cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Derivative-free Deep Reinforcement Learning for Large-scale Grid Emergency Voltage Control

Load shedding has been one of the most widely used and effective emergency control approaches against voltage instability. With increased uncertainties and rapidly changing operational conditions in power systems, existing methods have outstanding issues in terms of either speed, adaptiveness, or scalability. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) was regarded and adopted as a promising approach for fast and adaptive grid stability control in recent years. However, existing DRL algorithms show two outstanding issues when being applied to power system control problems: 1) computational inefficiency that requires extensive training and tuning time; and 2) poor scalability making it difficult to scale to high dimensional control problems. To overcome these issues, an accelerated DRL algorithm named PARS was developed and tailored for power system voltage stability control via load shedding. PARS features high scalability and is easy to tune with only five main hyperparameters. The method was tested on both the IEEE 39-bus and IEEE 300-bus systems, and the latter is by far the largest scale for such a study. Test results show that, compared to other methods including model-predictive control (MPC) and proximal policy optimization(PPO) methods, PARS shows better computational efficiency (faster convergence), more robustness in learning, excellent scalability and generalization capability.
From Colored to Black: a narrative medicine approach to theatre and community reconciliation

Abstract Objective The purpose of this article is to analyze the research concepts underlying the construction of a theatrical health intervention on Black well-being, narrative medicine and what we reference as intentional locative healing. Study design Descriptive postintervention evaluation. Methods This short communication article provides specific examples on how to practically implement elements of narrative medicine into an artistic health intervention and in postproduction assessments. Results Creative interventions that are designed to engage wellness on both an individual and communal level yield more nuanced findings. We recommend embedding reflexive exercises in the intervention for creators, the intended audiences, and jointly within both groups. This approach is in alignment with how narrative medicine is practiced in a clinical setting. It also emphasizes multiple opportunities to integrate close readings and deepen empathetic attentiveness. In addition, in an applied theatrical context, location can be meaningfully used to: 1) address historical tensions in spatial and social communities; 2) provoke curative dialogue to ease said tensions; and 3) ascribe a more restorative meaning to that spatial or social site. Conclusions To innovate the discourse and further inform the practice of narrative, arts-based public health interventions, it is important to audit the theoretical thinking that helped guide the creative process. Those intending to engage narrative medicine should take care to remain keenly aware of narrative humility at every step.
Efficacy of outpatient infusion therapy in pediatric patients with postconcussive headaches

PURPOSE To determine the relative efficacy of intravenous therapy for postconcussive headaches in a pediatric population, as compared to oral therapy. METHODS Pediatric patients treated for postconcussive headaches at an outpatient infusion clinic from 2016 to 2018 were selected for inclusion in the study. Of the 95 patients who were treated in clinic, 53 patients were selected for a retrospective chart review. Clinic visits before and after infusions were reviewed to determine changes in headache score (HA), symptom severity score (SSS), and self-reported symptom relief. An age-matched and SSS-matched group served as a control. The control group received only oral therapy for their headaches. The infusion consisted of parenteral ketorolac, compazine, diphenhydramine, and a normal saline bolus (20 mg/kg). RESULTS Following infusion therapy, overall mean HA and SSS scores were both reduced (p < 0.0001). Oral therapy demonstrated a similar mean overall reduction in HA and SS scores (p < 0.0001). While both groups achieved a reduction in HA and SS scores, there was not a statistically significant difference in reduction of symptoms scores between the oral and infusion groups. CONCLUSION Infusion therapy is as effective at reducing HA and SSS as established oral therapies. Infusion therapy may have a shorter time to headache abortion than oral therapy based on pharmacokinetics. Further, some physicians are unwilling to allow an athlete to return to play while taking suppressive medication. Future studies may show that an infusion could allow a more rapid return to play and resolution of symptoms.
Mitigation of Particle Spread During Mastoidectomy: A Systematic Review

Our objective is to analyze the risk of particle spread through mastoidectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic with an aim to assess the tools used to mitigate the spread. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Our search terms included: MASTOIDECTOMY + COVID-19 or MASTOIDECTOMY + SAR- CoV-2 or MASTOIDECTOMY + CORONAVIRUS. Studies consistent with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the review. Of the 20 articles identified in the initial search, six met the inclusion criteria. The included articles were all experimental studies, with five studies using cadaver subjects and one study using live human subjects. Three studies measured droplet spread and three studies measured aerosolized particle spread. The maximum distance of particle spread ranged from 30 cm to 208 cm. Four studies assessed the use of a barrier system, with two using the OtoTent and two using a barrier drape. Two studies defined the microscope alone as a possible mitigatory tool. One study compared burr type and size to determine the effects on particle spread. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, evaluation of tools to mitigate particle spread is imperative for the safety of the surgical team and the healthcare system at large. Barrier drapes, OtoTents and microscopes all have proven to mitigate particle spread; however, further research needs to be performed to compare their efficacy and develop a standard of safety.
Role of Nuclear Trafficking in Regulating Cellular Activity

