cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversible redox chemistry in azobenzene-based organic molecules for high-capacity and long-life nonaqueous redox flow batteries.

Redox-active organic molecules have drawn extensive interests in redox flow batteries (RFBs) as promising active materials, but employing them in nonaqueous systems is far limited in terms of useable capacity and cycling stability. Here we introduce azobenzene-based organic compounds as new active materials to realize high-performance nonaqueous RFBs with long cycling life and high capacity. It is capable to achieve a stable long cycling with a low capacity decay of 0.014% per cycle and 0.16% per day over 1000 cycles. The stable cycling under a high concentration of 1 M is also realized, delivering a high reversible capacity of ~46 Ah L−1. The unique lithium-coupled redox chemistry accompanied with a voltage increase is observed and revealed by experimental characterization and theoretical simulation. With the reversible redox activity of azo group in π-conjugated structures, azobenzene-based molecules represent a class of promising redox-active organics for potential grid-scale energy storage systems. Organic molecules are promising active materials for nonaqueous redox-flow batteries (RFBs), but suffer from poor cycling stability. Here, the authors introduce azobenzene-based molecules as new type of highly soluble and stable active materials to realize high-capacity and long-life nonaqueous RFBs.
The ability of Procalcitonin, lactate, white blood cell count and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio to predict blood stream infection. Analysis of a large database.

Abstract Background The global burden of death due to sepsis is considerable. Early diagnosis is essential to improve the outcome of this deadly syndrome. Yet, the diagnosis of sepsis is fraught with difficulties. Patients with blood stream infection (BSI) are at an increased risk of complications and death. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of four readily available biomarkers to diagnose BSI in patients with suspected sepsis. Methods In this retrospective, observational, Electronic Medical Record based study we compared the accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT), serum lactate concentration, total white blood cell (WBC) count and the neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) to diagnose BSI in adult patients presenting to hospital with suspected sepsis. Based on the blood culture results patients were classified into 1 of the following 5 groups: i) negative blood cultures, ii) positive for a bacterial pathogen, iii) positive for a potential pathogen, iv) fungal pathogen and v) potential contaminant. Group 2 was further divided into Gram –ve and Gram +ve pathogens. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the diagnostic performance of the biomarkers. Results There were 1767 discreet patient admissions. The median PCT concentration differed significantly across blood culture groups (p Conclusion Our results suggest that PCT of less than 0.5 ng/mL may be an effective screening tool to exclude BSI as the cause of sepsis, while the diagnosis of BSI should be considered in patients with a PCT above this threshold. The total WBC count and blood lactate concentration may not be reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis of BSI. The NLCR may be a useful screening test for BSI when PCT assays are not available.
Coping and Corrections: A Comparative Assessment of Individual and Organizational Coping in Prisons in Sweden and England

As a guiding principle of incarceration, prisons should aim to maintain safe and rehabilitative environments. The key contextual factors that undergird such environments are access to purposeful activities and humane conditions of confinement. Independent authoritative reviews conducted by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe document the conditions of prison life in Sweden and England, permitting an assessment of these prison systems at three junctures: 2003, 2015-16, and 2019. The Swedish prison system, in contrast to its counterpart in England, addressed external criticisms in responsive ways, an instance of mature coping at the organizational level that demonstrates replicable policies promoting mature coping among individual prisoners
Molecular Mechanisms of Adenosine Stress T1 Mapping.

Background: Adenosine stress T1 mapping is an emerging magnetic resonance imaging method to investigate coronary vascular function and myocardial ischemia without application of a contrast agent. U...
Selecting a test level for random effects

A method is presented for selecting an a-level to use when testing for group difference in a one-way classification random effects model. The a-level is chosen to make the power of the test equal to .5 when the parameters are such that between group mean square and total mean square are equally good minimum expected squared error estimators of the variance of y the estimator of the mean
Distinct Functions for Cotransmitters Mediating Motor Pattern Selection

Motor patterns are selected from multifunctional networks by selective activation of different projection neurons, many of which contain multiple transmitters. Little is known about how any individual projection neuron uses its cotransmitters to select a motor pattern. We address this issue by using the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of the crab Cancer borealis, which contains a neuronal network that generates multiple versions of the pyloric and gastric mill motor patterns. The functional flexibility of this network results mainly from modulatory inputs it receives from projection neurons that originate in neighboring ganglia. We demonstrated previously that the STG motor pattern selected by activation of the modulatory proctolin neuron (MPN) results from direct MPN modulation of the pyloric rhythm and indirect MPN inhibition of the gastric mill rhythm. The latter action results from MPN inhibition of projection neurons that excite the gastric mill rhythm. These projection neurons are modulatory commissural neuron 1 (MCN1) and commissural projection neuron 2 (CPN2). MPN excitation of the pyloric rhythm is mimicked by bath application of proctolin, its peptide transmitter. Here, we show that MPN uses only its small molecule transmitter, GABA, to inhibit MCN1 and CPN2 within their ganglion of origin. We also demonstrate that MPN has no proctolin-mediated influence on MCN1 or CPN2, although exogenously applied proctolin directly excites these neurons. Thus, motor pattern selection occurs during MPN activation via proctolin actions on the STG network and GABA-mediated actions on projection neurons in the commissural ganglia, demonstrating a spatial and functional segregation of cotransmitter actions.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae hyaluronate lyase.

