cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZING SELECTION ON PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY IN RESPONSE TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL HETEROGENEITY

Adaptive genetic differentiation and adaptive phenotypic plasticity can increase the fitness of plant lineages in heterogeneous environments. We examine the relative importance of genetic differentiation and plasticity in determining the fitness of the annual plant, Erodium cicutarium, in a serpentine grassland in California. Previous work demonstrated that the serpentine sites within this mosaic display stronger dispersal-scale heterogeneity than nonserpentine sites. We conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment among six sites to characterize selection on plasticity expressed by 180 full-sibling families in response to natural environmental heterogeneity across these sites. Multivariate axes of environmental variation were constructed using a principal components analysis of soil chemistry data collected at every experimental block. Simple linear regressions were used to characterize the intercept, and slope (linear and curvilinear) of reaction norms for each full-sibling family in response to each axis of environmental variation. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant selection on trait means and slopes of reaction norms. Multivariate analyses of variance demonstrated genetic differentiation between serpentine and nonserpentine lineages in the expression of plasticity in response to three of the five axes of environmental variation considered. In all but one case, serpentine genotypes expressed a stronger adaptive plastic response than nonserpentine genotypes.
Topological insulators, topological superconductors and Weyl fermion semimetals: discoveries, perspectives and outlooks

Unlike string theory, topological physics in lower dimensional condensed matter systems is an experimental reality since the bulk-boundary correspondence can be probed experimentally in lower dimensions. In addition, recent experimental discoveries of non-quantum-Hall-like topological insulators, topological superconductors, Weyl semimetals and other topological states of matter also signal a clear departure from the quantum-Hall-effect-like transport paradigm that has dominated the field since the 1980s. It is these new forms of matter that enabled realizations of topological-Dirac, Weyl cones, helical-Cooper-pairs, Fermi-arc-quasiparticles and other emergent phenomena in fine-tuned photoemission (ARPES) experiments since ARPES experiments directly allow the study of bulk-boundary (topological) correspondence. In this proceeding we provide a brief overview of the key experiments and discuss our perspectives regarding the new research frontiers enabled by these experiments. Taken collectively, we argue in favor of the emergence of 'topological-condensed-matter-physics' in laboratory experiments for which a variety of theoretical concepts over the last 80 years paved the way.
Basic FGF‐responsive telencephalic precursor cells express functional GABAA receptor/Cl− channels in vitro

We have previously described the expression of specific γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor subunits and their transcripts in the cortical neuroepithelium (Ma and Barker, 1995, 1998). However, it is not clear whether neural precursor cells exposed to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro reproduce the biological properties of neuroepithelial cells in vivo within the embryonic ventricular zone. In the present study, neural precursor cells were isolated from the telencephalic neuroepithelium of embryonic day 13–13.5 rats and exposed to bFGF in serum-free medium. Basic FGF-responsive cells were capable of dividing and differentiating into neurons and astrocytes. The rapidly dividing cells formed multicellular spheres and then a rosette-like formation in which a majority of cells expressed GABAA receptor α4, β1, or γ1 subunit proteins. We found in perforated patch-clamp recordings that GABA depolarized bromodeoxyundine (BrdU)+ precursor cells, and under voltage-clamp induced a bicuculline-sensitive current that reversed at the Cl− equilibrium potential. GABA also increased cytoplasmic Ca+ in a significant number of BrdU+ cells that was blocked by bicuculline. The bicuculline sensitivity of these pharmacological effects implicates GABAA receptor/Cl− channels, since bicuculline is a competitive GABAA antagonist at these channels in well-differentiated cells. It is possible that the three GABAA receptor subunits (α4, β1, and γ1) found in precursor cells form the Cl− channels detected electrophysiologically. The functional GABAA receptor/Cl− channels and associated regulation of their cytoplasmic Ca+ levels via bicuculline-sensitive mechanisms may play significant roles in the regulation of neural cell proliferation in this model neuroepithelium. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 35: 277–286, 1998
Whiteness and the Performance of Race in American Ballroom Dance

Based on ethnographic fieldwork with predominantly white, middle-class, American ballroom dancers, this article discusses the ballroom as a site where problematic constructions of whiteness and otherness are embodied in performance. Through the genre classifications of "modern" and "Latin," whiteness is made universal and normative while the racial other is made particular and exotic, physical and sexual. The article argues that both dance classifications are manifestations of whiteness, mirrored reflections of one another that help to define whiteness by making invisible what whiteness is and explicitly pronouncing what whiteness is not.
Photochemical transformation of the insensitive munitions compound 2,4-dinitroanisole.