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of nuclear trafficking in regulating cellular activity. The focus is on the specific and nonspecific mechanisms used by cells to regulate the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of proteins and RNA. Regulation at this level could be achieved either by variations in the transport machinery or the properties of the permeant molecules. Nuclear envelope separates the nucleoplasm from the remainder of the cell. The envelope is a double membrane structure that contains the nuclear pores, circular spaces that are 70-80 nm in diameter, which are formed by the fusion of the inner and outer membranes. The pores are not simply the openings that permit free communication between the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm, but contain highly organized supramolecular protein structures that regulate the movement of macromolecules. The pores, along with their structural elements, are referred to as “pore complexes.” Macromolecular exchanges through the pores can occur either by passive diffusion or signal-mediated transport. The characteristics of the permeant molecules that are most likely to have a major influence on nucleocytoplasmic exchanges relate to signal composition encoded in the primary structure of the protein; the accessibility of the signal to the receptors, which could be affected by either binding reactions that anchor the permeant molecule to cytoplasmic elements or masking of the signal; and post-translational changes, such as phosphorylation, which interfere with signal activity.
Ig Heavy Chain Expression and Class Switching In Vitro from an Allele Lacking the 3′ Enhancers DNase I-Hypersensitive hs3A and hs1,2

The murine Ig heavy chain (IgH) 3′ regulatory region contains four enhancers: hs3A, hs1,2, hs3B, and hs4. Various studies have suggested a role for these enhancers in regulating IgH expression and class switching. Here we assess the role of hs3A and hs1,2 in these processes by exploiting a naturally occurring deletion of these enhancers from the expressed, C57BL/6 allele of the F1 pre-B cell line, 70Z/3. Equivalent μ expression in 70Z/3 and 18-81 (which has an intact 3′ region) indicated that hs3A and hs1,2 were not essential for μ expression at the pre-B cell stage. To further examine the role of hs3A and hs1,2 in IgH function at the plasma cell stage, we fused 70Z/3 with the plasmacytoma NSO. Electromobility shift assay analysis of the 70Z/3-NSO hybrids revealed a transcription factor complement conducive to the activation of the 3′ enhancers. Despite the lack of enhancers, hs3A and hs1,2, the level of μ RNA and protein in the 70Z/3-NSO fusion hybrids was substantially elevated relative to its pre-B parent and comparable with that observed in a number of μ-producing spleen cell hybridomas. Additionally, ELISAspot assays showed that the 70Z/3-NSO hybrid underwent spontaneous class switching in culture to IgG1 at a frequency comparable with that of most hybridomas. These results indicate that hs3A and hs1,2 are not essential for high levels of IgH expression or for spontaneous class switching in a plasma cell line.
Assignment of a second Charcot-Marie-Tooth type II locus to chromosome 3q

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited motor and sensory neuropathy. The neuronal form of this disorder is referred to as Charcot-Marie-Tooth type II disease (CMT2). CMT2 is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with a variable age at onset of symptoms associated with progressive axonal neuropathy. In some families, the locus that predisposes to CMT2 has been demonstrated to map to the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 1. Other families with CMT2 do not show linkage with 1p markers, suggesting genetic heterogeneity in CMT2. We investigated linkage in a single large kindred with autosomal dominant CMT2. The gene responsible for CMT2 in this kindred (CMT2B) was mapped to the interval between the microsatellite markers D3S1769 and D3S1744 in the 3q13-22 region. Study of additional CMT2 kindreds should serve to further refine the disease gene region and may ultimately lead to the identification of a gene defect that underlies the CMT2 phenotype.
Regulation of ribonucleic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli B/r: An analysis of a shift-up: III. Stable RNA synthesis rate and ribosomal RNA chain growth rate following a shift-up

Abstract Following a nutritional shift-up, both the fraction of functioning RNA polymerase engaged in the synthesis of stable RNA, ψ s , and the ribosomal RNA chain growth rate, c s , increase within five minutes to near their final post-shift steady-state values. The increase in these two parameters is sufficient to account completely for the observed sudden increase in the rate of RNA accumulation. This implies that the control of stable RNA synthesis following a shift-up does not involve an activation of an inactive reserve of RNA polymerase or a burst of RNA polymerase synthesis, but rather results from a shift of RNA polymerase-transcribing messenger RNA genes to ribosomal and transfer RNA genes along with some increase in the stable RNA chain growth rate.
Carried Interests: The Past is Prologue

Now that the excitement over partnership carried interests temporarily has receded, it is worthwhile to identify where we are, how we got here, and where we are likely to end up. The issues raised by carried interests have been recognized and understood for decades, and generations of scholars have suggested (and repeated) a variety of possible responses. The Treasury has tested several approaches and for practical reasons keeps returning to the law as it is in force today.
A review of polarized H/sup /spl plusmn// and D/sup /spl plusmn// ion source technology

