cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV-1-induced apathy: Mitigation by the gut metabolite, S-equol

The persistence of motivational alterations, including apathy, in older HIV-1 seropositive individuals, despite treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy, necessitates the development of innovative adjunctive therapeutics. S-Equol (SE), a selective estrogen receptor β agonist, has been implicated as a neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic for HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); its therapeutic utility for apathy, however, has yet to be systematically evaluated. Thus, beginning at approximately seven to nine months of age, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) and control animals were treated with either a daily oral dose of SE (0.2 mg) or vehicle and assessed in a series of tasks to evaluate goal-directed behavior. First, at the genotypic level, apathetic behavior in older HIV-1 Tg rats treated with vehicle was characterized by a diminished reinforcing efficacy of, and sensitivity to, sucrose and enhanced drug seeking for cocaine relative to control animals treated with vehicle. Second, treatment with SE ameliorated alterations in goal-directed behaviors and reduced drug seeking behavior in HIV-1 Tg rats. Following a history of cocaine intake, HIV-1 Tg animals treated with vehicle exhibited prominent decreases in dendritic branching and a shift towards longer dendritic spines with decreased head diameter; synaptic dysfunction which was partially restored by SE treatment. Taken together, SE restored motivated behavior in the HIV-1 Tg rat, expanding the potential clinical utility of SE to include both neurocognitive and affective alterations.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome as a Complication of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with multiple neurological complications including Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). While there are reports of COVID-19 -related GBS cases, much remain unknown. We report two cases of GBS-associated COVID-19, which started about eight weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection. Such a long duration between infection and symptom onset of GBS is unusual for post-infectious GBS. Moreover, severely ill patients with COVID-19 may have prolonged hospital stay leading to critical illness myoneuropathy. Diagnosing superimposed GBS can be challenging in such cases. Clinical suspicion, nerve conduction studies with electromyography, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis can help in making the correct diagnosis. Both presented cases responded to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Risk factors associated with health-related quality of life in pediatric asthma.

To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of children with asthma and analyze the related factors. A total of 360 children diagnosed with asthma were enrolled. We conducted the pediatric asthma quality...
Oligomerization of Lrrk controls actin severing and α-synuclein neurotoxicity in vivo

Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common cause of familial Parkinson’s disease and typically cause disease in the context of abnormal aggregation and deposition of α-synuclein within affected brain tissue. We combine genetic analysis of Lrrk-associated toxicity in a penetrant Drosophila model of wild type human α-synuclein neurotoxicity with biochemical analyses and modeling of LRRK2 toxicity in human neurons and transgenic mouse models. We demonstrate that Lrrk and α-synuclein interact to promote neuronal degeneration through convergent effects on the actin cytoskeleton and downstream dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function. We find specifically that monomers and dimers of Lrrk efficiently sever actin and promote normal actin dynamics in vivo. Oligomerization of Lrrk, which is promoted by dominant Parkinson’s disease-causing mutations, reduces actin severing activity in vitro and promotes excess stabilization of F-actin in vivo. Importantly, a clinically protective Lrrk mutant reduces oligomerization and α-synuclein neurotoxicity. Our findings provide a specific mechanistic link between two key molecules in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, α-synuclein and LRRK2, and suggest potential new approaches for therapy development.
The Evolution of Risk Management Oversight by Indian Boards

The board of directors lies at the core of effective risk management. The board plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding the risk policy of a company, and in ensuring that appropriate systems of control are in place. This Article analyses India’s evolving framework for board oversight of risk management. Over the last decade, India’s legal regime mandating board oversight of risk management has progressed to largely resemble international standards. Nevertheless, recent risk management crises at leading Indian companies highlight the importance, and challenges, of board oversight of corporate risk. This Article examines key risk concepts and provides an overview of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). It explains how global concepts of ERM are reflected in recent regulatory mandates in India under the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosures Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The Article also compares India’s evolving regulatory approach to the legal regimes mandating board oversight of risk management in two leading jurisdictions—the United States and the United Kingdom. While India’s legal framework for board oversight of risk is improving, two recent crises—the collapse of IL&FS and management failures at ICICI Bank—demonstrate the barriers that directors of Indian companies continue to face in overseeing increasingly complex risks. The increasing complexity of risk and the board’s critical oversight role are also highlighted by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Directors of Indian firms, particularly independent directors, continue to face a variety of barriers in effectively overseeing risk management, including promoter control, limited access to information and independent external advisors, as well as significant dependence on management for obtaining information on business plans, strategies and risk preparedness of the company. Nevertheless, such barriers are not insurmountable. This Article’s case study of how the board of Infosys, one of India’s leading technology companies, addressed red flags raised by whistleblowers, illustrates how an empowered board can respond to risk management issues effectively. Drawing lessons from these case studies, this Article concludes with suggestions on how to further enhance the board’s risk oversight function.
Flow dynamics of shear-coaxial cryogenic nitrogen jets under supercritical conditions with and without acoustic excitations

