cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on multimode selectivity simultaneously achievable in a single device. 21. Selective chemical sensing using sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)block-polystyrene thin films.

Spectroelectrochemical sensors combine three modes of selectivity in a single device (electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and selective partitioning). A thin polymer film is coated onto the sensing platform in order to facilitate chemically selective transport to the electrode. The film is an essential part of the sensor because it provides an increase in selectivity and sensitivity by selectively preconcentrating the analyte. Here, we report the next step in the characterization of partially sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)block-polystyrene (SSEBS) films for the purpose of chemical sensing by examining the selectivity of the sensor fabricated with this novel thin film material. Binary mixtures using model analytes were used to demonstrate the sensor’s ability to detect an analyte in the presence of a direct interference. The binary mixtures consisted of Ru(bpy)32+/Fe(CN)63−, Ru(bpy)32+/Fe(bpy)32+, and Ru(bpy)32+/Cu(bpy)22+. Demonstration of the selective partitioning mode using the Ru...
Conceptual Understandings Resulting from Interactive Science Exhibits.

This study is an investigation of relationships among students’ free exploration of interactive science museum exhibits, conceptual understandings, and cognitive developmental levels. Forty-five subjects, ages 5 to 13, were classified as preoperational, concrete operational (empirical-inductive), or formal operational (hypothetical-deductive). Subjects interacted with science exhibits requiring empirical-deductive (EI) or hypothetical-deductive (HD) reasoning to understand the inherent science concepts. Ninety-five percent of the subjects demonstrated complete or partial understanding of the exhibits’ concepts that necessitated EI, or concrete reasoning. In contrast, 94% of the subjects that interacted with exhibits requiring HD, or formal, reasoning demonstrated misconceptions or no understanding of the associated concepts. Students within each developmental level demonstrated significantly greater understanding of the concepts from exhibits requiring EI reasoning than from exhibits requiring HD reasoning.
Synthesis of mono- and dihalogenated derivatives of (Me2S)2B12H10 and palladium-catalyzed boron-carbon cross-coupling reactions of the iodides with grignard reagents

Two series of compounds, 9-X-1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 and 9,10-X2-1,7-(Me2S) 2 B 1 2 H 8 (X = Cl, Br, I), have been synthesized from reactions of 1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 1 0 with various halogenating reagents. In addition, reactions of 1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 1 0 with 2,4-(NO 2 ) 2 C 6 H 3 SCl and PhSeBr resulted in 9-(2',4'-(NO 2 ) 2 C 6 H 3 S)-1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 and 9,10-(PhSe) 2 -1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 8 , respectively. X-ray studies of the dibromo, monoiodo, and aryl thioether derivatives show that electrophilic substitution in 1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 1 0 takes place at positions 9 and 10, as in the case of the metacarborane 1,7-C 2 B 1 0 H 1 2 . From 1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 1 0 the halides 2-X-1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 (X = Br, I) were prepared. For both 1,7-and 1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 1 0 the best iodination results were obtained using iodine monochloride in refluxing acetonitrile. In the presence of 5 mol % (PPh 3 ) 2 PdCl 2 the iodides 9-1-1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 , 2-1-1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 , and 9,10-I 2 -1,7.(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 8 react with RMgX (R = Me, Ph, Bn; X = Cl, Br) in THF to yield the corresponding B-alkyl-and B-aryl-substituted products in good yields without using Cul as a cocatalyst. The bromo derivative 9-Br-1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 did not react under similar conditions. No interference from the nearby Me 2 S substituent was observed in palladium-catalyzed substitution of iodide in 2-1-1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 . Presumably due to the intramolecular activation of an aryl C-H bond of the benzyl substituent in the inermediate palladium complex, the yield of 9,10-Bn 2 -1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 8 was significantly lower than those of the dimethyl and diphenyl derivatives. The molecular structures of 9-R-1,7-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 (R = Ph, Bn) and 2-Bn-1,12-(Me 2 S) 2 B 1 2 H 9 were obtained by single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Computer simulations of cathodeless, high-brightness electron-beam production by multiple laser beams in plasmas

The use of two crossed laser pulses in a plasma for the cathodeless production of high-current low-emittance electron beams [D. Umstadter, J. K. Kim, and E. Dodd, Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 76}, 2073 (1996)] is examined with fully relativistic, two-and-a-half-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Estimates for the number of injected particles, their energy spread, and their emittance are given as functions of the amplitude and timing of the injection pulse relative to the drive pulse of the laser wake field accelerator. The physical mechanism of the trapping of particles is examined based on single particle phase space trajectories in the simulations and numerical calculations. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Muscarinic receptor regulation of Ca2+ mobilization in a human salivary cell line.