A review is presented of recent technological developments which make possible beams of nuclear-spin-polarized H/sup /spl plusmn// and D/sup /spl plusmn// ions with milliampere level or greater intensities. We begin by discussing key physics processes underlying the creation and use of polarized beams. Then, we discuss how these apply to optically-pumped and atomic-beam polarized ion sources, the two principal types used today. Next, the typical performances of these sources are compared. Finally, specific technical advances which have led to recent improvements and which still promise further enhancements are presented.
Determinants of Trader Profits in Futures Markets

Using a unique proprietary data set of positions held by all large traders in the crude oil, gasoline, and heating oil futures markets, we use actual trader profits to test the predictions of various commodity futures pricing models. We find statistically and economically significant evidence that: (a) mean hedger profits are negative while speculator profits are positive, which is consistent with the risk premium hypothesis, (b) traders (whether speculators or hedgers) who hold long (short) positions when likely hedgers in aggregate are net short (long) have higher profits than traders whose net positions are aligned with likely hedgers, which is consistent with the hedging pressure hypothesis, and (c) profits on long positions vary inversely with inventories and directly with price volatility, which is consistent with the modern theory of storage. We establish these associations while controlling for macroeconomic risk factors that potentially affect futures returns and for trader characteristics. Our results indicate also that the momentum in commodity futures markets may be due largely to hedging pressure.
Payment for labour in monkeys

Capuchins will voluntarily share treats with other monkeys that helped to secure them. Cooperative hunting, in which several individuals pursue prey but only one makes a capture, is central to theories of human social and moral evolution1,2,3. But among other primates, it is known only from the chimpanzee and a large-brained neotropical monkey, the capuchin4,5,6,7. It probably evolved through either mutualism, in which two or more cooperators benefit simultaneously, or reciprocal altruism, in which one favour is repaid by another8,9. We have found that brown capuchins (Cebus apella) share rewards obtained by a joint effort more readily than rewards obtained individually. Even if hunting in the field involves selfish opportunism, this food incentive will greatly enhance the persistence of cooperation.
Self-assembled In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots on GaP

We demonstrate the growth and luminescence of coherently strained In0.5Ga0.5As self-assembled quantum dots on GaP. Cross-sectional and planar-view transmission electron microscopy confirmed the dislocation-free nature of the In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots and GaP cap layers. Intense photoluminescence from the quantum dots was measured at 80 K and was visible to the unaided eye in ambient lighting. The photoluminescence results show that emission energy can be controlled by varying the In0.5Ga0.5As deposition thickness. In combination with recent advances in the growth of GaP on Si, the In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots demonstrated here could enable monolithic optoelectronic integration on Si.
An improved tungsten-178/tantalum-178 generator system for high volume clinical applications.

Clinical utilization of the multiwire gamma camera (MWGC) requires low-energy radionuclides. The short-lived (9.3 min) tantalum-178 (178Ta) is ideally suited for the MWGC and can be produced from long-lived (21.7 day) tungsten-178 (178W) by a previously reported 178W/178Ta generator. This generator, however, is limited by sharp increase in breakthrough after elution of only 30-60 column-volumes. To optimize the 178W/178Ta generator for clinical use, varying eluant acid concentrations were evaluated. A reduced (from 0.1 to 0.03N) HCI concentration in the eluant, coupled with low operating temperatures (3 to 5 degrees C) allowed high (40 to 60%) 178Ta yield. Minimal 178W breakthrough (less than .01%) resulted, even after elution of more than 200 column-volumes. Each of six tested generators provided sterile, high activity (up to 100 mCi) 178Ta elutions for more than 30 days. Radiation dosimetry was estimated utilizing both human and animal biodistribution data. The whole body (critical organ) dose in adults and neonates were 1/20 (1/21) and 1/19 (1/50) respectively relative to that of technetium-99m (99mTc) as sodium pertechnetate. The optimized 178W/178Ta generator provides a commercially practical, safe source of low-energy radioisotope for the MWGC with substantial dosimetry advantages over 99mTc.
Criticising from “Outside”

I look at a disagreement between Elizabeth Anscombe, on the one hand, and Peter Winch and Ilham Dilman, on the other, about whether it is legitimate to call something an error that counts as knowledge within some alien system of belief; and I look also at the question what Wittgenstein's view was. I try to show that our understanding of what is real cannot be adequately elucidated if we consider only its role within language-games, and I argue that an important element in our thinking about what is and is not real emerges in our response to conflicting modes of thought.
Further evidence for increased macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression in prostate cancer