Abstract The insensitive munitions compound 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) is increasingly being used as a replacement for traditional, sensitive munitions compounds (e.g., trinitrotoluene [TNT]), but the environmental fate and photo-transformation of DNAN in natural water systems are currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the photo-transformation rates of DNAN with both ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight irradiation under different environmentally relevant conditions. Sunlight photo-transformation of DNAN in water was found to follow predominantly pseudo-first-order decay kinetics with an average half-life ( t 1/2 ) of approximately 0.70 d and activation energy (E a ) of 53 kJ mol − 1 . Photo-transformation rates of DNAN were dependent on the wavelength of the light source: irradiation with UV-B light (280–315 nm) resulted in a greater quantum yield of transformation (ϕ UV-B = 3.7 × 10 − 4 ) than rates obtained with UV-A light (ϕ UV-A = 2.9 × 10 − 4 at 316–400 nm) and sunlight (ϕ sun = 1.1 × 10 − 4 ). Photo-oxidation was the dominant mechanism for DNAN photo-transformation, based on the formation of nitrite (NO 2 − ) and nitrate (NO 3 − ) as major N species and 2,4-dinitrophenol as the minor species. Environmental factors (e.g., temperature, pH, and the presence or absence of naturally dissolved organic matter) displayed modest to little effects on the rate of DNAN photo-transformation. These observations indicate that sunlight-induced photo-transformation of DNAN may represent a significant abiotic degradation pathway in surface water, which may have important implications in evaluating the potential impacts and risks of DNAN in the environment.
Calcium channel blockers in heart failure: Help or hindrance?

Since their development, calcium channel blocking agents have stimulated interest in their potential benefit for a variety of cardiovascular disorders, including heart failure. The rationale for the potential benefit of calcium channel blockers in heart failure is multi-factorial, including vasodilation, correction of perturbed diastolic relaxation, anti-ischemic action, and potential for inhibiting myocyte hypertrophy and injury. Despite these potential benefits, the degree of salutary influence has remained controversial, and a number of studies have suggested potential adverse action in patients with heart failure, perhaps linked to either negative inotropic action or to reflex neurohormonal activation. Diversity among different agents, particularly with regard to tissue selectivity and pharmacokinetics may imply substantial differences in the relative benefits and risks in various subgroups of patients with heart failure. One trial with the newer dihydropyridine agent, amlodipine, indicates benefit to survival in patients with moderate to severe heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The reproducibility of this finding and the mechanism for this benefit deserves further investigation.
The nature of lexical-semantic access in bilingual aphasia.

Background. Despite a growing clinical need, there are no clear guidelines on assessment of lexical access in the two languages in individuals with bilingual aphasia. Objective. In this study, we examined the influence of language proficiency on three tasks requiring lexical access in English and Spanish bilingual normal controls and in bilingual individuals with aphasia. Methods. 12 neurologically healthy Spanish-English bilinguals and 10 Spanish-English bilinguals with aphasia participated in the study. All participants completed three lexical retrieval tasks: two picture-naming tasks (BNT, BPNT) and a category generation (CG) task. Results. This study found that across all tasks, the greatest predictors for performance were the effect of group and language ability rating (LAR). Bilingual controls had a greater score or produced more correct responses than participants with bilingual aphasia across all tasks. The results of our study also indicate that normal controls and bilinguals with aphasia make similar types of errors in both English and Spanish and develop similar clustering strategies despite significant performance differences between the groups. Conclusions. Differences between bilingual patients and controls demonstrate a fundamental lexical retrieval deficit in bilingual individuals with aphasia, but one that is further influenced by language proficiency in the two languages.
3.5 Million years of hominid brain evolution

Abstract Brains of the earliest known hominids, the australopithecines, were the size of those of apes and brain size did not increase much during the course of their evolution. On the other hand, brain size ‘took off’ dramatically in the genus Homo beginning two million years ago. Brain evolution may be investigated by studying skulls and endocranial casts in the hominid fossil record or, less directly, by comparing brains of living people with those of nonhuman primates. Information gleaned from both approaches is brought to bear on the question of what happened during the past 3.5 million years of hominid brain evolution.
REMOVAL OF STRATUM CORNEUM IN VIVO: AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE CELLOPHANE TAPE STRIPPING TECHNIQUE

The removal of stratum corneum in vivo by cellophane tape stripping is a traumatic procedure, as evidenced by considerable acute erythema. This may render the skin less suitable for subsequent experimentation. Hydration of the stratum corneum by occlusion under a water-saturated patch for 24 hours prior to stripping greatly facilitates the procedure. Removal is accomplished with less force, and with about ⅓ the number of strippings ordinarily required. Also, there is usually less erythema than after stripping of dry skin. Why hydration should loosen stratum corneum cells from each other is not known.
Digital preservation and knowledge discovery based on documents from an international health science program