We have studied receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in an established exocrine epithelial cell line (HSG-PA) derived from a human submandibular gland. These cells possess a single class of high-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors identified using [3H]-quinuclidinylbezilate (Kd=0.17±0.07 nmol/l;Bmax=37±2 fmol/mg protein;n=3). The muscarinic agonist carbachol elicits a concentration dependent increase of [3H]-inositol trisphosphate in HSG-PA cells (100 μmol/l; >2 fold by 30 s). Carbachol also results in a rapid, ∼5-fold increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. This response is made up of two components, one arising from the release of intracellular Ca2+ (La3+ insensitive; independent of extracellular [Ca2+]), the other from the entry of extracellular Ca2+ (La3+ sensitive; dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]). These Ca2+ mobilizing mechanisms are completely blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine (10 μmol/l) but unaffected by several voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem) and by membrane depolarization (incubation in 55 mmol/l KCl). These results demonstrate that HSG-PA cells respond to muscarinic stimulation by mobilizing Ca2+ from an intracellular store and via a receptor-operated Ca2+ entry pathway.
Transport Properties and Observation of Semimetal-Semiconductor Transition in Bi-based Nanowires

Temperature-dependent resistance measurements of Bi-related nanowire arrays with different wire diameters and Sb concentrations are performed. The variation in the measured R(T) curves of these nanowires is closely related to the unique semimetal-semiconductor transition in Bi, and the results are explained by theoretical simulations. It is found that the special feature of the maximum in the resistance ratio R(10 K)/R(100 K) can be employed to experimentally identify the conditions for the semimetal-semiconductor transition.
Seizure-related regulation of GABAA receptors in spontaneously epileptic rats

In this study, we analyzed the impact that spontaneous seizures might have on the plasma membrane expression, composition and function of GABAA receptors (GABAARs). For this, the tissue of chronically epileptic rats was collected within 3h of seizure occurrence (≤3h group) or at least 24h after seizure occurrence (≥24h group). A retrospective analysis of seizure frequency revealed that selecting animals on the bases of seizure proximity also grouped animals in terms of overall seizure burden with a higher seizure burden observed in the ≤3h group. A biochemical analysis showed that although animals with more frequent/recent seizures (≤3h group) had similar levels of GABAAR at the plasma membrane they showed deficits in inhibitory neurotransmission. By contrast, the tissue obtained from animals experiencing infrequent seizures (≥24h group) had increased plasma membrane levels of GABAAR and showed no deficit in inhibitory function. Together, our findings offer an initial insight into the molecular changes that might help to explain how alterations in GABAAR function can be associated with differential seizure burden. Our findings also suggest that increased plasma membrane levels of GABAAR might act as a compensatory mechanism to more effectively maintain inhibitory function, repress hyperexcitability and reduce seizure burden. This study is an initial step towards a fuller characterization of the molecular events that trigger alterations in GABAergic neurotransmission during chronic epilepsy.
The human tumor colony-forming chemosensitivity assay: a biological and clinical review

Over forty papers describing correlations between in vitro human tumor sensitivity to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and the in vivo response of patients to those agents have been published since the publication in 1978 by Salmon and Hamburger of their results of a human tumor colony-forming chemosensitivity assay (CFCA). The true positive rate in over 1600 correlations is 71% and the true negative rate is 94%. The biological elements of the assay, its developmental history, its place in the spectrum of in vitro chemosensitivity assays, and its theoretical and practical limitations are discussed. The scope, design, and limitations of key clinical trials are presented and an analysis of the potential errors of statistical interpretation of the trials as well as the results of the trials is given.
Limited evidence suggests that ad libitum or demand/semi-demand feeding allows for earlier hospital discharge compared to scheduled feeds for preterm infants

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by McCormick, F. M., Tosh, K., McGuire, W. (2010). Ad libitum or demand/semi-demand feeding versus scheduled interval feeding for preterm infants. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, 2, CD005255.Source of funding and disclosure of interest: Internal: CRD, HYMS, University of York, UK, University of St. Andrews, UK., Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK. External: Tenovus Scotland, UK. No conflicts of interest reported by the original authors of this research report.
Neuromuscular effects of rapacuronium in pediatric patients during nitrous oxide-halothane anesthesia: comparison with mivacurium

Purpose: To describe neuromuscular effects of rapacuronium in pediatric patients during N2 O-halothane anesthesia and compare them with mivacurium in children. Methods: 103 pediatric patients, seven days- 12 yr, received rapacuronium or mivacurium during N2 O-halothane anesthesia. Onset and recovery of block were measured using EMG (Datex). Block was compared between groups based on drug treatment and age. Children 0.7 occurred later after 2 mg·kg−1 than 1 mg·kg−1 in these patients (P two years of age. Maximum block occurred 1.0±0.5 min after 2 or 3 mg·kg−1 when T1 was 0.2±1.1% of baseline. T25 and T4/T1>0.7 occurred 10 to 11 min later after this dose of rapacuronium than after mivacurium. Conclusion: Rapacuronium produces block earlier than mivacurium. Recovery from rapacuronium block is dose related and slower than that following mivacurium during halothane anesthesia.
Transparent-conductive indium tin oxide films fabricated by atmospheric r.f. plasma deposition technique

