cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treating the health, quality of life, and functional impairments in insomnia

Study objectives Impairments in health, function, and quality of life (QOL) are a central feature of insomnia, yet insomnia treatment is targeted solely to improving problems falling and staying asleep. It is not even known if the nonsleep deficits improve with current treatment. We hypothesized that therapy that improves sleep also improves these nonsleep difficulties and carried out this review to test that hypothesis. Methods A literature search identified the health, function, and QOL deficits of insomnia patients. A second search determined the effect of insomnia treatments on those problems, capturing randomized controlled treatment trials in insomnia patients that included relevant measures. Results Insomnia patients report a variety of symptoms, including daytime sleepiness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, symptoms of depression, anxiety, health decrements, and impairment in social and occupational function. However, the reported deficits are generally not paralleled by objective evidence of impairment. Nineteen treatment studies reported measures related to these deficits. At least one treatment (eszopiclone [5 studies], zopiclone [2 studies], progressive muscle relaxation [2], zolpidem [2], multi-component cognitive-behavioral therapy [1], doxepin [1], valerian/hops [1], and stimulus control [1]) led to a significant improvement compared with placebo in at least one of these measures in 14/20 studies. Conclusions Treatment can improve the perceived health, function, and QOL of insomnia patients. This potential improvement signals the need to shift the attention of research and clinical practice to include aspects other than sleep difficulties and move towards defining successful therapy as not only improving sleep but also eliminating deficits in health, function, and QOL.
Variations of magnetic resonance imaging findings in asymptomatic elbows

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in asymptomatic patients have been described for hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and intervertebral disks. No such description exists for the elbow. Methods MRI scans of 189 asymptomatic elbows divided into 3 groups by age (group 1, 20-39 years; group 2, 40-59 years; and group 3, ≥60 years) were evaluated for abnormalities within 13 anatomic structures using a novel classification system. Results At least 1 variation was found in all elbows. Of the 13 structures, 8 showed an increase in the prevalence and intensity of signal changes with aging, 2 remained the same, and 2 showed a decrease. One anatomic structure showed no variations in any elbow. Conclusions Elbow MRI variations may be seen regardless of symptoms. These changes appear to increase in prevalence and intensity with age. Results from this study can be used to help guide the clinician in interpreting MRI findings of the elbow. We hope this study helps provide a contextual background for discussing MRI findings with patients and differentiating age-related variations from true pathology.
Structure and Function of C8 in the Membrane Attack Sequence of Complement

Complement-mediated cell lysis occurs as a result of interactions between complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9 to produce the membrane attack complex C5b-9 (Muller-Eberhard 1986): $$ C5b\;\xrightarrow{{C6}}\;C5b - 6\;\xrightarrow{{C7}}\;C5b - 7\xrightarrow{{C8}}\;C5b - 8\;\xrightarrow{{nC9}}\;C5b - 9 $$ Assembly of C5b-9 begins with proteolytic conversion of C5 to C5b by the C5 convertases formed as a consequence of complement activation. Development of a transient binding site for C6 leads to formation of a stable C5b-6 dimer. Subsequent binding of C7 and formation of C5b-7 coincides with the expression of a high-affinity lipid-binding site that mediates a strong but noncovalent interaction between the nascent complex and target membranes. Binding of C8 yields the tetramolecular C5b-8 complex. Although capable of slowly lysing erythrocytes and some nucleated cells, C5b-8 functions primarily as a receptor for C9 and thereby mediates formation of the more lytically effective C5b-9 complex. The number of C9 molecules per complex differs depending on C9 input and conditions of formation. The ultrastructure varies accordingly from what are functional lesions with one or a few C9s to highly organized porelike structures formed by polymerization of as many as 16 C9s per C5b-8. Facts and controversies about the function of C9 and the stoichiometry, structure, and mechanism of action of C5b-9 are summarized in other reports (Podack 1986; Muller-Eberhard 1986; Esser 1987; Stanley, this volume).
Role of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropenes in MetalCarbene Reactions. Conversion of E ‑SubstitutedEnoldiazoacetates to Z ‑Substituted Metallo-Enolcarbenes

The influence of geometrical isomers of silyl-protected γ-substituted enoldiazoacetates has been examined in transition-metal-catalyzed vinylcarbene cycloaddition reactions. These reactions often o...
Abstract 101: Identification of Novel MICU1 Interactors Independent of the mtCU Complex

MICU1 is an EF-hand containing mitochondrial protein that gates the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (mtCU) and directly interacts with the pore-forming subunit MCU. Previous studies have shown...
Global Long-Term Fate and Dispersal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls

