cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 200MHz-BW 0.13mm 2 62dB-DR VCO-based non-uniform sampling ADC with phase-domain level crossing in 65nm CMOS

This paper introduces a VCO-based non-uniform sampling ADC that leverages phase-domain level crossing and VCO linearity calibration without continuous-time comparators and a reference voltage generator. The SQNR is improved by first-order noise shaping and inherent dithering via non-uniform oversampling, as extra samples are naturally created by the free-running oscillation of VCO. This ADC achieves 200MHz BW with 62dB DR and consumes 19.7mW with an active area of 0.13 mm2 in 65nm CMOS.
Epilepsy and seizures : Advances in seizure assessment, treatment, and self-management

The scope of providing care for people with epilepsy and seizures has expanded dramatically in recent years. The tremendous growth in our understanding, along with new and innovative treatment options has increased the likelihood of seizure control and improved quality of life for many people. The ability to more accurately diagnose seizures will be enhanced by new seizure assessment guidelines. A fuller appreciation of the patient's perspective will aid nurses in their support of self-management practices. The new millennium will challenge nurses to enhance self-management education in more diverse practice settings, geographical areas, and patient populations.
Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Exercise may be beneficial to older persons living with peripheral neuropathy (PN), but maintaining an exercise program is challenging. After participating in a 12-week tai chi (TC) study, 12 parti...
Wireless-communication integrated hybrid active noise control system for infant incubators: Improve health outcomes and bonding

This research proposes to develop a wireless communication integrated hybrid active noise control (ANC) system for infant incubators. The integrated ANC system will reduce the level of noise in the infant's ear and provide two-way wireless communication between infant and his/her parents/caregivers both inside and outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The proposed system will use the ANC technique to reduce the harmful noise. The wireless communication system will be used to reduce stress and improve bonding and language development. The real-time experiments show that the proposed system can significantly reduce the noise exposure to the infants who are placed in infant incubators. Consequently, a reduction in the health risk produced by high-level noise in NICU and improved bonding opportunities for infants and their parents will be seen.
Human Anti-tumor Immunity: Insights from Immunotherapy Clinical Trials.

Therapeutics that target the T cell inhibitory checkpoint proteins CTLA-4 and PD(L)1 are efficacious across a broad range of cancers, resulting in reductions in tumor burden and increased long-term survival in subsets of patients. The significant and wide-ranging effects of these immunotherapies have prompted the clinical investigation of additional therapies that modulate anti-tumor immunity through effects on T cells, myeloid cells, and other cell types within the tumor microenvironment. The clinical activity of these newer investigational therapies has been mixed, with some therapeutics showing promise but others not exhibiting appreciable efficacy. In this review, we summarize the results of select recent clinical studies of cancer immunotherapies beyond anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD(L)1 and discuss how these results are providing new insights into the regulation of human anti-tumor immunity.
Comparative analysis of the ileal bacterial composition of post-weaned pigs fed different high-quality protein sources

To further understand the contribution of feedstuff ingredients to gut health in swine, gut histology and intestinal bacterial profiles associated with the use of two high-quality protein sources, microbially enhanced soybean meal (MSBM) and Menhaden fishmeal (FM) were assessed. Weaned pigs were fed one of three experimental diets: (1) basic diet containing corn and soybean meal (Negative Control (NEG)), (2) basic diet + fishmeal (FM; Positive Control (POS)) and (3) basic diet + MSBM (MSBM). Phase I POS and MSBM diets (d 0 to d 7 post-wean) included FM or MSBM at 7.5%, while Phase II POS and MSBM diets (d 8 to d 21) included FM or MSBM at 5.0%. Gastrointestinal tissue and ileal digesta were collected from euthanised pigs at d 21 (eight pigs/diet) to assess gut histology and intestinal bacterial profiles, respectively. Data were analysed using Proc Mixed in SAS, with pig as the experimental unit and pig (treatment) as the random effect. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of stomach and small intestinal tissue using haematoxylin-eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff/Alcian blue and inflammatory cell staining did not reveal detectable differences in host response to dietary treatment. Ileal bacterial composition profiles were obtained from next-generation sequencing of PCR generated amplicons targeting the V1 to V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Lactobacillus-affiliated sequences were found to be the most highly represented across treatments, with an average relative abundance of 64.0%, 59.9% and 41.80% in samples from pigs fed the NEG, POS and MSBM diets, respectively. Accordingly, the three most abundant Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were affiliated to Lactobacillus, showing a distinct abundance pattern relative to dietary treatment. One OTU (SD_Ssd_00001), most closely related to Lactobacillus amylovorus, was found to be more abundant in NEG and POS samples compared to MSBM (23.5% and 35.0% v. 9.2%). Another OTU (SD_Ssd_00002), closely related to Lactobacillus johnsonii, was more highly represented in POS and MSBM samples compared to NEG (14.0% and 15.8% v. 0.1%). Finally, OTU Sd_Ssd-00011, highest sequence identity to Lactobacillus delbrueckii, was found in highest abundance in ileal samples from MSBM-fed pigs (1.9% and 3.3% v. 11.3, in POS, NEG and MSBM, respectively). There was no effect of protein source on bacterial taxa to the genus level or diversity based on principal component analysis. Dietary protein source may provide opportunity to enhance presence of specific members of Lactobacillus genus that are associated with immune-modulating properties without altering overall intestinal bacterial diversity.
Sleep Restriction Worsens Daily Life Executive Functioning in Adolescents with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Adolescents with ADHD commonly experience ...
Research progress of the regulatory mechanisms of Epstein-Barr virus microRNA in lymphoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely related to the occurrence and development of lymphoma,yet pathogenesis in the latter is still unclear.Role of EBV in the microRNA regulation is gradually recognized by the field.This review presents an update of microRNA' s role in the pathogenesis of lymphoma. Key words: Lymphoma; Epstein-Barr virus; microRNA
Accurate 3D Cell Segmentation Using Deep Features and CRF Refinement