Abstract We report new results on indium tin oxide (ITO) films fabricated on a soda lime silicate (SLS) glass by an atmospheric r.f. plasma mist deposition process. The ITO films and powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. As-deposited films are uniform, transparent, and conductive. Phase formation, lattice parameters, and binding energies depend on the indium-to-tin ratio. When the tin concentration is low, the resultant phase is a cubic indium oxide. As the tin concentration increases from 0% to 40%, the cubic lattice parameter increases. When the indium concentration is low, the resultant phase is a tetragonal tin oxide. As the indium concentration increases from 0% to 20%, the tetragonal lattice parameters increase, while the tin binding energies decrease slightly.
Tonal cognition, artificial intelligence and neural nets

We discuss a class of computational models that provide promising explanations of the processes underlying music cognition. These models, called neural net, connectionist, or parallel distributed models, are suited to music cognition because they can learn from passive exposure to the structural regularities of a musical culture. They have the potential to account for (1) the development, in the mind of the average listener, of cognitive schemas for music and (2) the subsequent generation of musical expectations based on these schemas. Using Western harmony and Indian rāgs as examples, we illustrate how one can simulate the expectancies of a native of one culture listening to the music of another. We show how a network can be constructed according to known music-theoretic constraints in order to study how some properties emerge from others. Finally, we review the results of experiments that test predictions about expectancies generated by these models.
Gypsum dissolution is not a universal integrator of ‘water motion’

The dissolution of gypsum or plaster of Paris has been widely used as an inexpensive integral measure of ‘water motion’ in the field and in laboratory tanks for studies of physical‐biological interactions. Commonly, gypsumdissolution rates have been calibrated to steady flow speed or velocity in the laboratory and the calibrations have been applied to dissolution (i.e., mass-transfer) rates in the field or in tanks. We evaluated the gypsum-dissolution technique in a steady-flow, a fluctuating-flow, and a mixed-flow environment by comparing dissolution rate to direct flow measurements with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. We found that dissolution rates were related to steady flow and to fluctuation intensity in the exclusively steady-flow and fluctuating-flow environments, respectively. The relationships were weak in the mixed-flow environment. Finally, dissolution and thus mass-transfer relationships were different in each flow environment, and the effects of steady flow and fluctuation intensity were not additive. Providing that it is rigorously checked and appropriately calibrated, the dissolution technique can be used to measure steady flow speed or fluctuation intensity in a steady-flow or fluctuating-flow environment, respectively. However, comparisons of dissolution rates between steady-flow, fluctuating-flow, and mixed-flow environments or within environments that change over time to determine water motion will be misleading. The gypsum-dissolution technique can be used as a good direct indicator of mass-transfer rates. However, mass-transfer rates are different in different flow environments. The gypsum-dissolution technique is not a universal integrator of ‘water motion.’ The dissolution of gypsum or gypsum-based plaster of Paris from ‘‘plaster balls’’ or ‘‘clod cards’’ was first introduced by Muus (1968) and Doty (1971) as an inexpensive technique to measure water flow in the absence of expensive field instrumentation for direct measurements of water velocity. Effects of temperature, salinity, and water volume on
Autonomous driving in urban environments: approaches, lessons and challenges

The development of autonomous vehicles for urban driving has seen rapid progress in the past 30 years. This paper provides a summary of the current state of the art in autonomous driving in urban environments, based primarily on the experiences of the authors in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge (DUC). The paper briefly summarizes the approaches that different teams used in the DUC, with the goal of describing some of the challenges that the teams faced in driving in urban environments. The paper also highlights the long-term research challenges that must be overcome in order to enable autonomous driving and points to opportunities for new technologies to be applied in improving vehicle safety, exploiting intelligent road infrastructure and enabling robotic vehicles operating in human environments.
Spatio-temporal decoupling of stomatal and mesophyll conductance induced by vein cutting in leaves of Helianthus annuus

Reduction of hydraulic conductance to the canopy has been shown to result in stomatal responses to limit transpiration. To test for similar responses to perturbations of the hydraulic network in leaves, we simultaneously measured leaf gas exchange with spatially explicit chlorophyll-a fluorescence and leaf temperature to examine the effects of cutting a primary leaf vein in Helianthus annuus. We repeated the leaf treatment at each of three different vapor pressure deficits and monitored the short-term dynamics of gas exchange following the treatment. Immediately after treatment, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance showed a transient “wrong-way” response in which photosynthesis declined despite increased stomatal conductance. Comparisons of fluorescence and temperature across the leaf showed that both photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were transiently patchy across the measured leaf area, but that the patchiness of the two processes did not correspond in space or time. This suggests that photosynthesis and stomatal conductance respond to vein cutting-induced cavitation via different mechanisms. Because the stomatal response varied by VPD condition but photosynthesis did not, it is likely that stomatal conductance, but not photosynthesis, responded to a hydraulic signal. In contrast, we hypothesize that photosynthesis declined due to a wound-induced electrical signal that has recently been shown to transiently decrease mesophyll conductance to CO2. The interaction of epidermal hydraulics and the electrical signal across the leaf likely created a patchy pattern of chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf temperature that cannot be explained through the action of a single signal.
Dynamic coordination of multi-robots by Bayesian modeling