Abstract A fully active 83-kDa truncated form of recombinant hyaluronate lyase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaewas crystallized by the hanging drop vapor diffusion method using ammonium sulfate as a precipitating agent. Crystals grew at room temperature using a variety of buffers with pH around 6. The crystals diffract X-rays beyond 2.0 A resolution using Cu Kα radiation and a rotating-anode X-ray source. They belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121with unit cell dimensions,a= 84.2,b= 104.2,c= 104.6 A, and α = β = γ = 90.0°. TheVMvalue of 2.9 A3/Da is consistent with only one molecule of the enzyme in the asymmetric unit and the solvent content of 57%. Diffraction data 94.7% complete to 2.0 A resolution withRsymof 5.4% were collected from one native crystal at room temperature. The search for heavy-atom derivatives to solve the structure is in progress.
The PhD Pipeline

Relatively few US students choose to pursue a PhD in computer science, which poses challenges and risks for US universities and research labs.
Consciousness in Human and Robot Minds

The best reason for believing that robots might some day become conscious is that we human beings are conscious, and we are a sort of robot ourselves. That is, we are extraordinarily complex self-controlling, self-sustaining physical mechanisms, designed over the eons by natural selection, and operating according to the same well-understood principles that govern all the other physical processes in living things: digestive and metabolic processes, self-repair and reproductive processes, for instance. It may be wildly over-ambitious to suppose that human artificers can repeat Nature's triumph, with variations in material, form, and design process, but this is not a deep objection. It is not as if a conscious machine contradicted any fundamental laws of nature, the way a perpetual motion machine does. Still, many skeptics believe--or in any event want to believe--that it will never be done. I wouldn't wager against them, but my reasons for skepticism are mundane, economic reasons, not theoretical reasons.
Parallel analog circuits for real time signal processing: Design and analysis

A network using resistors and active devices that implements a two-dimensional convolution whose shape is similar to a Gaussian is described. The network consists of resistive connections between each node and its nearest and second-nearest neighbors. When integrated on a CMOS chip with photoreception elements, the network forms a monolithic image reception and smoothing system with real-time response. The filter's width, which depends on the ratio of certain resistors, is continuously variable. Networks for other filter shapes are proposed. >
Psychologic adaptation of children to epilepsy in a parent.

Summary: A prospective study of the children in 12 families examined the impact of and adjustments to epilepsy in one of the parents. Young children allowed to see the parent's seizures and the treatment for those seizures adapted to the threat of illness in a parent by becoming involved in the care and supervision of the affected adult. Parents concealing the neurologic disorder from their children faced the most anger and resentment when the children discovered the epilepsy. Uncompromising and consistent disclosure of the problem to the children, regardless of their ages, by the parents allowed the children to adjust to the epilepsy while maintaining trust in and concern for both parents. RESUMEN En un estudio prospectivo de los ninos en 12 familias se examino el impacto de la epilepsyia de uno de lo padres y su adaptation a la misma. Los ninos jovenes a los que se les permitio presenciar los ataques de uno de los padres y el tratamiento de estos ataques, se adaptaron a la amenaza de la enfermedad de uno de sus progenitores mediante una participateon directa en el cuidado y superviseon del adulto afecto. Los padres que ocultaron a sus hijos su trastorno neurologico se enfrentaron con mayor resentimiento cuando sus hijos descubrieron la epilepsia. La revelacion consistente del problema a los ninos, sea cualquiera su edad, permite que estos se adapten a la epilepsyia a la vez que mantienen confianza en sus padres. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Eine prospektive Untersuchung von Kindern in 12 Familien beleuchtete die Bedeutung der Epilespie bei einem Eltemteil und die Anpassungsvorgange an die Erkrankung durch das Kind. Junge Kinder, denen man erlaubte, den Anfall des Elternteils und auch die Behandlung einies solchen Anfalles mitzuerleben, adaptierten sich dadurch an die Krankheitsbedrohung, das sie in die Pflege und Uberwachung des betroffenen Erwachsenen einbezogen wurden. Patienten, die die neurologische Storung vor ihren Kindern verbargen, erlebtten deutlichen Zorn und Verdrus, wenn die Kinder von der epileptischen Krankheit erfuhren. Kompromisslose Enthullung des Problems durch die Eltern ohne Rucksicht auf das Alter der Kinder, ermoglichte den Kindern, sich an die Epilepsie zu gewohnen und gleichzeitig Vertrauen und Teilaahme beiden Eltern gegenuber zu erhalten.
Annealing Study of Dilute Aluminum Alloys Electron Irradiated at Liquid-Nitrogen Temperature

