cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muscarinic receptor activation tunes mouse stratum oriens interneurones to amplify spike reliability

Cholinergic activation of hippocampal targets can initiate and sustain network oscillations in vivo and in vitro, yet the impact of cholinergic modulation on the oscillatory properties of interneurones remains virtually unexplored. Using whole cell current clamp recordings in acute hippocampal slices, we investigated the influence of muscarinic receptor (mAChR) activation on the oscillatory properties of CA1 stratum oriens (SO) interneurones in vitro. In response to suprathreshold oscillatory input, mAChR activation increased spike reliability and precision, and extended the bandwidth that interneurone firing phase-locked. These suprathreshold effects were largest at theta frequencies, indicating that mAChR activation tunes active conductances to enhance firing reliability and precision to theta frequency input. Muscarinic tuning of the intrinsic oscillatory properties of interneurones is a novel mechanism that may be crucial for the genesis of the theta rhythm.
Decommissioning at ground level. Sizewell and the uncertainties of faith

Abstract The development of nuclear power is based on a faith which the public places in technology to solve all problems. Decommissioning of nuclear power plants will be the next leap the public is asked to make. This article uses evidence from the Sizewell Inquiry to identify generic and geosocial decommissioning uncertainties and discusses them within a policy and research framework. Six conclusions are advanced: social uncertainties will not be resolved within a technical context alone; decommissioning costs are underestimated; most decommissioning decisions must be made on a case-by-case, not generic, basis; decommissioning should be included routinely in local land planning decisions; further nuclear development should await decommissioning experience; and decommissioning should be included in all future nuclear policy decisions.
White Dwarf Central Stars

Planetary nebula nuclei on lower luminosity, diagonal tracks in the HR, Diagrams are degenerate dwarf stars close to their final radii. For several reasons, these stars have until recently been difficult to identify and study. With the advent of new techniques and technologies, both hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor atmospheric sequences have been found.
Composition and division theorems and controlled decomposition

An important problem in control theory seeks the existence of an affine feedback law (of as high a degree of regularity, and as global as possible) which will cause the closed loop vector fields of an affine nonlinear system to leave an involutive distribution invariant. We require that a smoothness function be invertible on a dense subset of its domain of existence. This is justified in applications, and will also allow us to obtain the integrability conditions for a set of PDEs for the function. The problem arises in a variety of unrelated situations. In some cases the problem amounts to local decomposition of the control system (via feedback) into subsystems. One can still salvage much of this notion when there are singularities.
"Nifty diode circuits": using the World Wide Web in an electronics class

The World Wide Web (WWW) is an effective educational tool when used to enforce pedagogical goals. An experiment using the WWW in an electronics course at Bucknell University provided students with an opportunity to learn how to design a Web page, learn about diode circuits, share their knowledge with their classmates, and evaluate their classmates' reports. Electronics 1 is a required course for electrical engineering juniors with a weekly lab. This course covers semiconductor properties, device physics, operation, modeling, and design applications of diodes and transistors. To improve the laboratories, students are encouraged to describe their suggestions in their lab reports. The "Nifty Diode Circuits" lab has students in groups of two investigate the function of three diode circuits. In 1995 the number of circuits was extended to five and the lab was made into an exercise with the WWW. Each group wrote a memo in hypertext markup language (HTML) describing the function of their circuit. The student memos served as a report on what was done in lab and to instruct other students on that circuit's operation. Students reviewed each others memos and voted for the best memo in the categories of Presentation, Content, Analysis, and Overall. The WWW provided an excellent forum for students to share their reports and many students appreciated learning how to put a document on the WWW using HTML. In their evaluations of this laboratory, students considered learning HTML the most valuable part with learning more about diode circuits a close second. Student response to this experiment was positive with several students commenting favorably on the use of HTML in the final course evaluation.
Final-state phases in charmed meson two-body nonleptonic decays

Observed decay rates indicate large phase differences among the amplitudes for the charge states in D{yields}K(bar sign){pi} and D{yields}K(bar sign){sup *}{pi} but relatively real amplitudes in the charge states for D{yields}K(bar sign){rho}. This feature is traced using an SU(3) flavor analysis to a sign flip in the contribution of one of the amplitudes contributing to the latter processes in comparison with its contribution to the other two sets. This amplitude may be regarded as an effect of rescattering and is found to be of magnitude comparable to others contributing to charmed particle two-body nonleptonic decays. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
On the possibility of Pr III having a thcp structure

Abstract Crystallographic calculations have been carried out for a triple hexagonal close-packed (thcp) structure using data for Pr III, a high-pressure form shown by praseodymium metal. McMahan and Young proposed thcp as an additional high-pressure phase in the rare earth metals structural sequence. As applied to Pr III data at 14.4 GPa pressure, this structure type accounts for most but not all of the diffraction lines. Thus, we are unable to establish conclusively that Pr III has a thcp structure. However, it is shown that the thcp structure fits the Pr III data as reasonably as other structural forms proposed by other authors.
Auxin regulates lateral meristem activation in developing gametophytes of Ceratopteris richardii

