cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Varying Mutant Troponin C Content on Contractile Properties of Striated Muscle

Genetic therapies show much potential as novel, long-term treatments for skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases. Troponin C (TnC), a subunit of troponin, is a particularly promising target for genetic therapies, as it is involved in thin filament activation, Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+ handling. Specifically, expression of engineered TnC mutants with altered Ca2+ binding properties has the potential to restore normal contractile function in diseased/damaged muscle with abnormal Ca2+ properties. We are, therefore, studying skeletal TnC (sTnC) and cardiac TnC (cTnC) mutants that we, and others, have demonstrated affect Ca2+ signaling: F27W, M80Q sTnC and I60Q sTnC, and cTnC L48Q and I61Q. Since various amounts of mutant proteins are incorporated into the myofilaments following viral vector administration of mutant TnC cDNA, the goal of this study was to determine the minimal amount of protein expression necessary to alter contractility in striated muscle. In preliminary studies, different ratios of F27W, M80Q to WT sTnC (100:1, N=4; 50:50, N=4; 25:75, N=4; 1:100, N=6; C0=1mg/mL for all TnCs) were reconstituted into demembranated skeletal muscle fibers. Following reconstitution, the maximal Ca2+ activated force (Fmax) was 90±0.02% (WT), 83±0.03% (100:1), 92±0.04% (50:50) and 90±0.01% (25:75) of pre-extracted Fmax (216±15 mN/mm2). Ca2+ sensitivity was significantly enhanced for all ratios (100:1, pCa50=6.17±0.02, p<0.001; 50:50, pCa50=5.90±0.03, p<0.05; 25:75, pCa50=6.01±0.01, p<0.01) as compared to WT (pCa50=5.76±0.04). These preliminary data indicate that <25% of the mutant protein is required to alter contractility without changing the maximal Ca2+ activated force. Continuing work will identify the minimal level of mutant TnC incorporation in striated muscle that significantly alters pCa50 and the rate force develops.
Climate change, predictive modeling and lemur health: Assessing impacts of changing climate on health and conservation in Madagascar

Deforestation and a changing climate threaten the health and survival of lemurs in Madagascar. An important component of lemur health, parasite infection can reduce fitness and survival outcomes. Future lemur parasite richness, abundance and distribution may be highly influenced by climate change. Current knowledge of lemur parasites is narrow in geographic and temporal scope, with sampling at a limited number of sites, and thus far, there have been no attempts to assess the effects of climate change on lemur parasite distributions. We used geospatial tools to predict the distributions of six lemur parasites of high frequency and pathogenic potential. We then assessed how anticipated climate shifts in Madagascar may alter the distributions of these lemur parasites in the future. Under current climate conditions, we found that the focal parasites exhibited widespread potential distributions across Madagascar, covering 12–26% of surface land area and 40–86% of forested area. Our analyses also showed that parasites responded differently to projected climate changes, with shifts ranging from a contraction of current distributions by 7% to an expansion of 60%. A predicted net expansion in parasite distribution may expose naive lemur hosts to new parasites, which could have a profound effect on lemur health. Those parasites with the greatest potential for harmful effects are predicted to experience the largest expansion in range. Predicting these changing distributions will be critical for assessing population health, improving protected area design, preparing for reintroduction efforts and addressing potential parasite risk in lemurs, humans and domestic animals.
Mass spectra of organometallic compounds: XIV—Some monometallic olefing manganese tricarbonyl derivatives

The metastable ion supported fragmentation process in the mass spectra of the cyclohexadienyl derivative C6H7Mn(CO)3, the cycloheptadienyl derivative C7H9Mn(CO)3, the 1,2,3,4,5-and 1,2,3,5,6-pentahaptocyclootadienyl derivatives C8H11Mn(CO)3, the cyclooctatrienyl derivative C8H9Mn(CO)3 and the substituted cyclopentadienyl derivative (CH3)2NCH2C5H4Mn(CO)3, are described. Losses of carbonyl groups, generally stepwise, from the molecular ions to give the corresponding [M – 3CO]+· ions are first observed. Further fragmentation of the carbonyl-free [M – 3CO]+· ions can involve a variety of processes such as the following: (a) elimination of a neutral manganese atom to give a hydrocarbon fragment; (b) elimination of a neutral hydrocarbon fragment to give an [MnH]+· ion; (c) dehydrogenation; (d) elimination of a 2-carbon C2H2 or C2H4 fragment; (e) elimination of a C3H4 or C3H6 fragment as a neutral species when it is bridging two carbon atoms bonded to manganese, as in C8H9Mn(CO)3 and 1,2,3,4,5,h5-C8H11Mn(CO)3, respectively. Fragmentation of the [M – 3CO]+· ion in (CH3)2NCH2C5H4Mn(CO)3 presents the following additional features: (a) elimination of C6H6 with a nitrogen shift from carbon to manganese; (b) elimination of a neutral dimethylamino fragment to give [C6H6Mn]+·, which then loses neutral C6H6, C6H5 or Mn fragments and thus is formulated tentatively as [(fulvene)Mn]+· or [C6H5MnH]+· rather than [(benzene)Mn]+·.
Organic Molecules and the Coloration of Jupiter

Jovian atmosphere simulation with energy from corona discharge, producing simple organic molecules
Catecholamine-serotonin interaction effects on activity in rats neonatally treated with 6-hydroxydopamine.