We consider the problem of accurately identifying cell boundaries and labeling individual cells in confocal microscopy images, specifically, 3D image stacks of cells with tagged cell membranes. Precise identification of cell boundaries, their shapes, and quantifying inter-cellular space leads to a better understanding of cell morphogenesis. Towards this, we outline a cell segmentation method that uses a deep neural network architecture to extract a confidence map of cell boundaries, followed by a 3D watershed algorithm and a final refinement using a conditional random field. In addition to improving the accuracy of segmentation compared to other state-of-the-art methods, the proposed approach also generalizes well to different datasets without the need to retrain the network for each dataset. Detailed experimental results are provided, and the source code is available on GitHub 1.
Tail-adaptive Bayesian shrinkage

Modern genomic studies are increasingly focused on discovering more and more interesting genes associated with a health response. Traditional shrinkage priors are primarily designed to detect a handful of signals from tens and thousands of predictors. Under diverse sparsity regimes, the nature of signal detection is associated with a tail behaviour of a prior. A desirable tail behaviour is called tail-adaptive shrinkage property where tail-heaviness of a prior gets adaptively larger (or smaller) as a sparsity level increases (or decreases) to accommodate more (or less) signals. We propose a global-local-tail (GLT) Gaussian mixture distribution to ensure this property and provide accurate inference under diverse sparsity regimes. Incorporating a peaks-over-threshold method in extreme value theory, we develop an automated tail learning algorithm for the GLT prior. We compare the performance of the GLT prior to the Horseshoe in two gene expression datasets and numerical examples. Results suggest that varying tail rule is advantageous over fixed tail rule under diverse sparsity domains.
Jury Sentencing in Noncapital Cases: Comparing Severity and Variance with Judicial Sentences in Two States

Recently, commentators have championed sentencing by jury as more democratic and better suited to current theories of punishment than sentencing by judge alone. Yet discussions of noncapital jury sentencing either fail to address empirical questions or rely on outdated and incomplete studies. This study is the first to present basic information on the comparative severity and variance of jury and judge sentencing as practiced in the 21st century. We use archival sentencing data from two of the six states that authorize jury sentencing—Arkansas and Virginia. In both states, voluntary sentencing guidelines govern judicial sentencing after bench trial or guilty plea, but juries select sentences after jury trial. Regression analyses evaluated sentences of incarceration for individual offenses, and included as independent variables available offense, offender, and case characteristics associated with sentence severity. For most of the offenses examined, jury sentences after jury trial were both more varied and more severe than sentences selected by judges after bench trial. The findings also suggest that these disparities may be deliberately maintained by judges and prosecutors, and facilitated by state law that restricts the sentencing options and information provided to juries as compared to judges.
Prediction Method of Power Grid Security Risk Range Based on Graph Semi-supervised Learning

Aiming at the lack of considering the cascading failure probability of nodes themselves in the existing risk propagation analysis of power CPS, the deviation of risk propagation process analysis occurs, leading to the inaccuracy of the final predicted risk range, A graph semi-supervised learning based risk range prediction method for power grid is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a risk propagation model based on node failure probability function is constructed by considering the directionality of state interaction and node dependence of the two-layer network;Then, in order to preview the risk propagation scope in time at the early stage of an accident, the established risk nodes were labeled and the risk propagation model was quickly solved based on the label measurement learning. Finally, the validity and robustness of the proposed method are verified by the analysis of real data prediction results of Italian CPS.
Investment in Technological Innovations: An Option Pricing Approach