The three-dimensional flow structures and dynamics of shear-coaxial nitrogen jets under supercritical conditions are comprehensively investigated using the large-eddy simulation technique. The theoretical framework is based on the full conservation laws and accommodates real-fluid thermodynamics and transport theories over the entire range of fluid states. Cryogenic liquid nitrogen (132 K) is delivered through the inner tube of a shear-coaxial nozzle, and gaseous nitrogen (191 K) is injected through the outer annulus, into a high-pressure environment at 233 K. Particular attention is paid to the influence of operating parameters on the flow evolution of the coaxial jets. Two supercritical pressure conditions, 4.94 and 10.0 MPa, and three outer-to-inner velocity ratios in the range of 2.03–3.75, are considered. Results reveal that the flowfield downstream of the coaxial jets is characterized by two potential cores and three shear layers. Two counter-rotating recirculation zones are formed next to the central post-tip. The characteristic frequencies of flow recirculation and shear-layer instability are analyzed using power spectral analysis. Increasing the pressure and the velocity ratio enhances turbulent mixing, promotes the entrainment of the outer stream into the inner region, and advances the pinching point of vortical motion to the centerline, thereby leading to a decreased length of the inner dark core. The predicted dark core length and outer spreading angle show good agreement with experimental results. The introduction of transverse acoustic excitation induces large sinusoidal oscillations of the inner dense-fluid stream along the direction of acoustic motion and promotes the mixing of the inner and outer streams.
Study of absorbing boundary conditions in the 3D-TLM symmetrical condensed node model

The TLM (transmission line matrix) method is a numerical technique based on temporal and spatial sampling of electromagnetic fields. As with the FD-TD (finite-difference time-domain) method, the absorbing boundary conditions are needed to truncate computational regions when open structures are simulated. The FD-TD absorbing boundary conditions have been adapted to and implemented in the 3D-TLM symmetrical condensed node model. It is demonstrated that instability may occur due to spurious modes of the 3D-TLM condensed node mesh. >
Neural networks elucidate T cell priming conditions for adoptive transfer

Both host cytokines and microbial metabolites can influence the differentiation of naive T cells near the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While some differentiated T cells mitigate inflammation, others promote it; thus T cells near the GI tract exist in a delicate homeostasis that allows for simultaneously tolerating commensal microbes and destroying harmful pathogens. Environmental stimuli coupled with genetic predisposition can disrupt this homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ensues. A promising treatment for IBD involves culturing a patient's naive T cells, differentiating them into anti-inflammatory T cells, and transplanting them back into the original patient in a process known as adoptive transfer. One bottleneck in translating this technique from the laboratory to the clinic is in the determination of appropriate stimulation conditions prior to transplantation. Since the biochemical pathway underlying this differentiation is largely unknown, only data driven models can be used to model the effect of various stimulation conditions on the percentages of anti-inflammatory Tregs and pro-inflammatory Th17 cells. This work develops such models where a special emphasis is placed on determining empirical models that maximize the prediction accuracy. Neural network models are used due to both their flexibility for choosing model structures and their ability to reflect complex phenomena.
Plant Response to Water-deficit Stress

When plants do not receive sufficient water they are subjected to a stress called water deficit. Water deficit in the plant disrupts many cellular and whole plant functions, having a negative impact on plant growth and reproduction. Plants have evolved many different mechanisms to deal with the occurrence of this stress as it occurs in their environments. Availability of water is the most important factor in the environment that reduces the production of our crops. Keywords: water-deficit stress; water relations; gene regulation; biotechnology
Integration and Behavior in the U.S. Winter Market for Fresh Tomatoes

Alternative hypotheses of market integration in the US winter market for fresh tomatoes were evaluated using a dynamic model of spatial price adjustment. The results showed that while Florida and Mexico were integrated in the same market, a price change in one area was not instantaneously reflected in the other Lagged effects were important with long-run integration being supported for both Florida and Mexico and short-run integration for Mexico. However, the information flow, while relatively efficient, was not symmetric. Florida was found to be dominant in the price formation process with Mexico responding to changes in the Florida price.
Paramagnetic Resonance Hyperfine Structure of Tetravalent Pa 231 in Cs 2 Zr Cl 6