Important biomedical information is often recorded, published or archived in unstructured and semi-structured textual form. Artificial intelligence and knowledge discovery techniques may be applied to large volumes of such data to identify and extract useful metadata, not only for providing access to these documents, but also for conducting analyses and uncovering patterns and trends in a field. The System for Preservation of Electronic Resources (SPER), an information management tool developed at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, provides these capabilities by integrating machine learning, data mining and digital preservation techniques. In this paper, we present an overview of SPER and its ability to retrieve information from one such dataset. We show how SPER was applied to the semi-structured records of an international health science program, the 46-year continuous archive of conference publications and related documents from the Joint Cholera Panel of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Science Program (CMSP). We explain the techniques by which metadata was extracted automatically from the semi-structured document contents to preserve these publications, and show how such data was used to quantitatively describe the activity of a research community toward a preliminary study of a subset of its specific health science program goals.
Crystal structure of [CF3CFC(CF3)Ag]4 and its use as a chemical vapor deposition precursor for silver films

Abstract Silver films have been prepared by the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition of perfluoro-1-methyl-1-propenylsilver tetramer, [CF 3 CFC(CF 3 )Ag] 4 , at 275°C and 10 −4 Torr; the silver films contain only traces ( trans -CF 3 CFCH(CF 3 ) (50%) and CF 3 CCCF 3 (40%). It is argued that silver metal is produced by elimination of CF 3 CCCF 3 from trans -[CF 3 CFC(CF 3 )Ag] 4 to form silver(I) fluoride, which defluorinates to form silver metal. The crystal structure of trans -[CF 3 CFC(CF 3 )Ag] 4 was determined and reveals that this compound is a tetramer that consists of a square plane of silver atoms in which each edge is bridged by a trans -perfluoro-1-methyl-1-propenyl ligand. The average distances and angles are: AgAg = 2.761 A, AgC = 2.19 A, AgCAg = 78.3° and CAgC = 166.7°. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / c , a = 9.480(5) A, b = 15.589(6) A, c = 18.919(4) A, β = 90.27(3)°, V = 2796(4) A 3 , Z = 4, R f = 0.070, and R wF = 0.089 on 433 variables and 3617 data with I > 2.58 σ( I ).
Carrageenan Reduces Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP4) and Activates the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Normal Human Colonocytes

Carrageenans are highly sulfated polysaccharides that are widely used as food additives in the Western diet, in order to improve the texture of processed foods. Although native and degraded carrageenans induce colonic ulcerations, polyps, and colorectal tumors in animal models, very little is known about the effects of carrageenan on human colonocytes. We evaluated effects of lambda-carrageenan (lambdaCGN) on the normal human colonocyte cell line NCM460, using a concentration of 1 mug/ml, about less than one tenth the average daily exposure to carrageenan in the Western diet. We measured secreted bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) in spent media and quantified its expression by quantitative RT-PCR. Wnt-related genes were measured by an oligonucleotide array. Cellular beta-catenin was quantified by ELISA. We found a marked decline in secreted BMP4 (P < 0.001) following exposure of NCM460 cells to lambdaCGN for 24 hr. Quantitative RT-PCR for BMP4 transcripts revealed 24% and 45% inhibition of expression on days 2 and 4. cDNA gene expression array of Wnt signaling pathway target genes demonstrated significant changes, including 4.5-fold induction of Wnt 9A and suppression of Dickkopf 3 and RHOU genes. Measurement of beta-catenin by ELISA revealed concomitant accumulation with increases of 67.8%, 61.6%, and 73.9% on days 1, 2, and 4, compared to untreated controls. We conclude that treatment of normal human colonocytes with lambdaCGN activated the Wnt/beta-Catenin cascade and suppressed the expression and secretion of BMP4, inducing significant changes in cellular pathways that are associated with both sporadic and juvenile polyps. CGN may influence development of intestinal polyps in vivo by these mechanisms.
Implant debris particle size affects serum protein adsorption which may contribute to particle size-based bioreactivity differences

Biologic reactivity to orthopedic implant debris mediates long-term clinical performance of total joint arthroplasty implants. However, why some facets of implant debris are more pro-inflammatory remains controversial such as particle size, shape, base material etc. This precludes accurate prediction and optimal design of modern total joint replacements. We hypothesized that debris particle size can influence adsorbed protein film composition and affect subsequent bioreactivity. We measured size-dependent protein film-adsorption, and adsorbed protein film-dependent cytokine release using equal surface areas of different sized cobalt-chromium-alloy (CoCr-alloy) particle and in vitro challenge of human macrophages (THP-1 and human primary). Smaller 5μm vs 70μm sized particles preferentially adsorbed more serum protein in general (p<0.03), where higher molecular weight serum proteins consistent with IgG were identified. Additionally, 5μm CoCr-alloy particles pre-coated with different protein biofilms (IgG vs albumin) resulted in differential cytokine expression where albumin-coated particles induced more TNF-α and IgG-coated particles induced more IL-1β release from human monocyte/macrophages. In these preliminary in vitro studies we demonstrated the capability of equal surface areas of different particle sizes to influence adsorbed protein composition and that adsorbed protein differences on identical particles can translate into complex differences in bioreactivity. Together this suggests adsorbed protein differences on different sized particles of the same material may be a contributing mechanism by which different sized particles induce differences in reactivity.
AN EFFICIENT HIGH-SPEED SYNTHETIC ROUTE TO AMINO-SUBSTITUTED THIAZOLIDINONE LIBRARIES