Pure and dilute aluminum alloys (Mg, Zn, Ag, Ge, Au, and In) were irradiated at about 90 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K by 2- or 3-MeV electrons. Isothermal annealing for 30 min at temperature intervals 10 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C apart was carried out. The major results were the following: Stage-III annealing occurs by a second-order process with an activation energy ${E}_{\mathrm{III}}=0.60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$ eV for both pure and dilute aluminum alloys. Since this activation energy is the same as that found by quenching experiments, it is concluded that stage III in aluminum and dilute aluminum alloys occurs by the motion of vacancies. Two stages below stage III are dependent on the kind of impurity. A mechanism consisting of a breakup of interstituals from impurity traps (single-impurity atoms or impurity-atom clusters) can explain the experimental results. Reverse recovery of electrical resistivity was observed below and above stage III; this is due to Guinier-Preston-zone formation.
Design of a novel head-mountable microscope system for laser speckle imaging

Imaging of cortical vasculature in rodents and its dynamic response to experimental conditions, yield valuable information regarding the underlying physiological mechanisms of neuronal activity. Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) facilitates both enhanced micro-vessel visualization and blood flow information. The current state of equipment used: the imaging systems, the external lighting as well as the recording apparatus constrain modern imaging to bench-top experiments with anaesthetized rodents. We describe an imaging system that attempts to shift this paradigm to be capable of imaging awake and behaving rodents in a completely unrestrained manner. To this end, we present a novel integrated optics microscope weighting 7 g and occupying less than 4 cc, coupled with a backpack system weighting 22 g and measuring 2.5×4×2 cm3. The system is capable of providing controlled laser illumination, optimized speckle image formation in 670 nm – 850 nm range with a 1 mm depth of field, image acquisition and data recording as a single system. We present details of system development and provide preliminary results from an anaesthetized rat model.
Endothelial TWIST1 Promotes Pathological Ocular Angiogenesis

Purpose Pathological neovessel formation impacts many blinding vascular eye diseases. Identification of molecular signatures distinguishing pathological neovascularization from normal quiescent vessels is critical for developing new interventions. Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) is a transcription factor important in tumor and pulmonary angiogenesis. This study investigated the potential role of TWIST1 in modulating pathological ocular angiogenesis in mice. Methods Twist1 expression and localization were analyzed in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Pathological ocular angiogenesis in Tie2-driven conditional Twist1 knockout mice were evaluated in both OIR and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models. In addition, the effects of TWIST1 on angiogenesis and endothelial cell function were analyzed in sprouting assays of aortic rings and choroidal explants isolated from Twist1 knockout mice, and in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells treated with TWIST1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results TWIST1 is highly enriched in pathological neovessels in OIR retinas. Conditional Tie2-driven depletion of Twist1 significantly suppressed pathological neovessels in OIR without impacting developmental retinal angiogenesis. In a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model, Twist1 deficiency also resulted in significantly smaller lesions with decreased vascular leakage. In addition, loss of Twist1 significantly decreased vascular sprouting in both aortic ring and choroid explants. Knockdown of TWIST1 in endothelial cells led to dampened expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and decreased endothelial cell proliferation. Conclusions Our study suggests that TWIST1 is a novel regulator of pathologic ocular angiogenesis and may represent a new molecular target for developing potential therapeutic treatments to suppress pathological neovascularization in vascular eye diseases.
Engineering to help

Given the fairly recent and dramatic increase in the number of "engineering to help" (ETH) programs in the developed world, we seem to be observing a theme that resonates with engineering students and faculty. Within this context, this article has two goals: first, it positions ETH programs within a history of the U.S. engineering profession generally. We argue that the emergence of ETH programs represents a shift in how some engineers and engineering educators are re-imagining and re-framing their profession and engineering education from a constraining concept of "service" to include a broader notion of "helping." Second, we want to question the notion of "helping" as a defining framework for ETH initiatives. Engineering students and faculty, though well-intentioned and motivated by altruism, should be aware of significant critiques from fields such as development studies, feminist critical theory, and cultural studies. These critiques may both challenge and enrich theoretical frameworks used by ETH practitioners, and guide future practice. We provide only a broad introduction to these frameworks here, but we hope that this work will serve as a springboard for further inquiry, reflection, and reform.
An exact analytical solution of Kepler's equation

Complex-variable analysis is used to develop an exact solution to Kepler's equation, for both elliptic and hyperbolic orbits. The method is based on basic properties of canonical solutions to appropriately posed Riemann problems, and the final results are expressed in terms of elementary quadratures.
Formation of N + 3 in pulsed-laser stimulated field desorption of nitrogen from metal surfaces

Abstract In pulsed-laser stimulated field desorption of nitrogen from metal surfaces, a plenty of N 3 + can be detected. Here we present the result of a study of the field dependence and emitter material specificity of N 3 + formation in pulsed-laser stimulated field desorption. These ions are formed by field ionization of N 3 molecules which are thermally desorbed from their field adsorption states by laser pulse heating of the surface.
Fusion proteins with COOH-terminal ubiquitin are stable and maintain dual functionality in vivo.

