cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport across Membranes

Membrane transport processes are utilized by all living cells. Transport is required for the accumulation of nutrients and elimination of wastes. Membrane transport steps have been identified in most biological events. For example, it occurs during the formation of proton electrochemical potentials, the uptake of saccharides and amino acids, the endocytotic internalization of macromolecules and particles, and during oxygen transport in respiration. The widespread nature of membrane transport phenomena is illustrated in Table 6.1, which lists transport processes presented in other chapters. We will classify transport phenomena into two broad categories based on the size of the translocated species. The migration of individual ions and molecules is termed molecular transport whereas the movement of large molecules or particles is called macromolecular and bulk transport. We shall begin this chapter’s discussion of transport by considering the movements of ions and molecules.
Control of subwavelength flexural waves via kirigami-based hyperlens (Conference Presentation)

In this presentation, we propose a novel design of elastic metamaterial that possesses unique anisotropic mass density and hyperbolic dispersion, which enables subwavelength-scale flexural wave manipulation. The metamaterial unit cell is inspired by kirigami, an ancient art of paper cutting and folding. A three-dimensional kirigami microstructure can be obtained by simply cutting and folding a thin metallic plate. By attaching the resonant kirigami microstructures periodically on the top of a host plate, a hyperbolic metamaterial plate can be manufactured without any perforation that degrades the strength of the pristine plate. A theoretical model based on the classic plate theory and mass-spring model is developed to understand the working mechanism of the elastic metamaterial. Dispersion curves are obtained by using an extended plane wave expansion method. An anisotropic effective mass density tensor is retrieved based on effective medium theory, which explains the different couplings between the local resonance of kirigami microstructure and the global flexural wave propagations in the host plate along two in-plane principal directions. Finally, numerical simulation on an elastic hyperlens is conducted to demonstrate the subwavelength-scale flexural wave control and super-resolution imaging abilities. The advantages of the proposed kirigami-based elastic hyperbolic metamaterial are twofold: (i) simple manufacturing process without perforation in the pristine plate and (ii) subwavelength flexural wave manipulation providing a high signal-to-noise ratio in plate-like engineering structures. Therefore, the proposed elastic hyperbolic metamaterial could be highly promising for high resolution damage imaging in nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring.
A bi-directional interface for improved interaction with engineering models in virtual reality design reviews

Leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance engineering design reviews has been an area of significant interest for researchers since the advent of modern VR. The ability to interact meaningfully with 3D computer-aided engineering models in these VR design reviews is an important, though often neglected, capability due to the difficulty of performing data translation between native computer-aided design (CAD) data and VR compatible file formats. A bi-directional interface was developed between a VR design review environment and a commercial CAD package that streamlines the data translation process. Transmitting both geometric data and selected metadata from the CAD system enabled the development of enhanced model interaction tools in a VR design review application. User experiments were performed that compared the enhanced tools developed to a baseline toolset. Participants success using these toolsets was measured as they performed tasks related to design understanding and decision making, such as counting the number of gears in a gearbox or evaluating the feasibility of a proposed design change in a four-cylinder engine. The analysis of the data from these experiments showed a statistically significant improvement in participants ability to understand the geometry of the model correctly, confidently, and quickly, as well as in participants ability to correctly and confidently understand the implications of a proposed design change when using the Enhanced Toolset. We conclude that the bi-directional interface concept developed in this work can be extended to enable advanced interaction with a diversity of engineering data in VR.
Principles of Pediatric Fracture Treatment

Fractures represent 25% of pediatric trauma, and 1/3 of these involved the physis. These fractures are classified by the Salter-Harris classification system. Treatment is usually nonoperative with closed reduction if necessary followed by immobilization. The growing bone has the capacity to remodel, i.e., correction of the deformity with return to normal anatomy. The status of the soft tissue envelope is essential in the assessment and treatment of pediatric fractures.
Localized Internal Stimulation of the Living Cochlea Using Electrical and Optical Methods

In this chapter, methods to locally stimulate the complex and fragile microstructures of the living cochlea in a repeatable, nondestructive, and quantifiable manner are described. Electrical stimulation of the intracochlear fluids causes the sensory epithelium of the cochlea to vibrate and sound to be emitted from the ear canal. Different strategies for localized electrical stimulation are presented along with advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The basilar membrane and reticular lamina motion in response to electrical excitation along with the dependence of the response on stimulation location and exposure to pharmacological agents known to affect hearing are shown. The active electromechanical function of the cochlea is necessary for proper function. These results provide insights into the interaction of outer hair cell-generated forces and the dynamics of the surrounding structures of the cochlea and fluid. Optical means for locally exciting the cochlea using an ultrafast laser pulse are also presented. The basilar membrane response to this spatially confined stimulation shows that the active enhancement of the response cannot be initiated instantly by a localized force applied to the basilar membrane but rather requires the presence of a forward traveling wave to effectively engage this process. Electrical and optical stimulation uncover features of the cochlear response not addressable by normal acoustic stimulation. These experiments have not only uncovered fundamental global and local characteristics of the cochlea but also have pointed out gaps in the existing knowledge and the need for further investigation.
The evaluation of the implementation of the vascular preventative bundle and development of suggested interventions for improvement and sustainability