Using an option pricing approach, this paper develops a model of a firm's optimal investment strategy when confronted with a sequence of technological innovations. There are several key features of the model. First, successive innovations of technology are stochastic in both their arrival times, as well as in their profitability. Second, we incorporate the feature of "learning by doing" in that firms choosing to adopt a current innovation become better able to reap the benefits of future innovations. Third, rather than assuming that current innovations disappear when newer innovations arrive, our model more realistically assumes that the previous generation of technology remains a viable market alternative, perhaps at a discounted cost. These features of the model induce a "path dependency" into the firm's operating options; two firms facing the same choice will choose differently because of past adoption decisions. The model yields four potential migration strategies: the Compulsive strategy where firms adopt every innovation; the Leapfrog strategy where firms bypass the current innovation, but adopt the future innovation; the Buy-and Hold strategy where firms adopt the current innovation, but fail to cash in on their learning by doing; and the Laggard strategy where firms bypass the current innovation, but adopt it later when the future innovation emerges. The model provides closed-form solutions for the probability that each strategy will be adopted. We then analyze the impact of key underlying variables and distinguish the factors which drive one strategy to dominate another. These implications are discussed and compared with observed firm behavior.
Sex and gender specific health topics in medical student learners: pulse check eight years later.

An essential component of patient-centered, individualized medicine is considering how sex and gender affect mechanisms of health and disease. To assess medical students’ current knowledge of sex and gender specific health (SGSH) concepts compared to results from the same survey in 2012 to better inform development of curricular materials for medical education. A previously designed survey tool, which assessed current knowledge of sex and gender-based medicine of medical students, was emailed to all Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM) students on Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida campuses in 2020. Descriptive and qualitative thematic results were compared to the same survey administered in 2012 to students enrolled in MCASOM. Changes in the inclusion of SGSH topics were assessed over the eight years. One hundred and one of 365 (27.7% response rate) surveys were returned with 2:1 female to male respondents with representation from all 4 years. The definitions of the terms “sex” and “gender” were correctly identified by most respondents (93.1%). However, only 36% (12/33) of questions related to other medical knowledge on SGSH topics had more than a 50% correct response rate. More than half of the students reported that SGSH topics were included in Gynecology, Cardiology, Pediatrics, and Immunology. SGSH topics were reported as not being routinely covered in Neurology and Nephrology, although more students said they were in 2020 then 2012. Sixty-two percent of students favored increasing SGSH in the current curriculum. Medical students appear to understand the definition of and importance of SGSH in education. While some improvements in coverage by subject matter and topic area appear to have occurred as reported by medical students, opportunity remains to more fully integrate SGSH concepts in medical school curricula.
Isolation and composition of the 90 kDa glycoprotein associated with adhesion ofNectria haematococcamacroconidia

The 90 kDa glycoprotein that is associated with the development of adhesiveness ofNectria haematococcamacroconidia was isolated and analysed. The glycoprotein was extracted with 2% ice-cold Triton X-114 from intact macroconidia, precipitated with acetone, separated by sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and recovered by electroelution from gels or from blots. The 90 kDa glycoprotein partitioned into the detergent phase of Triton X-114, indicating that the glycoprotein has hydrophobic properties. Amino acid analysis showed that the glycoprotein contains approximately 38% hydrophobic and 62% hydrophilic amino acids. Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis and western blots probed with the mannose-specific lectin fromGalanthus nivalisdemonstrated that the glycoprotein contains mannose. Peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminyl)asparagine amidase digestion indicated the presence of N-linked carbohydrates.
Patient Falls in Labor and Delivery

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program At an urban academic medical center with approximately 2200 births per year, 10 falls occurred in labor and delivery (L&D) unit in a 12‐month period. None of the patients who fell was categorized, as high risk for falling, which led the nurses to ask if the current risk scale for falls was useful in the perinatal population. The hospital‐wide falls screening tool had little application in the perinatal population because the tool was validated in the geriatric population. A review of the literature revealed little evidence as most studies excluded perinatal patients from their validation work. The purpose of this project was to create an obstetric specific falls prevention program and screening tool to identify women at risk of falling and decrease the number of falls in the L&D unit. Proposed Change To create a population specific falls prevention program and screening tool to identify pregnant women at risk of falling and decrease the incidence of falls in the perinatal population. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation A review of literature was conducted using CINAHL and PubMed. Search terms included falls and pregnancy. Nine publications related to falls in pregnancy met search the criteria. Findings from this review indicated history of previous fall, visual disturbances, sedentary life style, and edema in feet and ankles during pregnancy as most predictive of risk of falling. Along with the review of literature, an in‐depth analysis of each fall event was completed. This work lead to development of a clinical practice guideline, Falls Prevention in Labor & Delivery, and a population‐specific screening tool built in the Electronic Medical Record. Staff education and monthly chart audits were conducted to monitor adherence to the tool and to provide feedback related to use of the screening tool. In 2008, 10 falls were reported. After the implementation of the obstetric falls program, two falls were reported in 2013. Implications for Nursing Practice A continual decline in patient falls in L&D has occurred since implementation of multiple initiatives, including a population specific screening tool. Future plans include validation of the screening tool.
Effect of growth conditions on the formation of the relaxation complex of supercoiled ColE1 deoxyribonucleic acid and protein in Escherichia coli.