This study investigates the auxin regulation of lateral meristem activation in the gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brongn. Exogenous auxin in the form of α-naphthaleneacetic acid or...
The Role of Farmers’ Markets in Two Low Income, Urban Communities

To collect consumer demographics, utilization, satisfaction, and eating and physical activity behavior information from customers using two newly established farmers’ markets in low income urban communities in East and South Los Angeles. From April 1, 2007 through June 3, 2009, farmers’ market customers completed a short, anonymous survey. The data analysis included a descriptive analysis of key variables and examined the number of new and repeat customers over time to track the rate of farmers’ market use over time. Setting: The East Los Angeles Farmers’ Market and the Watts Healthy Farmers’ Market. Subjects: 415 farmers’ market customers from East Los Angeles and 1,374 from South Los Angeles. The demographic profile of farmers’ market consumers were primarily Latina women earning less than $22,000 per year with less than 12 years of education who reported some level of food insecurity. Most customers lived within 4 miles of the markets with repeat customers shopping twice a month or more. Overall, customers reported high satisfaction with the farmers’ markets in each community and the majority reported positive changes in physical activity and eating behaviors since using the market. Many consumers reported they wanted to see additional items sold at the market, including prepared foods, non-food items and other products not allowed to be sold at certified farmers’ markets.
Development of an in vitro drug-drug interaction assay to simultaneously monitor five cytochrome P450 isoforms and performance assessment using drug library compounds.

Abstract Introduction: Inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a principal mechanism for metabolism-based drug–drug interactions (DDIs). This article describes a robust, high-throughput CYP-mediated DDI assay using a cocktail of 5 clinically relevant probe substrates with quantification by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS–MS). Methods: The assay consisted of human liver microsomes and a cocktail of probe substrates metabolized by the five major CYP isoforms (tacrine for CYP1A2, diclofenac for CYP2C9, ( S )-mephenytoin for CYP2C19, dextromethorphan for CYP2D6 and midazolam for CYP3A4). The assay was fully automated in both 96- and 384-well formats. Results: A series of experiments were conducted to define the optimal kinetic parameters and solvent concentrations, as well as, to assess potential reactant and product interference. The assay was validated against known CYP inhibitors (miconazole, sulfaphenazole, ticlopidine, quinidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluoxetine) and evaluated in a screening environment by testing 9494 compounds. Discussion: Our findings show that this assay has application in early stage drug discovery to economically, reliably and accurately assess compounds for DDIs.
An algorithm in finding partial volumes of 3-D 20-node elements in localization analysis

Abstract An efficient and simple algorithm is formulated in finding partial volumes of three-dimensional 20-node (quadratic) elements, with the eight-node bricks as a special case, for localization analysis. The algorithm transforms volume integrals to line integrals where the integrals are expressed in analytic or semi-analytic forms using a symbolic manipulation program. Results of several examples using the algorithm are compared with results from analytic geometry with excellent agreement.
Anti-Immigrant Arizona: Ripple Effects and Mixed Immigration Status Households under “Policies of Attrition” Considered

Although the seeds of legislated restrictions for immigrants can be traced to 1994 with California's unsuccessful Prop 187, more recent trends epitomized by Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 signed into law in April 2010 have renewed concerns about the impact of such policies on the life and livelihood of immigrant communities. We argue that in Arizona, emerging anti-immigrant policies that by design single out undocumented immigrants for exclusion grossly neglect important historical and geographical factors that have resulted in the prevalence of mixed immigration status households: domestic units in which the immigration status of at least one member is different from the others. As such, this feature of social organization will make the implementation of such policies untenable.
Angiotensin II inhibits long-term potentiation within the lateral nucleus of the amygdala through AT1 receptors

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of field potentials in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) evoked by brief tetanic stimuli of the LA were observed in horizontal rat brain slices. The amplitude of field potentials was significantly enhanced after repetitive stimulation. When angiotensin II was administrated the induction of LTP was suppressed. This inhibition of LTP was mediated by angiotensin II because it could be blocked by the coadministration of saralasin, an nonspecific angiotensin II antagonist. The coadministration of losartan, a competitive antagonist of the AT1 receptor subtype, concomitant with angiotensin II was also able to block this inhibition. The coadministration of the AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123,319 failed to block the inhibition of LTP.
Tuple sequences and lexicographic indexes

The concept of a tuple sequence is introduced in order to investigate structure connected with relational model implementation. Analogs are presented for the relational operations of projection, join, and selection, and the decomposition problem for tuple sequences is considered. The lexicographical ordering of tuple sequences is studied via the notion of (lexicographic) index. A sound and complete set of inference rules for indexes is exhibited, and two algorithmic questions related to indexes examined. Finally, indexes and functional dependencies in combination are studied.
Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH): A novel neural pathway for regulation of GnRH neurons