In this chapter, we explore (i) the temporal trend of stocks and emissions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) throughout the lifecycle of PCB-containing products, and (ii) the spatial dispersal of PCBs through international trade of technical mixtures, finished products and waste (anthropospheric dispersal), as well as long-range environmental transport mediated by air and ocean currents (environmental dispersal). We reveal that in-use and waste stocks are temporary sinks for PCBs in the anthroposphere and relevant sources of PCBs to the global physical environment. After a sufficiently long period of time, PCBs either permanently disappear from lifecycle and waste disposal phases or enter the physical environment. In addition, the anthropospheric dispersal is more efficient than the environmental dispersal in driving the global dispersal of PCBs. The role of the international trade of technical mixtures is more prominent than that of other trade flows.
Chapter 12 – Stability Analysis

Thermodynamics plays an important role in the stability analysis of transport and rate processes, and the nonequilibrium thermodynamics approach in particular may enhance and broaden this role. This chapter reviews stability analysis based on the conventional Gibbs approach and the nonequilibrium thermodynamics theory. It considers the stability of equilibrium, near-equilibrium, and far-from-equilibrium states with some case studies. The entropy production approach for nonequilibrium systems appears to be more general for stability analysis. One major implication of the nonequilibrium thermodynamics theory is the introduction of distance from global equilibrium as a constraint for determining the stability of nonequilibrium systems. When a system is far from global equilibrium, the possibility of new organized structures of matter arise beyond an instability point. Nonequilibrium conditions may occur with respect to disturbances in the interior of a system or between a system and its surroundings. As a result, the local stress, strain, temperature, concentration, and energy density may vary at each instance in time. This may lead to instability in space and time. Components of the generalized flows and the thermodynamic forces can be used to define the trajectories of the behavior of systems in time. A trajectory specifies the curve represented by the flow and force components as functions of time in the flow–force space.
Discrepancy in core infarct between non-contrast CT and CT perfusion when selecting for mechanical thrombectomy.

Objective Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is now an established treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) within 6 hours. Since 2018, MT is also recommended from 6-24 hours after selecting with additional multimodal imaging including perfusion imaging. We sought to investigate patients with significant discrepancy in core infarct between computed tomography (CT) and CT perfusion (CTP). Methods In this retrospective study, patients with AIS who were evaluated for MT using the RAPID software (IschemaView, Redwood City, CA, USA) from February 2018 to March 2019 were included. Cases with discrepancy between infarct volume on non-contrast CT and core volume (cerebral blood flow <30%) as analyzed by RAPID on CTP were analyzed. Results In the study period, 635 patients were evaluated for acute stroke symptoms. Non-contrast head CT was performed in 635 patients, and CTP with RAPID software post processing was performed in 134 patients. Among the 134 patients, 8 (5.9%) patients had gross discrepancy in core infarct between CT and CTP, with underestimation of infarct by CTP. Evaluation of these cases shows that the likely reason for this discrepancy is recanalization of a LVO, which then leads to erroneously normal or gross underestimate of the core infarct volume determined from CTP post processing analysis. Conclusions Recanalization of a LVO can lead to erroneously normal or gross underestimation of the core infarct as determined by post processing software analysis of CTP data. The whole composite of hyperacute CT imaging should be examined while making decisions. This caveat of perfusion imaging interpretation has not been reported previously.
Readmission Rates and Medication Selection for Patients with Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction

Purpose Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has less guideline driven treatment options due to a lack of trials demonstrating medications with improved clinical outcomes for this patient population. The primary objective of this study is to determine which medications and dosages are related to high readmission rates for HFpEF patients. Methods A retrospective, single center, chart review was performed on patients with HFpEF at an academic medical center. Heart failure patients ages between 18-89 with an ejection fraction ≥45% from a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were included. Primary outcomes include 30-day all cause readmission rates, prescribing patterns, and avoidance of potentially harmful medications. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess potential risk factors. Results This study analyzed 455 patient admissions. Univariate analysis shows patients who were not readmitted were more likely to be on furosemide (54% vs 42%; p = 0.019). Conversely, readmitted patients were more likely to be taking bumetanide (4% vs 1%; p = 0.039). Lisinopril was the only angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) associated with lower readmission rates (p = 0.036). Multivariate logistic regression showed bumetanide on admission (OR 14.6, p = 0.001), discharged on rosuvastatin (OR 6.29, p = 0.003) and meloxicam therapy (OR 6.33, p = 0.003) to be independent predictors of hospital readmission. Conclusion Three independent pharmacologic predictors for 30-day readmissions for patients with HFpEF were therapy with bumetanide, meloxicam, or rosuvastatin. Further research is needed to clarify the significance of these results.
Adjoint-optimized nanoscale light extractor for enhanced luminescence from color centers in diamond

Nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond are emitters that function as sensors of electric and magnetic fields, temperature, and strain. Diamond’s high refractive index limits emitted light, reducing NV-based sensor performance. We demonstrate an easily-fabricable adjoint-optimized extractor that improves output from NV centers by 50-fold.
Hydrodynamic behavior of wrapped coil water heater tank