Colicinogenic factor E1 (ColE1) is present in Escherichia coli strain JC411 (ColE1) cells to the extent of about 24 copies per cell. This number does not appear to vary in situations which give rise to twofold differences in the amount of chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) present per cell. If cells are grown in the absence of glucose, approximately 80% of the ColE1 molecules can be isolated as strand-specific DNA-protein relaxation complexes. When glucose is present in the medium, only about 30% of the plasmid molecules can be isolated as relaxation complexes. Medium shift experiments in which glucose was removed from the medium indicate that within 15 min after the shift the majority (>60%) of the plasmid can be isolated as relaxation complex. This rapid shift to the complexed state is accompanied by a two- to threefold increase in the rate of plasmid replication. The burst of replication and the shift to the complexed state are both inhibited by the presence of chloramphenicol. Inhibition of protein synthesis in log cultures by the addition of chloramphenicol or amino acid starvation allows ColE1 DNA to continue replicating long after chromosomal replication has ceased. Under these conditions, noncomplexed plasmid DNA accumulates while the amount of DNA that can be isolated in the complexed state remains constant at the level that existed prior to treatment. In the presence of chloramphenicol, there appears to be a random dissociation and association of ColE1 DNA and “relaxation protein” during or between rounds of replication.
Effect of captopril on skeletal muscle angiogenic growth factor responses to exercise

Acute exercise increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA levels in skeletal muscle, with the greatest increase in VEGF mRNA. VEGF functions via binding to the VEGF receptors Flk-1 and Flt-1. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, has been suggested to reduce the microvasculature in resting and exercising skeletal muscle. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this reduction have not been investigated. We hypothesized that this might occur via reduced VEGF, TGF-beta(1), bFGF, Flk-1, and Flt-1 gene expression at rest and after exercise. To investigate this, 10-wk-old female Wistar rats were placed into four groups (n = 6 each): 1) saline + rest; 2) saline + exercise; 3) 100 mg/kg ip captopril + rest; and 4) 100 mg/kg ip captopril + exercise. Exercise consisted of 1 h of running at 20 m/min on a 10 degrees incline. VEGF, TGF-beta(1), bFGF, Flk-1, and Flt-1 mRNA were analyzed from the left gastrocnemius by quantitative Northern blot. Exercise increased VEGF mRNA 4.8-fold, TGF-beta(1) mRNA 1.6-fold, and Flt-1 mRNA 1.7-fold but did not alter bFGF or Flk-1 mRNA measured 1 h after exercise. Captopril did not affect the rest or exercise levels of VEGF, TGF-beta(1), bFGF, and Flt-1 mRNA. Captopril did reduce Flk-1 mRNA 30-40%, independently of exercise. This is partially consistent with the suggestion that captopril may inhibit capillary growth.
Dopamine and GABA receptors in cultured substantia nigra neurons: correlation of electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry

Abstract Primary neuron cultures were made separately from the substantia nigra pars compacta and the substantia nigra pars reticulata of neonatal rats. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp, we tested for the presence of dopamine and GABA receptor subtypes by applying dopamine receptor agonists [the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole and the D1 receptor agonist R(+)-SKF-38393] and GABA receptor agonists (GABA and baclofen). The D2 agonists and the GABAB agonist increased an inward rectifier K+ conductance, while the D1 agonist decreased this K+ conductance. Application of GABA increased membrane conductance, probably by increasing Cl− permeability through GABAA receptors. Following the physiological tests, the same neuron was examined by double immunocytochemical labeling for antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase and antibody to GABA. Neurons which responded to the D2 agonist were dopaminergic neurons, while neurons which did not respond to D2 agonist were mostly GABAergic or non-dopaminergic/non-GABAergic. Neurons which responded to the D1 agonist were non-dopaminergic/non-GABAergic. GABAA receptors were present in all types of neurons, while GABAB receptors were located on some dopaminergic neurons and some GABAergic neurons. These results largely agree with the published data on in vivo or brain slice preparations, indicating that these neurons of neonatal rat brains, after being dissociated, produce the same transmitters and the same receptors in culture as those in vivo.
Thermal explosion in Ni-Al system: influence of reaction medium microstructure