The effect of increased central serotonergic levels on motor activity was investigated in rats neonatally treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the lateral ventricles. Regional brain assays of monoamine levels in 90-day-old rats showed depletion of catecholamines, but not of serotonin, in the forebrain accompanied by a large elevation of norepinephrine, and minor elevation of serotonin, in the hindbrain. Measures of behavioral activity in adulthood were taken after treatment with saline, pargyline, l-tryptophan, or pargyline given 30 min before l-tryptophan. The combined treatment of pargyline plus l-tryptophan produced hyperactivity in controls and this effect was blocked in the 6-OHDA-treated animals. These findings indicate that the serotonergic system is capable of influencing motor activity, but that this influence is blocked in animals permanently depleted of catecholamines in their terminal field regions.
Antibunching, sub-poissonian photon statistics and finite bandwidth effects in resonance fluorescence

Abstract It is demonstrated that, although the fluorescent photons from a driven two-level atom always exhibit antibunching, they need not obey sub-poissonian statistics. The maximum sub-poissonian excursion of the normalized second factorial moment (〈(Δ n ) 2 〉 − 〈 n 〉)/〈 n 〉 occurs in the transient regime where it can approach the value -1. Effect s of finite bandwidth of excitation on photon statistics are also investigated and it is shown that the photon number distribution may be narrower with finite bandwidth excitation than with coherent excitation.
Ares-I-X Stability and Control Flight Test: Analysis and Plans

The flight test of the Ares I-X vehicle provides a unique opportunity to reduce risk of the design of the Ares I vehicle and test out design, math modeling, and analysis methods. One of the key features of the Ares I design is the significant static aerodynamic instability coupled with the relatively flexible vehicle - potentially resulting in a challenging controls problem to provide adequate flight path performance while also providing adequate structural mode damping and preventing adverse control coupling to the flexible structural modes. Another challenge is to obtain enough data from the single flight to be able to conduct analysis showing the effectiveness of the controls solutions and have data to inform design decisions for Ares I. This paper will outline the modeling approaches and control system design to conduct this flight test, and also the system identification techniques developed to extract key information such as control system performance (gain/phase margins, for example), structural dynamics responses, and aerodynamic model estimations.
Landomycin A inhibits DNA synthesis and G1/S cell cycle progression

Landomycin A was found to inhibit the uptake of [3H]thymidine into DNA in murine smooth muscle cells indicating decreased DNA synthesis. Subsequent studies showed that landomycin A inhibits cell cycle progression.
Seasonal Phenology of Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Pheromone-Baited Trap Survey of Four Important Mealybug Species in Three Wine Grape Growing Regions of Oregon

ABSTRACT Grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a pest of grape vines, Vitis vinifera (Vitales: Vitaceae) and a known vector of several strains of grapevine leafroll-associated virus. Seasonal increase and decline of Ps. maritimus populations on wine grapes is described in each of three important grape growing regions in Oregon using pheromonebaited traps and visual monitoring. Delta traps and genomic verification of collected sessile stages found that only Ps. maritimus is present in Oregon vineyards. Seasonal pheromone-baited trapping and visual surveys during 2010 and 2011 identified two population peaks for adult male flight and sessile developmental stages on vines in Southern Oregon and the Columbia Basin. Willamette Valley vineyards identified one peak male flight period using pheromone-baited traps but no sessile individuals were found in visual surveys. Seasonal developmental stages are described for Southern Oregon and the Columbia Basin. First instar st...
Strongly coverage-dependent excitations of adsorbed molecular hydrogen

We have observed prominent nonlinearities in differential conductance spectra of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ on copper surfaces using a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope. These nonlinearities result from transitions between states of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ with distinct conductances. Tunneling electrons drive these transitions by giving up energy to highly coverage-dependent excitations that do not correspond to known vibrational or rotational modes of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. The nonlinear conductance features can be modeled by extending the conventional framework for inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy to include saturation effects.
BETAMETHASONE (Bt) STIMULATES WHILE DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT) DOES NOT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF FETAL (F) PULMONARY EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF) RECEPTORS (R)

BETAMETHASONE (Bt) STIMULATES WHILE DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT) DOES NOT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF FETAL (F) PULMONARY EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF) RECEPTORS (R)
CHEMICAL CONSPICUOUSNESS OF AN HERBIVORE TO ITS NATURAL ENEMY: EFFECT OF FEEDING SITE SELECTION