Many of the tasks required of robotic agents can be done more effectively and efficiently if they are provided with a capability of making generalizations, drawing inferences and extracting patterns by observation. A generic framework for incorporating learning for the purposes of dynamic rescheduling in a multiple robotic system is proposed. The proposed method utilities a statistical model to make use of run-time observations to recover underlying dependencies in the task domain which is then used to make dynamically optimal plans. The mathematical implementation of the model and assessment issues are discussed, and the approach is illustrated by example of a foraging task.
Inducible macrophage apoptosis following sepsis is mediated by cysteine protease activation and nitric oxide release.

Abstract Recent studies indicate that polymicrobial sepsis can markedly increase inducible macrophage A o (nonnecrotic cellular suicide) and that this is associated with decreased Mφ function. In vitro studies suggest that Mφ A o can be induced by IL-1β via interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE, a cysteine protease), prostanoids, or reactive oxygen/nitrogen. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this process in septic Mφ remains unknown. To determine this, male C3H/HeN mice were subjected to sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP) or sham-operation. Twenty-four hours thereafter, Mφ were isolated from the peritoneum (PMφ) and liver (LMφ). Macrophage monolayers were treated with LPS (10 μg/ml) alone (Cont) or in the presence of iodoacetamide (Iodo, 5 m M ), N -methylmalamide (meth, 5 m M ), ibuprophen (Ibu, 40 μg/ml), N -methyl- l -arginine (LNMA, 0.4 m M ), or superoxide dismutase (SOD, 60,000 U/ml) for 24 hr. The extent of A o was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent cell-death assay, which detects the presence of cytoplasmic oligonucleosomes measured as optical density. The results indicate that both PMφ and LMφ from septic animals exhibit increased A o over cells from sham animals. However, only the nonspecific cysteine protease inhibitors (Iodo and meth) and the NO inhibitor LNMA blocked septic mouse Mφ A o . Furthermore, only PMφ from CLP mice treated with Iodo, but not LNMA or IBU, showed an improved capacity to release IL-6. We conclude that increased Mφ A o seen during sepsis appears to be mediated by both ICE-like cysteine protease activation and NO release but the level/mechanism of action of these inhibitors differs.
Electron transport in Nano‐Gold–Silicon interfaces

The electron transport characteristics of gold-silicon interfaces are studied using a combined ab initio approach of the Green's function for electron transfer and quantum density functional theory (DFT) for finite and extended systems. The Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian of an extended cluster or molecule and the density of states (DOS) of bulk Si and Au are used to construct the interface Hamiltonian to obtain the DOS, electron transmission, and current-voltage characteristics of the interface. Diode behavior is observed with electron conduction when the gold side is positively biased with a threshold of 0.8 V. The presence of molecules trapped at the interface and the geometry of the metal atoms strongly affect the conductance, implying difficult or even impossible theory- experiment validations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 107: 440 - 450, 2007
The effects of ownership structure and diversification strategy on performance

This study developed and tested a model that attempts to describe the influence of ownership structure and diversification strategy on performance. Results based on data from a crosssectional set of 228 Fortune 500 firms suggested that ownership structure and diversification explain differences in performance between firms.
Occurrence of the Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis , and potential predators on host plants in near-orchard habitats of Washington and Oregon (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

One hundred thirty species of native and introduced plants growing in uncultivated land adjacent to apple and pear orchards of central Washington and northern Oregon were sampled for the presence of the western flower thrips (WFT) Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895) and potential thrips predators. Plants were sampled primarily while in flower. Flowering hosts for WFT were available from late-March to late-October. Adult WFT occurred on 119 plant species and presumed WFT larvae were present on 108 of 119 species. Maximum observed WFT density on several plant species exceeded 100 individuals (adults and larvae) per gram dry weight of plant material. The most abundant predator was Orius tristicolor (White, 1879) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). It was collected on 64 plant species, all of which were hosts for WFT. The second most abundant predators were spiders (Araneae). Small spider immatures (first and second instars) of several species were common on certain host plants, and are likely to feed on WFT.
Changing patterns of use of osteoporosis medications in the years after launch: implications for comparative effectiveness research

Purpose Newly marketed medications may be used selectively in patients with more severe disease. Changes in patterns of use following a drug's introduction to the market can greatly influence results from non-experimental comparative effectiveness research. We sought to explore this issue by characterizing trends in oral and injectable prescription drug claims for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Methods We examined a post-menopausal population of women age 55 years and older in the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan® Databases. We used propensity score (PS) methods to describe how predictors of new users of oral and injectable osteoporosis medications change over time. Results We found that injectable osteoporosis medications tended to be used more selectively in the higher risk patients shortly after launch. Over time, they appeared to be used increasingly in lower risk patients. Conclusion If disease severity is incompletely captured in the data, comparative effectiveness of novel osteoporosis medications may be difficult to accurately estimate, particularly when medications are new to market. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building a Peaceable Classroom: Helping Young Children Feel Safe in Violent Times