Postoperative infections can complicate patient care and increase health care costs. A vascular preventative bundle was implemented at a large teaching/research intensive hospital to decrease surgical site infections (SSIs) with vascular surgery patients. The aim of this study was to measure fidelity to the bundle and determine if implementation of the vascular SSI bundle reduced the rate of SSIs. Three periods of data were collected, and they are identified as preimplementation (period 1), early implementation (period 2), and postimplementation (period 3). There were 711 patients for all three periods, approximately equally distributed in the periods. The use of preoperative hair clippings, chlorhexidine (CHG) wipes, and appropriate antibiotics showed the greatest improvement from preimplementation to early implementation. All three measures showed significant improvements in fidelity. For appropriate antibiotics, the fidelity was the highest and showed the largest improvement compared to the other measures. The performance of clippings preoperatively and using CHG wipes improved significantly. Evidence-based interventions have been recommended to support the implementation and sustainability of the bundle. The infection rate between preop and postperiod was not statistically different.
Therapeutic potential of oridonin and its analogs: From anticancer and antiinflammation to neuroprotection

Oridonin, a diterpenoid natural product commonly used in East Asian herbal medicine, is garnering increased attention in the biomedical community due to its extensive biological activities that include antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatic fibrosis prevention, and neurological effects. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in structure activity relationship and mechanism of action studies of oridonin for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review provides a brief summary on oridonin and its analogs in cancer drug discovery and antiinflammation and highlights its emerging therapeutic potential in neuroprotection applications.
Live-cell single-molecule dynamics of PcG proteins imposed by the DIPG H3.3K27M mutation

Over 80% of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) harbor a point mutation in histone H3.3 where lysine 27 is substituted with methionine (H3.3K27M); however, how the mutation affects kinetics and function of PcG proteins remains elusive. We demonstrate that H3.3K27M prolongs the residence time and search time of Ezh2, but has no effect on its fraction bound to chromatin. In contrast, H3.3K27M has no effect on the residence time of Cbx7, but prolongs its search time and decreases its fraction bound to chromatin. We show that increasing expression of Cbx7 inhibits the proliferation of DIPG cells and prolongs its residence time. Our results highlight that the residence time of PcG proteins directly correlates with their functions and the search time of PcG proteins is critical for regulating their genomic occupancy. Together, our data provide mechanisms in which the cancer-causing histone mutation alters the binding and search dynamics of epigenetic complexes.
A Vibrational Study of Tetracyanoethylene Adsorbed on Magnesia

The saturation adsorption of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) from the vapor phase onto magnesia activated at 200 and 400 C is studied. Fourier transform infrared and electron spin resonance spectroscopy are used to characterize the chemisorbed material. FT-IR spectra of authentic samples of TCNE, TCNE-1, TCNE-2, and the tricyanovinylalcoholate anion (TVA) are also reported for comparison purposes. We find that the uptake of TCNE as a function of activation temperature is most closely related to the surface hydroxyl coverage. It does not correlate well with the BET surface area. We also find that the primary chemisorption product is a TVA like species (perhaps polymeric). Radical signals are detected, presumably from TCNE-1, but correspond to less than 5% of the chemisorbed TCNE.
FIT & STRONG! PLUS: DESCRIPTIVE DEMOGRAPHIC AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS IN A COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS TRIAL FOR OLDER AFRICAN-AMERICAN ADULTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS.

Objectives The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has increased in the US. We report on a comparative effectiveness trial that compares Fit & Strong!, an existing evidence-based physical activity (PA) program, to Fit & Strong! Plus, which combines the Fit & Strong! intervention with a weight management intervention. Methods Participants included 413 overweight/obese (BMI 25-50 kg/m2) adults with lower extremity (LE) OA. The majority of the sample was African-American and female. Both interventions met 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Primary measures included diet and weight. Results The baseline mean BMI for all participants was 34.8 kg/m², percentage of calories from fat was high, and self-reported PA was low. Discussion This sample of overweight/obese African-American adults had lifestyle patterns at baseline that were less than healthful, and there were differences between self-report and performance-based measures as a function of age.
Fostering Agribusiness Entrepreneurship for Kenyan Youth through Practice-Based Education