The ubiquitin (Ub) fusion degradation pathway functions to degrade fusion proteins containing a nonremovable Ub moiety at their NH2 terminus (Johnson, E. S., Ma, P. C., Ota, I. M., and Varshavsky, A. (1995)J. Biol. Chem. 270, 17442–17456). Here we show that ubiquitin fusion degradation also targets proteins for proteasomal degradation when Ub is present in the middle of fusion proteins (X-Ub-Y), in a process that entails polyubiquitylation of Ub Lys48. By contrast, fusion proteins bearing COOH-terminal Ub (X-Ub) are metabolically stable. Such fusion proteins, either newly biosynthesized or generated by Ub hydrolases, are reversibly conjugated to heterogeneous target proteins in a manner similar to wild-type Ub. Most importantly, the NH2-terminal fusion partner (X) can maintain its structure and function in the formed X-Ub conjugates as inferred from the fluorescence of green fluorescent protein-Ub conjugates and the incorporation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag-Ub into viral particles. These findings strongly suggest that 26S proteasomes exhibit spatial discrimination of Ub-conjugated proteins, sparing domains extended from the NH2 terminus of Ub from unfolding and degradation. The multifunctionality of X-Ub fusion proteins opens the possibility for a number of novel practical applications, including the imaging of Ub conjugate formation in living cells.
Therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury induced spasticity

Spasticity is evident in both humans and animals following spinal cord injury (SCI) and can contribute to significant functional limitation and disruption in quality of life of patients with this disorder. This mini-review describes a number of preclinical and clinical studies that promise to improve outcomes for, especially in terms of spasticity and hyper-reflexia, patients with SCI. A gold standard for the quantification of spasticity has proved elusive, but the combination of H-reflex frequency dependent depression and a novel stretch reflex (SR) windup protocol have the potential to provide new insights. As the pathophysiology of hyper-reflexia and spasticity continue to be investigated, the documented onset in the animal model of SCI provides critical time points for further study into these complex mechanisms. The positive effects of a passive exercise protocol and several potential pharmacological interventions are reviewed as well as a novel potential mechanism of action. Further work is needed to determine additional mechanisms that are involved in SCI, and how to optimize multiple therapies to overcome some of the deficits induced by SCI.
Analysis of the seismic response of soil–foundation–structure systems using a microscale framework

In this study, a three-dimensional microscale framework utilizing the discrete element method (DEM) is presented to analyze the seismic response of soil–foundation–structure systems. The proposed approach is employed to investigate the response of a SDOF structure on a square footing founded on a dry granular deposit. The granular soil deposit is idealized as a collection of spherical particles using DEM. The spread footing is modeled as a rigid block composed of clumped particles and its motion is described by the resultant forces and moments acting upon it. The structure is modeled as a column made of particles that are either clumped to idealize a rigid structure or bonded to simulate a flexible structure of prescribed stiffness. Analysis is done in a fully coupled scheme in time domain while taking into account the effects of soil nonlinear behavior, footing embedment, possible separation between foundation base and soil due to rocking, possible sliding of the footing, and dynamic soil–foundation interaction as well as the dynamic characteristics of the superstructure. The impact of structure stiffness and damping, embedment of foundation, amplitude and frequency of input dynamic excitation on the response of the system for a specific set of conditions was examined. The relative contribution of base and lateral walls of the foundation to the total lateral response of the footing was evaluated. The analyzed system failed when the soil deposit with the flexible structure founded on a surface footing was excited with the resonance frequency of the structure. Uplift behavior of the footing associated with large rotation was observed in this condition. The computational approach is able to capture essential dynamic response patterns. For example, the lateral and rotational stiffness of foundation increased by embedding the foundation. The magnitude of permanent sliding, rotation, and settlement decreased as embedment depth increased.
Brain laterality and dual-task performance.