Paramagnetic resonance absorption at 3-cm wavelengths is observed for tetravalent ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{231}$ in a single crystal of ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Zr${\mathrm{Cl}}_{6}$ at helium temperatures. The observed spectra correspond to the allowed transitions (${S}_{z}, {I}_{z}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{S}_{z}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1, {I}_{z}$) and the forbidden transitions (${S}_{z}$, ${I}_{z}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{S}_{z}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$, ${I}_{z}\ensuremath{\mp}1$) of a system described by the spin Hamiltonian, ${H}_{s}=g\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{H}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{S}+A\mathrm{I}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{S}\ensuremath{-}{{g}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\beta}\mathrm{H}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{I}$, with $S=\frac{1}{2}$, $I=\frac{3}{2}$, $\frac{|A|}{h}=1578.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4$ Mc/sec, $|g|=1.1423\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0014$, and $|{{g}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}|\ensuremath{\approx}8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. The errors indicate a small deviation from isotropy. It is further observed that $\frac{{{g}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{g}l0$, indicating that if ${{g}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is positive, as is strongly indicated by the nuclear shell model, then $g$ is negative. An additional electron-nuclear double-resonance experiment is used to determine directly the nuclear magnetic moment $\ensuremath{\mu}({\mathrm{Pa}}^{231})=1.96$ nuclear magnetons. This value includes a correction of 9% due to perturbations of an excited state about 1900 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ above the ground-state doublet of ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{4+}$ in its octahedral crystal field. A lower frequency double-resonance experiment is used to measure the weak hyperfine interaction of the ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{4+}$ ion with its ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{133}$ neighbors, of order $\frac{{A}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}}{h}\ensuremath{\approx}0.5$ Mc/sec.
Monomeric uni-ligated aluminates

The tetradentate ligand, common name Salban(But)H4 (N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)-1,4-d iaminobutane) combines with appropriate amounts of LiAlH4 to produce the unique monomeric, uni-ligated aluminate [Salban(But)Al]Li(thf)2 (1) and the bimetallic derivative Salban(But){AlH2Li(thf)2}2 (2).
The Submillimeter-Wave Astronomy Satellite: On-Orbit Thermal Performance and Design Retrospective

A large telescope aperture, stringent thermal stability and temperature range requirements, and a passively-cooled 150 K module presented major challenges in thermal design and hardware fabrication of this Small Explorer satellite. This paper reviews briefly the thermal design of the SWAS science instrument, and examines the first three months of on-orbit thermal history. Measured temperatures for both the science payload and the spacecraft module and solar arrays are compared with those predicted by the correlated analytical model. Similarities and differences are interpreted in terms of the major uncertainties remaining after thermal-balance testing, especially those of MLI performance and telescope aperture properties. Review of the thermal model adequacy and thermal design verification are included to suggest improvements in the thermal design process for future missions.
Relationship between the functional status of the reticuloendothelial system and the outcome of experimentally induced pancreatitis in young mice

Physiologically, the main function of alpha 2-macroglobulin is the binding of active endopeptidases rather than their inhibition. The interaction results in a conformational change in the alpha 2-macroglobulin that leads to its rapid elimination by the reticuloendothelial system. In this way, the reticuloendothelial system may help in the regulation of extracellular proteolytic activity resulting from the release of proteinases from injured pancreatic acinar cells in acute pancreatitis. To evaluate this concept, the effect of feeding a choline-deficient diet supplemented with 0.5% DL-ethionine was determined in 4 and 6-wk-old mice in which the reticuloendothelial system was normal, stimulated, or depressed. Stimulating the reticuloendothelial system in 4-wk-old mice significantly (a) decreased the mortality rate; (b) lessened the drop in the plasma content of both alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 1-antitrypsin; and (c) decreased the severity of pancreatitis noted microscopically. In contrast, reticuloendothelial suppression in this group of mice had no demonstrable effect. However, when similar studies were done in 6-wk-old mice, in which this diet induces a milder disease, reticuloendothelial suppression significantly increased the mortality rate as compared with normal mice, whereas reticuloendothelial stimulation significantly decreased it. The possible mechanism for the salutory effect of stimulating the reticuloendothelial system on the outcome of diet-induced pancreatitis in mice is discussed.
Bi‐clonal, multifocal primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma: report of a case and review of the literature

Bi-clonality is a rare phenomenon seen in approximately 5% of chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Both true bi-clonality and somatic hypermutation resulting in intraclonal evolution have been described. We present the case of a 37-year-old female who developed extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma with immunohistochemical studies showing monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin lambda light chain on her right arm in 2008. Three years later, she developed a second focus of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma on her left arm, but immunohistochemical studies demonstrated monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin kappa light chain confirmed after repeat analysis. Evaluation for systemic lymphoma with laboratory and imaging studies was negative. Together, the findings were consistent with bi-clonal, multifocal extranodal primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. We present this case to highlight a rare phenomenon within primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas.
Comparison of the Analytical Capabilities of the BAC Datamaster and Datamaster DMT Forensic Breath Testing Devices

The State of Michigan uses the Datamaster as an evidential breath testing device. The newest version, the DMT, will replace current instruments in the field as they are retired from service. The Michigan State Police conducted comparison studies to test the analytical properties of the new instrument and to evaluate its response to conditions commonly cited in court defenses. The effects of mouth alcohol, objects in the mouth, and radiofrequency interference on paired samples from drinking subjects were assessed on the DMT. The effects of sample duration and chemical interferents were assessed on both instruments, using drinking subjects and wet-bath simulators, respectively. Our testing shows that Datamaster and DMT results are essentially identical; the DMT gave accurate readings as compared with measurements made using simulators containing standard ethanol solutions and that the DMT did not give falsely elevated breath alcohol results from any of the influences tested.
Flip-drop: Droplet array created by surface energy trap for combinatorial screening