(1994). Building a Peaceable Classroom: Helping Young Children Feel Safe in Violent Times. Childhood Education: Vol. 70, No. 5, pp. 267-270.
So You Want to Be a Dermasurgeon: How to Get Training or Choose a Fellowship

BACKGROUND There are many routes to obtaining training in dermasurgery. OBJECTIVE The objective is to discuss some considerations that may guide selection of dermasurgery training. METHODS Current training options are reviewed. RESULTS Some considerations that may guide selection of type of dermasurgery training include: (1) individual temperament; (2) the subtype of dermasurgery in which training is desired (Mohs, cosmetic surgery, laser); (3) family and geographic factors; (4) preference for private practice versus academic career; and (5) proportion of future practice to be devoted to dermasurgery. CONCLUSIONS There are a growing number of training choices for budding dermasurgeons, with multiple options available for each set of particular circumstances.
Higher-order optical correlation spectroscopy in liquids.

▪ Abstract Linear optical spectroscopies have long been used to study the behavior of liquids. Laser technology has progressed to the point that it has become possible to perform nonlinear optical experiments that probe higher-order correlation functions in liquids, opening a new window into our understanding of the microscopic details of solution-phase processes. Here we review advances that have been made in recent years in employing higher-order electronic and vibrational spectroscopies to study liquid-state dynamics and structure.
Reactive deformation of path for navigation among dynamic obstacles

This paper presents experimental results of a reactive deforming path algorithm, based on elastic strips, in a 2D / 3D simulator. This algorithm generates motion plans that respect global constraints while making sure that the robot avoids collisions with all stationary, moving and unexpected obstacles. The problem is addressed by integrating a global planning algorithm with a local reactive approach. The planner performs path planning in two stages: (i) Global planning of the path is done using a heuristic search algorithm such as A⋆. (ii) In a dynamic environment, with several obstacles moving around in an unpredicted fashion, the planner deforms the path reactively by subjecting it to artificial forces. For making sure that the robot is always on a collision free path, the plan is incrementally updated with changes in the environment. The plan representation uses deformable links connecting the robot's configurations along the path, stretching or retracting the path as required to avoid collisions.
No effect of 14 day consumption of whole grain diet compared to refined grain diet on antioxidant measures in healthy, young subjects: a pilot study

Background: Epidemiological evidence supports that a diet high in whole grains is associated with lowered risk of chronic diseases included coronary heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. One potential mechanism for the protective properties of whole grains is their antioxidant content. The aim of this study was to compare differences in antioxidant measures when subjects consumed either refined or whole grain diets. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects took part in a randomized, crossover dietary intervention study. Subjects consumed either a refined grain or whole grain diet for 14 days and then the other diet for the next 14 days. Male subjects consumed 8 servings of grains per day and female subjects consumed 6 servings of grains per day. Blood and urine samples were collected at the end of each diet. Antioxidant measures included oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in blood, and isoprostanes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in urine. Results: The whole grain diet was significantly higher in dietary fiber, vitamin B6, folate, selenium, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium and cystine compared to the refined grain diet. Despite high intakes of whole grains, no significant differences were seen in any of the antioxidant measures between the refined and whole grain diets. Conclusions: No differences in antioxidant measures were found when subjects consumed whole grain diets compared to refined grain diets.
Characteristics of a New ICP Monitoring Device

The currently available systems being used for the determination of intracranial dynamics have several inherent disadvantages. In the case of fluid introduction for the measurement of volume-pressure relationships, single lumen, fluid filled catheters cannot record the continuous, initial intracranial pressure response because of changes in stopcock settings and aberrations due to subsequent catheter motion artifact. In addition, fluid filled systems used for the analysis of the intracranial pressure waveform are not well suited for this purpose because air bubbles, lengthy fluid filled plastic connections, and catheter clogging all contribute to low fidelity or inaccurate pulse profiles.
Reliability of surgical skills scores in otolaryngology residents: analysis using generalizability theory.

Assessments of temporal bone dissection performance among otolaryngology residents have not been adequately developed. At the Ohio State College of Medicine, an instrument (Welling Scale, Version 1 [WS1]) is used to evaluate residents' end-product performance after drilling a temporal bone. In this study, the authors evaluate the components that contribute to measurement error using this scale. Generalizability theory was used to reveal components of measurement error that allow for better understanding of test results. A major component of measurement error came from inconsistency in performance across the two cadaveric test bones each resident was assigned. In contrast, ratings of performance using the WS1 were highly consistent across raters and rating sessions within raters. The largest source of measurement error was caused by residents'inconsistent performance across bones. Rater disagreement introduced only small error into scores. The WS1 provides small measurement error, with two raters and two bones for each participant.
Pose and position tracking with super image vector inner products