Approximately 1 million Kenyan youth enter the labour market each year, a number which the formal sector has been incapable of absorbing. As a result, youth unemployment and underemployment rates are high, with two-thirds of youth aged 15–24 not engaged in the labour force. The lack of formal wage opportunities pushes these young people into entrepreneurial activities; however, due to the theoretical focus of the current education system, many secondary school-leavers do not possess the practice-based skills to start their own businesses. This article argues for building partnerships between secondary schools, largely in rural areas, and agribusinesses to foster skills-building that will enable young people to start entrepreneurial activities in the agricultural sector. It draws on interviews with agribusiness owners and stakeholders in the education sector, and survey data from secondary school students and on youth employment to identify how to improve youth employability through business-led experiential programmes.
Hybrid Photonic-Plasmonic Waveguides with Ultrathin TiN

We experimentally demonstrate hybrid photonic-plasmonic waveguides utilizing plasmonic TiN, and index mismatched substrate and superstrate. The design offers lower losses and tighter mode-confinement compared to previously reported long-range surface plasmon polariton waveguides using noble metals. © 2019 The Author(s)
A Low Profile Gate Drive Power Supply

Air core based PCB winding transformers are gaining wide attention due to low cost and size requirements. A novel application of this transformer is gate drive power supply with low power rating. In this paper, the application of a coreless PCB transformer into a synchronous flybuck converter is presented. It has been shown that use of phase reversal, interleaving and symmetry in winding arrangement can increase efficiency and reduce winding losses considerably. Part to part variation due to PCB design process has been eliminated by adding a secondary side referenced controller. The proposed transformer is capable of providing functional isolation between floating and ground plane referenced supply. Besides smaller footprint, this topology can eliminate cost and increase power density by inserting the winding within the substrate. EMC based analysis is also presented. In conclusion, a six sigma approach to designing planar transformers is presented.
Self-management and work performance: an exploratory cross-cultural study

Without understanding one's self, individuals blindly and with a minimal amount of consciousness, go about their lives and their businesses. Understanding one's self and how it can influence work performance offers individuals the opportunity to more meaningfully carry out their duties and fulfil their work requirements. Sri Aurobindo, an Indian spiritual philosopher and advocate of self-management, argued that man is not the last step in the evolutionary process; rather, man is a transitional being with the capacity to collaborate in its own evolution. The international township of Auroville, India was founded with Aurobindo's vision in mind. We administered a questionnaire to people in Auroville and a comparable group in Ohio, USA. This cross-cultural study allowed us to test hypotheses and compare the samples. Results suggest that practicing self-management on a moment-to-moment basis can help a person become more self-aware, thereby enhancing the individual's work performance. Results and implications are provided.
Setting boundaries: Utilization of time to boundary for objective evaluation of the balance error scoring system.

ABSTRACTSubjective evaluations of balance performance, like the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), are highly popular. Alternatively, quantitative measures may offer additional clarity ...
Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Associated With Thromboembolic Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Recent studies have demonstrated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have deranged coagulation parameters predisposing them to venous thromboembolisms (VTEs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients who have RA undergoing primary TKA have higher rates of (1) VTEs; (2) readmission rates; and (3) costs of care. Methods Patients who have RA undergoing primary TKA were identified and matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and comorbidities. Exclusions included patients with a history of VTEs and hypercoagulable states. Primary outcomes analyzed included rates of 90-day VTEs, along with lower extremity deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolisms, 90-day readmission rates, in addition to day of surgery, and 90-day costs of care. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results Patients who have RA were found to have significantly higher incidence and odds (OR) of VTEs (1.9 vs 1.3%; OR: 1.51, P Conclusion After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the study found patients who have RA undergoing primary TKA had significantly higher rates of VTEs, readmissions, and costs.
Synthetic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles for the treatment of Niemann–Pick diseases

Niemann–Pick disease type C is a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in late endosomes and lysosomes. We sought to develop new therapeutics for this disorder by harnessing the body’s endogenous cholesterol scavenging particle, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Here we design, optimize, and define the mechanism of action of synthetic HDL (sHDL) nanoparticles. We demonstrate a dose-dependent rescue of cholesterol storage that is sensitive to sHDL lipid and peptide composition, enabling the identification of compounds with a range of therapeutic potency. Peripheral administration of sHDL to Npc1 I1061T homozygous mice mobilizes cholesterol, reduces serum bilirubin, reduces liver macrophage size, and corrects body weight deficits. Additionally, a single intraventricular injection into adult Npc1 I1061T brains significantly reduces cholesterol storage in Purkinje neurons. Since endogenous HDL is also a carrier of sphingomyelin, we tested the same sHDL formulation in the sphingomyelin storage disease Niemann–Pick type A. Utilizing stimulated Raman scattering microscopy to detect endogenous unlabeled lipids, we show significant rescue of Niemann–Pick type A lipid storage. Together, our data establish that sHDL nanoparticles are a potential new therapeutic avenue for Niemann–Pick diseases.
Dynamic seal at the aortic neck-endograft interface studied using a novel method of cohesive zone modeling.

