporization, phase explosion
Glutathione depletion enhances arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis in lymphoma cells through mitochondrial-independent mechanisms

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective therapeutic agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) (Evens et al, 2004). In APL, ATO induces differentiation at low concentrations, while inducing apoptosis at higher concentrations (Miller, et al 2002). In addition, ATO-induced apoptosis in APL is mediated through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, resulting in part from the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (Dai, et al 1999, Yi, et al 2002). High intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) confer resistance to ATO in part through the detoxification of ROS. Compounds that promote ROS and/or deplete protective metabolites such as GSH are able to sensitize tumor cells to oxidative cytolysis. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a selective inhibitor of gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase, is known to effectively deplete cellular GSH (Davison, et al 2003, Gartenhaus, et al 2002). We evaluated herein the cytotoxic activity and cell death pathways induced by ATO alone and combined with BSO in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) cell lines and primary lymphoproliferative cells.
Defining acceptable levels of accessibility

This paper examines the issues facing companies when designing products and services for equitable access, particularly in view of the legislated requirements that they have to meet. The concepts of acceptability and accessibility are discussed and a framework proposed for establishing whether a product or service is acceptably accessible. Relevant case studies are referenced, where appropriate, to support the arguments presented.
An Evaluation of the Role the Internet Site Petfinder Plays in Cat Adoptions

To better understand factors contributing to cat adoptions, this study was used to explore a possible association between an adoptable cat's popularity on Petfinder and the cat's length of availability for adoption at a managed-intake nonhuman animal shelter. This study was also used to examine factors associated with a cat's popularity on Petfinder and the percentage of adopters who visited Petfinder before making adoption decisions. One third of adopters surveyed visited Petfinder before adopting, and half of those had viewed their adopted cats' Petfinder profiles. The number of clicks per day that cats received on the site was negatively correlated with their length of availability. Age at adoption was positively correlated with length of availability and negatively correlated with number of clicks per day. Coat color was a strong predictor of number of clicks per day and length of availability. The only variable within the photographer's control significantly associated with number of clicks per day w...
Characterization of a Rhodium(I) σ-Methane Complex in Solution

Numerous transition metal-mediated reactions, including hydrogenations, hydrosilations, and alkane functionalizations, result in the cleavage of strong sigma bonds. Key intermediates in these reactions often involve coordination of the sigma bond of dihydrogen, silanes (Si-H), or alkanes (C-H) to the metal center without full scission of the bond. These sigma complexes have been characterized to varying degrees in solid state and solution. However, a sigma complex of the simplest hydrocarbon, methane, has eluded full solution characterization. Here, we report nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of a rhodium(I) sigma-methane complex obtained by protonation of a rhodium-methyl precursor in CDCl2F solvent at -110 degrees C. The sigma-methane complex is shown to be more stable than the corresponding rhodium(III) methyl hydride complex. Even at -110 degrees C, methane rapidly tumbles in the coordination sphere of rhodium, exchanging free and bound hydrogens. Kinetic studies reveal a half-life of about 83 minutes at -87 degrees C for dissociation of methane (free energy of activation is 14.5 kilocalories per mole).
Molecular modeling of the Wittig olefination reaction: Part 2: A molecular orbital approach at the MNDO‐PM3 level