We introduce a new and efficient distortion-invariant super image tracker and pose estimator based on a linear phase coefficient composite filter. The super image consists of a weighted sum of training images chosen to span the distortion range under analysis. Unlike correlation-based composite filter design, the super image is implemented by means of a complex vector inner product operation. A super image vector inner product is implemented by elementwise multiplication of a super image template by a window of interest in the input scene and summation of the elementwise operations. The resulting amplitude indicates target detection, and the resulting phase indicates the value of scale, orientation, or movement of the target object. The mathematical characteristics of the super image vector inner product are presented, and its application is demonstrated.
Functional P2X7 Receptor Expression in the Magnocellular Neurons of the Hypothalamic Neurohypophysial System (HNS)

Our laboratory has presented evidence for P2x7 receptors (P2x7R) in isolated terminals of the neurohypophysis (NH) (Cuadra et al., 2010, Biophys. J.97: 1474). In this study we further examined P2x7R immunoreactivity (IR) and function. A stereo-specific ecto-P2x7R antibody was used for IR studies (Kim el al., 2001, JBC, 276:23262) in the rat HNS: supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and NH. We found limited P2x7R IR in the SON and the PVN, which was absent from the somata of OT- and AVP-neurons. P2x7R IR was co-localized in some cell bodies containing the glial specific marker, GFAP. In contrast, P2x7R IR was abundantly seen on the membrane of NH terminals (NHT), with dense IR in terminals lining the capillary borders. This was confirmed in isolated NHT that showed IR puncta on the membranes of both AVP- and OT-containing terminals. Initial results using ratiometric calcium imaging with Fura-2 in isolated NHT showed differential [Ca2+]iresponses to 100 μM vs. 1 mM ATP; some NHT responded to both doses while others responded only to 1 mM ATP. A similar distribution in response was observed with ATP generated ion currents during patch clamp recordings. NHT responded with either high sensitivity (HS) or low sensitivity (LS) to ATP. The HS group corresponded to AVP-NHT, which is reported to express P2x2R, P2x3R, P2x4R and P2x7R (Knott et al., 2005, Pfluger Arch, 405:381). In contrast, the LS group corresponded to OT-NHT, which is consistent with a P2x7R response. Together these data suggest that in the HNS P2x7R is expressed chiefly in the AVP- and OT-secreting terminals of magnocellular neurons. (Supported by NIH grant NS29470 to JRL)
Multiple Losses and Transfers to the Nucleus of Two Mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Genes During Angiosperm Evolution

Unlike in animals, the functional transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nucleus is an ongoing process in plants. All but one of the previously reported transfers in angiosperms involve ribosomal protein genes. Here we report frequent transfer of two respiratory genes, sdh3 and sdh4 (encoding subunits 3 and 4 of succinate dehydrogenase), and we also show that these genes are present and expressed in the mitochondria of diverse angiosperms. Southern hybridization surveys reveal that sdh3 and sdh4 have been lost from the mitochondrion about 40 and 19 times, respectively, among the 280 angiosperm genera examined. Transferred, functional copies of sdh3 and sdh4 were characterized from the nucleus in four and three angiosperm families, respectively. The mitochondrial targeting presequences of two sdh3 genes are derived from preexisting genes for anciently transferred mitochondrial proteins. On the basis of the unique presequences of the nuclear genes and the recent mitochondrial gene losses, we infer that each of the seven nuclear sdh3 and sdh4 genes was derived from a separate transfer to the nucleus. These results strengthen the hypothesis that angiosperms are experiencing a recent evolutionary surge of mitochondrial gene transfer to the nucleus and reveal that this surge includes certain respiratory genes in addition to ribosomal protein genes.
Atomic Scale Imaging of Minerals with the Atomic Force Microscope

We present in this paper the surface structure of minerals like mica, calcite and aragonite observed with the atomic force microscope (AFM). Surface images at atomic resolution on mica and calcite were achieved but it was not possible for us to achieve atomic resolution on aragonite crystals. We believe this is due to the poor cleavage in aragonite. Results of an experiment performed on mica to find the variability in the measurement of atomic distances are also presented. In the case of calcite (Iceland spar), we provide an analysis of the surface atomic structure on the (1011) perfect cleavage as observed with the AFM and compare it with X-ray diffraction data.
AID in somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination

Somatic hypermutation and class-switch-recombination are initiated by the deamination of deoxycytosine in DNA by activation-induced-deaminase, AID. Recently, there has been much research into how AID targets double-stranded DNA in sub-regions of Ig genes, the involvement of co-factors and posttranslational modifications in this process, the co-option of DNA 'repair' mechanisms and AID evolution.
2. Chronic pain syndrome and myofascial pain

Abstract This article highlights chronic pain syndrome and myofascial pain. It is part of the chapter on pain rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article discusses behavioral maladaptations to chronic pain which lead to global physical, psychologic, social, and vocational impairments—the chronic pain syndrome. The spectrum of myofascial pain syndromes, contributing factors, and interventions are detailed. New advances that are covered in this section include controversies in long-term use of opioids and muscle relaxants; differentiating fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndromes, and chronic fatigue syndrome; pathophysiology of myofascial pain; and beneficial treatments.
Intertemporal Allocation of Capital Costs in Electric Utility Capacity Expansion Planning Under Uncertainty