Abstract Background Endovascular aortic stent graft technology radically altered aortic aneurysm repair from a maximally invasive procedure to a minimally invasive approach. Whereas the overall principle of the repair remained the same, the surgeon ceded control of the proximal seal when suturing was eliminated. In endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), no longer does the surgeon control the precise placement of mechanical fasteners (sutures) between graft and tissue; rather, the graft is kept in place by creation of a seal zone that often lacks any mechanical fastening. The kinematic coupling condition is replaced by contact mechanics between the outer graft surface and the aorta. Methods We develop a novel computational methodology to fully model and characterize the aorta-endograft seal zone within a fully integrated aorta-EVAR model. The aorta, endograft, and intraluminal thrombus are modeled by standard finite element analysis in the limit of elastic response under pressure loading conditions. The seal zone in our simulations is fully dynamic and modeled using the cohesive zone method. Our methodology allows full separation of the aorta and endograft, simulating loss of seal and endoleak. Results Using patient-specific geometry, we show that our approach is capable of predicting the location of rupture in an index patient who presented with a ruptured juxtarenal aneurysm. Applying our novel cohesive zone method analysis to the post-EVAR geometry, we studied the stability of the endograft under several seal zone strengths correlating to very weak, standard, and very strong seal. Loss of seal is shown to correlate to the propagation of an elastic front in the aortic neck. We propose that aortic neck dilation, which develops from graft deployment and pressurization, provides an energy release mechanism that drives seal zone failure: the elasto-adhesive seal model. Conclusions We develop the first ever fully integrated computational model of aorta-endograft seal. Our elasto-adhesive seal model provides the first biomechanical model to evaluate seal loss. We hope that our method will provide a rich tool set with which to study the vexing problems of type I endoleak and help guide the development of technologies to optimize seal.
Teaching Black Lives in College When Black Lives Didn’t Matter that Much K through 12

This article explores complexities in teaching Black-authored material (especially Hip Hop lyricism) in premominantly non-Black college composition courses. It uses Barbara Smith's (1978) "Toward a Black Feminist Criticism" as a lens through which to define and examine those complexities. It offers antiracist pedogogal practices and posits withdrawal for reflection and self-care as a viable choice.
Lattice Chirality and its uses at large N

A brief overview of the authors' work on lattice chirality and its application to the numerical study of planar QCD is presented.
2.5D microscopy: Fast, high-throughput imaging via volumetric projection for quantitative subcellular analysis.

Imaging-based single-cell analysis is essential to study the expression level and functions of biomolecules at subcellular resolution. However, its low throughput has prevented the measurement of numerous cellular features from multiples cells in a rapid and efficient manner. Here we report 2.5D microscopy that significantly improves the throughput of fluorescence imaging systems while maintaining high-resolution and single-molecule sensitivity. Instead of sequential z-scanning, volumetric information is projected onto a 2D image plane in a single shot by engineering the emitted fluorescence light. Our approach provides an improved imaging speed and uniform focal response within a specific imaging depth, which enabled us to perform quantitative single-molecule RNA measurements over a 2×2 mm2 region within an imaging depth of ~5 μm for mammalian cells in 30 Hz volumetric frame rate with reduced photobleaching. Our microscope also offers the ability of multi-color imaging, depth control and super-resolution imaging.
The Orb6-Sts5 Axis Regulates Stress Granule Formation and Heat Stress Response in Fission Yeast

Abstract The NDR/LATS family kinases are a subclass of the AGC serine/threonine kinases which are important for morphogenesis and cell growth control. Using the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we previously reported that the NDR/LATS kinase Orb6 phosphorylates the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Sts5 serine 86 residue on its Intrinsically Disordered Domain (IDD). When dephosphorylated, Sts5 forms ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules that colocalize with processing bodies (P-Bodies) and translationally repress mRNAs important for polarized cell growth. Here we report that Sts5 puncta colocalize with both P-Bodies and stress granules (SG) in response to glucose starvation, as well as heat, oxidative, and hyperosmotic stress. We find that loss of Sts5 decreases the number of stress granules, indicating that Sts5 has a role in promoting stress granule formation. Conversely, inhibition of Orb6 kinase promotes Sts5 aggregation and stress granule formation. In addition, loss of Sts5 decreases cell survival after heat stress, whereas decreasing Orb6 protein levels or including the sts5S86A mutation, which promotes Sts5 aggregation, leads to increased survival. These data indicate that the Orb6-Sts5 axis is not only important for regulation of polarized growth but also for response to environmental stress, as dysregulation of the Orb6-Sts5 axis affects stress granule formation and cell survival.
Volunteer Now or Later: The Effects of Effort Time Allocation on Donations

We study the effect of time flexibility on volunteering. Using an online experiment, we tested predictions of a model of inter-temporal volunteering. Consistent with our theoretical predictions, we find that flexibility in choosing when to allocate effort donations increases overall donations despite the added incentive to renege on a promise to donate. Furthermore, compared to monetary donations, donation rates are higher when people donate effort. We provide a framework for understanding these results.
Accessibility of Telehealth Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Medicare Beneficiaries.