The thermal explosion (TE) phenomenon was investigated in the Al-Ni system (Al-rich compositions) with various reactant medium microstructures. The parameters of TE (e.g., ignition temperature, reaction times, etc.) obtained for Al particles clad by Ni were compared with those for Al+Ni powder mixtures having different particle sizes. The heating rate was varied in the range 100 to 900 K/min, and its influence on TE characteristics was also studied. The results show that ignition process is related to either phase (melting of reactant or first product formed) or microstructural (breaking of the Ni shell in case of clad particles) transformations and depends on the reactant medium microstructure. The latter influences the process of initial product formation, which in turn affects the interaction rate during the post-ignition stages. The obtained results were discussed and compared with those reported in the literature. In general, it is suggested that TE in heterogeneous gasless systems differs from explosions in conventional homogeneous media. In the latter, the operating conditions define ignition temperature, while in the former, it is related to the system phase diagram and thus is a characteristic property of the system.
Performance on the Hamilton search task, and the influence of lateralization, in captive orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)

Psittacines are generally considered to possess cognitive abilities comparable to those of primates. Most psittacine research has evaluated performance on standardized complex cognition tasks, but studies of basic cognitive processes are limited. We tested orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica) on a spatial foraging assessment, the Hamilton search task. This task is a standardized test used in human and non-human primate studies. It has multiple phases, which require trial and error learning, learning set breaking, and spatial memory. We investigated search strategies used to complete the task, cognitive flexibility, and long-term memory for the task. We also assessed the effects of individual strength of motor lateralization (foot preference) and sex on task performance. Almost all (92 %) of the parrots acquired the task. All had significant foot preferences, with 69 % preferring their left foot, and showed side preferences contralateral to their preferred limb during location selection. The parrots were able to alter their search strategies when reward contingencies changed, demonstrating cognitive flexibility. They were also able to remember the task over a 6-month period. Lateralization had a significant influence on learning set acquisition but no effect on cognitive flexibility. There were no sex differences. To our knowledge, this is the first cognitive study using this particular species and one of the few studies of cognitive abilities in any Neotropical parrot species.
The regulation of elF-2 function during protein synthesis initiation

Summary The regulation of eIF-2 activity during protein synthesis initiation has been postulated to involve phosphorylation / dephosphorylation mechanisms and / or the participation of ancillary protein factors. Both mechanisms would affect directly the binding of initiator methionyl-tRNAi by eIF-2. Recent data concerning the phosphorylation state of eIF-2 in hemin-deficient lysates and other covalent modifications which alter the efficiency of eIF-2 utilization, however, suggest that modulation of eIF-2 activity is more complex, and involves alteration of its catalytic recycling.
Plasma levels of glucose, alanine, lactate, and β-hydroxybutyrate in the unfed spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) after surgery and following mammalian insulin infusion

Serial blood samples were collected from the unfed spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) by use of a cannula chronically implanted in the dorsal aorta. Plasma glucose, alanine, lactate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were estimated by standard enzymatic procedures. The metabolite levels were estimated immediately after the surgery, for an additional 3 to 5 postoperative days before experimental use, and for 7 to 9 days after a single infusion of mammalian insulin (50, 100, and 250 IU/kg body wt) or the control solution. Plasma glucose, alanine, and lactate levels declined for 1 or 2 days after the surgery, but beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were essentially unchanged. Plasma glucose levels remained relatively stable for the remainder of the pretreatment period, and in the control animals during the subsequent treatment period. In contrast, plasma alanine and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels increased during both the pretreatment period and the treatment period in the control animals. Plasma lactate levels increased in the control animals after Day 3 of the treatment period. Insulin infusions resulted in severe, prolonged depressions of plasma glucose and alanine levels. Plasma lactate levels also fell after insulin infusion, but the depressed levels were interrupted by precipitous, large increases, followed by sharp declines, that were evident for one to three sampling periods and whose onset varied between Days 3 and 5 in individual animals. The levels increased again in some animals between Days 6 and 9. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were comparatively resistant to insulin. After an early decline, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate rose to levels that were near the control levels by Days 2 through 4, but fell to near the initial levels by Day 5 and thereafter. The results suggest that the spiny dogfish, a species that consumes reliable and abundant amounts of protein and lipid, but little carbohydrate, and that may feed as seldom as every 2 weeks, uses ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and presumably acetoacetate) as primary fuels. Glucose is apparently synthesized by gluconeogenesis, alanine and lactate are probable substrates, and ketone bodies are the likely sources of energy. The evidence supports the hypothesis that glucose is synthesized to maintain muscle glycogen reserves that are used for anaerobic glycolysis when the animal is engaged in predation, escape, or other circumstances that dictate vigorous swimming. If other tissues and organs require glucose as a fuel source, the amounts must be exceptionally small.
Preparation of Aggregation Stable Gold Nanoparticles Using Star-Block Copolymers

Nanoparticles of improved stability against long-term aggregation were prepared using poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) star-block copolymer architectures. The star-block copolymers, physically resembling diblock copolymer micelles, were synthesized by anionic polymerization and coupling with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. They contain P2VP core segments that facilitated conversion of HAuCl4 to single gold nanoparticles. The size distribution and long-term stability against aggregation of the gold nanoparticles were investigated both as solution and as films. UV−vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope images reveal long-term stability against aggregation up to 1 month.
Effect of morphine, β-endorphin and leu-enkephalin on 3H-spiroperidol binding to bovine pituitary membranes