This paper concerns marginal cost pricing in a capacity expansion problem for the electric utility industry. We develop a characterization of equipment selection and marginal capital cost allocation based on an optimal capacity plan, in the context of either a finite, discretely distributed stochastic demand forecast, or in the deterministic case of multiple users identified by temporal considerations. In either case, a two stage linear program with recourse is shown to result. The main purpose of this paper is to conduct an analysis in order to determine a marginal cost pricing strategy for sharing capital costs given an optimal capacity plan, and to provide insightful economic interpretations. Our results also generalize a special case previously studied to demonstrate how a marginal cost pricing strategy may result in some of the capacity costs being borne by off-peak users.
Entzündliche Fingergelenkspolyarthrose – Herausforderungen in der Diagnostik und Therapie

Eine symptomatische Fingergelenkspolyarthrose (HOA) tritt bei 5–20 % der Bevolkerung ≥ 40 Jahre auf. Die Diagnosestellung erfolgt primar anhand der klinischen Symptomatik mit Schmerzen, knocherne Verdickungen der Fingergelenke und geringer Morgensteifigkeit. Laboruntersuchungen und Rontgenaufnahmen der Hande konnen in der Differenzialdiagnostik anderer entzundlicher Gelenkerkrankungen, insbesondere der rheumatoiden Arthritis und Psoriasis-Arthritis notwendig werden. Nicht-pharmakologische Therapieoptionen umfassen Patientenschulung zur Kraftigung der Muskulatur und Mobilisation als auch physio- und ergoherapeutische Behandlungsverfahren. Bei leichten bis masigen Schmerzen konnen topische nicht-steroidale Antirheumatika (NSAR) oder Capsaicin effektiv sein. Zur systemischen Therapie kommen in erster Linie Paracetamol, NSAR und Coxibe in Frage. Innovative Therapieoptionen werden derzeit in klinischen Studien erforscht.
Delirium: treatment and prevention (part 2).

Delirium management begins with non-pharmacologic interventions and treatment of the underlying causes. There are no FDA-approved medications for delirium-related psychosis and agitation, although numerous agents have been studied. Small sample size, narrow inclusion criteria, lack of placebo controls and variable methodologies limit the generalizability of findings to date. Studies and expert guidelines support the use of antipsychotics for delirium-related psychosis and agitation, and demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety between first- and secondgeneration agents. Mounting evidence also suggests that antipsychotics and dexmedetomidine are effective in preventing delirium in surgical and mechanicallyventilated patients, respectively.
The Activation-Induced Assembly of an RNA/Protein Interactome Centered on the Splicing Factor U2AF2 Regulates Gene Expression in Human CD4 T Cells.

Activation of CD4 T cells is a reaction to challenges such as microbial pathogens, cancer and toxins that defines adaptive immune responses. The roles of T cell receptor crosslinking, intracellular signaling, and transcription factor activation are well described, but the importance of post-transcriptional regulation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has not been considered in depth. We describe a new model expanding and activating primary human CD4 T cells and applied this to characterizing activation-induced assembly of splicing factors centered on U2AF2. We immunoprecipitated U2AF2 to identify what mRNA transcripts were bound as a function of activation by TCR crosslinking and costimulation. In parallel, mass spectrometry revealed the proteins incorporated into the U2AF2-centered RNA/protein interactome. Molecules that retained interaction with the U2AF2 complex after RNAse treatment were designated as “central” interactome members (CIMs). Mass spectrometry also identified a second class of activation-induced proteins, “peripheral” interactome members (PIMs), that bound to the same transcripts but were not in physical association with U2AF2 or its partners. siRNA knockdown of two CIMs and two PIMs caused changes in activation marker expression, cytokine secretion, and gene expression that were unique to each protein and mapped to pathways associated with key aspects of T cell activation. While knocking down the PIM, SYNCRIP, impacts a limited but immunologically important set of U2AF2-bound transcripts, knockdown of U2AF1 significantly impairs assembly of the majority of protein and mRNA components in the activation-induced interactome. These results demonstrated that CIMs and PIMs, either directly or indirectly through RNA, assembled into activation-induced U2AF2 complexes and play roles in post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to cytokine secretion. These data suggest an additional layer of regulation mediated by the activation-induced assembly of RNA splicing interactomes that is important for understanding T cell activation.
Anti-complement activity of the Ixodes scapularis salivary protein Salp20