A physical refuge from the parasitoid Aphytis melinus is provided to the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii by the interior bark substrates of citrus trees, even though scales have lower fitness on bark in the absence of A. melinus. How bark-reared scales escape parasitism was unclear because A. melinus searches the interior of trees as effectively as the exterior. Host identification in A. melinus is mediated by a kairomone, O-caffeoyltyrosine, in scale covers. O-caffeoyltyrosine concentration varies with scale age and rearing conditions. We hypothesized that the reduced acceptance of bark-reared scale may be due, in part, to reduced quantities of O-caffeoyltyrosine in their covers. We reared scales on bark, leaves, and fruit of lemon and orange trees in the field at monthly intervals and then collected the scales and measured them. We bioassayed covers for their accept- ability to A. melinus in the laboratory and then determined their O-caffeoyltyrosine content. Even after adjusting for the differences in scale body size, O-caffeoyltyrosine content in bark-reared scale covers was 45-85% less than that in covers of leaf- or fruit-reared scales, depending upon cultivar and rearing date. Covers of bark-reared scales were selected for probing only 40-45% of the time when compared to leaf-reared scales. Covers with the highest levels of O-caffeoyltyrosine were most likely to be selected for probing. We con- clude that part of the mechanism by which California red scales on bark avoids discovery is through reduced O-caffeoyltyrosine content in their covers. This reduction is probably a consequence of the reduced nutritional quality of bark as a substrate for scale survival and growth.
Numerical errors and uncertainties in finite-element modeling of trabecular bone

Although micromechanical finite-element models are being increasingly used to help interpret the results of bio-mechanical tests, there has not yet been a systematic study of the numerical errors and uncertainties that occur with these methods. In this work, finite-element models of human L1 vertebra have been used to analyze the sensitivity of the calculated elastic moduli to resolution, boundary conditions, and variations in the Poisson's ratio of the tissue material. Our results indicate that discretization of the bone architecture, inherent in the tomography process, leads to an underestimate in the calculated elastic moduli of about 20% at 20 microm resolution; these errors vary roughly linearly with the size of the image voxels. However, it turns out that there is a cancellation of errors between the softening introduced by the discretization of the bone architecture and the excess bending resistance of eight-node hexahedral finite elements. Our empirical finding is that eight-node cubic elements of the same size as the image voxels lead to the most accurate calculation for a given number of elements, with errors of less than 5% at 20 microm resolution. Comparisons with mechanical testing are also hindered by uncertainties in the grip conditions: our results show that these uncertainties are of comparable magnitude to the systematic differences in mechanical testing methods. Both discretization errors and uncertainties in grip conditions have a smaller effect on relative moduli, used when comparing between different specimens or different load directions, than on an absolute modulus. The effects of variations in the Poisson's ratio of the bone tissue were found to be negligible.
Textbooks and Interlibrary Loan

Students unhappy with the high cost of course textbooks are turning to the library to help alleviate the financial burden. There is no consensus, though, among academic libraries about how to respond to this demand. While the majority of libraries refuse to fill interlibrary loan requests for required textbooks, students continue to submit them. An evaluation was done to determine how frequently students use interlibrary loan to request textbooks at Wichita State University, the costs of such requests, and whether or not a textbook collection within the library offered a solution to this issue.
Hot topics in geriatrics.

The past couple of years have seen some exciting studies that have practical implications for those of us who work in nursing homes. In particular, they are beginning to delineate where treatment may be useful, but also equally, where treatment may produce more harm than good. Perhaps the best example was the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET). This study showed that in healthy older persons whose blood pressure is greater than 160 mm Hg lowering it to 150 mm Hg decreased heart failure, stroke, and death rates. This study excluded persons with severe orthostasis. The drugs used were a thiazide diuretic and/or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. This study does not support the more aggressive control of blood pressure in frail older persons in the nursing home. This study highlighted the importance of monitoring orthostatic hypotension in persons being treated for hypotension. As has already been stressed in the Journal, physicians need also to take into account pseudohypertension and postprandial hypotension. Other studies showed that the combination of an angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor antagonist have worse outcomes, including worsening renal failure, than either drug alone. This strongly suggests this combination should not be used. The ON TARGET study also suggested that in young old ill patients lowering systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg produced increased mortality. The use of warfarin in nursing home residents has been controversial. A number of studies have clearly demonstrated that this is beneficial in persons older than 70 years of age, even if they are falling. Despite this, many physicians fail to initiate appropriate warfarin therapy. Initiation of warfarin therapy should use the calculator available at www. warfarindosing.org. There is a need to make genotyping rapidly available to decrease bleeding. The importance of drugdrug interactions requires close cooperation with the pharmacist to alert the physician when a new drug may interact with warfarin. Consultant pharmacists should also be encouraged to develop warfarin protocols and actively
Synergistic combinations of Ro 11-8958 and other dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors with sulfamethoxazole and dapsone for therapy of experimental pneumocystosis.