Background Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine associated with prostate cancer, based on histologic evidence and circulating (serum) levels. Recent studies from another laboratory failed to document these results. This study's aims were to extend and confirm our previous data, as well as to define possible mechanisms for the discrepant results. Additional aims were to examine MIF expression, as well as the location of MIF's receptor, CD74, in human prostatic adenocarcinoma compared to matched benign prostate.
Products of the gas-phase reactions of cis-3-hexen-1-ol with OH radicals and O3

Abstract Products of the gas-phase reactions of OH radicals (in the presence of NO) and O3 with the biogenic emission cis-3-hexen-1-ol have been investigated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GC-FTIR), and direct air sampling, atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry (API-MS). Propanal and 3-hydroxypropanal were identified and quantified from the OH radical and O3 radical reactions, with respective formation yields of 0.746 ± 0.067 and 0.48−0.24+0.48 from the OH radical reaction and 0.493 ± 0.075 and 0.33−0.16+0.33 from the O3 reaction. In addition, a hydroxynitrate of molecular weight 179 [CH3CH2CH(OH)CH(ONO2)CH2CH2OH and/or CH3CH2CH(ONO2)CH(OH)CH2CH2OH] and a hydroxycarbonyl of molecular weight 132, expected to be CH3CH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2CHO, were observed from the OH radical reaction by API-MS analyses. The reaction mechanisms are discussed.
Effect of Gemfibrozil on Fatty Acids in Lipid Fractions of Plasma From Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia

The fatty acid composition of plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters have been studied during gemfibrozil (G)-induced lipid-lowering treatment in six patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Gemfibrozil caused significant plasma triglyceride reductions from 776 +/- 573 to 226 +/- 82 mg/dL (P < .001). Gemfibrozil therapy also caused significant changes in the plasma lipid fatty acid composition, mainly by increasing palmitoleic acid (16:1) in triglycerides (2.1-5.6%) and cholesterol esters (2.2-3.7%), concomitant with the significant decrease in the content of the linoleic acid (18:2) in phospholipids (20.1-16.0%) and triglycerides (18.0-15.2%). The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (20:3 + 20:4/18:2) was increased in the phospholipid fraction. These findings support a G effect on the desaturation of fatty acids in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Because fatty acid composition was significantly altered by G, those biologic systems dependent on the pattern of fatty acids may be modified in clinical important ways.
Density-controlled ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite photoanode for improving dye-sensitized solar cells performance

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) via ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photoanode with density-controlled abilities are presented in this paper. This nanocomposite photoanode is composed of TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed into densitycontrolled vertically aligned ZnO-TiO 2 core-shell nanorod arrays. The density-controlled ZnO-TiO 2 core-shell nanorod arrays were synthesized directly onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using an innovative two-step wet chemical route. First, the density-controlled ZnO nanorod arrays were formed by applying a ZnO hydrothermal process from a TiO 2 nanocrystals template. Second, the ZnO-TiO 2 core-shell nanorod arrays were formed by depositing a TiO 2 shell layer from a sol-gel process. The major advantages of a density-controlled ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photoanode include (1) providing a better diffusion path from ZnO nanorod arrays and (2) reducing the recombination loss by introducing an energy barrier layer TiO 2 conformal shell coating. To validate the advantages of a density-controlled ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photoanode, DSSCs based on a ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photoanode were fabricated, in which N719 dye was used. The average dimensions of the ZnO nanorod arrays were 20 μm and 650 nm for the length and the diameter, respectively, while the designated spacing between each nanorod was around 5 μm. The performance of the solar cell was tested by using a standard AM 1.5 solar simulator from Newport Corporation. The experimental results confirmed that an open-circuit voltage, 0.93 V, was achieved, which was much higher than the conventional TiO 2 nanoparticles thin film structure for the same thickness. Thus, density-controlled ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite photoanodes could improve the performance of DSSCs by offering a better electron diffusion path.
Evidence for distinct cation and calcimimetic compound (NPS 568) recognition domains in the transmembrane regions of the human Ca2+ receptor.