The link between the state of energy balance and reproductive function is well known. Thus, signals denoting negative energy balance and the accompanying hyperphagic drive are likely to be factors in the suppression of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) activity. We have previously found that appetite-regulating systems, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) and orexin in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), send fiber projections that come in close apposition with GnRH neurons. Furthermore, the appropriate receptors, NPY Y5 and OR-1, respectively, are coexpressed on GnRH neurons, providing neuroanatomical evidence for a direct link between the NPY and orexin systems and GnRH neurons. Therefore, these orexigenic neuropeptide systems are potential candidates that convey information about energy balance to GnRH neurons. The current studies focused on melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), another orexigenic neuropeptide system located in the LHA that is sensitive to energy balance. The results showed that MCH fiber projections came in close apposition with approximately 85-90% of GnRH cell bodies throughout the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamic area in the rat. In addition, the MCH receptor (MCHR1) was coexpressed on about 50-55% of GnRH neurons. These findings present evidence for a possible direct neuroanatomical pathway by which MCH may play a role in the regulation of GnRH neuronal function. Thus, MCH is another potential signal that may serve to integrate energy balance and reproductive function.
Termination and Water Adsorption at the α-Al2O3 (012)−Aqueous Solution Interface

Understanding the interaction of water with metal oxide surfaces is important to a diverse array of fields and is essential to the interpretation of surface charging and ion adsorption behavior. High-resolution specular X-ray reflectivity was used to determine the termination of and water adsorption on the alpha-Al2O3 (012)-aqueous solution interface. Interference features in the reflectivity data were used to identify the likely termination, consisting of a full Al2O3 layer plus an additional oxygen layer that completes the coordination shell of the upper aluminum site. This was further investigated through a model-independent inversion of the data using an error correction algorithm, which also revealed that there are two sites of adsorbed water above the surface. Characteristics of these two water sites were quantified through a model-dependent structural refinement, which also revealed additional layering in the interfacial water that gradually decays toward disordered bulk water away from the surface. Although the termination observed in this study differs from that assumed in past studies of surface charging, the density of key surface functional groups is unchanged, and thus, predictions of surface charging behavior are unchanged. As the pH(pzc) of this surface has yet to be modeled accurately, a full 3-dimensional surface structural analysis based on the termination observed in this study is needed so that the effects of surface functional group bond length changes on the pK(a) values can be incorporated. Consideration of the termination and sites of water adsorption suggest that singly coordinated oxygen groups will be the primary sites of ion adsorption on this surface.
The NMR spectra of model styryl-alkali metal compounds

Abstract The active chain end in the anionic polymerization of styrene in benzene and THF solution has been studied by preparing model compounds and one unit “living” polymer chains and measuring thei NMR spectra. From the spectra it appears that half or more of the charge of an electron resides in the aromatic ring, and this increases in changing from benzene to THF, on changing from Li+ to K+ as counterion, and with increasing alkyl subsititution on the ring. It also appears that there is hindrance X rotation of the phenyl ring in the carbanion, this appears to increase as the charge in the ring increases, and the whole benzylic anion system appears planar.
Augmenting the effect of verbal persuasion on self-efficacy to serve as a steward: Gender similarity in a union environment

We examined gender disparity in union leadership by studying the effects of gender similarity between union members and their stewards. We theorized and found that gender similarity augmented the effect of verbal persuasion on self-efficacy to serve as a steward.
Cryotherapy of prostate cancer

Cryosurgical destruction of primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate was performed via perineal route in 215 patients during a 12-year period. The average age of the patients was 66 years. The stage of the disease varied from stage B to D. In 74% of the patients, no clinical evidence of tumor was found in the prostatic fossa following cryosurgery. Few patients needed transurethral surgery and none needed repeated transurethral resections for obstructive symptoms. This experience suggests that local destruction of prostatic carcinoma can be achieved with little morbidity and mortality. Herein wer discuss the method of cryosurgery, stage and histology or tumor, survival, local recurrence, and complications.
Maternal Perception of Toddler Temperament: The Effect of Maternal and Infant Health or Illness during the Neonatal Period

Maternal Perception of Toddler Temperament: The Effect of Maternal and Infant Health or Illness during the Neonatal Period
Data Points and Duration for Estimating Fuel Consumption of a LPG Engine

Accurate measurement of fuel consumption is required to quantify the efficiency of an engine orpredict emissions. As part of a larger project, accurate instantaneous fuel consumption data was required for a John Deere 4045T diesel engine. While establishing test criteria, it became evident that literature did not provide clear recommendations on the number of data points or time duration for data collection, for a diesel engine. Fuel consumption tests were conducted using up to 15 data points of percent fuel rate and up to 15 min of data collection. ased on statistical analysis of test results, at least 2 data points (0% and 100% of fuel rate) and 2 min of data collection are recommended for similar fuel-injected, diesel engine fuel rate tests. When a nonfuel injected engine is used, the Hogan et al. (2007) recommendation of at least 3 data points and 3.5 min of data collection should be followed.
Neogenin interacts with hemojuvelin through its two membrane-proximal fibronectin type III domains