There is substantial evidence that the right brain is superior for the perception of space and form, while the left possesses greater language capabilities. One model of information processing based on the lateralized function of each hemisphere proposes that the brain operates most efficiently with direct access (lateralized input) of the appropriate task to each hemisphere (1, 2). The advantage achieved with lateralized input, however, may not persist when competing tasks draw on similar resources from the same hemisphere. The present study investigated the constancy of the lateral-input advantage on the secondary task of two tasks requiring resources from the same hemisphere. Thirteen dextral, male, experienced pilots performed a parafoveal, visuospatial task while maintaining bank and pitch control of a flight simulator, a dual-axis compensatorytrading task. Subjects maintained level pitch and bank on the attitude indicator of a heads-up display using both hands on the control stick. The secondary task stimuli 06 circles, squares, and triangles, 2" high x 2" wide, with the central edge displaced 2 from the center of the heads-up display, were presented for 66 msec. Each trial consisted of a .5-sec. tone, a l-sec. delay, a 66-msec. stimulus, a l-sec. delay, and a 66-msec. stimulus. Subiects depressed a trigger on the control stick only when the second figure of the stimulus pair matched the first. There were 60 test pairs in each visual field for a total of 120 trials. Half of the trials were matches, and half of the responses were made with the index finger of each hand. Order of visual-fields and hand responses were counterbalanced. Emphasis was placed on sacrificing the secondary task for aircraft attirude control. The mean correct reaction times for the four visual-field and hand-response conditions were for left field: left hand = 567 msec. (SD = 132) and right hand = 528 msec. (SD = 107); for right field: left hand = 602 msec. (SD = 137) and right hand = 558 msec. (SD = 91). A repeated-measures analysis of variance produced significant effects (p 4 .02) for visual half-field (PI.= = 8.21) and response hand (R.u = 11.79), but no interaction. Errors were too few for meaningful analysis. The left-field (right-brain) advantage was significant for both left- (tu = 2.37) and righthand (t~ = 2.54) responses. There was a right-hand advantage for both the left-field (t~? = 3.70) and the right-field (t~ = 3.70) viewing. The more rapid left-field RTs indicate that, independent of response hand, the visuospatial task was accomplished more efficiently in the right brain. This left-field (right-brain) superiority supports the notion that the lateralized input advantage for visuospatial tasks persists in a dual-task situation where both tasks draw on similar resources from the same side of the brain. The right-hand advantage mag be attributed to the pilots' considerable experience making both tracking and switching operations on aircraft control sticks with the right hand but not the left.
Liberalization and Democratization in Nigeria: The International and Domestic Challenge

Maintenance of democratic governance in Nigeria has proven to be particularly problematic since independence was gained in October 1960. Nigeria has been under military rule for 26 of 37 years of independent statehood, and attempts at transition to democratic rule have failed a number of times, most recently in 1993. This article examines the roots of military rule in Nigeria, and the apparent reasons for its continuation, and it proffers that under contemporary global conditions, concerted international efforts as well as domestic pressures for change are essential for successful transition to democratic governance. Because of the nature of many postcolonial African states, the character of the global political economy, and the formidable tools developed by the Nigerian military for sustaining itself in power, the need for such concerted international efforts to facilitate transition to just, democratic governance calls into question conventional conceptions of national sovereignty and international responsibility.
Oncogene Expression: Long-Term Compared With Short-Term Survival in Patients With Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Objective: To determine if oncogene overexpression in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer correlates with survival. Methods: Twenty-two women with stage III ovarian cancer, observed for a median of 66 (range 48–204) months were compared with 30 with a median survival of 18 (range 2–28) months. Using immunocytochemistry, tumors were immunostained for overexpression of p53, c-erb-B-2, and epidermal growth factor receptor and were evaluated quantitatively for expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Ki-67 antigen, a marker of cellular proliferation. Results: The median age of long-term survivors was 52 (range 30–76) years compared with 55 (range 36–80) years for short-term survivors. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 11 of the 22 long-term survivors compared with seven of the 30 short-term survivors, a significant difference (P = .05). The average level of Ki-67 expression was 43% in long-term survivors and 64% in short-term survivors (P = .007). Overexpression of p53 was seen in 54% of long-term survivors and 80% of short-term survivors (P = .05). A combination of Ki-67 level of 50% or greater plus p53 overexpression was seen in 22% of long-term survivors compared with 68% of short-term survivors (P = .005). Epidermal growth factor receptor, c-erb-B-2, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor statuses did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: Markers that did not correlate with survival included the hormone receptors, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and the oncogenes, c-erb-B-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Long-term survivors with advanced ovarian cancer were more likely to have had an optimal cytoreduction and lower levels of Ki-67 antigen expression and were less likely to overexpress p53 than were short-term survivors.
The Impact of Serum Lipid Levels on Circulating Soluble Adhesion Molecules in Childhood