Abstract The Ca2+ receptor, a member of the family 3 of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), responds not only to its primary physiological ligand Ca2+ but also to other di- and trivalent metals (Mg2+, Gd3+) and the organic polycations spermine and poly-l-Arginine. As has been found for other family 3 GPCRs, the large amino-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) of the Ca2+ receptor is the primary Ca2+ binding domain. To examine how the signal is propagated from the ECD to the seven-transmembrane core domain (7TM) we constructed a Ca2+receptor mutant (T903-Rhoc) lacking the entire ECD but containing the 7TM. We have found that this structure initiates signaling in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably expressing the construct. One or more cation recognition sites are also located within the 7TM. Not only Ca2+, but also several other Ca2+receptor-specific agonists, Mg2+, Gd3+, spermine, and poly-l-Arginine, can activate T903-Rhoc truncated receptor-initiated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in HEK 293 cells. The phenylalkylamine compound, NPS 568, identified as a positive allosteric modulator of the Ca2+ receptor can selectively potentiate the actions of Ca2+ and other polycationic agonists on the T903-Rhoc receptor. Similarly, organic polycations synergistically activate T903-Rhoc with di- and trivalent metals. Alanine substitution of all the acidic residues in the second extracellular loop of the T903-Rhoc receptor significantly impairs activation by metal ions and organic polycations in the presence of NPS 568 but not the synergistic activation of Ca2+ with poly-l-Arginine. These data indicate that although the ECD has been thought to be the main determinant for Ca2+recognition, the 7TM core of the Ca2+ receptor contains activating site(s) recognizing Ca2+ and Gd3+ as well as the allosteric modulators NPS 568 and organic polycations that may play important roles in the regulation of receptor activation.
BIOLOGIC APPROACHES TO THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL TRANSMISSION OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

HIV prevention science has made progress, especially in Thailand and some sub-Saharan African countries. New cases of HIV in the United States, however, have not diminished and explosive epidemics in India and the People's Republic of China seem inevitable. Therefore, HIV prevention activities must move forward in parallel. Funding for biologic and behavioral research efforts must be balanced. Behavioral research must inform biologic strategies. In addition, HIV prevention efforts have been distorted by forces that require further consideration. First, the stigmatization associated with a diagnosis of HIV infection led to prevention efforts that virtually ignore the index case. Focusing entirely on the susceptible population puts intense and unrealistic pressure on behavior change and vaccine development. Although development of an HIV vaccine is desirable, there is no evidence that this goal can be achieved in the near future. Blind faith in vaccine technology detracts from pursuit of alternative aspects of prevention science. Vaccine development is but one of several key components to a broad-based prevention strategy. The history of control of infectious diseases has shown the need for targeting index cases. This certainly will prove important in HIV over the next few years. In developed countries, antiretroviral therapy for established HIV infection has become the standard of care. Increased knowledge of the biology of transmission of HIV suggests use of ART to prevent transmission. Such intervention must be accompanied by safer sex behavior in the index cases, and ultimately could lead to some form of monitoring and directly observed therapy. At this time, the latter approach seems unrealistic in developing countries, where the expense of drugs renders them unavailable. But there is every reason to believe that cheaper, more appropriate drugs will be developed before an effective vaccine. Furthermore, targeted use of ART might have disproportionate benefits in some countries. Women are the fastest growing HIV risk group. Several issues, both biologic and social, make this trend a concern. Increases in the number of HIV-infected women will lead to greater vertical transmission. Women possibly have different risk factors for acquisition and transmission than men. Information about the effects of vaginal ecology, specifically, the role of bacterial vaginosis, in the acquisition of HIV is essential because bacterial vaginosis can be reversed, at least transiently. To allow women to take an active role in HIV prevention methods, development of a topical microbicide is vital and may prove easier than a vaccine. Finally, HIV prevention efforts require knowledgeable, central leadership. All prevention efforts should be developed and implemented in parallel, to gain a synergistic result. Few vaccine experts are enthusiastic about microbicides, and HIV caregivers only rarely focus on the public health considerations of their patients. Stopping the spread of HIV requires a coordinated, concerted efforts using "all the tools in the toolbox."
The Logical Status of Prayer

Dans le cadre d'une analyse conceptuelle de la priere, l'A. montre que les cinq types de priere definis comme acte de petition, action de grâce, acte d'adoration, acte de contrition et acte d'agape, deviennent des pratiques incoherentes lorsqu'ils sont voues a la divinite orthodoxe des traditions judeo-chretienne et islamique, c'est-a-dire au Dieu defini comme etre le plus parfait possible
Diversification Versus Concentration: A Note on the Allocation of Effort Among Risky Research Projects

Under what conditions is concentration as against diversification the better strategy in allocating research effort up to a given capacity limit? This note compares the short and the long run and various types of interdependence. This is a theoretical analysis based on a negative exponential relationship between the probability of success and the amount of research input.
The origins of options.

Most research on decision making has focused on how human or animal decision makers choose between two or more options, posed in advance by the researchers. The mechanisms by which options are generated for most decisions, however, are not well understood. Models of sequential search have examined the trade-off between continued exploration and choosing one’s current best option, but still cannot explain the processes by which new options are generated. We argue that understanding the origins of options is a crucial but untapped area for decision making research. We explore a number of factors which influence the generation of options, which fall broadly into two categories: psycho-biological and socio-cultural. The former category includes factors such as perceptual biases and associative memory networks. The latter category relies on the incredible human capacity for culture and social learning, which doubtless shape not only our choices but the options available for choice. Our intention is to start a discussion that brings us closer toward understanding the origins of options.
Crystal growth rate limited by step length — the case of oxygen-deficient TiO2 exposed to oxygen