Abstract The ability of morphine, leu-enkephalin and β-endorphin to antagonize the binding of 3 H-spiroperidol to bovine anterior pituitary membranes was studied. All three drugs were virtually inactive despite their ability to stimulate prolactin secretion in vivo and the reported ability of morphine to antagonize the inhibitory effect of dopamine on prolactin release from rat hemi-pituitaries. These results suggest that opiates do not produce their direct effect on prolactin secreation at the pituitary level through an effect on the 3 H-spiroperidol binding site. The opiates may antagonize the effect of dopamine at a component of the dopamine receptor which is independent of the 3 H-spiroperidol binding site, or the opiates may stimulate prolactin secretion by an effect on the lactotrophes which is independent of dopamine.
Mathematical models used in gear dynamics—A review

With increased demand for high speed machinery, the mathematical modelling of the dynamic analysis of gears has gained importance. Numerous mathematical models have been developed for different purposes in the past three decades. In this paper the mathematical models used in gear dynamics are discussed and a general classification of these models is made. First, the basic characteristics of each class of dynamic models along with the objectives and different parameters considered in modeling are discussed. Then, the early history of the research made on gear dynamics is summarized and a comprehensive survey of the studies involved in mathematical modelling of gears for dynamic analysis is made. Generally, a chronological order is followed in each class studied. The goal is not just to refer to several papers published in this field, but also to give brief information about the models and, sometimes, about the approximations and assumptions made. A considerable number of publications were reviewed and 188 of them are included in the survey.
Learning as Liberation: How Liberal Arts Education Transforms First-Generation/Low Socio-Economic College Students:

Extensive qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 first-generation college students. Profound changes to the students resulting from exposure to academic liberal arts course content were documented. Specifically, this study explores evident thematic trends and specific examples of how liberal arts course work provided students with profound senses of freedom and liberation from emotional/psychological issues and ideological/political constraints. Exactly how exposure and learning resulted in these changes, and what these changes mean to the individual students, is explored in detail. What faculty can do to more effectively teach and retain these students is also discussed.
HYDRUS simulations of soil surface temperatures

To examine soil surface temperature evolution, a soil heat and water transfer model (HYDRUS-1d) is coupled to an atmospheric surface layer scheme. Idealized simulations are carried out for different meteorological conditions (wind speed and temperature). From the simulation results, the coupling between soil properties, surface temperature, and sensible heat flux is examined and implications for landmine thermal signatures are derived.
Identification of Three Key Active Site Residues in the C-terminal Domain of Human Recombinant Folylpoly-γ-glutamate Synthetase by Site-directed Mutagenesis

Three cysteines in human recombinant folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase (FPGS) that were reactive with iodoacetamide were located in peptides that were highly conserved across species; the functions of two of these peptides, located in the C-terminal domain, were studied by site-directed mutagenesis. When cDNAs containing mutations in each conserved ionic residue on these peptides were transfected into AUXB1 cells, which lack endogenous FPGS activity, one mutant (D335A) did not complement the auxotrophy, and another (R377A) allowed only minimal growth. FPGS activity could not be detected in insect cells expressing abundant levels of these two mutant proteins from recombinant baculoviruses nor from a virus encoding an H338A mutant FPGS. Kinetic analysis of the purified proteins demonstrated that each of these three mutants was quite different from the others. The major kinetic change detected for the H338A mutation was a 600-fold increase in the K(m) for glutamic acid. For the D335A mutation, the binding of all three substrates (aminopterin, ATP, and glutamic acid) was affected. For R377A, the K(m) for glutamic acid was increased by 1500-fold, and there was an approximately 20-fold decrease in the k(cat) of the reaction. The binding of the K(+) ion, a known activator of FPGS, was affected by the D335A and H338A mutations. We conclude that these three amino acids participate in the alignment of glutamic acid in the active site and that Arg-377 is also involved in the mechanism of the reaction.
Use of fluorescence-activated flow cytometry to determine membrane lipid peroxidation during hypothermic liquid storage and freeze-thawing of viable boar sperm loaded with 4, 4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid.