Abstract An efficient solid-phase synthesis of amino-substituted thiazolidinones using an acid-labile carbamate linkage is reported. In this approach, excess unprotected symmetrical diamine is incorporated directly onto a carbonylimidazole activated Wang support followed by imine formation on the remaining free primary amine, cyclization and amide bond expansion.
Suicidal ideation and risk factors in primary care patients with anxiety disorders

The presence of an anxiety disorder is associated with greater frequency of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Given the high personal and societal costs of suicidal behaviors, suicide prevention is a priority. Understanding factors present within individuals with anxiety disorders that increase suicide risk may inform prevention efforts. The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviors, as well as factors associated with suicide risk in patients with anxiety disorders in primary care. Data from a large scale randomized controlled study were analyzed to assess prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as factors associated with suicide risk. Results revealed that suicidal ideation and behaviors were relatively common in this group. When examining mental and physical health factors jointly, presence of depression, mental health-related impairment, and social support each uniquely accounted for variance in suicide risk score. Methodological limitations include cross-sectional data collection and lack of information on comorbid personality disorders. Moreover, patients included were from a clinical trial with exclusion criteria that may limit generalizability. Results highlight the complex determinants of suicidal behavior and the need for more nuanced suicide assessment in this population, including evaluation of comorbidity and general functioning.
Fronto-temporal-mesolimbic gene expression and heritable differences in amphetamine-disrupted sensorimotor gating in rats.

Differences in sensitivity to the prepulse inhibition (PPI)-disruptive effects of D2-family agonists in Sprague–Dawley (SD) vs. Long Evans (LE) rats are heritable, reflect differential activation of DA signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAC), and are associated with differences in expression of specific NAC genes. These differences may inform us about the biology of PPI deficits in disorders such as schizophrenia. After confirming these strain-based PPI differences, we measured expression of four genes in NAC and other regions that regulate PPI: medial prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus (VH). Startle and PPI were assessed in SD and LE rats administered d-amphetamine (0 vs. 4.5 mg/kg, sc). Two weeks later, brain tissue was processed for comt, nrg1, grid2, and csnk1e expression; blood comt expression was also tested. Data confirmed expected PPI phenotypes. Gene expression levels differed across strains, sexes, and brain regions, with LE > SD expression in most genes and regions, and female > male expression for all NAC genes. Within any brain region, expression of the four genes was highly inter-correlated; across regions, correlations were less robust, reflecting distinct strain- or sex-based subgroups. PPI amphetamine sensitivity at 120 ms correlated significantly with NAC nrg1 expression, while amphetamine sensitivity for 30 ms PPI and startle magnitude correlated significantly with VH nrg1 and blood comt expression. Rat strains differing in a schizophrenia-linked phenotype also differ in expression levels of genes associated both with that phenotype, and with schizophrenia, within brain regions associated with that phenotype and schizophrenia.
Partial least squares analysis of near-infrared hyperspectral images for beef tenderness prediction

Tenderness is a primary determinant of consumer satisfaction of beef steaks. The objective of this study was to implement and test near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging to forecast 14-day aged, cooked beef tenderness from the hyperspectral images of fresh ribeye steaks (n = 319) acquired at 3–5 day post-mortem. A pushbroom hyperspectral imaging system (wavelength range: 900–1700 nm) with a diffuse-flood lighting system was developed. After imaging, steaks were vacuum-packaged and aged until 14 days postmortem. After aging, the samples were cooked and slice shear force (SSF) values were collected as a tenderness reference. After reflectance calibration, a Region-of-Interest (ROI) of 150 × 300 pixels at the center of longissimus muscle was selected. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was carried out on each ROI image to reduce the dimension along the spectral axis. Gray-level textural co-occurrence matrix analysis with two quantization levels (64 and 256) was conducted on the PLSR bands to extract second-order statistical textural features. These features were then used in a canonical discriminant model to predict three beef tenderness categories, namely tender (SSF ≤ 205.80 N), intermediate (205.80 N < SSF < 254.80 N), and tough (SSF ≥ 254.80 N). The model with a quantization level of 256 performed better than the one with a quantization level of 64. This model correctly classified 242 out of 314 samples with an overall accuracy of 77.0%. Fat, protein, and water absorption bands were identified between 900 and 1700 nm. Our results show that NIR hyperspectral imaging holds promise as an instrument for forecasting beef tenderness.
Passive and active avoidance performance following small amygdaloid lesions in rats