Abstract We study how an oxygen-deficient crystal of TiO2 crystal grows when exposed to O2. While the O flux is external to the crystal, the Ti flux necessary for growth comes from internal (bulk) interstitials (Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (1996) 791). We address where the reaction between O and Ti to form new crystal takes place in the regime of pure step flow (i.e., surface steps advancing without new-layers nucleating). The detailed partitioning of the growth flux among individual surface steps is studied using low-energy electron microscopy for two geometries on the (110) surface—an array of islands on a terrace and an island stack generated from a dislocation source. For both geometries, the areas of islands larger than the critical size grow at rates strictly proportional to their perimeter length, independent of the local step configuration. In addition, we find that the growth rate is proportional to the O2 pressure. The step flow represents a simple limiting case of crystal growth (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A. 243 (1951) 299)—only the growth species near a step edge becomes incorporated into the crystal. That is, only Ti and O reactions near the step edge lead to crystal growth. This case is in marked contrast to crystal growth controlled by species attaching to terraces and diffusing to steps, for which the growth rates depend upon the local step environment. Indeed, simulating the island array as if the growth flux was partitioned among the individual islands by concentration gradients (i.e., diffusion-controlled growth) totally failed to reproduce the experimental rates.
A Comparison of Two Single-Stranded DNA Binding Models by Mutational Analysis of APOBEC3G

APOBEC3G is the best known of several DNA cytosine deaminases that function to inhibit the replication of parasitic genetic elements including the lentivirus HIV. Several high-resolution structures of the APOBEC3G catalytic domain have been generated, but none reveal how this enzyme binds to substrate single-stranded DNA. Here, we constructed a panel of APOBEC3G amino acid substitution mutants and performed a series of biochemical, genetic, and structural assays to distinguish between “Brim” and “Kink” models for single-strand DNA binding. Each model predicts distinct sets of interactions between surface arginines and negatively charged phosphates in the DNA backbone. Concordant with both models, changing the conserved arginine at position 313 to glutamate abolished both catalytic and restriction activities. In support of the Brim model, arginine to glutamate substitutions at positions 213, 215, and 320 also compromised these APOBEC3G activities. Arginine to glutamate substitutions at Kink model residues 374 and 376 had smaller effects. These observations were supported by A3G catalytic domain-ssDNA chemical shift perturbation experiments. The overall data set is most consistent with the Brim model for single-stranded DNA binding by APOBEC3G.
The Wee Care Neuroprotective NICU Program (Wee Care): The Effect of a Comprehensive Developmental Care Training Program on Seven Neuroprotective Core Measures for Family-Centered Developmental Care of Premature Neonates

Abstract The impact of neuroprotective care on preterm infants has been investigated at length, yet professional development and training related to this type of care has not been extensively examined. The Wee Care Neuroprotective NICU program (Wee Care; Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA), a comprehensive developmental care training program (Philips Healthcare) is an evidence-based total change management program designed to optimize the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment and caregiving practices. The Wee Care Neuroprotective NICU program is based on a recently developed Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care Model (© Koninklijke Philips N.V., 2014. All rights reserved).), which utilizes a holistic approach in describing seven core measures for neuroprotective family-centered developmental care of premature neonates of the lotus flower. The seven core measures are depicted on petals of a lotus as the Healing Environment, Partnering with Families, Positioning and Handling, Safeguarding Sleep, Minimizing Stress and Pain, Protecting Skin, and Optimizing Nutrition. The overlapping petals of the Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care (IDC) model IDC model demonstrate the integrative nature of neuroprotective care ( Fig. 1 ). Items on the inside of the lotus flower represent core measure 1, the Healing Environment; which highlight the significance of the developing sensory system, as well as the physical environment in which the neonate now lives. The aim of this quality improvement project was to determine the effect of the comprehensive Wee Care Neuroprotective NICU program (Wee Care) on seven neuroprotective core measures for neuroprotective family-centered neuroprotective developmental care of premature neonates. The sample consisted of 81 hospital NICU sites from 27 US states as well as Belgium and the Netherlands which had implemented the Wee Care comprehensive neuroprotective care training program and had completed pre- and post-site surveys. A secondary data analysis of the extant Wee Care database of pre and post-testing surveys was done to evaluate the training program. The results demonstrated that the Wee Care Neuroprotective NICU training program was effective in improving seven neuroprotective core measures for family-centered developmental care of premature neonates. Each core measure as well as the overall composite core measures score (core measures 1–7) showed statistically significant improvement post training ( p
Etch decoration—scanning electron microscopy technique for measuring carbon gasification rates

Transmission electron microscopy has been used for some important discoveries underlying gas‐carbon reaction kinetics. This technique requires cleavage of the sample to about 700 A thickness. This study demonstrates that the same results by TEM can also be obtained by a much easier technique using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the SEM technique is applicable to uncleavable materials and provides additional microscopic information on the surface.
Nostalgia and obstinacy: Prometheus and Brassed Off in the culture industry