We have shown that the MNDO-PM3 semiempirical molecular orbital method is capable of yielding calculated structures of oxaphosphetanes and ylides that are comparable with the experimentally known structures. The MNDO-PM3 method also reproduces the geometric and thermodynamic parameters of the “mythyical Witting half-reaction”, previously calculated using a more elaborate and costly ab initio molecular orbital approach. In addition, using the SADDLE routine, we were able to find a transition state for this half-reaction. This transition state resembles geometrically the transition state found using the ab initio approach (4-31G* level). The energy of activation was calculated to be 9.2 kcal/mole, which is fairly comparable with the ab initio reslt of 5.2 kcal/mole. According to our calculations, and in general agreement with findings of Volatron and Eisenstein [11], the mythical Witting reaction reaction would be expected to proceed through a planar transition state for the cycloaddition of the ylide and the aldehyde in a process that superficially seems to be a synchronous one. However, an analysis of the evolution of the bond orders and the localized molecular orbitals throughout the reaction indicates that the PO bond has not been formed in the transition state, whereas the CC bond is about 40% formed. Therefore, the mythical Wittig half-reaction is best described as a very asynchronous cycloaddition (a bordeline two step mechanism) with a planar geometry in the transition state, composed of a multi-centered mPCCO bond orbital and with the phosphorus and the oxygen atoms sharing a strong attractive charge interaction. A similar description results from computations of the Wittig reactions of H3CHCH3 and (C6H5)3PCHCH3 with H3CCHO, which is inconsistent with the Vedejs geometry.
Effective Control of Hepatic Bleeding With a Novel Collagen-Based Composite Combined With Autologous Plasma: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Hypothesis A novel collagen-based composite of bovine microfibrillar collagen and bovine thrombin combined with autologous plasma is more effective than standard hemostasis (collagen sponge applied with pressure) in controlling diffuse hepatic bleeding after hemihepatectomy or segmental resection of the liver. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Seven university-affiliated medical centers. Patients Sixty-seven adult patients scheduled for hemihepatectomy or segmental resection who received hemostatic intervention with an investigational treatment (n = 38) or control (n = 29). Intervention Bleeding hepatic tissue was managed in all control subjects with a collagen sponge with manual pressure. Subjects in the experimental group had the sprayable liquid composite intraoperatively applied to the surgical site. The liquid immediately formed a collagen-fibrin gel that was used without concomitant tamponade. Main Outcome Measures Hemostatic success was defined as the proportion of subjects in each treatment group who achieved complete hemostasis within 10 minutes. Success rates and median times required to achieve controlled bleeding (ie, slight oozing) and complete hemostasis were compared between treatment groups. Results All 38 subjects in the experimental group achieved complete hemostasis within 10 minutes compared with only 69% (20/29) of control subjects ( P P P Conclusions The experimental composite is more effective at controlling and stopping diffuse hepatic bleeding than a collagen sponge applied with pressure; it may be a useful hemostatic agent for patients undergoing hemihepatectomy, segmental resection, and related surgical procedures.
Repeatability of the Contour Method for Residual Stress Measurement

This paper describes the results of a residual stress measurement repeatability study using the contour method. The test specimen is an aluminum bar (cut from plate), with cross sectional dimensions of 50.8 × 76.2 mm (2″ × 3″) with a length of 609.6 mm (24″). There are two bars, one bar with high residual stresses and one bar with low residual stresses. The high residual stress configuration (±150 MPa) is in a quenched and over-aged condition (Al 7050-T74) and the low residual stress configuration (±20 MPa) is stress relieved by stretching (Al 7050-T7451). Five contour measurements were performed on each aluminum bar at the mid-length of successively smaller pieces. Typical contour method procedures are employed with careful clamping of the specimen, wire electric discharge machining (EDM) for the cut, laser surface profiling of the cut faces, surface profile fitting, and linear elastic stress analysis. The measurement results provide repeatability data for the contour method, and the difference in repeatability when measuring high or low magnitude stresses. The results show similar repeatability standard deviation for both samples, being less than 10 MPa over most of the cross section and somewhat larger, around 20 MPa, near the cross section edges. A comparison with published repeatability data for other residual stress measurement techniques (x-ray diffraction, incremental hole drilling, and slitting) shows that the contour method has a level of repeatability that is similar to, or better than, other techniques.
Ab initio methods for reactive potential surfaces

Case studies of ten reactions using a variety of standard electronic structure methods are presented. These case studies are used to illustrate the usefulness and shortcomings of these standard methods for various classes of reactions. Limited comparisons with experiment are made. The reactions studied include four radical–radical combinations, H + CH3 → CH4, CH3 + CH3 → C2H6, H + HCO → H2CO and CH3 + HCO → CH3CHO, three abstraction reactions, H + HO2 → H2 + O2, H + HCO → H2 + CO and CH3 + HCO → CH4 + CO, a radical–molecule addition, H + HCCH → C2H3, and two molecular decompositions, H2CO → H2 + CO and CH3CHO → CH4 + CO. The electronic structure methods used are DFT, MP2, CCSD(T), QCISD(T), CASSCF, CASPT2, and CAS+1+2+QC.
Robotic surgical skills: acquisition, maintenance, and degradation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The degradation in robotic skills that occurs during periods of robotic surgical inactivity in newly trained surgeons was measured. The role of animate training in robotic skill was also assessed. METHODS Robotically naive resident and attending surgeons underwent training with the da Vinci robot on needle passage (DN), rocking ring transfer peg board (RPB), and running suture pod tasks (SP). Errors were established to convert actual time to adjusted time. Participants were deemed "proficient" once their adjusted times were within 80% of those set by experienced surgeons through repeated trials. Participants did not use the robot except for repeating the tasks once at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (tests). Participants then underwent animate training and completed a final test within 7 days. RESULTS Twenty-five attending and 29 resident surgeons enrolled; 3 withdrew. There were significant increases in time to complete each of the tasks, and in errors, by 4 weeks (Adjusted times: DN: 122.9 +/- 2.2 to 204.2 +/- 11.7, t = 6.9, P < .001; RPB: 262.4 +/- 2.5 to 364.7 +/- 8.0, t = 12.4, P < .001; SP: 91.4 +/- 1.4 to 169.9 +/- 6.8, t = 11.3, P < .001). Times decreased following animate training, but not to levels observed after proficiency training for the RPB and SP modules. CONCLUSIONS Robotic surgical skills degrade significantly within 4 weeks of inactivity in newly trained surgeons. Animate training may provide different skills than those acquired in the dry lab.
Demonstration of cooperative diversity using a custom software-defined radio prototype