Abstract A numerical investigation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been carried out to analyze the thermal behavior of a water tank integrated to a heat pump water heating system (HPWH). The heat pump condenser is a long coil wrapped around the water tank and insulated from outside from which heat is transferred from the heat pump cycle into the water stored inside the tank. The simulated water tank has a capacity of about 170 L with the charging inlet located at the bottom segment of the tank and the discharging outlet located at the top segment of the tank like commercially available water heaters. The tank was simulated during charging/discharging process with isothermal boundary condition at the tank wall to represent the majority of the process for refrigerant condensation inside the heat pump condenser (excluding superheated and sub-cooled section). Three flow rates were selected to represent low, medium and high flow pattern. Both mean and turbulent flow properties were calculated and analyzed. Heat transfer mechanisms inside the tank are quantified by calculating Richardson and Peclet numbers to show the relative contribution of driving forces. The calculations show that advection is dominant over diffusion. Mixing factor is calculated and presented. It is found that the rate of increase of mixing is nonlinear with the increase in flow rate. Mixing increased by a factor of four when the flow rate increased by a factor of two.
Quantum Monte Carlo Computation of Static and Time-Dependent Thermodynamic Properties of Lennard-Jones Crystals

Recently there has been much interest in the study of the thermodynamics of many-body quantum mechanical systems by means of Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) computer simulation techniques(1–4). Applications of QMC methods to the study of spin systems, the Hubbard model, and to systems of boson and fermion particles have shown them to be effective in the accurate computation of static thermodynamic properties(1–4). However, in spite of these successful QMC treatments of static thermodynamics, the determination of time-dependent thermodynamic averages (spin correlation functions, atomic displacement correlation functions, etc.), related to the time-dependent response of quantum many-body systems, has been less forthcoming. Aside from the increased bookkeeping difficulties associated with having to determine averages which depend on the new variable of time, one finds that this variable enters time-dependent computed averages in such a way that analytic continuation techniques, commonly employed in Green’s function treatments of such properties, are of little or no value in developing QMC methods for this problem.(3,5)
Experiment design with Galilean beam expanders for magneto-optical traps and the advanced undergraduate laboratory

This paper presents a compound lens experiment design suitable for upper-division undergraduate laboratory courses in which teams of students constructed and measured the properties of Galilean beam expanders. Skill in developing Galilean beam expanders is useful for undergraduates who will build a magneto-optical trap in a follow-on course. This laboratory experiment was performed by third-year undergraduate students in our applied optics course and provided students with the opportunity to gain knowledge about lasers, lenses, and alignment of optical components prior to their laboratory work building a magneto-optical trap.
FINAL, BUT OFTEN FALLIBLE: RECOGNIZING PROBLEMS WITH AU FINALITY

* Copyright, 2003 and 1999, Jim Rossi. Harry M. Walborsky, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Florida State University College of Law, 425 W. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, 850-644-6022, jrossi@law.fsu.edu. Thanks to Steven Bank, Scott Boyd, Natalie Futch, David Markell, Edward Richards, and J.B. Ruhl for comments on previous drafts, and to Daniel Noms for his research assistance in preparing this Essay for publication. Versions of this Essay have been presented as a 2003 keynote address to the Virginia Bar Association and at the 1999 annual meeting of the National Association of Administrative Law Judges in Asheville, North Carolina, and I am also grateful to the participants in attendance for their contributions. 1. Brown v. Allen, 344 U.S. 443, 540 (1953) (Jackson, J., concurring).
Cost Comparison of Botulinum Toxin Injections Versus Surgical Treatment in Pediatric Patients With Cerebral Palsy: A Markov Model.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of surgical release to botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of upper-extremity (UE) cerebral palsy (CP). Methods A Markov transition-state model was developed to assess the direct and indirect costs as well as accumulated quality-adjusted life-years associated with surgery (surgery group) and continuous botulinum toxin injections (botulinum group) for the treatment of UE CP in children aged 7 to 12 years. Direct medical costs were obtained from institutional billing departments. The number of parental missed workdays associated with each treatment was estimated and previously published regressions were used to calculate indirect costs associated with missed work. Total costs, cost-effectiveness, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and willingness to pay thresholds were used to make decisions regarding society’s willingness to pay for the incremental cost of each treatment given the incremental benefit. Results The surgery group demonstrated lower direct, indirect, and total costs compared with the botulinum group. Direct costs were $29,250.50 for the surgery group and $50,596.00 for the botulinum group. Indirect costs were $9,467.46 for the surgery group and $44,428.60 for the botulinum group. Total costs were $38,717.96 for the surgery group and $95,024.60 for the botulinum group, a difference of $56,306.64. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was –$42,019.88, indicating that surgery is a less costly and more effective treatment and that botulinum injections fall outside the societal willingness to pay threshold. Excluding indirect costs associated with parental missed work during home occupational therapy did not have a significant impact on the model. Conclusions Surgery is associated with lower direct, indirect, and total costs, as well as a greater number of accumulated quality-adjusted life-years. Surgery provides a greater benefit at a lower cost, which suggests that botulinum injections should be used sparingly in this population. Treatment with surgery could represent savings of $5.6 to $11.3 billion annually in the United States. Type of study/level of evidence Economic/Decision Analysis II.
Multiple market asset trading during information arrival: US depository receipts and equity share market response to firm disclosures