INTRODUCTION: Telehealth plays a role in the continuum of care, especially for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to examine factors associated with the accessibility of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults. METHODS: We analyzed the nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Rapid Response Supplement Questionnaire of beneficiaries aged 65 years or older. Two weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between usual providers who offered telehealth 1) during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) to replace a regularly scheduled appointment. We examined factors including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and digital access and literacy. RESULTS: Of the beneficiaries (n = 6,172, weighted n = 32.4 million), 81.2% reported that their usual providers offered telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those offered telehealth services, 56.8% reported that their usual providers offered telehealth to replace a regularly scheduled appointment. Disparities in accessibility of telehealth services by sex, residing area (metropolitan vs nonmetropolitan), income level, and US Census region were observed. Beneficiaries who reported having internet access (vs no access) (OR, 1.75, P < .001) and who reported ever having participated in video, voice, or conference calls over the internet before (vs not) (OR, 2.18, P < .001) were more likely to report having access to telehealth. Non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries (versus White) (OR, 1.57, P = .007) and beneficiaries with comorbidities (vs none) (eg, 2 or 3 comorbidities, OR, 1.25, 95% P = .044) were more likely to have their usual provider offer telehealth to replace a regularly scheduled appointment. CONCLUSION: Although accessibility of telehealth has increased, inequities raise concern. Educational outreach and training, such as installing and launching an online web conferencing platform, should be considered for improving accessibility of telehealth to vulnerable populations beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study of thrmodynamic values in different temperature from partition coefficient for some organic acids immiscible di-solvents mixtures

In the present work the partition co-efficient was studied for some organic aromatic acids quinoline-2- carboxyic acid ,salicylic acid ,aliphatic acid and succinic acid Oxalic acid in different mixtures solvents not mixing diethyl ether + water,chloroform + water and carbontetrachloridde +water at differet temperature vang from(293-318)k. Also the Oxalic properties ,gibbs free energy change ΔG,otherwise enthalpy changee ΔH and entropy change ΔS of partition co-efficient kp have been Oxalic for the dependence of the equilibrium constant(k) to temperature vant Hoff equation,over the temperature rang (293-318)k. The work to show the effects of The work hydrogen on the distribution processes .The results show also the effects of temperature and the number of acidity one acid or diacidic .The thermodynamic values indicated that the distribution processes were spontaneous and endothermic these processes increasing in entropy depending upon spontaneous hydrogen bonding in either spontaneous or strengthened.
The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle: Does Overhead Spending Really Impact Program Outcomes?:

The nonprofit starvation cycle raises a fundamental question about the impact of overhead spending on nonprofit program outcomes and organizational effectiveness. We test this relationship using da...
Influence of interstitial Mn on local structure and magnetism in Mn 1 + δ Sb

We report x-ray total scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) studies of the structural relaxation around interstitial manganese (${\mathrm{Mn}}_{i}$) in ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1+\ensuremath{\delta}}\mathrm{Sb}$ ($0.03\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\le}0.23$) alloys, guided by density functional theory (DFT). Refinements to the experimental PDF using a crystallographically constrained structural model indicate an expansion in the equatorial plane of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{i}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{5}$ trigonal bipyramidal site, which introduces significant positional disorder in addition to the nominally random occupation of interstitial voids. Observation of a weak diffuse signal near the symmetry-forbidden (001) reflection position is indicative of correlated disorder from the clustering of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{i}$. Density functional relaxation of supercells approximating the $\ensuremath{\delta}=0.08$, 0.15, and 0.23 compositions provides improved models that accurately describe the short-range structural distortions captured in the PDFs. Such structural relaxation increases the DFT calculated moment on ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{i}$, which aligns antiparallel to the primary Mn moments, but leads to insubstantial changes in the average Mn and Sb moments and moments of Mn and Sb proximal to interstitials, thus providing a more accurate description of the observed bulk magnetic properties.
Channelopathies of skeletal muscle excitability