The goals of this demonstration are twofold. First, the demonstration seeks to provide an easy visualization of the effects multipath fading has on a wireless link and the benefits that cooperative communications can offer in mitigating this channel impairment. It does so by offering visual display of channel quality and receiver statistics. Second, it highlights the usefulness of software-defined radio (SDR) as a tool for wireless experimentation. This second objective is accomplished through the use of a custom SDR prototype within the cooperative demonstration.
Actions and Events

1. In his essay, "Sovereign Reason", which gives its name to the book in which it is contained, Ernest Nagel attributes to Brand Blanshard the view that "serious consequences for morals and the life of reason follow from the denial that logical necessity is involved in causal relations" and describes him as arguing that " 'unless necessity does play a part in the movement of inference, no argument will establish anything,' since on the hypothesis that no such necessity exists the distinction between being moved by reasons and being moved by causes is simply an illusion" ([3]: 290).
Depot naltrexone decreases rewarding properties of sugar in patients with opioid dependence

Background Opioid neurotransmission mediates hedonic value of sweet tastants; their intake may be exaggerated by the consumption of exogenous opioids (e.g., opioid dependence). Sweet Taste Test (STT) is a validated quantitative instrument assessing taste perception and hedonic features of sugar (sucrose) using a randomized and double-blind administration at five different sucrose concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.83 M.
MyD88-mediated TLR signaling protects against acute rotavirus infection while inflammasome cytokines direct Ab response

Rotavirus (RV) infects small intestinal epithelial cells, inducing severe diarrhea in children, resulting in over 500,000 deaths annually. Relatively little is known about how innate immunity contains acute infection and drives adaptive immune responses that afford complete clearance of RV and protection against future infection. Hence, we examined the consequence of the absence of MyD88, known to be central to innate immunity, in a mouse model of RV infection. The absence of MyD88, but not combined blockade of IL-1β and IL-18 signaling, resulted in greater infectivity, as reflected by levels of RV in feces, intestinal lysates and viremia. Such increased RV levels correlated with an increase in incidence and duration of diarrhea. Loss of MyD88 also impaired humoral immunity to RV. Specifically, MyD88 knockout generated less RV-specific IgA and exhibited profoundly reduced RV-specific IgG2c/IgG1 ratios suggesting that MyD88 signaling drives RV-induced Th1 responses. A study of MyD88 bone marrow chimeras indicated that MyD88-dependent control of acute RV infection was mediated by both hemopoietic and non-hemopoietic cells, while generation of RV-specific humoral immunity was driven by MyD88 signaling in hemopoietic cells, which reflected the loss of IL-1β and IL-18 expression by these cells. Thus, TLR signaling and inflammasome cytokines drive innate and adaptive immunity to RV.
Optimization of Antibody-Conjugated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Target Preconcentration and Immunoassays

Biosensors based on antibody recognition have a wide range of monitoring applications that apply to clinical, environmental, homeland security, and food problems. In an effort to improve the limit of detection of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Array Biosensor, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were designed and tested using a fluorescence-based array biosensor. The MNPs were coated with the fluorescently labeled protein, AlexaFluor647–chicken IgG (Alexa647–chick IgG). Antibody-labeled MNPs (Alexa647–chick–MNPs) were used to preconcentrate the target via magnetic separation and as the tracer to demonstrate binding to slides modified with anti-chicken IgG as a capture agent. A full optimization study of the antibody-modified MNPs and their use in the biosensor was performed. This investigation looked at the Alexa647–chick–MNP composition, MNP surface modifications, target preconcentration conditions, and the effect that magnetic extraction has on the Alexa647–chick–MNP binding with the array surface. The results demonstrate the impact of magnetic extraction using the MNPs labeled with fluorescent proteins both for target preconcentration and for subsequent integration into immunoassays performed under flow conditions for enhanced signal generation.
Database of Active Structures From the Indo‐Asian Collision