Part of the reduction in boar sperm motility and fertility associated with hypothermic liquid storage and cryopreservation may be due to membrane lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by the shift from red to green fluorescence emission of the lipophilic probe 4, 4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid, C(11)BODIPY(581/591) (BODIPY), as measured by fluorescence-activated flow cytometry in live sperm (negative for propidium iodide). Experiments were conducted with Percoll-washed sperm to determine the specificity of BODIPY oxidation in the presence of different reactive oxygen species generators and metal chelators. Compared with no FeSO(4) and Na ascorbate, the combination of FeSO(4) and Na ascorbate (FeAc) increased (P 70% and increased (P < 0.05) BOD-IPY fluorescence intensity/cell by 5- to 10-fold after a 30-min incubation. Motility was depressed (P < 0.05) after exposure to FeAc, but viability was not affected. Of the reactive oxygen species generators tested, BODIPY oxidation was specific for FeAc, because menadione and H(2)O(2) had little or no effect. The oxidization of hydroethidine to ethidium was specific for menadione and H(2)O(2); FeAc had no effect. The presence of the metal chelators EDTA or deferoxamine mesylate at 3 and 9 muM inhibited FeAc-induced BODIPY oxidation and maintained motility. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of liquid storage at 17 degrees C for 1 and 5 d and the effect of freeze-thawing on basal and FeAc-induced BODIPY oxidation. Basal BODIPY oxidation (no FeAc) was low in liquid stored and thawed viable sperm (1.3 and 3.4%, respectively). Although the incidence of basal or spontaneous membrane lipid peroxidation was low during liquid storage and after freeze-thawing, viable boar sperm were susceptible to FeAc-induced lipid peroxidation.
Exactly solvable reptation model.

We describe a reptation model applicable to long-chain polyelectrolytes, like DNA in a gel, and derive an exactly solvable master equation for the probability distribution of the chain's extension in an applied electric field. The effect on the steady-state mobility of reduced charge at the chain's ends is studied, and differences between the model's steady-state probability distributions and ones derived from counting chain configurations are noted.
Review essay: The Economy of Esteem

Geoffrey Brennan and Philip Pettit have produced a major work on the economics of esteem, entitled The Economy of Esteem.1 They show that much of social order depends on our desire to have our fellow man think well of us. This review also considers some extensions of their basic arguments and the conditions under which those arguments hold.
Towards a Collaborative Smartphone Sensing Platform

Abstract In recent years, Armed Services and other Law-enforcement agencies around the world have shown increased interest in evaluating the possibility to recommend smartphones and hand-held devices as part of the standard gear for its personnel, who are actively engaged on battlefield or in crime-prone areas. The primary motive that drives these analysis efforts to employ smartphones is the prospect of increased “Situational Awareness” that can be achieved through a digitally connected network of humans. In this vein, a group of researchers at TecˆEdge facility have developing a collaborative smart phone sensing platform that is focused on providing a pervasive, seamless and convergent communications platform for a group of interested collaborators, equipped with only a off-the-shelf smart phone. This paper provides a brief introduction to the prototyped sensing platform and three smartphone applications that show potential to solve real-world problems, when applied aptly. Further, the paper concludes by providing the implications of the present work and the insights into future work.
Optimal communication algorithms for Manhattan Street networks

We evaluate the mean internodal distance and the saturation throughput of the Manhattan Street network in the general case, and present a simple shortest path routing algorithm for this topology. We also propose efficient routing algorithms to execute generic communication tasks, such as the total exchange and the multinode broadcast, in a Manhattan Street network of processors. The proposed algorithms execute these tasks in an optimal number of steps, while achieving full (equal to 100%) utilization of the network links. Finally, we construct edge-disjoint Hamiltonian cycles for the Manhattan Street network.
WE‐C‐BRB‐04: Dosimetric Effect of Rotaional Positioning Errors on IMRT Treatment of Endometrial Cancer

Purpose:Clinical target volumes (CTV) for patients with endometrial cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy are large and irregularly shaped. The frequent obesity endemic to this patient population makes precise treatment positioning often difficult to achieve. Without a six‐degree treatment couch, rotational errors cannot be directly corrected by patient shifts. This study investigates the dosimetric effects of these residual, uncorrected rotational errors. Methods: Fifteen patients, who underwent IMRT with daily kilo‐voltage cone beam CT(CBCT)image guidance, were included in this IRB approved study. A total of 374 daily CBCT were co‐registered with the corresponding planning CT and translational and rotational shifts were recorded. Clinically, rotational errors > 50 prompted patient repositioning, while those < 50 were ignored. For each fraction, the planning dose matrix was rotated to evaluate dosimetric effects of the ignored rotation. Subsequently, all rotated dose matrices were combined to obtain a cumulative dose distribution. Student's t‐test was used to estimate the 95% confidence interval of the percentage change of the dosimetric endpoints D99 and D95 of the CTV. Results:For each fraction, the D99 and D95 of the CTV varied from −8.7% to 3.3%, and −5.5% to 1.3%, respectively compared to the corresponding planning values. For the entire treatment course, the cumulative D99 and D95 of the CTV varied between −2.2% − 0.4% (95% CI‐2% − 1.6%), and −1.3% − 1.0% (95% CI ‐1% − 0.9%), respectively. Conclusions: Despite large target volumes and sharp dose gradients inherent in IMRT plans, the dosimetric effect of less than 50 of uncorrected rotational error is not clinically significant for the entire treatment course, despite variations in daily fractional doses of more than 5%. Our IGRT protocol and the planning margin for this group of patients are adequate.
Guest Editorial: Neonatal Infection