Familial disorders of skeletal muscle excitability were initially described early in the last century and are now known to be caused by mutations of voltage-gated ion channels. The clinical manifestations are often striking, with an inability to relax after voluntary contraction (myotonia) or transient attacks of severe weakness (periodic paralysis). An essential feature of these disorders is fluctuation of symptoms that are strongly impacted by environmental triggers such as exercise, temperature, or serum K(+) levels. These phenomena have intrigued physiologists for decades, and in the past 25 years the molecular lesions underlying these disorders have been identified and mechanistic studies are providing insights for therapeutic strategies of disease modification. These familial disorders of muscle fiber excitability are "channelopathies" caused by mutations of a chloride channel (ClC-1), sodium channel (NaV1.4), calcium channel (CaV1.1), and several potassium channels (Kir2.1, Kir2.6, and Kir3.4). This review provides a synthesis of the mechanistic connections between functional defects of mutant ion channels, their impact on muscle excitability, how these changes cause clinical phenotypes, and approaches toward therapeutics.
Carrier dynamics in narrow-band-gap quantum wells measured with subpicosecond mid-wave infrared pulses

Summary form only given. We describe time-resolved differential transmission measurements of carrier recombination cooling and transport in multiple quantum well structures composed of GaInSb/InAs superlattice wells with AlGaSb barriers. This and similar structures are currently of interest as the active region in 3-4 /spl mu/m diode lasers. Measurements were performed at room temperature using 140 fs pump pulses from a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser operating at 830 nm and at a repetition rate of 76 MHz and 170-fs probe pulses from a synchronously-pumped optical parametric oscillator operating at 3.55 /spl mu/m.
A prospective randomized comparison of total body irradiation-etoposide versus busulfan-cyclophosphamide as preparatory regimens for bone marrow transplantation in patients with leukemia who were not in first remission: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

Two novel preparatory regimens for conditioning of patients with leukemia for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from histocompatible sibling donors have been tested in a phase III trial under the auspices of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG 8612). These two regimens consisted either of fractionated total body irradiation and etoposide (FTBI/VP-16) or high-dose busulfan with cyclophosphamide (BU/CY). Only patients who had failed prior conventional management at least once were study eligible, ie, no patients with acute leukemia in first remission (CR) or in first chronic phase (CP) of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) participated. Patients were stratified according to the following risk criteria: “good-risk” patients were those who were in second CR of their acute leukemia or in accelerated phase (AP) of CML; “poor-risk” patients had further advanced stages of leukemia. During a 52-month period, 131 patients were registered of whom 122 (93%) were study eligible. Sixty-one eligible patients were randomized to the FTBI/VP-16 arm and 61 to the BU/CY regimen. Of these 122 patients, 114 (93%) proceeded to BMT according to protocol. Posttransplant immunosuppression to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) consisted of cyclosporine and prednisone (CSA/PSE). Neither overall survival nor disease-free survival (DFS) differed significantly between the two treatment groups (P = .89 and .69, respectively). Estimated DFS for “good-risk” patients who had been prepared with the FTBI/VP-16 regimen was 55% +/- 11%, as compared with patients treated with BU/CY whose DFS figure was 34% +/- 10% (P = .30). For “poor-risk” candidates, the DFS rates at 24 months were 17% +/- 6% (for FTBI/VP-16) and 24% +/- 8% (for BU/CY), respectively (P = .81). These figures do not differ significantly, especially in view of the fact that the “good- risk” patients prepared with the FTBI/VP-16 regimen were younger than those treated with BU/CY. Both regimens were well tolerated with no regimen-related deaths encountered during the 6-week period after BMT. This study also confirmed the efficacy of the CSA/PSE combination in the prevention of GVHD with 23 of 113 (20%) of BMT recipients developing moderate to severe acute GVHD. The leading cause for treatment failure was leukemic relapse (45 of the 114 BMT recipients suffered a recurrence of their leukemia), whereas 38 patients died without evidence of relapse. Thirty-one patients are alive and in continued CR after marrow transplantation; four are alive in relapse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Financial Openness and Growth: The Importance of Public and Private Sector Protections

Do more open financial economies grow faster? The short answer is yes, as long as certain policies are in place. This paper extends previous studies by analyzing how different legal protections interact with each other and with initial wealth to allow financial openness to enhance growth. I identify three types of institutions that are most important for countries to establish prior to removing financial restrictions: government protections of private assets and contracts, corporate protections of shareholder rights and judicial protections of business interests. Although these protections are not mutually exclusive, strong private-sector protections of investor rights can substitute for weak public-sector protections and vice versa. Furthermore, a high-income country still needs to provide these protections to benefit from an open financial economy. The econometric methodology employed in this paper has the ability to substantially improve upon previous estimates by simultaneously controlling for endogeneity and unobserved country fixed effects.
Tools for Collaboration in Metropolitan Wireless Networks

This paper presents RRNAPI, a toolkit for accessing network performance in Ricochet Radio Networks. It is envisioned that these tools are a necessary stepping stone in developing frameworks for distributed computing in wireless networks, in particular, extending Collaborative Computing Frameworks (CCF). Many forms of traditional distributed computing require a reliable network, however these programs do not extend to wireless networks because reliable connectivity is not generally possible with wireless networks. This paper explains connectivity issues in Ricochet Networks, presents practical solutions to these problems, and explains a toolkit that can be used when developing distributed applications to address these problems.
Graphene electrostatic microphone and ultrasonic radio