AbstractThe aesthetic response to the collapse of state socialism and the exhaustion of the welfare state ranges from sober, historical description to melancholic fixation; from brutal erasure to the painful work of mourning; and from dismissal to nostalgic longing. Walter Benjamin once suggested that historical memory sustains emancipatory potentials that were once crushed. If this is true, when does authentic attachment to the past wend into nostalgia? This essay lays part of the foundation for an analysis of socialist nostalgia by reading two recent films, Tony Harrison's Prometheus (1998) and Mark Herman's Brassed Off (1996). Both films respond to Europe's socialist crisis of the 1980s and 1990s. Whereas Harrison's investigation of the harsh realities of Promethean industry works to deflect criticism of the Left, Herman risks exposing his film to the nostalgia wave that washed over Europe during the crisis of Marxism. Through musical means, Brassed Off finds the inverse of the reverie that has enchant...
Biopsychosocial influence on exercise-induced injury: genetic and psychological combinations are predictive of shoulder pain phenotypes.

Abstract Chronic pain is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. The current study investigated potential roles for combinations of genetic and psychological factors in the development and/or maintenance of chronic musculoskeletal pain. An exercise-induced shoulder injury model was used, and a priori selected genetic ( ADRB2 , COMT , OPRM1 , AVPR1 A , GCH1 , and KCNS1 ) and psychological (anxiety, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and kinesiophobia) factors were included as predictors. Pain phenotypes were shoulder pain intensity (5-day average and peak reported on numerical rating scale), upper extremity disability (5-day average and peak reported on the QuickDASH), and shoulder pain duration (in days). After controlling for age, sex, and race, the genetic and psychological predictors were entered as main effects and interaction terms in separate regression models for the different pain phenotypes. Results from the recruited cohort (N = 190) indicated strong statistical evidence for interactions between the COMT diplotype and 1) pain catastrophizing for 5-day average upper extremity disability and 2) depressive symptoms for pain duration. There was moderate statistical evidence for interactions for other shoulder pain phenotypes between additional genes ( ADRB2 , AVPR1 A , and KCNS1 ) and depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, or kinesiophobia. These findings confirm the importance of the combined predictive ability of COMT with psychological distress and reveal other novel combinations of genetic and psychological factors that may merit additional investigation in other pain cohorts. Perspective Interactions between genetic and psychological factors were investigated as predictors of different exercise-induced shoulder pain phenotypes. The strongest statistical evidence was for interactions between the COMT diplotype and pain catastrophizing (for upper extremity disability) or depressive symptoms (for pain duration). Other novel genetic and psychological combinations were identified that may merit further investigation.
Simultaneous development of six LC-MS-MS methods for the determination of multiple analytes in human plasma.

Traditional sequential single analyte method development is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this report, a concept of simultaneously developing multiple liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) methods were proposed. Mass spectrometric and chromatographic conditions as well as sample preparation methods for all analytes were optimized concurrently. Mass spectrometric conditions for six analytes, i.e. clonidine (CLO), albuterol (ALB), fentanyl (FEN), ritonavir (RIT), naltrexone (NAL), and loratadine (LOR), were established simultaneously using the Sciex Analyst software. LC-MS-MS sensitivities obtained using gradient elution methods on reversed-phase Inertsil ODS3 and normal phase Betasil silica columns were compared. Sample extraction methods using protein precipitation, liquid/liquid extraction, or solid-phase extraction (SPE) were evaluated. Recovery of analytes was determined. Matrix effects and interference due to endogenous compounds were investigated. Selection of a potential internal standard was discussed.
An Empirical Investigation of Methods for Assessing Item Fit for Mixed Format Tests

Empirical information regarding performance of model-fit procedures has been a persistent need in measurement practice. Statistical procedures for evaluating item fit were applied to real test examples that consist of both dichotomously and polytomously scored items. The item fit statistics used in this study included the PARSCALE's , Orlando and Thissen's (2000) and , and Stone's (2000) and . The results of this study indicated that the fit of an individual item was affected by the choice of model-fit analyses. The performance of fit indices appeared to vary depending on item response theory (IRT) model mixtures used for calibration, sample size, and test length. In terms of consistency among the fit indices, the statistics based on the same approach (e.g., and ) showed considerably higher agreement in detecting misfitting items than the statistics based on different approaches (e.g., and ). Consistent and inconsistent findings compared to previous research are discussed along with practical implications.
Chronic morphine exposure and the expression of heme oxygenase type 2