Cell adhesion molecules play a rather important role in the development of atherosclerosis mediating the attachment of monocytes to the endothelium. It has also been well established that hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis from childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the soluble adhesion molecules correlate with the circulating lipid levels in children. The study population consisted of 107 children (64 boys, 43 girls) aged 6-13 y. Parental history of cardiovascular disease, age, gender, and anthropometric parameters were recorded in all children. Blood samples were obtained from every child following a 12-hour fasting period. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and its fractions as well as plasma levels of P and E selectins and adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 were determined. After controlling for age and body mass index, both sVCAM-1 and sP-selectin levels were inversely associated with HDL values (r = -0.33, p = 0.005 and r = -0.39, p = 0.001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between sVCAM-1 and triglycerides (r = 0.48, p < 0.001). An increment of 10 mg/dL of HDL corresponds to about 50% reduction of the odds for endothelial dysfunction whereas an increment of 10 mg/dL of triglyceride levels indicates a more than 3-fold excess risk, using either sP-selectin or sVCAM-1 levels as a surrogate for the determination of endothelial dysfunction. We suggest that HDL-C and triglycerides correlate in a biologically plausible way with soluble adhesion molecules, which therefore could be considered as useful indicators of the process of preclinical atherosclerosis even from childhood.
Evidence for histogenic interactions during in vitro limb chondrogenesis.

Abstract The requirement for homotypic cell interaction was studied by making chimeric micromass cultures containing various proportions of chick and quail limb mesenchyme. Cultures made from limb mesenchyme from embryos of Hamburger and Hamilton stages 23–24 produce large clumps of cartilage cells, identified by the accumulation of an extracellular matrix which stains with alcian blue at pH 1 and by the ability of cells to take up 35SO4 rapidly, as demonstrated autoradiographically. Dissociated mesenchyme from stage 19 embryos did not produce cartilage in micromass cultures, but only precartilage cell aggregates. Micromass cultures prepared from mixtures of mesenchyme cells obtained from stage 19 and stages 23–24 embryos contained decreasing numbers of cartilage nodules as the proportion of stage 19-derived mesenchyme increased. At the same time the number of aggregates was not affected. When the ratio of stage 19- to stage 24-derived cells was 3:1 or greater, no nodules were detected. The actual number of cells from each stage was verified by using mixtures of quail and chick cells, which are microscopically distinguishable. Additional evidence suggests that the stage 19-derived mesenchyme inhibits chondrogenesis by passively preventing stage 24-derived cells from interacting. The results presented are consistent with the suggestions that (1) homotypic cell interaction plays a role in limb chondrogenesis and (2) the capacity to interact in the required manner is acquired after the embryos have reached stage 19. These phenomena might be involved in the normal histogenesis of cartilage tissue.
Sources of variability in the human lymphocyte micronucleus assay: a population-based study.

The cytokinesis block method was used to examine the intraclass correlation coefficient of the human lymphocyte micronucleus assay, sources of variability, and practical issues regarding the number of samples per subject. Twenty samples of 100 binucleate cells from a single phlebotomy per subject were analyzed (n = 112), using methods to evaluate variance components. The results showed marked intraindividual (sampling error) variation greater than interindividual variation, and no between-group contribution to the total variance. The intraclass correlation was 41.6%, indicating that slightly greater than half of the total variation in micronucleus outcomes was due to error variance (i.e., 58.4%). After adjusting for age, the intraclass correlation coefficient decreased trivially from 41.6% to 39.8%. There was a strong differential gender effect, favoring a greater micronuclei frequency in women. In conclusion, the data suggest that most of the variability in our data set for the micronucleus assay was due to sampling error; a strong differential gender effect favoring females was also verified. Equally important, in terms of practical applications, our analysis of the appropriate number of samples per subject revealed that scoring greater than 1,000 cells (10 determinations per subject) yielded no substantial improvement in statistical sensitivity, compared to the traditional 20 determinations. We suggest that more attention should be directed toward improving the assay's utility, while reducing sampling error. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Design optimization of thermoacoustic refrigerators

Abstract Thermoacoustic refrigeration was developed during the past two decades as anew, environmentally safe refrigeration technology. The operation of thermoacoustic refrigerators employs acoustic power to pump heat. Nowadays, as commercial applications are sought, it is important to be able to obtain fast and simple engineering estimates for the design and optimization of prototypes. This paper provides such estimates by implementing the simplified linear model of thermoacoustics - the short stack boundary layer approximation - into a systematic design and optimization algorithm. The proposed algorithm serves as an easy-to-follow guideline for the design of thermoacoustic refrigerators. Performance calculations applying the algorithm developed in this paper, predict values of 40–50% of Carnot's efficiency for the thermoacoustic core, the heart of a thermoacoustic refrigerator. One reason that these efficiencies have not yet been achieved in devices built to date, is the poor performance of the heat exchangers in thermoacoustic refrigerators. This issue and other remaining challenges for future research are also addressed in the paper. Solving these problems in the near future, we believe, will bring an environmentally safe refrigeration technology a step closer to commercial use.
Chemical evolution of leaked high-level liquid wastes in Hanford soils