The purpose of this study is to employ zero-investment approaches in order to jointly investigate the usefulness of non-US firms' earnings releases and subsequent SEC Form 20-F disclosures in both the US ADR and home country equity share markets. Results suggest that both markets exhibit abnormal returns associated with the earnings and SEC Form 20-F disclosure dates, but the response to the 20-F filing is less pronounced than the earnings release. Furthermore, we find indications that the equity share market response exceeds the US ADR market response for both the earnings release and the 20-F disclosure, suggesting that US ADR listing may provide new information to equity market investors and improve the price discovery process for home country equity shares.
Violent Systems and Accumulated Pain: Embodied Feminist Solidarities through/across Hurt

Solidarity, as conceptualized by BIPOC feminisms, offers an alternative to the universalizing notion of a global feminist sisterhood popularized by second-wave white feminists (hooks 127). Whereas ...
Gap Junction Channelopathies and Calmodulinopathies. Do Disease-Causing Calmodulin Mutants Affect Direct Cell–Cell Communication?

The cloning of connexins cDNA opened the way to the field of gap junction channelopathies. Thus far, at least 35 genetic diseases, resulting from mutations of 11 different connexin genes, are known to cause numerous structural and functional defects in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in the heart, skin, eyes, teeth, ears, bone, hair, nails and lymphatic system. While all of these diseases are due to connexin mutations, minimal attention has been paid to the potential diseases of cell-cell communication caused by mutations of Cx-associated molecules. An important Cx accessory protein is calmodulin (CaM), which is the major regulator of gap junction channel gating and a molecule relevant to gap junction formation. Recently, diseases caused by CaM mutations (calmodulinopathies) have been identified, but thus far calmodulinopathy studies have not considered the potential effect of CaM mutations on gap junction function. The major goal of this review is to raise awareness on the likely role of CaM mutations in defects of gap junction mediated cell communication. Our studies have demonstrated that certain CaM mutants affect gap junction channel gating or expression, so it would not be surprising to learn that CaM mutations known to cause diseases also affect cell communication mediated by gap junction channels.
Controls on the Carbon Isotopic Composition of Phytoplankton

Carbon isotopic compositions of marine organic matter can provide important environmental information. However, variability in δ13C can be caused by many factors including concentration of ambient CO2(aq) and microalgal physiology. This paper reviews the major factors affecting δ13C and shows that microalgal growth rate and cell geometry strongly influence carbon isotopic fractionation in marine microalgae and must be constrained to determine paleo-[CO2(aq)] from δ13C analyses. Cell geometry can be quantitatively constrained only when the source of the phytoplankton carbon analyzed is known and the source of phytoplankton carbon can be established by isotopic analyses of matrix organic matter in diatom frustules or of sedimentary alkenones. There is currently no way to determine the growth rate of ancient diatoms whereas growth rates of the alkenone-containing haptophytes appear to be correlated with dissolved phosphate. Consequently, eP determined from isotopic analyses of sedimentary alkenones and δ13C of planktonic foraminifera combined with Cd/Ca measurements of planktonic foraminifera, which is a proxy for surface water phosphate, provide the best quantitative approach for determining paleo-[CO2(aq)]. The uncertainty in this method is approximately 11% (95% confidence interval) which is sensitive enough to distinguish between most glacial/interglacial variations in [CO2(aq)].
Atypical Mycobacterial Lymphadenitis

Bacterial lymphadenitis is the result of infection by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Nontuberculous (also known as atypical) Mycobacteria species are ubiquitous noncommunicable opportunistic pathogens that cause disease primarily in immunocompromised individuals. Infections have been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and iatrogenic immunosuppression. The bacilli are acid-fast, like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but they exhibit different characteristics in cell culture. The most common NTM species associated with lymphadenitis are listed in Table 7.1.
Habitat Selection in Birds

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses habitat selection in birds that involves recognition of the habitat and establishment of preferences. An analysis of the manner whereby habitat preferences are fixed are preceded by a study of the sensory capabilities of the animals in question. Knowledge of these capabilities allows one to discover those components of the animal's environment, which effectively define its habitat. The chapter describes some of the various processes that lead to preferences for particular items, especially food, specific foraging territories, and nest sites. Imprinting is described as the development of a stable preference that results from the exposure of an animal to a particular set of stimuli for a short period early in its life. The chapter discusses habitat selection by chipping sparrows and gulls. Effects of precocity, stable (tropical) environment, and effects of heterogeneous communities are also discussed. Precocial animals generally show less susceptibility to changes (less plasticity) than altricial animals. Animals that have evolved in regions of continuous climatic stability are also likely to sacrifice plasticity for the enhanced efficiency that come with rigid preferences.
Ethanol Upregulates NMDA Receptor Subunit Gene Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cortical Neurons