Hemojuvelin is a recently identified iron-regulatory protein that plays an important role in affecting the expression of hepcidin, a key iron regulatory hormone. Although the underlying mechanism of this process is not clear, several hemojuvelin-binding proteins, including the cell surface receptor neogenin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokines, have been identified. The ectodomain of neogenin is composed of four immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains followed by six fibronectin type III-like (FNIII) domains. Here we report expression of soluble versions of hemojuvelin and neogenin for biochemical characterization of their interaction and the interaction of HJV with BMP-2. Hemojuvelin normally undergoes an autocatalytic cleavage, and as in vivo, recombinant hemojuvelin exists as a mixture of cleaved and uncleaved forms. Neogenin binds to cleaved and noncleaved hemojuvelin, as verified by its binding to an uncleaved mutant hemojuvelin. We localized the hemojuvelin binding site on neogenin to the membrane-proximal fifth and sixth FNIII domains and the juxtamembrane linker and showed that a fragment containing only this region binds 2–3 orders of magnitude more tightly than the entire neogenin ectodomain. Binding to the most membrane-proximal region of neogenin may play a role in regulating the levels of soluble and membrane-bound forms of hemojuvelin, which in turn would influence the amount of free BMP-2 available for binding to its receptors and triggering transcription of the hepcidin gene. Our finding that BMP-2 and neogenin bind simultaneously to hemojuvelin raises the possibility that neogenin is part of a multiprotein complex at the hepatocyte membrane involving BMP, its receptors, and hemojuvelin.
Optimal DC motor design for constant voltage seek motion

The seek motion (load moved between two stationary positions) performance is analyzed in terms of move time, power dissipation, and gear coupling ratio between the load and motor shafts of mechanical systems driven by DC motors. The motors considered are operated under constant voltage during acceleration, and then the voltage is reversed for deceleration. This analysis is applicable to any kind of DC motor if the electrical time constant is very short compared with the mechanical time constant and the move time. A contour plot of the normalized move time shows the seek speed limitation under any load and power dissipation, and indicates the region for optimal design. The system designer can decide immediately what motor size, in terms of power rate, and gear ratio should be chosen to meet the specified move time with minimal power. The designer can also establish the move time specification under a given power limit. There is no iteration required in the process. An optimal DC voice coil motor (VCM) design based on the analysis result is then described. The load is a rotary actuator for accessing both sides of a 3.5 in. diameter magnetic hard disk. Test results indicate that the specification of 7 ms move time for the average length track seek was met while using minimum power. >
Incapacitation: Revisiting an Old Question with a New Method and New Data

We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 to obtain estimates of the number of crimes avoided through incapacitation of individual offenders. Incarcerated individuals are matched to comparable non-incarcerated counterparts using propensity score matching. Propensity scores for incarceration are calculated using a wide variety of time-stable and time-varying confounding variables. We separately analyze juvenile (age 16 or 17) and adult (age 18 or 19) incapacitation effects. Our best estimate is that between 6.2 and 14.1 offenses are prevented per year of juvenile incarceration, and 4.9 to 8.4 offenses are prevented per year of adult incarceration.
Preserved Implicit Memory in Dementia: A Potential Model for Care:

A growing body of evidence supports the presence of a preserved implicit memory (PIM) system for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article describes a new approach to dementia care, the PIM model, which translates evidence from implicit memory research into a practice model of dementia care. The PIM model predicts that function can be sustained longer for persons with AD through interventions and environments that activate an individual's PIM. Activation of PIM can occur with perceptual priming of familiar objects and reinforcement of learned motor skill memories within tasks. This practice model provides a new framework for planning and implementing dementia care that may preserve function for persons with Alzheimer's dementia.
Functionally substituted derivatives of (η5-C5H5)M(CO)2No (M=Cr, Mo, W) complexes

Preparation de (η 5 -C 5 H 4 R)M(CO) 2 NO et des derives carbomethoxy (R=CO 2 CH 3 ), acetyl et formyl. Preparation du compose reduit (η 5 -C 5 H 4 NH 2 )Cr(CO) 2 NO
An Evolutionary Account of Science: A Response to Rosenberg's Critical Notice

In his critical notice, Rosenberg (1991) raises three objections to my evolutionary account of science: whether it is more than a week metaphor, the compatibility of my past objections to reduction and my current advocacy of viewing selection in terms of replication and interaction, and finally, the feasibility of identifying appropriate replicators and interactors in biological evolution, let alone conceptual evolution. I discuss each of these objections in turn.
Processing for electron microscopy alters membrane structure and packing in myelin.