Abstract We compared Ro 11-8958, an analog of trimethoprim (TMP) with improved antimicrobial and pharmacokinetic properties, other dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and dapsone (DAP) in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in an immunosuppressed rat model. In contrast to previous reports, high dosages of the DHFR inhibitors were used in combination with fixed, low dosages of SMX (3 mg/kg of body weight per day) or DAP (25 mg/kg/day). When administered alone at these dosages, SMX and DAP reduced the median P. carinii cyst count about 5- to 15-fold. Ro 11-8958, TMP, and diaveridine used at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day with SMX were only slightly more effective than SMX used alone. However, administration of these DHFR inhibitors at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day with SMX lowered the cyst count about 500- to 1,000-fold, indicating a synergistic effect. Little or no synergism was found when other DHFR inhibitors (pyrimethamine, cycloguanil, and tetroxoprim) were combined with SMX. Regimens of Ro 11-8958 at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day with DAP and of TMP or diaveridine used at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day with DAP showed comparable anti-P. carinii activity, lowering the cyst count 100- to 200-fold. By contrast, Ro 11-8958 administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day with DAP reduced the cyst count > 1,000-fold. Thus, the experimental approach used here enables the rat model of pneumocystosis to be used to compare synergistic combinations of antifolate drugs. The favorable results achieved with Ro 11-8958 indicate that it should be considered for clinical trials.
When can a photo increase credit? The impact of lender and borrower profiles on online peer-to-peer loans

Abstract This paper examines the effects of lender and borrower personal characteristics (perceived attractiveness, age and gender) on online peer-to-peer lending decisions. The extant research in finance, marketing, and psychology provides substantial support for the “beauty premium” effect, where ceteris paribus, more (as opposed to less) attractive individuals are favored (e.g., Ravina 2012). Our results qualify these findings, suggesting that (1) when perceived age is a clear signal of competence (college-age signals low competence, while middle age signals significant competence), attractiveness has no effect on loan success; (2) when lender and borrower are of the same gender, attractiveness may actually hurt one’s chances to secure a loan (we observe “beauty is beastly” effect), and (3) loan success is sensitive to the relative age and attractiveness of lenders and borrowers.
Track management technique for electronically scanned radars

A new method of track management for a phased array radar is proposed to simplify the data association and improve the allocation of radar resources. The tracks are organized into Association Groups and Dwell Groups. Association Groups are used for course gating when associating new measurement data with existing tracks, while Dwell Groups are used to efficiently schedule the next dwell on closely-spaced targets. By considering only closely-spaced tracks in the same Association Group, a form of coarse gating is inherently done to cull candidate tracks that are unlikely to associate with a measurement from a dwell to illuminate all of its members. A Dwell Group contains tracks that are spaced sufficiently to allow one dwell to illuminate all of its members. Dwell groups lay the foundation for more systematic approaches to optimal allocation of the radar resources. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the new technique.
The stellar content of a spiral arm of NGC 4321

The effects of the passage of a spiral arm through the disc of the giant Virgo Sc galaxy NGC 4321 are investigated with Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 images in two colours. Concentrating on a portion of the southern spiral arm of NGC 4321, we have applied a new program to solve for the star formation histories in the arm and interarm regions separately. The observational uncertainties and the variable crowding across the spiral arm are taken into account using the results of artificial star tests. In the interarm regions the data are consistent with a constant star formation rate for the last 50 Myr while the stars in the arm region show a star formation rate four times larger than in the interarm regions in the last 5 Myr.
Understanding statistical significance.

Background Statistical significance is often misinterpreted as proof or scientific evidence of importance. This article addresses the most common statistical reporting error in the biomedical literature, namely, confusing statistical significance with clinical importance. Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the confusion between statistical significance and clinical importance by providing a historical perspective of significance testing, presenting a correct understanding of the information given by p values and significance testing, and offering recommendations for the correct use and reporting of statistical results. Approach The correct interpretation of p values and statistical significance is given, and the recommendations provided include a description of the current recommended guidelines for statistical reporting of the size of an effect. Results This article provides a comprehensive overview of p values and significance testing and an understanding of the need for measures of importance and magnitude in statistical reporting. Discussion Statistical significance is not an objective measure and does not provide an escape from the requirement for the researcher to think carefully and judge the clinical and practical importance of a study's results.
Base spreading resistance of polysilicon self-aligned bipolar transistors

The base spreading resistance and its variation with current are analyzed for bipolar transistor structures in which the extrinsic base contact region extends completely around the emitter region. An analytic expression for the resistance is derived that represents the limiting case of a small rectangular emitter structure with corner-rounding. Results of the analysis show good agreement with numerical simulation results. This approach has application in the modeling of modern small-geometry bipolar transistors. >
Five-coordinate cobalt(II) and four- and five-coordinate nickel(II) complexes of the flexible triphosphine ligand bis(3-diphenylphosphinopropyl)phenylphosphine☆

Abstract Two series of low-spin cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes of the triphosphine ligand C6H5P[CH2CH2CH2P(C6H5)2]2 (ttp) have been prepared and characterized. The electronic spectra of the complexes in the solid state (at 77°K and 300°K) and in solution (dichloromethane and acetonitrile) are used to assign coordination geometries and to determine the spectrochemical effect of the chelate chain length by comparison with the spectral data of corresponding complexes of C6H5P[CH2CH2P(C6H5)2]2 (etp). The complexes M-(ttp)X2 (X = Cl, Br, I) are five-coordinate, square-pyramidal and the [Ni(ttp)X]PF6 complexes are square planar. The nickel complexes form the five-coordinate cationic species [Ni(ttp)X(CH3CN)]+ in acetonitrile. The ligand ttp creates a lower spectrochemical effect than does the ligand etp.
Sampling autobiographical memory