Complement, a major component of innate immunity, presents a rapid and robust defense of the intravascular space. While regulatory proteins protect host cells from complement attack, when these measures fail, unrestrained complement activation may trigger self-tissue injury, leading to pathologic conditions. Of the three complement activation pathways, the alternative pathway (AP) in particular has been implicated in numerous disease and injury states. Consequently, the AP components represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The common hard-bodied ticks from the family Ixodidae derive nourishment from the blood of their mammalian hosts. During its blood meal the tick is exposed to host immune effectors, including the complement system. In defense, the tick produces salivary proteins that can inhibit host immune functions. The Salp20 salivary protein of Ixodes scapularis inhibits the host AP pathway by binding properdin and dissociating C3bBbP, the active C3 convertase. In these studies we examined Salp20 activity in various complement-mediated pathologies. Our results indicate that Salp20 can inhibit AP-dependent pathogenesis in the mouse. Its efficacy may be part in due to synergic effects it provides with the endogenous AP regulator, factor H. While Salp20 itself would be expected to be highly immunogenic and therefore inappropriate for therapeutic use, its emergence speaks for the potential development of a non-immunogenic Salp20 mimic that replicates its anti-properdin activity.
Effects of Ceric Oxide Coatings on Materials Performance of 430 Steel in Coal Synthetc Gas

The surfaces of low silicon and aluminum 430 stainless steel (UNS 43000) coupons with and without ceria (CeO2) surface treatment were investigated after exposure to simulated coal syngas based fuel at 800 C. The results indicate a different mechanism of carburization for the ceria treated steel than that for the untreated steel.
Knowledge-based Economic Growth in Kazakhstan

Mineral resource rich countries are under pressure to diversify their sources of growth and employment in the face uncertain demand and fluctuating prices for their products. Moreover, because the ...
Human sperm function in the ejaculate following vasectomy.

Semen specimens were obtained for analysis from nine men immediately before vasectomy and 3 days following the vasectomy procedure. After vasectomy there was a significant decrease in seminal sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and mean swimming speed. In seven of nine cases the spermatozoa did not survive overnight incubation in capacitation media, and in no case was penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes observed 3 days after vasectomy.
Should Jurors Use the Internet

During trials jurors are increasingly using cell phones and other devices capable of accessing the Internet. Courts are responding by amending court rules to explicitly ban these devices. This Article points out problems with those new rules. This Article also reviews scientific literature on the effect of pretrial publicity on jury decision-making to conclude the fear of outside Internet research may be unwarranted. By challenging the arguments against allowing jurors to conduct outside research, this Article seeks to broaden the discussion about what it takes to keep the American jury system working capably.
Electronegativities from Core-Ionization Energies: Electronegativities of SF5 and CF3

Core-ionization energies have been measured for SF(6) (S 2p), SF(5)SF(5) (S 2p), SF(5)Br (S 2p and Br 3d), and SF(5)CF(3) (S 2p and C 1s). These results, together with others that establish correlations between core-ionization energies and Pauling electronegativities, make it possible to assign group electronegativities to SF(5) and CF(3). This method gives electronegativities for these groups comparable to that of bromine, whereas analysis of the effect of these groups on acidity indicates electronegativities comparable to that of fluorine. Other methods of estimating electronegativity fall between these extremes. These disparities can be understood in part as reflecting the effects of polarizibility of the substituent, which tends to lower both the core-ionization energy and the deprotonation energy, making the electronegativity appear to be less in one case and more in the other. In addition, and possibly more important, the core-ionization energies presented here reflect the effect of the group on an adjacent atom, whereas the acidity reflects the effect on a remote atom. It appears that fluorine has a large effect on an adjacent atom but a relatively small effect on a remote atom. By contrast SF(5) and CF(3) have a relatively small effect on an adjacent atom, but this effect falls off only slowly with distance from the substituent. Thus, the effective electronegativities of CF(3) and SF(5) relative to those of the halogens depend on the site at which the molecule is probed as well as on the process that is under consideration.
Acceptor Dopants in Bulk and Nanoscale ZnO

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a semiconductor that emits bright UV light, with little wasted heat. This intrinsic feature makes it a promising material for energy-efficient white lighting, nano-lasers, and other optical applications. For devices to be competitive, however, it is necessary to develop reliable p-type doping. Although substitutional nitrogen has been considered as a potential p-type dopant for ZnO, recent theoretical and experimental work suggests that nitrogen is a deep acceptor and will not lead to p-type conductivity. In nitrogen-doped samples, a red photoluminescence (PL) band is correlated with the presence of deep nitrogen acceptors. PL excitation (PLE) measurements show an absorption threshold of 2.26 eV, in good agreement with theory. The results of these studies seem to rule out group-V elements as shallow acceptors in ZnO, contradicting numerous reports in the literature. Optical studies on ZnO nanocrystals show some intriguing leads. At liquid-helium temperatures, a series of sharp IR absorption peaks arise from an unknown acceptor impurity. The data are consistent with a hydrogenic acceptor 0.46 eV above the valence band edge. While this binding energy is still too deep for many practical applications, it represents a significant improvement over the 1.4-1.5 eV binding energy for nitrogen acceptors. Nanocrystals present another twist. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, surface states are especially important. In our model, the 0.46 eV level is shallow with respect to the surface valence band, raising the possibility of surface hole conduction.