Here we present a droplet array platform named "flip-drop" that incorporates novel surface energy traps (SETs) to generate an array of droplets of combinatorial mixtures for bioanalytical screening. This droplet array platform is exemplified using a quantum-dot fluorescence resonance energy transfer (QD-FRET) sensing assay for detection of the RSF1 cancer biomarker.
Prevention of sevoflurane delirium and agitation with propofol

Emergence delirium and agitation (EAD) associated with sevoflurane general anesthesia are very commonly observed in young children. Such events pose a risk for injury as well as decreased parental satisfaction, especially in the ambulatory and office-based setting. This article reviews the different approaches described in the literature to reduce EAD. A novel approach using a Bispectral Index System (BIS)-guided anesthesia with propofol washout technique is proposed as a viable and effective approach to prevent EAD.
A Pre‐college Primer Course in Composites Engineering

The authors developed and taught an introductory course in composites engineering to pre-college students for six weekends. The course was designed to give the high-school seniors an early introduction to this emerging and important area of technology. It was also intended to have students respond to such a specific subject matter, and promote their interest in Engineering and Materials Science. Class teaching, audiovisual aids, demonstrative and hands-on laboratory experiences, and industrial-type exhibitions were among the tools used to impart knowledge. Test results and student evaluation responses showed that this exercise, which is one of the first of its kind in composites engineering known to the authors, was quite successful. Observations are made about the entire process, and recommendations for future programs are offered.
RESPONSE OF Tilapia aurea TO DIETARY VITAMIN C

Two experiments were conducted to determine the dietary requirement for vitamin C of young Tilapia aurea. In the first experiment, best growth and food conversion were obtained over 14 weeks on a diet which contained 50 mg/kg of vitamin C (other levels tested were 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg). In the second experiment, levels of 0, 25, 50, 65, 80, 95 and 110 mg/kg of vitamin C were employed and, again, growth and food conversion did not improve at dietary vitamin C levels above 50 mg/kg. Pathologic changes were observed in fish maintained on rations containing 25 mg/kg or less vitamin C. Gross changes included mild scoliosis and occasional hemorrhages of the fins, mouth and swim bladder. Histologic changes included shortening and thickening of gill lamellae and disorganization of chondrocytes in tips of gill filaments and bases of gill arches.
Isoform-specific expression of metallothionein mRNA in the developing and adult human kidney.

Abstract The organization of the metallothionein (MT) gene family has been demonstrated to be much more complex in humans than in the mouse, and possibly rodents in general. For humans, the MTs are encoded by a family of genes located at 16ql3 representing 10 functional and 7 non-functional MT isoforms. In the present study, the 5′ and 3′ untranslated region sequences of the highly conserved, functional MT genes were utilized to generate primer pairs for the analysis of isoform-specific MT mRNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Human kidneys from 13 weeks gestation through adulthood were examined for the expression of MT protein and mRNA. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated MT immunoreactivity to be confined exclusively to the proximal tubules of the adult and developing kidney. For all MT-positive cells, MT was localized in the cytoplasm and nuclear localization was variable. There was no correlation between nuclear staining and stage of development. Of the 10 MT genes examined (MT-1A, MT-1B, MT-1E, MT-1F, MT-1G, MT-1H, MT-1X, MT-2A, MT-3, and MT-4), mRNAs representing the MT-1E, MT-1F, MT-1X, and MT-2A genes were consistently expressed in all samples regardless ofgestational age. There was no indication of a ‘fetal form’ of MT analogous to that noted to occur in human liver. Messenger RNA for the MT-1A gene was detected in 2 of 6 renal samples without correlation to gestational age. In no instance was mRNA for the MT-1B, MT-1G, MT-1H, MT-3, or MT-4 genes detected. These studies detail the initial determination of MT gene expression in the human renal system and provide the PCR primers for testing and determination of MT gene expression in other organ systems.
Electric correlation function for the eight-vertex model for T→T−c to first order in the four-spin coupling

Abstract We study the arrow-arrow correlation function of the eight-vertex model in the scaling limit as T → T − c to first order in the four- spin coupling. Our result shows that the Fredholm determinant structure of the correlation which is present in the decoupling limit is destroyed by the four-spin coupling.
Mouse xenotropic viruses can inhibit cell transformation.