Abstract An empirical procedure for probing autobiographical memory was assessed. Words designating common objects, activities, and feelings were used as guides for recall of discrete experiences. Four properties of the recollections were assessed: latency, age of occurrence, temporal specificity of memory report, and type of experience. The three results of most general interest were: (1) consistent differences in properties of reports elicited by affect terms and those elicited by object and activity words; (2) a curvilinear relationship between latency and event age; and (3) reliable sex differences. Several proposals regarding the organization of autobiographical memory, and voluntary recall of personal experiences are discussed.
Modeling the formation of bright slope deposits associated with gullies in Hale Crater, Mars: Implications for recent liquid water

Abstract Our study investigates possible formation mechanisms of the very recent bright gully deposits (BGDs) observed on Mars in order to assess if liquid water was required. We use two models in our assessment: a one-dimensional (1D) kinematic model to model dry granular flows and a two-dimensional (2D) fluid-dynamic model, FLO-2D ( O’Brien et al., 1993 , FLO Engineering), to model water-rich and wet sediment-rich flows. Our modeling utilizes a high-resolution topographic model generated from a pair of images acquired by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. For the 1D kinematic modeling of dry granular flows, we examine a range of particle sizes, flow thicknesses, initial velocities, flow densities, and upslope initiation points to examine how these parameters affect the flow run-out distances of the center of mass of a flow. Our 1D modeling results show that multiple combinations of realistic parameters could produce dry granular flows that travel to within the observed deposits’ boundaries. We run the 2D fluid-dynamic model, FLO-2D, to model both water-rich and wet sediment-rich flows. We vary the inflow volume, inflow location, discharge rate, water-loss rate (water-rich models only), and simulation time and examine the resulting maximum flow depths and velocities. Our 2D modeling results suggest that both wet sediment-rich and water-rich flows could produce the observed bright deposits. Our modeling shows that the BGDs are not definitive evidence of recent liquid water on the surface of Mars.
Modulation by prostaglandins of the release of [3H]noradrenaline evoked by potassium and nerve stimulation in the isolated rat heart

Abstract In the isolated rat heart perfused with Krebs solution and prelabeled with [ 3 H]noradrenaline, we examined the effect of prostaglandins (PG) I 2 , E 2 , 6-keto-PGF 1α and their precursor, arachidonic acid, on the overflow of tritium elicited by potassium (K + ) and by stimulation of cardiac sympathetic nerve plexus. Prostaglandins E 2 , I 2 and arachidonic acid but not 6-keto-PGF 1α reduced K + and nerve stimulation-induced overflow of tritium. Administration of indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, increased tritium overflow elicited by either K + or by nerve stimulation. During infusion of indomethacin, the inhibitory effect of both PGE 2 and PGI 2 on the K + or nerve stimulation-induced overflow of tritium remained unaltered. In contrast, the effect of arachidonic acid to reduce K + or nerve stimulation-induced overflow of tritium was abolished by indomethacin, indicating that the fatty acid inhibits release of tritium by its conversion to a product(s) of cyclooxygenase, presumably PGI 2 and PGE 2 . These data suggest that prostaglandins, particularly PGI 2 and PGE 2 sythesized in the isolated rat heart act on prejunctional sites to modulate release of the adrenergic transmitter.
Evaluation of Spastic Muscle in Stroke Survivors Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Resistance to Passive Motion

Abstract Ploutz-Snyder LL, Clark BC, Logan L, Turk M. Evaluation of spastic muscle in stroke survivors using magnetic resonance imaging and resistance to passive motion. Objective To assess the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resistance to passive movement to evaluate spastic muscle. Design T2-weighted MRI scans of the upper arm were obtained at rest and after the performance of upper-arm exercise. In addition, resistance to passive movement was measured subjectively (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS]) and objectively by an isokinetic device while the arm was moved at varying speeds (stretch reflex torque). Setting Research laboratory. Participants Six hemiplegic stroke survivors (single group) with spasticity in the elbow flexors and extensors. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Strength, stretch reflex torque, MAS, MRI-derived muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), and transverse relaxation time (T2). Results The affected sides exhibited spasticity (as assessed through MAS), with the extensors displaying a range of 0 to 3, and the flexors between 1 and 1+. The affected muscle groups were significantly weaker than the unaffected muscle groups (extensors: 61% less, flexors: 65% less; P≤.05). The affected CSA of the triceps was 25% smaller than that of the unaffected side (P=.01), but the biceps muscle group was similar (5% less on the affected side, P≥.05). There was a tendency (P=.07; effect size, .48) for the resting T2 to be higher in affected versus unaffected biceps, but triceps values were similar (P≥.05). Both muscle groups showed an increase in T2 after exercise (≈30%, P≤.05); however, the affected sides did not show an increase (P≥.05). For both muscle groups, the affected side had a greater stretch reflex torque, with the range of torque values being greater than the range of MAS scores. Conclusions MRI and quantitative resistance to passive movement may be useful in the evaluation of spasticity. This is clinically relevant for the development and evaluation of antispasticity treatments.
GMS considering uncertainty in wind power in a wind-hydrothermal power system