A number of Hanford tanks have leaked high level radioactive wastes (HLW) into the surrounding unconsolidated sediments. The disequilibrium between atmospheric C0{sub 2} or silica-rich soils and the highly caustic (pH > 13) fluids is a driving force for numerous reactions. Hazardous dissolved components such as {sup 133}Cs, {sup 79}Se, {sup 99}Tc may be adsorbed or sequestered by alteration phases, or released in the vadose zone for further transport by surface water. Additionally, it is likely that precipitation and alteration reactions will change the soil permeability and consequently the fluid flow path in the sediments. In order to ascertain the location and mobility/immobility of the radionuclides from leaked solutions within the vadose zone, the authors are currently studying the chemical reactions between: (1) tank simulant solutions and Hanford soil fill minerals; and (2) tank simulant solutions and C0{sub 2}. The authors are investigating soil-solution reactions at: (1) elevated temperatures (60--200 C) to simulate reactions which occur immediately adjacent a radiogenically heated tank; and (2) ambient temperature (25 C) to simulate reactions which take place further from the tanks. The authors studies show that reactions at elevated temperature result in dissolution of silicate minerals and precipitation of zeolitic phases. At 25 C, silicate dissolution is not significant except where smectite clays are involved. However, at this temperature CO{sub 2} uptake by the solution results in precipitation of Al(OH){sub 3} (bayerite). In these studies, radionuclide analogues (Cs, Se and Re--for Tc) were partially removed from the test solutions both during high-temperature fluid-soil interactions and during room temperature bayerite precipitation. Altered soils would permanently retain a fraction of the Cs but essentially all of the Se and Re would be released once the plume was past and normal groundwater came in contact with the contaminated soil. Bayerite, however, will retain significant amounts of all three radionuclides.
Enhancing the electron beam sensitivity of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ)

The electron beam sensitivity of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) has been enhanced by including sensitizers that decompose to generate nucleophiles which catalyze the conversion of the silicon hydride (Si-H) moieties in HSQ into the insoluble siloxane (Si-O-Si) network. In this study, the consequences of including triphenylsulfonium hydroxide (TPS-OH) and 2-nitrobenzyl N-cyclohexylcarbamate (NBC) as a photodecomposable base (PDB) and photobase generator (PBG) were investigated, respectively. It was found that using 5 wt% loadings of TPS-OH or NBC in HSQ in conjunction with a post-exposure bake process enhanced the sensitivity of large features exposed at 25 keV accelerating voltage by approximately 50 and 40 %, respectively. Similarly, the electron beam doses required to print single pixel wide lines exposed at an accelerating voltage of 25 keV were enhanced by 70 and 50%, for 5 wt% loaded TPS-OH or NBC films, respectively. It was also found that the basicity and nucleophilic strength of the sensitizer affects the rate of the undesired hydrolysis reaction of HSQ which occurs in solution. For the sensitizers used in this study, the sterically hindered TPS-OH is a poor nucleophile which stabilized the solution against condensation and formation of a siloxane network, while the moderately nucleophillic NBC slightly decreased the stability of the solution. Also, it was found that thermal baking alone could be utilized to enhance the sensitivity of HSQ, but a drastic loss in contrast was observed. The combination of either TPS-OH or NBC and a post-exposure bake produced superior results, as compared to thermal baking alone, in terms of increasing the sensitivity of HSQ while maintaining good contrast.
Assessing deposition and persistence of Beauveria bassiana GHA (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) applied for control of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in a commercial tree nursery

Abstract Determining the deposition and field persistence of mycoinsecticides is essential in the development of effective and economical application strategies, including specifically the timing and frequency of spray applications. In this study we used three methods to evaluate the persistence of Beauveria bassiana strain GHA applied for control of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, an invasive pest attacking ash trees, Fraxinus spp., in North America. Fungal inocula present on ash bark and leaves, collected at ⩽1, 7 and 14 days after spraying, were quantified by use of molecular (real-time PCR assay) and culture-based methods (semi-selective wheat germ dodine agar). We also assayed fungus-sprayed leaves and bark against adult beetles to determine whether the level of inocula persisting in the field was sufficient to affect beetle survival. Our data quantified deposition of B. bassiana and documented fungal persistence. We observed significant decline in recovery of colony-forming units of B. bassiana within 1 week of application. The decline was more pronounced on leaves than on bark, and was also evident in loss of virulence of treated substrates to adult EAB with increasing time after application. However, sufficient inocula persisted on bark and leaves for 7--14 days to cause 40--57% and 17--38% mortality, respectively, making pre-emergent sprays a practical means to target adults during emergence, pre-oviposition feeding, or oviposition.
A pharmacological perspective on smoking and cardiovascular diseases