Abstract Following small bilateral amygdaloid lesions or pyriform cortex lesions rats were tested for both passive and active avoidance. Damage to an area roughly corresponding to the basal amygdaloid nucleus was most consistently related to disruption of passive avoidance. Pyriform cortex lesions also impaired passive avoidance but this result was not replicated in a second experiment. Neither amygdaloid nor pyriform cortex lesions disrupted active avoidance.
Control of Flexible Software Development Under Uncertainty

When should software development teams have the flexibility to modify their directions and how do we balance that flexibility with controls essential to produce acceptable outcomes? We use dynamic capabilities theory and an extension of control theory to understand these questions. This work is examined in a case study. Our results demonstrate that flexibility may be needed when the starting conditions are uncertain and that effective control in these situations requires use of traditional controls plus a new type of control we term emergent outcome control.
A facile synthesis of α-amino-DOTA as a versatile molecular imaging probe

An amino group has been introduced into one ligand of DOTA that can couple to peptidyl carboxylates by coupling α-brominated glycine to DO3A-tBu (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-tris(acetic acid, tert-butylester)). α-Amino-DOTA was coupled to the carboxylate backbone terminus of a peptide to demonstrate the utility for derivatization.
Black on black education: Personally engaged pedagogy for/by African American pre-service teachers

Public schools have increasing numbers of its teachers fitting into one demographic, white and female, while the numbers of African American teachers decrease (Ladson-Billings, Crossing over to Canaan: The Journey of New Teachers in Diverse Classrooms. San Francisco: Josey-Bass [2001]). Furthermore, African American collegiates who decide to enter teaching may face a chilly climate as a result of their cultural and educational experiences as they encounter devaluation in the classroom (Delpit, Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Class room. New York: The New Press [1995]). As a result, African American pre-service teachers may question the validity of the formal curriculum presented in college as it conflicts with their perceptions of school, thereby, leaving teacher-educators largely responsible for the quality of life and subsequent devotion to profession of these students. Critical autoethnography, using fieldnotes/research journaling, and student memoirs all through a theoretical backdrop of critical race feminism provide a glimpse into the teaching and learning experiences and dilemmas of one African American female teacher educator utilizing what I call personally engaged pedagogy as a means of enhancing the quality of the learning experiences of her African American pre-service teachers.
Bilateral intravesical ureteral ligation Complication of Cooper's ligament suspension

Abstract We report an unusual complication in a thirty-five-year-old woman in whom bilateral ligation of both intravesical ureters developed following a Cooper's ligament suspension for stress incontinence. The reason for the occurrence of this complication is described; prompt recognition early in the postoperative period and immediate intervention led to an excellent result.
PHYTOPLANKTON SAMPLING WITH THE SEDGWICK-RAFTER CELL1

Quantitative processing of large numbers of phytoplankton collections requires a sampling method that will yield precise and reproducible estimates of abundance within an acceptably short counting time. A two-stage sampling plan was developed, using the Sedgwick-Rafter cell, which satisfies these criteria. The sampling design is appropriate for larger phytoplankton species (> 10–15 µ) having relatively high population densities (⩾ 105 cells/liter) .
Method of linearizing the 3d L3/L2 white line ratio as a function of magnetic moment

Abstract We have developed a parameterization method which linearizes the relationship between local magnetic moment and the 3d L3/L2 “white line” ratio as observed in electron energy loss spectroscopy or X-ray near edge absorption spectroscopy. We first establish that the parameterization linearizes an existing theoretical result for ratio versus moment. We then test our method on data sets for which a white line ratio has been previously published by other authors, who have studied a series of compounds using a consistent deconvolution procedure. Finally, we apply our linearization method to the observed ratios of a series of 3d transition metals, and to the Cr L edges for a AuxCr(1−x) alloy. In addition we obtain, for the first time, experimental results on the Au L3 and L2 edge white lines of this alloy system. These results are consistent with a model in which the large local moment in this system is not limited to Cr dopants, but extends into the gold matrix.
Muscle oxidative capacity during IL-6-dependent cancer cachexia.

Many diseases are associated with catabolic conditions that induce skeletal muscle wasting. These various catabolic states may have similar and distinct mechanisms for inducing muscle protein loss....
Thermodynamic model development for lithium intercalation electrodes