Electron density profiles calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns of mouse sciatic nerve, optic nerve, and spinal cord show significant changes in both packing and molecular structure of myelin membranes during processing for electron microscopy. Primary fixation with aldehydes results at the cytoplasmic boundary in closer apposition of membranes and enhanced electron density, and at the external boundary in an increased separation of membranes. Little or no change in the native period or in the membrane bilayer thickness occurs with the altered membrane packing. Primary or secondary fixation with OsO4 decreases the myelin period by ∼10 A, and reduces the thickness of the lipid bilayer in sciatic nerve myelin by 3–6 A. The osmium increases the electron density in the lipid bilayer as well as in the cytoplasmic space. Sciatic nerve myelin fixed in either glutaraldehyde or OsO4 retains its capacity to swell in distilled water, but when fixed by glutaraldehyde and OsO4 in sequence, it loses the capacity to swell. Fixation also prevents compaction of myelin membranes in dimethyl sulfoxide which indicates that proteins are cross-linked in the plane of the bilayer. Dehydration of fixed sciatic nerve in ethanol or acetone produces a decrease in myelin period from ∼170 to ∼150 A which is due to a collapse of the extracellular space between the membrane pairs. Conventional dehydration or infiltration with the water-miscible glutaraldehyde-carbohydrazide (GACH) leads to a loss of the electron-dense lipid polar head group peaks on either side of the cytoplasmic space. This accounts for the appearance of the “fused” cytoplasmic boundary that is observed in thin sections. The final period of fixed sciatic nerve myelin after embedding in GACH is 165 A while in Epon it is ∼150 A. The alterations that occur in the structure, packing, and interactions of myelin membranes probably occur in other membranes during similar processing.
Alterations in left ventricular twist mechanics with inotropic stimulation and volume loading in human subjects.

BACKGROUNDLeft ventricular (LV) twist, the longitudinal gradient of circumferential rotation about the LV long axis, may play an important role in the storage of potential energy at end systole and its subsequent release as elastic recoil during early diastole; however, the effects of load and inotropic state on LV systolic twist and diastolic untwist in human subjects have not previously been characterized.METHODS AND RESULTSSix cardiac transplant recipients with 12 implanted radiopaque midwall LV myocardial markers were studied 1 year after transplantation. Biplane cinefluoroscopic marker images and LV pressure were recorded during control conditions and after afterload augmentation (methoxamine, 5 to 10 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1), inotropic stimulation (dobutamine, 5 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1), and preload augmentation (volume loading with normal saline). Systolic twist dynamics were assessed by maximum twist (Tmax[rad/cm]), peak negative twist rate (-dT/dtmin[rad.cm-1 x s-1]), and the slope of the twist n...
1199 TRANSEPIDERMAL EVAPORATIVE WATER LOSS OF PREMATURE INFANTS: EFFECTS OF SKIN COVER WITH PARAFFIN OR A TRANSPARENT ADHESIVE POLYURETHANE FILM

Transepidermal evaporative water loss (TEWL) of premature infants is a significant problem affecting temperature regulation and fluid balance. High relative humidity and covers of various types have been used to reduce TEWL. Using a recently developed evaporimeter we measured TEWL in premature infants simltaneously treated with high humidity, a paraffin ointment (PAR) or a transparent adhesive polyurethane film (TAP). The ten subjects were included in the study after parental consent, had a mean birth weight of 1652.50 gm (± 89.73; SEM) and gestation of 33.6 weeks (± 0.5; SEM), were cared for in incubators with servo-control of the temperature and entered the study at a mean age of 3.2 days (± 0.9; SEM). The relative humidity of the environment at the site of TEWL measures was 65.77% (± 4.17; SEM). Each infant had one leg covered with PAR (70% solid and 30% liquid paraffin); the other leg was covered with TAP and the buttock area served as the control surface. TEWL measures were made once a day for four consecutive days with minimal disturbance of the subject. Each set of measures was combined to a mean TEWL per site per subject and then analyzed for statistical differences. The mean TEWL of the control was 3.78 gm of water per M2 per hour (± 0.30; SEM), for the TAP group was 1.90 (± 0.26) and for the PAR group 3.03 (± 0.28). TAP is significantly better than PAR (P <0.01) and high relative humidity alone (P <0.01) to reduce TEWL.
Inhibitory effects of diallyl sulfide on the metabolism and tumorigenicity of the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in A/J mouse lung.

Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a component of garlic oil, has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis by several chemical carcinogens. Our previous work demonstrated that DAS inhibited the metabolic activation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, including the tobacco-specific 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), in rat lung and nasal mucosa microsomes. In the present study, the effects of DAS on the tumorigenicity and the metabolism of NNK in A/J mouse lung were examined. Female A/J mice at 7 weeks of age were pretreated with DAS (200 mg/kg body wt in corn oil, p.o) daily for 3 days. Two hours after the final DAS treatment, the mice were either given a single dose of NNK (2 mg/mouse, i.p.) and kept for an additional 16 weeks for determining the production of pulmonary tumors, or were killed immediately so as to measure the microsomal activity in metabolizing NNK. In comparison to the vehicle control group, DAS pretreatment significantly decreased the incidence of NNK-induced lung tumors (37.9 versus 100%) and the tumor multiplicity (0.6 versus 7.2 tumors/mouse). In pulmonary metabolism of NNK, DAS pretreatment reduced the rates of formation of keto aldehyde, keto alcohol, NNAL-N-oxide, and NNK-N-oxide by 70-90%. In addition, the formation of NNK oxidative metabolites from NNK in the liver microsomes from DAS-pretreated mice was remarkably reduced. DAS also inhibited the metabolism of NNK in mouse lung microsomes in vitro. These results demonstrate that DAS is an effective chemopreventive agent against NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis, probably by inhibiting the metabolic activation of NNK.
Does pay-for-performance improve surgical outcomes? An evaluation of phase 2 of the Premier Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration.

Objective: We sought to determine whether the changes in incentive design in phase 2 of Medicare's flagship pay-for-performance program, the Premier Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration (HQID), reduced surgical mortality or complication rates at participating hospitals. Background: The Premier HQID was initiated in 2003 to reward high-performing hospitals. The program redesigned its incentive structure in 2006 to also reward hospitals that achieved significant improvement. The impact of the change in incentive structure on outcomes in surgical populations is unknown. Methods: We examined discharge data for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass (CABG), hip replacement, and knee replacement at Premier hospitals and non-Premier hospitals in Hospital Compare from 2003 to 2009 in 12 states (n = 861,411). We assessed the impact of incentive structural changes in 2006 on serious complications and 30-day mortality. In these analyses, we adjusted for patient characteristics using multiple logistic regression models. To account for improvement in outcomes over time, we used difference-in-difference techniques that compare trends in Premier versus non-Premier hospitals. We repeated our analyses after stratifying hospitals into quintiles according to risk-adjusted mortality and serious complication rates. Results: After restructuring incentives in 2006 in Premier hospitals, there were lower risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for both cardiac and orthopedic patients. However, after accounting for temporal trends in non-Premier hospitals, there were no significant improvements in mortality for CABG [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.28] or joint replacement (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.58–1.12). Similarly, there were no significant improvements in serious complications for CABG (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.97–1.14) or joint replacement (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.23). Analysis of the “worst” quintile hospitals that were targeted in the incentive structural changes also did not reveal a change in mortality [(OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.78–1.32) for CABG and (OR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.22–4.26) for joint replacement] or serious complication rates [(OR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.88–1.34) for CABG and (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.67–1.28) for joint replacement]. Conclusions: Despite recent enhancements to incentive structures, the Premier HQID did not improve surgical outcomes at participating hospitals. Unless significantly redesigned, pay-for-performance may not be a successful strategy to improve outcomes in surgery.
Cortical involvement in tonic immobility ("animal hypnosis"): effect of spreading cortical depression.

Either 25% KCl solution or .9% NaCl was applied to the surface of the brain of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Subjects were restrained on their dorsal surface and duration of the tonic immobility response (“animal hypnosis”) observed for 20 consecutive trials. Animals that received KCl showed significantly longer durations of tonic immobility than did saline and intact control animals. A cyclic pattern of high to low durations was also found. The data support Klemm's 1971 neural model of tonic immobility which suggests that the neocortex inhibits a brainstem immobility control center.
Learning to Teach about Race: The Racialized Experience of a South Asian American Feminist Educator

This article examines the intellectual and experiential journey of a South Asian American (SAA) feminist who teaches about race and anti-racist praxis in the United States. It starts with her strug...
Thermal investigation of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers under quasi-continuous-wave operations

The temperature effect on the characteristics of strain-balanced mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers is theoretically investigated and compared to experimental results. Our theoretical model simulates the temperature dependence of modal gain, current threshold density, and optical output power of a QCL at pulsed, continuous wave (CW), and quasi-CW operation conditions. Simulation results show that QCLs operated at quasi-CW driving condition expresses much lower laser core temperature than CW mode while generates comparable or even higher average power than CW mode. The model can be used to predict the optimum driving condition in order to generate maximum average output power.
Optical trap assisted nanopatterning for structured surfaces

We investigate the use of optical trap assisted nanopatterning for creating nanoscale features on surfaces with pre-existing topography. Uniform patterns over silicon and polyimide surfaces with several micrometer deep grooves are demonstrated.
Top-down and bottom-up factors in tidepool communities