An optimal preventive generator maintenance scheduling (GMS) in a smart grid environment comprising wind-hydrothermal energy resources is presented in this paper. GMS problem is solved with the aim of maximizing economic benefits subject to satisfying system constraints. This GMS formulation becomes a challenging problem because of the variability and intermittency of wind speed and the incorporation of uncertainty in wind generation. The objective is to perform preventive GMS in such a manner that the annual generation cost is minimized, the annual cost saving is increased while all operating constraints are satisfied in the presence of uncertainty in wind generation. Discrete modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO-D) algorithm is used to solve this problem. The results presented on a typical Nigerian power system show the potential and benefits obtainable from increasing wind power penetration.
Facing Reality Together Discussion: With Culture in Mind: The Social Third

Like the papers it speaks to, Jessica Benjamin's deft discussion works at once on 3 different levels: the clinical moment where mind and society meet, the critique of social and psychoanalytic theory, and the assessment of social forces. It aims to “highlight what is gained or lost or made more troublesome by admitting the intensity of interpellation, which our psychoanalyst authors allow themselves to experience.” Following the “thread of mourning” marking each essay, Benjamin weaves the essayists’ diverse voices to lay out a series of queries about clinical work, mind, and culture. Unfolding in a matrix of psychoanalytic concepts, social thought, and feminist theory, this discussion agrees with some of the ideas found herein and demurs about others, thereby complicating the already intricate stories these authors tell.
Comparison of techniques for the measurement of skin temperature during exercise in a hot, humid environment

Exercising or working in a hot, humid environment can results in the onset of heat-related illness when an individual's temperature is not carefully monitored. The purpose of the present study was to compare three techniques (data loggers, thermal imaging, and wired electrodes) for the measurement of peripheral (bicep) and central (abdominal) skin temperature. Young men and women (N=30) were recruited to complete the present study. The three skin temperature measurements were made at 0 and every 10-min during 40-min (60% VO2max) of cycling in a hot (39±2°C), humid (45±5% RH) environment. Data was statistically analyzed using the Bland-Altman method and correlation analysis. For abdominal skin temperature, the Bland-Altman limits of agreement indicated that data loggers (1.5) were a better index of wired than was thermal imaging (3.5), For the bicep skin temperature the limits of agreement was similar between data loggers (1.9) and thermal (1.9), suggesting the both were suitable measurements. We also found that when skin temperature exceeded 35oC, we observed progressively better prediction between data loggers, thermal imaging, and wired skin sensors. This report describes the potential for the use of data loggers and thermal imaging to be used as alternative measures of skin temperature in exercising, human subjects.
The oxide-water interface—Interrelation of the zero point of charge and the heat of immersion

Abstract A quantitative linear relation between the heat of immersion and the pH of the zero point of charge (zpc) of inorganic oxides has been derived. The validity of the derivation has been substantiated by literature values of the two quantities for the inorganic oxides. The basis of the correlation is examined in terms of the electrostatic field strengths of the oxide surfaces, and the role of this field strength in determining both heat of immersion and zpc phenomena is discussed. The field is considered to control both the adsorption and dissociation of water molecules at the solid-liquid interface.
Q-switch saturable absorber materials for solid state lasers

ABSTRACT New solid-state passive Q-switch materials frr the Er:glass laser at I .53 im are described. Saturableabsorber Q-switching has been obtained using U4:SrF2, Er3:CaF2, and Er3:Ca5(PO4)3F. 1. INTRODUCTION Er:glass lasers are important in many applications because they emit in a narrow eye-safe spectralregion around I .54 .tm. Uses for cyesafe lasers include communications, optical atmospheric remote sensing,and lidar appications. 1.2 Many of these applications require short pulses with high peak power which can beobtained by Q-switching the Er:glass laser.Saturable absorber Q-switching is simple and inexpensive. when compared to mechanical, electro-optical or acousto-optical Q-switch devices. Recently. OUf group reported saturable absorber Q-switchingEr:glass laser using Er:Ca5(P04)3F (or Er:FAP).3 Additional passive Q-switches for Er:glass (Er3:CaF2and U4:SrF2),4 as well as new results with Er:FAP are described. 2. SATURABLE-ABSORBER Q-SWITCH THEORY Saturable absorber Q-swiiching, for a 3-level laser. can be described using the lollowing coupleddifferential cquations:5'
Medicaid participation by private and safety net pediatricians, 1993 and 2000.