Abstract Staging is a characteristic phenomena observed in intercalation electrodes. During staging process the equilibrium potential of the electrode exhibits weak dependence on the solid phase Li concentration and does not follow the classical Nernst behavior. The coexistence of structurally different solid phases results in multiple plateaus in the equilibrium potential curve. Such complexities make the thermodynamic description of equilibrium potential as a function of concentration difficult, and so it is usually represented through an empirical expression. The objective of this work is to develop a frame work based on thermodynamic principles to describe the equilibrium potential of intercalation electrodes. Redlich-Kister thermodynamic equation was used to describe the excess Gibbs free energy, which in turn was used to evaluate the equilibrium potential as a function of concentration. The equilibrium potential expression for different lithium intercalation electrodes such as LiCoO2, LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2, graphite and hard carbon were developed based on Redlich-Kister equation. The thermodynamic model was also used to estimate the activity of species directly from excess Gibbs free energy. The developed thermodynamic expressions along with the activity correction are incorporated into a single particle diffusion model for a Li-ion cell consisting of a graphite and LiCoO2 electrode. The interactions between the Li-ions during intercalation/deintercalation process were incorporated into the present model by considering the chemical potential gradient corrected for activity as the driving force. The effect of inclusion of activity correction in the single particle model was studied for different discharge rates. It was observed that the activity correction term yielded increased capacity especially at higher rates. The effect of activity correction term was also found to be more significant in the LiCoO2 electrode compared to the carbon electrode.
Prescription-drug prices.

Richard G. Frank writes that the candidates differ sharply on two issues affecting drug prices: the importation of prescription drugs and the role of government in negotiating prices for Medicare.
Lack of Correlation Between Ocular Hypertensive Response to Topical Corticosteroids and Progression of Retinopathy in Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

We studied the relationship of intraocular pressure responsiveness to topical corticosteroids and the development of retinopathy in 86 patients with insulin-dependent juvenile-onset diabetes available for long-term follow-up and examination during 1982. Eleven patients had background retinopathy at the initial examinations. High (GG) and intermediate (NG) corticosteroid responsiveness was more common in these 86 patients (13 high responders and 39 intermediate responders) than in previously reported volunteer series. Background diabetic retinopathy was present at the end of the study in 75 of the 86 patients and proliferative retinopathy was present in 29. The proportions of patients developing either type of retinopathy were similar among the low (NN), intermediate, and high response groups. The rate of diabetic retinopathy development was related to the duration of the disease and not to the intraocular pressure response to topical corticosteroids.
Experiments and theory of thermally-induced stress relaxation in amorphous dielectric films for MEMS and IC applications

Abstract Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) silane-based silicon oxide (SiOx) films were chosen as an example to study the thermally-induced stress relaxation phenomena of amorphous dielectric films. Wafer curvature was measured optically both during and after various thermal conditions, including temperature cycling, constant peak temperature annealing, and varying peak temperature annealing experiments. From these measurements, we are able to obtain a complete stress evolutional history in the thin film, and further derive a series of mechanical/material properties such as viscoelasticity, density and viscosity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), etc. We found that the stress in the amorphous silicon oxide films is sensitive to both viscosity and density changes. Stress relaxation was then theoretically investigated by a viscoelastic model, which was associated with a defects-based microstructural causal mechanism. Our theoretical model elucidates defects movement and consequent microstructure rearrangement as a source of damping, accompanied by viscous flow. This theory was applied to explain a series of experimental results, including stress hysteresis generation and reduction, stress relaxation, and CTE changes, etc.
Noninvasive Testing in the Diagnosis of Osteomalacia

Abstract purpose: Osteomalacia is associated with many clinical, radiographic, and biochemical abnormalities. Unfortunately, none of these are pathognomonic of the disorder, and histologic examination of a bone biopsy specimen is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Noninvasive methods of diagnosis would be preferable to decrease patient morbidity and increase cost-effectiveness. Previous studies addressing the adequacy of these methods were performed prior to the widespread availability of 1,25-dihydroxycalcitriol (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Therefore, we reviewed our experience with patients with biopsy-proven osteomalacia to determine if PTH or 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 levels would serve a useful role in establishing the diagnosis of osteomalacia. methods: We retrospectively studied 17 patients who had biopsy-proven osteomalacia (defined as an osteoid volume greater than 10% and an osteoid width greater than 15 μm) in order to ascertain if their clinical presentation, biochemical profile, and radiographic features were sufficient to establish a diagnosis of osteomalacia. results: We found that 94% of our patients exhibited symptoms of osteomalacia, and all patients had at least one demonstrable sign of osteomalacia on examination. Biochemically, the patients presented a heterogeneous picture: 94% had an elevated alkaline phosphatase level; 47% had either a low serum calcium or phosphate (12% had both) level; urinary calcium excretion was low in 18%; and 25-(OH)D 3 concentration was low in 29%. Levels of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 were measured in eight patients; there had low values despite normal 25-(OH)D 3 levels. PTH levels were elevated in 41% of patients in the absence of histologic evidence of hyperparathyroidism; however, these patients were noted to have multiple other abnormal clinical, biochemical, or radiograph features. Radiographically, 18% of patients had pseudofractures; the rest had nonspecific findings suggestive of osteomalacia. In summary, all patients had at least two of the following abnormalities: low calcium, low phosphate, elevated alkaline phosphatase, or a radiographic finding suggestive of osteomalacia. conclusion: We conclude: (1) a careful history and physical examination remain important in the evaluation of potential osteomalacia patients; (2) PTH offered no apparent benefit as a screening test in our patients; (3) 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 was low in three patients with normal levels of 25-(OH)D 3 ; (4) decreased urinary calcium excretion had low sensitivity for detecting osteomalacia; and (5) serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and radiographic examination may be adequate screening tests in patients who have a clinical presentation suggestive of osteomalacia.
Contraindications to the repositioning of fractured or dislocated limbs in the field