Abstract Mammalian type C retroviruses can be detected by their induction of foci of cell transformation in S+L- cells. We have noted that certain subtypes of the mouse xenotropic type C retrovirus (MuLV) inhibit this cell alteration. This inhibition, associated with intact virions, is irreversible and gives the infected cells a phenotype of uninfected cells. In comparison to the transformed cells, the inhibited cultures showed primarily a decrease in murine sarcoma virus (MSV) progeny production concomitant with a reduction in the MSV mos RNA expression. No difference in β-actin RNA production was observed between the inhibited and transformed cultures. This selective effect of mouse xenotropic MuLV on MSV and mos RNA production in these cells focuses attention on the mechanism of transformation in this system.
Propensity of 4-Methoxy-4-vinyl-2-cyclopentenones Housed in Tri- and Tetracyclic Frameworks for Deep-Seated Photochemical Rearrangement

The excited-state behavior of a select group of highly enantioenriched tri- and tetracyclic 2-cyclopentenones has been examined in two solvents. Prepared by a convergent pathway involving the coupling of cyclopentenyl bromide 12 to several chiral ketones followed by desilylation, perruthenate oxidation, and ring-closing metathesis, the reactants were conveniently irradiated through quartz. Following promotion to the triplet level, a cyclopropylcarbinyl biradical intermediate is presumably generated provided that the double bond linked to C4 is not saturated. Four pathways have been observed to operate, only one of which has been observed previously under rather different conditions. The new photorearrangements include non-Norrish fragmentation to a ketene, generation of a spirocyclic intermediate, and ring expansion to a cyclobutyl radical in advance of intramolecular fragmentation of the four-membered ring. In the latter instance, a hydroazulenone derivative is formed. In the majority of the examples, pr...
Probabilistic inference and path analysis

Abstract Discussions of network-based probabilistic techniques in artificial intelligence often mention path analysis as an ideological precursor, but the fundamental connections between the two paradigms have not been explored. This paper details an analogy between the two, and shows that a number of computational results in the AI/expert system literature are directly obtainable from path analysis.
Calculating Bessel functions with Padé approximants

Abstract The solution of the two-body Schrodinger equation with a C r 2 potential is a Bessel function. The asymptotic series in r−1, which is generated from Schrodinger equation, has a zero radius of convergence. The Pade approximants to the asymptotic series in 1 z for J v (z) converge rigorously for v real. For v imaginary convergence appears to be the same as for v real.
Quality of prostate carcinoma care in a statewide public assistance program.

BACKGROUND The authors evaluated the feasibility of measuring quality of care in a statewide public assistance program for men with prostate carcinoma. METHODS The sample consisted of 84 men who were followed for ≥ 6 months after receiving primary treatment for early-stage prostate carcinoma (55 received radical prostatectomy and 29 received radiotherapy) through a free public program for low-income, uninsured men. Quality was assessed by chart review with 16 indicators previously developed and validated at the RAND Corporation, as well as by telephone and mail surveys that included the University of California at Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index short form. RESULTS Quality of care measurement was feasible for 13 (81%) indicators from electronic chart abstraction, administrative documents, and patient questionnaires. Communication between specialist and primary physician was better for men treated with radiotherapy than with surgery (84% vs. 45%, P = 0.004). Subjects treated in private institutions were more likely than those treated in public institutions to have ≥ 2 follow-up visits with the treating physician or institution within 1 year of treatment (93% vs. 63%, P = 0.003) and to have documentation of communication with the primary care physician (90% vs. 40%, P << 0.0001). Disease-specific, health-related quality of life 6 months after treatment did not appear to differ between public and private facilities. CONCLUSIONS The authors found the application of quality of care indicators to be feasible in a statewide public assistance program, but with some differences between public and private providers. These quality of care indicators identified target areas for improvement. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Dissipation in nanoelectromechanical systems

Abstract This article is a review of the dissipation processes in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). As NEMS technology becomes more and more prevalent in research and engineering applications, it is of great importance to understand the dissipative mechanisms that in part define the dynamic response of such devices. The purpose of this work is to understand, sort, and categorize dominant dissipation sources and to determine their significance with respect to physics processes and engineering considerations.
Contemporary spiralian developmental biology.

This current issue of The International Journal of Developmental Biology focuses attention on many models that represent the metazoan super-clade called the Spiralia (Lophotrochozoa). This clade encompasses the largest number of metazoan phyla, with arguably the most diverse array of animal body plans.
A Conversation with Franco Rasetti

Along with Enrico Fermi, Franco Rasetti played a key role in the rebirth of Italian physics in the 1920s and 1930s. In this interview he talks about his experiments at Caltech on the Raman effect in 1928–1929, mountain climbing, his passion for bugs, fossils, and flowers, and doing physics in Florence, Rome, Berlin-Dahlem, and Quebec. Rasetti also reminisces about the Rome school of mathematics and other scientists he has known and worked with in Europe and in North America, including Robert and Glenn Millikan, Lise Meitner, and O. M. Corbino.
Taste Sensitivity and Aging: High Incidence of Decline Revealed by Repeated Threshold Measures