Chronic alcohol consumption may result in sustained gene expression alterations in the brain, leading to alcohol abuse or dependence. Because of ethical concerns of using live human brain cells in research, this hypothesis cannot be tested directly in live human brains. In the present study, we used human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cortical neurons as in vitro cellular models to investigate alcohol-induced expression changes of genes involved in alcohol metabolism (ALDH2), anti-apoptosis (BCL2 and CCND2), neurotransmission (NMDA receptor subunit genes: GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, and GRIN2D), calcium channel activity (ITPR2), or transcriptional repression (JARID2). hESCs were differentiated into cortical neurons, which were characterized by immunostaining using antibodies against cortical neuron-specific biomarkers. Ethanol-induced gene expression changes were determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). After a 7-day ethanol (50 mM) exposure followed by a 24-hour ethanol withdrawal treatment, five of the above nine genes (including all four NMDA receptor subunit genes) were highly upregulated (GRIN1: 1.93-fold, P = 0.003; GRIN2A: 1.40-fold, P = 0.003; GRIN2B: 1.75-fold, P = 0.002; GRIN2D: 1.86-fold, P = 0.048; BCL2: 1.34-fold, P = 0.031), and the results of GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B survived multiple comparison correction. Our findings suggest that alcohol responsive genes, particularly NMDA receptor genes, play an important role in regulating neuronal function and mediating chronic alcohol consumption-induced neuroadaptations.
New Models of the Chromosphere and Transition Region

The semiempirical quiet-Sun models of Vernazza, Avrett, and Loeser included a temperature plateau near 20,000 K in the transition region to account for the observed emission in the hydrogen Lyman α line. New energy-balance calculations by Fontenla, Avrett, and Loeser of the transition region including the effects of particle diffusion account for Lyman α emission without such a temperature plateau. We find that the upward diffusion of neutral hydrogen causes the Lyman α line to be formed near T = 40, 000 K rather than near 20,000 K as implied by optically-thin calculations and by our earlier semiempirical modeling based on local statistical equilibrium. New versions of the VAL component models A, C, and F are shown.
Investigating the Effectiveness of St John's Wort Herb as an Antimicrobial Agent against Mycobacteria

A persistent need exists for effective treatment agents for mycobacterial infections. This research investigated the effectiveness of the Hypericum perforatum herb (commonly known as St John's wort; SJW) in its growth inhibition of mycobacteria. A SJW extract was effective at inhibiting five nonpathogenic Mycobacterium isolates and Bacillus subtilis, but not Escherichia coli. Quantitative studies of concentration sensitivity to the SJW extract were performed with minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranging from 0.33 to 2.66 mg extract/mL. The SJW compounds hyperforin (Hfn), hypericin (Hpn), and pseudohypericin (Phn) were quantified in the extract using HPLC. The SJW extract solution of 133 mg extract/mL used in this study contained 2.3 mg Hfn/mL, 0.8 mg Hpn/mL, and 2.1 mg Phn/mL. Purified Hfn, Hpn, and Phn were tested for inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium JLS (M. JLS) at similar concentrations used in the crude extract. While Hfn was inhibitory at 46 µg/mL, none of the purified SJW constituents were bactericidal at concentrations corresponding to SJW treatments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of SJW-treated M. JLS cells showed changes in cell surface morphology.
Transient response of amplified metallothionein genes in CHO cells to induction by alpha interferon.

Abstract Alpha interferon treatment of CHO cells elicits the rapid synthesis of many gene products, including metallothionein (MT), a protein which avidly binds heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, and copper. Since MTs appear to have a pleiotropic role in the cell, ranging from metal detoxification to free-radical scavenging, interferon treatment may trigger a generalized defense mechanism. Activation by interferon, however, was transient, with MT mRNA being maximally detectable by a cytodot procedure within the first hour. Subsequent addition of interferon was ineffective until 7 h after the initial treatment. The action of zinc, a potent inducer of MT, however, remained independent of alpha interferon induction. The transient nature of induction by interferon was examined for altered rate of MT mRNA turnover.
Neural basis of rhythmic behavior in animals

Timing of the repetitive movements that constitute any rhythmic behavior is regulated by intrinsic properties of the central nervous system rather than by sensory feedback from moving parts of the body. Evidence of this permits resolution of the long-standing controversy over the neural basis of rhythmic behavior and aids in the identification of this mechanism as a general principle of neural organization applicable to all animals with central nervous systems.
Fluorescence Modulation via Isomer-Dependent Energy Transfer in an Azobenzene-Functionalized Poly(phenylenevinylene) Derivative

Fluorescence studies of poly(2-methoxy-5-(4-(phenylazo)phenyl-4‘-(1,10-dioxydecyl))-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MPA-10-PPV), a PPV derivative with alkyl-tethered azobenzene side chains that was first synthesized by Yoshino and co-workers, are presented. The emission intensity of MPA-10-PPV in dilute solution is partially quenched by energy transfer from the PPV backbone to the azobenzene side chains, and the energy transfer is more efficient to the cis azobenzene isomer than to the trans. Because of this differential, the emission intensity can be reversibly modulated by controlling the isomeric form of the azobenzene side chain with light. The energy transfer process sensitizes the cis to trans azobenzene isomerization, and this additional isomerization pathway alters the composition of the azobenzene photostationary state in MPA-10-PPV.
Glutamine and heat shock protein expression.