Supracondylar fractures of the femur or humerus and fractures of the radius, ulna, tibia or fibula, plus crush injuries of the limbs, most likely should not be manipulated in the field because of the potential for traumatizing adjacent nerves, veins and arteries. An emergency splinting system that allows immobilization without repositioning has been developed. Furthermore, fractures in or about the elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle should not be subjected to reduction in the field, unless there are compelling reasons to justify the risk of producing significant additional trauma. Conservative immobilization without repositioning may yield a more positive prognosis for the patient.
Diurnal patterns of ammonium and un-ionized ammonia in streams receiving secondary treatment effluent

Ammonia is a common pollutant of streams receiving domestic and industrial waste water effluent. In aqueous solution, ammonium (NH/sub 4//sup +/) and un-ionized ammonia (NH/sub 3/) form a pH dependent equilibrium. Although ammonium is relatively nontoxic, unionized ammonia is toxic to a variety of aquatic organisms. Water quality criteria have been derived for un-ionized ammonia based on its toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates. The effects of fluctuating concentrations of ammonia could be especially significant in streams receiving sewage treatment effluent. Ammonia loads from sewage treatment facilities often display pronounced diurnal patterns, which may be imparted to receiving streams. In addition, diurnal patterns in stream pH and temperature could significantly affect ammonia speciation. Diurnal patterns in pH due to photosynthesis and respiration could significantly affect ammonia speciation and thus un-ionized ammonia concentrations in poorly buffered or highly productive streams. This paper describes diurnal patterns in ammonium and un-ionized ammonia in a stream receiving secondary treatment effluent and illustrates the effects of effluent loads, pH, and temperature on un-ionized ammonia patterns.
Improving Health Outcomes of Children through Effective Parenting: Model and Methods

This article reports on the design, development, testing and presentation of preliminary evidence of a translational, culturally relevant parenting education model, titled Smart and Secured Children (SSC). SSC, a quality parenting curriculum, prepares disparate African American parents as leaders for transforming their parenting behaviors and leading their peers and community in changing existing parenting culture. The article recommends expanded utility of identified promising processes, approaches and practices to engage African American parents to lead in addressing health inequity conditions in their families and communities. It adds to the growing scientific literature on the association between parent–child relationship quality and a wide variety of children physical, emotional and social outcomes. SSC applied principles of developmental theories; community based participatory research (CBPR), and iterative Delphi method between the community stakeholders, parents and researchers. The delivery approach of SSC was revamped from professional-led to parent-led content presentation and delivery methods using a conversational learning approach, referred to as ‘conversepedia’. Parents’ leadership development training and delivery of this curriculum in social supportive groups improved their mental wellbeing, parenting capacity and leadership skills. Parents do matter and can choose positive influence in their lives and are capable of reversing negative peer influence.
Enzyme-modified carbon-fiber microelectrode for the quantification of dynamic fluctuations of nonelectroactive analytes using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

Neurotransmission occurs on a millisecond time scale, but conventional methods for monitoring nonelectroactive neurochemicals are limited by slow sampling rates. Despite a significant global market, a sensor capable of measuring the dynamics of rapidly fluctuating, nonelectroactive molecules at a single recording site with high sensitivity, electrochemical selectivity, and a subsecond response time is still lacking. To address this need, we have enabled the real-time detection of dynamic glucose fluctuations in live brain tissue using background-subtracted, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. The novel microbiosensor consists of a simple carbon fiber surface modified with an electrodeposited chitosan hydrogel encapsulating glucose oxidase. The selectivity afforded by voltammetry enables quantitative and qualitative measurements of enzymatically generated H2O2 without the need for additional strategies to eliminate interfering agents. The microbiosensors possess a sensitivity and limit of detection for glucose o...
Cardiovascular response to sexual activity.

Abstract The cardiovascular response to coitus and the risk of an acute cardiac event related to sexual activity is of clinical importance, especially now that effective pharmacologic treatment of male erectile dysfunction permits older men to resume active sex lives. Early studies by Masters and Johnson of young subjects engaging in coitus in laboratory settings reported that heart rates and systolic blood pressures were at near maximum exercise levels. Subsequent data from studies by Hellerstein and Friedman and by Stein in men with coronary artery disease, using ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings during coitus at home, demonstrated significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure responses to coitus. The associated myocardial oxygen demand of coitus in these men was found to in the range of moderate activities, often achieved or exceeded during their workday. The cardiovascular risk of coitus was addressed in the recent ONSET study in which myocardial infarction (MI) patients were interviewed shortly after their MI about potential triggering activities or events. Coitus was noted to represent a very low absolute risk of being a trigger for MI, but had an increased relative risk of 2.5 for the subjects in their study. Sexual intercourse will, in most men, represent only a moderate “stress” on the heart in terms of the responses that impact on myocardial oxygen requirement (heart rates, and systolic blood pressure). In patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis, coitus, compared with vigorous physical activity and intense emotional responses, represents a small risk of triggering an acute MI.
Institutional Design and the Attribution of Presidential Control: Insulating the President from Blame