We present a graphene-based wideband microphone and a related ultrasonic radio that can be used for wireless communication. It is shown that graphene-based acoustic transmitters and receivers have a wide bandwidth, from the audible region (20∼20 kHz) to the ultrasonic region (20 kHz to at least 0.5 MHz). Using the graphene-based components, we demonstrate efficient high-fidelity information transmission using an ultrasonic band centered at 0.3 MHz. The graphene-based microphone is also shown to be capable of directly receiving ultrasound signals generated by bats in the field, and the ultrasonic radio, coupled to electromagnetic (EM) radio, is shown to function as a high-accuracy rangefinder. The ultrasonic radio could serve as a useful addition to wireless communication technology where the propagation of EM waves is difficult.
Vibrational studies of the disulfide group in proteins: Part III. A simplified ab initio force field for diethyl disulfide and SS and CS stretch frequency—conformation correlations for diisobutyl disulfide

Abstract We have obtained a simplified ab initio force field for diethyl disulfide, based on our previous scaled ab initio force field, which can be used in normal coordinate analysis of proteins containing the disulfide bridge. A normal coordinate analysis has been performed for diisobutyl disulfide in all possible conformations. The correlations thus obtained between the SS and CS stretch frequencies and the conformation are useful in understanding similar correlations in proteins containing the disulfide bridge. A simple way is presented to identify local C2 symmetry in a disulfide bridge through Raman polarization studies.
Vertical profiles of NO3, N2O5, O3, and NOx in the nocturnal boundary layer: 2. Model studies on the altitude dependence of composition and chemistry

[1] Recent field observations in urban areas have shown that trace gases, such as O3, NO2, and NO3, develop distinct vertical concentration profiles at night. Because nocturnal chemistry can change the gas-phase and particulate composition in the urban boundary layer considerably, it is important to understand the mechanisms that lead to the change of trace gas levels with altitude. The quantification of the altitude dependence of chemical processes leading to the removal of volatile organic carbons (VOC) and NOx are crucial to assess the influence of nocturnal chemistry on ozone formation during the following day. We present a one-dimensional chemical transport model developed to study the interaction between chemistry and vertical transport in the nocturnal boundary layer. The model reproduces the general features found in field observations, such as positive O3 and NO3 gradients. The slow upward transport of NO and VOC emitted near the ground and the simultaneously occurring chemistry, in particular the reactions of NO with O3 and NO3, are found to control the vertical structure of the chemistry of NOx, NO3, N2O5, and VOC. In the case of NO2 and O3, dry deposition is also significant. The model results show that vertical transport of N2O5 plays an important role, and is often the main source of NO3 radicals near the ground. Chemical steady state calculations of the concentrations of NO3 and N2O5, as they have been used in the past, are therefore not representative in cases with significant vertical fluxes of N2O5. The vertical gradient of the oxidation rate of NO2 implies that the removal of NOx occurs predominately in the upper nocturnal boundary layer (NBL). Our study shows that observations at one altitude and chemical box models are often insufficient to accurately describe the chemistry in NBL.
Schrödinger's notebook: : Shifting real

Abstract The science fiction prototype featured in this article is the second chapter of a novel in progress that contains an omnibus of interventions into physics, queer science, feminism, and intellectual history. The title of the article references the notebooks of Erwin Schrodinger, a Nobel-Prize winning physicist who discovered wave theory that superseded Heisenberg's more complex form of mathematical formalism, therefore changing the way in which interpretation is done. Despite being part of a series, the prototype is written so it could be read as a standalone. The story, combined with a critical explication of its background and intent, produces the contestations illustrating the relationships between physics, the cultures in science and technology, as well as politics extending over the internal and external values of the scientific enterprise. Specifically, the differences between these values are rendered impossible through the epistemic continuity stemming from a shared ontology. At the same time, the prototype also forecasts the possibility of future technologies based on current and possible developments in physics while contesting the notion of a ‘good life’ these technologies supposedly offer. As a politically inclined epistemic move, the prototype will demonstrate points of amplification in the interactions taking place at the microscopic level for manifestation in our macroscopic space. Therefore, the amplified microscopic interactions are in competition with the observables in our ‘meatspace’ dominated by the conventions of classical physics. The prototype also acts as a speculative device for modeling probable outcomes stemming from different constraint sets, thereby acting as an ‘algorithmic’ blueprint for the narration of scenarios produced as an outcome of macro- and micro-entanglement.
Occupancy of dopamine D2 receptors by the atypical antipsychotic drugs risperidone and olanzapine: theoretical implications.