How many times have you come across an infant in your unit who just “didn't look right”? As neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses, we spend many days caring for the tiny, premature infant with respiratory distress who develops sepsis. These small, premature infants have a deficient immune system and are at-risk for sepsis during their stay in the NICU. Also, many term or near-term infants are admitted daily to the NICUs around the country with a diagnosis of rule-out sepsis. We take care of them, start their intravenous regimens, give them antibiotics, and reassure their parents. Most of these term infants improve and go home within a short period of time. But some of these infants die of overwhelming sepsis. The care of these infants can be frustrating to the nurse, when dealing with the multiple problems that sepsis can cause. All infants in the NICU must be continually assessed for sepsis throughout their often lengthy stays. The nurse is at the bedside and must be able to pick up on the sometimes subtle signs of sepsis. The earlier the nurse realizes that the baby's condition has changed, the earlier the treatment of sepsis can start, and the better the baby's chances of survival. This month's journal is devoted to neonatal sepsis, and we have some great articles on this topic. In the first article of our series, Newnam and McGrath discuss the infant's deficient immune system, the inflammatory response, and the links to later neurodevelopmental outcomes. In the second article on sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia, I attempt to differentiate the many types of infections that can occur in the infant, as well as provide an explanation of the various definitions used with infections in the neonate. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunc-
Educational strategies to develop evidence-based practice mentors

Basing practice decisions on sound scientific research and best available evidence is an optimal approach for making practice changes. A five-member team of nursing leaders formed an evidence-based practice (EBP) steering committee and developed an EBP model and process. This article describes the educational approaches and the development of mentors used to provide the staff nurse with the necessary knowledge and skills to use EBP successfully.
Production of furfural and carboxylic acids from waste aqueous hemicellulose solutions from the pulp and paper and cellulosic ethanol industries

In this paper we present a new process to produce furfural and co-products of formic and acetic acids from waste aqueous hemicellulose solutions using a continuous two zone biphasic reactor. We estimate this approach uses 67% to 80% less energy than the current industrial processes to produce furfural. An economic analysis indicates that furfural can be produced with this process at 366 US$ per metric ton which is 25% of the selling price of furfural in the U.S. market today. This analysis assumes a plant capacity of 78 kiloton per year of furfural, 12 kiloton per year of formic acid and 44 kiloton per year of acetic acid (processing 160 ton per hour of hemicellulose solutions with a xylose concentration of 10.7 wt%) and is based on the data collected in this paper. Formic acid and acetic acid are probably produced from the acid hydrolysis of formylated and acetylated xylose oligomers, respectively. Furfural is produced in a two-step process consisting of the hydrolysis of xylose oligomers followed by the dehydration of xylose monomers and then extraction of the furfural into an organic solvent. Two types of hemicellulose solutions were used as the feedstock including a hot water extract and a green liquor extract derived from Northeastern hardwood trees. The hemicellulose solution contains mainly xylose oligomers as well as glucose, arabinose, lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and other minor products. We found that the reaction temperature, the space velocity, the volumetric organic to aqueous phase ratio, and the acid concentration have significant effects on the furfural production. Under the optimized condition, a furfural yield of 90% can be achieved in the reactor from the hot water extract containing 10.7 wt% xylose. A conceptual design is performed for the integration of the production of furfural, formic and acetic acids, the liquid–liquid split, and subsequent three-stage distillations. We demonstrate that high purity (>99%) of furfural, formic and acetic acids can be obtained, with a final recovery of more than 97%, 56%, and 88% of the furfural, formic acid and acetic acid, respectively.
Amelioration of the Metabolic Defect in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria by Expression of Human Ferrochelatase in Cultured Cells

The cDNA for human ferrochelatase, the enzyme that is defective in the rare genetic disease erythropoletic protoporphyria (EPP), was tested for its ability to allow the expression of ferrochelatase in mammalian cells. The cDNA was ligated to the plasmid expression vectors pCD and pED6 and transfected into COS-1 and CHO-DUKX cells, respectively. In each case, ferrochelatase activity increased, The cDNA was also ligated into the retroviral vector pLXSN, and virus-packaging cells were produced. Supernatants from these cells were used to infect fibroblasts in vitro from a patient with EPP. We found that the infected cells containing the ferrochelatase cDNA had enzyme levels in the range of normal fibroblasts and that they did not accumulate protoporphyrin when grown in the presence of δ-amino levulinic acid. We conclude that introducing the cDNA for normal ferrochelatase into fibroblasts from an EPP patient restores ferrochelatase enzyme activity to the normal range. These experiments suggest potential for genetic therapy in EPP.