Contrary to what has often been said about the subject, decline in taste sensitivity with aging characterizes virtually everybody and is not the artificial result of averaging large losses of a minority with negligible losses of a majority. This assertion is supported by six repeated measures of sucrose thresholds in each of 15 older (over 64 years) and 15 younger (under 27 years) adult subjects. Threshold was determined by a procedure similar to past studies and with the same results: much scatter and considerable overlap between the thresholds of younger and older subjects. A quite contrasting picture emerges, however, when each subject's six threshold determinations are averaged. Averaging shrinks the individual differences among subjects, as well as the over-lap between younger and older subjects. Although virtually all elderly subjects now revealed taste weakness, reliable individual differences in degree of weakness abound among them, suggesting various individual rates of physiological aging. In contrast, young persons exhibit greater uniformity of sensitivity. These findings were brought out by inter-test correlations, which were much higher for the older subjects; i.e. an older subject who tended to score high (low) on one test tended to score high (low) on the other tests. The study confirms the tenuous nature of brief threshold tests as indices of personal sensitivity as found earlier also in olfactory thresholds and in concurrent measurement of two-point touch thresholds in the present study. This revealed correlated losses between repeated taste and touch thresholds from the same 15 older subjects, unrelated to their exact chronological age.
A shock origin for interstellar H2O masers

We present a comprehensive model for the powerful H2O masers observed in starforming regions. In this model the masers occur behind dissociative shocks propagating in dense regions (preshock density n o ≈ 106 – 108 cm−3). This paper focuses on high-velocity (ν s ≳ 30 km/s) dissociative shocks in which the heat of H2 reformation on dust grains maintains a large column of ≈ 300 – 400 K gas, where the chemistry drives a considerable fraction of the oxygen not in CO to form H2O . The H2O column densities, the hydrogen densities, and the warm temperatures produced by these shocks are sufficiently high to enable powerful maser action, where the maser is excited by thermal collisions with H atoms and H2 molecules. A critical ingredient in determining the shock structure is the magnetic pressure, and the fields required by our models are in agreement with recent observations. The observed brightness temperatures (generally ≈ 1011 – 1014 K) are the result of coherent velocity regions which have dimensions in the shock plane that are 5 to 50 times the postshock thickness.
Alteration of phrenic high frequency oscillation by local cooling of the ventral medullary surface.

Abstract Cooling of small sites on the ventral medullary surface of the cat produces a decrease in frequency of phrenic high frequency oscillation (HFO). The effect of HFO frequency of cooling near the hypoglossal rootlets, but not the effect of cooling near the inferior cerebellar artery, can be completely offset by raising arterial pCO2 to restore phrenic activity to its precooling level. Thus, structures near the ventral medullary surface are important for generation or propagation of phrenic HFO. The effect of cooling of the ‘intermediate area’ cannot be entirely explained as depression of putative central chemoreceptor activity.
Mutagenicity of airborne particles from a nonindustrial town

The mutagenic activity of ambient air particles from Morgantown, West Virginia, has been monitored for 6 months using the Ames Salmonella assay system. Airborne particles, collected on glass fiber filters using a Hi-Vol sampler, were extracted with dichloromethane (DCM) and/or ethyl acetate plus methanol (E + M) in sequence. A dose-dependent mutagenic response was observed in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 for DCM extracts from all samples. E + M extracts were mutagenic only when samples were extracted with E + M before DCM extraction. The mutagenic activity of samples collected in June and July was independent of S-9 in vitro activation, whereas the mutagenicity of those collected from October to December increased in the presence of S-9 activation. The class fractionation of extracts showed that only acidic and polynuclear aromatic fractions were mutagenic. The mutagenicity of particles from Morgantown air was also detected with the Salmonella arabinose-resistant assay system.
Quantitation of ion abundances in fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

To improve the analytical usefulness of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS), an extensive survey of various methods for quantitation of peak magnitudes has been undertaken using a series of simulated transient response signals with varying signal-to-noise ratio. Both peak height (five methods) and peak area (four methods) were explored for a range of conditions to determine the optimum methodology for quantitation. Variables included dataset size, apodization function, damping constant, and zero filling. Based on the results obtained, recommended procedures for optimal quantitation include: apodization using a function appropriate for the peak height ratios observed in the spectrum (i.e., Hanning for ratios of about 1:10, three-term Blackman-Harris for ratios of ∼1:100, or Kaiser-Bessel for ratios of ∼1:1000); zero filling until the peaks of interest are represented by 10–15 points (generally obtained with one order of zero filling); and use of the polynomial y=(ax2+bx+c)n and the three data points of highest intensity of the peak to locate the peak maximum, Ymax=(−b2/4a+c)n. In this peak fitting procedure, which we have termed the “Comisarow method,” n is 5.5, 9.5, and 12.5 for the Hanning, three-term Blackman-Harris, and Kaiser-Bessel apodization functions, respectively. Accuracy of quantitation using an optimal peak height determination is about equal to that for peak area measurements. These recommendations were found to be valid when tested with real FTICR-MS spectra of xenon isotopes.
Quantifying downstream impacts of impoundment on flow regime and channel planform, lower Trinity River, Texas