The most basic mechanism of cellular protection involves the expression of a highly conserved family of essential proteins, known as heat shock or stress proteins (HSPs). The expression of these proteins after a sublethal insult can induce "stress tolerance" and protect against a subsequent stress that otherwise would be lethal. Experimental data have shown that preinduction of the heat stress response can provide marked protection against many forms of cellular injury, including ischemia and reperfusion, lung injury, and shock. However, induction of HSPs to improve outcome in human disease has not been exploited because laboratory induction agents are themselves toxic and not clinically relevant. Many researchers have found that glutamine (GLN), a conditionally essential amino acid, can enhance stress-induced HSP expression in vitro and improve cell survival against a variety of stressful stimuli. Further, recent data from me and my colleagues indicate that a single dose of intravenous GLN can enhance HSP expression, decrease end-organ injury, and enhance survival from septic shock in the intact rat. Thus GLN, which is beneficial in many settings of critical illness and injury, may be a clinically applicable enhancer of HSP expression. These results indicate that GLN could be used to enhance HSP expression and attenuate end-organ injury in situations when a major clinical stress is anticipated, such as before major surgical procedures (e.g., cardiac, vascular, and transplantation) or in the critically ill.
3-D camera calibration using vanishing point concept

Abstract A three-dimensional (3-D) camera calibration technique that uses two-dimensional (2-D) grid paper and a vanishing point concept was developed and tested. The calibration technique does not require knowledge of the precise location of the calibration target as other calibration techniques require. The algorithm developed consists of the following steps: (1) Use a point-finder program with a subpixel interpolation technique to identify the points on a grid. (2) Apply an equalization procedure. (3) Use a line-finder program with a statistical linear regression technique to identify a line. (4) Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until all the lines are found. Then divide the lines into two groups—horizontal and vertical. (5) Determine one vanishing point for all the horizontal lines and one vanishing point for all the vertical lines. (6) Using the same vanishing point concept, determine the vanishing points for the planes of sight in space (horizontal and vertical). (7) Determine the camera location and rotational matrix. By using statistical methods, resolution at the subpixel level was achieved. Commercially available components were used in the vision system for this project. The results of the two tests showed that a low-cost vision system can make 3-D coordinate measurements as exact as 5 mils (0.005 inches) in accuracy and 1 mil in repeatability when properly set up and used with this calibration technique.
Spatial competition and market share: an application to motion pictures

This paper presents an empirical assessment of movie-theatre attendance in two major metropolitan markets and provides strong support for the importance of spatial characteristics in determining attendance. We consider the hypothesis that attendance at a particular movie theatre reflects a tension between two effects: a negative competition effect and a positive agglomeration effect. We find evidence that the competition effect dominates. Further, we identify a pattern of systematic spatial decay in the impact of this effect on demand.
Judgments of Speed of Self-Motion: Modeling the Relative Effects of Speed and Altitude Change

Empirical studies consistently show that judgments of the speed of self-motion are influenced by changes in the altitude of an observer. In general, a given actual speed is judged to be relatively faster from a lower altitude and relatively slower from a higher altitude. Similarly, loss of altitude can be accompanied by a false perception of increasing speed, while increases in altitude can be accompanied by a false perception of loss in speed. The direction of these effects is consistent with the Global Optical Flow Rate (GOFR) Hypothesis. However, the pattern of effects is not proportional to the ratio of velocity to altitude as predicted by the GOFR Hypothesis. An alternative model is presented that predicts additive effect of speed and altitude changes on speed perception.
Photodetection and causality in quantum optics

The theory of photodetection and quantum-optical coherence is formulated in the Heisenberg picture and in such a way that the causal propagation of fields at the velocity of light is manifest. Objections to the standard theory, based on a putative violation of causality, are shown to be unfounded, as is the notion that normal ordering is essential for the elimination of an infinite contribution from the vacuum field. In a similar vein we revisit the Fermi two-atom problem and explicitly demonstrate the causal nature of the interaction without invoking simplifying approximations that have recently been called into question.
Reevaluation of the 2-nitrobenzyl protecting group for nitrogen containing compounds: an application of flow photochemistry