Abstract Recent studies suggest that nutrient variation influences rocky intertidal community structure, however empirical evidence is rare. In the Gulf of Maine, tidepools that occur on seagull feeding roosts are potentially subjected to regular nutrient loading from seagull guano. The results of a survey conducted on Swan's Island, ME show that roost tidepools have very low macroinvertebrate and macroalgal diversity as well as very high phytoplankton biomass compared to non-roost tidepools. An experiment presented here tested basic food chain hypotheses in tidepool communities. These basic food chain models predict that in a tidepool with one trophic level (phytoplankton only), phytoplankton biomass will increase when nutrients are enriched. In contrast, these models predict that in two trophic level tidepools (phytoplankton and mussels) herbivory will prevent an increase in phytoplankton biomass when nutrients are enriched. A short term 2×2 factorially designed field experiment was used to test this basic conceptual model using herbivory by mussels and enrichment with nitrogen as the main effects. The results of this investigation are consistent with the predictions of basic food chain models, and indicate that over the short time interval of a few days, herbivory by mussels is sufficient to maintain low phytoplankton levels following enrichment with nitrogen. Experimental enrichment with phosphorus in this study had no effect on phytoplankton biomass. The results of this study suggest that periodic pulses of nitrogen into tidepools will have little effect on phytoplankton biomass when mussels are present and that longer-term chronic nitrogen influxes may be driving the patterns of community structure in tidepools occurring on roosts.
Light scattering investigations of protein and virus crystal growth: ferritin, apoferritin and satellite tobacco mosaic virus

Abstract Quasi-elastic light scattering was used to investigate the nucleation and crystallization of apoferritin, ferritin and satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV). Supersaturation dependent critical nuclear size supportive of stable macromolecular crystal growth was estimated to be in the range of 5 to 65 monomer protein and virus particles. The interfacial free energy and the activation energy for apoferritin crystal growth was estimated to be 2.7 x 10 -2 erg/cm 2 and 8.5 kcal/mol, and for STMV 1.8 x 10 -2 erg/cm 2 and 10 kcal/mol, respectively. The data suggests that the rate limiting factor in STMV crystal growth is the diffusion of virus clusters to the growing crystal nucleus, while apoferritin crystallization is limited by surface kinetics. The aggregation rate is substantially higher for crystallization with a power law exponent of n = 0.33-0.54 (STMV) and n = 0.8-1.0 (apoferritin), while that associated with eventual amorphous precipitate was n = 0.20.
Changes in amount of colchicine-binding protein (tubulin) in rabbit brain during development.

Colchicine binding was used as a measure of the levels of microtubule protein (tubulin) in several regions of rabbit brain during postnatal development. All regions studied showed a decrease in tubulin per mg of total protein; however, each region showed an increase in total tubulin from 1 day of age to adulthood. The net change in tubulin during development coincided with a proliferation of dendrites (which are rich in microtubules) and a decrease in microtubules from spindle apparatus, axons and astrocytes. We suggest that the total amount of tubulin changes in response to demands of the maturing brain cell for microtubules with different functional roles.
HOPE. Home Care Outreach for Palliative Care Education.

Purpose The goal of this project was to develop and test an educational program to extend the principles of palliative care into home-care agencies. The specific aims were: 1) to assess current practices within select home-care agencies regarding care of the dying; 2) to design the educational program, the HOPE (Home Care Outreach for Palliative Care Education) curriculum, to include relevant content for realistic implementation in home-care agencies; 3) to implement the HOPE project in two home-care agencies; and 4) to assess outcomes of the project and plan for future dissemination to home-care agencies and organizations. Description of program A pilot project developed and tested five training modules including overview of end-of-life care, pain management, symptom management, communicating with patients and families, and the death event. A needs assessment survey completed by 134 home-care agencies provided input for the training course development. The five-part curriculum was developed by an interdisciplinary team of investigators and consultants and implemented in two agencies with 52 staff members participating. Two agencies then were selected to participate in pilot testing the curriculum. Precourse and postcourse surveys provided evaluation of the program content. Results Results from the home-care agency survey demonstrated the need for improving end-of-life care. Only 32% of nonhospice agencies reporting the availability of specially trained nurses for care of the terminally ill, and only 16% of the agencies reported providing such training. Pilot testing of the HOPE curriculum suggested that it was well received by staff members. Assessment of both self-effectiveness and agency effectiveness revealed greater comfort with content such as communication and other symptom management followed by the areas of pain management, managing the death at home, and cultural issues in end-of-life care. The overall rating of end-of-life care increased from a mean rating of 5.97 to 7.42 for self-assessment and from 6.59 to 7.94 for agency assessment (on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 = not at all effective to 10 = very effective). This project identified areas of education needed to improve care at the end of life. The HOPE curriculum will be refined and extended to reach other home-care agencies to benefit their staffs and the patients they serve. Clinical implications Home care agencies provide extensive care to patients and families facing many physical and psychosocial demands at the end of life. Palliative care education is important to support home-care professionals across all disciplines in optimum end-of-life care. This education should focus on aspects of physical care, such as treatment of pain, dyspnea, confusion, and fatigue, and also to address decisions about physical care, such as hydration/nutrition at the end of life. Psychosocial dimensions of care at home can be improved by attention to issues such as communication with dying patients and families, cultural considerations, and the special care required at the time of the actual death at home.
An optimal linear feedback guidance scheme