Abstract Some of the experimental pharmacological data on tobacco smoke, nicotine and CO are consistent with the idea that these entities might initiate or exacerbate various cardiovascular disease processes, yet other data are not consistent with such notions. The epidemiological association between myocardial infraction and smoking is strongest, compared to other cardiovascular diseases, yet the mechanisms by which nicotine and CO promote the coronary disease process is not clear. The pharmacologic effects of nicotine are such that a clearly additive effect should exist between nicotine inhalation and hypertension, and between both nicotine and CO and angina pectoris, yet the epidemiological evidence for the relationship of smoking to these diseases is relatively weak. The essence of the problem seems to be that animal models are inadequate parallels for a lifetime of human smoking. Approaches to solving this dilemma are needed if we are to determine what, and how, smoke constituents are to be modified in the manufacture of ‘safer' cigarettes.
Trajectories of early brain volume development in fragile X syndrome and autism.

Objective To examine patterns of early brain growth in young children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) compared with a comparison group (controls) and a group with idiopathic autism. Method The study included 53 boys 18 to 42 months of age with FXS, 68 boys with idiopathic autism (autism spectrum disorder), and a comparison group of 50 typically developing and developmentally delayed controls. Structural brain volumes were examined using magnetic resonance imaging across two time points, at 2 to 3 and again at 4 to 5 years of age, and total brain volumes and regional (lobar) tissue volumes were examined. In addition, a selected group of subcortical structures implicated in the behavioral features of FXS (e.g., basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala) was studied. Results Children with FXS had larger global brain volumes compared with controls but were not different than children with idiopathic autism, and the rate of brain growth from 2 to 5 years of age paralleled that seen in controls. In contrast to children with idiopathic autism who had generalized cortical lobe enlargement, children with FXS showed specific enlargement in the temporal lobe white matter, cerebellar gray matter, and caudate nucleus, but a significantly smaller amygdala. Conclusions This structural longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study of preschoolers with FXS observed generalized brain overgrowth in children with FXS compared with controls, evident at age 2 and maintained across ages 4 to 5. In addition, different patterns of brain growth that distinguished boys with FXS from boys with idiopathic autism were found.
Inhaled Corticosteroids and Asthma Control in Children: Assessing Impairment and Risk

OBJECTIVE. To review the use of inhaled corticosteroids on asthma control in children by using the new therapeutic paradigm outlined in the Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. METHODS. A systematic review of the literature was performed by using the Medline and Embase databases (January 1996 to October 2007). RESULTS. A total of 18 placebo-controlled, clinical trials in >8000 children (aged 0–17 years) with asthma met the criteria for evaluating monotherapy with inhaled corticosteroids: 13 double-blind studies of inhaled corticosteroids versus placebo and 5 controlled studies that compared inhaled corticosteroids to a nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent. The findings can be summarized as follows: (1) Compared with placebo, inhaled corticosteroid treatment was associated with reductions in both the impairment and risk domains. (2) Improvements in impairment and risk observed with inhaled corticosteroids were generally greater than those observed with nonsteroid antiinflammatory comparator medications. (3) Inhaled corticosteroids were well tolerated. (4) Small reductions in growth rates were evident when compared with placebo and/or comparator nonsteroid antiinflammatory medication use in the long-term (>1-year) studies, but when measured, the reductions diminished with time. CONCLUSIONS. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids improves the asthma-control domains of impairment and risk in children. Differences in study protocols make detailed comparisons difficult. Specific needs for additional trials include (1) more studies using appropriate indicators for impairment (eg, rescue-medication use; symptoms scores; asthma/episode-free days) and risk (eg, forced expiratory volume in 1 second in children who can perform spirometry; exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids; urgent care usage) and (2) more studies evaluating adolescents; the majority of the data reported were for children up to the age of 12 years, and data for adolescents are often lost (either grouped with adults [eg, studies in patients ≥12 years old] or not included [eg, studies of school-aged children ≤12 years old]). Attention should be given to standardizing variables that will permit comparison of outcomes between trials.
Towards RTL test generation from SystemC TLM specifications

SystemC transaction level modeling (TLM) is widely used to reduce the overall design and validation effort of complex system-on-chip (SOC) architectures. Due to lack of efficient techniques, the amount of reuse between abstraction levels is limited in many scenarios such as reuse of TLM level tests for RTL validation. This paper presents a top-down methodology for generation of RTL tests from SystemC TLM specifications. This paper makes two important contributions: automatic test generation from TLM specification using a transition-based coverage metric and automatic translation of TLM tests into RTL tests using a set of transformation rules. Our initial results using a router design demonstrate the usefulness of our approach by capturing various functional errors as well as inconsistencies in the implementation.