Abstract As human population worldwide has grown, so has interest in harnessing and manipulating the flow of water for the benefit of humans. The Trinity River of eastern Texas is one such watershed greatly impacted by engineering and urbanization. Draining the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, just under 30 reservoirs are in operation in the basin, regulating flow while containing public supplies, supporting recreation, and providing flood control. Lake Livingston is the lowest, as well as largest, reservoir in the basin, a mere 95 km above the Trinity's outlet near Galveston Bay. This study seeks to describe and quantify channel activity and flow regime, identifying effects of the 1968 closure of Livingston dam. Using historic daily and peak discharge data from USGS gauging stations, flow duration curves are constructed, identifying pre- and post-dam flow conditions. A digital historic photo archive was also constructed using six sets of aerial photographs spanning from 1938 to 1995, and three measures of channel activity applied using a GIS. Results show no changes in high flow conditions following impoundment, while low flows are elevated. However, the entire post-dam period is characterized by significantly higher rainfall, which may be obscuring the full impact of flow regulation. Channel activity rates do not indicate a more stabilized planform following dam closure; rather they suggest that the Trinity River is adjusting itself to the stress of Livingston dam in a slow, gradual process that may not be apparent in a modern time scale.
One-loop evolution of a rolling tachyon

We study the time evolution of the one-loop diagram in Sen's rolling tachyon background. We find that at least in the long cylinder case they grow rapidly at late time, due to the exponential growth of the timelike oscillator terms in the boundary state. This can also be interpreted as the virtual open string pair creation in the decaying brane. This behavior indicates a breakdown of this rolling tachyon solution at some point during the evolution. We also discuss the closed string emission from this one-loop diagram, and the evolution of a one-loop diagram connecting a decaying brane to a stable brane, which is responsible for the physical open string creation on the stable brane.
Successive approximation and linear stability involving convergent sequences of optimization problems

Abstract A certain convergence notion for extended real-valued functions, which has been studied by a number of authors in various applied contexts since the latter 1960s, is examined here in relation to abstract optimization problems in normed linear spaces. The main facts concerning behavior of the optimal values, the optimal solution sets and the e-optimal solution sets corresponding to “convergent” sequences of such problems are developed. General linear perturbations are incorporated explicitly into the problems of the sequence, lending a stability-theoretic character to the results. Most of the results apply to nonconvex minimization.
Fluidic carbon precursors for formation of functional carbon under ambient pressure based on ionic liquids.

A new strategy for the preparation of functional porous carbons is developed via direct, ambient-pressure, thermal pyrolysis of task-specific ionic liquids (ILs). The simple synthesis lies in the synergistic use of the negligible volatility of the ILs and incorporation of the crosslinkable nitrile groups in the anions. The resulting carbon materials at 800 C retain an extremely high content of nitrogen (up to 18 at%).
Soft electron beam etching for precision TEM sample preparation

Electron-beam-stimulated etching has been investigated as a clean, alternative method for nanoscale selective processing. Primarily fluorine-based precursors have been used to etch a variety of technologically relevant materials. Empirical data reveals that with decreasing the electron beam energy increases the material removal rate, however the effective beam width increases. Both of these observations are consistent with the fact that cross-sections for electron-gas scattering increases with decresaing beam energy. Monte Carlo models of the electron-gas and electron-solid interactions have been performed to better udnerstand the fundamentals of the process. Finally, specific application to soft transmission electron microscopy sample preparation is made.
Coercive Sexual Experiences, Protective Behavioral Strategies, Alcohol Expectancies and Consumption Among Male and Female College Students

Alcohol use and sexual assault on college campuses are highly prevalent and the focus of numerous prevention and intervention efforts. Our goals were to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between coercive sexual experiences, utilization of protective behavioral strategies and alcohol expectancies and consumption among male and female college students. We surveyed 370 college students regarding their past year experiences and found that 34% of women and 31% of men reported unwanted sexual contact, 6% of women and 13% of men reported engaging in sexually coercive behavior, and 4% of women and 9% of men reported experiencing both unwanted contact and engaging in sexually coercive behavior. Findings indicated students who experienced unwanted sexual contact reported significant differences in alcohol expectancies. More specifically, those who engaged in sexually coercive behaviors had significantly higher sex-related alcohol expectancies. In addition, recipients of unwanted contact reported higher alcohol consumption, used fewer protective strategies when drinking, and experienced more negative consequences due to their alcohol use. Results suggest that campus alcohol and sexual assault prevention efforts should include information on alcohol expectancies and use of protective strategies.
Vacuum stress?energy density and its gravitational implications