The ongoing collision of India and Asia has produced a vast system of folds and faults, many of which are active today, as evidenced by such recent deadly earthquakes as the 12 May 2008 Sichuan quake [Parsons et al., 2008]. Understanding these events requires knowledge of the region's geologic structures. Taylor and Yin [2009] have assembled HimaTibetMap- 1.0, a multiformat, comprehensive database of first-order active structures in central Asia that may aid researchers, educators, and students in their studies of Indo-Asian tectonics. For example, this database may be used by seismologists, geodesists, and modelers to identify structures in particular locations that contribute to active deformation, or it may be used by teachers to illustrate concepts such as continental collision or distributed deformation of continents.
Are Two Years Better than One Year? A Propensity Score Analysis of the Impact of Head Start Program Duration on Children's School Performance in Kindergarten.

Abstract Using data from a nationally representative sample, this study examined Head Start children's school outcome differences by the end of Kindergarten between children who attended Head Start program for two years and the ones who attended for one year. Propensity scores were used to match children who experienced different durations of the program on a series of demographic characteristics in order to achieve a precise estimation of the effects of program duration. The results showed that in comparison to a demographically comparable group of children who attended the Head Start program for one year, the children who experienced two years of intervention services had statistically significantly higher performance on all six academic and social outcome measures by the end of Kindergarten, which included PPVT, Woodcock–Johnson Reading Skills, Woodcock–Johnson Math Reasoning Skills, teacher-reported composite academic skills, preschool learning behaviors, and social skills. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Quantitative sampling of nanobiota (microbiota) of the deep-sea benthos—III. The bathyal San Diego trough

Abstract Nanobiota (microbiota) from the 1200-m bottom of the San Diego Trough were sampled in 5-m layers to approx. 100 mm deep in the sediment. Unlike the macrofauna, the nanobiota were relatively uniformly distributed to at least 60 and perhaps to 100-mm depths. However, there is probably a thin surface film richer both in numbers and protoplasm volume (biovolume) than the sediment layer immediately below. Yeast-like cells were the predominant nanobiotal organisms, typically constituting over 70% of the biovolume of the sediment. Yeast-like cells may occupy part of the decomposer niche normally occupied by bacteria in marine sediments from shallower depths.
Stat6null phenotype human lymphocytes exhibit increased apoptosis

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with altered apoptosis and increased levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma). These proinflammatory events may result from dysfunctional IL-4/Stat6 signal transduction that normally promotes Th2 lymphocyte differentiation and consequential down-regulation of the immune response. The goal of the present study was to measure apoptosis, levels of relevant cytokines, and the effects of cytokine manipulation on apoptosis in cell lines derived from IBD patients that express dysfunctional Stat6 (Stat6(null phenotype)) and wild-type Stat6 (Stat6(high phenotype)). MATERIALS AND METHODS Lymphocytes with Stat6(null phenotype) (n = 5) or wild-type (n = 5) status were cultured with and without the addition of exogenous cytokines or neutralizing antibodies (IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma). Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V-PE dual staining. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS Stat6(null phenotype) cells exhibited increased apoptosis compared with wild-type cell lines (13.3% +/- 2.9 versus 4.5% +/- 0.4, P < 0.0001). Four of five Stat6(null phenotype) cell lines expressed 5- to 10-fold elevations in IL-12 and IFN-gamma. Addition of exogenous cytokines or neutralizing antibodies had no effect on apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Apoptotic cell death is elevated in Stat6(null phenotype) cell lines suggesting a role for Stat6 in apoptosis regulation, a previously unrecognized observation. Increased levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma were found in the Stat6(null phenotype) cell lines; however, the apoptosis observed is not the consequence of increased IL-12, IFN-gamma, or TNF-alpha. Stat6(null phenotype) cell lines exhibit variably increased levels of these Th1 cytokines, consistent with their human source, and may be a valid source for investigations into IBD pathophysiology.
Nationalism, interdependence and the governance of world community

(1979). Nationalism, interdependence and the governance of world community. The Philosophy Forum: Vol. 16, No. 1-2, pp. 149-157.