Rationale To examine the D2 occupancy of two commonly used antipsychotic medications and relate this to the D2 occupancy by endogenous dopamine in schizophrenia.
Ligand-receptor interaction platforms and their applications for drug discovery.

Introduction: The study of drug–target interactions is essential for the understanding of biological processes and for the efforts to develop new therapeutic molecules. Increased ligand-binding assays have coincided with the advances in reagents, detection and instrumentation technologies, the expansion in therapeutic targets of interest, and the increasingly recognized importance of biochemical aspects of drug–target interactions in determining the clinical performance of drug molecules. Nowadays, ligand-binding assays can determine every aspect of many drug–target interactions. Areas covered: Given that ligand–target interactions are very diverse, the author has decided to focus on the binding of small molecules to protein targets. This article first reviews the key biochemical aspects of drug–target interactions, and then discusses the detection principles of various ligand-binding techniques in the context of their primary applications for drug discovery and development. Expert opinion: Equilibrium-bi...
Postnatal nutrition in extremely low birth weight infants and its impact on growth until the age of 6 years.

Aim To examine the impact of postnatal nutrition on long-term growth in extremely low birth weight infants. Method Retrospective analysis of postnatal nutrition and observational study of growth in 52 ELBW infants until the age of six. Results Changes (Δ) in weight and length standard deviation scores (SDS) between birth to term correlated with protein intake (rw = 0.36; p = 0.009; rL = 0.35; p = 0.01), whereas ΔHC correlated with lipid intake (rHC = 0.38; p = 0.005). Analysis of various intervals (0–2, 3–5, 6–8 and 9–11 weeks) only showed significant impact on growth for energy (r = 0.3; p < 0.05) and lipids (r = 0.23; p < 0.05) at 6–8 weeks. No significant correlations were found between postnatal nutritional parameters and long-term growth. However, postnatal growth restraint was negatively associated with length SDS (r = −0.34; p = 0.015) and body mass index SDS (r = −0.34; p = 0.018) at the age of six. Infants with postnatal growth restraint (n = 25) caught up more in length (+1.78 SDS) than in weight (+0.43 SDS), whereas small for gestational age infants (n = 8) caught up more in weight (+1.35 SDS) than in length (+1.07 SDS). This difference remained significant at the age of six. Conclusion Although no direct association between postnatal nutrition and long-term growth was found, weight at discharge was a strong predictor for long-term growth.
NEUTRON--PROTON SCATTERING CROSS SECTION AT A FEW ELECTRON VOLTS AND CHARGE INDEPENDENCE.

We have measured the neutron-proton total cross section in hydrogen gas at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C between 0.3- and 400-eV lab energy to help improve the data for computing the $n\ensuremath{-}p$ singlet effective range ${r}_{s}$. To obtain the free $n\ensuremath{-}p$ scattering cross section at "zero" energy, we subtract the capture-cross-section, effective-range, and molecular-binding contributions from the total cross section. We used the asymptotic "MTV" theory of molecular binding due to Messiah, which limits our final analysis to the range 6.02 to 329 eV. From these data we obtain 20.436 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.023 b for the free $n\ensuremath{-}p$ scattering cross section. Using this number, the coherent-scattering-length measurements by Koester, a model due to Lomon and Feshbach for the triplet and singlet shape parameters, and the $n\ensuremath{-}p$ cross section in the MeV range due to Engelke et al., we obtain ${r}_{s}=2.56\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ F, 0.09 F higher than the former value. Adopting an energy scale due to Davis and Barschall for the higher-energy data raises ${r}_{s}$ to 2.74 F, which is in close agreement with the value 2.70 F predicted by the charge-independence hypothesis. A measurement of the neutron-carbon cross section, formerly related to this problem, is also discussed.
Role of finasteride in the treatment of recurrent hematuria secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the efficacy of finasteride for the treatment of gross hematuria secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in a prospective fashion. METHODS Twelve patients with recurrent episodes of gross hematuria secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with finasteride 5 mg/day. Before initiating treatment, we excluded other sources of hematuria using intravenous urography, cystoscopy, and urine culture. RESULTS Bleeding subsided within 2 weeks of treatment in all 12 patients. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Finasteride was well tolerated by all 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS Finasteride appears to be effective in treating recurrent gross hematuria secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. This therapy should be considered an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate or hormonal ablation in patients with recurrent hematuria and no significant obstructive uropathy or adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Prostate 31:180–182, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recurring themes in group psychotherapy with alcoholics

This paper presents several prominent themes which emerge in group therapy sessions with alcoholics and the wives of alcoholics. It is suggested that the understanding of these conflicts in the lives of problem drinkers and their family members may have practical importance for clinical workers who deal with such patients and theoretical importance for the wider application of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in dealing with other types of clinic patients.