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and other products from heme. The CO formed has been shown to function as a neurotransmitter, and may be involved in nociceptive signaling. Heme oxygenase type 2 (HO-2) is the predominant form of HO in the CNS. The expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) which catalyzes the formation of a similar neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) from arginine is increased in the spinal cords of animals chronically exposed to morphine and other opioids. In these studies, we examined changes in expression of HO-2 which occur in spinal cord tissue of morphine tolerant mice. After 5 days of exposure to morphine, mice were observed to be profoundly tolerant to the analgesic effects of morphine. In experiments using Northern blotting we observed a 2.7-fold increase in HO-2 mRNA in homogenized spinal cord tissue. Additional experiments revealed a 3.1-fold increase in HO-2 protein which seemed to result from the increased expression of HO-2 in neurons in the dorsal horn region of the spinal cord. To complement our expression studies measured HO enzymatic activity in spinal cord homogenates and found a 2.1-fold increase in the tolerant animals. The functional significance of this increased expression and activity is as yet unclear, but may be involved in the acquisition of analgesic tolerance to opioids, dependence on opioids, or perhaps the hyperalgesia reported after chronic exposure to opioids.
The Use of Multiple Reference Points in Risky Decision Making

Among psychologists and economists, prospect theory continues to be one of the most popular models of decision making. The theory’s key property is reference dependence; specifically, how an individual’s perception of loss or gain is dependent upon their starting point (i.e., the status quo). Although prospect theory is widely accepted, other authors have sought the inclusion of reference points besides the status quo. Initially these extensions focused on the importance of single reference points such as goals. More recently, authors have explained choice data by including multiple reference points within the value function. Multiple-reference-point theories generally assume that many choice situations possess an implicit or explicit goal, or point an individual will strive to obtain, and/or a minimum requirement (i.e., a ‘‘lower bound’’) above which an individual will strive to stay. In two experiments, we present evidence that individuals can utilize the minimum requirement, status quo, and goal within a single risky decision task. Participants most often chose to maximize their chance of reaching reference points even when that decision was riskier, resulted in lower expected value, resulted in lower expected utility, or ran contrary to the predictions of prospect theory. Furthermore, salience and uncertainty moderated the use of goals and minimum requirements as reference points. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in primary cultures of normal rat hepatocytes by liver tumor promoters and structurally related compounds

Rat hepatocytes maintained for up to 6 days in primary culture were used to test a variety of xenobiotics and steroids for effects on the activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) in normal cells. In control cultures GGT activity was low and increased slowly with time. When added to cultures for 5 days, a variety of xenobiotics and steroids increased GGT activity to levels 2- to 6-times those of control cultures. Induction of GGT was potentiated for most test compounds by 20-30 nM dexamethasone and diminished by nicotinamide or adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate. Effective non-genotoxic inducers included phenobarbital and some structurally related compounds, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane,alpha- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexanes, Aroclor 1254, butyl hydroxytoluene, nafenopin, various estrogens, progesterone, pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile and cyproterone acetate. A number of compounds including barbituric acid, butyl hydroxyanisole, acetaminophen, saccharin, caffeine, clofibrate and some bile acids failed to induce GGT. Except for 2-acetylaminofluorene and diethylnitrosamine, genotoxic compounds tested did not increase GGT. The results establish that a structurally diverse group of xenobiotics and steroids, many of which are considered to be liver tumour promoters, may directly enhance GGT gene expression in normal hepatocytes. Thus, a variety of compounds used in experimental studies of liver cancer induction as promoters may elevate GGT by mechanism(s) not necessarily related to carcinogenesis.
Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks in the SINR Model

In this paper, we study the Minimum Channel Assignment (MCA) problem for strong connectivity in wireless sensor networks in the physical model known as Signal-to-Interference-Noise-Ratio (SINR). The main issue is to compute a minimum channel assignment that yields a strongly-connected communication graph spanning all nodes such that the nodes assigned to the same channel can communicate without interference in the SINR model. The complexity measure is the number of channels, and our objective is to minimize it. We show the NP-hardness of the MCA problem, and propose an algorithm that compute a channel assignment for 2-dimensional grid networks. The algorithm produces an assignment with a constant number of channels for the network. We also propose two constant-factor approximation algorithms that yield channel assignments in which the number of channels is bounded by O(?), where ? is the maximum node degree of a network. We also study the performance of the algorithms through simulation.
Human feeding tests using a nuclear-polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis zea.

Abstract A preparation containing live virus from the cotton bollworm, Heliothis zea, killed by the specific nuclear-polyhedrosis virus was fed to 10 men and women who volunteered as test subjects. Six other men and women (controls) were fed insect protein separated from the same preparation of polyhedrosis virus. Over the course of 5 days, each test subject consumed 5.82 billion polyhedra. Complete physical examinations, including a variety of laboratory tests of all test subjects and controls, made immediately before the test began and 10 and 30 days after the feeding showed no significant change in the condition in any individual in the test or control groups and no differences between the test subjects and controls.