Abstract : A theory developing a linear feedback guidance scheme to correct for inflight disturbances of a vehicle during the course of a space mission is presented. The theory is predicated on the use of a nominal optimal trajectory. The scheme consists of a linear combination of: (1) perturbations of the vehicle state from its nominal state; and (2) time-varying gains to determine the control correction required to satisfy the constraints of the trajectory in an optimal fashion. Exact knowledge of the state of the vehicle is assumed. An analysis of numerical results for an idealized rocket trajectory problem shows the linear feedback guidance scheme to be effective over a wide range of chosen perturbations.
Isolate, functionalize, and release: the ISOFURE platform for the functionalization of nanoparticles

Polymer-coated inorganic nanoparticles are widely studied as carrier systems for various biomedical applications. For their translation into clinical applications, it is critical that they remain in a stable, non-agglomerated state and are also produced at a high yield with ease. Herein, we introduce a novel methodology called the isolate-functionalize-release (ISOFURE) strategy to synthesize stable hydrogel-coated nanoparticles in the absence of a stabilizing reagent. As a model platform, we isolated and functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in a degradable poly(beta amino ester) (PBAE) hydrogel composite. Isolation was done either by adding GNPs to the PBAE hydrogel precursor solution or via in situ precipitation of GNPs inside the pre-synthesized PBAE hydrogel. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used as the model reaction to grow a temperature responsive poly(ethylene glycol) 600 dimethacrylate crosslinked poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogel shell over the GNP core. Release of the temperature responsive hydrogel-coated GNPs was done by degrading the PBAE ISOFURE matrix in water. Characterization of the various nanoparticles using UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed in situ precipitation of GNPs as well as ATRP over the GNPs. Light scattering confirmed the presence of temperature sensitive hydrogel shell over the GNP surface. Aging studies showed that the ISOFURE method based crosslinked hydrogel-coated GNPs showed higher stability and yield than that of the solution-based functionalized GNPs. The use of ISOFURE strategy shows promise as a simple tool for enhanced functionalization and stabilization over various nanocarriers under flexible experimental conditions.
THOMAS ANNANDALE AND THE FIRST REPORT OF SUCCESSFUL ORCHIOPEXY

ABSTRACTPurpose: We investigate the surgeon and factors behind the first report of successful orchiopexy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the first reports of orchiopexy, and the work and writing...
Cell density-dependent secretion of plasminogen activator by 3T3 cells

The expression of extracellular fibrinolytic activity in untransformed 3T3 cell cultures depends on the growth state of the cells. Actively growing 3T3 cultures exhibit a relatively high level of fibrinolysis, which decreases progressively as the cells become confluent and density-inhibited. The low level of fibrinolytic activity in confluent 3T3 cultures is due to a diminution in secretion of plasminogen activator since the intracellular level of plasminogen activator remains high. The amount of plasminogen activator observed in growing 3T3 cultures varies depending upon whether the cells are passaged with trypsin/EDTA solution, or with the Ca++ selective chelating agent, ethylene-bis (oxyethylenenitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA). However, in cells passaged using either agent, the amount of plasminogen activator secreted is always greatest when the cells are actively growing and decreases thereafter. In contrast to confluent 3T3 cultures, dense cultures of SV40-virus transformed 3T3 cells continued to secrete relatively large amounts of plasminogen activator. The ability to decrease secretion of plasminogen activator as cells become dense may be an important characteristic of cells which demonstrate density-dependent inhibition of cell multiplication in vitro.
Testosterone, puberty, and the pattern of male aggression in Syrian hamsters

The interaction between testosterone and pubertal development on aggression in the male Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was examined in two experiments. First, gonad-intact prepubertal and adult male hamsters were tested for aggression using the resident-intruder paradigm with an age- and weight-matched intruder. Prepubertal males engaged in a greater number of attacks and had longer attack durations than adults. In the second experiment, prepubertal and adult males were castrated and treated with either a 0-, 2.5-, or 5-mg pellet of testosterone, and their aggression was assessed using the resident-intruder paradigm. Prepubertal males again showed shorter attack latencies and greater attack durations compared to adult males across all levels of testosterone. Testosterone treatment did not significantly affect these behaviors before or after pubertal development. We conclude that (a) pubertal development is associated with a decline in aggression in the male Syrian hamster, and (b) a developmental shift in behavioral sensitivity or responsiveness to testosterone does not underlie the pubertal decrease in aggression.