Background. Eligibility expansions and managed care growth were 2 major forces shaping the Medicaid program during the 1990s. Although Medicaid managed care was introduced to contain rising costs of growing enrollment and expenditures, it also offered states an opportunity to improve enrollees’ access to mainstream health care providers. By enrolling in commercial managed care plans, they could gain access to private office-based physicians, thus eliminating a 2-tiered health care system. Objectives. To investigate changes in private and safety net pediatricians’ participation in Medicaid between 1993 and 2000, a period noted for eligibility expansion for children and rapid managed care growth. Design. Survey data collected from private and safety net pediatricians in 1993 and 2000 were analyzed to investigate how pediatricians’ Medicaid caseloads were affected by 1) their practice setting, and 2) whether they accepted all Medicaid patients. Results. Pediatricians’ Medicaid caseloads increased significantly between 1993 and 2000, with those in private practice settings reporting greater increases. More pediatricians accepted all Medicaid patients in 2000, but Medicaid caseloads remained twice as high for safety net pediatricians. Medicaid caseloads increased dramatically for those accepting all Medicaid patients, except in safety net settings, where pediatricians who were turning away some Medicaid patients had heavier Medicaid caseloads than those who accepted all Medicaid patients. Conclusions. Although Medicaid children were still disproportionately served in the safety net in 2000, their access to private pediatricians had improved since 1993. But a ceiling in the safety net’s capacity to absorb more Medicaid patients was suggested by the finding that safety net pediatricians turned away Medicaid patients as their Medicaid caseloads increased. Combined with decreasing participation by commercial plans in the Medicaid managed care market, increasing hospital emergency department overloads, and growing Title XXI Medicaid enrollments, interventions may be needed to avert a looming pediatric provider shortage for publicly insured low-income children.
A New Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid:N-Methylpalaudinium Chloride

A new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, N-methylpalaudinium chloride (I), was isolated from Thalictrum polygamum Muhl. (Ranunculaceae).
Probing the Binding of Indolactam-V to Protein Kinase C through Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Computational Docking Simulations

Protein kinase C (PKC) comprises a family of ubiquitous enzymes transducing signals by the lipophilic second messenger sn-1, 2-diacylglycerol (DAG). Teleocidin and its structurally simpler congener indolactam-V (ILV) bind to PKC with high affinity. In this paper, we report our computational docking studies on ILV binding to PKC using an automatic docking computer program, MCDOCK. In addition, we used site-directed mutagenesis to assess the quantitative contribution of crucial residues around the binding site of PKC to the binding affinity of ILV to PKC. On the basis of the docking studies, ILV binds to PKC in its cis-twist conformation and forms a number of optimal hydrogen bond interactions. In addition, the hydrophobic groups in ILV form "specific" hydrophobic interactions with side chains of a number of conserved hydrophobic residues in PKC. The predicted binding mode for ILV is entirely consistent with known structure-activity relationships and with our mutational analysis. Our mutational analysis establishes the quantitative contributions of a number of conserved residues to the binding of PKC to ILV. Taken together, our computational docking simulations and analysis by site-directed mutagenesis provide a clear understanding of the interaction between ILV and PKC and the structural basis for design of novel, high-affinity, and isozyme-selective PKC ligands.
An 802.11 MAC layer covert channel

For extremely sensitive applications, it may be advantageous for users to transmit certain types of data covertly over the network. This provides an additional layer of security to that provided by the different layers of the protocol stack. In this paper we present a covert side channel that uses the 802.11 MAC rate switching protocol. The covert channel provides a general method to hide communications within currently deployed 802.11 LANs. The technique uses a one-time password (OTP) algorithm to ensure high-entropy randomness of the covert messages. We investigate how the covert side channel affects network throughput under various rate-switching conditions with UDP-based and TCP-based application traffic. We also investigate the covertness of the covert side channel using standardized entropy. The theoretical analysis shows that the maximum covert channel bandwidth is 60 bps. The simulation results show that the impact on network throughput is minimal and increases slightly as the covert channel bandwidth increases. We further show that the channel has 100% accuracy with minimal impact on rate switching entropy for scenarios where rate switching normally occurs. Finally, we present two applications for the covert channel: covert authentication and covert WiFi botnets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic zinc deficiency in rats: Its influence on some parameters of humoral and cell-mediated immunity

Abstract The effect of dietary zinc deficiency on immune function was studied in specific pathogen-free rats. The spleen cell response to sheep red blood cells (srbc) and serum hemolysins were measured in rats maintained on the depleted or normal diet for periods of time ranging from 3 to 10 weeks and immunized with srbc six days prior to sacrifice. The in vitro response of splenic lymphocytes to the polyclonal T-cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), was also investigated. There was no significant effect of the diet on spleen plaque-forming cells, although values for zinc-deficient rats tended to vary widely as the time on the diet increased. Hemolysin titers were unaffected by diet at all intervals. A significant reduction in lymphocyte blastogenesis was observed in the zinc-deficient rats after 5 weeks on the diet. Control animals responded with four times the stimulation observed in the low zinc group. Thymus weight and serum zinc levels were significantly reduced by the zinc-deficient diet. Chronic, moderate zinc deficiency appears to have a differential effect on humoral and cell-mediated lymphocyte functions in this model. The normal plaque-forming cell and hemolytic antibody response to srbc suggests that helper T-cell and B-cell functions are intact. In contrast, the impaired mitogenesis in response to PHA stimulation indicates that zinc deficiency is affecting other T-cell subset(s).
Pirfenidone attenuates bleomycin-induced changes in pulmonary functions in hamsters