Abstract Photochemistry under continuous flow conditions has many potential benefits for photochemical reactions that are problematic in batch. The 2-nitrobenzyl moiety is a photolabile protecting group for nitrogen. However, N-deprotection is generally impractical and, therefore, has not been extensively adopted. This Letter reports significant improvements in the N-deprotection of the 2-nitrobenzyl group through the application of continuous flow photolysis. This procedure was applied to a variety of substrates including indoles, indazoles, pyrazoles and secondary amines. Significant improvement in yield, reaction time and scalability was observed under continuous flow conditions.
Effects of oxygen and redox oscillation on degradation of cell-associated lipids in surficial marine sediments

Abstract Degradation patterns of sedimentary algal lipids were tracked with time under variable redox treatments designed to mimic conditions in organic-rich, bioturbated deposits. Uniformly 13 C-labeled algae were mixed with Long Island Sound surface muddy sediments and exposed to different redox regimes, including continuously oxic and anoxic, and oscillated oxic: anoxic conditions. Concentrations of several 13 C-labeled algal fatty acids (16:1, 16:0 and 18:1), phytol and an alkene were measured serially. Results showed a large difference (∼10×) in first-order degradation rate constants of cell-associated lipids between continuously oxic and anoxic conditions. Exposure to oxic conditions increased the degradation of cell-associated lipids, and degradation rate constants were positive functions (linear or nonlinear) of the fraction of time sediments were oxic. Production of two new 13 C-labeled compounds ( iso -15:0 fatty acid and hexadecanol) further indicated that redox conditions and oxic: anoxic oscillations strongly affect microbial degradation of algal lipids and net synthesis of bacterial biomass. Production of 13 C-labeled iso -15:0 fatty acid (a bacterial biomarker) was inversely proportional to the fraction of time sediments were oxic, rapidly decreasing after 10 days of incubation under oxic and frequently oscillated conditions. Turnover of bacterial biomass was faster under continuously or occasionally oxic conditions than under continuously anoxic conditions. 13 C-labeled hexadecanol, an intermediate degradation product, accumulated under anoxic conditions but not under oxic or periodically oxic conditions. The frequency of oxic: anoxic oscillation clearly alters both the rate and pathways of lipid degradation in surficial sediments. Terminal degradation efficiency and lipid products from degradation of algal material depend on specific patterns of redox fluctuations.
InGaAs QW nanopillar light emitting diodes monolithically grown on a Si substrate

Room-temperature operation of InGaAs/GaAs QW nanopillar light emitting diodes grown on a (111) Si substrate by low temperature MOCVD (400°C) and fabricated using conventional lithography and processing techniques are reported for the first time.
Thermodynamic properties of 4 He. II. The bcc phase and the P-T and V-T phase diagrams below 2 K

The constant-volume heat capacity of 4He has been measured at molar volumes from 20.45 to 29.71 cm3/mole in the temperature range from 0.3 to 4 K. The entropy has been obtained as a function of volume and temperature by extrapolation of the data to 0 K. The P-T equilibrium curves below 2 K were obtained from the volume dependence of the entropy in the two-phase regions. The V-T curves were obtained above 1.25 K by observation of heat capacity discontinuities at the phase boundaries and below 1.25 K from the equilibrium pressure-temperature data and the properties of the pure phases. The minimum in the melting pressure occurs at 0.774 K and is 8.04 × 10−3 atm below the 0 K value. The corresponding maxima in the molar volumes of the solid and liquid were also determined. In the bcc phase (∂S/∂V) T and (∂C v /∂V) T are everywhere positive. Both the temperature and volume dependence of the heat capacity are similar to those of bcc 3He, in the very limited ranges of volume and temperature in which the phase could be studied. An unexpected rise in heat capacity in the 20 mK interval below the melting temperature was observed.
Patient assessments of adequacy of dialysis and protein nutrition

Abstract Nephrologists closely monitor biochemical measurements of adequacy of dialysis and protein nutrition, but little is known about how patients assess adequacy. We sought (1) to determine how hemodialysis patients assess adequacy and (2) to compare patient assessments with objective measures of adequacy. We performed a cross-sectional interview study of 145 patients from two chronic hemodialysis units. Using a structured questionnaire, we asked subjects to assess the amount of dialysis and protein nutrition they were getting. Objective measures of amount of dialysis (Kt/V) and protein nutrition (albumin) were obtained from chart abstraction. We found that only 5% of all subjects thought they were getting less dialysis than they needed, yet 41% were actually receiving inadequate dialysis (Kt/V
Scrambling with matrix black holes

If black holes are not to be dreaded sinks of information but rather fully described by unitary evolution, they must scramble in-falling data and eventually leak it through Hawking radiation. Sekino and Susskind have conjectured that black holes are fast scramblers; they generate entanglement at a remarkably efficient rate, with the characteristic time scaling logarithmically with the entropy. In this work, we focus on Matrix theory---M-theory in the light-cone frame---and directly probe the conjecture. We develop a concrete test bed for quantum gravity using the fermionic variables of Matrix theory and show that the problem becomes that of chains of qubits with an intricate network of interactions. We demonstrate that the black hole system evolves much like a Brownian quantum circuit, with strong indications that it is indeed a fast scrambler. We also analyze the Berenstein-Maldacena-Nastase model and reach the same tentative conclusion.
Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis associated with small intestinal obstruction in 6 horses.