Institutional Design and the Attribution of Presidential Control: Insulating the President from Blame
Double‐stranded RNA induces nitric oxide synthase in human astrocytes

Environmental factor(s), such as viral infection, has been implicated as one of the potential triggering events leading to demyelination in MS. This study underlines the importance of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the active component of a viral infection that stimulates antiviral responses in infected cells, in inducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in human astroglia. Treatment of human U373MG astroglial cells with dsRNA in the form of synthetic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC) induces the production of NO and the expression of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. Similar to human U373MG astroglial cells, poly IC also induces the expression of iNOS in human primary astroglia. Induction of human iNOS promoter-derived luciferase activity by poly IC suggests that poly IC induces the transcription of iNOS. As activation of both NF-κB and C/EBPb is necessary for the transcription of iNOS in human astroglia, we investigated the effect of poly IC on the activation of both NF-κB and C/EBPb. Poly IC induced the activation of both NF-κB and C/EBPb. Furthermore, inhibition of poly IC-induced production of NO by Dp65, a dominant-negative mutant of p65, and DC/EBPb, a dominant-negative mutant of C/EBPb, suggests that poly IC induces the expression of iNOS in human astroglial cells through the activation of NF-κB and C/EBPb. This study delineates a novel role of dsRNA in inducing the expression of iNOS in human astroglia which may participate in virus-induced neurological abnormalities. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by NIH grants (NS39940 and AG19487).
A Comparative Study of Surface Fractality between Polymeric and Particulate Titania Aerogels

Abstract The surface fractality was studied for polymeric and particulate titania aerogels prepared via CO 2 supercritical drying of titania lyogels. The surface fractal dimensions of these mesoporous aerogels were determined from their nitrogen adsorption isotherms by means of the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill method and the thermodynamic method. The results from these distinctly different methods have been found to be similar; the fractal surfaces of particulate aerogels are slightly more irregular than those of polymeric aerogels. The difference in the surface morphology between the two types of aerogels, observed with scanning electron microscopy, can be attributed to the difference between the proposed mechanisms for formation of polymeric and particulate lyogels.
Quantitation of heavy ion damage to the mammalian brain: Some preliminary findings

For several years, studies have been conducted regarding late effects of particulate radiations in mammalian tissues, taking into account the brains of rodents and lagomorphs. Recently, it has become feasible to quantify pathological damage and morpho-physiologic alterations accurately in large numbers of histological specimens. New investigative procedures make use of computer-assisted automated image analysis systems. Details regarding the employed methodology are discussed along with the results of the information. The radiations of high linear energy transfer (LET) cause apparently earlier and more dramatic shrinkage of olfactory glomeruli in exposed rabbit brains than comparable doses of Co-60 gamma photons.
Traveling Waves for a Biological Reaction-Diffusion Model

We investigate the existence of traveling wave solutions for a system of reaction–diffusion equations that has been used as a model for microbial growth in a flow reactor and for the diffusive epidemic population. The existence of traveling waves was conjectured early but only has been proved recently for sufficiently small diffusion coefficient by the singular perturbation technique. In this paper we show the existence of traveling waves for an arbitrary diffusion coefficient. Our approach is a shooting method with the aid of an appropriately constructed Liapunov function.
Synchronization of a laser diffraction drop sizing technique with intermittent spray systems

A precise synchronization scheme for a laser diffraction technique (Malvern system) is developed by employing laser light extinction as an instantaneous trigger source.
Revised Phylogenetic Relationships among Herpesviruses Isolated from Sturgeons

Abstract Initial phylogenetic comparisons based on a region of the DNA polymerase of seven herpes-like viruses found in sturgeons in North America and Europe indicated the presence of three distinct clades. A revised phylogenetic analysis of the same viruses, based on corrected DNA polymerase sequences and newly obtained sequence data from the putative ATP subunit of the terminase gene, indicate only two clades. These two clades correspond to the historical designations given to these herpes-like viruses from white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus: white sturgeon herpesvirus type 1 (WSHV-1) and type 2 (WSHV-2). The identification of putative terminase gene sequences for all seven herpes-like viruses from sturgeons confirms their affinity with the family Herpesviridae (because this gene is unique to herpesviruses) and more distantly with T4-like bacteriophages. The two clades of sturgeon herpesviruses are therefore appropriately designated as Acipenserid herpesviruses 1 and 2, which correspond to the previ...