In nongravitational physics the local density of energy is often regarded as merely a bookkeeping device; only total energy has an experimental meaning—and it is only modulo a constant term. But in general relativity the local stress–energy tensor is the source term in Einstein's equation. In closed universes, and those with Kaluza–Klein dimensions, theoretical consistency demands that quantum vacuum energy should exist and have gravitational effects, although there are no boundary materials giving rise to that energy by van der Waals interactions. In the lab there are boundaries, and in general the energy density has a nonintegrable singularity as a boundary is approached (for idealized boundary conditions). As pointed out long ago by Candelas and Deutsch, in this situation there is doubt about the viability of the semiclassical Einstein equation. Our goal is to show that the divergences in the linearized Einstein equation can be renormalized to yield a plausible approximation to the finite theory that presumably exists for realistic boundary conditions. For a scalar field with Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions inside a rectangular parallelepiped, we have calculated by the method of images all components of the stress tensor, for all values of the conformal coupling parameter and an exponential ultraviolet cutoff parameter. The qualitative features of contributions from various classes of closed classical paths are noted. Then the Estrada–Kanwal distributional theory of asymptotics, particularly the moment expansion, is used to show that the linearized Einstein equation with the stress–energy near a plane boundary as source converges to a consistent theory when the cutoff is removed.
Systematic Review: A Century of Inhalational Anthrax Cases from 1900 to 2005

Despite advances in supportive care, fulminant-phase inhalational anthrax is usually fatal. Initiation of antibiotic or anthrax antiserum therapy during the prodromal phase is associated with marke...
Structure-activity studies of fluoroaljyl-substituted γ-butyrolactone and γ-thiobutyrolactone modulators of GABAA receptor function

Dihydro-2(3H)-furanones (γ-butyrolactones) and dihydro-2(3H)-thiophenones (γ-thiobutyrolactones) containing fluoroalkyl groups at positions C-3, C-4, and C-5 of the heterocyclic rings were prepared. The anticonvulsant/convulsant activities of the compounds were evaluated in mice. Brain concentrations of the compounds were determined and the effects of the compounds on [35S]-tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) binding to the picrotoxin site on GABAA receptors were investigated. The effects of the compounds on GABAA receptor function were studied using electrophysiological methods and cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Fluorination at C-3 results in either subtle or pronounced effects on the pharmacological activity of the compounds. When hydrogen are replaced with fluorines at the methylene carbon of an ethyl groups, as in 3-(1,1-difluoroethyl)dihydro-3-methyl-2(3H)-furanone (1), the anticonvulsant actions of the compound are not much changed from those found for the corresponding alkyl-substituted analogue. In marked contrast, fluorination and the methyl carbon of the ethyl group, as in dihydro-3-methyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-2(3H)-furanone (3), produces a compound having convulsant activity. This convulsant activity seems to be due to an increased affinity of the compound for the picrotoxin site on GABAA receptors caused by an interaction that involves the trifluoromethyl group. Results obtained with γ-butyrolactones containing either a 3-(1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl or a 3-(1-methyl-1-trifluoromethyl)ethyl substitutent indicate that the interactions of the trifluoromethyl group with the picrotoxin binding site are subject to both stereochemical and steric constraints. Sulfur for oxygen heteroatom substitution, as in the corresponding γ-thiobutyrolactones, affects the type (competitive, non-competitive, etc.) of binding interactions that these compounds have with the picrotoxin site in a complex manner. Fluorination of alkyl groups at the C-4 and C-5 positions of γ-butyrolactones having convulsant activity increases convulsant potency.
Cyrus Pringle's Vascular Plant Types from Western United States and Mexico, 1881–1884

Abstract. Between 1881 and 1884, botanical collector Cyrus Guernsey Pringle made almost 2,700 collections of vascular plants in the western United States and Mexico. Of these, about 8%, representing 57 families, were considered new to science. This paper presents 230 taxa for which Pringle's fieldwork supplied nomenclatural types. Questions are identified and discussed regarding both Pringle's collections and the type status of these names. Fifteen lectotypes are designated herein.
Methanetetraboroni and methanetriboronic esters

Abstract Octamethyl methanetetraboronate, [(MeO) 2 B] 4 C, has been prepared in > 100 g batches by the reaction of dimethoxyboron chloride and carbon tetrachloride with lithium in tetrahydrofuran. Analogous reactions have yielded the methanetriboronic esters [(MeO) 2 B] 3 CH, [(MeO) 2 B] 3 C-C 6 H 5 , and [(MeO) 2 B] 3 C-CH 3 . and the methanediboronic esters [(MeO) 2 B] 2 CH 2 and [(MeO) 2 B] 2 CHC 6 H 5 . A preliminary survey of the properties of these compounds has been made.
The preterm parturition syndrome and its implications for understanding the biology, risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of preterm birth.

The syndromic nature of spontaneous labour was a concept first proposed in 1994 [1]. It has important implications for understanding the biology of preterm parturition, and also, setting realistic ...