The antifibrotic potential of pirfenidone (5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-[1H]-pyridone) was examined in a single intratracheal bleomycin dose hamster model of pulmonary fibrosis. Bleomycin-induced fibrosis and the effectiveness of pirfenidone treatment were assessed by measuring pulmonary functions (Cqst, TLC, VC, IC, FRC, RV) and the level of hydroxyproline in whole lung homogenates. Thirty-five male golden Syrian hamsters were randomized into four experimental groups: saline instilled and fed a control diet of rat chow (SCD, n = 8); saline instilled and fed the control diet containing 0.5% (w/w) pirfenidone (SPD, n = 8); bleomycin instilled and fed the control diet (BCD, n = 7); and bleomycin instilled and fed the control diet containing 0.5% pirfenidone (BPD, n = 10). Twenty-one days following bleomycin instillation Cqst/TLC, TLC, VC, and IC were significantly reduced and total lung hydroxyproline levels were significantly increased in the BCD and BPD groups as compared with the SCD and SPD groups, respectively. Pirfenidone ingestion significantly attenuated these bleomycin-induced pertubations in pulmonary functions and lung hydroxyproline levels (BCD versus BPD). The data obtained in this study provide evidence of the benefical effects of pirfenidone in the hamster model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis both at the functional and biochemical level.
The frequency of immortalization of human fibroblasts and mammary epithelial cells transfected with SV40 large T-antigen

SV40 T-antigen-expressing human cells generally have an extension of lifespan until a period called "crisis" begins. On rare occasions a clone of cells emerges from the population in crisis and gives rise to an immortalized cell line. The present study compares the frequency of immortalization of cells from two different human lineages, lung fibroblasts and mammary epithelial cells. Most of the T-antigen-transfected clones from both cell types failed to immortalize, however, within those clones which were immortalization-competent the frequency of escape from crisis was found to be much higher (10(-5)) in mammary epithelial cells than in human fibroblasts (3 x 10(-7)). The frequency of escape from crisis in fibroblasts could be increased by chemical mutagenesis or by infection with a defective retrovirus. T-antigen-transfected fibroblasts were uniformly highly aneuploid both before and after crisis. In contrast, many SV40 T-antigen- and human papilloma virus 16 E6- or E6/E7-transfected mammary epithelial clones maintained a subpopulation of pseudodiploid cells prior to crisis, and the immortal cells that emerged following crisis were generally pseudodiploid. The higher frequency of escape from crisis in mammary epithelial cells is best explained by postulating a mutational inactivation of one allele of a critical gene followed by the elimination of the remaining wild-type alleles, with a much higher frequency of this second event in mammary epithelial cells due to their reduced ploidy compared to that in T-antigen-transfected fibroblasts. The results are discussed in terms of the regulation of telomerase activity and the M1/M2 model of cellular senescence.
Effects of temperature alterations on population and cellular activities in hippocampal slices from mature and immature rabbit.

Abstract Effects of temperature on population spike and cellular activities have been assessed in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices from mature and immature rabbit. In field potential recordings, population spike amplitude was maximal at near 30 °C for both mature and immature tissue, and fell off as temperature was either raised (to a maximum of 44 °C) or lowered (to a minimum of 20 °C). With cooling below 30 °C, population spikes decreased in amplitude and became broader; stimuli always elicited some response, and changes due to cooling were reversible. With increases in temperature, however, irreversible decrease and/or loss of population spikes occurred when tissue was warmed beyond 43 °C. Input-output curves established for mature and immature slices indicated that, at all temperatures, population spike amplitude grew more rapidly with small increases in stimulus intensity in immature slices as compared to mature slices. Intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal cells in mature and immature hippocampal slices. For both mature and immature tissues, moderate warming (to 40 °C) produced membrane hyperpolarizations in many cells, especially in the mature hippocampus. Increasing temperature beyond 40 °C led to marked depolarizations in a number of cells, a depolarization that was irreversible, particularly in mature neurons. Cooling generally produced a depolarizing shift in membrane potential and an accompanying increase in input resistance; these effects, however, were reversible. Temperature changes in both warming and cooling directions had effects on repetitive firing patterns in both mature and immature neurons. In particular, spike trains elicited by a constant current pulse at a given membrane potential became shorter. The effects of cooling on this cell parameter were reversible, but warming-induced changes were usually permanent. Irreversibility of the warming effects was more pronounced in cells from mature than from immature hippocampus. As reported previously, cooling produced marked spike broadening and changes in synaptic potentials in both mature and immature neurons. These studies confirm previously reported temperature sensitivities of neuronal properties in hippocampal slices. On the basis of these data, and reports from other laboratories, it is clear that relatively small changes in temperature can have rather dramatic effects on properties of single cells and cell populations. Such temperature sensitivity is critical in evaluating data obtained from in vitro slice preparations. These data are also helpful in trying to evaluate the effects of hyperthermia (fever) on neural function.