Objective— To report the history, clinical findings, and outcome of horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis associated with acute small intestinal obstruction. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Six horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis. Methods— Retrospective review of medical records of horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis, with acute abdominal pain and small intestinal obstruction, associated with a focal region of eosinophilic enteritis of unknown cause. Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, physical examination, laboratory findings, surgical procedure, histologic diagnosis, and postoperative management. Outcome was determined by telephone communication with owners. Results— Six horses met the selection criteria. Horses had persistent pain, distended small intestine, and nasogastric reflux. Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis lesions associated with a small intestinal obstruction were treated surgically by intestinal resection and anastomosis or wedge resection. There were no observed complications associated with extension of the disease from the lesion site. Five horses were alive at follow-up 5 to 60 months after surgery. Conclusions— Although the cause of these focal eosinophilic enteritis lesions is unknown, the long-term outcome after lesion resection was favorable. Clinical Relevance— Small intestinal obstruction associated with a focal eosinophilic enteritis lesion may be a cause of acute abdominal pain in horses. Horses apparently have a good prognosis after lesion resection.
Solar energy harvesting with light emitting diodes

An apparatus having a plurality of photonic devices electrically coupled to each other, each photonic device selectively configured to operate in a first mode as a light generating device when an electrical current is provided to the device by converting electrical energy to light. The device is further configured to operate in a second mode as a photovoltaic cell when no electrical current is provided to the device by converting light to electrical energy. A switching network coupled to the plurality of photonic devices. Each switch in the switching network may be configured to allow selection of the first or second mode for a respective photonic device of the plurality of photonic devices. The switching network may be coupled to a bi-direction DC-DC converter.
Building Relationships With Senior Campus Administrators: Strategies for the New College Library Director

ABSTRACT Developing relationships with other campus administrators is strategically important for new library directors. This article reviews some benefits to cooperative activity described in library literature, presents 9 strategies for developing cooperative partnerships with key constituencies suggested by several college library directors, and describes some of their successful projects that established the director as an engaged and capable manager and strengthened the role of the library on campus.
Excretion of Propylthiouracil and Its Metabolites in Rat Bile and Urine

Metabolites of propylthiouracil (PTU) appearing in rat bile and urine were compared after administration of 14C-PTU or 35S-PTU. Chromatography of 24-hr urines on Bio Gel P-2 columns resulted in the separation of several peaks of radioactivity. Each peak was subjected to further study. The results demonstrated that the most abundant component of urine was unaltered PTU and confirmed that PTU-glucuronide was a major urinary metabolite. These compounds accounted for 42.3 and 16%, respectively, of the total urinary radioactivity. Three metabolites heretofore unreported in rat urine, sulfate, propyluracil (PU) and S-methyl propylthiouracil (S-rhethyl PTU), were identified and comprised 7, 5.1 and 3.5%, respectively, of the total radioactivity. The major metabo- lite (22%) was not identified but appeared to be an S-conjugate of PTU or a PTU metabolite. Several radioactive PTU metabolites were also observed i n 6-hr bile. The most abundant metabolite was PTU-glucuronide comprising 41.9% of the total with small a...
Microbending characteristics and mechanical strength of thin coated fibers

For full-scale fiber to the home (FTTH), high-density fiber cables would be required.1 Reducing the coating diameter of optical fiber is the most effective method for realizing such cables. However, reducing the coating diameter can cause degradation of microbending characteristics and the fiber’s resistance to external forces.
A Redescription of Lysiosquilla Biminiensis Pacificus Borradaile (Stomatopoda) 1)

Lysiosquilla biminiensis var. pacificus Borradaile de Nouvelle Bretagne est redecrite, illustree et mise en synonymie avec L. multifasciala Wood-Mason.
Highly protein-resistant coatings from well-defined diblock copolymers containing sulfobetaines

Three well-defined diblock copolymers of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) [poly(SBMA)] and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) were synthesized by the sequential addition of SBMA monomer to fixed amounts of PPO using an atom transfer radical polymerization method and varying poly(SBMA) lengths. These copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR and aqueous gel permeation chromatography. These copolymers were physically adsorbed onto a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor surface covered by methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers, followed by the in situ evaluation of protein adsorption on the adsorbed copolymers. It is found that the behavior of the protein adsorption depends on the molecular weight of the copolymers. Results show that the diblock copolymers containing poly(SBMA) can be highly protein resistant when surface SBMA densities are well controlled. Thus, copolymers containing zwitterionic groups are ideal for resisting protein adsorption when the surface density of zwitterionic groups is controlled.